Tonya Marks

Family Campout Time!

2011-09-19T07:25:00.000-07:00

It’s time to “get your fun on”! Camping is a great way to relax and decompress from the busy schedule or life. The memory making possibilities are limitless! All-group activities and devotional times will be planned throughout the weekend. Pack up your tent (or camper if you’re so blessed!), sleeping bags, lanterns and all that good stuff and join us for a terrific weekend of fellowship and worship in God’s beautiful creation!

Sign-up below or at http://www.columbiagrace.org/. Contact Pastor Tonya (698-1503, Facebook, Tonya@columbiagrace.org) if you have questions.

September 30-October 2

David Crockett State Park in Lawrenceburg – Campground 1: The bathhouse is close, a creek runs along one side and there is a great paved loop for bikes and scooters. More details can be found at http://www.tn.gov/environment/parks/DavidCrockettSP/

Each family will be responsible for their own campsite ($20 per night), dinner on Friday night and Sunday breakfast. All meals on Saturday will be covered. ($5 activity and meal fee per person, limit $20 per family).

Throughout the weekend “Grace Bucks” will be awarded for various events, prizes, extra helpful behavior, etc. On Saturday night, we will have a fun auction where you can spend what you’ve earned. (We welcome the donation of auction items – the quirkier, the better!)

Tentative Schedule (Very tentative, that’s the point . . . we don’t have to be hyper-scheduled!)

Friday:

Arrive at your leisure (look for the signs marking the campsites of other Grace Church families in Campground 1) and get set-up. Supplies will be available at Pastor Tonya’s site for you to come make a family sign.

7:00PM *Singing and devotions
              *Family Talent Show – come prepared with a song, skit, magic trick or your very own “stupid    human trick” Grace Bucks will be awarded for participants and winners
              *Games and fun around the campfire (bring your cards and board games)
              *BYOS (Bring your own snacks)

10:00PM Quiet hours

Saturday:

7:45AM Breakfast (Something with eggs and bacon/sausage, probably hashbrowns - still working on details!)

9:00AM Kids to the playground/Parent Free Time

10:00AM Family Free Time

11:30AM Lunch (Sandwiches and chips)

1:00PM Family Free Time

2:00PM Kickball Game and other fun – everyone

3:30PM Family Free Time

5:30PM Dinner (Hot dogs on the fire and Chili)

7:00PM *Singing and Devotions
              *Campfire Fun and games
              *S’mores
              *Grace Bucks Auction

10:00PM Quiet Hours

Sunday:

Breakfast on your own (The Park Restaurant is open 7:30AM-10:00AM, not sure on prices)

8:30AM Service at Camp Shelter

9:15AM Pack up and on your own

Why Camp is so Important (sort of a guest post)

2011-05-24T14:09:00.000-07:00

Many of you know that I love church camp and believe it to be one of the most valuable experiences that a child can have. I have SO many fun and important, life-defining camp memories that have contributed to who I am today - good or bad, it is what it is!

I always tell the kids and families of our church that camp is too important to let a little thing like money get in the way and we have NEVER denied a Grace Kid from going to camp if they and their family were willing. This is due to the gracious gifts of many over the years who have contributed to camp scholarships.

But I am not writing about you sending your kids to camp today, nor am I asking for scholarship assistance (if you feel so led, that's fine). I remembered, the other day, a letter that I received about 4 years ago from one of the men in our church who has been a faithful counselor for several years. I asked Ken if I could share some of his thoughts from that very important letter and he graciously granted permission and blessing (my emphasis added) . . .

Dear Pastor Tonya,

As I packed for preteen camp last Friday, it occurred to me that I might be getting to old for this. I also thought of my aging parents who I try to call each day and how far behind I would be when I returned to work. I hate to admit it, but I even entertained a passing thought regarding the expenditure of a week's vacation. I did recall how much fun middler camp had been in 2004 and 2005. I thought about how much I missed being there with my wife and son last year. Patrick and Dawn had a wonderful time, but I felt a sense of personal loss. Finally, I realized that I had made a commitment. It was too late to back out.

Monday morning the loading process itself was interesting. We had no pin for the trailer hitch and kids were beginning to arrive; but with the help of parents and kids the trailer finally got loaded. I settled back in my seat as we drove to Camp Garner Creek and realized that, yes I was probably too old for this. We arrived at the camp and had a hectic hour of getting settled in. Room and counselor assignments for our cabin required some adjustments and it seemed like mass chaos for about 30 minutes. I was really counting on Kaleb Kilpatrick's help, but he was needed elsewhere. For some reason the other counselors that passed by all looked younger than me, some much younger. I walked out on the porch for a moment and realized that my earlier concerns were real. I was really too old for this, and I had no doubt about it this time.

Then camp actually started. I got to meet a bunch of fine young men. One was mine, several I knew well, several I had seen at church but did not know well, and two were strangers from other churches. They were all unique and wonderful. I count them all as my friends now. Through each chapel service, cabin devotion, activity and trip to the creek I got to know them better; even my own son. They are rapidly growing up on us. Within a ten minute window I could see the boy in them and the young man in them. I could tell that their parents had been involved in their lives and that you had taught them well as their children's pastor. They are all truly fortunate. That's not the case for all young men.

For reasons I will explain in a moment, I want to share my memories of this camp with you. Pastor Dustin's sermons were on target for this age group. The children responded to his sermons, and I believe to the call of the Holy Spirit. I can best summarize it with my son's private comment to me after chapel. He told me that "Pastor Dustin sort of gets you right here", pointing to his heart. He added that he felt like there were some things he needed to do differently. The altar calls were awesome and I believe many made real decisions pertaining to how they plan to live their lives.

The night-time devotions in my cabin were awesome and inspiring. The guys in my room really responded to the calls fro prayer requests. The were very mature and very real! We prayed for family members back home, a wonderful Sunday School teacher, a Sunday School teacher's wife, parents, grandparents, family situations, relationships and those who are ill. We prayed for the guys, specifically wisdom in decision making. I won't mention specifics, but again they were spontaneous and real. All I had to do was ask "any prayer requests?" and an outpouring followed. Most of them boldly prayed out loud for their requests and for requests made by others. The guys didn't always listen well this week, but there was one exception - devotion time. They listened intently and participated vigorously. I am not really sure ten adults would have had a better devotion time. I had an opportunity to share my testimony with the guys in my room and we talked about how we become Christians. We talked about the parents we all respected and loved, and many voiced their feelings. Again, all of this to a fine group of parents and pastors. Please notice that I used the plural form for pastor. The two young men from other churches participated as thought they had been with the Grace guys forever.

On a lighter note, I saw guys climb the zip-line tower, look sixty feet below, say a quick prayer, and step off in faith. The thing is that when they hit the ground below, they were about 6 inches taller, a year older and brave enough to slay dragons! It might not have fit in with Pastor Dustin's message that day, but it made for a wonderful devotion on faith! Someone really ought to put signs on the top of the platform reading "faith" and "courage"! It might even be a good place for a Bible verse. I also witnessed guys working together and participating as a team. I'll admit that this was often done grudgingly, but they did it anyway. They also argued and taunted each other at times, but I also saw them take up for and motivate each other. I saw friendships develop and, in some cases, mend.

As a counselor, I got to play in the creek with the guys I measured craw fish (crawdads) for them and got to argue with them over the appropriate names for these little creatures. I urged them to jump off of rocks into the creek and I had to slow some of them down. We tried to squeeze in creek time whenever possible, even if it was for only 15 minutes. On a last night night-time hike to the creek, some of the guys were amazed at how different the creek was at night. I got to swim with them in the pool and I got to try to buck them off my back in the pool. They came from every corner of the pool to jump on my back. I paid for this with sore muscles that night, but I loved every minute of it. I had to push them into bed and drag them out of bed. In short, I had an opportunity to experience boys being boys. In today's world far too few boys get to experience these things. I'm thankful that this group had an opportunity to go to camp and be a boy for one more time. I will admit that even the counselors get to "be a boy" one more time. By the way, I admit this with no feelings of shame! When you are standing waist deep in a creek with thirty kids jumping and screaming around you, there are moments when you feel as if you are eleven years old. It's a refreshing feeling.

Then there are the surprise camper moments, like running into a couple of boys who were in your cabin at Middler Camp two years ago. It was great when their eyes met yours and you instantly knew they remember you. It was an even great surprise when they spoke, remembering your name and sharing something they remembered. It's an awesome feeling to see old friends, even when they aren't old. Then you have the impromptu opportunities with this year's kids, like being able to pray with a child that you find crying on the bunk or the creek bank discussion with an older kid who says he's bummed out this week because he lost a girlfriend the previous week. Perhaps the problem was a lost Bible or craft item. At first glance some of their problems seem minor, but then you realize that to them they are a major life crisis. It was apparent that some boys even had greater problems. Some missed their parents due to military deployments, divorce or other reasons. These weren't necessarily from our group; you often have a chance to meet kids from other rooms or even other cabins.

Finally, there were staff moments. It was fun to see those I had worked with previously. I had the opportunity to make a new friend, the other counselor in my cabin. We were very different in many ways, but we had many more things in common. Toward the end of the week we had an opportunity to talk on the cabin, it was a great time for me. The next morning we had an early-morning opportunity, again on the porch, to pray together for the kids in our rooms, our families and each other. I will continue to pray for him in the coming months as he experiences the birth of a little girl and then a deployment to Afghanistan. My friend had experienced some frustration with his room. We joked that our best action might have been to line our whole cabin up and apply a two foot paddle at times. I firmly believe he planted some seeds though, seeds that will later sprout. My friend is a godly, courageous, and honorable man and I pray for his safe return from Afghanistan and to this camp.

I realize this has been a lengthy letter. Now I'll explain why to the best of my abilities. I'm not entirely sure! Perhaps you may be able to use it if a future person is sitting on the fence, unsure as to whether or not to be a counselor. If so, I hope you can use this to show them that the rewards are greater than the commitments. It's hard work, it's tiring, and at times it's frustrating; but it's worth every minute of it. I've spoken of the men and boys, but I'm sure the female counselors would echo my sentiments, perhaps with a few altered details. I may have written this for you to use on me if you ever need help and I tell you I'm too old. I caution you never to joke with me about going to camp if you don't need me; I'll probably accept the joking offer and then you'll be in a sticky situation! Seriously, I pray that others will get this opportunity and take advantage of it. Counseling is a wonderful experience for a father, an older teen, or any man. You don't have to have boys, or even children to do it. Don't let me go in anyone's place, but sign me up anytime you need one or more.

This camp was great for my son. This camp was great for me. Thanks for the hard work you put into organizing the camp and thanks to all the other workers. I would offer these thanks had I not even gone. I had a son who needed to be there!

Ken

This is a beautiful look into the heart of camp. Ken can't go this year. There have been a lot of changes at his work in the past few months, and his mother is very sick. He knows that the days ahead will require time and attention for her and his father.

Will you take up the mantle? Can you picture yourself there? It might change a kids' life and it will definitely change yours!

Primary (finished 1st and 2nd grade) July 11-14
Middler (finished 3rd and 4th grade) June 27-July 1
Preteen (finished 5th and 6th grade) June 20-24

Blessings,
Pastor Tonya

Grace Kids Summer 411

2011-05-10T11:11:00.000-07:00

With only a dozen or so school days left, summer is just around the corner! I wanted to share some important dates and info with you - so get out your calendars and smartphones!

On May 29, we will be having a Celebration Day at the new church property on Highway 50. This will be a casual 10:45AM service (care provided for 3-5 year olds), followed by lunch on the grounds! Check out your bulletin to see what to bring.

That means that there are only 2 more Sundays before our Summer Sundays schedule begins (more on that in a minute). Will you take a moment in the next 2 Sundays to say a special "thank you" to your children's Sunday School teachers? We have wonderful teachers who love the kids so much and put lots of time, energy, and effort into their classes each week. A note or story about something your child has learned would mean so much.

VBS is coming May 31-June 3. You (and your friends) can sign-up at www.columbiagrace.org! We are looking forward to a fun week as always! Your family won't want to miss it! VBS Sunday will be June 5 during the 2nd service. Children will sit with their families in the VBS celebration service. The nursery will be opened this hour, NO classes in the children's building. (During the 1st service, nursery and preschool classes will meet as usual with all K-5th grade children upstairs.)

June 12 will begin our Summer Sundays schedule. Nursery and preschool classes will meet as usual. All K-5th graders will meet for children's church in the chapel during the 9:15 service. 10:45 will be the Sunday School time for all elementary children. During the summer, we give our teachers the summer off to rest and re-energize. If you are willing and available to serve in a class for one or two Sundays during the summer, let me know and we'll get you plugged into the fun! (Yes, I already have some of you on "my list"!)

Camp dates are as follows:
Preteen (finished 5th or 6th grade): June 20 - 24 ($150) Absolute last day to sign up is June 5.
Middler (finished 3rd or 4th grade): June 27 - July 1 ($150) Absolute last day to sign up is June 12.
Primary (finished 1st or 2nd grade): July 11 - 14 ($135) Absolute last day to sign up is June 26.

This is a "spend the night away" camp at our Nazarene Campground in Dickson, TN. The kids who go from our church will all be together and will be with the counselors from our church. (Yes, we need parents to be counselors!) Please do not let money stop your child from one of the most important experiences of their life. We can find money if your child wants to go to camp! If you have any other questions, I will be more than happy to answer them! Camp is the best!! Once you are signed up, you will get a letter about a week out with last minute reminders and details.

July 17: Move up lunch for families of kids moving into the Student Ministry - In the Loft, following 2nd service

July 26: Nashville Shores - Meet at the church at 8:00AM. We will return to the church at 5:00PM

July 31: Promotion Sunday - All children who will be 3 before October 1st will move to their new classes. Also, new large group/small group format begins for K-5th graders. More details to follow!

Thanks for your support and for allowing me to serve you and your family! If there is ever anything I can do for you, please let me know! If you ever have concerns that need to be addressed, please tell me! I can't fix it, if I don't know it's broken! You are wonderful parents and it is my honor to help you raise people of God!

A Faith to Share

2011-03-17T14:44:00.000-07:00

This was originally an email written to the Grace Kids ministry team, but it shows the heart of our team so I wanted to share it here . . .

Hi, everyone! For Lent this year rather than "giving something up", I felt that I needed more to commit to a dedicated time of reading each day in the office. It is easy to come in and get in a "tizzy" with all of the plannng and people things that need to be done and the days just slip away. With that said, I wanted to share with you one of the nuggets I discovered this week . . . .

The chapter I was reading started off by asking what benefit do our children get from going to church/Sunday School over, say, worshipping at home as a family on Sundays. Or what about a baby in the nursery? Is that really important? Does it matter to a child's faith development at such a young age? The truth (and the goal) is that every activity is "grounded in the belief that we are sharing our faith". We should think of our teaching opportunities as invitations to children to come and soak up some of our faith in Jesus.

When we plan a party or other event where we invite people, there are always preparations to be made - the cleaning, the menu, the entertainment, etc. The same is true with our class planning. We want the room to be in good order, we must have a solid (Biblically based, relevant) plan, children deserve engaging activities. But the point of the party is not the menu and the entertainment. Those things only serve to point to the reason for celebrating - the birthday, anniversary, new baby, etc. In the same way our lesson planning and activities are merely the means to an end - the celebration of the Good News of Jesus and who he is to us!

What a privilege to have a captive audience with whom to share our faith each week! I bet your neighbors and co-workers don't come bustling in for an hour each week to hear you tell them everything you can about the God who made and loves them, but that is exactly what we, as teachers, get - kids who are ready to absorb everything we teach them (on purpose or not) about God.

Wow! Let's not pass up the opportunities that we have to take this captive audience and point them to Jesus! Let's us every means available! Let's employ all of their senses! Let's model in word and deed the love that can only come from God!

Then when someone asks "Does it really matter if my kids are in church this Sunday or Wednesday?"; we know that with God's help we can faithfully answer "Yes, they are invited to a celebration and they won't want to miss it!".

Between time and eternity

2011-02-10T07:21:00.000-08:00

This past Sunday, I found myself with a moment to sit down and breathe while at "Bingo at the Bridge" with our 4th and 5th graders. This is a monthly event where we get some fast food lunch after church and then spend about 45 minutes with the residents of one of the assisted living facilities in our town. The kids look forward to it. They like to call the Bingo numbers (it's just about the only time in my life I have to tell kids to be louder), pass out the 50 cents the winner receives, sit with the residents, help the ones who can't hear as well, and play in the beautiful courtyard at the end of the day.

While sitting there Sunday, I thought about the stories these men and women could tell about their lives. It has been fun to watch their personalities in the 3+ years we have been going there - the really sweet ones, the funny ones, the bossy one, the ones who don't take the 50 cents when they win because they don't need it and they're just there for fun and to pass the time. I wondered how many of them had been "important", how many lives they had touched, how they had made a difference for others. In what ways have their lives mattered?I became very aware of the fact that I had spent the morning with children who (ideally) have their whole lives before them to love, and now I was spending the afternoon with people for whom almost all of their days have passed.

And here I am in the middle, somewhere between the 5 year olds and the 80 year olds (no, that average is not my age yet!). Has my life mattered and to whom and has it been enough and what else can I do? I tell the kids that you only get to grow up once, so they need to enjoy being a kid and at the same time they need to start now living God's way.

I have just finished reading Tony Dungy's autobiography "Quiet Strength". Simply put, he is an amazing man of God. He stated many times that football is just a game and that he felt that his purpose in football was to use it as a platform to show and tell people about the things that really matter - life in Christ, family, others. It is easy to see that Tony Dungy's life has been important, that he has made a difference. He's famous and has used his position well in glorifying God.

I will never be famous (which is very fine with me); but I can and must live my life to glorify Christ and build a legacy for my children and my Grace Kids. Then, one day, when most of my days have passed if someone wonders if my life mattered, if I was important, if made a difference - the answer will be yes, because she lived to glorify God.

How about you?

Advertise!

2011-01-21T13:44:00.001-08:00

Through Easter we are studying the life of Jesus in children's church. (I think it can be confusing for kids that we celebrate Jesus being born at Christmas and about 3-4 months later he is crucified, so maybe this will help with that!) Last Sunday we learned about Jesus' baptism and talked about why we get baptized. We posted the names and dates of the kids who have been baptized on the set wall and reminded them of the commitment they made in front of their church family and that our goal as Christians is to live up to that baptism promise each day.

Another thing that is often confusing for children is that baptism does not wash our sins away, but it shows that Jesus has forgiven our sins. I always emphasize this to help them "get it". The last activity of children's church was a game where we had to put some pictures in order of what comes first . . .socks, then shoes; put your toothpaste on your toothbrush, then brush your teeth; the pitcher has to pitch the ball before the batter can hit it; etc. As we were wrapping up, I said so when it comes to following Jesus, "first" we asked Jesus to forgive our sins; "then" and the kindergartner beside me said "you advertise"!

I love it! From the mouths of babes! Baptism is our "advertising" and telling the world that we have decided to follow Jesus! Just as we expect a business or a political candidate who makes ad promises to follow through, it is our responsibility to fulfill the vow we have made to God and our church family! God is faithful and he will help us be so as we trust in him and walk in his ways each day.

Have you decided to follow Jesus? Have you advertised? Are you keeping your end of the bargain?

My Favorite Things about "Back to the Manger"

2010-12-07T08:15:00.000-08:00

I wanted to note my favorite memories about this year's Kids' Christmas Musical while they are still fresh on my mind:

On a personal note

My daddy got to be there! Many of you don't know my dad. He is disabled and hasn't be out and about much in the past few years, but God is doing new things and I was so excited that Daddy was able to be there on Sunday to see Jay and all of my Grace Kids. Actually, my dad is as smart, funny and talented as momma and loves the Lord so much; and I hope you all get a chance to get to know his better as time goes on. We appreciate your prayers for strength and grace for him each day. (Ironically, this is the first play momma has missed because she is serving as children's pastor in Gallatin!)
I was so proud of my "Jaybird"! In the past he has always had the play memorized, but I could never trust him with a big speaking part because I knew stage fright was likely to take over. This year was his year and I can see how he is growing up! What joy for this momma!

As Pastor Tonya:

I love that God calls people to serve him through children's ministry and I don't just mean kids. God calls adults through children's ministry too!
I am amazed at what a bunch of mostly 5-10 year olds can accomplish (we had a few 11 year olds sprinkled in there!). They really lived up to 1 Timothy 4.12. . ."Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young . . ." I was "sanctified proud"!
Getting to know the kids better and learning more about their individual personalities through our time together.
How just about 8 weeks ago Megan S was too shy to come to practice without momma and at 10:45 she "saved the day".
When Grace V said at practice that we should love ourselves as much as we love our neighbors.
Time to be around my sweet friend Larissa (it seems we only get to "hang out"' during Christmas play season, but she is one of my favorite people.)
A reminder that despite what the world says about parents, people really DO care about their kids and support them and sacrifice for them.
I'm jealous of Leah B and Amy T's sewing abilities, but so happy to have them around!
Proud of my former Grace Kids Patrick for being an amazing sound guy . . .all grown up.
Loving the idea of "costume changes". I'm sure the kids felt like "stars"!
Appreciated being able to have the program on Sunday morning which I'm sure made the kids feel extra special and allowed us to be ready to go without having to crash through Sunday afternoon set-up.
So grateful for all of our volunteer team!
Carson W was too cute doing those motions.
Can't wait for the little blond who loved be on stage during the handbells to be old enough to be in the "real" play - what spunk!
Glad that God works through cheesy "Back to the Future" themes and disco music!

Ready to see the DVDs! Hopefully they'll be available soon!

Manna

2010-11-17T06:47:00.000-08:00

This probably should've been Derek Hunter's post, but I'm stealing it!

DH and DW and I got to attend a preaching seminar at Trevecca last week. Thom Long (a fabulous preaching professor at a big deal seminary, with a lot of credentials behind his name) was the speaker for the day. I don't think any of us had heard him speak before (shame on us), but Mark was excited about going (Baby Peter messed up his plans, but I don't think he minded) so we were looking forward to it. We just didn't know what we were getting in to, would it be boring and too academic, lots of theological rhetoric? We were pleasantly surprised . . .

Have you ever seen someone who is doing exactly what they were made to do? I don't just mean "churchy" stuff . . .I mean David Phelps singing (okay, so that one's churchy most of the time), Michael Phelps swimming, or Lauren Garrow Clement talking about hair design? (I know that seems random, but I heard Lauren talking to a customer in her shop one day, and I thought "That is totally her sweet spot!")

Anyway, Thom Long was amazing! We were immediately entranced by his natural style that was so good and rich, yet not at all initimidating. His eyes light up when he speaks and he honestly looks 10 years younger when he's on the teaching about preaching- his sweet spot. I know this up close because we got to sit at his table at dinner. He was so kind and warm to all of us there. Very engaging (even after teaching all day!).

So (the point of this blog), in the course of dinner, Derek Hunter talked about the fact that he didn't grow up in church with all of the Sunday School stories and he felt a little behind the 8 ball in his sermon prep sometimes because of that. He wanted Dr. Long's thoughts on resources (Derek is an avid reader and learner.) Dr Long made several suggestions, then added that as you do your sermon preparation and take that down all of the roads it leads you, "It will be manna". It will be enough.

What a beautiful word picture! How refreshing and filling and satisfying to my soul. (He wasn't even talking to me! But truth is truth!) As we turn to God, he gives us enough. Whether we need encouragement, or wisdom, or learning, or grace; when God sends it, it is enough! It is manna!

When the Israelites weren't satisfied with their manna, God sent them a lot of "blessing" at one time and it became something loathesome to them. The same would be true for us. God gives us what we need as we need it. We must not whine and wail about life being better in "Egypt", but we have to lean hard on God knowing that he cares for us completely. Even when we can't understand why things happen (I had a with God about that myself this morning), we have to keep on trusting and keep on walking. God's mercies are new every morning and that is manna!

A new way of thinking

2010-11-08T19:11:00.000-08:00

I was reading an article by Rob Bell the other day and he mentioned about how God brought the Israelites out of Egypt, but that it was hard to get Egypt out of the Israelites. The Israelites did not know what to do with their new-found freedom. They had always, only known slavery and taskmasters. They could not comprehend what it meant to be "carried on eagles’ wings" and brought to One who would love and treasure them. (Exodus 19.4-5) They thought that rules were all about keeping them oppressed, rather than God's commandments giving them life. They would have never dreamed of taking their worries and complaints to Pharaoh; so it never occurred to them that they could take their problems to God rather than grumbling among themselves. They had left Egypt, but it stuck with them.

In the Bible, allusions to Egypt and the life of slavery there are often equated with our lives of sinfulness before coming to faith in Jesus. Unfortunately, it is hard to get "Egypt" out of us too. God forgives us and makes us his very own children and yet we continue to "wallow" in our past. We don't comprehend what it means to be totally and unconditionally loved and so we strive to earn God's favor that doesn't need to be earned. We push against the rules rather than living in freedom to love and serve. We grumble and complain to each other instead of boldly approaching the throne of grace with confidence. (Hebrews 4.16)

God, help us to take our places as your children and to live in the fullness of your love!

The Incomplete Perfectionist

2010-11-02T13:36:00.001-07:00

I stole this from a friend, but it describes me too well! I was thinking I should rename the whole blog "The Incomplete Perfectionist", but I'll just stick with this one post. I should've realized this a while back when it hit me that I procrastinate about things that I can't do exactly right or don't have time to finish . . .

So, I'm learning to get over it and to do what I can when I can, knowing that God loves me even if I don't get to all of the big plans in my brain and that my friends will forgive my shortcomings. I am trying to learn that a small good deed is better than a big good intention. And I am trying to learn that a short, small, silly published blog post is better than the deep, theological one that may still be floating around in my brain.

And I'm going to leave it at that!

Jesus love me

2010-10-22T10:32:00.000-07:00

Jesus loves me this I know for the Bible tells me so . . .this is one of the earliest songs that some kids learn. For I while, I had Jeana Ruth singing it as my ringtone. Levi is singing it in the church nursery every week (along with a lot of other fun songs thanks to Mrs Denisa and First Steps in Worship). It seems to me that a love for Jesus comes easily for children who are taught about The One who loves them so much.

This makes me think that our job (as the church and as families) is not to get them to love Jesus so much as it is to nurture the love that has already been planted by God. Part of our task is to not squash or hinder God's owrk. I am reading the book Think Orange by Reggie Joiner and he talks about the powerful influence of church and family working together. (Like you can diet or you can exercise, but your best best is to do both!) Both the church and the family can point them to our amazing God!

So, for my role (representing the church) in the Grace Kids' lives my goal is to keep Jesus in the spotlight. I want to continually point them to a God who loves them more than they could possibly imagine and who has called them to be his children.

I encourage you (the family) to show your children unconditional love, to model honor and respect in your home and to leave them a legacy of faith (which is so much more important than an inheritance).

The wonderful thing is that God will enable all of us to do our parts. He doesn't expect us to be perfect . . .he knows we're just dust. And when we work together, we can help children continue to fall in love with our Great Big God!

Catching up!

2010-04-15T07:22:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I fell off the blogging wagon for a few weeks! Isn't life like that sometimes? It's been a busy and exciting time from Palm Sunday and our Redemption presentation, through Holy Week to a glorious Easter and a fun spring break!

The Honor classes for parents and kids got off to a great start last night! Thanks to everyone who participated! I am looking forward to learning with and from you! I'd also love to hear about "honor" in action at your house.

Next week, I will jump back into our Sunday morning review from children's church even though we won't be tying that into Wednesday nights because of the Honor classes through May.

I am so excited that our new Sr Pastor will soon be packing to head this way. I have always had high regard for Mark Lindstrom since our college days and am looking forward to serving with him and under his leadership. I believe that God's has more great days in store for our church, and I feel so blessed to be a part of this church family!

I won't usually do this, but I would like to mention here today that we have several ministry opportunities available with the Grace Kids during Sundays and Wednesday nights. Some of our teachers have had some life changing events happen in the past few months, others have been teaching for a while, there are babies on the way, and I also like to give our teachers the summers off when possible. I need your help to do this! If you, or someone you know, might be interested in serving God by loving His kids, I would love to chat about the possibilities and get a ministry application into your hands. Also, please add this to your prayer list. It is vitally important that we have disciplers for our Grace Kids if they are going to "grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus" (2 Peter 3.18). For the right people, working with kids will revitalize and change your life!

Okay, I think I'm all caught up now!

Wait, one more thing . . .our Spring Family Camp-out is coming up May 14-16 at Davy Crockett State Park! This is a great weekend for families with kids of all ages. $15 per family covers all of your Saturday meals and other activities through the weekend. Some of our plans so far include kickball, a Scavenger hunt, our silly camp-out auction, and much more! Each family is responsible for their own campground fees. I will be happy to talk details with you if interested.

Okay, now I'm really done! Enjoy spring with your family! The things that have to get done (laundry, grass, dishes) will get done - make time for the important stuff!

You are loved!
Pastor Tonya

A big "but"

2010-03-15T10:34:00.000-07:00

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego refused to bow (Daniel 3) and they didn't care if the king gave them one more chance or 100 more chances, they weren't going to do it. They went so far as to say that God could save them from the king's big, scary, fiery furnace and that could've been enough to show their faith in God.

Then they took it one step further. Verse 18 says, "BUT even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." Those boys had decided in their hearts what lines they would not cross and when the time came they stuck with God, because they knew he would stick with them! And he did!

I encourage you to talk with your kids about the lines they will not cross (lying, cheating, stealing, smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol, playing the choking game, or anything else friends may try to pressure, dare or sweet talk them into) . We mentioned it in children's church yesterday but, of course, I didn't have time to talk with each of them one-on one. You know best what temptations your kids are prone to.

But don't just dwell on the negatives. Remind your kids that God is with them even in hard times! He will care for him as they trust in him. Sometimes, we end up in lousy situations because of things we have done; sometimes bad things just happen. Either way, we all know that hard times are going to come and we're going to have to go "through the fire". The question is "Are you going by yourself?" or "Have you invited Jesus to come along with you?"

Parents, lead by example. Tell your kids of a time that God brought you through a hard time. You do NOT need to tell them all of your burdens, financial woes, or issues - let them be kids! But you can point out God's faithfulness.

Have you decided to follow Jesus no matter what? If you have, you can show your kids how to.

Stand up for what's right no matter what

2010-03-10T07:34:00.001-08:00

We are on a prophet binge in children's church . . .Elijah and Elisha, Isaiah, and this week Jeremiah. Jeremiah was called to follow God at a young age and he faced a lot of hard times, but he stuck with God and followed through on what God called him to do even when things got hard.

Our story this week was about how God gave Jeremiah a message which he wrote on a scroll to deliver to King Jehoiakim. But just like us sometimes, the king didn't want to hear what God had to say. He cut the scroll off with a knife and threw it in the fire, as if that would stop God's word from being right and true. We all know that God's word endures and God told Jeremiah to rewrite the scroll. Of course, God's words came true.

We know that God's way is the best way, it's up to us to choose to live his way even when it's not easy. Don't be wishy-washy. Like Mr. Miyagi said in Karate Kid, "walk left side, safe; walk right side, safe; walk middle, sooner or later, get squish just like grape." God wants us to choose, he doesn't want us to be middle of the road . . .that's just not safe! However, Psalm 33.18 says, "the Lord watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love."

Questions for discussion:

Parents, tell of a time when you had to stand up for what was right. How did it turn out? How did you know that God was with you?
What things can our family do to help us be strong when hard times come? How can we prepare for that?
If you're feeling a little creative, create a scroll (maybe pencils, some scotch tape and a strip of paper?) and write Psalm 33.18 on it for the family to learn together. Post it where everyone can see it or have someone "unroll the scroll" and be the leader at mealtimes.

We will continue our Jeremiah discussion tonight in Kids' Bible study! Hope to see you there!

Sharing God's awesome truth

2010-03-01T08:17:00.000-08:00

This week's scripture came from Isaiah 6.1-8. In this passage, Isaiah sees a vision that shows him how pure, awesome, and holy God is. In God's presence, Isaiah recognizes his own sinfulness and confesses it, then he his forgiven. Finally, Isaiah is called to go and be a messenger of God's truth and he responds, "Here I am! Send me!"

Through Isaiah we learned that we need to:
Remember - that we have disobeyed
Repent - turn away from our sinfulness and turn toward God
Receive - God's love and forgiveness
Rejoice - in God's goodness
Take Responsibility - to go and share God's truth.

By the way, when I spent a few minutes talking about God's awesomeness, holiness, and purity in the children's church lesson - there was a "holy hush" that fell over the room. The children were all very still and respectful . . .you have taught them well!

Some questions for discussion:

Who are the people with whom our family can share God's truth?
What would be our own special ways of doing that? What gifts/talents do we have? What do we enjoy doing and how can we turn that into sharing God's message of love and forgiveness?
How can we rejoice in what God has done for us?
Are there things that we need to remember and repent of so that we can keep our relationship with God on track?

On Wednesday night, we will continue exploring this lesson on Isaiah and how we can be messengers of God's truth!

Have a great week! You are loved!

2010-02-22T09:42:00.000-08:00

I'm going to tell this week's story backwards . . .after children's church one of the kids came up to me and said that he wanted to get baptized, so I told him we should talk to his mom about it. She was there to pick him up and he went over to tell her while I got the rest of the kids off to Sunday School. When it was just the three of us in the Chapel foyer, Connor said that he wanted to get baptized and I asked him if he knew what that meant. He said something about getting your sins forgiven and living for Jesus. I then explained to him that we ask Jesus to forgive our sins first, then we get baptized to show our church family about our decision to follow Jesus.

We talked about what sin is, and how Jesus is the only one who can forgive our sins. Connor admitted that he has sinned (against mom, but not dad:-). I told him he could pray and ask God to forgive his sins and make him a child of God right then or he could wait and think about it. At first he said he wanted to wait, but then (on his own) he decided he was ready! Praise the Lord! We prayed, mom and I cried and heaven had a celebration! So you may be in for a baptism next Sunday!

Connor has been coming to Grace since he was a baby. When he was a shy toddler and wasn't too excited about mom leaving him in the nursery and two year old class, Mom was consistent (and those teachers loved him). Mom stuck with him and with the importance of him being in church. Over the years, it has been a joy to watch Connor grow. He's now a first grader and super involved with the Grace Kids! He loves to be here and he's a joy to have around!

Connor has seen his mom and dad be faithful, he's talked about God with them at home, he's heard them pray, he's seen them love and serve others in Jesus' name. Connor's parents would probably tell you that they're not perfect and they haven't done everything exactly right...but let me tell you what they have done right - They have loved Jesus and Connor has seen that!

What a perfect way to end a day where our children's church lesson was on Elijah and Elisha from 2 Kings 2.1-14. We acted out the story and learned that just as Elisha had learned to be a man of God by following Elijah, we can look for godly people to show us how to be people of God.

Of course, you are the number one person that your child is learning from! This will always be true. I also trust that there are others in their lives who are pointing them to Jesus and teaching them to serve, give, love, pray and read their Bibles; but YOU will always be the number one influencer of your children. Don't ever let "the world" tell you otherwise!

Here are some things to talk about this week as we continue to explore this story:

Read the scripture together and talk about what you learn from it.

Tell your children about the people who have helped you followed Jesus.

Ask the kids things that they have learned from you and others about following Jesus.

Remind the kids that other people are looking at their lives too and that they are not just followers, but they are also leaders who can point people to Jesus.

Here's one last interesting thought from Highlights Magazine: "Three out of four kids said that they get to spend enough time with their family, but about 25% would like more time. Slightly more children ages 9 to 12 want more time with their parents than kids ages 5 to 8."

Note that: Even though the your kids are growing up, they're not out-growing you!

Okay, enough of my ramblings! Keep on loving your kids and don't be afraid to talk with them about God stuff. They don't care if you know all the answers! Remember that your heavenly Father loves you perfectly and is more than willing to give wisdom if you ask!

Just doing my job

2010-02-17T12:05:00.001-08:00

So I got pulled over by a Columbia policeman one day last week. As I turned out of the Walgreen parking lot, I was in the process of putting on my seat belt. I stopped at a red light and as soon as I started to move, he turned his lights on so I pulled over. When the officer walked up to the van, he introduced himself and asked if I knew why he had pulled me over.

I responded, "Because I didn't quite have that seat belt all of the way buckled when I pulled out of Walgreen?"

"Actually, you have a brake light out. I didn't notice your seat belt thing." Then almost as an afterthought, "But thank you for being honest. "

It didn't occur to me to be anything but honest and while he ran my license and registration info, I straightened up the front of the van a little bit.

When the officer came back, he was filling out his form (only a warning, thank goodness!) and asked where I worked. I told him Grace Church of the Nazarene and without missing a beat he said, "You guys do a really great Halloween thing over there. I bring my kids every year."

I thanked him for his kind words and for only giving me a warning. He explained that the paperwork would show that he had been doing his job to keep people safe, he didn't want anyone rear-ending me. Then he thanked me again for being honest about the seat belt situation, like that was really amazing or something.

All that to say, he didn't see me putting my seat belt on so if I'd never said a word it wouldn't have mattered and we still would've had our nice little conversation about Family Fall Fun Fest. But hopefully because I was honest, it made an impression on him about me - not as a pastor, or even a member of Grace Church but as a follower of Christ. This isn't about me, but what I'm getting at is: I don't do the things I do, act the way I act or go the places I go (or don't go) because I am a pastor, but because I am a follower of Christ and everywhere I go, whether I realize it or not, people are looking at my life to see Jesus.

That very kind officer was just doing his job that day and I was just doing mine - being a follow of Jesus. Are you doing yours?

Grace

2010-02-16T08:09:00.000-08:00

This week's lesson was on the story of David showing EXTREME kindness to Mephibosheth (ask your kids how to pronounce it if they were in children's church! :-). This story comes from 2 Samuel 9.1-13 and is an awesome example of what grace really is!

In comparison to what David's kindness meant for Mephibosheth, we learned about what God's grace means in our lives: we haven't done anything to deserve God's love, sin separates us from a pure and holy God, but God comes looking for us and loves us because of Jesus. God makes us a part of his family and gives us a home when we accept his gift.

We will continue exploring this story Wednesday night with more activities!

Some questions to discuss:

Why did David show such extreme kindness to Mephibosheth?
Where to you see God's grace in your life?
How can the kindness you show to others make a difference in their lives?

Your kids are awesome! I am glad to be a part of their lives and to be able to assist you in raising people of God!

You are loved,
PT

Little Disciples

2010-02-04T13:01:00.000-08:00

Had to take a minute from a book I'm reading called "Walk With Me" by Hal Perkins to share with you an "aha" moment . . .

Have you ever thought of your kids as your disciples? Just as we are supposed to be disciples of Jesus - to walk the way he walked, and talk the way he talked - our kids are following us. How are you leading them? What are you teaching by the things you say, the way you react, how you spend your time? Wow! That's big!

The Grace Kids ministry team is here to help you as you endeavor to raise people of God . . .as you follow Jesus, go make disciples at home!

Blessings!

The Tower of Babel

2010-02-01T10:06:00.000-08:00

This seems like an excellent tool to keep you updated on what the kids are learning in children's church and on Wednesday nights, so in addition to any random thoughts I post, you can check this out to get the conversation going with your kids about their Bible lessons! (We start a lesson/topic on Sunday morning and continue with activities on that same lesson on Wednesday nights . . .

This Sunday we will be looking at the Tower of Babel from Genesis 11.1-9. This is a great story that reminds us that we should do the things we do to bring attention to God, not ourselves. Sometimes we get so focused on things - good things, even things for God - that we leave him out of the picture. We don't ask for his help or guidance, and then we sit back and think about what a good job we've done. Yikes! When we do that, we've missed the point! God showed the people in the Bible story that they were nothing without him. Usually, when we feel like "nothing", it's because we've been trying to do things on our own.

Things to talk about:

How can we keep God as the center of all we do?
When someone gives us a compliment for a job "well done", how do we give glory to God?
Start each day with a prayer, for God to guide you.
Pick a verse, or part of a verse think about it when your brain is free - for ex. "Let them all praise the name of the Lord, for his name is very great" Psalm 148.13.

What a happy day!

2009-11-23T09:54:00.000-08:00

"It's Monday, what a happy day!" I had an education professor in college at Trevecca who started every class session with this song and without hesitation we would all join in and sing along and share the happy news in our lives and then we'd sing about that too. (Kelly got engaged, what a happy day; Tonya's going home, what a happy day; Chuck got a job, what a happy day!)

Dr. Ward was modeling for a us (soon to be school teachers) a great way to start class. It added a little fun to the day. Tim Green's (another past TNU Prof for me) sermon yesterday reminded me that we have so much to sing and be happy about, because Life is Grace.

Personally, it's easy for me to write this and have a song in my heart today, but I've got some friends who are going through some junk right now. And, of course, I can't help but think about the fact that that means their kids are too. It may not be a happy day at those houses.

How can we teach our kids that even when life stinks, God is good? We have to model it for them. I don't mean some glossed over, fake happiness. I do mean a deep rooted joy and peace that come from a relationship with Jesus that ensures me that somehow God is going to work all things for the good (not necessarily the happiness or the comfort, but the good) of those who love him.

So as a parent and a children's pastor, I've got to love God with all that I have. I have to do it in the good times, so that that faith muscle can be put to use in the hard times. That doesn't mean we won't cry, or be tempted to worry and fret sometimes, but I know God's promises are true and "Trust and Obey" is not just an old hymn with pretty words. If we do our part, we can be guaranteed that God will do his. It is Grace in action.

So . . .It's Monday and God is in control, it's Monday and God is in control, it's Monday and God is in, what a happy, happy, happy,happy day. (If you ask, I'll sing this for you so you can learn the tune!:-)

Here we go!

2009-11-10T13:46:00.000-08:00

Here come lots of random thoughts! Any mom with children understands that the Wiggles may be going through my mind one minute, and deep theological thoughts the next - well not too deep. Since I don't seem to be able to take the time to keep a journal, maybe this is will help me record this wonderful journey of life! I'd love to have you join the ride!