I’ve been paid to work in Kids Ministry for 6 ½ years --I say “paid” because I’ve been doing kids ministry since I was a kid—I just didn’t always realize it.
The funny thing is that I’m not what you would expect when you think of a “Kid Person.” I’m not a warm and fuzzy, hug everybody type of girl. I have an interior design degree, not an education one. I prefer jeans and a t-shirt over a dress or jumper--and I seldom have a cute bag or accessory to match what I wear. When my kids get hurt, I don’t cuddle them for very long before pushing them back out there (I wish I did this last one better, though). I’m not the fun mom on the field trip—I make the kids follow the rules (but my girls still want me to go on them, so I do).
In fact, if you look at the way I parent, you would probably not want your kids around me. I make LOTS of mistakes. I yell. I pout. I promise consequences and often don’t give them. My girls eat fast food more than I want to admit here. We watch tv…a lot. I am not patient—especially when bedtime rolls around. I could go on and on, but you get my drift.
I never thought I would work in Kids Ministry—even though I did it in elementary school, middle school, high school and even college. In fact, I chose a summer job at Pine Cove working with the little ones over the cool older kid camps—for 2 years!!! I don’t know why that never dawned on me—looking back, the writing was on the wall (CUE Darth Vader voice here: ”It is your destiny”).
I think part of the reason is because I always thought that meant it was all about kids. You’ve heard the saying “I was a great parent…then I had kids.” That’s me. What I didn’t realize back then is that Kids Ministry isn’t all about the kids. I know that sounds crazy, but it’s just as much about the adults and students who lead the kids as it is the kids themselves. Everything we do at my job, has an ultimate goal that kids would know Jesus better. In my opinion, the best way to do that, is to surround them with adults and students who love Jesus.
If I can pray over a leader, send them a book to help them parent better, thank their spouse for sacrificing each week, make sure I know their kids’ names, go see them or send them a note when they are sick o grieving or celebrating, then I think our kids will benefit from that. I think, when someone is poured into, they will, in turn, pour back out. And if they don’t? Then they were the ones who needed to be poured into—they just didn’t know how to ask.
I truly believe that leading kids is one way God grabs our hearts and points out stuff we wouldn’t get otherwise. I think it reminds us of how simple this Christian life really can be, if we don’t complicate it with a bunch of stuff and rules and shoulds. I’ll spare you the “everything I needed to know I learned in kindergarten” talk because I’m thankful I didn’t learn everything then. I’m thankful that God continues to open my eyes to things I have never seen.
And I’m thankful that he uses kids and the people who serve them to do that for me.
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Summer of 2012
As my girls get older, time seems to fly by so much quicker. School years pass in a blur and the angst over which teacher they'll have seems to happen more frequently than once a year. Summer gets shorter and it seems like forever since that fun family vacation.
So, for the purpose of celebrating all the fun we had this summer and not mourning that it is over (even if I really am just a teensy-tiny bit), here's what we did during the summer of '12:
I had the opportunity to lead a mission trip and God stretched me in a big way. It was a great wake-up call for me--not to be scared of the future for my girls, but to be intentional with them while I still have influence. God also reminded me of how He chips away at the layers of paint to create something new in us.
Hope got her ears pierced (and immediately bought big feather earrings as soon as she could)!
The girls got a last minute spot at Fine Arts Day Camp at our church and had a great time with school friends who came for the 1st time.
There was lots of jumping on the trampoline with the water hose (You might be a readneck if…).
After a little bit of drama and much fear, Hope tried out and signed a contract for her first official Select soccer team--which qualified for Division 1. Go FC Dallas 02 Blue!
We celebrated the 4th of July with sparklers and friends!
And made our annual flag cookie cakes a few weeks later because I wasn’t organized enough to do it on the actual date.
We did a lot of sleeping in.
And hanging out with lifegroup friends.
And soccer friends.
And volleyball friends.
And took a trip to the lake with family.
And the girls got to experience Pine Cove Base Camp. I’m still in awe as I look back on that week and am so thankful my girls got to be a part of it. Pine Cove holds a special place in my heart and it’s fun to see that transferred down to them now.
And we went on vacation. To Florida. To the most beautiful beach ever. And I still grieve the fact that I don’t have this view everyday:
sniff sniff
Caroline got her hair cut.
And, the very last day, we snuck away to the pool for one last hurrah.
And it was good.
Summer 2012 will go down as one of my favorites EVER! I pray that family memories will go deep and that my girls will look back on it as fondly as I do.
And it was good.
Summer 2012 will go down as one of my favorites EVER! I pray that family memories will go deep and that my girls will look back on it as fondly as I do.
Monday, August 27, 2012
My Quiet House
This year, after I dropped them off, I walked back into my house and felt the quiet. And couldn't help but feel a touch of sadness. This is Hope's last year in elementary school. Some of our best friends have moved. Caroline no longer has to sit in the cafeteria with the little kids--she now goes to the gym with the big ones.
And my house is quiet.
A month ago, I would have paid good money to have a quiet house. Next week, I will be wondering why I was so melancholy today.
But for now, I'm moved by the stillness. Not hating it or loving it, but still overcome with some unexplained emotion.
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Twas the Week Before Kick-off
Twas the week before kick-off and all through the office
The color copier was down and I was trying not to cuss.
The carts were getting full with loads of supplies,
And I was filling up my small group leader board with a few last minute guys.
Training was happening and people were getting into place,
To begin this year—to start this race.
Prayers were being prayed, curriculum was being read,
Team notes were being sent and lots was being said.
The bagels were bought and people were lining up to be fed
But I was really just ready for bed.
As I remembered all He has done and who He has brought
I started to cry and since it was me--it was a lot.
I was overcome by the incredible commitment
From these volunteers, whom God has sent.
Once again, I realized how blessed I am
To work and serve alongside such a great fam!
There was a spring in my step and joy in my heart
To begin another year, to have a new start.
I prayed for this team, these incredible peeps
And asked God to make them stay in elementary for keeps.
At the end of the day, when all is said and done,
To God be the glory for these amazing servants, each and every one!
The color copier was down and I was trying not to cuss.
The carts were getting full with loads of supplies,
And I was filling up my small group leader board with a few last minute guys.
Training was happening and people were getting into place,
To begin this year—to start this race.
Prayers were being prayed, curriculum was being read,
Team notes were being sent and lots was being said.
The bagels were bought and people were lining up to be fed
But I was really just ready for bed.
As I remembered all He has done and who He has brought
I started to cry and since it was me--it was a lot.
I was overcome by the incredible commitment
From these volunteers, whom God has sent.
Once again, I realized how blessed I am
To work and serve alongside such a great fam!
There was a spring in my step and joy in my heart
To begin another year, to have a new start.
I prayed for this team, these incredible peeps
And asked God to make them stay in elementary for keeps.
At the end of the day, when all is said and done,
To God be the glory for these amazing servants, each and every one!
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Who's a Leader?
Some people were just born leaders and others of us have to work at it. The funny thing is, that you can’t always tell who is who, but you can always spot a good leader. We have lots of talks on leadership in the Royal house. I have a 10 year old who was a born leader—one that no matter what she says or does, people follow her. I have an 8 year old who isn’t what you think of when you hear the word leader, but people are drawn to her and she always has a big group of friends.
For years, I’ve talked to Hope about making good choices and the implications on herself and others when she doesn’t. Sometimes she’s frustrated that “people always copy her,” but secretly, she wouldn’t trade it.
It’s just been recently that I’ve noticed Caroline’s leadership gifts. They are not the knock-you-down obvious ones like Hope’s. Hers are subtle. She will be a shepherding leader and lead others from inside the group—not in front of it.
Hope had the opportunity to go to a leadership thing last week for 10-13 year olds and she shined. As I was de-briefing it with a friend, I realized that my job as her mom was to teach her how to use her leadership skills at their maximum capacity—even though I am not the same type of leader that she is.
So, I’ve been very intentional with her lately. We talked about her KidLead class and why she chose to lead her group the way she did when it was her turn (which was utterly brilliant—she allowed people to use what they were good at to help the team), about how frustrating it was when her team didn’t listen to her and they lost (GREAT conversation about how to be heard and not pushy) and about how others led (was it effective? Would she have changed anything?). All amazing conversations where she was engaged and excited to discuss.
Because her gift is so obvious, I tend to focus on her, forgetting that Caroline is in the room. Last night, I was showing her a video I had taken of the counselors engaging their groups during worship. And Caroline was on my other side, listening and soaking it in, too.
And it struck me that while my job with Hope is to direct the skills she already has, Caroline needs just as much direction and focus from me. With her, I need to teach her leadership skills (that will look totally different from her sister) and show her how to use them with her style.
I know that sounds obvious, but sometimes you gotta hit me over the head. As we were reading last night, I felt the Holy Spirit pulling out things in the book that were for Caroline as much as Hope. We didn’t talk about them before bed, but I’m looking forward to asking questions and hearing what she caught. I didn’t start reading “Kisses from Katie” to the girls because I thought it would give Caroline leadership examples. I’m reading it because 1) I’m trying to get my girls to start settling down earlier at night and it’s either read to them or yell at them for being crazy every night. 2) The book has been sitting on Hope’s dresser for several months and she hasn’t gotten past the introduction. 3) Caroline’s been begging to read it, but I don’t think she would comprehend it very well on her own—there are a bunch of big words.
But, once again, I’ve stumbled into something that’s working for now. Not sure it will work next week, but I’m learning that my job, as Hope and Caroline’s mom, is to take the opportunities that are in front of me right now and use them—not wait for the big moment I think will come next week.
Not rocket science, but some of us are slower on the take!
For years, I’ve talked to Hope about making good choices and the implications on herself and others when she doesn’t. Sometimes she’s frustrated that “people always copy her,” but secretly, she wouldn’t trade it.
It’s just been recently that I’ve noticed Caroline’s leadership gifts. They are not the knock-you-down obvious ones like Hope’s. Hers are subtle. She will be a shepherding leader and lead others from inside the group—not in front of it.
Hope had the opportunity to go to a leadership thing last week for 10-13 year olds and she shined. As I was de-briefing it with a friend, I realized that my job as her mom was to teach her how to use her leadership skills at their maximum capacity—even though I am not the same type of leader that she is.
So, I’ve been very intentional with her lately. We talked about her KidLead class and why she chose to lead her group the way she did when it was her turn (which was utterly brilliant—she allowed people to use what they were good at to help the team), about how frustrating it was when her team didn’t listen to her and they lost (GREAT conversation about how to be heard and not pushy) and about how others led (was it effective? Would she have changed anything?). All amazing conversations where she was engaged and excited to discuss.
Because her gift is so obvious, I tend to focus on her, forgetting that Caroline is in the room. Last night, I was showing her a video I had taken of the counselors engaging their groups during worship. And Caroline was on my other side, listening and soaking it in, too.
And it struck me that while my job with Hope is to direct the skills she already has, Caroline needs just as much direction and focus from me. With her, I need to teach her leadership skills (that will look totally different from her sister) and show her how to use them with her style.
I know that sounds obvious, but sometimes you gotta hit me over the head. As we were reading last night, I felt the Holy Spirit pulling out things in the book that were for Caroline as much as Hope. We didn’t talk about them before bed, but I’m looking forward to asking questions and hearing what she caught. I didn’t start reading “Kisses from Katie” to the girls because I thought it would give Caroline leadership examples. I’m reading it because 1) I’m trying to get my girls to start settling down earlier at night and it’s either read to them or yell at them for being crazy every night. 2) The book has been sitting on Hope’s dresser for several months and she hasn’t gotten past the introduction. 3) Caroline’s been begging to read it, but I don’t think she would comprehend it very well on her own—there are a bunch of big words.
But, once again, I’ve stumbled into something that’s working for now. Not sure it will work next week, but I’m learning that my job, as Hope and Caroline’s mom, is to take the opportunities that are in front of me right now and use them—not wait for the big moment I think will come next week.
Not rocket science, but some of us are slower on the take!
Thursday, August 2, 2012
What's Love Got to do with It?
Brian and I have totally different sleep needs. I can go a week with 4-5 hours and he doesn’t last 2 days with that. Many nights, that means that he goes to bed while I sit in the living room and read a book, work or watch tv (between the heat and work frying my brain cells lately and the Olympics on, tv has won this battle a lot lately).
Some nights, our different bed times don’t bother me. But what I find is that if we do it for an extended period of time, I feel disconnected from him—even if I have spent the entire day with him. So, most of the time, I either stay in the living room and pretend not to be interested in the “Worst Tenants” show he’s watching (ok—confession—that show is a train wreck I can’t seem to turn away from!), or I go to bed when he does. It doesn’t mean we talk. Typically, at that time in the night, he has used all of his words for the day and I may babble every now and then, but I spend my energy on Matching and Scramble with Friends.
We had dinner—just the two of us one night this week. We even shared a dessert like they do in the romantic movies. And it was nice.
But I have to say, I know I’m weird, but I felt more content last night as I was laying in bed next to him, watching the Olympic swim team’s video to “Call Me Maybe” one more time now that I knew who most of them were. When I finished, Brian watched a video on zebra mussels that I pretended not to be interested in, but was actually fascinated at a couple of points. Not much talking between us, just being.
That’s when I enjoy marriage the most—not when I’m doing, but when I’m just being with him. Call me weird, or a homebody, or a nerd, but it works for us. What works for you?
Some nights, our different bed times don’t bother me. But what I find is that if we do it for an extended period of time, I feel disconnected from him—even if I have spent the entire day with him. So, most of the time, I either stay in the living room and pretend not to be interested in the “Worst Tenants” show he’s watching (ok—confession—that show is a train wreck I can’t seem to turn away from!), or I go to bed when he does. It doesn’t mean we talk. Typically, at that time in the night, he has used all of his words for the day and I may babble every now and then, but I spend my energy on Matching and Scramble with Friends.
We had dinner—just the two of us one night this week. We even shared a dessert like they do in the romantic movies. And it was nice.
But I have to say, I know I’m weird, but I felt more content last night as I was laying in bed next to him, watching the Olympic swim team’s video to “Call Me Maybe” one more time now that I knew who most of them were. When I finished, Brian watched a video on zebra mussels that I pretended not to be interested in, but was actually fascinated at a couple of points. Not much talking between us, just being.
That’s when I enjoy marriage the most—not when I’m doing, but when I’m just being with him. Call me weird, or a homebody, or a nerd, but it works for us. What works for you?
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Old and Forgetful or Miracle?
Having kids makes you crazy. If I was really smart, I’d do some kind of study on how many brain cells a person has before kids and how many after you’ve made it through each year of them. Someone probably already has done that—someone who doesn’t have kids and can remember 2+2 and algebra and dangling prepositions and all those other things we learned long, long ago.
But, as usual, I digress. Notice the picture. You’re probably thinking, “Ummm, Angel. It’s a couple of pair of tweezers. Why are you wasting precious blogs space writing about tweezers?”
Well, since you asked...
Several weeks ago I was going on a trip and could not find any of my tweezers. None. Zilch. Nada. I looked everywhere. I left thinking I would look again when I got home. Halfway through my 10 day trip, I looked in my make-up bag and found a pair. I sooo don’t remember packing them. I don’t know whether to claim it as a miracle (doesn’t God say he knows the hairs on our head? Maybe this was His way of telling me I had several eyebrow ones I needed to pluck immediately) or to chalk it up to being 40.
Then, I came home and a few days later, and another set appeared in my bathroom drawer—the same stinkin drawer I had dumped out several times before leaving on my trip and had not seen them. This time, I figured Brian or one of the girls remembered they had “borrowed” them and quietly returned them, hoping I’d be so overjoyed at the thought of “finding” them, that I wouldn’t think to question how they got there.
Yesterday, I opened that same drawer, and another set had appeared. I double-checked to make sure the ones I found on my trip were still in my new hiding place (if you have girls, you will understand why you need to constantly find new hiding places for valuables). They were.
I really think my girls are conspiring so they can declare me incompetent and steal the fortune in jewels I’m hiding. :) Really, they are probably just hoping for the Target and Sam Moon stuff in my jewelry box—they’re not teenagers yet.
If I were a glass is half-full person, I’d just be thankful that now I have 3 pair of tweezers again. Instead, I’m trying to figure out a way to rig a video camera up on the drawer to see if they stay in there.
They left for a short trip today and I just realized, they repacked their suitcases after I checked them last night. I’d better go take inventory—they might have stolen my blow dryer…
Well, since you asked...
Several weeks ago I was going on a trip and could not find any of my tweezers. None. Zilch. Nada. I looked everywhere. I left thinking I would look again when I got home. Halfway through my 10 day trip, I looked in my make-up bag and found a pair. I sooo don’t remember packing them. I don’t know whether to claim it as a miracle (doesn’t God say he knows the hairs on our head? Maybe this was His way of telling me I had several eyebrow ones I needed to pluck immediately) or to chalk it up to being 40.
Then, I came home and a few days later, and another set appeared in my bathroom drawer—the same stinkin drawer I had dumped out several times before leaving on my trip and had not seen them. This time, I figured Brian or one of the girls remembered they had “borrowed” them and quietly returned them, hoping I’d be so overjoyed at the thought of “finding” them, that I wouldn’t think to question how they got there.
Yesterday, I opened that same drawer, and another set had appeared. I double-checked to make sure the ones I found on my trip were still in my new hiding place (if you have girls, you will understand why you need to constantly find new hiding places for valuables). They were.
I really think my girls are conspiring so they can declare me incompetent and steal the fortune in jewels I’m hiding. :) Really, they are probably just hoping for the Target and Sam Moon stuff in my jewelry box—they’re not teenagers yet.
If I were a glass is half-full person, I’d just be thankful that now I have 3 pair of tweezers again. Instead, I’m trying to figure out a way to rig a video camera up on the drawer to see if they stay in there.
They left for a short trip today and I just realized, they repacked their suitcases after I checked them last night. I’d better go take inventory—they might have stolen my blow dryer…
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