Jesus Camp

http://www.biography.com/broadband/main.do?video=Biography_Jesus-Camp_Audience-Reactions

I know I may be late to the party on this film as it was released in 2006 but I watched this documentary today on the Biography channel. I have mixed feelings about this film. If you go to this link you can view a video of the audience reactions at a screening. I think it was most difficult to watch such an intense scrutiny of Pentecostal Children's Ministry. I just kept thinking about what a non-Christian must think about videos of children slain in the spirit, speaking in tongues, etc. In this age of awareness over the use of Christian-ese language have we forgotten that actions speak louder than our words? We must define our actions to non-Christians the same as we do our language. This film depicts children's ministry as intense indoctrination rather than the picture of salvation that we view it as. I am undecided as to my opinion on this film. The ministry portrayed I agree with about 95%.

The Ghana Project

Anyone who knows me, knows that I tend to be addicted to crafts. I can't sit still and just watch TV or ride in the car. I am always reading a book or doing some sort of craft. The summer we moved to Crab Orchard I was bored silly. I had just left a job in the corporate world and chose to not search for a new job until my children were settled into school in the fall. The monotony of cleaning the house quickly got to me so....I taught myself how to knit. I love scrapbooking and cross stitch and sewing and drawing and painting and....but knitting has become a favorite of my hobbies. A knitting project so easily goes in the car with me and enables me to still carry on a conversation with my family. Now that my time is so absorbed by the primary passions of my life (these include my family, of course, community ministry, and my studies at COGTS) I look forward to the times when I can knit to my heart's content.

I just found a couple websites that make this pasttime all the more appealing. The one that grasps my attention the most is The Ghana Project. Check out the link in my new blog roll. Knitters from all over donate squares and they are sewn into afghans to be used as security blankets for children treated for orthopedic ailments at a hospital in Ghana. I can't wait to finish using up some of my scrap yarn and participate in community ministry at the same time. This project is great for all those who love to knit or crochet but don't feel like they have anyone to create for. Why don't you join me in knitting for this great cause?

End of School Year Crunch

It's that time of the year. It's the end of the semester for me and the end of the school year for the kids. The past few weeks have been a flurry of last minute field trips and school programs for the kids and term papers, textbook readings, and studying for finals for me. This is in addition to all the activities at the church. We have been busy, busy, busy! Caitlin asked me the other day that I wasn't allowed to have any more homework because it's almost summer. I wish it was that simple. My prayer in times like these is that I can be an example of commitment and academic endeavors to my children but also teach them the value of balance in life. Nothing seems to please them more than when I put down the book I'm studying and chase them around the yard. For all the chaos and stress I wouldn't trade a moment of these times with my children. Even when I feel guilty while I'm typing a paper or reading a book, the kids are trying to take care of me too. This week they have been hiding in their rooms, secretly making Mother's Day cards for me. (Ssh! don't tell them that I figured it out. It's supposed to be a surprise!)

Physical Activity Program

Last night was the Physical Activity program at the kids' school. As a response to the childhood obesity problem the school decided to present this program, preceded by a mile long Family Walk, instead of a traditional spring concert. I wonder if the "Tooty Ta" is what the International Offices have in mind when they recommend each minister be involved in an exercise program.

The Tooty Ta!

Cha Cha Slide

God Bless America

Why am I doing this?

The easy answer to this question posed in the tile of this post is that I want to provide both my parents and my in-laws an easy platform to stay updated on the lives of their children and grandchildren, but I must admit there is more to it than simple family updates. I will of course post pictures and stories of our lives but family beware you may get more than you bargained for when reading these posts.
I’ve recently read a blogpost in which the author said that he had temporarily lost the muse to write as his life had reached a point of stability and serenity after leaving his previous ministry position. I must say that I find myself quite the opposite. I too have reached a period of stability and serenity in my life but it has caused me to have time to think through all those issues that I have always pushed to the back of my mind. After years of ministry as youth pastors, children’s pastors, outreach and evangelism ministers, and anything no one else wants to do pastors, we are in the position of senior pastors (which is still the anything no one else wants to do pastor.) There is no longer the threat of impending or arbitrary dismissal from a position based on the whims of a senior pastor. With all the challenges that come with being the lead of all the ministries of the church, for the first time in my married life I feel settled into a community. I’ve chosen to enjoy this while it lasts. The ultimate effect of such a decision is to allow myself time to focus on those things that I never had the mental or emotional resources left to do before. I have finally begun my postgraduate education after many years of placing it on hold. This has brought me to the place of finding answers and asking questions in issues that alluded me previously. While I am setting up this blog as a way for family and friends to stay in contact with our family, I am sure it will also serve as an outlet for the many issues that have begun to direct my mind and method of ministry. I welcome your comments and would love to dialogue with others on these issues that are pressing on my heart.