I Met My Best Friend at Summer Camp

A dear friend from Tulsa was in Frisco a few days while her 11-year old son attended a Christian summer camp here in our area. I invited her over for lunch and we talked about the wonderful perks and blessings of our children having these wonderful times of fun and focused attention on God and His incredible love for His children.

Oh, how I loved the summertime -- not just because school was out, but it meant Vacation Bible School and attending a summer overnight camp. That brings back such precious memories of craft time, Kool-Aid and cookies, games, campfires, learning to swim, competitions, early morning Pledge of Allegiance to the flag, singing songs while waiting for the dining hall to open up like "Here we stand like birds in the wilderness -- waiting for something to eat!", making new friends, feeling a little homesick AND making the most important decision of my life.

At eight years old, I attended Straight Arrow Camp at Lake Texoma, and by a campfire, my little heart heard the message of Jesus' love that changed my life forever. I had heard that message before, but my tenderized heart (probably because of the intimacy and sweetness of the moments), I really, really understood that God loved me so much. I opened my heart to Him and that began my journey of faith that has sustained me to this day. It was tough being away from home those five days, but it was pivotal in my young life and so much so, that when I hear about the sacrifices parents make for their kids to go to VBS or be involved in a summer camp program or take a missions trip, it stirs my heart.

I witnessed those special times with my own children and grandchildren. I know the investment of time in VBS, church camps, and missions trips were strategically important in their faith journeys. Yes, we take our children to church; we make sure they are in Sunday School and youth programs, but, speaking on a personal level, there's just something about the freedom from school and other activities to dive into a concentrated time of hearing about God's love and His promises during these summer months.

Thank you, camp counselors, VBS teachers, and volunteers and for those who step it up a notch by taking kids on missions trips that open their eyes to the blessings of what they have, as well as the joy it is to bless others with God's love. Thank you for investing in our lives. You made all the difference in mine. I met my BEST FRIEND, Christ Jesus, at summer camp. And I grew to love Him more each time you shared about Him in a story or a play or a song or a hug. I am a life that was changed forever because of caring, loving and giving servants like you.

Train Up A Child in the Way He Should Go

Some people ask me "How do you know scriptures so well? How do you know so many stories from the Bible?" And my response is, "I cut my teeth on the back of a pew." LOL! It was because, from an infant -- our church seemed like our second home. It was our family's "go to" place for fellowship with friends and with God. Sunday School and Youth Meetings were where we played "Sword Drills" (that's a game, using our Bibles, of who could find a particular scripture first and then stand up and read it).

But, a favorite memory and the highlight of many summers, was attending Vacation Bible School (as if we didn't get enough Bible stories during the rest of the year at Sunday School and church). I have fond memories of craft-time, snack time (with Kool Aid and cookies), flannel board stories (yes, that was the old days before all the high tech visuals) and memorizing various scriptures.

Those memories flooded back to me when I was in Tulsa a couple of weeks ago at my home church there. I saw parents feverishly decorating the hallways, classrooms and fellowship hall for the "Mighty Fortress" VBS week coming up. I loved it. The kids were all so excited. That's Claire, my godson's precious little sister, who just had to show me how she helped decorate.

Then, last night, at Elevate Life Church where my kids attend here in Frisco, and where my granddaughter was one of the student leaders, I saw the big finale of VBS, which included the parents. Take a look at that scripture verse that I heard repeated over and over by the kids to know and memorize. Over 600 kids attended VBS this week. To say that I was impressed put it mildly and speaking of high tech -- it sure wasn't like it was for me many moons ago. But, I can tell you this, it's the same "Good News" message of abundant life that Jesus came to give us -- that He is our best friend. I loved it when I kept hearing "Jesus is your best friend" over and over, and that is so true.

The lessons I learned back in the day, the scriptures I memorized, and the stories of faith and trusting in God carried on into my life today. The stories and scriptures are what has sustained and strengthened me in my toughest times and have given me joy and peace in my journey of faith.

I promise you, Moms and Dads, Grandmoms and Grandads, teaching your children about God and His Word, will carry them through to adulthood and even beyond to the families they will have some day. Take the time to invest wisely in them by taking them to church. Talk about God and His love for us at your dinner table. Help them memorize scriptures. When you see them teaching their children one day, you'll be ever grateful for the seeds you planted and then watching the harvest that came up, because you did. That's how I felt last night when I witnessed my granddaughter teaching young children how to love and praise God. Those little eyes and ears were watching and listening. And, they watch and listen in our homes. Keep laying the foundation that will keep them standing strong.
"Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6

Train Up a Child in the Way He or She Should Go

My husband and I grew up as “church” kids. Our parents ensured that we were in church every time the doors opened – Sunday School, Sunday morning and night services, Wednesday night service, Thursday night youth services, and when an evangelist came into town, church was every night of the week. Back in those early years, we learned every Bible story, every hymn and chorus (and the actions), and memorized a lot of scriptures. As children, it was so sweet to know God. Our needs were met, and our wants were provided for, and pressures only came with a big test or exam, or disappointment in a friend.

Even in those early years, we learned what it was to call upon the God of those Bible stories, scriptures and songs to be our "help". And, the older we got, the more we discovered, that all of those years of “child training” established us in life. In fact, we carried those same principles on, and into our children, who are leading their own children by that example.

Now, I realize that our faith was built upon those principles – for example – the same God that kept Daniel in the lion’s den and the three Hebrew boys in the firey furnace, that helped David slay the giant, that opened the Red Sea for Moses, and more than all that, the same God that gave us His only Son who went about doing good, raising the dead, causing the lame to walk, the blind to see, the deaf to hear, died on a rugged cross, was buried and rose from the dead....is the same God who loves us and desires to perform His good works in us today!

That’s what our Moms and Dads really gave us -- they were instilling in us the fiber, the fortitude, the tenacity, the unwavering faith and strength to draw from, and to know that our God loves us unceasingly, and that when the going gets tough and pressures seem insurmountable, we have a confidence in knowing, God is able and willing to meet our every need. We know our hope and trust was, and always will be, in the One whose steadfast love never ceases and His faithfulness will always carry us through. I sure hope these words impress you enough to train your children and grandchildren in the ways they should go. I promise you...it is worth the effort!

Flannel Board Jesus or 3-D Jesus.....He's Still the Same!

Today, it’s a 3-D, 4-D, sound, lighting, visual and special effects world. Back in “my day”, the big deal in my Sunday School classes were the “no” tech flannel-board characters. Walking into Sunday School and seeing the flannel board all set up, meant it was going to be a great morning. Jesus was always smiling and we could take Him down, and slap Him back up on the flannel board again and again. We’ve come a long way since then. And as “low or no” tech as those days were, it was as awesome to us to live in that era as the high tech devices and high tech way of doing things are to kids today. Studying about Noah and the flood, Moses and the Red Sea, David slaying the giant, and those rag tag fishermen who became disciples were a huge part of my history. I'm so grateful because all those stories are indelibly printed in my head.

The way we do things today, are very different from how they were done 50 years ago and that’s okay, it’s as it should be. This generation needs relevance. With kids spending hours upon hours each day watching TV or using social media, we must find ways to hold their attention in the very short time we spend with them.

Jesust started this all. He taught the people using parables, creative stories rich with imagery, to help people understand and remember His message. He knew what they needed to hear, and used creative means to convey the message. Have you read those stories? The woman who lost a coin, the mustard seed, the birds in the sky, the rich man, the pearl and so many more.

While people have been teaching about Jesus using creativity for thousands of years in all sorts of different ways, it's thrilling to know that the method may change, but the message is still the same.

It doesn’t matter if we’re using little felt people or a high tech, 3-D rap video about Jesus, as long as kids AND adults are getting the point that God loves them; that He sent His one and only Son to die for them – we’re doing our job. In years to come, we will all be talking about how we heard about Jesus. So, hang onto your seat belt, the next wave just may be a holographic Jesus teaching about His unconditional love.

Flannel boards or hi tech world…..Jesus remains the same – yesterday, today and forever. I learned about Him as a kid. I taught my kids about Him and my kids are teaching their kids about Him. That’s a constant, never-changing message to continue sharing and one that I’m willing to stake my life upon! How about you?

Train Up a Child in the Way He Should Go

My husband and I grew up as “church” kids. Our parents made sure we were in church every time the doors opened – Sunday School, Sunday morning and night services, Wednesday night service, Thursday night youth services, and when an evangelist came into town, church was every night of the week. My best friends were those that I grew up with and hung out with at my church. Back in those early years, we learned every Bible story, every hymn and chorus (and the actions), and memorized a lot of scriptures. As children, it was so sweet to know God. Our needs were met, and our wants were provided for, and pressures only came with a big test or exam, or maybe a friend that disappointed us.

Even in those early years, we learned what it was to call upon the God of those Bible stories, scriptures and songs to be our "help". And, the older we got, the more we discovered that all of those years of “child training” established us in life. In fact, we carried those same principles on, and into our children, who are leading their own children by that example.

Now, I realize that our faith was built upon those principles – for example – the same God that kept Daniel in the lion’s den and the three Hebrew boys in the firey furnace, that helped David slay the giant, that opened the Red Sea for Moses, and more than all that, the same God that gave us His only Son who went about doing good, raising the dead, causing the lame to walk, the blind to see, the deaf to hear, died on a rugged cross, was buried and rose from the dead....is the same God who loves us and desires to perform His good works in us today!

That’s what our moms and dads really gave us -- they were instilling in us the fiber, the fortitude, the tenacity, the unwavering faith and strength to draw from, and to know that our God loves us unceasingly, and that when the going gets tough and pressures seem insurmountable, we have a confidence in knowing God is able and willing to meet our every need. We know our hope and trust was, and always will be, in the One whose steadfast love never ceases and His faithfulness will always carry us through. I sure hope these words impress you enough to train your children and grandchildren in the ways they should go. I promise you...it is worth the effort!

Happy Birthday to my Sweet Mama!

Day 186 of Photo Inspirations -- Happy Birthday to my Sweet Mama
#TBT -- Though my Mom's birthday isn't until July 12th (she'd be 104), I saw these photos and I knew it should be my #TBT Photo Inspiration today.  These photos are of her and my Alexia Wallace​ -- 13 years ago.  She loved holding the babies.  I loved the "before" and "after" of Alexia getting hold of that bottle.  LOL!

I treasure photos like this, because it reminds me of where the best of me came from.  If ever there was an angel on earth, it was her.  She was my mentor, role model and everything a mother should be.  She selflessly gave -- "Just give me the fried chicken neck -- that's good enough for me."  She always forgave --  "It's okay.  God forgives me all the time.  I sure can forgive you."  She unconditionally loved -- "It's okay that they (my siblings that lived in other states) don't write or call me much.  I love and pray for them anyway."  Her integrity and honesty were of the utmost importance to her. I'll never forget the day as a tiny tot that I saw a package of gum on the floor in the grocery store and put it in my pocket.  I reasoned that "if it's on the floor, it's okay to have it".  When she found it in my pocket, she took me back to the store and I had to admit my wrong-doing.  That incident and lesson stuck with me like glue.  She gave me boundaries that worked -- "Let your conscience be your guide."  And those words always rang in my ears when I was choosing right or wrong.  She never missed a church service -- Wednesday night, Friday prayer meeting, women's meetings, Sunday School AND church -- twice each Sunday.  She sacrificed her own personal needs for my needs.  She showed me undaunted faith and determination in the toughest of times when my Daddy was so sick and when our finances were so meager.  I heard her praying for me and my siblings from her bedroom.  She was unquestionably the most tender, kind-hearted, loving, gentle, caring and pure woman I have ever known.  She was my hero, and to this day, she remains my hero.  Her example made me a better me.

The reason why I'm emphasizing her today, as such a role model,  is for you and me to realize -- it's not the things or treasures or inheritance or life insurance or jewelry -- the tangible things that make us.  What makes us, and the legacy we leave to our children, are the things that money could never buy.  Her influence on me caused me to be honest, to love and care passionately, to put my faith in God during the best and worst of times, to give and to suck it up when I've been hurt or offended, to trust in God's plans for my life and to leave my family with something so much more than the things that can be bought.  I intend to leave them the very best of me......and the very best of me is my precious mother's example.  What are those things that you'll leave to your children and grandchildren?  "Her children rise up, and call her blessed...."  Proverbs 31:28

Hiding His Word in Our Hearts

Day 160 of Photo Inspirations -- Hiding His Word in Our Hearts
Memorization of scriptures has been pivotal in my having a joy-filled life, unwavering faith (most of the time), perseverance in tough times and learning to jump high hurdles (obstacles).  I sincerely believe that God's Word represents life and power, and is the greatest treasure we have in living an overcoming life.  

In Kids Church, we had "Sword" Drills -- that's when the leader would call out a book of the Bible, chapter and verse, and then we'd hustle to be the first one to find it in our Bible, stand up and read it.  That fun game taught us how to find scriptures, and it taught us the words of the scriptures.  Then we'd memorize scriptures during Sunday School and Vacation Bible School.  I learned so many scriptures.  Why were my parents and teachers so convinced that we should commit ourselves to scripture memory?  Because they knew it was the greatest key to our future success.  Early on, those scriptures were simply "words", but facing responsibilities and the normal challenges of "living life", those "words" became more valuable than the greatest treasure I could ever have.

In Proverbs 7:2, we read "Guard My words as your most precious possession. Write them down and also keep them deep within your heart.”  One of the most powerful ways that we can transform our lives, resist temptation, make wise decisions, and counterattack the enemy when he comes knocking on our door with his dumb fear tactics -- is knowing God's Word. Psalm 119:105 says "Your word is a lamp to guide me and a light for my path.”

The more we know what God says, the more we are going to know how God thinks, because the will of God is found in the Word of God. It strengthens us when we're weary.  It comforts us when we're sad.  It gives us hope during times of crisis. 

A couple of days ago, I was called back to the medical center for an ultrasound as they found abnormalities on a "routine" test they'd done a couple of days before. Before the test, during the test, and waiting for the results of the test, I recalled so many scriptures:  "Him I will keep in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on me."  "By the stripes of Jesus, I am healed." "Peace, be still."  "Peace be with you."  "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God."  "Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD my God is with me, wherever I go,"  

By the way, the report came back -- "nothing to be concerned about". I praised and thanked God.  But what if the report had come back the other way?  Then I expect the same would hold true.  I would trust and believe and meditate on God's Word that would give me comfort, hope, healing, and strength.  I encourage you today to take this prescription:  "Read, meditate and memorize God's Word for it will be sweet music to your heart. light for your pathway, and healing to your soul in your best of times and in the lowest of times.