Family Challenge #6

I just want to thank those of you that still read this and take on the Family Challenge from time to time.  With the enemy prowling around like a lion, looking for people to devour, I know this little act can seem insignificant, but I do believe that God will use this for His glory, no matter how trivial we believe it to be.

Yes, it is that time of year again.  As we said last week, it is time for the 2014-15 school year to begin!  (Yes, I understand there are those around the world and even in our neighborhoods that have already gone back - sorry about that).  And while I would love to think that every kid out there has their backpack ready with all of their #2 pencils sharpened (how many different types of pencils are there?), I know there are many who are dreading this.  They just need to know that someone loves them, and they especially need to know that God loves them.

Please think about a student who may not be overly excited about school starting.  Write them a nice encouraging note, include a Bible verse, and lift them up in prayer.  (see ** & *** below)  Help them to start the school year off feeling good about something.

**Parents, I double challenge you to do this with your kids too.  Ask Mitchem for some AWESOME letter writing ideas.

***Also, I triple challenge you to continue to pray for this individual as the school year goes on.

Are you basing eternity on a coin flip?

Eldredge - Waking the Dead

Dyk:  'I want to be on a quest that requires God' ..... and 'there's no clear-cut 'how-to' for the quest' ...... God, I give you 'Anything', but I do need you to help me with this.  I am yours.  I am all-in.

Family Challenge #5

Ok, and we're back!  After a couple of weeks to get caught up on the family challenge, let's forge ahead and look at Challenge #5 for this week.  I must confess, this week's challenge is close to heart in our household.  This coming week begins the new school year for many teachers around the area, with meetings and classroom work.  This is the honest truth, not just a "woe-is-me" moment (although there might be some of that mixed in as well).

Teachers really do have a huge impact on the lives of children and families that they come into contact with.  However, if other teachers are like me, we often  forget that and just go through the motions.  Lord, forgive me (us) for not taking our responsibilities with the next generation more seriously.  And of course, this goes for everyone, not just teachers.

This week, take a moment to pray for and encourage a teacher (or other school personnel).  Let them know that they matter to the life of your child.  It would be awesome, if you already know what teacher(s) your child has, to do an anonymous gift of love for that person, or pick someone else you know.  And, from the bottom of my heart, I really do want you to know that I am not doing this hoping that people give me gifts.  Please look around at others in our community and wish them well on the roller coaster adventure that begins for many this week.

"Not only was the Teacher wise, but he also imparted knowledge to the people."

Ecclesiastes 12:9a

When I read the Bible I see this:

We need to quit all our running around, until we can think like this.  Not just acknowledge that we believe in the concepts, but actually live this way.
If we don't think & live this way, we don't really believe . . . .



I come, God, I come
I return to the Lord
The one who's broken
The one who's torn me apart
You struck down to bind me up
You say You do it all in love
That I might know You in Your suffering

Though You slay me
Yet I will praise You
Though You take from me
I will bless Your name
Though You ruin me
Still I will worship
Sing a song to the one who's all I need

My heart and flesh may fail
The earth below give way
But with my eyes, with my eyes I'll see the Lord
Lifted high on that day
Behold, the Lamb that was slain
And I'll know every tear was worth it all

Though You slay me
Yet I will praise You
Though You take from me
I will bless Your name
Though You ruin me
Still I will worship
Sing a song to the one who's all I need

Though tonight I'm crying out
Let this cup pass from me now
You're still all that I need
You're enough for me
You're enough for me

Though You slay me
Yet I will praise You
Though You take from me
I will bless Your name
Though You ruin me
Still I will worship
Sing a song to the one who's all I need
Sing a song to the one who's all I need

Everything is amazing and nobody's happy .....

Be happy .....

Family Challenge #4

Well, lost track of time with that little Coast Guard thing this past weekend.  But here we go with the next Family Pabama Challenge (FPC).

This one goes way back to Exodus:

"If a family is too small to eat a whole animal, let them share with another family in the neighborhood"

Exodus 12:4a

This week, let's focus on our specific neighborhoods.  Find a neighbor that your family can show some anonymous Godly love to.  Maybe someone that doesn't go to church.  Maybe someone that needs a little pick-me-up.  Maybe even someone that you don't know, which could be many people you live near.  And even though Jesus himself would define "neighbor" a little differently, for this challenge, let's focus on someone that literally lives nearby.

That's it.  And like the fine people of Nike once coined - "Just Do It!"  (Even if it is half a turkey, like the verse above commands.)