As he stood there, nearly 6 feet tall in his suit, I found myself wondering, “How did Kipp get this big this fast!?”  The years seem to have slipped by.  It was fun to be able to encourage him to be as chivalrous as possible…opening doors for the girls in his class and complimenting them on how they look…no matter who the girl was.  How cool it was to watch him contemplate these gentlemanly ideas and decide to put them into practice.  As I stood and helped him position his tie before going out the door, I looked Kipp straight in the eyes and told him how proud and grateful I am to be his aunt.  Truly, there has been no greater gift in my life that the privilege of loving and shepherding this young man and I thank God for the opportunity.  Who do you have in your life that you can love-on today?  Take a moment to let them know how proud and grateful you to have them in your life.  I’m sure they’ll love to hear it!

 So, I’m doing a little bit of personal inventory these days.  Whenever I make a decision or react to one that has been made, I ask myself a probing question and run these things through a mentor leadership “grid.”  Here’s the question I ask myself…Are my responses and decisions based on self-promotion and self-satisfaction or are they based on what is good for the team as a whole and for the betterment of each individual therein?  What a big question!   You know, when you shine a spotlight on the motives of your heart, you may not like what you find there.  Sometimes I don’t like the answer I am finding!  But, I do like the challenge to become a mentor leader and want to do what is necessary to move in that direction.  A quote near the end of the book (pg. 187) says this:  “Teamwork: Simply stated, it is less me and more we.”  What are you doing to focus on others and build into their lives today?  If you need something to motivate you in this area of your life, be sure to pick up a copy of Tony’s book and, if you have time, let me know what you think.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." 

"Why are my responses not in tune with what the Bible says here?" is certainly a question I have to ask myself.

Take a closer look at that verse.  Did you notice those two words ANYTHING and EVERYTHING?  Oh, they drive me crazy.  (No disrespect meant toward God in that last statement.  It's just that I dont' seem to be able to do what it says!!)  First God asks us to not be anxious about ANYTHING.  Let's just make a short list of "ANYTHINGS" that could surprise any of us in life...cancer, divorce, death, unemployment, flooding, car accident, foreclosure, adultery, and the list goes on and on.  Yet, despite those immensely huge ANYTHINGS, God still says to not be anxious.  (This verse makes me want to lift my voice to heaven and shout, "Really, God?  Are you kidding me?  How do You expect me to do that?)  Are any of you like me out there or am I the only one struggling with this?

Recently a friend learned of their spouses unfaithfulness.  Another learned he has cancer.  Those are two "ANYTHINGS" in life...two "anythings" about which God asks us to not be anxious.  So, I have really begun thinking hard on what God has to say to us here in Philippians 4.  He truly asks us to not be anxious.  Although I (at least at this point) don't know how to do that when the tidal waves of life hit, I am on a journey to figure it out and invite you to join me in this quest toward "Worry-Free Living." 

The first step is to read the rest of the verse in 4:6.  God goes on to say that in EVERYTHING I should be on my knees, praying and petitioning God.  Praying and petitioning are conversational, confident, heartfelt conversations with our loving God.  Notice how it  does not say that we have to beg, plead, or sacrifice our first-born to evoke His favor when we talk to Him.  (Because, then, of course, that type of energy to get His attention would be based on the fact that we were worrying He wasn't listening or He doesn't care...and we're not supposed to be worrying, now are we??)  LOL.  Anyway, I've concluded that a life without being anxious as God prescribes here means that I take time every day, in every situation, to lift up my concerns to God.   Doing that means setting aside time to STOP and really pray...really lay my concern or dilemma before God.  If it has been a while since you've done that, stop and pray right now.  Commit that thing to God.

Philippians 4 also tells us to lift up those prayers with a certain attitude...thanksgiving.  It's amazing how unworried your heart and soul feel when your focusing on thanking God rather than on the difficult circumstance life has presented.  It's then, and only then, that we acquire His peace, which passes all understanding, and it fills our hearts and minds.  Ahhhhhh.  That's how I want to live...filled with the peace of God.  If it has been a while since you've taken time to give thanksgiving to God, stop and do that now too.

See how much less worried you feel already?  :-)

Here's my real-life story from last week that showed me how futile my worrying was.  It's a small example, but, at the time, it meant a lot to me and I truly was not living out the "Worry-Free" principles that God instructs.  It all began when my Blackberry phone died.  I've had it less than 6 months and it decided one night to quit working and never turn on again.  Weird.  Frustrating.  I believed that a phone that was less than 6 months old should be fixable so off I went to my local Verizon store.  The first 30 minutes in the technicians hands seemed like there might be a way to make it work again.  After 90 minutes, hope of repair was growing dimmer.  Finally, 3 hours and two stores later, the technician pronounced my phone irrevocably dead.  Replacing the phone was not a problem...it was still under warranty.  The problem was the hundreds of contacts (from my former life and colleagues in Chicago/St. Louis and my new life and colleages and Indianapolis) that were lost and never to be retrieved again.  It sounds like a silly thing to be anxious about, but I was truly worrying.  I had not ever backed up my phone.  As I travelled from one store to another, I was so upset and worried about the time and effort it would take to re-create all those contacts that I actually stopped the car, laid hands on my phone and prayed.  (Hey, Pastor Craig had just recently taught on spiritual warfare and I was inspired to "do some battle" for my contacts!)  Anyway, even after praying, I was still worrying.  (No thanksgivng was offered up to God this night, sorry to say.)   I left the Verizon store worrying.  I went to bed worrying.  I woke up worrying about how I was going to replace those 500+ names and information.  Low and behold, while I was worrying, God was working.  (Go figure!)  As it turns out, my contacts had been saved through the server at work and, to my surprise, when my phone was reconfigured the next morning, all of my contacts were there...bold and beautiful.    All the worry and anxiety from the night before and earlier that morning was a waste of time.  God had been working on my behalf taking care of even the small things that meant a lot to me.  (He even took care of me when I was worrying.  What a great God.)  Although this example is a simple one and, with some effort, could have been resolved on its own, God reminded me that HE really wants me to not be anxious or worry about anything.  It humbled me and I am grateful for the reminder.

So, worry warts out there - join me in the "Living Worry-Free" challenge.  I'm sure we'll all be challenged to truly trust God, but the benefits of His peace to guard our lives will be well worth it!  Let me know how you're doing!

We tried something new in children's ministry this summer and it was fun!  One of the desires of the BridgeKids leadership team is to help families grow in God TOGETHER.  Although we believe that our Sunday morning, age-graded ministry is strong and purposeful, we also feel it's important to get parents and children together for worship and Bible study experiences.  So, FamJam was launched on June 6 and lasted for three evenings.  More than 40 families attended this first-time event.  Yeah God!

The teaching focus was the life of Joseph.  This is one of my favorite Bible stories of all-time.  One of most important Biblical truths ever conveyed can be found all throughout the story of Joseph.  Over and over, in good times and bad, you will find the phrase, "And the Lord was with Joseph."  This simple truth was emphasized repeatedly with the children and their famiilies.  How cool to teach kids that GOD is WITH THEM...no matter what.  As a kid, I didn't learn that and I grew up thinking that, every time something bad happened, God wasn't there.  He had abandoned me.  How untrue that is!!  God is with us - all the time - and the story of Joseph is living proof.  Wow.  If you haven't read it yet, check out Genesis 37-50. 

Learning, fun, activities, eating and singing were all a part of FamJam.  (We're probably the only church around that did an "egg drop" from 25 feet to see if the egg would break!  You'll have to ask me if you want to find out more about that!!)  The aspect that I liked best was seeing dads and moms interact with their children over God's Word. Single parents and their kids, dads, moms, large families, small families all slowed their pace just a bit and devoted three nights to learning and playing together.  It was awesome.  (Dads, you are my HEROES!  Your children love, crave, adore your involvement in their lives and their faith.  Kudos to you for taking time to teach them and process Bible truths with them.  Also, thanks to the many other men who took underwing kids who were there without their dads.) 

So, anyway, I'm just happy to have been a part of all that God did.  One of hte projects that families did together was called a "Family Banner."  Using stick-on letters, pictures and phrases, families worked together to create a banner that depicted who they are and what they stand for.  It meant a lot to me to walk around and look at what these 40+ banners said.  Families openly displayed their love for God and for one another through their decorations.  As a young child I did not have a strong faith foundation and so it was such a blessing to see that those involved were already laying that foundation and placing high value on their faith.  Way to go, families!

Finally, thank you, God, for sending your grace and providing so many volunteers to make this event turn out well.  What a beautiful thing the Body of Christ is when we're all working together toward a God-inspired purpose.  It was truly an honor to launch this new endeavor and I'm grateful for each and every contribution folks made.

Be watching for future family events.  It's something we're passionate about and hope to provide in the months ahead! 

To view great FamJam photos and share the memories, click here.

It was a great performance!  My heart was filled with Auntie pride as this 13-year-old-gift- from-God walked on stage, transformed.  I had to keep reminding myself that Kipp and the other actors were all young people.  How wonderful that he and his companions get to cultivate a love for theatre and an ability to perform, speak and sing in front of large groups of people.  My prayer is that is Kipp's confidence would grow immensely and  humility would accompany that growth!

I'm not writing this for any particular reason.  Today my heart is again filled with joy and pride and so I wanted to express my love for my nephew, my gratitude to God for the wonderful gift of Kipp and to remember all over again how great it was to see this performance.  To all parents out there...you are blessed to be the stewards of your children.  Enjoy them each and every day!

• My mom lost her sight.
• I made an unexpected decision to move closer to family
• I left my job, church, home and friends in Chicago
• I sold my home during an economic crisis (that was fun, let me tell you)
• I got a new job, relocated here in Fishers, started a new life
• I began taking care of my mother every-other-weekend
• I am getting acquainted with a new ministry team
• I have been thrust into the complicated situation of trying to manage nursing home care...

...just to name a few.  Whew.  When I look at it that way, it makes sense.  But, no matter how much sense it makes, I still don't like the feeling of life being out of control.

With so many new things in my life...new relationships, new teams, new staff, new job, new ministries, new home, new neighbors, new routine, I definitely feel like the new kid on the block and not yet completely comfortable as I get settled.  Add to that a little 83-year-old mom who is needing help and grieving her new nursing home life and things can get pretty hectic.  Do you hear the tornado winds blowing?  I sure do.  And the more they blow, the more tempted I am to get out a hammer and nails and start nailing things down.  It makes sense to try to get this mess under control, doesn't it????  Well, it seems that at this time in my life, God is allowing - better yet, DESIRES - the "tornado" for me.  He doesn't seem to mind this dilemma I'm facing.  As a matter of fact, He seems to be doing a lot of the wind-blowing Himself. (Thanks a lot, God.) 

As a follower of Christ, I dont' think I've ever really had God "talk" to me but I can say that on several occasions He has given me a sense about what He wants for my life and those directives have been undeniable.  This current "tornado" feeling is one of those directives.  In my heart-of-hearts, I feel that God wants me to let go of control and let the winds blow.  As they do, as I feel uncomfortable and see things "flying" around me that I would rather have fastened down, He's teaching me to trust.  What I can't seem to take care of, He must.  Rather than me making sure all is right and well in my world, I now have to depend on Him to make the new job, new life, sad momma and everything else settle into place, by His grace and in His time.  And you know what?  I'm finding that it's freeing to learn this lesson.  Mind you, I've only got one pinkie and one pointer finger loosened at this time from the grip on my life, but I'm learning to let go, to have faith that God is in charge, and to trust.

2 Timothy 1:12 says this: "That's why I'm suffering the way I am. But I'm not ashamed. I know the One I have believed in. I am sure he is able to take care of what I have given him..."  I need to give it to Him and He will take care of it.  So, Jesus, let the winds blow.  I'm going to try to enjoy the breeze and relax in the fact that YOU'VE got it all under control.

• Butterflies in the stomach
• Sweaty palms and armpits
• Shaky knees
• Dry mouth
• The sudden urge to puke on your shoes
• A sense of dread

No, I am not writing a list of what most grooms feel as they stand at the altar!  (Although this could be for some!)  For me, at least, these things are common sensations that I experience when I anticipate conflict.  Ah, yes, that lovely word...C-O-N-F-L-I-C-T.  It happens in friendships, within marriage (althought I don't know about that one from personal experience...LOL), amongst colleagues, between children, with strangers.  Conflict is an everyday part of life which most of us would rather avoid.  For many years I was in favor of avoiding conflict (like it was the plague) that was, until, I heard the following statement:

"True intimacy cannot be achieved except through conflict."

Hmmmm.  Re-read that statement again.  "True intimacy cannot be achieved except through conflict."  I hate the thought of conflict, but I crave true intimacy...really knowing someone and feeling completely comfortable and accepted in their presence.   When you think about it, without some measure of conflict (it doesn't always have to be raging), our true feelings and thoughts about a situation aren't often revealed.  But, when a spark of conflict arises, both parties have an opportunity (if they choose to take it) to share their opposing viewpoints or frustrations with the other person.  And, if done in a healthy and respectful manner, often each person gets to see another's viewpoint and come to some sort of an outcome that joins them together rather than putting them at even greater odds.

Perhaps you think that I look at conflict through rose-colored glasses due to my last statement.  Perhaps I do.  But, in my life conflict has, over time, grown to be my friend.  One place where I welcome it is around the staff meeting table at BridgeWay.  Every Tuesday the entire staff gets together to pray and discuss ministry business.  It's a great time to connect and the 9 of us around the table are passionate people when it comes to Kingdom matters.  Often our conversations go smoothly.  But, at least once a week, an issue comes before us that causes someone to speak their mind and heart and the conflict begins.  And, sometimes, the sparks FLY!  I'm not telling this to you to "tattle" on anyone.  I tell you this to CELEBRATE the fact that there is permission on the BridgeWay team for people to speak their minds and cause this conflict.  Now, no one speaks disrespectfully, but we are allowed to speak honestly, passionately and without fear of challenging anyone around the table.  Yep, I said anyone...even the head honcho.  It's a beautiful thing.  It's a comforting thing.  See, there is comfort in conflict!

What is happening because of this freedom to speak up is that the staff is starting to communicate well on a number of issues.  We are growing closer.  We are listening better and respecting the viewpoints of others.  Although I've been here for only 12 weeks now, I already see change.  It's really cool to be that free to speak up and contribute.  And, it's really cool how, ultimatley, after the smoke clears, we are all closer becauser of it.

So, I challenge you today to speak up.  Do it respectfully, but speak up.  Don't be afraid to share your mind, heart and thoughts with those you love.  Also allow them to share their mind, heart and thoughts with you...without fear of being rejected.  You may find, as I have, that a sense of comfort comes to you when you realize that you have truthfully and cleanly communicated with someone.  You might realize that you've grown closer...one step closer to true intimacy.  Enjoy the comfort that conflict can bring! 

Did you know that more than 40 adults and youth serve each weekend on the BridgeKids children's ministry team?  Throughout any given month more than 100 volunteers spend one service hour on Sunday mornings encouraging children in their relationship with God.  That's a lot of volunteers!

This summer many of those people would like to take a few weekends off.  Finding helpers to take their place can be a "pickle!"  Help us keep from being "sandwiched in" by becoming a BridgeKids sub this summer.  You can help us "ketch-up" by volunteering as a sub three times during the months of June-August.  It's "ch-easy" to do...we'll provide you with all the lessons, supplies and support you need to be successful.

We need 65 of you to sign up during the month of May and take a bite out of our sub problem.  Be a part of the team that helps kids sink their teeth into their faith.  Become a summer sub!  Watch for details.

"Lettuce" know that you can help by contacting Lori Salomo at lori@bridgewaycc.com or Jenni Craig at jenni@bridgewaycc.com. 

What do Eskimos get from sitting on the ice too long?

Polaroids!    

What do you call Santa's Helpers?

Subordinate clauses!

What do you get from a pampered cow?

Spoiled milk.

What lies at the bottom of the ocean and twitches?

A nervous wreck.

What makes children's ministry unique is that the only way it truly works is if parents are involved...at church and at home.  Whereas other ministries within the church may derive their roots from the church, children's ministries starts in the home.  As you search the Scriptures for direction about bringing up a child to become a follower of Jesus Christ, much of what the Bible has to say is meant for mom and dad.  Take this well-known verse, for instance:

Deuteronomy 6:4-9

4 “Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. 5 And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. 6 And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. 789 Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

Parents are to be the initiators of faith-based conversation and teaching.  What an exciting responsibility God gives to parents!  He calls them to make God real to their kids in the day-to-day situations they face...walking, standing, at home, on the road,  at bedtime, in the morning.  He wants parents to help their children see God in the everyday, the mundane, so that they know He is there...real, mighty, powerful and available.

So, as a church, we've decided to help parents do their God-given job.  This summer BridgeWay is bringing families together for worship, prayer, celebrating, learning, and serving.  Rather than seperating dads and moms from their children, we're going to join families together to strengthen their spiritual lives (and try to fulfill this verse in Deuteronomy just a bit!).  FamJam is BridgeWay's new summer event and involves kids and their parents.  During the three night we meet (June 6-8), families will take a look at the Bible story of Joseph and learn about hope, forgiveness and family.  They'll engage in worship and Bible memory, and participate in meaningful, fun activities.  Most of all, families will have time to talk together about God and study the Bible in creative, familiy-friendly ways.

Fam Jam is a great step forward for children's ministry and includes the most important spiritual leaders any child can have - mom and dad!  I hope to see you there!

FamJam is coming this summer!

BridgeWay is always thinking up innovative and effective ways to help people grow in their relationship with God.  So, the children's ministry team began to ask ourselves, "What if there were a way for families to worship and share a meaningful faith experience together?"  We decided there is!  This summer, BridgeKids children's ministry will launch FamJam...

FamJam is three nights of excitement which center around the things that are most important to you – faith, family and fun!  It will take place June 6-8, 2010.

Dads, mom and children will enjoy praise and worship family-style.  Encountering Christian teaching and Bible dramas together will help families talk about God and His Word like never before.  Plus, there will be a lot of opportunities to dive into projects side by side, enjoy fun activities, and reach out to the community on our Family Justice night.

The program is formatted for children who are going into Kindergarten through fourth grade and their families but the whole family is invited.  We’ll even provide the child care for your infants and preschoolers and high-school aged teens are invited to serve!

FamJam is also the perfect outreach opportunity.  What a fabulous way for your  family to reach out to others in an easy and non-threatening manner.  You can take part in introducing your friends, neighbors and extended family to BridgeWay and, ultimately, to God.   Enjoy having dinner on site each night with your guests, surrounded by other families from BridgeWay and the community.  Get connected with your extended church family too!

You might be wondering who is running this thing if families are participating together?  BridgeWay has lots of  adults and teens, empty-nesters and singles who don’t have young families and we hope they volunteer to help with the fun!  Plus, if you don’t have young children of your own, sign up to be a "FamJam Foster Fam" and lead a group of kids who don’t have an adult attending with them.  We will begin recruiting folks to help and serve starting Sunday, April 18th.

Make sure you and your family don't miss out on this amazing event.   You can begin registering your family and guests for FamJam starting Sunday, May 9.  The cost is $10.00 per person or $30.00 per family.  Watch for more information online and at BridgeWay on the weekends to get involved.  Most importantly, SAVE THE DATE.  June 6, 7, 8 –  Three nights of faith, family and fun…FAMJAM!

My job that night was that of "bouncer."  With the kids up front sitting on the floor and the platform, someone had to keep little junior from jumping up and grabbing the microphone out of Dave's hands.  To my delight, the children were very well mannered, respectful and listened fairly intently (except for a couple of little guys who just HAD to stand on their heads and kick their feet in the air).  Ya gotta love it.  One thing that concerned me was the fact that a large, black, wooden cross was situated precariously on the platform, lying down so that the top of the cross rested on the platform and the base of the cross rested on the floor.  To me it looked like a potential "teeter-totter" for the truly adventurous child.  So, when a couple of the kids started crawling around on this cross, I readied myself to swoop in and abscond the little rascals.  One little girl (dressed in her petite spring dress, socks and dressy shoes) climbed atop the cross and sat right at the place where the wooden beams intersect.  There I was, ready to pounce.  Thank goodness I took a closer look before I made a move.  Thank goodness God allowed me to look at the scene with His eyes before anyone could sweep this little one from her divine perch.  All at once I realized this little beauty had the best seat in the house. There she was, without a care in the world, sitting comfortably and cheerfully on the cross.  She had found the safest, most accessible and most important place to rest her weary self.  She didn't see the cross as something to be avoided, but rather as something that could support and hold all of who she is.  She knew she was welcome there and enthusiastically settled herself while she listened to the story about her chosen place of rest.  It was a sight to behold. 

The Bible tells us that we should humble ourselves and become like little children.  (Matthew 18:3, 4)  When was the last time you ran to the cross, believing that it was the safest place for you to be?  How long has it been since you rested you heart, mind, body and soul at the foot of cross, knowing that the only true rest comes from being in the presence of God?  Do you really believe that the cross is able to bear the weight of all your troubles, sins, concerns and failures?  It can.  It has.  It does.  Become like a little child this week and make the cross the place that you go to for rest, comfort, safety and support.  Jesus is waiting there for you.  He'd like to invite you to join him at the best seat in the house.

These guys are (in order that their names are listed above) a former military officer, a vice president, and a chemical engineer - intelligent, capable men who lead at work and in the community.  As they shared their stories, my heart was deeply touched by how they expressed their commitment to what they do on the weekends. 

• Rob loves to share Christ with young people and is making an eternal impact on 2nth graders (one of which is his daughter). 
• Keith sets aside his responsibilities in the corporate world and chooses to work with one year old children, providing them with a father figure and lots of hugs while mom and dad attend the worship service.  (By the way, he makes this a "family affair," as his teenagers also serve with kids.) 
• Chad chooses to involve himself where his kids are on the weekend so he can watch them interact with friends, teachers and God. 

As I listened to their stories, my heart expanded.  For a man to set aside time to impart faith to a little child is fantastic to me.  Hearing that men gladly serve for the sake of the kids and for God, well, tell me, how much better can it get?  So, Rob, Keith and Chad, you are my heroes.  And, to all the rest of the BridgeKids men who aren't mentioned here, you are my heroes too!  And, most of all, you are heroes in the eyes of every child at BridgeWay.  Thanks for all you do.

"Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm.  Let nothing move you.  Always give yourself fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."  1 Corinthians 15:58

My family and I are faced with a tough decision that seems to have no good options.  For the past several days I've wrestled with the terrible choice we have to make and cannot seem to find any peace.  There seems to be plenty of anxiety, regret, worry, anger at God, but no peace.  So, Saturday night I went on a peace-seeking mission.  With Bible in hand, I spent the last hour of my evening in the Word...hoping to hear from God.  And, to my surprise, I did. 

As a church we are reading the book of Philippians and so I started there.  Paul was in a difficult situation when he wrote this book to the people of the church of Philippi.  Under house arrest, he was held captive for his faith.  Despite his dark circumstances, here is what Paul had to say in Philippians 1:18b-19

"Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance."

These words brought encouragement and instruction to me regarding my circumstances and, perhaps, they will for you too.  Here's what I took away from these verses:

1.  Continue to rejoice.  No matter what rock or hard place you find in your life, there is always reason and room for rejoicing.  God has done many good things in your life (as simple as providing you with clean water to drink) and they should be noticed and celebrated.

2. Pray.  Pray for yourself and pray for others who also find themselves in difficult situations.  Ask for prayer from others.  Get a prayer partner to pray through the situation with you.  Follow Jesus' instructions to fast and pray when things are difficult to overcome.

3. Ask God to send the "help given by the Spirit of Jesus."  I can't say that I know exactly what this is, but to have the Spirit of Jesus bringing help to a desperate situation sounds like a perfect remedy to me!

4. Trust that God will use the difficult situation to bring about some type of deliverance.  Paul knew that good would come from his desperate circumstance and trusted in God to make it happen.

As I continued to read, Philippians 4:6-7 brought additional instruction and wisdom to me...

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard you hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Have you ever really taken this verse at face value?  God tells us to not be anxious about ANYTHING...not a devestating report of cancer, job loss, death of a loved one, divorce, bankruptcy, teen addiction, adultery, NOTHING.  God really meant it when he asked us to not be anxious.  (It makes me want to say "You gotta be kidding me, God!)  It seems like a nearly impossible things to do when life is full of worries.  However, in this verse, God has given us keys as to how to rid ourselves of anxiety and, interestingly, they are similar to the points listed from the Philippians 1 verse.

1. Pray

2. Present your requests to God

3. Thank Him for what He has already done and for what He will continue to be faithful to do.

After doing these things, the promise God gives is that peace will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.  So, I've tried to rearrange my life a bit during this difficult time - rearranging that includes points from these verses.  I've found a prayer partner and we've committed to pray together every evening over the phone.  Friends and family have decided that time will be set aside to fast and pray.  When extreme worry and sorrow fill me, I try to think of several marvelous things that God is already doing in my life and thank Him for that.  Finally, I try to verbally and mentally entrust the situation into God's hands whenever panic rises in me.  It's going to be a battle that will take a while to get through, but I am grateful to God for His encouragement that helps when I find myself between a rock and a hard place.  I hope it helps you too.

So, for three years, I struggled.  Mom was mad - really, really mad - that my interactions with her were now reduced to a minimum.  Although I knew it was right for a time, the silence was hard on me to.  Every daughter longs for a healthy, loving relationship with her mother.  We both suffered.  Seeking out wise supervision of a Christian counselor, tiny, daily steps were made to destroy unhealthy patterns of relating and replace them with new ones.  Over time, although things never became all that I hoped them to be, I was able to invite mom back into my life.

That was 15 years ago.

It's 15 years later and my little mama is now 83 years old.  This past year has been the most difficult of her life as she watches her body deteriorate in ways that rob her of any reasonable quality of life.  Plagued with osteoporousis, debilitating arthritis, diabetes and blindness, my mom is suffering and it is heartbreaking to watch.  Yet, in the midst of this dark time, there is something so wonderful for which I praise God...mom and I are being drawn together in a unique and touching way.  God's healing in our relationship has been strong enough to turn a mother and daughter who were once enemies into a team that is called by God to be together for the last years of my mom's life.  God is teaching me so much through this phase of my life...compassion, mercy, grace, servant hood.  He is teaching me about HIS heart for me.  Romans 5:6-8 says this... 

You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.  Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die.  But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Christ died for sinners - broken, imperfect, unlovely people.  He LOVED us even when we were ungodly and unloveable.  He chose to love unlovely ME while I was a sinner and even now when I am still hopelessly flawed.  That's amazing.  So, now I need to exhibit that kind of love toward others, toward mom.  If you had asked me 15 years ago to lay down my life and love my mom, I would have said "NO!"  It would have been impossible to care for her in the measure life now demands.  But, God worked a miracle in me (and for us) and has given me a heart of love for mom...and her for me.  As I said before, our relationship is not all that I had hoped it would be, but it is being joined together by God with a love that only He can supply.  It's a love like He talks about in Romans 5 - one that can love an enemy, the ungodly, a sinner - to the point of laying down yourself for their benefit.  By God's grace, I can pray for her, serve her, and desire her good like never before.  Although I don't like the circumstances that usher in this depth of love, I am grateful for the grace He provides to do one simple thing...love my mother.

God has healed.  He has caused beauty to grow out of something unlovely.  He has brought a mom and daughter together again, by His grace.  I am grateful. 

Take a look at this tiny pair of baby shoes.  It’s hard to believe that anyone could ever be small enough to actually fit in shoes this size.  Here at BridgeWay, we have lots of little baby shoes entering our doors each week. 

When you think of some of the faces that belong to these shoes, they are so sweet, so innocent, and so full of promise.  At this young age, it’s hard to imagine what these children might grow up to be and adulthood seems so far away. I don’t have my own children but it seems like it was only yesterday that my nephew, Kipp, (who is now almost 14), was wearing lhis baby shoes.  Whether we like it or not, the truth is that with every passing day, our children are developing, learning, being influenced, and leaving their baby shoes behind.

In the time that passes from childhood to adulthood so much happens to influence our children.   And in the midst of this crazy world, God has chosen to use us...you and me...to help promote and nurture His plans in children’s lives.  We take our rightful place as parents and the church community to help connect children to God through Jesus Christ so that today and when they have grown into that man or woman of the future, they will be all that God intends. 

And so today I want to focus in on children’s ministry.  Ministry to kids is a community effort which requires the talents and contributions of many.  It’s a privilege to be able to lead this ministry, but the real shepherding, the real week-in-week-out spiritual nurture of these children is done by the volunteers who give their time to connect with kids and help them develop a relationship with God.

As I am asking for you to join me and the rest of the BridgeKids volunteer staff in strengthening BridgeWay’s children’s ministry.  We have two ways for you to do that.  The first is to take part in a church-wide challenge that will only take 20 seconds of your time each day.

We call it the 20/20 Challenge because we want to bring your understanding of children’s ministry into focus.  We ask that you would set aside 20 seconds of your day to pray for the children at BridgeWay for the next 20 days.  If you choose to accept this challenge, we’ve made it easy for you by providing short, written booklet of prayers for you to take before God each day.  They are meant to help you focus your 20 seconds of prayer.  (You may pick up one of these booklets from BridgeWay at the Welcome Center or at the 20/20 Challenge table.)

The second is to consider serving in BridgeKids children’s ministry.  We have a vibrant team of volunteers and we’re looking to grow that team by giving you an opportunity to make an eternal difference in a child’s life.  You can serve directly by helping in a classroom on the weekend (we’re looking for 40 people to sign up and do that) or you can serve indirectly by becoming an at-home helper, doing handyman task, using your organizational skills, etc.  Stop by the table in the lobby for more information.

And, just because incentives are fun, anyone who does begin serving, your name will be entered into a drawing for an overnight get-away for two, including accommodations, dinner and breakfast at the Walden Inn in Greencastle. 

Today begins a new day for children’s ministry.  We have a marvelous opportunity to spiritually nurture all the “baby shoes” that run, hop and jump, crawl and skip in our halls each week.  Please join with the team and me to begin this new season with 20 days of prayer to strengthen our efforts to disciple children to become all that God intends.

If you have a Bible close to you, turn to Romans 16.  Normally I would just breeze through a chapter like this, but this time something different happened.  In chapter 16, Paul is sending personal greetings to friends and companions in Rome.  As I began to read the names written there, they suddenly became personal to me.  Here's some of what is found there:

• Phoebe was Paul's friend who has been with him through thick and thin.  (And, believe me, read the book of Acts and you'll be overwhelmed by the difficulties he has suffered!)  She was heading off to Rome and Paul wanted to make sure that his "sis" was well cared for by his friends there. 
• Two other amazing friends, Priscilla and Aquila, had a church in their home and risked their lives for Paul. 
• I learned that a guy with the weird name Epenetus was the first guy to become a Christian in all of Asia.  Wow.  That's a big deal.  What a title to hold in history! 
• Andronicus and Junias were related to Paul and they were imprisoned with him.  Could you imagine being arrested with your uncle, nephew or cousin?  Another relative, Herodian, is also mentioned. 

As I continued to read through this list of names (ok, I still snickered at the name "Asyncritus"), the names written there became more than names...they transformed into people with real stories, real connections and real personalities.  Suddenly, my BridgeWay friends and ministry partners came to mind and it occurred to me that I had "chapter 16" a list of my own...

• To my brother, Steve, who serves faithfully in the Toddler classroom each and every week.  He loves those children and lays down his life for them.
• Greet my sister, Peggy, who has given her time to lead the preschoolers and is now preparing for Great Banquet and helping many to draw closer to Christ.
• I commend to you my brother, Larry, who serves faithfully and diligently, asking for nothing in return.
• Greet Sheri who has spent many months sending out birthday cards to all l the little children of BridgeWay, making sure their special day did not go unnoticed
• Send my greetings to Rob who not only changes diapers but also approaches ministry cheerfully and seems to take every opportunity to minister to the Walkers as a gift from God.
• I commend to you Ken, my brother in the Lord, who acted as the "glue" for the BKL! team in the past few months.
• Greet my sister, Annie, who has risked her life as she serves a classroom full of Kindergarten and First graders.  (Ok, maybe that's a little melodramatic, but some days have been hectic!)  LOL
  
• Hey, I even found Jenni Craig and I in that list..."Tryphena and Tryphosa, women who worked hard in the Lord."  (Be sure to call Jenni "Tryphena" the next time you see her!)

How cool!  God used this chapter to remind me that every name written in the Bible was a real person with a real story.  God allowed them to be mentioned for a purpose.  This time the purpose was to remind me that I have my own list of amazing friends and ministry partners who are committed to spreading the Gospel and the work of Christ wherever they are.  Those listed above are just a few of the people who came to mind.  It would take hours to write down all the amazing leaders, volunteers and friends as BridgeWay, but  I think you get the picture.

So, next time you fall upon a geneology or name list in the Bible, don't run away from it.  As you read it, remind yourself that those people are a part of your faith heritage and God's got them in them listed in His Book for a reason.  Who knows, you might be reminded of all the amazing and wonderful people who are in your life too!

• Daisies
• The sun shining on my face
• Hearing my nephew say, "I love you too."
• Good books
• A hot shower
• Clean sheets and a soft bed
• Money to pay the bills
• Technology that connects me to the world around me
• Hearing, sight, speech
• Hope
• Freedom to worship God
• A great team to work with
• Washing machines
• Romans 5:1
• A car that runs well
• Funny jokes and witty responses
• A child's giggle
  

Thanks, God, for all the gifts you've put in my life.  I am truly blessed. 

What are you thankful for today?

We accomplished a lot together yesterday.  Of course, it all had to start with some crazy fun in which we learned a few little known truths about key leaders including the fact that Craig Parker eats lemons whole...rind and all!  (He actually took a big bite out of one in front of all of us and chewed on the rind, seeds, and all.  Bleh!) My little known fact?  Not telling.  LOL

The over-arching message of encouragement to the team came from 1 Corinthians 15:58:

"Therefore, my dear brothers (and sisters), stand firm.  Let nothing move you.  Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." 

I think it's really cool that God took time, in advance, to tell us what we don't readily know...OUR LABOR IN THE LORD IS NOT IN VAIN!   Let's face it, in children's ministry it isn't always easy to see the fruit of our labors.  We are planting little seeds of faith in little hearts and it takes several years for many of those seeds to produce any visible fruit.  Plus, our time with the kids is peppered with wiping runny noses, comforting the tearful, cleaning up toys, changing diapers, disinfecting, handling discipline challenges, battling tech issues and putting Goldfish crackers in cups.  With all that, we might not realize that our loving words, comforting hugs, passionate teaching of God's Word, and whispered prayers are making heaven dance with joy and changing lives here on earth.  This verse ensures that  what we do in children's ministry DOES truly matter to God.  It also matters to the children.  In time, if we'll just stand firm, be immoveable, and give ourselves fully to the work to which God has called us, kids lives will be transformed by the love and truth of God that was taught and modeled by each of us in the classroom.

Personally, I am encouraged.  This verse gives me hope to keep serving God by serving kids.  It reminds me that what I am doing does matter and is making a difference...one that GOD sees even if I'm not able to discern what He is doing in a child's life.  It tells me that my time is well invested.  I hope it encourages you too.  Plus, when you consider that more than so many folks at BridgeWay love God and kids, it just is a reminder that God has placed us with a really cool team of people and we have the joy of serving together.

Finally, if you missed the meeting and serve on the BridgeKids team, watch for summary notes that will be coming your way via email.  Be encouraged, my friend.  Your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Once a tattler, always a tattler. 

There are lots of ways to become a PART of this church and I hope you'll join me in the niche search.  Ministries to consider are Frontline, Students, Children's (my particular favorite), Communion, and many others.  (Ok, I don't know  all of them yet and so I copped out and wrote "and many others.")  The point is...don't sit alone on the sidelines, newcomer.  God wants to connect you to BridgeWay in a meaningful way through serving.  I hope to meet you on the journey!  No matter what, stop by and say "hello" on the weekend.  This "newbie' will appreciate putting another face with a name.

"He (Paul) ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and get to land.  The rest were to get there on planks or on pieces of the ship.  In this way everyone reached land in safety."  Acts 27: 43b and 44

Paul had been taken prisoner due to his faith in Jesus Christ.  On a ship bound for Italy, Paul encountered a terrible dilemma.  The boat was struck by a massive storm and could not be guided to safety. Paul, the other prisoners and the crew spent many days in suspense, not eating, and fearing for their lives (27:33).  Much of the ship's cargo had already been thrown overboard and those on-board had finally given up all hope of being saved.  These were desperate times.  Ever found yourself in desperate, storm-tossed times?

Amazingly, God showed up on the scene in the form of an angel who visited Paul at night. This heavenly messenger promised that all 276 lives on board (yep, 276...read it in verse 27:37) would be spared.  Despite the news that their lives would be saved, the prisoners and crew still had to go through a terrible ordeal.  Ultimately, the ship ran aground on a sandbar and it broke into pieces.  Those onboard had to swim to shore or drift ashore on planks or pieces of the broken boat.  Anyone on that boat could have felt they reason to say that this was a complete disaster.  But, despite the means, God's message that all lives would be spared was fulfilled and everyone wasl rescued.

So, how does this apply to you and me?  Well, God does allow "storms" and "breaking" to occur in all our lives...joblessness, marriage difficulties, financial stress, death, rejection, disappointment.  And when we are in the midst of these storms, sometimes the only way to "safety" is by clinging to a "plank" or "broken piece" until we find a safe place out of the storm.  In the past few months, a lot of change has occurred in my life...relocation, new job, mom's blindness, etc.  All along the way, however, in each "storm" that life  presented, God has supplied something for me to "float" on and keep me safe.  Those things have come in the form of friendships, encouraging words, unexpected financial provision, prayers from others.  Although they were "planks" along the journey, God surely used them to help me come through a menacing storm unscathed.

Ultimately, how we perceive the storm we're in is key. Will we choose to look at the difficulties we face or will we choose to find what God is providing to help and rescue?  In the midst of the storm you are facing today, take a moment to acknowledge and thank God for the "planks" He's providing for you.  Those bits and pieces that keep you floating are an indication that God is giving you a something to hang on to as He rescues you from devastation.