Banana Split Night

Yummy doesn't that look great? Well it does but I forgot it was banana split night at AWANA. So that means I forgot to have the stuff purchased for banana split night and that means I had to disappoint a big group of kids last night all because I forgot. I hate when that happens. I do think it is possible that two of my Kindergarten Sparks teachers might have been the most disappointed about not having banana splits last night. Our great commander, Mr. Terry, has agreed to have them next week. I will be gone on the mission trip so I will miss out- guess that works out since I forgot. All I could do was say I was sorry. Man alive I hate when that happens.

I am also sorry to the AWANA Food Crew who will be grilling hamburgers for our supper and having to serve banana splits. Originally I had put the banana split night on pizza night- which is a relatively easier thing for the Food Crew to serve. So if you are able to come and help serve next Sunday Night in AWANA from 5:15 - 7:10 - I know they would appreciate it. Please let me know if you can do - I mean think about it you would get a banana split too.........

Prayers Needed

I would like for you guys to pray for a man named Mark. A friend from church has shared with me about his situation. They have created a blog to keep people posted and so you will know how to pray for him.

http://markmarathon.blogspot.com/

The above blog is where you can read about Mark.

Mission Trip Final Days

Well the time is drawing closer where hubby and I (along with 8 others) will leave for a mission trip to the Island of Brac off the coast of Croatia. We will be staying at Supetar. You can read more about our trip at http://fbcincroatia.wordpress.com . If you are willing to pray for our team would you please leave me a comment. I would like to ask people to pray for the specific things:

1. Travel - especially our transfer from Split airport, to shuttle, to the ferry to the hotel!

2. Team - that God would continue to bind us together, use us and impact us.

3. Classes- pray as we teach Bible Stories, make crafts, play games, eat snacks, worship the one true God, bond with children, make memories, etc.

4. I ask for you to specifically pray for the children to bond with our team- especially in the nursery and preschool area.

5. Pray for divine appointments for our team and pray we would recognize them as opportunities given to us by God.

We still need note written to certain missionaries- if you can help with this please leave me a comment or email me. We need the notes by Monday night at 7:30.

Easter Weekend

Happy Easter! It was so much fun today to be able to celebrate Easter at our church Easter Egg Hunt. Today one of our four year old little boys asked me why we celebrate Easter! Well I had a great time telling little "G" that it wasn't about the Easter Eggs even though that was fun. It was all about Jesus and what He did for us.

I pray that as adults we don't forget to explain that even though Easter Eggs are fun

how they represent New Life in Christ. It is my prayer if you have never stopped to make the decision to make Jesus your personal Lord and Savior- you will right now. It is exciting to serve a RISEN SAVIOR!

As fun as today was- I can't wait to worship our Risen Savior tomorrow at church. I encourage you to attend a church and do so as well! What a great day to celebrate Jesus!

On a personal note- I would like to ask you to pray for my dad. He has back surgery yesterday. He is in a lot of pain. He will be in the hospital until Wednesday and facing 12 weeks of recovery.

Encouraging those who serve around the world!

I know many people serve in many capacities around the world. For this post I am talking about those who serve specifically to advance the cause of Christ- better known as missionaries. In about 20 days I will be leaving with a team of 10 from my church to serve at their conference. This conference happens every two years. I was able to serve the last conference when they were in Istanbul, Turkey. This time it is Croatia. As I have stated here before- our team will be providing care for those birth -11 years old. We will be doing nursery care, Vacation Bible School, Kid's Church, and other "special" events with these awesome children. I have a request for you-

Would you consider writing a note to a missionary family so you can encourage them and let them know how much you appreciate their willingness to advance the cause of Christ in a culture that was once foreign to them. If so, please leave me a comment and I will let you know how you can do that! Last time this was such an awesome thing to give to each missionary family!

You can also help by donating (new) items for the missionary children's goodie bags. We are asking you remember this has to be transported- so take that in consideration...........
Nursery (two and under)- 10 children approx. (5 girls / 5 boys)
Preschool (threes- fives) - 10 children approx. (5 girls/ 5 boys)
Elementary (Kindergarten - 5th grade) - 25 children approx. (12 girls / 13 boys )

Things to consider are candy, small toys, small books or activity/coloring type books, etc. Please remember if giving to a certain age make sure they are age appropriate. One example is currently The Dollar Tree has small Cars Frisbees- they come in a package of 3. It would take 15 packs to have enough for every bag- that is $15 in all! Maybe you could purchase a couple of those and WOW we are on our way! By the way- I purchased one - so we only need 14!

Other things I noticed on a recent dollar store trip-
1. Super Fly Rings - these had Winnie the Pooh on them - great for the nursery or preschool!
2. Go Diego Go Paddle Ball toys great for the elementary group
3. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Fingerboards (little skate boards) great for elementary
4. Playing cards - 2 decks in a pack and I have one (so 11 more packs needed) for elementary

I also know the kids love candy like fireballs, jolly ranchers, Starburst, MNM'S, skittles that are harder to get in some of the places they live.
Also if anyone has any contact with how we could get some small type toys they put in fast food meals but that are new- please let me know- I would love to put one of those in there as well.

I have also put the gender break down in case you would like to do something gender specific- hair bows, little lotions, etc. (yes, I realize I could only think of girly things).

Please, please think about how you can play a part in blessing and encouraging those that answers God's call to move to a foreign land, away from family and familiar things of life (and often time conveniences of America) so that many more may be told of the incredible love and plan Jesus has for each one of us- regardless of age, gender, ethnic background, financial standing, etc.

I know many may not be able to contribute in a financial way due to our present economy BUT we all can write a card or note- can't we? It was precious to have all the children from AWANA to bring notes or pictures they had drawn to take with us! Yes, this is one small opportunity to have your children be on mission for Jesus!

Okay I will step down off my soap box! Thank you in advance for all who respond by praying, writing, bringing, going and sharing!

Meal Plan Monday

Trying to get back to doing a meal plan. Hopefully our schedules have settled down. Doing a meal plan not only helps me in saving money but also normally it is better than eating late (and usually not as healthy). Also posting my meal plan makes me more accountable!

Here is my plan..........

Monday - roast, potatoes, green beans, mac and cheese

Tuesday - Dinner at meeting

Wednesday - Dinner at church

Thursday - Lasagna

Friday - Steak, baked potatoes, salad and rolls

Saturday - Hamburgers and sides

Sunday - BBQ chicken, fruit, corn casserole, side ?

Okay here is my plan- hopefully it will go well!

You can go over to www.orgjunkie.com for more Meal Plans!

Respect

I guess you have figured out I am the Minister of Childhood Education at my church. I love my church and serving alongside of some awesome parents, volunteers and children. Something that has been on my heart and mind lately is ........... Respect.

Let me start by saying I am so thankful for parents that feel the biggest job they have is to raise children who love Jesus more than anything. I so appreciate they train them not only to love Him but accept Him as their Savior. I feel this is the most important job they have when it comes to the children God has blessed them with.

With that being said, let me move on to what I think may be the next task a parent must train their children in............ RESPECT. Some may call me crazy but I believe this is more important than any academic lesson, ballgame, recital, play, etc. they will EVER have.

I am so thankful when I see children who display good manners. I see so many display GREAT manners but they are kids so I am pleased with good manners. It makes my heart so happy when children respond to adults even if being disciplined in a way that is showing respect. It is also encouraging to see them respond to their peers in ways that display their respect for them as well. In my home if an adult said I was out of line, disrespectful or disobedience- there was no discussion. The only talking done was me being scolded and deciding how I was going to make the situation right.

I believe it is also important to remember that showing respect also applies to how we treat the property of others- it may be a place or a thing. Our society is placing less and less value on "things". If we lose or break something (by not taking care of it, etc.) it is often just replaced.

I know for the most part teaching respect and responsibility is taking place. However, sadly not in all homes.

I urge everyone to think about what part you play in helping this generation learn all these great things.............. if you are a parent and teaching these things, keep on keeping on
if you are a parent and not teaching these things, it is never too late to begin
if you have children in your sphere of influence- do all you can to help parents with these life lessons! Just remember it is up to all of us to help make an impact on the generations to come!

I also encourage you to affirm children in your life when they do display respect, responsibility and great manners! When you do - notice the smile (or shy grin for others) appear on their sweet faces. Positive affirmation only helps reinforce these great characteristics and behaviors in their growing lives.