VBS and The Jerusalem Marketplace

The theme for this year’s Vacation Bible School was The Jerusalem Marketplace.  The gym, chapel, classrooms, and courtyard were decorated to give the children an idea of what kinds of shops and activities could have been part of Jesus’ life in Jerusalem and nearby areas.  The kids were able to dress in first century clothing, walk through the marketplace shops, stop to hear about the importance of bread and spices, make a musical instrument, stomp in mud and straw to make bricks, weave a basket, make jewelry, go to the synagogue, see live animals, watch a fisherman repair his net, seeing how to make a rope, make a seal, embroidery, make sandals, meet with the scribes, engrave, see a stone cutter and even more.  Some tasted food that would be common for people in that part of the world to eat.  But more important than the visualizing and experiencing of what Jerusalem was like in Bible times was that the children heard the stories of Jesus every day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All week long I have thought about how much Vacation Bible School is similar to the early church.

* Much prayer and preparation went into the details of the experience.

* The children and teachers were eager to meet together each day.

* Children came and invited their friends to come with them.

* Every day the children heard stories about Jesus and His love for them.  Some chose to ask Jesus to be their Lord and Savior.

* They shared life experiences together.

* As parents met their children afterwards, they excitedly shared what they had done and heard that day.

* Like the early church, the children and adults collected money to buy and send materials to orphans in another country so they too can hear the stories about Jesus and His love and purpose for their lives.

In these coming days, may we also remember, learn, and put into practice the lessons from the early church and Vacation Bible School, even if it means getting our feet dirty. 

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Acts 1:42-47

(Thanks to Kimberly McClain, Laura Rogers, and Larry for the pictures.)

Rejoicing in God's Blessings

The completion of this school year is in the books and the beginning of summer has begun.  During these days, the calendar filled up quickly with end of school programs, concerts, graduation celebrations, birthday parties and more.  Amidst all the busyness, there were times that I slowed down long enough to see and rejoice in God’s blessings and provisions.

* Larry and I celebrated Gordon’s 94^th birthday with dozens of his family and friends.  We arrived early enough to the party that we were able to sit and visit with him.  Gordon has served his Lord, country, family, church, friends, and business well.  He is a prayer warrior and I’m grateful that he prays for me.  We arrive early for church on Sunday mornings and Gordon and his caregiver are on my “Stop and give a hug and visit” list each week.  What a special time to celebrate and thank God for the gift of Gordon’s life.

* We attended our grandson’s end of year preschool program. It was a gift to look at the ways David has grown and learned during this year.  Ryen was 2 months old at the last program.  What a difference a year makes. 

* On Saturday we were able to celebrate the life of Charlene at a memorial service; a life characterized by giving and serving with a joyful heart.  Charlene taught children in school with much love, enthusiasm, and encouragement.  Later she did the same as she taught education courses at the university to a new generation of teachers.  Charlene also gave tirelessly and energetically of her time to the Houston Children’s Chorus and led the Girls’ Missions Program at Tallowood. 

* We celebrated a high school graduation for two young men from church.  It will be exciting to see what God continues to do in and through them in these coming years.  At their dinner, we sat by a man from church who is receiving cancer treatments.  He has spent over 100 days at MDA, with many of those being in intensive care.  Texas Bob was so sick when he went in that they had to find treatments for his other illnesses before they could ever consider a protocol for cancer treatments.  There were so many days that he was in such serious condition that we thought he might not make it.  His faith and the faith expressed by his family have been such a blessing, as have the answers to so many prayers on his behalf.

* This week, a friend was going to be on a business trip in the city where Scott and Abby live.  He offered to take a suitcase full of things for them, mostly food that they need.  So with two days notice, Larry made flying trips to stores to get the items they requested.  What a blessing that Scott was able to have a short and encouraging visit with our family friend.  And the hotel where he was staying was only one mile from where they live. 

* After an 11 hour day of errands, her first boat ride on a ferry, and no nap, our granddaughter had a great day of adventure in her new city.    

* Last night we celebrated the wedding of a dear, dear friend.  Wes and Erica, may your lives overflow with God’s blessings as you begin your journey of marriage.

“Father, I know you are always at work.  Thank you for the times when I slow down long enough to notice the ways You are working and the blessings You are continually providing in my life and the lives of others.  Help me to have an open heart, mind, and eyes to see where you are at work.   May I be quick to acknowledge your love, provision, and constant presence with joy, celebration, and thanksgiving.” 

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

Psalm 46:10

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.

Psalm 118:1

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

Philippians 4:4

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

I Thessalonians 5:16-18

Investments

“All gave some.  Some gave all.”

Billy Ray Cyrus

“No man is an island,
Entire of itself,
Every man is a piece of the continent,
A part of the main.”

John Donne

“Graduations are such emotional and rewarding events in life's journey. We all stand on the shoulders of so many that gave so much in our behalf.”

Jim Rogers, wise friend

With Memorial Day and graduations, it has been a good week to remember and reflect on the people who have invested their time, energy, and lives to make a difference in my life.  Once again, I am blessed that I don’t have to make this journey alone.  Because of the sacrifices of our military personnel, and their families, we continue to have our freedom, safety, and rights as Americans.  I am grateful for family, friends, teachers (both at church and school), pastors, youth ministers, medical personnel, neighbors, and colleagues who have been shoulders to lean on and stand on along my journey.  Each one has made a contribution to who I am today.  It’s also been a week to be thankful for the people who have invested in our three sons through the years and made a lasting difference in their lives.  Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice and investment for our lives.  Through Him, we can each become the person God created us to be and encourage others to do the same. 

Every day, I also have the opportunity to invest in the lives of others.  Sometimes it may be for a brief moment while other times it may be for months or years.  When it comes time for our last breath on earth, it’s what we have invested in others that will make a lasting difference.  May our investments yield much gain this week, as well as in the months and years to come.  

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

John 15:13

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

Matthew 25:40

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.  Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.

I Thessalonians 5:11, 14, 15

 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.

Hebrews 10:24a

Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.

Philippians 5:1-5