No Mediogre Kids

Redeeming Halloween

2011-10-17T10:00:00.000-07:00

To trick or to treat - the age old question around Halloween right? NO... if like me you grew up in the the church you probably have heard "Halloween is the devils night, and thou shalt have nothing to do with it". So the question really is " to trick or treat" or "to hid in the basement with the lights out hoping no one will knock on my door asking for candy".

I have heard all the historical facts or fiction of Halloween, it's symbolism, and many a story of what people used to do on Halloween. I have read the tracts, the warnings and the scary tales of demonic prowess that seem to prevail in halloween'ology. The fact remains that Halloween is still a huge tension for many christians. With a past so dark and devilish as it is for Halloween, it would seem that associating with such ghosts and ghouls may actually turn you into one. Right?

Here's my take on Halloween! Sure... it has some icky roots! Sure, there are many a people out there who choose to do odd, horrible or strange things in the name of Halloween, and sure, there are many scary costumes, ideas and images that prevail. My question is, why is hiding the right answer to this? As carriers of the Holy Spirit - WHO is GOD - WHO might I add, is bigger than anything the devil himself could even conjure on Halloween Night - shouldn't we be out there being light instead of hiding?

Now before I go any further - I am NOT for going out and telling everyone on Halloween they are going to the very hell they are dressing up as if they don't accept Jesus! I am NOT for handing out tracks instead of candy and I am not for preaching on Halloween, to be truthful, I'm not even for doing an alternative harvest party. So what does being light look like if I can't hand out tracks you ask? Great question!

My hang ups with aggressive outreach to the hellbent attendees of Halloween is that we haven't earned the right to be heard in their lives - so we appear, well - crazy to them. What is our truth to them when we won't give them the time of day any other day of the year? Tracks, have been effective randomly - but again, how much harder is it for them if they have no one to answer their questions, or show them what true love looks like? It is arms length evangelism that is ineffective, maybe even damaging and serves more to make us feel holy, then help people actually encounter the true love and grace of Jesus. Has God used these means before - of course - even Paul said that if Jesus was being preached by "whatever means", it was a good thing. Doesn't mean it's best!

In a nutshell, to redeem Halloween, I think we need to do the following:
1) Stop fearing Halloween - OUR GOD IS BIGGER
2) Stop making those who participate in Halloween our ENEMY - Instead, why not join them, get to know them, offer to have them over to your place for dinner and invest relationship! Why not show them what true love and acceptance look like?
3) Find ways to let your light shine -without ever once mentioning Jesus, their destiny in Hell or some other guilt trip - instead let your light shine through kindness, listening and true genuine relationship with people God cares IMMENSELY about - overlooking the halloween or other petty distractions we get all bent out of shape about. Let relationship grow, and THEY, seeing your good works, will ask you about this strange behavior and open their hearts to you for you to share your faith with them.

I dare you this Halloween to bundle up little bags of candy, attach a card to them that says "For all the years you have given out candy on Halloween, THANK YOU" Put your name and address on the back if you like! Then go trick or treating, but instead of taking candy - give yours! This simple act of kindness will surprise EVERY house, and it will open doors in your neighbourhood. I dare you to join up with a neighbour and go trick or treating with them - buy them a coffee to stay warm and ask them questions about themselves the whole way, listening intently to discover the Gem that God adores so much. I dare you to look at halloween as an opportunity to serve, and to meet new people instead of an occasion you must fight, and protest. Tell me how it goes for you - I think you'll be pleasantly surprised!

This year, I'm dressing up, and participating with my church in TRICK or EAT - An event that collects non-perishable food items along trick or treat routes to raise food and funds for our local food bank. You can help to, just check out TRICK or EAT - help the BRANTFORD, ONTARIO chapter raise money, or organize your own event! It's time to Redeem Halloween!

Jesus in a Bowl of Oatmeal?

2011-10-05T10:00:00.000-07:00

It wasn't a typical Monday morning! My son wasn't feeling great; sick most of the weekend with a cold, lacking sleep from coughing and generally feeling poopy - I agreed to let him stay home from school to get some rest. I decided to be a good mom and make him a hearty breakfast to help him mend - what could be better than stick to your ribs oatmeal right!

As I boiled the water, my mind began to wander to Deuteronomy 6:7-9 - Where God describes the best method for passing on God's decrees to the next generation, he says " Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. ⁸ Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. ⁹ Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates". Sadly, in that list I didn't find a well timed lecture, or a scheduled bible lesson or devotional. Instead, God seemed to be saying that discussion about his decrees were best brought to life while going through ordinary life! I began to ask God what that could look like today, right now with my son home sick - could this be true today? Suddenly the revelation hit me - YES... I began to see how I could talk about Jesus because of a bowl of oatmeal.

My son wandered into the kitchen and asked if he could pour the oatmeal into the boiling water - of course he could! Then I looked at him and said, "You know... making oatmeal makes me think about Jesus", he looked at me curiously, "It does mom?? Why oatmeal?" he asked. I said, well, you see, it's like we are the oatmeal, dry and flat and lifeless and Jesus is the water. The more time we spend with Jesus, the more we take on his character. Eventually, you can't differentiate the oatmeal from the water. Jesus, wants to fill us up with himself, so that we can bring life (and in this case nourishment) to others! He looked at me and said "Hey, you're right.. that's really cool mom, I'm gonna remember that next time I eat oatmeal".

The cool thing was, our God conversation didn't end there, it had only begun, and we shared, and chatted about God things as we ate! I guess it's true, you really can find Jesus, in a bowl of oatmeal!

Don't Wait... Initiate!

2011-09-30T10:00:00.000-07:00

I had explained it many times, the tools were provided, the way was all but paved and yet my young leader sat there. He talked passionately about all his good intentions, the vision, the potential outcome and the amazing opportunity we had and seemed to have a solid grasp on what was to be done, but his legs didn't move.

Has this scenario ever frustrated you? I have seen many a good idea die at the hands of "ya but" and even more slaughtered by the promise of "I'll do it tomorrow". How do we move ourselves, or those we lead from a place of information to motivation? How do we steer their passion towards action? Can we? As someone with the opposite problem (i.e. I initiate too easily and need to learn to use the brake pedal) I have often found myself in a place of judging others by their lack of initiative when I see that something could be done simply to make things better. That's my problem! However there are other things I have learned along the way also, when it comes to initiative. What do you think ?
     1) Initiative is a state of mind - not an ability or skill set: Those with initiative SEE that things are possible, and BELIEVE that they have access to the tools, people and resources to get it started. It isn't that the person can do it all, but that they see that it is possible. This attitude is KEY to starting anything. If you don't believe it's possible, and if you don't believe it could start with you - it never will.
     2) You can't "help" someone have initiative: It is an internal characteristic that a person chooses to develop in his/herself... or not. Sure you can motivate, inspire, model and encourage, but ultimately the choice to start remains within the individual.
     3) The ladder of success stands on the legs of initiative and perseverance: The ability to start and the ability to keep going. Both of these skills harness the power of vision, attitude and belief.

So how do we cultivate initiative in our kids as parents or teachers? This is what I have come up with - do you have other ideas?
1) Reward their initiative by partnering with them towards success - this doesn't mean taking it over and making it succeed, it means coming along side, letting them work it, guiding, facilitating and helping THEM make it a win! This builds confidence and willingness to risk again!
2) Tell stories, show media clippings and share you tube videos of other kids/youth taking something they are passionate about and firing up an idea to do something about it! Watch for the things your kids get passionate or fired up or angry about in the world, and ask them for their ideas in solving it! Believe that they can accomplish what they choose to start! Believe in them!
3) Model it, by thinking out loud so your kids can hear! When faced with a problem - troubleshoot it out loud (involve them in your decision making). When bothered by injustice, share your brainstorm of what a better world would look like and what your first step will be in making it happen (then do it). When challenged by your own personal weaknesses, ask them for accountability (using discretion of course) and take steps towards change that are transparent and allow them to see your steps and your start (and sometimes your start over).

Sadly, as much as I would wish this trait on everyone, I find it in very few. But those who do have it, those who refuse to allow obstacles to tell them no - they will succeed because they are willing to do today, what others put off until tomorrow so that they can enjoy tomorrow, what others only dream of!

What do you need to START? Do it now....

Good character Doesn't Happen By Accident!

2011-09-21T10:00:00.000-07:00

I am now nearly a parent to two teenagers, their personalities are all their own, and they articulate how they feel and what they think well. They have habits, routines and character that has been developed over the last 12-14 years and a picture of who they are (autonomous of us as parents) is beginning to emerge. With the self discovery of my children, comes the sobering realization of things we "missed" teaching them, or teaching them well when they were younger. I have never claimed to be a perfect parent, but there are things I see now, that I wish I could go back and be more intentional about in their training. The things they caught, they caught because we were consistent and intentional about communicating, demonstrating and building understanding of those things. The things we "missed", I guess we assumed they would just catch because we did them or because we nagged them so often! After all a good role model goes a long way right? Well, it helps of course, but I have realized that in order to develop character and solid habits in our children, we must intentionally focus on engaging their thinking. Simply dictating what is to be done, or instructing them on the process does not give them understanding, it gives them information. Throwing the ball back into their court as 12 and 14 year olds is now my strategy - helping them to become aware of their own motivations and thinking processes. Allowing them to grapple with the gravity of their choices and what the ripple affect can be in their future. Walking with them as they learn to navigate the world from the perspective that THEY are the ones responsible for how things turn out, not mom or dad! Thankfully, my kids have good character, and we have a good relationship, so I still have a voice in their lives with which to intentionally address those areas that we built poorly in them. I am grateful that I took the time to look at what we have been intentional about, and what we have not! Good character doesn't happen by accident, it happens by intention, and submission to God.

Information vs the AHA Moment!

2011-08-15T22:09:00.000-07:00

As adults we have tons of "information" that we want to cram into our kids heads - we don't want them to make the same mistakes as we have right? The interesting thing is.. information doesn't stick!

Anyone who has worked in kids ministry knows that we need to get creative when it comes to helping our kids retain the things we teach them, but sometimes I think we come at it the wrong way.

This past week, I had the pleasure of working with 12 young leaders using KIDLEAD Curriculum. We explored the topics of Integrity, Confidence, Recruiting and Vision. The curriculum is designed in such a way that the young leaders "discover, and experience" the things they are learning. The activity is followed by socratic questions that help them explore the impact of what they just experienced and how it relates to leadership and the real world - the insight that they get from this process is increased exponentially as a result! In life, in kids ministry and in parenting it is valuable for us to remember that our children are going to benefit from experiencing their learning, vs just hearing about it. Our parenting culture in North America says "Protect your children from fear, from hurt, from exclusion, from failure - it might damage their self esteem".. the truth of the matter is, self esteem is built on experience, failure and the need to persist and try again. If you want your child to learn, no matter the context - experience is going to teach them much more than just information, so ask God how you can take the choices your child makes, and lead them to discover the AHA moments! It will likely start with a question, and end with a hug!

Young Leaders Flourish if given the space to lead!

2011-08-08T22:50:00.000-07:00

I am having a fun week at Kidlead Leadership camp! Often camp is draining, exhausting and by the end of the week you are short on patience, and at the end of your emotional rope! But Kidlead camp is different. Today I tweeted:

"Day 1 of @KidLead Camp was AWESOME! - When you have 12 young leaders in a room the air is electric and the future is suddenly VERY BRIGHT!" (You can follow me on twitter here )

I came home feeling like I was part of team that could conquer the world! These kids are hungry to learn, developing their critical thinking skills and desiring to contribute, innovate and solve problems and challenges! They are learning what it means to be a compassionate and ethical leader, and they are learning by doing!

Watch out world, because Kidlead is unleashing passionate and well trained young leaders who could very well turn our world on it's ear! These young leaders will do more before they are 20 years old than you ever thought possible! They will bring desperately needed change, with sound leadership principles and years of experience guiding them!

Do you know a young leader that you want to invest in? There is one more chance this summer to do that! We have spaces left in our Aug 29-Sept 2nd Kidlead Camp at Bark Lake ! Email me at nicki@kidlead.com for more info, or to register your young leader!

Interested in learning more about the KidLead Curriculum or how to become a certified trainer? Visit our website! It's a great time to be a part of a Leadership Revolution!

Who's Image?

2011-05-30T23:14:00.000-07:00

Later they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to Jesus to catch him in his words. ¹⁴ They came to him and said, “Teacher, we know that you are a man of integrity. You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are; but you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it right to pay the imperial tax^[b] to Caesar or not? ¹⁵ Should we pay or shouldn’t we?”   But Jesus knew their hypocrisy. “Why are you trying to trap me?” he asked. “Bring me a denarius and let me look at it.” ¹⁶ They brought the coin, and he asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?”
   “Caesar’s,” they replied.
¹⁷ Then Jesus said to them, “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.”   And they were amazed at him. (Mark 12:13-17) NIV
I was listening to Ravi Zacharius this week and he referenced this story! The pharisees were trying to trick him, so they asked him questions in hope of trapping him. Jesus in his wisdom, and discernment asked those who questioned him, a question (a good tool for evangelism by the way). If they had truly been seeking an answer to their question, the next logical question after Jesus' responded to them "Give back to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's" would have been, "Well, what do you consider to be "God's"?".

What do you suppose Jesus would have answered?

Ravi went on to share, that Jesus associated the image of Caesar on the coin as proof that the money was due to Caesar, what then what was due to God? Had the Pharisees pursued this question, they would have found the solution to a lot of things, but they were not seeking, they were trapping, so they missed out on a conversation that could have been. What would the answer have been? What was "God's"?. Ravi suggested that Jesus would have answered "that which bears the image of God, is God's". Who or what is that??

US... of course why hadn't I thought of that. The material things may have belonged to Caesar, but our whole self - who we are - is designed in the image of God. Jesus desires that we give back to God, that which is made in his image! Give to Caesar what is in his image, and give to God what is in his!

I loved this idea, and I realized that I had never really followed on that conversation beyond what was written in scripture, never questioned how it could have been different had those who questioned Jesus truly been seeking - I thought this was merely a story about how discerning Jesus was - but the layers go deeper and deeper as with all scripture.

As I have pondered this notion, I have been reminded how important it is that we have our identity defined correctly! WHO are we? We are the image of the most high God, created, valued and placed on this earth with intention, design and purpose.

Are we willing to give to God, what is his?

I would encourage you to check out Ravi's website at http://www.rzim.org/ , it will deepen your faith in ways you can't even imagine!

Colouring Outside the Lines

2011-05-18T23:08:00.000-07:00

I grew up, like most kids, with a sense that being good meant following the rules, colouring inside the lines, not making waves and towing the line - and don't get me wrong - obedience often does require us to do what's right not what's fun!

But sometimes I think we fall into the trap, especially as adults of thinking we can't get out from those rules - stuck in the mentality that the way it is is the way it always will be! For some that is exactly what will happen, because the alternative is either scary, too much work, to intimidating or just plain hard.

The interesting thing is that creativity is almost consistently OUTSIDE the lines. The reference to "thinking outside the box" as a reference to thinking creatively is just one example of many! So often we narrow our focus to the point that we see NO possibilities, but God by his Holy Spirit wants to lift our vision so that we not only see possibilities, but we begin to dream about impossibilities! What would happen if we began to colour outside the lines just a little in our lives, in our families, with our children - just a little? What if we tried a new habit, explored a new way to worship God, or broke the rules and danced in church! What would happen if we allowed the Holy Spirit to encourage us, to give us inspiration and dreams that could take us beyond where we are, or where we could even take ourselves. What if we were ok with being different from everyone else so that we could accomplish something that maybe, no one else could. What lines in your life, in your parenting, in your ministry have become ruts instead of borders? What can you do today, to colour outside the lines and dare to let the Holy Spirit bring some life and encouragement to that area of your life?

Now it makes sense!

2011-04-29T09:21:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had one of those AHA moments in life when all of a sudden revelation or understanding hits you out of nowhere?

I had left the headlights on in the car so when I went to take Austin to Karate, the car wouldn't start! So after a boost from CAA I invited my son to go for a drive with me to charge the battery up good for Daddy to go to work tomorrow. I had a few errands to do, so I encouraged him to bring a book so he could read if he got bored. Well, it probably wasn't necessary as he loves to talk to me while we drive and so it didn't take long for the conversation to start. I noticed his book of choice was his bible!

I made comment that he chose a good book, and he looked at me and said "Mom, you know reading my bible makes life just MAKE SENSE, the big bang theory doesn't make sense to me, but the bible says that God created everything - that makes sense!" Our discussion continued as he told me other things in his life that became more clear as he read scripture, including the promise of heaven and redemption!

Then he told me that on Tuesday night at Fusion (Our worship and prayer night at Freedom House) he had "a lot of burdens" on his mind and when he prayed, God told him to "lay his burdens down and He (God) would take care of them". He proceeded to tell me that "guilt" was a big burden he carried, from the mistakes that he made and he realized that when he apologized to people and to God that he could lay the burden of guilt down and he could ask to be forgiven. He said " mom, when God says I can lay my burdens down, he really does take it from me - I have so much less stress in my life!"

When we enable our kids to encounter GOD for themselves - HE speaks to their heart, HE brings revelation, HE brings life to their faith. If I have all the answers, I just give my kids information - but if I teach them how to seek out the presence of God and to recognize his still small voice in their lives - then I give GOD an opportunity to be the answer, and that is something they will NEVER forget! Then, I was reminded for myself - that if I learn how to seek out the the presence of God and to recognize his still small voice in MY life that I in turn give GOD the opportunity to be the answer to MY questions! And that, just makes sense!

Close Encounters of the GOD Kind! Testify!!

2011-04-18T21:04:00.000-07:00

We've all heard stories, we've all told stories! We tell stories for entertainment, for fun for teaching lessons, for so many things! In fact, our life story is probably the one thing we have the no one can truly dispute! Why is it then, that in Kids ministry and in parenting, we are so content to retell a story, instead of live a story worth retelling? As I pondered the upcoming Easter weekend, I found myself hesitating to just "teach another Easter lesson in kids church". Is it that I don't believe that Christ's Death and Resurrection isn't important? OH NO.. it is pivotal. My hesitation came in that I don't want the kids to walk away treating it as "just another story". My heart began to cry out - God how can my kids encounter the REAL you, and forever have that memory marker in their history and life where they KNOW, that they know that they know - they encountered God!

For me, today, April 18th is a celebration of God's AMAZING healing power! For years I suffered with chronic pain due to an arthritic related condition. There were days I couldn't walk, and the pain kept me from so much life! But that all changed on April 18th, 2004 - when the leadership at my church prayed for me, and the healing power of God flooded over me - I have been pain free since!! Praise God! That experience, is another marker in my life that says "there isn't anything you can tell me that will convince me otherwise - I know GOD is real and he cares for me". It is one of many markers - moments in my life where I encountered God - answered prayers, amazing provision, healing, circumstances happening in such a way that it couldn't be coincidence! My encounter with truth, left a mark in my life. That mark sparks passion for me that makes me want to introduce God to others, and share this story with them - my testimony! These markers in my life - give me HOPE when the going gets tough and the days are cloudy. Re-telling a story has it's place, but in order for our faith to be real, and deep - we ourselves must have a story - an encounter with God that we retell. In our ministry, in our parenting do we allow room for GOD to move? to provide? To come through? or is God merely a story we keep telling our children? The goal is for our children to have their own testimony, not a recitation!

This week as I read the scriptures I was studying 1 Cor 2:4-5 which says "⁴ My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, ⁵ so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power."

It occurred to me that if our kids do not have an encounter with God's power - their faith likely is being built on human wisdom (information)- which means another person's clever argument will quickly unravel everything they thought they believed. Instead, our focus should be on helping our kids encounter God in real life, real situations where God is the real answer - that leaves a marker in their lives, which fosters passion to pursue him and the hope to get them through the dark seasons. Revelations 12:11 says they overcame by the blood of the lamb, and the word of their testimony.

This Easter, don't just re-tell the Easter story, make room for your kids to encounter the HOPE that is Jesus Christ crucified! Tell your story, then let them share theirs! God's story isn't over yet, we are all players in the next chapter. How will your life read?

What kind of BIRD are you raising?

2011-04-04T21:44:00.000-07:00

When it comes to parenting and teaching kids - it becomes important to stop and assess what you are teaching and "how it's working for you" and your kids. I was so pleased to read a great blog today by Jim Widemann entitled What does a discipled child look like?? He raised a good question - what DOES a discipled child look like! The challenge is often times we parent, or lead our children's ministries with short term perspective - and not with the end in mind. The scary part of the whole thing, is if we do not intentionally stop and look at what is being produced in our kids, we will discover our mistake when the "bad fruit" becomes evident and then we have alot of undoing to do! So, I'm going to pose the question, what kind of BIRD are you raising?

Are you raising a CHICKEN?

Raising chickens is actually quite easy - all you have to do is protect them from any possible risk, danger, negative outcome or failure and your child will instinctively begin to fear. They will learn quickly what a horrible place the world is, and how everything and everyone poses danger and risk. They will also learn what a power enemy the devil is and how easily he can trick, deceive and overpower us helpless humans! Fear is the enemy's currency - it is the opposite of faith. We need to ask ourselves whether we are teaching our kids to approach life by measuring danger and risk or by measuring strategy and potential. Fear is a strong motivator, and hard to undo once it has a stronghold in our thinking! Are you raising a chicken? Are YOU a chicken?

Are you raising a PARROT?

Raising Parrots takes a bit more work than raising chickens, but the scary thing about raising Parrots is that it holds the illusion that we have done a successful job in parenting! You see parrots follow the rules (most of the time) they say the right words, they dress the right way, and their behaviour seems to follow all the guidelines for good christian conduct. The challenge with parrots is they are inactive, and they merely mimic what they have been taught. They do not think for themselves, they just repeat the answers they have been programmed to repeat all their lives. The challenge with this good behaviour is it's lack of substance! Michelle Anthony says that "Good behaviour is the counterfeit of Faith". We are not looking for perfect behaviour, we are looking for vibrant faith. If the focus is on the behaviour it can be manipulated, but God looks at the heart. Are you raising a parrot? Are YOU a parrot?

Are you raising an EAGLE?

Raising Eagles is hard and it's messy. There is no forumla per se and raising each of your children to be eagles requires a different strategy for each of them. Raising eagles requires that you maintain objectivity, that you don't over or under protect and that you kick them out of the nest in order to teach them to fly (it's ok, they're young.. they will bounce hahaha). Raising eagles is challenging because it requires of us to first be eagles, soaring high in our faith, focused on the things God has called us to and being willing to do what is actually best for our kids, not what feels best, makes them quiet or doesn't embarrass us! Raising eagles means relationship, forgiveness, grace and long term commitment. Raising eagles is hard.... if you had to do it alone. Thankfully the Holy Spirit has commited to us that he is as interested in raising young eagles as we are, if not more. HE has a strategy and a plan, and when we yield to his plan for OUR lives as parents and leaders, we will find that we can see more clearly his plan for those in our care.

So what kind of BIRD are you raising? What steps will you take today to move from raising a chicken or parrot, to raising an eagle? What steps will you take in your own life to soar?

Would love to hear what you think!

Instant Gratification in light of Eternity's Pull!

2011-03-23T06:52:00.000-07:00

I marvel at the reaction my children give me at times, when I need to pull them away from their play to set the table or clean something up! They look at me like "really mom.. THIS is what is important right now.. I'm playing!!!"

I caught myself wondering how my children came to such an expectation. I recognize that our culture of instant gratification and the "I don't feel happy right now, something must be wrong" mentality combine to create quite a compelling argument as to why my children think this way. The truth is however, I had to come to terms with the fact that I had done a poor job of instilling the light of eternity in their lives.

I am re-reading the book "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan as we go through it in small group at church! He reminded me that often we live our lives going day to day doing everyday, average ordinary things as if our lives were going to go on forever. As if we had an eternity to accomplish the purposes God placed on our lives. I had to give my head a shake. Have I taught my children the significance of TODAY in the light of eternity? Have I encouraged them to talk to their creator about HIS plan to make today significant, instead of our plans to go on as per usual? Have I encouraged a virtual tunnel vision that all they/I see as important is what is in immediately front of me?

How easily our prayer life, our spiritual disciplines and our response to God dissolves into meaningless routine and mindless behaviour. What would happen if we encouraged our children to see their desires, their impulses in the light of Kingdom! In the light of an amazing God! What if.. our faith became personal, filled with purpose and surrendered to the one whom our lives are really about? What if we started today?

Why the "Why" matters in Kids Min!

2011-03-09T23:32:00.000-08:00

Some people have asked me "why" I spend so much time teaching kids about destiny, God's plan or the notion that they can accomplish meaningful things NOW. They question a child's ability to truly grasp such concepts, and expose their lack of confidence in the young to do anything of significance.

The interesting things is WHY do we do anything? Why do you get up in the morning? Why do you go to work every day? Why do you pay your bills on time, or not? Why did you pick blue socks this morning?

Behind every action there is a motivation that directs that action - most of the time we are completely unaware of these personal agendas in our brain, we function on auto-pilot and off we go. But in the fine art of self-awareness, when we begin to ask ourselves WHY we do what we do, it will always come down to a driving motivation.

Some of us are motivated by money, fear, acceptance, greed, or security. I would like to suggest that the best motivation is Destiny ( God Given Purpose). When someone begins to understand that they were created with intent to bring something unique to the world, it brings meaning and significance to seemingly mundane or ordinary things and gives them the perseverance and vision to see it through to becoming something extraordinary!

Having a sense of purpose however is not reserved for adults who finally have money and wisdom to achieve! How we are motivated is something that is developed LONG before we reach adulthood and is often difficult to change once established. For me, instilling a sense of purpose that is God breathed is the definitive key to the longevity of a child's motivation in life and ministry. With a sense of Godly purpose even a small child can be motivated and enabled to do far more for far longer than many adults will ever accomplish in a lifetime!

To me, when a child understands that they were created for significance by a loving God who wants to encounter them, empower them and reach a lost world through them; that child will have instrinsic motivation that will help them overcome obstacles, hardship and criticism on their path to being all that God has created them to be. This understanding cannot wait till they are an adult, it can't wait till they are a teen - it must start in their heart as a child so that it can be the understanding that forms the foundation for everything they become.

Teaching good behavior may seem good for a season, but in the end their motivations will drive their actions - if rules are our method, then "getting out from under them" will be their motivation. As Kid Min Leaders we have the privilege of illuminating and partnering with God's purposes for our kids; instead of cracking the whip, we can dangle the carrot, allowing God's love and unique purpose for them to produce a response of obedience and passion that will motivate them throughout their life.

Look Mom, I'm All Growed up!

2011-03-07T22:56:00.000-08:00

My observations of western culture, parenting and kids min if I were to summarize in one statement would simply be: "our culture doesn't understand what it means to be mature".

Just because we are big tall adults, doesn't mean we are mature. Just because we have a job, go to church or have children doesn't mean we are mature. Just because we have a bank account doesn't mean we are mature any more than my fine young friend to the left is "mature" because of his size.

"Mature" means to be fully developed! So one could argue that we are never truly done "growing", and that is fair. However, when did it become ok to stop growing simply because it was easy, or convenient?

We have all met those adults, easily offended; don't think for themselves; high-need individuals who's world crumbles if the don't receive a certain formula of attention, pandering or coddling; those who blame everyone else for the goings on in their lives and who's happiness and fulfillment are everyone else's responsibility. What happened to the notion that one day we would grow up, take responsibility and become a contributor vs a "vacuum" in our society?

Sadly we are teaching our kids that this is normal behaviour - not putting expectations on them to own up for their misdeeds because we might hurt their feelings. Telling our kids what to think so that they don't upset our immature adult apple cart with "outside the box thinking" is easier than teaching our kids how to think and risking them out-thinking us and making us look bad! We create fearful, dependent life suckers instead of risk taking, critical thinking, innovating contributors to a fallen world.

In raising kids as parents or as kids min leaders we need to strive to help our kids come to a place of physical and spiritual SELF-FEEDING (They know how to eat well by themselves) It involves giving them the responsibility to do so instead of doing it for them (both physically with their choices of food, and their spiritual disciplines also). It involves allowing them to fail, asking them questions that cause them to consider their own motivations, choices and thought processes. It involves time, mess, discomfort, embarrassment and a continual atmosphere of having to look inside ourselves as parents and leaders to see where we need to grow up, so that we can model well.

Most of all it involves communication and relationship that is constant and ongoing. Allowing our kids to sharpen us, as much as we expect them to allow us to sharpen them. My mom always used to tell me that "having kids was God's grade school", and she was right! I can either grow up and allow myself to depend on God, or reproduce my own insecurities, fears and dependency on others in my own kids. How can I expect my kids to mature, if I won't?

Mentoring the Next Generation!

2011-03-02T22:56:00.000-08:00

I had the pleasure of reading a great blog by my friend, and fellow Kidology Fan Spencer Click. His opening paragraph said this:

"A friend of mine recently shared a story with me about his trip to a denominational conference. The conference was specifically for Children’s Leaders and Children’s Pastors. After being at the conference for a few hours, he started to notice something…there was a noticeable lack of leaders under the age of 40. As he watched the conference he began to wonder – where are the future ministers coming from? Who is going to carry on the ministry after the current generation of leaders is gone? What is being done to raise new ministers? (To read his entire blog click HERE) I highly recommend it :)

Spencer made the point about the significant role teachers have in identifying and mentoring young leaders!

I TOO am a product of a "teacher" investing in me! It started out for me when I was maybe 9 or 10 years old - I wanted so badly to help out in Sunday School, so I got the lucky job of being the "helper" in the 2/3 Year old class! The Teacher.. Violet... or Vie.. as everyone called her was a sweet woman who had taught that class for years. I "helped" her for 3 or 4 years; I don't quite remember WHEN it happened or how it happened, but by 2 years in, I was the one teaching the class, and doing the prep work and Vie.. was helping! She taught me, she mentored me, most importantly, she gave me opportunity to try, to mess up and to try again! Now as an adult, having been fortunate to have other such mentors in my life, I KNOW that identifying young initiative and leadership aptitude is critical.

Consider this, if a young child is eager to learn, willing to work and teachable and has someone in his/her life that recognizes it - that child WILL grow up with more confidence, experience and wisdom in ministry. PERIOD. That same child, without a mentor to partner with him, will soon become jaded, calloused and uninterested in serving, and sadly... this could open the doors to larger questions, and biased doubts! I believe that Kids in Ministry become Adults in Ministry. Creating opportunities big and small for kids to get involved is significant to their development as servers and as leaders!

Thank you Spencer for this amazing reminder!

What are you doing to raise up servers and leaders where you minister?

Social Media and The Nugget Theory

2011-02-24T00:25:00.000-08:00

(One of 4 great articles featured in the Kidology Report)

Social media - 15 years ago if you said that phrase no one would have known what on earth you were talking about, but today - everyone knows and nearly everyone participates. On one hand we have amazing tools in Facebook, MySpace, Twitter etc, to connect with friends and family on a global scale. It increases communication, keeps people more aware of what is going on in the lives of others, and offers a simple and easy way to participate in many peoples' lives.

Interestingly enough however, like every new technology, we often don't understand the negative impact until we see it in hindsight. Statistics show that the Internet is now the main source of information for people, including their facts about religion, God, as well as sex, drugs and rock and roll! As an adult, I have a fairly well-adjusted sense of "what's right and wrong" and my ability to discern when I am being mislead is pretty well founded (although, I have been deceived on occasion).

What does this mean for Kids Min? Simply put, we are at risk of developing a generation with "nugget theology," meaning little quotes, lines, snippets and tidbits from all over that they grab and call "facts" because they "read it on the Internet", or some famous person quoted it. Even the media has become "sound bite" driven. It seems that long gone are the days of researched facts, expository articles and accurate reporting.

I am all for participating in the social media world, but as Leaders, we must be keenly aware that the biblical foundation that many of us had growing up, which gives context to the sound bites we see/read/hear is eerily absent in the next generation. Even scripture memorization isn't enough if the CONTEXT of the verse isn't understood. Even scripture can be reduced to sound bites taken completely out of context and used to prove anything and everything - nay.. it IS being reduced to sound bites taken completely out of context.

Our kids like their chicken, and their theology delivered in bite sized pieces, but I want to encourage you to challenge yourself, and your kids to dig deep into God's word to get a big picture sense of what God is about so that our kids do not become easy targets for half truths and twisted scripture.

How do we do this? Ask Socratic questions that engage thinking vs. dictate thinking. Let your kids explain things so you can gauge their understanding, quiz 'em, ask them a "trick" question, set up debates. In a church culture which often values good behavior over critical thinking we must be intentional about teaching our kids how to think, to research, and to define what they truly believe about themselves, their world, and God! -

Do you want to read more on this topic? Then check out the rest of the KIDOLOGY REPORT and join in the discussion forum! Not a Kidology member? Kidology is the premium website for ALL kids min resources as well as a great tool for support, coaching and encouragement in your ministry. See for yourself at http://www.kidology.org/

Nicki Straza

Jake fills big Shoes on www.childrensministrylive.com

2010-11-10T11:50:00.000-08:00

When I hear people talk about Kids and Leadership in the same breath they are usually saying.. "Kids.. need good Leadership if they are going to succeed"... or something to that effect - but rarely to I hear people talk about KIDS.. being LEADERS.. never mind in Charge!

I was delighted when I came across a podcast on a very new Kids Min Website called childrensministrylive.com . The host and founder of the website, Brandon Maddux was interviewing a 14 year old name Jake - who had just come through the summer having been the VBS DIRECTOR for his church this summer. YES.. you heard me right! You can check out the podcast here . You can also read more on his story here

I am encouraged to see the leaders in Kids Ministry starting to get the idea that there are young leaders that can, and need to be developed in their Ministries. I am confident that there are many more Jake's around who need an opportunity to try, fail, learn, grow and lead! So I want to challenge you to look at your Ministry, invest in your young leaders (For more help on how to do that you should visit KidLead ) and help them help you!

Speaking of help.. there are alot of helpful podcasts and resources on childrensministrylive.com
and I would like to encourage you to check out the wisdom from the experts that Brandon is working to collect! Just for fun... check out THIS to see how you can win some great resources for your kids ministry!

The Counterfeit of Faith.. is Good Behaviour!

2010-11-06T16:37:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of attending a great seminar lead by Michelle Anthony author of Spiritual Parenting. She made one comment that struck a cord with me.

She said "The counterfeit of Faith... is Good Behaviour". (She may have had an American spelling on that one.. but we will forgive her hahah).

I have long said that I am not interested in leading or teaching kids to compliant behaviour, but true character. But when she put it in the context of Faith... I had to really stop and realize - OH MAN.. That is exactly... what is happening. We are settling for a counterfeit.. and calling it FAITH!

In our desire to ensure our children don't mis-present us, and our faith - we celebrate and parent our kids "good behaviour" rather than their inner disciplines and character. Hooray little Billy for sitting so quietly in church this morning - never caring that his heart was far from God, and that rebellion took more ground in his life that morning.

Our culture is good at pretending, and Christians are the best of all! As parents, as leaders in Kids ministry we need to focus on the untangible, unmeasurable, and sometimes long road of developing character in our kids. Creating space in our every day lives and ministries where the transforming power of the Holy Spirit can have time and opportunity to do his work. This however is messy, untidy, unpredictable and often alot more likely to expose our own untransformed heart.

The amazing thing is, when we start down this road we suddenly begin to realize.. that transforming our kids.. isn't even our Job.. it is the Job of the Holy Spirit - and HE.. offered as all the wisdom we need to be able to partner with him!

So what do you celebrate? Good Behaviour or a transformed and healed heart? What are you focusing on in your own life - fixing your own behaviour.. or allowing the God of the universe to heal your heart?? The choice... is ours :)

The New Face of Leadership - TWEENS!

2010-10-29T16:21:00.000-07:00

We have all seen them in our neighbourhoods or classrooms; the children who must constantly negotiate to stay up late or extend a deadline; the children who disrupt class with jokes or comments that leave everyone distracted or the bossy playmate who insists on their way. These tendencies are not always behavioral issues, instead they can be indicators of leadership aptitude!

Our current system of development would see these kids go through their teen/young adult years without much significant direction and guidance on how to channel their natural leadership skills correctly. These kids will be influencers one way or another, identifying them early helps to ensure they are a positive influence. That's why KidLead is about to change everything!

The tween years (Age 10-13) represents an ideal window to teach sound leadership principles. Their cognitive skills have developed enough that they can grasp leadership concepts and principles while their moral compass can still be influenced towards ethical, compassionate leadership. At KidLead our goal is to identify and develop these young leaders by providing a sound strategy for developing their skills, attitudes, character and competency.

KidLead represents a new approach to developing leaders. Through active learning and Apprentice style challenges young leaders learn to lead through hands on experiences that explore 16 of the most sought after qualities of a leader. Trained Koaches provide Socratic questions to guide young leaders in critical thinking, problem solving and conflict resolution before, during and after the challenges helping them to personally develop as a leader.

KidLead is actively looking for organizations, schools, and community groups to partner with to bring this program to as many communities as possible. If you would like to learn more about this amazing program, or to book a “Developing your Child to Lead” information Seminar in your area be sure to contact us.

Developing young leaders is an investment in our present, and our future!

Contact Info: nicki@kidlead.com Toll Free: 1-866-551-4132

www.kidlead.ca

If everything rises and falls on leadership....?

2010-10-25T21:05:00.000-07:00

Then why do we wait so long to start teaching it?

I have been asking myself this question quite a bit of late - and...well I haven't heard a good answer to the question.

I even went to google images and most of the pictures of "young leaders" were college age 20-30 year old adults like this:

Now hear me clearly - I am not against young adult leaders; I do not think young adults are poor leaders; nor am I critizing their capability or potential - I AM critizing the system that felt these young leaders needed to wait till they were 20 or 30 to begin receiving investment as our future leaders. They could have had 10 or even 15 years of solid leadership skills under their belt by this time.

We need to start looking at how we teach leadership in a whole new way!

First let's define leadership: Leadership is the ability to mobilize a team to do what individuals could not.

To be effective, long term Leaders we must at the very least:

1) Have excellent social skills- soft skills, communication skills - simply put: the ability to read, understand and communicate with people effectively.
2) Possess both strong character and competence!
3) Have habitual leadership Aptitude - either we influence people, or we don't - leadership is not the same as success principles!
4) Be able to anticipate, adapt and change gears quickly, being objective and seeing the big picture, as well as defining the small steps to accomplish it.
5) Must be able to persevere and have an intrinsic sense of purpose and vision beyond the scope of the immediate.

The interesting thing about most of the list above - is that all of these are learned as children - and are nearly set in stone by the time they reach highschool or college. Character; the ability to cope with stress; adapting to new or unfamiliar situations; function with integrity and principles - or a well established sense of right and wrong -, delaying gratification; all of these things are established in the earlier years of life.. Or they aren't!

Doesn't it make sense to work on identifying our young leaders as children, and investing in them while their character, coping skills and habits are still being formed instead of waiting until they have years of things to undo in order to learn something new?

As I discussed in my last blog entry - I believe that kids with leadership aptitude can be identified early in life. Influencers influence all the time, at play, at work, in school everywhere they go. I would like to re-think how we raise young leaders. If it is true that everything rises and falls on leadership - then perhaps it would be in our best interest to ensure that we have strong leaders that will not be tempted to steal, cheat and compromise to be successful.

"If you want to change the world, focus on leaders. If you want to change leaders, focus on them when they're young." Alan E. Nelson Ed.D.

Behavior issues or leadership aptitude??

2010-10-18T22:54:00.000-07:00

We have all seen them.... the kids who lead the play of all the others in their peer group - the sports guys that dictates which sport will be played at recess; the negotiator who always seems to get his way with mom or teacher; or perhaps it's the class clown that makes ever teacher cringe - you know the one - the one who cracks a joke and everyone in the class laughs (maybe even the teacher)? These kids don't necessarily have behavioral issues, and they aren't always bully's - but they are influencers.

Alan Nelson, Author of Kidlead says "Leadership is the process of helping people accomplish together, what they could not as individuals". Children who are habitual influencers can be identified as having a leadership gifting or aptitude. They will influence for good, or for bad both now, and throughout their lives. If we can identify this aptitude at an early age, and steer it in the right direction (building sound character and strong principles) we will not only have an impact on that young leader, but on everyone who is influenced by them.

Identifying if your child or a child in your ministry, is an influencer is important when they are still a CHILD - doing so can prevent you from making some typical parenting/leading mistakes that serve to hinder their gifting more than nurture it, but it will also give immense benefit to your young leader. Not everyone is a leader - although most parents would like to think of their kids as one - in fact only 15-20% of the populace has a strong habitual tendancy towards influence and leadership. However, we are doing our young leaders a huge disservice, by treating them like all the others. The same way we wouldn't want to hinder a natural athlete, musician or academic student - leadership is an aptitude, a gifting and should be nurtured as such.

Sadly, this is sometimes easier said then done - young leaders like to challenge your authority, try things their own ways and go against the status quo - so simply teaching them correct protocols of behaviour will not help them (they will find another way). Instead of demanding compliance of our young leaders, we should seek to engage their thinking, reasoning and judgment and in doing so provide great opportunities for teachable moments and learning curves. A young leader will thrive in an atmosphere where someone believes in them and their leadership potential. Who are the young influencers in your life/ministry? How can you coach them towards leading and influencing well? Over the next while I will be writing a series of articles on Kids in Leadership - I would love to hear your feedback!

The Business World Believes in Young Leaders!

2010-10-14T23:52:00.000-07:00

I was so encouraged as I read my twitter today and found this awesome article geared towards young leaders and teens who have a desire to make a difference in their world. Young leaders, the following is amazing advice, and if you take it and do it.. you will succeed. You know that I am a believer in young leaders, but it is so great to see the business world stepping up behind young leaders too! This is what Kate has to say (Reproduced with permission) Visit Kate Nasser at http://katenasser.com

Future 4 Teens & GEN Y – Rock with Lessons Learned

Oct 12th, 2010 by Kate Nasser

Teens & GEN Y, your future will be successful beyond your current boundaries. Many teens and GEN Y see the difficulties and the boundaries and think: Why do we have to go through this? Your future will rock when you start to ask: How do we get through this?
Your future will rock when you combine your special talents with lessons learned from others who have overcome difficulty. This came to me recently when a friend said, “If I only knew these things when I was a teenager! I could be so far ahead of where I am now.”
So here’s a list of lessons learned from my life and diverse friends on Facebook & Twitter to rock your future with success. If you are a parent reading this post, share these with your teens and GEN Y and their friends/parents.

GEN Y Success with Lessons Learned Image by:Camera Slayer

Separate surviving and thriving in your mind.
Hopes and dreams stay alive when you can live with survival skills and work for and towards thriving. If you think that your current survival is the only life you will have, you will miss chances to thrive.
Volunteering to help those you live with builds bonds that grow into adult relationships.
Many people today volunteer with charitable organizations and non-profits. This is wonderful. Yet, do you volunteer to help your family? It shows your ability to think of others’ needs without being told. It lays the seeds for your adult relationships with them. It also prepares you for teamwork in the workplace.
Build your network early and keep in touch.
The more people you know and help, the more people who will be there when you need help. Sooner or later we ALL do. ~ Joan Koerber-Walker, Chairman & CEO, CorePurpose
Create your future self now.
Ask yourself, “How might this choice affect me in 5 or 10 years? ~ Don Eric Weber, Executive Coach
Show genuine care for any job you do.
Even if it’s not your dream job, people will remember your attitude and actions. ~ Jay Baron, Cable Techie, Canada
Never let disappointment discourage you.
Consider it a chance to learn. ~ Kathi Browne, Executive Spouse Coach
Lead by example.
Lead in ways of being respectful to others even if they differ from your beliefs. Value acceptance and tolerance. ~ James Sorenson, Customer Service Professional
Work hard at what you utterly love.
Work hard. Embrace risk. Do something you utterly love. Be a good person. Pay it forward. ~ Ted Coine, Author & Speaker, 21st Century Business
Develop the habit of finding out everything about things that interest you!
In this way, be a fanatic to build your life. ~ Joshua Symonette, former NFL Player, Professional Speaker
Find your strengths.
Success follows from self-awareness of one’s strengths and playing to them. ~ Joe Williams, NASA Scientist
Never under estimate the power of gratitude. ~ S. Max Brown, Speaker & Radio Co-Host
Let your walk be your talk.
Stars walk their talk. Super Stars let their walk be their talk. ~ Dave Carpenter, Mentor to High Performers
Conquer your fears with knowledge and will.
You will achieve things you thought were impossible to do. ~ Anne Egros, Global Executive Cross Cultural Coach
What you do for others matters.
In some ways, relationships beats smarts. ~ Barry Dalton, CIO
Show up. Pay attention & participate.
Honor commitments or let people know you can’t, and why. ~ Roy Atkinson, IT Professional
Honor, regard, respect.
Hold tenaciously to honor, regard, and respect for yourself and others. ~ Ty Sullivan, Director Marketing NYC Restaurant Group
Just because you think it, that doesn’t mean it’s true.
Don’t act on big thoughts without checking other sources. ~ Jim Morgan, TeamTrainers.
Define Success.
Think about what success means to you. It’s different for each person. ~ Jane Perdue, Leadership Consultant & Coach
Pay attention to the details.
Also, nurture and help everyone in your orbit — friends, family, teachers, employers. ~ Pattie Roberts, Professional Writer
Form and live good habits.
Habits are the most important thing to success. Take constant daily action steps toward your dream. ~ Gary Loper, Business/Life Relationship Coach
Use the GROW model.
Goals, (Current) Reality, Options, Will (what will you do) from MindTools.Com. Start with identifying your goals and writing them down or verbalizing them. ~ David Brand, Coaching Fan
Nothing beats a forward focus, solution orientation toward life. ~ Dan Rockwell, Non-Profit Leader & a Leadership Blogger

My final tip: Get comfortable with change. When it knocks, open the door! A VP of HR told me that #1 trait they look for — flexibility and comfort with change.

Kate Nasser, The People-Skills Coach, inspires success through her keynotes, workshops, and training DVDs on various people-skills topics most especially communicating across diversity. Her latest DVD on the regional differences in customer expectations throughout the USA is available here Customer Service USA – What They Expect Coast to Coast & Everywhere in Between.

Transformers Unite!

2010-10-12T23:24:00.000-07:00

In an age of light speed technological advancement, intense media saturation and influence and soaring rates of depression and anxiety in our western culture, one must sit back and wonder what it is we are missing! Check out these stats:

Pre-schoolers are the fastest-growing market for antidepressants. At least four percent of preschoolers -- over a million -- are clinically depressed. [3] - Study published in Psychiatric Services, April 2004

The rate of increase of depression among children is an astounding 23% p.a. [4]

The sad thing is.. this data is nearly 7 years old! OUR KIDS are struggling to cope, are losing hope and are feeling the stress!!

What is the answer?? Well one article put it quite nicely in it's title:
DEPRESSION: A Social Problem with a Relationship Solution

Relationship is the KEY! However, I am going to venture a bit further to say that it isn't just human, family or friend relationships that are most significant in battling, overcoming or preventing depression or related anxiety in our kids. The real issue is RELATIONSHIP with God!

God has called each of us as Christians to be TRANSFORMED by the renewing of our mind! God wants to change how we think about him, how we think about ourselves, and how we think, see and engage the world around us. Sadly however, in North America - we have reduced faith in God to a set of rules or values to be followed or adhered to vs a faith that is alive and full of hope and personal transformation.

I am a believer that as leaders in kids ministry - we need to call our kids to an understanding of what it means to yield ourselves to the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. Our culture says - you are ok just the way you are, and everyone else should change to accept it. KINGDOM says... to truly live.. we must die to ourselves, be transformed by the renewing of our mind and be built into the image of Jesus Christ. Only in this transformation is there the hope and abundant life that Jesus promised us.

The solution is relationship - deep, real, raw, and committed relationship with Jesus Christ our redeemer, and his family, the church! Are you being transformed? Are you teaching your kids to be transform-able?? It's a journey not for the faint of heart.. but for the heart of FAITH!

Voyage of the Dawn Treader Curriculum

2010-10-11T22:50:00.000-07:00

I am so excited about my new Curriculum that is now available through Kidology!

The movie is coming out in December, and if you are a rabid Narnia fan like myself you will want to be first in line to get into the theatres on Dec 10th. (Check out the trailer here)

After spending some time with one of my favourite C.S. Lewis books, I prayed and pondered about the big picture "lesson" to be discovered in this book. I am sure there are many lessons we can draw from it, but for me, it was "How to become what we are destined to be - Those made/transformed into the Image of Jesus Christ"

This curriculum is a Kingdom Journey, exploring the amazing invisible Kingdom of God, how to become a part of it, how to participate in it, and what it requires of us!

Whether you are a Kid Min Leader, Sunday School Teacher, or a Homeschooling Parent you will find this curriculum an amazing Unit Study - and a ton of fun.

This curriculum will challenge you and your kids to dig in a bit deeper, and allow the Holy Spirit to mold you and change you into who he destined you to be.

Your download includes:

173 pages of teaching materials
10 Take Home Papers for kids
Print-friendly PDF and editable Microsoft Word formats
Lesson Overviews complete with Time Estimates
Detailed Supplies Lists
Chapter Summaries designed for reading aloud
Kingdom Key teaching themes for each lesson
Bible Story application & discussion questions
Memory Verse Games
Object Lesson Instructions
Small Group Activities
Planned Crafts with instructions
Snacktivity food-oriented illustrations
Supplemental Bonus Materials

Get it now in time for the movie by visiting KIDOLOGY.ORG

...and while you are at it.. be sure to check out everything else that Kidology has to offer - this is an amazing resource for anyone involved in Children's Ministry with lots of FREE resources for you to use.

I am honoured to work such an amazing organization!!

Check it out, tell me what you think!

WOW.. I encountered God through the prayers of a 3 Year Old!

2010-09-21T20:17:00.000-07:00

I have always been a believer that there is no Junior Holy Spirit. I have always been a believer that a childs faith is just as strong (nay.. stronger) than us adults! and I have always been a believer that if we as parents model, nurture and create opportunities for our kids to be active in prayer and their faith that the Holy Spirit WILL use them to do mighty things, even as 2,3,6, 10 year olds!!

I have seen it in kids lives in my kids ministry, I have seen it my own children, and tonight... God reminded me again about the power of young faith!

Here's what happened... we were at Fusion (the www.freedomhouse.ca prayer & worship night) After the service, I felt that I needed to ask friends of mine to pray for me, to pass on the anointing they had received for healing - I believe that anointing rests on my life also! So they generously prayed... and as they did, their little girl came up and hung onto mom's leg and said "thank you Jesus, Thank you Jesus"... I felt the tangible presence of God flow through me like a river!

Then, they in turn asked me to pray for them (that's cool... sharing the things God has given us - sounds biblical to me! ) As I prayed, I felt a small hand on me, and heard little whispers that I couldn't decipher. I knew this little three year old was in touch with God, and she was doing what seemed perfectly natural to her - laying hands on me and praying.

Why was this normal for her? First, and most importantly, it was normal for her because it was normal for mom and dad. Do not be deceived, parents, you are the front line, number ONE influence on your child's faith - if the only faith, or practice that your children get in engaging the kingdom of God is in Sunday School or kids ministry - your child runs a high risk of not being rooted in their faith, in fact - you teach them duplicity and double mindedness, and their faith is at risk of being a form vs being alive and real in their lives. Please, partner with your kids ministry leaders to impart faith into your children - they will help you, they will give everything they have to support you - but please do not leave it to them - it must be a part of every day life for them.

Second, it was normal for her because it was normal at church! I believe kids in ministry become adults in ministry, I believe that kids CAN and SHOULD function in all of the gifts of the Holy Spirit as a part of the body of Christ as much as any adult! It has been a conscience choice of the leadership of our church to create a culture where kids praying for kids, kids praying for adults, adults praying for kids is normal.

Faith is a lifestyle, not something we do on Sunday's, or when people are looking! Faith is who we are, expressed in what we do, for a King we are head over heels in love with! As adults, Kids Min leaders, parents, let's humble ourselves and let your kids pray for you. Ask them to pray when you are hurt or struggling (you don't have to give specifics) Doing so strengthens your faith and it builds theirs too. Most of all it honours the Holy Spirit that lives inside of them, and gives them motivation to keep pressing in for more of God!

Thanks Maddie, for praying for me tonight, and reminding me about just how great our God is!!

Would you pass the TEST??

2010-09-20T00:16:00.000-07:00

I am currently reading "Nation of Wimps" by Hara Estroff Marano. As I read, I was challenged in my own parenting when she reviewed a case study that was done on parents reaction time when it comes to intervening to help their kids. Simply put, the parents and children were put in a room. The child was given a challenging task to complete that the should be able to complete on their own with some persistence. The the parents were then timed to see how long they waited to intervene to "help" the child. Often the child did not ask for help, and many of the parents when they did jump in to assist, didn't really HELP.. they just took over and did the task for the child.

As I thought about my own parenting I realized I have certainly been guilty of jumping in and taking over for my child - especially if I am running late, or I have something more important to do. You know, those days when listening to their "frustration" be expressed is not on my top 10 list of things to enjoy at that moment. Interestingly, Hara goes on to demonstrate throughout her book that in all our efforts as parents to make life easy for our kids; smooth out the bumps, make sure they aren't hurting or in pain, or subject to ridicule, belittling or situations that cause them stress; we are actually CAUSING our children to be anxious, insecure and lacking in confidence in their own personal capabilities.

I can see the evidence of this in my own children. My Daughter is 13 and my son is 11. My daughter demonstrated competence and interest in learning at a young age, so I willingly taught her how to bake, use the oven and the like as a young 8 or 9 year old. She is now very competent in the kitchen and she rarely gets stressed out when faced with situations in babysitting where she needs to cook. Because she was a competent big sister, I delegated to her often, and realized about a year ago that I spent alot of time making things easy on my son, by delegating jobs to big sister. I wised up, but not without becoming very aware at the lack of confidence my son displayed when given new tasks - he immediately defaulted to asking big sister, and complained that "he can't" or was scared to try. I have intentionally worked with him, and let him challenge himself and his thinking with more responsibility and new skills and I am happy to say a year later he cuts veggies with a big knife with decent skill!

What if I hadn't noticed the error of my parenting? Many parents still do not; they smooth the way for their children, solve their problems and move obstacles to such a degree that we are actually handicapping our kids with fear and anxiety! If you have a young leader in your home, this kind of parenting will be even more destructive then a "follower" child and can actually prevent their leadership tendencies from developing at all.

I would challenge yourself to do the HELP TEST. See how long you can wait before jumping in and helping your child the next time they are presented with a challenge. Try to ask them questions that will help them solve their own problem, vs telling them what to do. Try stepping back and letting your child fail, mess up, be frustrated, and try again! Try it... if you dare! For more on this book visit http://www.nationofwimps.com/

UCKIDS, ICGR8NESS

2010-09-17T23:07:00.000-07:00

UCKIDS, ICGR8NESS

I think I want to get a shirt that says this on the front! So often we look at our kids, and we see their constant neglect of their room, the inconsistent decision making, the obvious lack of common sense, and their audacity to say what they are really thinking and we begin to form a small opinion, and a low expectation of what they become. That expectation then begins to effect how we treat them, and eventually, they live up to our low expectation - and we sit back on our prideful haunches and say "I told you so".

But, what would happen if we believed our kids could accomplish significant things, and taught them according to their bent (their giftings, interests, skills and passions) instead of our needs (to have a straight A student, an athlete or leader as a child). Would they step up to it? Would they rise to the challenge? Would they grow to fit our larger expectation?

The Pygmalion effect suggests that people (big or small) will tend to live up to the perceived expectations of those around them. If people feel that you believe in them, they will begin to believe in themselves, and thus act accordingly. The natural consequence of such behaviour usually has positive results, confirming that the believe was indeed well founded.

James Rhem, executive editor for the online National Teaching and Learning Forum, commented:

"When teachers expect students to do well and show intellectual growth, they do; when teachers do not have such expectations, performance and growth are not so encouraged and may in fact be discouraged in a variety of ways."
"How we believe the world is and what we honestly think it can become have powerful effects on how things will turn out."

What do you see when you look at your own children? At the kids in your neighbourhood, school or kids ministry? Do you see them as troublemakers, good-for-nothings, wastes of space, undisciplined, hopeless and the list can go on and on?? Or do you see value, contribution or potential hiding under those layers of baggy clothes and rough behaviour? It is true that you won't be able to win them all, and kids are people, so they will make their own choices in life that is true, but if my positive belief, my genuine encouragement, my declaration of their potential, my creation of opportunities; helps them to change their own picture of themselves into something of value - then I feel I have given them a great gift! Interestingly God uses that same approach with us in scripture. He is constantly trying to communicate to us the uniqueness that he has planted in each of us, has significance, and can be brought out if we just believe what he says about our value.

Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Do your kids believe they have a hope and a future because of what you say to them or how you treat them? Do they believe they have the capability of actually accomplishing it, or is their viewpoint full of failure and shame? We may not all be great (as the world defines greatness) but we are all significant.U.. may C KIDS, but I C Gr-8-ness!

Revival Starts with the Kids!

2010-09-13T23:57:00.000-07:00

God is up to some cool things, and he is doing it in our kids. Our culture has written off our kids and our youth as time wasters, laze abouts and a generation without direction, focus or discipline. I am not going to say that there aren't a cross section of this generation who don't fit this description, however God is stirring up a hunger and a drive in our kids and youth that I have never seen before. Kids are hungry for God, for REAL GOD, real relationship and real power in their faith.

As Evangelist Nathan Morris notes in this clip, this revival in Mobile Alabama started with the KIDS. Yes.. I said that correctly! God is shaking what can be shaken, and encountering those whose hearts are seeking after him.

Scripture says that in order to enter the Kingdom we must enter as children! This doesn't mean to be childISH, but child-like - There is a difference. So often we confuse the two. Children, love passionately, believe what you tell them, and live life in the present. They don't worry so much about the future, or drag the past into their day. They live moment by moment with an expectancy that life is going to bring them great adventures.

Can children really carry the presence of the Holy Spirit like us adults? Is it possible that a child could carry MORE of the presence of God in their lives than us adults? We don't like to hear that do we? The bible says that the SAME Spirit that raised Christ from the dead, dwells in ME... and in you if you are saved, and in the same with children. God is no respecter of persons, neither age nor height are a barrier to God, only unbelief!

What foundation are you cultivating in your children, in your kids ministry, in your home? Is it one of rules and protocol, appearances and shallow thinking, or is one of personal transformation, power, freedom and disciplined obedience to Jesus Christ? What about your life? What about my life? Is the power of God that is supposed to live in me... even showing at all through my life? Does my faith rest on man's wisdom or God's power? What does a faith resting on God's power look like?

1 Corinthians 2:3-5 (New International Version)

³I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. ⁴My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, ⁵so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power.

We all have a destiny, to be made into the image of Christ - if we are not pursuing Christ, and allowing his Holy Spirit to transform and renew our mind on a daily basis to change our way of thinking and fill us with his love and power to reach a lost world with hope and healing - we likely have missed the whole point entirely. Rest assured.. if we are not submitting to daily transformation than we are becoming stagnant and our kids will get there before we do!

Overcome by Comfort!

2010-08-11T21:08:00.000-07:00

So my husband I think, is officially ready to write me of as completely out of my mind. However, like any good leader, I am planning to take others with me down my road to insanity! This weekend I am taking my team of summer students and my daughter, and we are teaming up with my friend, and resident outdoorsman John to go on a Survivor Weekend.

Everyone gets to pack whatever they want, so long as it fits in a small coffee can. Yes, you heard me, your clothes, food, shelter, and camp gear all needs to fit inside ONE small coffee can - and according to John, that is a concession. The truth is, we are trying to simulate actually being stranded.. and surviving. The story is that on Friday evening, our boat, the SS Minnow has crashed and sunk off the shore of a small island in the middle of a "Grand" river, and we are the castaways. The rescue crew can't get to us until Sunday Morning at 8am, so we need to survive till then. No traditional comforts, probably very little food, probably lots of bugs, a campfire, and an education in what is truly important in life.

The amazing thing for me after my last survivor experience, was that the lasting impression from the weekend wasn't the lack of comforts, or the crazy amount of work it took to find food, but it was this confidence that I could do it. I didn't realize how tough, how strong I was until I tested myself against the elements and won! As the weekend went on, this "I can overcome"; "I won't quit"; "this thing can't beat me" attitude began to grow in me, and my perspective changed on what I was experiencing.

As I pondered my upcoming weekend, and reflected on what I wanted my team to take away from this experience I began to think about how much our culture has come to expect comfort to be "the norm" in our lives. The notion of hunting for our food, or having to build a bed to sleep on, or eating food that isn't seasoned or sauced because you are hungry and there are no option, is completely lost on us in western culture. The fact that we can be picky and go through most of our life only eating things we like is unique to our wealthy culture.

As I thought about this, I contemplated the complacency and apathy that accompanies comfort. The entitlement that we deserve better, and the pity party that ensues when we are robbed of our "essentials".
There is no need for an overcoming attitude, because there is nothing to overcome, life is comfortable, and our bellies are full. Interestingly enough self confidence is nurtured in winning over challenges. If we don't push our comfort zone, we never really see what we are capable of, and with that comes blindness to hope. When we don't have need of anything, we lose our courage to fight for things, we begin to settle for less and less and eventually we find ourselves unwilling to take risks, unmotivated to challenge ourselves and despairing at the uninteresting, hopeless life that we live. We become overcome by comfort, instead of overcomers in this life. If we spend too much time there, we will eventually fall into a victim mentality that will ultimately kill all vision and hope in our lives and leave us wanting a life that we are unwilling to take a risk to obtain.

I don't expect everyone to jump on board the next survivor island opportunity, but I do want to ask you what you have done lately that has been hard? Something that caused you to test your limits, caused you to need, caused you to hope, and caused you to fight. Are you an overcomer, or have you been overcome?

Luke 10:19
I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.

1 John 5:4
for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.

Revelation 2:26
To him who overcomes and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations—

John 16:33
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

No one ever sees the way he looks at me...

2010-07-27T02:28:00.000-07:00

Words can never say the way he says my name, he calls me LOVELY

No one ever sees the way he looks at me, he sees me HOLY

These words are so powerful! When we actually think about it, this truth is both humbling and absolutely revolutionizing. Because of the cross, the blood that Jesus shed in her place, God the Father looks at Nicki and sees perfection, sees someone lovely, sees someone Holy, someone without blemish or stain. Because of the cross, the blood that Jesus shed in her place, God the Father opens his throne room to her without hesitation, there is no purification rights, or special treatments that need to take place before she can enter into the presence of the Most High God. Because of the cross, the blood that Jesus shed in her place, Nicki has direct access to the throne room, and to the ear of the Almighty God, his lap, his hugs, his comfort and his renewal. Because of the cross, the blood that Jesus shed in her place, Nicki can join in with the choir of all ages and shout, and worship, and dance - unhindered, with great freedom - celebrating this marvelous thing.

Is God Almighty blind? Does he not see her frailty, does he not see the countless times she has failed? How is it that her pride, her scars and her past are missed by the all seeing eyes of Father God? Surely a just God can't be so naive to be tricked by such antics, such faking, such acting - the nerve of Nicki to just walk into the throne room like it's her second home - doesn't she realize that she is sinful and wicked?

No, God is not blind, nor is he naive, and the freedom that Nicki feels is real.. and amazing and for YOU. For you see because of the cross, the blood that Jesus shed in YOUR place.. words can never say the way he says YOUR name, he calls you LOVELY. No one ever sees the way he looks at YOU, he sees you HOLY. You can put your name in Nicki's place, and the story would be true for you too, if you encountered Jesus.

I can't hold back my love... I gotta sing.. I gotta shout.. I gotta dance... for my redeemer has set me free of all the guilt, all the shame, all the blemish. GOD sees me Holy, because I'm covered by Jesus payment for my sin, I am pure, I am Holy, and I am welcome to approach the throne at any time, with great confidence!

Such grace is to wonderful for me..... have you ever encountered it for yourself?

Who says it can't be done?

2010-07-14T23:46:00.000-07:00

"Those who say it cannot be done, should not interrupt the people doing it." Chinese Proverb

I came across this proverb today, and I had to re-post it! I am a solution oriented person, I have a hard time believing there isn't solutions to things - the solutions may not always be best, or may not always succeed the way we expect - and in some cases the solutions are really hard or complicated - but there is always a solution. I am a big believer in finding a way to make things happen.

I will admit that I am challenged daily by a culture that is so content to settle for less, allow the mediocre to reign supreme, or just quit because it is hard to do. It used to be that young people (age 12 or 13 for example), were the captains of warships, leaders of expeditions, nurses, teachers and people of amazing feats - it used to be NORMAL for teens and young people to lead, produce and accomplish great things long before they turned 20. What happened? How is it that today, we have 30 year olds who aren't able/willing to leave their parents basement to live on their own, get a job, or lead their own life? The notion of being a go-getter seems to be odd, and freakish in nature - meant for a select few of highly ambitious people.

Have we come to expect things to be so easy that when they are not, we just determine they "can't be done"? What has happened to "Where there is a will, there is a way", or "come he$#$ or high water I'm going to...."? Has life been "easy" for so long that we no longer need to persevere in finding solutions; which means we just go with the flow instead of developing strong character and will power. Has such loss in stamina and development produced in us such an apathy that we come to conclusion there is no solution, there is no hope, we might as well just quit?? Does this sound at all familiar to you?

^"Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." Romans 5:3-5

I guess the solution to lighting the can do fire under people's "behinds" is a good dose of trial and tribulation!

If it is true that necessity is the mother of invention, then perhaps our lack of creativity and ability to find solutions in life has more to do with lack of need, then lack of motivation, or lack of vision. Perhaps, our contentment really is killing us, and our apathy truly is burying us alive. I dare you to ask God for a holy discontentment in your life, a stirring up of your comfort zone, a drawing by the Spirit of God into new, fresh, risky areas of life. What do you believe you can't do? Are you willing to settle for saying I can't, or will you join a generation in saying "Who says it can't be done"?

"I can do nothing, in and of myself, but when I partner with your help, there is nothing I can't do, Jesus" A line from a song...that one day I'll finish writing...It's time to dream impossibilities!

What You looking at?

2010-07-11T22:47:00.000-07:00

“Focus on your potential instead of your limitations” Alan Loy McGinnis

In this season of my life I am learning to implement the power of focus. I have often been the kind of person to get involved in everything that is going on.. just because I can, and it is all fun! As I get older however, I am learning that there are things in life that everyone can do, and there are things in life that I was built to do. As I spend more intentional time focusing on doing the things I was built to do, and leaving the things that everyone can do... to.. well everyone else - I have begun not only to have a renewed sense of passion and purpose, but I have begun to accomplish items of more significance in light of my destiny.

“It's not what's happening to you now or what has happened in your past that determines who you become. Rather, it's your decisions about what to focus on, what things mean to you, and what you're going to do about them that will determine your ultimate destiny.” Anthony Robbins

What do you think about on a regular basis? Those are the thoughts that your sub conscience mind is working to accomplish! Becoming better focused is not an effort of will power, so much as it is and exercise in thought control. If you take captive the thoughts in your head - you know the ones; the worries, the fears, the nervous wonderings, the regrets and the constant review of your failures - and make them obedient to Christ - the vision and destiny or dream that he has placed in your mind - you are better able to direct your mental, emotional and physical energies toward accomplishing the RIGHT things in this moment that will get you to your goal.

I opened this blog with a quote that challenges us to focus on our potential vs our limitations. Where you are looking - that is where your feet will go - are you focusing on the obstacle or the goal? I dare you to take a few moments to take stock of where your focus is - you will know where your focus is by how/where you spend your time, talents and treasures. Are the actualities of how you are living your life consistent with the things that you SAY are your goals and focus? If not, what do you need to adjust? Setting your eyes on the potential before you, on who Christ has purposed you to be - will put obstacles, weaknesses and challenges into your peripheral vision, out of your scope of focus. If you are thinking about your potential - your sub conscience mind will work to accomplish it! If you are thinking about the obstacle - your mind will make it so big that you cannot get passed it!

Copycat!

2010-07-05T21:33:00.000-07:00

IN a world full of copycats... be an Original!

This poster was given to my husband and I at our wedding nearly 17 years ago, and still hangs on my dining room wall to this day!

I love it, because it has always reminded me that it's ok to be a bit different than the world around me!

I saw it differently today though! When I look at a Dalmatian - I immediately think of a high energy; just can't stop; intensely hyperactive dog. No matter what dalmatian you meet, their owner will describe them this way - no matter their size, their spots, or their age. Dalmatians have a lifestyle of living life to the full, going hard or going home - life to the max! I have yet to meet a cat with such vigor, no matter the spots on their coat.

There are a lot of posers in the world that would like you to believe that they are committed to abundant life, but they are just trying to look the part, saying or doing certain things to keep up appearances - they do not have a lifestyle that is consistent with the talk their mouths are spewing! Dalmatians are Dalmatians wherever they go; on all the time. Our lives should be this way too: Do I worship as passionately in my living room as I do at church? Or maybe I should ask if I worship as passionately at church as I do in my living room? Do I even worship outside of a church service at all? Do I lead consistently when no one is watching? Do I govern myself well, even when there is no one around to "influence"? Am I the same person at home, as I am at work, or at play, or at church?

The measure of who we truly are can be measured by who we are when no one is looking! In those moments we can see if we are a copycat.. or the real deal! Only when our lives consistently speak the same message day in and day out, no matter who is around us; only then, can we expect that what our lives have to say - might actually want to be heard by those unsaved around us! Does your lifestyle demonstrate an intrinsic sense of purpose and meaning and enthusiasm for life, or do you spend your time mimicking whatever seems to be working for those around you at the time? Do you have the courage to stand up above the crowd - be who you are in tenacious pursuit of the lover of your soul - always, everyday, in every moment? It will mean being honest with yourselves and others.. and it will be liberating and set you on a road to living truly FREE!

Opportunity comes to those who work... not wait!

2010-07-03T21:45:00.000-07:00

I am often amazed how many people I run into who lament their lack of opportunities in life. As I ponder their dilemma I began to ask myself why they felt no opportunities were coming their way. Is it possible that you can do all the right things and still not have doors of opportunity open for you?? Is waiting really the key?

I don't believe it is, and I try to teach my kids, and my young leaders that opportunity comes to those who work!

As a leader myself, I look for initiative and passion in those I work with. Those who can articulate what they are passionate about, and demonstrate initiative to start things on their own are good "soil" to invest and open doors of opportunity to. One of my passions is to partner with the initiative of those leaders who work with me. I want to create opportunities for them to begin to function in the things they are passionate about. I am this kind of leader, because those who saw my potential have done the same for me.

So, is having a great opportunity given to you a product of faithfully waiting for the right time, or is it a product of relentlessly pursuing any opportunity to use your talents and gifts to serve others. I probably am guilty of giving away my talent far too often, and sometimes I don't believe in my talent as much as I should - but I DO believe that when we are willing to use our talents, passion and initiative to serve someone else's vision for a season - that God in turn sees that as faithfulness and begins to open doors of opportunity to us that would never have been opened without that hard work.

Are your expectations too high or too narrow, so that you miss opportunities when they present themselves because they aren't ideal? Are your expectations too low that you sabotage your opportunities with presumption and speculation on how people will respond to you, or to your advancement? Are you waiting for the right opportunity to come to you, or are you looking for or creating the opportunity for yourself?

“We are all faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as impossible situations.” Charles R. Swindoll

“Don't wait for extraordinary opportunities. Seize common occasions and make them great. Weak men wait for opportunities; strong men make them.” Orison Swett Marden

“Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” Thomas Edison

“It is the responsibility of leadership to provide opportunity, and the responsibility of individuals to contribute.” William Pollard

Dawn of Mercy!

2010-06-29T02:30:00.000-07:00

As I look upon the morning sky, my mind is reset to start anew; a new day, a new way, a new attitude, a new eye on the way I see today. There is NEW mercy today, I hope I didn't use up all of yesterday's, but just in case, there is a new supply. I can rest in the fact that His mercy is endless, so my day can start with a fresh sigh of relief.. and rest in the fact that yesterday's mishaps don't have to cloud my new dawn. There is new mercy today, new hope, new discoveries to be made, new people to meet, and old friends to enjoy. Today is full of all the possibility that I chose to leave behind yesterday because of my fear, hurt and doubt. I can try again, I can stand up again, and today, just like always - he is with me, making me stronger with each new dawn. As I look upon the morning sky, my mind is set on things above, my heart leaps at the sight of my King, a song escapes me to greet him. Today is a new day, a wonderful day, a day with my King, my saviour and friend. A day in his creation, working the tasks he has given me and loving the people he has put in my world. There is NEW mercy today, not old, not stale, not worn out; but fresh, reviving and invigorating and inviting. A mercy so rich that my failures and falters was away with its tide, and hope arises one more time with strength to pursue my King.

What did your dawn bring you?

Thanks Dad!

2010-06-19T00:46:00.000-07:00

As Father's Day comes up, I want to take the time to honour my Dad. His name is John and I am who I am today in part because of him.

My Dad is Patient and Kind. He is a man of meaningful words and wisdom. He has an unbelieveable servant's heart and a work ethic that puts most people to shame. He is self-less, caring and thoughtful and values people. He is in love with this Saviour.

Dad isn't perfect, but he is humble and he set me on a path at an early age to be a humble learner. He has always believed in me, even when I didn't believe in myself. He is an encourager.

I value my time with my dad, the adventures we have together (like this crazy weekend when we packed everything we needed in a coffee can and set out for a survivor experience in the Kayaks). I love to explore the outdoors with him, because he is knowledgeable and full of intriguing stories, and he has taught me to find God in nature. I value his wisdom, his insight and the life lessons he has learned as he has followed hard after God. I treasure the model he has been for me of a person of integrity, leadership and passion.

Most of all, my Dad has given me a strong and healthy image of my heavenly father. He demonstrated that God's arms are always open to me. That his affections are always towards me and that he always wants to see the best come out of me.

My Dad has grown to be a dear friend and mentor. I have never doubted his love for me even for a second. He has been a rock when I needed security, and a rope when I needed to stretch my boundaries and independence. Most of all, my Dad has loved me unconditionally. He has listened to my ramblings and meaningless talking on and on for hours; my at times, narrow minded and naive points of view and immature perspectives on the world. He has never been one to criticize, but always one to build up.

I am grateful to have such a father in my life! A man who truly has shown me what it is to be in love with my creator.

Do you need a dad?? I would be selfish if I didn't say I would share mine! He has a heart big enough to hold many daughters and sons, and he has spent his life loving people. Treat him kindly!

Dad, on this Father's Day, I thank you for loving me, and helping me to know my heavenly Father's love! I love you! Nicki

"Pay Attention Boy, and I'll prove I'm a chicken, Rooster that is..."

2010-06-17T23:24:00.000-07:00

"Pay Attention Boy, and I'll prove I'm a chicken, Rooster that is..." Foghorn Leghorn

I am always amused by this particular episode of Foghorn Leghorn - Henry Hawk (the young chicken hawke) is ambitious about his purpose in life. He.. (well.. you should just watch it.. and then come back)...

classic foghorn leghorn cartoon - Watch more Funny Videos

Sometimes, in our selfish moments as parents we make the awful mistake of parenting so we can have our way, instead of actually doing what is right or best for our child! I'm sure we can all think of times when we have done it! We're tired and need quiet so we yell! We have things to do that somehow become more important that what our child needs at that moment, or we are in a rush so instead of teaching our child life skills or new things.. we rush ahead and do them ourselves... so that it's done quick, and it's done right!

Some of our kids are born with Henry Hawke's tenacity and stubborn streak - the one that says "I can do it myself", but most of the time they aren't and we squish the little bit of tenacity they dare to share by insisting that they CAN'T, and they would be better off to let us do it for them. You know.. because who has the time right at that moment to teach them? They might not even get it!

As parents, teachers and Kids Pastor's we need to guard our words, and our "too low" expectations that often accompany our stressed schedule or long work days. Our kids would astound us at what they are capable with, if they were given a chance.

Which is better? To stay sane ourselves and do everything for our kids, affording them the best of everything, no hurt, no pain, no disappointment? Or to take the time to make parenting about what is best for them?

My Dad always used to tell me "insanity is hereditary... you get it from your kids". I guess he was right!

KidLead - Proof our young leaders don't have to settle for mediocre!

2010-06-14T22:42:00.000-07:00

For anyone who follows me on Twitter (and you should http://twitter.com/nickistraza ) you will find I describe myself as passionate about Kids, Leadership and Kids In Leadership. I have always held to the concept that kids are capable of more than we give them credit for, and that we should and can teach kids about leadership and allow them to function in it - AS KIDS! Well, I found someone who agrees with me - AND who is done all the work to make it happen. Dr. Alan Nelson has worked for many years trying to re-train adults in leadership - then he took another look at things and came back with this book and an amazing curriculum that teaches high calibre, high octane leadership - to TWEENS! Yes, that's right! His philosophy is simple: " If you want to change the world, focus on leaders. If you want to change leaders, focus on them when they're young."

I have had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Alan Nelson in person - he is passionate, knowledgeable and competent in what he does. His program is like a "mini" Apprentice (You know... like Donald trump) - where kids learn about the 16 most valuable characteristics for leadership as they apply to character and competence. The value of this program is the kids DO the leading not just learn about it.

The value of this training & curriculum is tremendous - but it's the MINDSET that makes me most giddy! Imagine with me for a moment - giving those kids with natural leadership ability the tools to be both ethical and effective leaders with the confidence to start leading TODAY! This world will be a different place in 10 - 15 years because of pioneers like Dr. Nelson! To catch the vision and read more about it simply visit

http://www.kidlead.com

Currency of Tries!

2010-06-14T01:55:00.000-07:00

Sadly.. Homer's mentality is all to common an approach to life, risk-taking and persistence. So often we are so afraid to try never mind TRY AGAIN! We settle into a cycle of fear, and self doubt and never get momentum enough to prove ourselves wrong!

I like to liken TRYING to MONEY!

For Example:

It cost $3.99 for a Hot Wheels Racer but it costs $80,000 for a Dodge Viper! If I were to say that I wanted to buy the Dodge Viper for $3.99 - you would look at me like a had 3 heads! WHY? Because it is clear that the Dodge Viper is worth MORE DOLLARS!

Now.. let's say you were trying to master bubble blowing? Perhaps that "skill" for you has a 10 try price tag! So often if we don't get it on the first, or second try - we give up and form an opinion about ourselves that we are incapable - when we simply have not invested enough effort to yield the payoff! Walking away in a huff calling myself a failure for not being able to purchase the Viper for $3.99 would be the comparable response - when you look at it in that light - it seems ludicrous!

Thomas Edison's Incandescent Light Bulb - was a 10,000 try "skill".

Olympic Diving probably has a similar "price tag".

What about the discipline of consistently eating healthy? Or learning to manage your anger, language or how you spend your time? What about the discipline of making your bed, or cleaning up after yourself?

Popular theory suggested that it takes 28 days to build a new habit? That is a minimum of a 28 try "price tag"

When we begin to change our perspective on the things we are trying to accomplish - and look at the things we are trying to accomplish as having a "price tag of tries" it changes everything - then PERSISTENCE and LEARNING become the only needed ingredients to our success! Our worth, our value, our past "failures" do not enter into the equation any longer. This is what Thomas Edison's advice is on the subject of trying:

I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.
Thomas A. Edison

Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.
Thomas A. Edison

Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.
Thomas A. Edison

If we did all the things we are capable of, we would literally astound ourselves.
Thomas A. Edison

This is what the Bible says:

Luke 18:1
[ The Parable of the Persistent Widow ] Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.

Galatians 6:9
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

James 1:4
Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Romans 5:3-4

³Not only so, but we^[a] also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; ⁴perseverance, character; and character, hope.

What have you given up on? What are you GIVING UP.. when you GIVE UP? Trying again, never quitting is a character trait of maturity!

Are you willing to invest in your potential with the currency of TRIES?

Fodderferbloggin!

2010-06-10T22:59:00.000-07:00

Alright, so I'm feeling a bit silly tonight! And I would say my brain's audio files are full of humour tonight! So I have decided to share with you, one of my all time favourite moments with my dear friend Porky Pig! Can you watch this with a straight face??? I'll bet you can't!

Vezi mai multe din Desene animate pe 220.ro

OK... so now that we have had a good dose of laughter... we can all get back to work and be productive! YAY.. be sure to stay tuned for more blogginfodder!

Faith is Voice-Activated!

2010-06-08T22:42:00.000-07:00

I have always been mesmerized by machinery that listens when I boss it around! I'm not sure it if is my natural maternal instinct that drives such a fascination or if it is simply that I am a "Big Sister" and I must boss things around. The notion of voice activation fascinates me. Technology so fine tuned that it recognizes your voice, interprets what you say and responds accordingly. If you say nothing, then nothing happens, but wonder of wonders, when you open your mouth and speak - something happens, the situation changes, what was once an inanimate object suddenly responds to my voice.

Faith is Voice Activated. In order for the things we believe to come alive, to have power, to be effective in changing things we must SPEAK them! Our faith is at risk of being inanimate, dormant until we have the courage to SPEAK it. The Word of faith is near us, it's IN OUR MOUTH (Romans 10:8) Scripture goes on to say that Salvation comes through faith when we confess with our mouth (Romans 10:9-10). With faith as small as a mustard seed we can SPEAK to a mountain and see it removed.(Matt 17:20)

I believe that Faith without works is dead. I also believe that Faith with out SPEECH, is ineffective and weak. I believe, God wants to reveal His Kingdom to us, then he wants us to bring it into existence through our spoken word of Faith and the tangible work of our hands. Our Faith is voice activated, our testimony of what Christ has done for us tells the world "He can do it for you." God's has given us the authority to speak his Kingdom and his will into existence here on earth. What are you believing for? Have you said it OUT LOUD? Go ahead... everyone is listening, it's ok :)

Kindness is love with its work boots on!

2010-06-07T21:23:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you, but when I watched this I got goosebumps! The next thing I did was go in and start to investigate who these amazing christians were exploring kindness in such a creative way! I investigated.. and much to my dismay... they weren't christians! The Kindness Offensive in the UK was started by 3 friends who wanted to brighten people's day and make a difference.

Imagine what would happen if the church GOT the kindness thing? I mean, what if the church, young and old, red haired or blond, handi-capable or lazy, Pastor or electrician, lifer or newbie - what if we made kindness a deliberate choice? What if generosity was the starting place, what if going the extra mile was the norm... What if kindness was our lifestyle, and love was our motivation? Better yet, what if kindness was our lifestyle, love our motivation and the Holy Spirit our Guide?

I am thankful to be at a church that understands the impact of kindness on a community! The bible says in Romans 2:4 Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance?

Kindness opens doors to the HEART! So often we spend so much time arguing with people about theology or rules or the shoulds or should nots in behaviour that we forget that in order for any of that stuff to matter to someone they first must have a change of HEART! Arguments don't change people's hearts and open them to faith in God, but the Holy Spirit through KINDNESS does! Who can explain the impact of a genuine, no strings attached, act of true kindness?

I once heard it said that "Kindness is Love with it's work boots on". For me, understanding the kind heart of God and allowing that heart to change me does several things - it keeps me humble, it keeps me focused on how I can help others, and it causes me to see people with the perspective of being valuable -worthy of kind gestures. The amazing thing about kindness is that it is practical, tangible and doable for ANY age, at any time!

For me in kids/family ministry, summer is an amazing season to spend time being intentionally kind as often as possible! Inspire those in your ministry to look beyond their own selfish plans for the summer to see what they can do for their neighbourhood! This summer, lets do kindness better than the world! Check out one of many events that Freedom House and Captain Kindness did this year! Watch for more this summer as we change our city, BY GOOD.. INTO GOOD! I can Kind... CAN YOU?

Go Crazy!.. Don't Mind if I do!

2010-06-06T23:07:00.000-07:00

So I am quite used to being looked at as ODD or CRAZY when I make comments like " No really, I want to hang out with the kids" or "I'm going to go eat my plate of potluck over there with the 4 year olds". OK Truthfully, must people just look at me as ODD or CRAZY on a good day! But today, I had some of my best fun hanging out with a table full of girls Age 3-7.

I love hearing their stories and giggling at their jokes and making them laugh! I love spending time with kids, because you get the real deal! If they don't like you, they say so, if they think you are silly, they say so, if you have something growing on your forehead they tell you - it is a wonderful thing! Kids haven't learned to be plastic, insincere and synthetic! Sometimes the most fun can be had in moments of complete silliness! Interestingly, those are the moments that create some of the greatest bonds and memories I have with kids! Without fail, I will sit down with any collection of my kids club kids, and at some point in the conversation one will say "Nicki, do you remember when you did.... this.. or that silly thing".

Humour is one very effective way of helping kids to remember things and I believe that when I can make moments of relationship stick with some humour - they will walk away always remembering they are loved, enjoyed and valued. Making memories with the kids in your family, or with the kids in your ministry is so important to increasing your influence with them. When you enjoy some old fashioned silliness with your kids, they will open their ears and hearts to the things you have to say to them!

So next time someone invites you to go crazy - why not pull this Homer Simpson maneuvre and see what kind of memory it creates!!! Then, down the road, when that child asks you if you remember, you can say yes and use it to launch a conversation about deeper things in life or ask them a question about what drives them cuckoo crazy - and maybe, just maybe speak life, love and acceptance to a child at a moment when that child really needs it.

The Holy Spirit has an amazing way of "reminding" us of things. The more memories you create with the kids in (and adults) in your life, the more open doors you create to speak into their lives! Go ahead.. I dare you... Go Crazy!!

Attitude Adjustment While you Wait!

2010-06-01T22:29:00.000-07:00

" Adjust your own attitude, young lady, or I will do it manually!!"

I can still hear those words ringing in my ear when I find myself enjoying a personal pity party, or wallowing in my whiny well of entitlement and pride. At the time I used to hate the fact that they forced me.. in that exact moment, to grab a hold of my emotions, and my thinking, and force them to line up with what was right under the threat of a paddlin! (The video clip is for free... haha)

I didn't realize at the time however, that I was learning that I could be the boss of my attitudes in every situation.

Attitudes effect our perspective! Attitudes are the lens that we see life through! Some of us would quickly say that we see life through a positive lens, or perhaps you are one to see things typically through a negative lens - but in both cases we may not be seeing our situation correctly. We need to see things through the lens of TRUTH - as outlined in scripture. This is not something that any of us can "muster" of our own selves.

There are many times in life where I need a Holy Spirit Attitude Adjustment! I learned at a young age, that it is much less painful to adjust my own attitude.. then it is to have it adjusted manually! The same applies for our life with God. If we learn how to adjust our own attitude, then God doesn't have to do it for us. For me, the attitude adjustment comes in the form of worship!

Just last weekend I ran into a situation where I was feeling quite angry and frustrated at the way certain circumstances rolled out - in the middle of my ranting I realized I wasn't benefiting the others I was working with by ranting and raving. I promptly went out to my car, got the CD player and a worship cd and returned to my less than thrilling cleaning task with my attitude adjuster in hand. I knew I had to worship and get perspective on my situation. For my sake, and more importantly.. for those who were watching my stinky attitude. Worship helps us to see things the way GOD sees them. Worship helps us to see ourselves, and others the way God seems us/them. Worship helps us see GOD, the way he truly is, outside of the boxes our circumstances like to put him in. I am pretty sure everyone I worked with was glad to hear me shut up, and turn on the music - though everyone had great grace for me, and didn't say a thing!

What do you do with your stinky attitudes? What works as an attitude adjuster for you? I dare you to try worshiping in the middle of a bad attitude moment... the transformation is truly miraculous!

Ministry of Silly Walks

2010-05-31T23:07:00.000-07:00

Share with me a moment of true genius... and great hilarity as we watch the Master John Cleese in this video

Ministry of Silly Walks

“Someday Isle”

This place is amazing, oh the things I can do!

I just think up a something and Poof, Blam, Kazoo!

Before me I see it, all shiny and new

The something I thought of for a moment or two!

I look to my left, something is missing I'm sure

so I imagine that something and BOOM there's the cure!

So simple a task, I see a problem.. I fix it,

one little idea, and we have the ticket!

This place is amazing, my plans make me smile

The sky is the limit, in the land of “Someday Isle”

Someday I'll do them,

Someday I'll write,

Someday I'll draw, or I'll sing, or I'll fight

Someday I'll change

Someday I'll try

Someday I'll start something,

Someday I'll... die!

The island of someday, where dreams are so great!

Unless you get started, your dreams go to waste!

Your world changing; earth shattering; ingenious plans

Could make a difference if you took a chance!

Turn someday into TODAY, start now and you'll see

The Island of Someday could be reality!

Whether our passion is being the king of silly walks... climbing mount Everest... being a mastermind at Kids Tricks... or increasing our influence as a Kids Pastor - none of these things can be accomplished without the first step! I have come to the conclusion that we all must work to become "good" at taking the first step. Without taking the first step towards something we will forever stay in the wishful place of "Someday Isle". The courage to take that first step is often the difference between a dream... and an accomplishment. When we persist in taking "first steps" the cumulative effect is distance; is progress! Mount Everest is conquered by many first steps! The ability to be good at taking first steps means we have the ability to start, and we have the ability tostart again. Many times we will try things in life only to be met by obstacles, problems or hindrances - and sadly - many of us will allow those things to slow or even kill our forward momentum. We become over come with a nasty case of the "YABUTS" Yah.. but I have to do this, Yah but I don't have the tools, Yah.. but I don't know how!

The first step doesn't have to be perfect - it DOES have to happen! What excuses are you making today that are stopping you from getting to where you are going? What is your first step? What are you giving up... by giving up?

If today is not the day for solutions, then it is the day for excuses! What kind of day is it for you?

The "CAN DO" culture of creativity!

2010-05-26T21:06:00.000-07:00

I love when I get to spend time with my leaders and watch as synergy happens! I like to describe synergy as the "CAN DO Culture of creativity" - the atmosphere where any idea is possible, everyone's ideas is welcome, and everyone is on board to make something happen. There isn't an expectation that every idea must be done, there are no egos that demand their idea take precedence - it is really just a team coming together to explore what is truly best for our kids, our ministry and our church. How do you create such a culture? Well, I wish I knew for sure, but here is what I have learned.

"Can DO culture of creativity" is nurtured by:

1) Commitment to team, and to each other as team members. - I need my team, and what my team brings to the table - it's the US that makes it great! Creating an atmosphere where each member is valued for what they bring to the table is very important!
2) Positivity - This is very important to me personally - every idea is valid, every idea is a part of the creative pool - often my "average" idea could be the launchpad for someone else's genius idea - the freedom and liberty to speak it enables everyone's creativity to flow unhindered. When we brainstorm, no idea is shot down, belittled or mocked. Our commitment to our team (#1) enables us to respect and value what each member brings to the table.
3) Humour - I personally like to make room for the silly ideas and funny spin-offs that pop into people's heads - sometimes it is those very ideas that spin out into amazing and effective plans or ideas! Humour also fosters a lighter mood, and an ability to see the "fun" side of things - if we are having fun - there is a good chance that our kids will have fun too!
4) Initiative - Brainstorming sessions are only as good as the follow-through - I love to encourage people (and myself) to take an idea home with them and run with it, play with it, and come back with a first step completed. When your team is given permission to own the idea, or add their own spice to it - it becomes alive, and the chance of it getting accomplished becomes much higher. Encourage ownership, and action!
5) Finish Well - once your team has decided on a direction, and followed through and gotten things started - finishing well becomes critical. Nothing takes the steam out of creativity like unfinished projects. When a team sees an idea birthed... given life.. and accomplished it has an immediate motivating effect, and it spurs a desire for bigger and more challenging things! Finishing well becomes the catalyst to your next success!

As leaders, it is important that we be willing to set aside our need to accomplish our own ideas, for the sake of fostering TEAM IDEAS - if you want your team to be on board for the work - then let them be on board for the creation of the idea too - not only will the sum of your ideas be greater than its parts, but the extra hands will make for lighter work!

GO TEAM!

Hey,.... I like you!

2010-05-24T23:17:00.000-07:00

As a Kids Pastor, we spend tons of time with kids, and it is awesome to build relationship with each of the kids in your group. In my many years of working with kids, I have found one phrase - very powerful, when used with sincerity. HEY, I LIKE YOU!

Sometimes, I will yell it from across the room as I see a child enter the room "HEY... AUSTIN... I LIKE YOU", or othertimes... in a quite moment, when it's just me and a child talking... I will lean in close to whisper in their ear! hey... just so you know...I like you! When I teach my 7 workshops in classes at the schools - I will take time at the end of the series to give a "word of encouragement" that starts with the phrase " Jamie... do you know what I like about you?? I like......". The impact is amazing... and that word of life will cling to that child forever! They will remember the day that lady who came to my class said "I like you because.....".

There is something really powerful in speaking this LIFE over kids. They all know we have an 'obligation' to love one another, or for leaders/parents to "love" them.. but I think sometimes they aren't really sure if we LIKE them.

I want to encourage you today, to take the time today, to send a letter, or make a plan to encourage and build up the kids in your ministry - looking for things to like about them. SAY it, MEAN it, and let them hear you say it in front of others. Sometimes, a simple, heartfelt encouragement can be the key to opening a child's heart to you, and to your influence and leadership!

While you are at it.... send and I like you to one of your leaders/volunteers too :)

Get Free... Live Free..... Free Others And Notes on How to Teach it to Kids!

2010-05-19T00:11:00.000-07:00

The L.A.F.F. Principle

L: Loved so we can love

A: Accepted so we can accept

F: Forgiven so we can forgive

F: Free so we can free others

We are at the last "F" in LAFF. FREE. This is one of the most important.. yet possibly the most difficult to teach. WHY? Well... have you ever been taught what being FREE meant in church?? I have been a christian a VERY long time.. and we heard the word thrown around alot, and we all claim to "be free" - but what does that REALLY look like. Here are some verses to ponder:

John 8:32
Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

2 Corinthians 3:17
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

Galatians 5:1
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

Ephesians 3:12
In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.

1 Peter 2:16
Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God.

2 Peter 2:19
They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity—for a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him.

A very wise friend of mine (OK.. Dr. Sharlyss Beattie) once said - that in North America, we christians have become content to be saved, but not Free.

Galatians says that it was for FREEDOM that Christ came to set us free. The price that Jesus paid on the cross was not just to unlock our chains - but to enable us to walk around as FREE people. What are we supposed to be free from? As a lifer christian - my answer forever was "SIN". Yes, Jesus did take our sin upon himself at the cross - but was that it? Jesus took our sin.. and all it's luggage true, but he also bought back for us the connection with God, the authority once given to Adam in the garden and the ability to carry his Spirit within us. So what are we supposed to be free from? If we can't answer this, we cannot teach our kids to be free!

Many children if you ask them what freedom is - couldn't really give you an answer - kids in our culture do not understand the notion of NOT being free. To them, being free is getting to do what they want - being free from rules, or being told what to do. Sadly our culture thinks freedom is much the same. I do not agree. I believe that Freedom is the liberty to do what is right...any time! Free to speak the name of Jesus without fear, free to leave my past behind me, free to get up and try again, free from the snare of everyone elses opinion.

Jesus wants us to walk in abundant life - here.. now! Free of shame, condemnation, fear and guilt. Free to love, be patient, give unconditionally and walk by the Spirit. The interesting thing about this one... is that teaching our kids about walking in Freedom.. is really hard to do well - if we aren't getting free .. and living free for ourselves!

HOW TO TEACH THIS TO KIDS:

1) First... you need to start down the path of getting free in your own personal life by addressing your own insecurities, fears and doubts. Only then will you truly have understanding and experience from which to share.
2) Identify and define what Fear, shame, & condemnation are. How they work, the schemes of the enemy (he is a liar.. all the time by the way), and what kinds of thoughts and feelings they produce in us. Explain how often they are connected to our mistakes and sins.
3) Teach the kids to confess their sin, ask God for forgiveness. BUT please.. do not stop there! That is not the end!
4) It is very important that we find out what GOD says about us, about condemnation, about fear and shame, and we need to find those verses and HOLD ON to them, despite how we feel! We need to ask the Holy Spirit to remove our sin, and fill the space up with his Spirit and his Truth!

There are many layers to this particular topic, too many to try to outline in a blog - but if you are interested in more on this topic - please email me directly and we can chat about it! Teaching our kids to live in Freedom, keeping in step with the Spirit is so important, but it takes cultivation.. and time. I have found that as I have invested in my own freedom.. the ability to teach it to others becomes much easier.

So what negative things do you believe about yourself today? Ask God to show you his truth.. so that you can know the truth.. and the truth.. will set you free!

Someday Isle!

2010-05-17T21:43:00.000-07:00

This place is amazing, oh the things I can do!

I just think up a something, and Poof, Blam, Kazoo!

Before me I see it, all shiny and new

The something I thought of, for a moment or two!

I look to my left, something is missing I'm sure,

so I imagine that something, and BOOM there's the cure!

So simple a task, I see a problem.. I fix it,

one little idea, and we have the ticket!

This place is amazing, my plans make me smile

The sky is the limit, in the land of “Someday Isle”

Someday I'll do them,

Someday I'll write,

Someday I'll draw, or I'll sing, or I'll fight

Someday I'll change

Someday I'll try

Someday I'll start something,

Someday I'll... die!

The island of someday, where dreams are so great!

Unless you get started, your dreams go to waste!

Your world changing; earth shattering; ingenious plans

Could make a difference if you took a chance!

Turn someday into TODAY, start now and you'll see

The Island of Someday could be reality!

Inspired by the quote: “Most people spend their entire lives on a fantasy island called 'Someday I'll'.”

Denis Waitley

Forgiven so we can Forgive - And Notes on how to teach it to Kids!

2010-05-16T22:33:00.000-07:00

The L.A.F.F. Principle

L: Loved so we can love

A: Accepted so we can accept

F: Forgiven so we can forgive

F: Free so we can free others

So if you have been following my recent... tho sporadic posts you will see that we chatted about being Loved so we can love, and Accepted so we can accept. God's love and acceptance of us is unconditional. There is nothing we have to do to earn it, it is a gift of God, our if we receive it by faith. What about Forgiveness? Many would argue that it too is a gift, and I will agree that God gives it liberally but, Forgiveness is not without strings.

First of all - to receive God's forgiveness we first must confess our sins 1 John 1: 9 says If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. We need to ask for it, our sin isn't covered unless we acknowledge our need for atonement - which Jesus paid on the cross, and gladly extends to all who confess their sins and ask for his forgiveness. There is a second string to this one however, and often it is one we overlook. This second "string" is also the cause of why many of us do not live in the freedom we could be living in. The bible clearly says in Luke 11, where Jesus teaches his disciples how to pray, to pray this "forgive us our sins as we also forgive those who sin against us". In Matthew 18 Jesus tells the parable of the unforgiving servant - a man who was forgiven a huge debt by the king, turned to one of his own servants who owed him just a small amount and had him thrown into prison because he couldn't pay.

In order for us to walk in forgiveness we must be humble - quickly admitting our need for it and repenting AND we must extend that same grace to those who wrong us! Simply put we are forgiven so that we can forgive.

I want to add a point to this however, because sometimes we can get to a point where we finally allow God to forgive us for our long laundry list of failures and sins but often we do not forgive ourselves. Somewhere in our mind we still seem to think that suffering and punishment must take place as penance for our misdeeds - but we forget that Jesus, in his love has already taken that punishment for us. HIS death and resurrection not only mark our ability to be forgiven, but our freedom to forgive ourselves. His grace gives us the chance to try again, to get up from falling and keep going. When we accept God's forgiveness, we should also accept his grace as permission for us to "go and sin no more". Unforgiveness towards others, and towards ourselves holds grave consequences and can enslave us and prevent forgiveness of our sins. Is there someone that you need to release forgiveness to today? Don't push it off till tomorrow, set yourself free today by releasing forgiveness.. and repenting and receiving forgiveness for yourself!

HOW TO TEACH THIS TO KIDS:

There are several layers to this teaching, and to teach it well it should be taught in layers, for example:

1) Define Sin & explain we are all sinners - Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God - This needs to be understood by the kids - we all need forgiving (especially us pious lifer christians who think we follow the rules so well).
2) Define Repentance - It's not just about saying sorry, but TURNING from our current direction - 180 change! I would use 1 John 1: 9 as a memory verse for this week. Emphasize the need to confess/ask for forgiveness.
3) Define Forgiveness - Every Sin can be forgiven, everytime, again and again if necessary! - God's forgiveness is plentiful - but I would challenge the kids to seek God's help in improving and working out the sin in their lives - You can show the trap of "habitual" sin - like the hamster in his wheel! - 1 John 1:7
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.
4) Forgiving ourselves - I would dedicate a whole lesson to this understanding as it can be a significant handicap for many christians. I love to use the analogy of a "child" carrying a very heavy knapsack of "sins" struggling under the weight and praying for forgiveness, God removes the knapsack, but the "child" doesn't believe he is forgiven, so he fills up his own knapsack of "condemnation" and carries it around feeling sorry for himself. - Romans 8:1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
5) Forgiving others - This is most important, because if we do not forgive others, we ourselves cannot be forgiven. God's promises are IF... THEN promises. IF we do something.. THEN.. God will do something. Using the parable of the unforgiving servant is a great story for this lesson - from Matthew 18

Loved & Accepted... no strings attached!

2010-05-11T21:13:00.000-07:00

So as we have studied the L.A.F.F. Principle I wanted to highlight something. (ok.. two somethings)

1) God's Love for us is unconditional, it is a gift it is for everyone, and nothing is required to get this gift but accepting it in faith.

2) God's Acceptance of us unconditional - no strings attached - we are made to be a part of his family, co-heirs with Christ - we can do nothing to earn it.

If we understand that about these two things, and let the conviction of God bring that Truth down deep into our lives it will begin to radically change your thinking.

The Last Two:
Forgiven and Free - Both of these are conditional upon ourselves - they require that we do something to obtain them. we will review that more in the coming days!

Do you believe that God loves and accepts you without condition? What conditions do you project onto God from yourself? What rules do you create when it comes to how much God loves you, or How much God loves the Kids?

Kid Builders... I met the best one.. Kidologist Karl Bastian!

2010-05-10T19:50:00.000-07:00

Wow, it's been over a week since my last blog, so sad, so sad. My computer fried just in time for the conference.. thankfully most of my seminar notes etc were on my laptop.. YIPES.. my data is all safe... but I had to buy a new computer. It still isn't up and going, but we're working on it!

That said.. I just wanted to write short blog about what our Kid Builders Conference this past weekend. First of all, I had the wonderful pleasure of spending time with Pastor Karl Bastian aka Kidologist, who was our guest speaker for the weekend. I love his sense of humour, his endless creativity and fabulous story telling. I have always appreciated his amazing website Kidology, and now I am privileged to call him friend. Over the course of the weekend he spoke on some fantastic things - including 10 ways to engage Kids. My daughter (who is 13) wrote down the list word for word, and started practicing them in service the very next morning. She told me today, she practiced them at school and thought it was "so cool, cause it worked every time".

I also got the opportunity to teach some seminars, and meet other seminar leaders which was very enriching. I love building leaders, and pouring everything I have into them, so that they too can succeed. I met several local Kids Leaders and Pastor's whom I have connected with and can continue to network with over the next months.

In talking with those who attended, I heard so many people comment about how timely and relevant the teaching from the weekend was for them and their teams. God is on the move, and I am so excited to see a groups of leaders get solid teaching, practical tools and encouragement to go back to their ministries with renewed vision, and creativity.

What would you want to learn about at the next Kid Builders Conference?? Let me know...

Kid Builders Conference This Weekend! - Join US!

2010-05-07T00:05:00.000-07:00

Hi Friends,

We are so excited to have Karl Bastian - Kidologist - from Kidology.org with us as our guest speaker this weekend at our Kid Builders Conference.

If you haven't registered yet, don't worry, it's not too late! You can still register online, or at the Door on Saturday Morning!

You don't want to miss this awesome event!

I won't be around blog world until I get my main computer up and running next week, so while you are waiting... join us at Kid Builders :) See you there!

Accepted so we can Accept - Plus Notes on How to Teach it!

2010-04-28T22:59:00.000-07:00

The L.A.F.F. Principle

L: Loved so we can love

A: Accepted so we can accept

F: Forgiven so we can forgive

F: Free so we can free others

As the foundation of being loved is formed in our lives it gives way to the sense of belonging we have with God. Amazingly, knowing we are loved, and believing we are accepted are two very different things. Sometimes we can acknowledge that God loves (you know because he has to) but we often believe that he doesn't really like us all that much - never mind go so far as to say we are WANTED! Scripture clearly communicates that not only are we loved, but that God WANTS a relationship with us, he desires communication and he WANTS to hang out with us - he really does like us! Belonging to his family, feeling that we hold a place of value and significance in God's heart is a wonderful truth of scripture.. let's look at it:

God has Adopted us as his Sons and Daughter's - with all the rights of an heir: John 1:12¹²Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God

Our existence is planned and significant - we belong in God's Plan - 1 Corinthians 12:27 ²⁷Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.

We are the object of God's pleasure and lavished Love -Ephesians 1:3-8Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. ⁴For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love ⁵he^[a] predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— ⁶to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. ⁷In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace ⁸that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.

We are Set apart, exclusively God's: 1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

God wants to live IN us, so much that He sent Jesus to Die to make it happen:
1 Corinthians 6:19-20Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; ²⁰you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.

God provided unlimited, unhindered Access to each of us: Hebrews 4:14-16 Jesus the Great High Priest ¹⁴Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens,^[a] Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. ¹⁵For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. ¹⁶Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

The amazing thing is that often our own shame and condemnation keep us from truly believing that God accepts us, and isn't in a constant state of disappointment with our lives. There is so much truth in these scriptures if we will choose to appropriate it for ourselves. The significance of this bold acceptance of us by the Father is not soley for us however, but to serve as an example of how he wants us to treat each other:

Romans 15:7⁷Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.

HOW TO TEACH THIS TO KIDS:

1) Again there are 4-6 weeks of lessons in this - Taking each topic and exhausting its meaning with the kids!
2) REPEAT, REPEAT, REPEAT
3) Explore what it looks like to accept others in these ways
4) Use the analogy of the all access pass to the Father's throne Room as a way of communicating acceptance.
5) Commission the kids to be inclusive and accepting of everyone in your kids ministry - facilitate "get to know me games" and help them make new friends.

Loved so we can love! - And Notes how to Teach it to Kids!

2010-04-27T23:24:00.000-07:00

The L.A.F.F. Principle

L: Loved so we can love

A: Accepted so we can accept

F: Forgiven so we can forgive

F: Free so we can free others

The first part of our Identity in Christ is the understanding that WE ARE LOVED! Knowing this is key to our understanding and ability to accept anything else from God. Get this....

God's Love is a GIFT: Ephesians 2:8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.

God's Love is for EVERYONE: John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

God's Love Comes WITHOUT CONDITIONS: Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

God's Love is TRUSTWORTHY: Psalm 52:8 But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God's unfailing love for ever and ever.

God's Love is FOREVER: Psalm 136:2 Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever.

God's Love is MIGHTY - WE Cannot be Separated from it: Romans 8:38-39 ³⁸For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,^[a] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, ³⁹neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Simply put. It was available to us before we even knew we needed it! We can't earn it, we don't deserve it, we can all have it, we receive it by FAITH only! Once we have it, we can't lose it, diminish it or be separated from it. It's Ours, It's FREE and there are no strings attached.

Why are we given such a wonderful gift? We are given it so that:
1) We can receive it for ourselves
2) We can extend the SAME love to others as both a demonstration and an invitation of God's Love for them.

We get it, so we can give it away!

HOW TO TEACH THIS TO KIDS:

1) Take a month or two to break down all the aspects of God's love. Kids learn best by learning precept upon precept - layer upon layer. Take each of the above characteristics of God's love and expound on it. - What does it REALLY MEAN that God's Love is a gift?
2) Use analogy's and examples from nature to demonstrate each characteristic so that the concept is easily understood.
3) REPEAT REPEAT REPEAT! - Have the kids say GOD LOVES IS____ as often as you can.
4) End with a commission that they give that love away - challenge them to love like God does. Give them practical methods and ideas to do - and give them room to add their own.

Identity Crisis!! I think I'm a banana!!!

2010-04-25T23:26:00.000-07:00

The L.A.F.F. Principle

L: Loved so we can love

A: Accepted so we can accept

F: Forgiven so we can forgive

F: Free so we can free others

The boy sat bewildered in the banana box - his gleaming yellow shirt went nearly to his knees. Inside the box with him he found a plastic banana, and from the sidelines he heard passersby comment about the cute banana! Without warning... a stranger pulled out a spoon and proceeded to smear whip cream down his arm... and the feast was on - the boy soon realized he... was a part of a banana split! It must be true then... he was a banana!

He was yellow like a banana!

He was in a box with a banana!

His job was to taste good with whip cream.. .like a banana

Everyone is saying he is a banana.. it must be true.. RIGHT?

As ridiculous as this sounds... often we do this very thing with our own lives! We determine our IDENTITY by all the wrong things!

So what determines our identity?

Is it our circumstances? (in a box.. with a banana?)

Is it how we look or how we feel? (Yellow like a banana?)

Is it what others say about us? (What a cute banana?)

Is it what we do? (Tastes good with whip cream?)

The sad thing is often we use circumstances, feelings, what other people think of us or what we do as a basis for WHO we are! The problem with every single one of these things is ... THEY CAN CHANGE! Let's look at how it really plays out if we base our identity on these things.

EVERYONE Says "I Can't" (other peoples opinions)

I'm having trouble doing it (circumstance)

I feel unable to do it (feelings)

I've never done that before (what we do.. or don't do)

IT MUST BE TRUE then – I can't!

Everyone says I'm worthless (other peoples opinions)

No one acknowledges my worth, or gives me special acknowledges (circumstance)

I feel worthless (feelings)

I don't do anything that is truly of WORTH (what we do.. or don't do)

IT MUST BE TRUE – I'm WORTHLESS

In order for us to have any security or stability in our identity, it must be based on something that cannot change or move! God's word is the only thing that cannot change!

If we plant a tree in sand – it can't take root!

If we build our houses on quick sand it will sink!

If we are crossing a river – we look for stones to step on, not lily pads!

Our Identity MUST be rooted in something that does not change! This is why knowing, and holding on to truth is so important! Truth is found ONLY in God's written and spoken Word! So how do we walk this out? How do we begin to remove the roots of our identity away from circumstances, opinion, feeling or accomplishment to God's word?

1) We take our thoughts Captive and make them obedient to Christ - we put our emotions (feelings), body and mind under the authority of Jesus and his Word - (We tell them who's boss)
2) We learn the TRUTH so the truth can set us FREE
3) We CHOOSE the truth over the lie - even if it doesn't line up with how we feel, what our circumstances say or what others say!
4) Repent of the lie and hold fast to the truth!

What lies are you believing about yourself?

As we explore the L.A.F.F. Principle this week, open your heart to Jesus and ask him to expose the lies that you believe so that you can repent and be replanted in TRUTH!

HOW TO TEACH THIS TO KIDS:

1) Use a volunteer to act out the "banana kid in a box" story and try to convince the kids the child is really a banana .
2) Define "Identity" and ask the kids how they know they aren't a banana
3) Discuss which is the best option crossing a river" I like to use as many props as I can - Lily Pad or Stepping Stones? Why?
4) Show the Kids that God's words are like Stepping stones, but Feelings, people's opinions, circumstances and accomplishments are like lily pads (You can write these on the lily pads if you make them)
5) Memory Verse: Isaiah 40:8 "The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever."

Slaves to the "Freedom Mentality"

2010-04-22T14:48:00.000-07:00

In an age where Freedom is interpreted as "the RIGHT.. to do what I want", you would think we would be the happiest people around. Sadly, we are among the most depressed, most suicidal and most "hopeless" on the list of countries - WHY?

After reading the book "Generation Me" by Jean Twenge I quickly began to put into perspective the dilemma we are in as a culture. We have lulled ourselves into thinking that we are wonderful human beings, we can do what we want, how we want, and that accomplishment, competence, or contribution doesn't matter - the mere fact that we exist is enough to warrant the right to complain when we don't get what we want, and be offended at every turn.

IS THIS what Freedom is?? If it is.. I don't want it. Freedom is NOT the "right to do what I want", Freedom is "the liberty to do what is right".

As we parent our children in this nearly narcissistic culture - where ME is glorified without substance or reason, teaching kids to walk in Freedom has to "take an exit" from the main path. Our society will define freedom as doing what we want, and everyone else having to be ok with it. Instead, we need to teach our kids that Freedom is being ok with ourselves, despite what everyone else says.

The only way that we can truly come to this place of personal security and thus Freedom, is to understand the L.A.F.F Principle - our Identity in Christ Jesus. Without the foundation of WHO we are in Christ our kids will not have a solid foundation on which to base their life and their Identity. In order for our kids to walk forward in Freedom - to step out of the mediocre - to embrace true potential, we have to have the foundation in place. Over the next few Blogs I am going to chat about HOW to teach your kids about their true identity, and the responsibility that comes from that understanding.

The L.A.F.F. Principle is simply an understanding of who we are in Christ,

L: Loved so we can love

A: Accepted so we can accept

F: Forgiven so we can forgive

F: Free so we can free others

When we understand that we are loved, accepted and forgiven, then Freedom as it truly meant to be - can be understood and walked in. Freedom isn't a right that we fight for so much as it is a bi-product of walking in truth. However, we have to be tenacious about having truth in our lives, otherwise we merely walk in delusion!

Leadership lessons from crazy Dancing Guy!

2010-04-20T21:18:00.000-07:00

Well, I had to share this video on my blog because it's awesome.. and true!- Thanks Pastor Brian!

So first.. take the time to watch this video clip:

Leadership Tips from a Dancing Guy!

I have always held the opinion that to be a good leader, you first must be a good follower! Not only does being a good follower teach and help others to be a good follower also, but being a good follower helps to keep you balanced and humble. The moment we mentally assume that we are the leader - we get arrogant and prideful! If we allow ourselves.. no matter our position or place - to be influenced by those who are wiser and more skilled than we - we will always be growing AND...we will always be following!

Many people aspire to be great leaders, but unless we can learn to serve someone else's vision first, we may never be well prepared for our own! True leaders are servants, coaches and teachers; there to make the team succeed not themselves. Who is following you? Where are you leading them? Who are you following? All good questions to ask yourself every now and then!

Invitation to try Digsby!

2010-04-17T14:29:00.001-07:00

Digsby = IM + Email + Social Networks

Nicki Straza has invited you to try Digsby.

I'm using a new application called Digsby that helps you manage all your IM, email, and social network accounts from one place. Digsby is completely free and supports all the services you already use like Facebook, MSN Messenger, Yahoo Mail, and more...

- Nicki Straza

To try Digsby, follow the link below:
http://www.digsby.com?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=emailinvite&utm_source=original

WHY USE DIGSBY?

Digsby helps you save time by managing all your online accounts from one place. Digsby merges all your IM accounts into one buddy list, provides email alerts with a snapshot view of your inbox that lets you perform actions such as "Mark as Read" or "Report Spam", and shows you a real time newsfeed of all the activity on your social networks.

Inspire Good Leadership - A Tribute a 13 year Old Leader!

2010-04-15T23:37:00.000-07:00

Today my daughter Haley, turns 13. This is a picture of the backyard club she organized, ran, wrote and prepared for last summer. A weekly 1/2 day program exploring bugs and what characteristics we can learn from them. She planned the lesson, she designed the games, she prepared the snacks, she supervised the kids, she Lead! - she did it ALL - she was 12!

She is as passionate about leadership as I am, and I am proud to say she practice what she preaches! This past year, she studied "7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens" at school, and she developed a mission statement for herself which she has taped to her bedroom door. It reads

"Inspire Good Leadership"

When I asked her to tell me what that meant to her, her comment was "I want to be the kind of leader that everywhere I go, other kids will want to be a leader too". Recently she wrote the following on her facebook page:

change is it worth it?

Change is hard, I know it is, but is it worth it in the end?
Will the things you do change the world?
Will the things I do pay off?
Will people like me if I change?
I know that change is worth it now that I'm where I am am today,
happy, health, happy to work and to change.

Ii only changed because I knew the things I did were not good to do,

and even though I changed my friends still liked me the way I am,
and yes its paying off. My life isn't as painful and this is what changed me: a quote from a guy named Scott Sorrell, he said "you make the world a better place by making your self a better person."
That's what happenes when you take the time to change for the better.

By Haley Straza

Haley is only 13, but she is a leader! She has a sense of mission and purpose in her life, and she has made the choice to make effective use of her the years ahead of her to making the world a better place. She leads at home, she leads at school and she leads at church.

I believe, that kids can lead - they just need the opportunity to do so while they are enthusiastic to learn. I believe that years 0-7 are years that establish value systems and beliefs (sense of right and wrong etc) in a child. Years 7-14 are the key years for establishing habits and disciplines. If your child has an aptitude for leadership, start developing it NOW, it will save years of undoing and unlearning habits otherwise created. Give them opportunities to lead, let them hang out with leaders, expect them to be self disciplined and responsible - you will be amazed what they can and will accomplish with that kind of support!

I am glad to say, that Haley is just one of several young leaders that I have the privilege of hanging out with on a regular basis.

Haley.... HAPPY 13th Birthday!

Above All Else.. Guard Your Heart!

2010-04-14T00:50:00.000-07:00

As I grow in life and in relationship with God, I have come to realize yet another reason to learn how to take our thoughts captive. We have explored what we gain or lose in worship, and how taking our thoughts captive help us get God's perspective on things. For myself, I have found that learning to take my thoughts captive has helped me to Guard my Heart.

As I choose to submit my thought processes to the filtering of the Holy Spirit he grows me in this area. I think this is two fold:

1) I am learning to guard my heart from things people will say to hurt or offend me. When I get offended or angry, I have found that the first place I run now, is to God - I need his help to sort out my feelings and thoughts. Where do I need to change? What insecurities has this situation stirred up in me? Where do I need to get free? Now with my own planks dealt with, I can ask God for HIS perspective of this situation - ADD his VANTAGE point to the situation. Only then can I know how to respond (or not respond as the case may be) knowing my motivations are right and my own issues dealt with.

2) The second is that I am learning to guard the vision and dreams that God has given me. I am the kind of person that loves to be involved in everything that seems fun - in doing so I have often run myself ragged with nothing to show for it at the end. As I mature, I recognize that God created me for specific tasks and functions - my willingness to narrow my focus, guarding my time and funneling my efforts toward his goal for my life has helped me to see the value of the call on my life - it helps me when I have to deal with #1, and it keeps me focused in the right place when other things would come to distract and divert my attentions to less meaningful things.

In allowing God to help me be aware of how my heart is affected in life, I have become more aware of his power to help me guard my heart - after all it is the wellspring of life!

Facilitating your Kids to practice the Presence of God!

2010-04-12T23:30:00.000-07:00

I watched in wonder.. I knew I was supposed to be worshipping, but my eyes were riveted in wonder, and thankfulness at the work that God was doing at the front of the room. I watched as Adults... young people and children of all ages, danced and worshipped God - in BIG people church.. without being invited, or asked, or otherwise coerced. The presence of God... was so real!

I've spend a bunch of years in kid ministry and I as I have matured I have developed a bit of a different perspective on kids, kids ministry, kids in ministry and God!

I used to be very focused on teaching the bible stories over and over again, and I did it well, the kids knew the stories from every angle, and it was great. Sadly however, that was where it ended - they had tons of head knowledge.

As my own faith began to mature, I realized the times that I changed the most personally, were the times I spent in God's Presence. God's presence changes you! I was a product of the kind of teaching I was functioning in - I knew all the answers, I knew all the bible stories, and I had lots of scripture memorized - but I didn't know how to practice the presence of God! NOW... before I continue... am I saying we Shouldn't be focused on scripture?? NO!... we should be adding to the written word... the LIVING word - that is the Holy Spirit. We need to create opportunities in our ministry nights for our kids to encounter the living God - through worship, prayer, reflection, dance and telling their testimonies. Real life "See this is how I know God is real" moments as told by our kids! If we don't, we are merely filling their head with knowledge. Taking time to pray, but more importantly listen to God and what he says to our hearts is a discipline - and one that can be cultivated even with the very young. In fact, I am going to go so far as to say that if we DON'T cultivate it when they are young... they will have a very difficult time engaging their adult brain in the exercise. The bible encourages us to come to the Father - like children.

Mark 10:15
I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."

If we adults, must come like a child to be able to receive the kingdom - then where is the logic that says we can do it better with our adult minds? I have struggled to get my own brain, emotions, history and pre-conceived notions about God put in their right place - submitted to what God says - for years, and it is a continual challenge to trust God at his word. But if I go to the 6 year olds in my kids ministry and ask them to pray for me - the faith and courage that they pray with blows mine away!

Is it possible that the 6, or 10 or 13 year olds have an anointing they could give us as adults? Why would we be so arrogant as to think we are the ones who should be praying for them. When it comes to cultivating a lifestyle of Practicing the Presence of God in kids - we merely need to create the opportunity - God, in his amazing grace - can do the rest... if we let him.

Speaking of practicing... have you practiced today? We cannot lead them.. if we ourselves aren't willing to go. I encourage you.. take some time to listen, not talk at God. Start with worship and thanksgiving, then quiet your heart and focus on Jesus - What is he saying to you?

I would encourage you to pick up this book.. on the topic!

OH stop blaming everyone else will you!

2010-04-07T23:13:00.000-07:00

You know, I hear alot of excuses in my day about why people "can't"; money, time, so and so, their job, their lack of skill, afraid of this, afraid of that.. what if? I'm ADHD, you just don't understand me yadda yadda yadda.

In some cases there may be a valid medical reason, but for the most part it comes down to one simple fact. We as human beings don't like taking responsibility for things.

With all of the time I have spent in kids ministry, and now as a parent of a 10 and a nearly 13 year old, I have come to a few conclusions about teaching kids.

1) Kids can learn abstract and intangible concepts if taught layer by layer, precept upon precept!
2) Kids must learn at a YOUNG age that they can influence their own thinking and behaviour, through submitting to God (Being teachable from scripture & the voice of the Holy Spirit), accountability (asking for advice/help parents or teachers) and practice (being aware of the choices they make and the habits they are building. If not.. they will become convinced that they cannot, and their lives will be dictated by circumstances, manipulated by those around them and the will end up feeling powerless to fix anything.
3) Kids should be expected to govern themselves well, even as young children. NOT taking responsibility, shouldn't be an option.
4) Kids will want to move towards governing themselves if they are taught that God has vision, purpose and life goals for their lives that they could potentially sabotage. If following a list of rules, and prescribed behaviours is the be all and end all of christian living (which often is the focus of kids ministry) - what is the point? Kids want structure, they want expectations, they need our patience.. and our guidance!
5) TRUE self esteem is built on a deep understanding of who we are in Christ - our identity - along with accomplishment, risk taking, self-awareness and the practice of self-government.

As a parent... and as a Kid's Pastor... THIS.. is how I see my role:

If you make a child obey, he will learn for a day. Teach a child to SEE and he will learn how to BE! - Nicki Straza

Do you have the ADD-Vantage?... a story

2010-04-06T20:23:00.000-07:00

The sun had settled, but the dust hadn't. The lonely soldier, exhausted from a day of running and dodging had begun to give up hope. Separated from his battalion by enemy troops he was on the run. The setting sun left him vulnerable to attackers he couldn't see, gun fire on all sides left him afraid to take a step in any direction. The grasses and foliage were now taller than he was obstructing his view of any path, any hope of redemption.

A bullet whizzed by his ear.. he had to keep moving - but which way? His heart was beating loudly in his ears, fear rising as the enemy began closing in on him. Hope was beginning to dwindle, there was no way he could reach the rendezvous point without a different vantage point of his surroundings. Yet cautiously the soldier pressed on.

Suddenly an sound breaks the soldiers concentration... his ear bud communicator comes to life with the distant static of his commanding officer. He knew that voice well - he trusted that voice. Hope returns as the light of the distant helicopter comes into view. His ears sharpen to discern his CO's voice through the static... then he heard it.

"Soldier, I have you in my sight - you are surrounded by enemy troops, but if you listen to my every word I will get through do you hear me".

"7 paces, 12 o'clock" said the voice, unable to see ahead of him the soldier cautiously moves forward,

"15 paces, 3 o'clock, go quickly.. duck under the fallen log you see - do not move until I say". The soldier fumbles along... hearing steps behind him he increases his pace... finding the log he slips beneath... heart beating.. he waits.

"You are clear soldier, head up the hill at 3 o'clock, stay low and listen for my voice, don't stop unless I say so, you are nearly there soldier"... hope pushes our soldier on.. he fumbles... exhaustion fighting against his every move, he stops to catch his breath. "Soldier, you can do this, do not stop, I can see rendezvous, just ahead - trust me, 30 more paces to the top of the hill, then you'll be safe".

The soldier continues on... suddenly he hears angry voices... bullets begin whizzing through the air... he panics - doubting for an instant that it was his CO's voice at all, had this been an ambush? A Set up? The soldier's mind ran wild with thoughts.. what if's... soon fear takes hold once again... he stops! Through the noise he heard the calm voice in his ear piece. "Soldier, I have you, you are ok, keep moving forward, I have made away for you, I have your back - you must trust me - you have everything you need, just don't stop, keep moving". The familiar tone of the CO's voice rang true in his mind - he HAD to trust he was not being mislead, what did he have to lose? If he went back.. he would be dead, if he stayed where he was, he would be dead, so onward he must go, only in moving forward was their hope. The soldier doubled his pace, moving quickly to the top of the hill, staying close the ground he moved as quickly as he could go. Gunfire seemed to be coming from everywhere, but somehow he pressed on.

Suddenly an arm grabbed him.. before he could respond, he was pulled into a bunker, a hand over his mouth.

"We got'em Commander, He's safe now - Repeat - We have our soldier"

Scripture says that God's ways are higher than our ways, his thoughts are higher than ours. God has a VANTAGE point far above our own. Life has a way of overwhelming us with its noise, but GOD sees our path of redemption, he sees our life from a vantage point that we do not. Only when we take our thoughts captive.. and make them obedient to our "commanding officer", will we be able to see from HIS vantage point. We must shut out the noise, and hear what he says. When we take captive our thoughts, we make room for HIS perspective.

From his Vantage point, he looks at us and says:

Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Philippians 4:4
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

God doesn't tell us how to think... because he is unrealistic and out of touch from reality - he gives us this advice because HE has the higher vantage point, the clearer perspective. If God recommends it... he is probably right! Take captive your thoughts, choose to put them in their place if they are not in agreement with scripture - in doing so you will have the ADD-VANTAGE of a better perspective!

Being true to myself... or Taking my Thoughts Captive - Who Wins??

2010-04-05T23:08:00.000-07:00

I can't count the times that I have had the argument in my head:

The Pastor invites us to enter into worship - I know I should - after all God's worth hasn't changed since the last time I checked.. but my Pastor doesn't understand the pressures at work; the financial concerns weighing on my mind; the guilt I feel for treating my child so meanly this morning; the shame I feel as once again I enter a service and realize that the last time I worshiped... was last Sunday in church. I am sure you can understand why I can't worship - In fact - If I were to worship right now, it would be fake, and God doesn't like fake Christians. So, if you don't mind, I am just going to be true to how I'm feeling right now, God understands, you should to!

Does this sound familiar?? This was me for a long time, until I came to the realization that my feelings didn't have to win, I was in charge! Just because I am having a bad day doesn't change whether God is good, God is able, God is worthy, God is Faithful, God is loving, God is my defender, God is my healer, God is my rest, or God is my peace. However, letting my bad day dictate whether I get into God's presence or not WILL determine whether I will get to know and experience that God is good, God is able, God is worthy, God is Faithful, God is loving, God is my defender, God is my healer, God is my rest, or that God is my peace on this Sunday or whether I will leave the same way we came.

Yes, it is true that we shouldn't be fake Christians.. I get all that, but what happened to taking how we feel, our worries, our stresses, our anxious thoughts, our petitions whatever we might be carrying - taking them CAPTIVE... and laying them at the cross - turning our burden over to him who is able to do more than we can think or imagine?

I do not think that we realize the gift God has given us, in allowing us to worship him with abandon - whenever.. wherever.. in thankfullness, in worship, in pain, in heartache. Jesus becomes our refuge, our hiding place, our secret Garden. When we take our thoughts captive and make them acknowledge Christ - HE is faithful to take our burden and exchange it for his - which is light, which is peace.

Who wins the argument... rests entirely with me... but I will not be robbed again! I dare you.. right now.. where you are... to take your thoughts captive... and worship (even if you have to do it silently)... here's a song to help: Your Love is Extravagant by: Casting Crowns

Your love is extravagant.
Your friendship is so intimate.
I find I’m moving to the rhythms of Your grace.
Your fragrance is intoxicating in our secret place. Your love is extravagant.

1 Corinthians 9:27
No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

Are you walking in everything that was bought for you?

2010-04-02T06:02:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning at 8am - just so we are clear - that NEVER happens.. voluntarily - I am a night owl so sleeping in is my favourite thing in to do (ok almost). I woke up, suddenly an image of Christ, beaten, bruised and battered beyond recognition flooded my imagination, my eyes welled up, my heart began began beating a little faster.. Today was Good Friday - Today was the day I would remember the Price that was paid for my Freedom - I couldn't help but worship right then and there.

I remember a day when I didn't feel so thankful - I remember the day when Good Friday was ritual, it was what "good christians" celebrated - and well.. I was a VERY GOOD christian, so I made with the pretending quite quickly - complete with somber face and pensive posture.

It wasn't until a few years ago that I truly "got saved" - and by that I mean - Came to a deep understanding that I needed a redeemer, that I was in great need, that I was drowning in my sin, that I was bound up by fear, by doubt, by insecurity and that I desperately needed to be FREE!

My dear friend and Pastor Sharlyss Beattie said to me, "Many Christian live such miserable lives because they are content to be saved but not FREE".

Jesus did NOT suffer rejection, betrayal, humiliation, extreme pain and eventually death so that I could say a little prayer and follow a bunch of new rules. He came that I might have FREEDOM, abundant life!

What is Freedom? The bible says John 8:32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

To know freedom is to know Truth. So often we make the mistake of thinking around Easter that the only truth that Jesus died to communicate - was that he was the Messiah, the son of God. But I do not believe that was the only thing, the price that he paid was too EXTREME - you would never pay a million dollars just for a title would you?? NO, He purchased our right to become children of God, to walk in Freedom, to approach God directly and boldly. He paid the price for all the things we condemn ourselves for! He took on our shame so we wouldn't have to carry it any more, He bought my freedom with his very life!

So on this Good Friday, Jesus I thank you, as my REDEEMER, for delivering me from the lies that I was believing. Thank you for your truth:

This is the truth I have come to know (and the cool thing is... there is so much more - so if you haven't stopped finding more truth in your life.. perhaps.. you have stopped getting FREE).

Jesus is the ONLY way to the father ( John 14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.)

I am loved unconditionally, so I can love others (Romans 8:38-39 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,^[a] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, ³⁹neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

I am accepted, so in turn I can be accepting (Ephesians 1:4-6 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love ⁵he^[a] predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— ⁶to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.)

I am Forgiven, so I can forgive (Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace)

I am FREE, so I can GET FREE, LIVE FREE and FREE OTHERS ! (2 Corinthians 3:17
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.)

I am FREE from:

Fear that immobilizes
Doubt that paralyzes and blurs my vision
Shame that weighs me down, and stops me from going BOLDLY to the thrown
Condemnation that constantly tries to convince me that I am not forgiven
Insignificance - because I was made with intent, and planned with purpose
Pain - Because God is my Healer (Pain Free since April 18th, 2004 - Thank you Jesus)
And more...

Jesus did not come to bring you a new title and a book of rules, he came to bring you life abundantly, freedom, truth - and he paid for it with his life.

I challenge you today, to look soberly at your faith -
are you walking in everything that was bought for you?

I think therefore... SQUIRREL!!!

2010-03-31T22:45:00.000-07:00

Thinking! I think alot, sometimes deep in philosophically, sometimes light and fluffy... always with a significant degree of sarcasm and Simpson's references! If you are like me, the notion of "taking our thoughts captive" is daunting due to the sheer volume involved! Is it really possible to be so aware of what goes on inside our heads that we can influence it to one end or another?

I often ponder why we the human race are seemingly so "against" the notion of "taking our thoughts captive" - I mean really - if it was easy and desirable, we'd all be doing it right!!!

This is my list of why we don't:

1) Requires self awareness - I don't want to look at the real me, because the real me is hideous, a beast.. a monster and should be hidden under lock and key - I'll just create a description of who I want to be and pretend - Yah... that's better! I think that I... SQUIRREL!
2) Requires accountability - if I admit that I can control or have influence at the thought level - it would mean I have to take responsibility for my words and actions... and well I don't want to do THAT!
3) Requires Self-Discipline - That's just work.. - I mean really - if it's HARD to do, we should stop.. RIGHT?
4) Requires Transparency - You mean I have to admit I need help? I think it is much better if everyone thinks of me as I want them to, not as I really am - it's safer that way.
5) Requires Submission - Are you suggesting that there may be a BETTER way to think than how I think - I don't think so... PAL!

For us to begin to walk down the road of learning to "take our thoughts captive", we must first turn and look at what we are actually thinking. We have to face our real thoughts, our real fears and dig deep to find the real issues that fuel our thinking patterns - no easy task to be certain... but I worth it if only for the freedom!

The fact that scripture gives us advice on the things that should occupy our mind tells me that I have some say in the dialogue between my ears. Check out: Colossians 3:2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things OR Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

The fact that scripture says the Holy Spirit wants to TRANSFORM my thinking tells me that I'm not going to come to the right conclusions on my own - I need help - that my thinking is flawed to begin with. I need to partner with/allow/yield to the Holy Spirit for this transformation. Check out: Romans 12:2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will

The fact that scripture suggests that I should ask God to reveal or test what is in my heart and mind - tells me that knowing facts isn't the only solution, but that my thinking involves matters of the heart as well - emotion, motivation, fear, longing, passion, hope, emptiness etc. Check out: Psalm 26:2 Test me, O LORD, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; OR Psalm 42:11 Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

The fact that scripture tells me to be the boss of my mind tells me that I must have the ability to do so too. Check out: 1 Peter 1:13 Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.

The fact remains - How we think affects WHO we become. If we are to change and become like Jesus, we must change our thinking to be that of Christ. As my Pastor likes to say "If what I am thinking is different from What God is saying is true - I am the one who must change, not God"

“Watch your thoughts, for they become words.
Watch your words, for they become actions.
Watch your actions, for they become habits.
Watch your habits, for they become character.
Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.”

So what is your thought life saying about you?

It's All in your Head!

2010-03-29T22:30:00.000-07:00

Self-Discipline is a form of freedom. Freedom from laziness and lethargy, freedom from the expectations and demands of others, freedom from weakness and fear - and doubt. Self-discipline allows a pitcher to feel his individuality, his inner strength, his talent. He is a master of, rather than a slave to, his thoughts and emotions" - H.A. Dorfman, The Mental ABCs of Pitching

OK... so I am going to be the first to shake my head in wonderment, that I just used a baseball quote to make my point, I am not really into sports, and could care less about baseball. What struck me however, is that I thought baseball was about throwing a little while ball at a guy with stick who likes to run in circles - how is it possible that someone could care this much about pitching.. to go this deep into the human mind to understand how it works... and thus how to succeed?

Sadly, the notion of mental self-discipline or taking our thoughts captive is almost foreign to our culture - (except for NIKE and the athletes who wear them, check out this video). Seen as pie in the sky thinking, unrealistic or even "new age" in nature, we as a culture have allowed life and circumstance to dictate what we think, how we feel and thus... what becomes of our life. I think that we are missing out on alot of things. The bible tells us to "Take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ" (2 Cor 10:5). What does that mean? How do we walk it out? What is God's perspective on our thought life. Is this something we can teach our kids?

This week I am going to explore this topic, and give you ideas on how to take this abstract concept and help you to teach your kids how to cultivate a disciplined mind. I will leave you with a few of my favourite quotes on subject. Feel free to jump in on the conversation by posting a comment!

Proverbs 23:7 For as a man thinks in his heart, so is he.

"Man often become what he believes himself to be. If I keep saying to myself that I cannot do a certain thing, it is possible that I may end by really becoming incapable of doing it. On the contrary, if I have the belief that I can do it, I shall surely acquire the capacity to do it even if I may not have it at the beginning." Mahatma Gandhi

"If you think you can, or if you think you can't, either way you are right" Henry Ford

Am I a good Christ! - Amazing Article by Francis Chan

2010-03-27T14:29:00.000-07:00

As your enjoy time with your family this weekend... (my hubby is currently cooking a lovely supper for our family... so this is the only time you are getting from me for now...)... But as I perusing my "tweets"... I came across this amazing article that challenged me on a " hoe nuvva level".. It's here for you too

Check out this article by Francis Chan...

Are You a Good Christ!

Deep & Wide - it's about more than God's Love!

2010-03-25T21:53:00.000-07:00

For years as a child growing up in church.. and then as a leader teaching children we would sing the beloved song "Deep & Wide, Deep & Wide.. there's a fountain flowing Deep & Wide". I can't even remember how many times I talked to preschool groups about how deep and how wide God's love for us was, so much so that you can't even grasp it.

This week though, I began to think of this phrase in a new light. As I continue to grow close to God I marvel at his transforming power in my life. The more time I spend with him, the more I become like him, and the more like him I become, they greater influence my life has for advancing his Kingdom.

So often as christians, and even in kids ministry - we spend too much time focusing on what God can do for us, that we stop allowing him to change us. The whole point of his love that is so deep and so wide, is so that it will change us.. into agents of change. We are doing our kids a great dis-service by teaching them simply that God is a well that we come to when we need something, or feel bad about ourselves, or need to be validated or love. YES... God's love is there for that... but it's about deep relationship with a transforming God, so we can change the world.

For me.... Deep & Wide..... is about deepening my relationship with God, so his transforming power can widen the influence my life has on a lost and dying world desperate to know that there is a God... who's love is Deep... and Wide.

Stepping Stones or Lily Pads - How are you getting across the Swamp?

2010-03-24T23:50:00.000-07:00

If you were given a choice between Stepping Stones or Lily Pads as options for walking across a swamp - which would you choose? Lily Pads because they are pretty? or because you have a delusion of smallness? I think most of us would look at those options and go... DUH, I would choose stepping stones if I want to walk across the swamp... and Lily Pads if I want to swim across. The answer seems obvious. I have found however that when it comes to our spiritual life.... we often choose the Lily Pads over the stones, I wonder why we do that.

That said... would it be ok for me to be real for just a moment?

I have had a bit of challenging week I must admit, and if I were to be honest with myself I would admit that I have been feeling a bit insecure. I try to tell myself it's just the "devil whispering lies" and try to dismiss the feelings or concerns that seem to creep up, but that doesn't always solve the issue. The REAL issue is.. I need to get free! I need to Hear God's Opinion on how I'm feeling. I need to find out what lie I am believing.. and what the Truth about it is according to scripture.

I have been building my network of connections, I just wrote my first preschool book on Kindness, by all measures everything is going "just great", so why am I second guessing myself constantly, judging myself so harshly, comparing myself to everyone else so aggressively - it doesn't even make sense.

In continuing to function with these thoughts in my mind, dwelling on them, reliving them; not actually finding out the truth about them, I am choosing to walk across this area of the pond of life on lily pads - and then I am surprised when I am drowning in fears, worries and feelings of inadequacy and weakness. So what are the rocks then, if I am to have an option. The rocks are the true facts of God, his character and his promises as laid out in his word. The rocks are the revelation of truth to our spirit through the Holy Spirit - you know.. AHA moments.

I realized I needed to find some rocks in this area of my life, so I took some time to pray it through. These are the scriptures God gave me, that can function as rocks in my life when I feel inadequate, or I begin to be tempted by habits of thinking that have haunted me and left me in bondage in the past. Perhaps this is you too, let me encourage you to open your heart and allow the Holy Spirit to bring Freedom to your life to.

My fear/worry: I don't have a formal education as a kids pastor, my kids ministry is sub par, and not really worth as much, can I really offer anything of quality?

John 14:26
But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

2 Peter 1:3
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.

Ephesians 2:10
For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

James 1:5-7

⁵If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. ⁶But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. ⁷That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord;

After meditating on these scriptures, I realized that God has called me to Kids Ministry, he has equipped me and he has made himself available to help me. I have asked him for Wisdom, for his instruction, and I have received it by faith. Now, my job is obedience, submitting to God's authority in my life, as well as the Pastor's and Leaders he had put over me for accountability and teaching. God's job is results. Afterall, it's really not about me in the first place right! It's about God.

This is the conclusion that I came to tonight. How I feel, the worries I carry, the fears of failing, not measuring up or not being good enough; in short - MY opinion of me isn't the deciding factor on my capability. If GOD says that "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength", then it doesn't matter if I think I can, or not, because God's opinion and his word are the stepping stones, they are a SURE THING. I can be confident in placing my feet on his promises and on his word. If God says I can do it.... then I can do it!

and so can you...

Round Table Chat about Kids Ministry in the Church!

2010-03-24T22:39:00.000-07:00

Check out Part 1 of our Kids Ministry Episode on Freedom House TV tonight!

Tell me what you think. Our hydro went out, so watch for part 2 coming up soon!

freedomhousetv on livestream.com. Broadcast Live Free

Join the Conversation: Freedom House TV - Kids Ministry Special tonight at 9pm EST

2010-03-24T13:38:00.000-07:00

Wow.,

I just had a great day with Captain Kindness at one of our local schools here in town. 750 Students got to hear that we can change a school, home or a city BY good INTO good, through Kindness.

We are going to talk about this and more tonight on Freedom House TV at 9pm EST as our episode tonight is focused on Kids Ministry!

Myself and some of my Kids Min Team will be on the show tonight, hosted by Dave Carrol; you don't want to miss it!

Join us in the chat room as we talk, ask questions and come prepared to celebrate Kids tonight!

See you then!

Kindness - It does a "body" good!

2010-03-23T22:29:00.000-07:00

Smiling is infectious,

you catch it like the flu,

When someone smiled at me today,

I started smiling too.

I passed around the corner

and someone saw my grin

When he smiled I realized

I'd passed it on to him.

I thought about that smile

then I realized its worth,

A single smile, just like mine

could travel round the earth.

So, if you feel a smile begin,

don't leave it undetected

Let's start an epidemic quick,

and get the world infected!
- Author unknown

Scripture says in Romans 2:4
Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance?

I continue to marvel at the simplicity of God's answer to evangelism. KINDNESS.

Yes, I said it. I think it is just that simple. Kindness speaks a language all it's own.

1) Kindness OPENS DOORS for you to serve another with no strings attached.
2) Kindness OPENS DOORS for you to speak, where otherwise you would not have the right to be heard.
3) Kindness OPENS DOORS for you to share the hope that is within you, Jesus Christ and his great love.
4) Kindness OPENS DOORS for you to minister, having put others needs before your "preaching"
4) Kindness OPENS HEARTS like no other approach to engaging humans can. It ministers first to the felt need or practical need (e.g. I need a car wash), then the existential need (e.g. I need to feel value, like I have meaning/purpose) and lastly it ministers to the spiritual need (e.g. There is a God who loves you unconditionally, my kindness to you is proof of that love). Now THAT is a 3 for 1 deal I can believe in!

The amazing thing about kindness is - KIDS get it. So if Kids can get it, they can also participate in it and find great reward in serving others. I guess Kindness is like Milk.. it does a "body" good. Kindness is good for the body of Christ, and every member is a minister right? So let's start now.

Kindness changes things. Kids Get Kindness, so that means... Kids... can change the world!

Inspired moments.... Yes You can!

2010-03-23T00:27:00.000-07:00

I do not claim to be a poet, nor a song writer, artist... or author. In fact, I wouldn't say any of these are my strong suit, or among a skill set that I would actually talk about - especially the art. I couldn't draw if my life depended on it. However, there have been times in my kids ministry life when I've needed some unique material and I didn't have a poet, song writer, or an artist or an author handy to help me. Most people would just give up and move on, but I can't, I guess I don't live under that mentality any more.

God promised that HIS divine power HAS given me everything I need for life and Godliness (2 Peter 1:3). If this is true, then I can be confident that he has given me the skills and/or resources to accomplish HIS great ideas. Usually it takes time, and patience and hard work, but if I am willing to "do my best" God has always been faithful to bring inspiration, resources and even other people alongside me to help me finish my vision.

So tonight... I desired to have a story to share with the kindergarten class I am teaching tomorrow morning about kind hands; the current material I had - just wasn't cutting it. Then a phrase started rolling through my head, then a concept - I clued in that Divine Inspiration was kicking in - start writing...and so I did. Well... I guess I have my first children's story on Kindness :) I hope to share it with you one day, but for now I know that God gets a voice in what I say to those kids tomorrow and that is what is most important to me.

So before you think you can't.... ask God.. because through HIM.. we can do all things.

Kids Min on Freedom House TV ... Plus a Conference Check this out!

2010-03-21T23:59:00.000-07:00

Hi Friends,

I just wanted to share with you a couple opportunities for you to tie in to what we are doing here in Brantford, City of God in the next while.

1) Join us this coming Wednesday night, March 24/10 on www.freedomhouseTV.com as we focus this episode on Kids Ministry. Starts at 9pm!

2) Also, coming up May 7-8 we have a Kids Ministry Conference coming up called KID BUILDERS. I want to strongly encourage you and your team to join us for this amazing event! Get all the details at www.kidbuilders.ca

Join us for both of these spectacular events!

Your mission, should you choose to accept it is.....

2010-03-18T22:52:00.000-07:00

I have recently been challenged from two different reading sources to develop a personal mission statement that can grow with me as I grow, and will help me to focus my life and energy in the right direction. The first recommendation came from Stephen Covey's book "7 Habits of Highly Effective People". He identified our mission statement as a set of core values or principles that function at the centre of who we are like a compass or a personal "Constitution" that reflect our deep values and vision for our life. The second recommendation came from a book my husband picked up for me called "Life@Work - The Art of Balance" A collection of articles and excerpts from many leaders on finding balance in your life produce by John Maxwell. This particular article was taken from Halftime by Bob P.Buford.

I had always heard about people with mission statements and part of my brain balked at their need for such "bondage", in part I wondered why I couldn't just live my life as I wanted and be spontaneous about life - you know.. BE FREE!. The other part of my brain wished I could have such a defined sense of purpose. I see now that I didn't know what free was, and I also realize that I probably couldn't have written a personal statement 10 or 15 years ago, I simply did not know who Nicki Straza was, or have any confidence or understanding of my talents, giftings or personality. Sadly, my life was lived for approval by everyone else, so my understanding of who I was and my "purpose" in life, changed with the audience of the moment. To say I have a full understanding now, would be less than factual, but I have grown significantly in this area, and for the first time in my life, I think I know what I wanna be when I grow up!

This process for me started 6 or 7 years ago when my husband and I were invited to become part of the Leadership Team of Freedom House. Brian & Sharlyss the Pastor's and Founders of Freedom House laid out the vision for the church and ministry by establishing a set of 10 core values. I began to see first hand the value of such a defined sense of direction, and I began to crave it for my life. As the years have gone by I have had to face some real fears in my life, I have had to address false perceptions that I had of myself, my value and my worth as well as many false perceptions I had of God. I took the giftings test I mentioned in an earlier blog and began afresh to look at how God built me, and the clues he gave me for my destiny and a vision or image began to be defined in my heart and mind of how God saw me, and my potential. I have worked on this mission statement now for a while, and I think I finally have one that will do for now (I have shared it at the bottom of this blog).

I want to encourage you to go through this exercise for yourself, it is a very worthwhile journey. For me the next step is to sit down with my amazing team of Kids Ministry Leaders and brainstorm and pray. We will ask God to help us dream and define a mission statement for Kids Ministry at Freedom House. This statement will unite us as a team, it will bring focus and vision and motivate us through the "trench times" as we hold on to the purpose and higher values that we feel God has called us to. It will also communicate value, mission and expectations to those kids in our ministry. Our mission statements will grow and evolve, but for me the heart of the matter starts simply with answering the question "What is God saying to me about my destiny, or the destiny of my Kids Ministry". In asking God this question, I will receive from him a set of principles and values that I can define my life and ministry by - a set of values that is deeply personal, and highly motivating.

So let me encourage you... even right now, Get out a piece of paper and start to write!

What is your passion? What gets you fired up? Where do you like to be? What talents do you have? If fear didn't exist and money were no option.. what would you do?

This is what I wrote.....

Who is Nicki Straza?

I am a passionate lover of Jesus Christ
I am a partner with God in this life.
I am a team player
I am a builder of bridges, a reconciler, and a peacemaker
I am a friend of your potential, a creator of opportunities and a partner with your initiative
I am salt and light

I believe my choices determine my habits and define my character
I believe kids are capable of more than we can imagine
I believe the King of Glory can change a generation
I believe we can be free from the things that stop us from reaching our full potential
I believe that kindness changes cities
I believe that we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength

I value the voice of God in my life as demonstrated through the life of Christ, the Bible and the Voice of the Holy Spirit.
I value genuine relationship more than my reputation, possessions or position
I value the contribution each person in my life brings to me, especially the richness brought by children.

I am a Leader, a Follower, a Mentor and a Student
I am a Wife, a Mother, a Sister, a Daughter and a Friend

I am Loved
I am Accepted
I am Forgiven
I am Free

I am a builder of people

An anchor will not save a drowning man!

2010-03-17T21:39:00.000-07:00

I have had the absolute pleasure of picking up a new Kids Ministry Magazine that I am quite enjoying. It's called K magazine put out by http://www.kidzmatter.com/. I appreciate the focus on leadership, mentoring and it is evident that the producers are looking to bring something deeper to Kids Ministry then may have previously been available.

I read with interest an Article in the magazine written by Dr. Ken Ham, President and Co-founder of Answers in Genesis - which is essentially an apologetics ministry . He wrote about the fact that "kids are checking out" of church. He articulated that according to his research 40 percent of our churched kids have already "checked out" of their faith in their heart and mind by the end of middle school (so.. for us Canadians, grade 7 or 8), and another 40% more by the end of high school. So before our kids even get to college or university, 80% of them already have a foot out the door in their faith.

He proceeded to make a sound argument for teaching kids WHY they believe what they believe, how to defend their faith especially in light of the aggressive modern day athiest and how critical it is that we view the bible not as just a book of faith, but also a book of history, geology, biology, anthropology and sociology.

I couldn't agree more, our kids need a solid understanding of scripture, they need to know how to defend their faith, and need to practice debating with logic and reason in an age where both seem to have little weight or value. In the internet age, when information and misinformation is rampant and rarely researched - digging in and knowing what you believe is critical. I was on board with everything he was saying... and then.. the article ended. That was it? My heart sank.

Don't get me wrong, I love to sink my teeth into a good apologetics debate, having Ravi Zacharius melt my brain in 20 seconds flat is a truly marvelous experience and I highly recommend it BUT... I felt he was missing one very key ingredient in his solution to the mass exodus of our kids from church. RELATIONSHIP.

In my opinion, our kids do not need more information. It is true, that the exodus may indeed be happening in part to the disconnect between the information they are learning in church and the real world - I will agree that knowing how to apply information is almost more valuable than the information itself. I agree that we need to be able to defend our faith. However I don't think the evolution/creation debate is at the heart of why people are walking away from their faith or from church. I think people walk away because they have not been taught how to build relationship with God - so the existential needs of meaning, value and purpose can be addressed in their lives first.

All this information about science and anthropology is wonderful, but if it is not saturated in both a relationship with God that is real and alive, as well as relationships with other people who share in a passion to know God I feel that all that information is just for naught. Information for information's sake has never "saved" anyone. If all we needed was information, God would have sent a philosopher or a scientist to prove and remove all doubt, but he didn't, he sent a Saviour - someone who would pay the price for our sin so we could be reconciled in relationship with God.

We need to help our kids come to a place where God is their refuge, their shield and their resource - where their relationship with God is as real as their hand in front of their face, where his voice is clear, and has weight in their lives. We need to facilitate our kids in learning how to yield to the transforming power of the Holy Spirit in their lives so they can walk out the purposes of God for their lives. There is no stronger testimony to the reality of God than a changed life; a transformed life, a life that is lived with HOPE.

1 Peter 3:15 says

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, ¹⁶keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

Our world is not looking for scientific evidence that Christ is answer - they are looking for HOPE - but most of us christians don't have any, and we walk thru life tossed by the waves of circumstance, handling life no differently than the world around us - there is no light, there is no hope - so we try to justify our faith by scientific reasoning, and when that fails because we have not studied... our faith falters. My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly trust in Jesus’ Name. On Christ the solid Rock I stand, All other ground is sinking sand. When darkness seems to hide His face, I rest on His unchanging grace. In every high and stormy gale, My anchor holds within the veil.
His oath, His covenant, His blood, Support me in the whelming flood. When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my Hope and Stay.When He shall come with trumpet sound, Oh may I then in Him be found.
Dressed in His righteousness alone, Faultless to stand before the throne.

All the solid facts meant to anchor our faith, will do us no good if we have not found the HOPE that is found only in true, deep relationship with Christ. Let's first... get in the boat - allow God to transform our mind, THEN, we can throw down the anchor and speak with such conviction that people will ask us.... about the hope that is in us... and we... will have an answer. It's JESUS.... and here's the proof!

All Bent up and no where to go!

2010-03-17T00:47:00.000-07:00

"Everyone has his own specific vocation or mission in life; everyone must carry out a concrete assignment that demands fulfillment. Therein he cannot be replaced, nor can his life be repeated, thus, everyone's task is unique as his specific opportunity to implement it" Viktor E. Frankl

I absolutely love this quote, and I believe it to be true as I consider how personal, and how Great our God is as he continues to desire that his children partner with his Kingdom work on earth. Why wouldn't our calling be unique? Why wouldn't he specifically craft each of us for a destiny all our own?

As I watch my own children grow I marvel at the chemistry and imagination they display - a creative signature in the history books that is all theirs, no one could replicate it perfectly, now.. or ever. I believe that God has planted in each of us an amazing combination of giftings, hobbies, interests and personality that all our own - This is why the comparison trap is well, just that a TRAP - there is no comparing us to another - we are unique, hand crafted by God, planned with purpose, gifted with everything we need and placed at the perfect place in history for us to fulfill the greatness within us.

I believe our kids, even at a young age display their unique "bent" and as parents, and teachers and leaders I believe it is our mandate to see their potential, identify their gifts, help them to see the value of their gifts for themselves and then facilitate the development of that gift through mentoring and creating opportunities for them.

Helping your child identify their own giftings and uniqueness, as GOD designed it, gives kids a sense of identity, confidence and true self esteem. It gives them courage to know their "bent" isn't abnormal, but designed with purpose, and having value to God. It gives them a place to "start" when it comes to serving and developing a lifestyle of ministry and growing. It gives them something to own, to call their own and something that says to them " You have value".

At every opportunity I get, I take my leaders, my teens and tweens and my kids through this exercise - it's just a test I do with them based on the motivational gifts noted in Romans 12: 6-8 which reads:

Romans 12:6-8 (New International Version)

⁶We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his^[a]faith. ⁷If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; ⁸if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

Each of us has a combination of these motivational gifts - these gifts identify the things that motivate us, the things that get us fired up, the things that make us want to work. They reflect our personal BENT. Just the same way that pipes and tubes must be custom designed to fit to an engineers plan for a vehicle or refinery or what have you - the same way God has created us to fit perfectly into his plan, bent for maximum effectiveness.

How are you bent? Do you even know? Knowing how you are gifted are clues to your destiny! It works for our kids too!

I want to encourage you to pursue this for your life... and for those kids who follow you.

No Mediogre Kids

Redeeming Halloween

Jesus in a Bowl of Oatmeal?

Don't Wait... Initiate!

Good character Doesn't Happen By Accident!

Information vs the AHA Moment!

Young Leaders Flourish if given the space to lead!

Who's Image?

Colouring Outside the Lines

Now it makes sense!

Close Encounters of the GOD Kind! Testify!!

What kind of BIRD are you raising?

Instant Gratification in light of Eternity's Pull!

Why the "Why" matters in Kids Min!

Look Mom, I'm All Growed up!

Mentoring the Next Generation!

Social Media and The Nugget Theory

Jake fills big Shoes on www.childrensministrylive.com

The Counterfeit of Faith.. is Good Behaviour!

The New Face of Leadership - TWEENS!

If everything rises and falls on leadership....?

Behavior issues or leadership aptitude??

The Business World Believes in Young Leaders!

Future 4 Teens & GEN Y – Rock with Lessons Learned

Transformers Unite!

Voyage of the Dawn Treader Curriculum

WOW.. I encountered God through the prayers of a 3 Year Old!

Would you pass the TEST??

UCKIDS, ICGR8NESS

UCKIDS, ICGR8NESS

Revival Starts with the Kids!

1 Corinthians 2:3-5 (New International Version)

Overcome by Comfort!

No one ever sees the way he looks at me...

Who says it can't be done?

"Those who say it cannot be done, should not interrupt the people doing it." Chinese Proverb

What You looking at?

Copycat!

Opportunity comes to those who work... not wait!

Dawn of Mercy!

Thanks Dad!

"Pay Attention Boy, and I'll prove I'm a chicken, Rooster that is..."

KidLead - Proof our young leaders don't have to settle for mediocre!

Currency of Tries!

Romans 5:3-4

Fodderferbloggin!

Faith is Voice-Activated!

Kindness is love with its work boots on!

Go Crazy!.. Don't Mind if I do!

Attitude Adjustment While you Wait!

Ministry of Silly Walks

If today is not the day for solutions, then it is the day for excuses! What kind of day is it for you?

The "CAN DO" culture of creativity!

Hey,.... I like you!

Get Free... Live Free..... Free Others And Notes on How to Teach it to Kids!

Someday Isle!

Forgiven so we can Forgive - And Notes on how to teach it to Kids!

Loved & Accepted... no strings attached!

Kid Builders... I met the best one.. Kidologist Karl Bastian!

Kid Builders Conference This Weekend! - Join US!

Accepted so we can Accept - Plus Notes on How to Teach it!

Romans 15:77Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.

Loved so we can love! - And Notes how to Teach it to Kids!

Identity Crisis!! I think I'm a banana!!!

Slaves to the "Freedom Mentality"

Leadership lessons from crazy Dancing Guy!

Invitation to try Digsby!

Digsby = IM + Email + Social Networks

Inspire Good Leadership - A Tribute a 13 year Old Leader!

Above All Else.. Guard Your Heart!

Facilitating your Kids to practice the Presence of God!

OH stop blaming everyone else will you!

Do you have the ADD-Vantage?... a story

Being true to myself... or Taking my Thoughts Captive - Who Wins??

Are you walking in everything that was bought for you?

I think therefore... SQUIRREL!!!

It's All in your Head!

Am I a good Christ! - Amazing Article by Francis Chan

Deep & Wide - it's about more than God's Love!

Stepping Stones or Lily Pads - How are you getting across the Swamp?

Romans 15:7⁷Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.