Monday, August 27, 2012

Hero Honor Night and How To

At our church we had a special night to honor all of our Children/Nursery workers.  We had a great time as we grilled out, played games and just had fun.  Our theme for the party was "Heroes" because our workers truly are that, our heroes.  One of the nights activities consisted of nominating others who did an outstanding job.  The winners of each of the four categories received a personal trophy and $10 gift card to Chic-fil-A.

Many have asked that I give some "how to" on the awards, and as you'll see these were made from common household items, some paint and a little imagination.

Cake for Everyone!
Kids Dressed up for Fun!!!  So did some adults.
 "Hammer of Thor" Award given to the Children Coaches who are the best at keeping the peace,John and Sylvia West.  The handle is the bottom of a yard light, and the main hammer part is simply foam board, some hot glue and gold spray paint resting on a "take home" container.

The "Wonderous Job" award went to Stephanie Kellett.  These Wonder Woman wristbands represent the wonderful job  performed each week in the nursery.  A wet wipe contain cut in half and painted rest beautifully on a class base.

The "Super Supporter" award was given to, Dottie Gernon.  Superman's underwear is  kept safe and secure in this "Kryptonite" jar.

"Iron Man" trophy was awarded to, Yolanda Palmer.  She is a huge encourager, and what better way to show the "iron sharpens iron" understanding than with Iron Man himself plated in gold.....spraypaint.

Using a non-working yard lamp, I simply painted it gold.
Iron Man toy to top and perfect-O!


christcommunity.com




Thursday, August 23, 2012

Word of God Speaks

Have you ever heard the voice of God?  I'll be honest, I have never heard an audible, out loud, from the Heavens, burning bush voice.  But I know God has indeed spoken to me.

I hear people say, "God spoke to me" and just naturally assume they heard God as if I was talking to them.

There have been more than a few times in my life where I have either had a dream, or a vision (which I would usually chalk up as an overactive imagination) and that very thing come to be true.  I remember several years ago when I was a youth pastor and the senior pastor was on a trip, I didn't know he had asked his wife to speak for him on Wednesday night service, but I woke up Wednesday morning with the faint remembrance of dreaming to be ready to speak to the church for Wednesday night service.  Going in the office doing my regular duties the Pastor's wife came in and looked distraught, I asked if everything was okay and she proceeded to tell me she didn't want to speak that night and didn't know what to do. I shared with her my "dream" and that night was able to ease her mind and speak to the church what I had prepared because of God's "unction."  There have been many times this has happened to me, sometimes at night while sleeping other times during the day in front of my open eyes in technicolor.

About a month ago I had one of those "God speaks" moments.

Over the last few weeks I've felt like my life has been one single focus of placing pieces of a jigsaw puzzle together.  Honestly, some of it has been exciting, like when you're working a puzzle and find that piece that completes the border so you can then start on the middle.  I look back at some of the messages I've shared and clearly see God's hand and what He orchestrated months later as more pieces come together.

While I've not heard God's voice like I think Moses did, "Moses! Moses! Take off your sandals for you are standing on Holy ground."  I do hear God speak, He confirms it in many ways.

As I type this I know I'm being very vague but I hope it helps someone out there to know, there is a God who loves you and if you'll listen He does speak.  For me, one day when the dust settles and all the pieces come in full connection to each other I'll be able to bring my children to this post and say, "remember when that thing happened and all that stuff happened that you thought or others thought didn't make sense?  Look I posted this long before those things happened because God was already at work, God already had given me courage to do what needed to be done, God already confirmed, God spoke and took care of things long before we ever even thought what should we do."  And my children and others will be able to look at the faithfulness of God even in the times they can't hear him speak.