A Great Time of Fun and Learning - VBS 2014

WEIRD ANIMALS VBS DAYS 4 & 5

On day #4 we met this cool dude - Shred! He helped us learn that even when we do wrong, Jesus loves us!

Then on our last day, Iggy, the frilled lizard helped us remember that even when you're afraid, Jesus loves you!






Weird Animals VBS might be over for this year at our church, but many memories were made that won't soon be forgotten. So much joy was shared by the children, youth leaders and adults! Everyone had a wonderful time, enjoying our time together and learning how much our God and Savior loves us.

The music was lively, the message was clear, and it was so much fun to watch the children with all of their combined energy. 

Though leading VBS might take over my life for nearly a week, the rewards of the joyful smiles and fun times had by all make it truly worth it.

I drove home after our last session, thinking, "I have the best job in the world! Singing and sharing with the children the great joy of Jesus' love." It really doesn't get any better than that!

Here are two more videos for songs that our group really liked:

Give It Away

Subscribers click on Hope to find to view this video on my blog site.

Mobile viewers can click here to view the video on Youtube.

Forever Reign

Subscribers click on Hope to find to view this video on my blog site.

Mobile viewers can click here to view the video on Youtube.

Could We Have Any More Fun?!

Weird Animals VBS

Day 3

As we continue VBS at FUMC Waukesha, it just seems like we couldn't have any more fun, but we do! The craziness continues with songs and games and learning, all about how much Jesus loves us!




This is Milton, the Star-nosed mole. He doesn't really wear glasses, but he is quite blind. His awesome nose helps him find his way through his underground tunnels. What a weird and wonderful animal!



Our kids are learning that no matter what, Jesus loves us!  And these crazy creatures  help us to remember that even when we're left out, or we feel different than others, or even when we don't understand, Jesus loves us!

Here is a video of one of our new songs You Are Good!

Subscribers can click on Hope to find to view this video on my blog site.

Mobile viewers can view this video on Youtube by clicking here.

Their Energy is Amazing!

Day 2 of Weird Animals VBS

Where Jesus' Love is One-of-a-Kind

Our VBS kids have the greatest energy! All of that energy combined and focused is something you really have to experience. The only way to describe being all together praising God while we sing songs and learn about Jesus' love is JOYOUS! These kids are the best!





Meet Fern, today's Bible Memory Buddy. 

Fern is a character who is a Leafy Sea Dragon


These creatures really exist!



Today we learned that even though we're different, Jesus Loves Us. No matter what.

Today at Weird Animals VBS, we learned a new song that the kids really liked. 

Here's a video of Rise and Sing from Group

Subscribers click on Hope to find to view this video on my blog site. 

Mobile viewers may view this video on Youtube by clicking here.

Let the Crazy Fun Begin!

Sunday Scripture

and a

Song

 And the start of VBS!
  
"I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
Matthew 28:20

Axl the Axolotl

It's here! Let the crazy fun begin!

Dozens of kids will be in the pews ready for some fun and excitement. Vacation Bible School starts tonight at our church, and I have the awesome pleasure of leading the children in singing and learning about Jesus' love. 

For those who are unfamiliar with Vacation Bible School, VBS is the place where kids come for summer fun to learn about Jesus' love through songs, skits, crafts, games, experiments and even snacks!

This year, we'll explore the world of "Weird Animals". I thought these extraordinary creatures were imaginary, but I found out that they actually do exist! Unfortunately, some are threatened  in their existence. 

We'll share lots of songs and have lots of fun learning and sharing together this week. God always works in my heart, through the children; and by sharing His love to all of them through sharing my love and my gifts, I receive more love and joy. What a wonderful cycle! 

Yep, it's going to be a busy fun week. Come "Sing and Play" with us as we discover Weird Animals and how they connect us to God's love. 

For more info, visit our church's website, First United Methodist Church, Waukesha, WI (http://www.fumcwaukesha.org/)  

Here's a Youtube video of our theme song, All Around the World. The kids and I are going to have a lot of fun with this one!

 Subscribers click on Hope to find to view this video on my site. 
Mobile viewers can click HERE to view this video on Youtube.

The Joy of Singing Praises

 

Sunday Scripture

and a

Song

"I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving."

Psalm 69:30

"I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever."

Psalm 86:12

Friends who know me well, know that singing praises to the Lord is my one of my greatest joys. People comment that I smile so much when I sing, and I tell them I can't help it! My joy is evident and there for all to see.

 

It was my honor and great delight to sing Laudamus te from Vivaldi's Gloria for our congregation today as special music. My friend Wendy sang this beautiful duet with me, sharing our joy and love of the Lord. 

Before I sing, I pray that God will empty me of me, of my own selfish pride, of any vanity I might feel, and pray that He will fill me with His Holy Spirit. Then, as I sing, God's love -- through His Spirit, pours out from me. This in turn blesses those who are willing to receive, and I am blessed in the process, too!  

It is a wonderful cycle, and to be a part of sharing God's love in this way blesses me beyond description. If I could, I would sing for Him every day of my life!

Laudamus te

 Benedicimus te

 Adoramus te 

 Glorificamus te 

We praise thee
 We bless thee
We worship thee

We glorify thee

Through the process of rehearsing this song, I've enjoyed this recording of the duet. 

I thought I'd share this with you today. Enjoy!

 Subscribers please click on Hope to find to view this video on my blog site. 
Mobile users, please click here to view this video on Youtube.

When God Slows Us Down

Have you ever had a season when you felt like you were waiting?

A feeling of anticipation, but laced with an underlying feeling of patience?

God slowed me down. Caused me to pause; take time for reflection. Find my way.

I knew this time was for a reason. I was patient in its nondescript emotion and the vague awareness that there was more than just waiting and healing going on.

Now I see.

God uses the time I slow down to allow my heart to hear its inner self, and His whispered direction.

I needed this time.

And from it is birthed new direction, new growth. New life.

Did I not just write about springtime and new life in my last post?

And now it is happening to me.

My heart has been opened. My eyes have been made to see clearly. That is, through my heart and not through my mind.

And I have hope, won from wandering through the valleys, lost, but still with faith.

As the sun still rises, I have a chance at being made new. We all do.

Every day.

To me, that is a great miracle. A great gift. And the bearer of hope.  To know that we are free to choose, to open our hearts, to live again.

Forgiveness is freedom.  And we have the choice to choose that, too.

Just as with an ascent at 10,000 ft., I slow my pace to catch my breath.

Take it easy, one day at a time. 

Change takes time, like getting acclimated to high elevations.

Just breathe.

All is well.