Using Halloween to Serve Others

While most of our "Halloween" festivities included churches Fall Festivals, we did join our local home school group in a Reverse Trick-or-Treat at a local Rehabilitation Center/Home.


When the families planned for the year, one mother suggested that the kids serve our local rehab center by dressing up the kiddos and letting them hand out candy to the residents. I have to admit I was a little skeptical of MY kids being comfortable enough around the much older residents and my 2 yr old giving other candy from his basket...

especially since he definitely does not share his stash with his siblings:/

I gave the kids some "pep talks" about showing love to the residents and how excited they might be to having a younger child speak to them and show them kindness. About how some residents might be "sick" and not respond or act sleepy and that they just needed to be sweet and patient. And I sang them a bit of the Audio Adrenaline song "Hands and Feet" to remind them that they are showing love by a simple act of service.

And then we were off:)

At first they were a little hesitant about approaching residents.... but then they were all over the place handing out their treats:)

As a bystander watching my kids be generous and kind was precious. Memories of Chris running from room to room trying to find another resident to give candy to or Nate digging through his bag of lollipops to pick out a certain color for each resident... just too sweet.

The SKUNK was a hit, by the way; everyone had to "meet" the skunk;)

And when some EMS/transport guys came walking through the hall, you know the kids had to bless them with candy as well;)

>

It was a great experience for everyone.... and yes, some kids did "sneak" some candy (Nate was definitely the 1st!!!) but after how "generous" they all were, I think they deserved a little treat:)

And I look forward to more ways to get my kids serving others through our home schooling group and individually!!

Since I've not shared our official we are dressed up for Halloween... I'll share it now:/  I'm not a big Halloween celebrator but we certaintly had fun this year at various church festivities, this service event, pumpkin carving at home and making pumpkin cookies with friends:)

 My two little cowgirls, a pirate and a skunk;)

I Made it For YOU!

This week as Brian was busy getting cleaned up for the day, Anna went into the kitchen and made him breakfast. She came into the bedroom with the announcement,"Daddy, I made you a bowl of Mini Wheats. But I didn't cut banana to put on top."

Brian asked, "Thank you, Anna."

Anna reponded,"Daddy, you have to come eat it because it even has milk in it."

As Brian journeyed into the kitchen, Anna seemed a little disappointed that she didn't have the banana on top like she knows her Daddy likes.... I was glad she wasn't using a knife without me close by.

Brian and I poured praise on her for wanting to help!!

As Brian ate his cereal, we noticed that Anna hadn't moved the stool to get the glass bowl from one of the cabinets over the counter. So Brian asked,"Anna, where did you get the bowl?"

Anna shrugged and responded,"I just got the bowl from the dishwasher."

I looked at Brian and he looked at me. Then we went over to the dishwasher and realized that the dishes in there were dirty!!!!!! LOL!!!!

What a sweet and funny start to a day:) And yes, Daddy did finish the bowl of cereal that was made JUST for HIM... much to Anna's delight!

Remembering this Memorial Day

While we did enjoy a relaxing, less scheduled day as a family.... we were honored to participate as an audience to our American Legion's Memorial Day Parade and Service in our town this afternoon.

The meaning of Memorial Day can be easily overlooked as a young American whose has suffered no personal loss from conflicts and wars that our country has played a role in. While I do know of the worrying over a family member serving and the pride I have in my 3 grandfathers' service, my 3 uncles' service, my father-in-law's service and my brother's service.... I am fortunate that my small family hasn't suffered loss. (while I do realize that members of my family know of many of their comrades that did give their lives in the service of our country)

But I do realize that MANY families have suffered loss... some lost loved ones LONG ago and some just recently!! And so while we remember and honor those who have given their lives for our country, let us also remember the grieving families... children who have lost their fathers or mothers, wives who have lost their husbands and parents that have lost their children!

Thank you to all of them for their sacrifice and service to our country!!! And strength and peace for those who are grieving!

A Momma's Struggle

Let me start with the fact that I love my family and serving them in the joy and obedience to the Lord comes FIRST!! But I often get frustrated at my lack of time to serve much outside my house.....

I know one of the reasons that I struggle is because I have been through two degree programs and I have a desire to serve and reach my community for Christ. And with my past training and experiences, there are A LOT of areas I feel like I could serve in and would LOVE to serve in.....

But my time right now is to serve my house and I'm usually glad to have my God-given task (for right now) so clear and obvious .....

When I'm honest though....there is a definite part of me that feels so useless to the community and lacking any real talents or gifts!!! And I really get frustrated that I'm limited by my family (the ones God has clearly called me to minister to)!!!

There have been a few activities I've been able to participate in and it's been wonderful to feel useful but they always come with a price that is paid by my kids missing structured time with me, my husband loosing very valuable study time and my house:)

Last week I met up with a local math teacher during revival (another pastor's wife). During our conversation she explained to me some of the need for math teachers and tutors in my own county!!! Of course I came home with a plan that went like this....... when Brian finishes his PhD, I'll homeschool our kids in the morning and teach in the afternoons and fill some of the need, to be a part of the community and really, really use my talents.....

That's about when Brian gave me a dose of reality.... "Hmm, Kelly, I still will have a job to do when I finish the PhD program"...... oh yeah, duh!!

Finally a solution: So last week I was approached by a family in the community regarding their child's need for help with some Geometry!!!! It was actually phrased, "Do you know anything about Geometry??"

I was floored!! I mean not days before I had been struggling with this issue and had decided that it was time for me to stay focused on the family. But this opportunity is different! The family really wants the help but wants it to be convienent for me....

So yesterday we met at my house while the kids were taking their afternoon naps. The kids did wake for the last portion of our time, but they had a quick snack and watched a video I had ready for them.... they stayed quiet (we had talked about the situation plenty during the morning)!

And the student and I got through what she had brought! And I think we worked well together... so it will be soo great to be "serving" in the community but from a chair in my dining room:)

Praise You Lord for Your plans. Help me to be content with the amazing task of raising , caring for and serving these ones in my house. And thank you for these opportunities to serve in the community... when they come!!

Pre-VBS Week

VBS is coming!! Are you ready????

I started working on my "palm Trees" yesterday and will continue today..... It was much easier to cut them out and spray paint their leaves. I am NOT artistic and so I pretty excited my first one turned out at all... :)


And this is what I feel like during pre-VBS and VBS Weeks....


I take on a lot, but it's because this is one of the only purposefully planned outreaches to the children on our community. I get soo excited when I think of getting to meet new children and hopefully getting to know them and their families better:)

"...and you shall be my witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest parts of the earth." Acts 1:8b

In materials pack we found a theme-related Bible. It has a 30-day devotion guide and is meant for younger children. Our prayer during the preparations and VBS weeks is that we would be able to give this to a child that accepts the Lord. So Pray with US for that child and the opportunities to share and show kindness and love to these sweet children.