Unfamiliar Path - II

Back in August Dave told his African safari story where he learned to track wild animals. When he lost the animal's tracks Dave was ready to look for another set of tracks to follow. But Dave's teacher/mentor tracking guy said no, you follow the obvious path. Keep heading towards the watering hole, that's where all the animals will end up.

Even though my path is unfamiliar it doesn't mean I look for another path to follow. I am confident that this path leads me towards God. In the meantime however I will cling to the very basics of my faith. I will follow the obvious path.

Jesus loves me

this I know

for the Bible tells me so.

Little ones to Him belong

they are weak, but

He is strong.

Yes, Jesus loves me
Yes, Jesus loves me

Unfamiliar Path

6 months of chronic pain - January - June
4 months of heavy pain meds - May, June, July, Aug/Dec
2 major surgeries - total hip replacements - July 7, 2010 & December 14, 2010
1 Doctorate of Ministry - May 9, 2010
1 father passed away - January 19,2010

At the end of 2010 I find myself on a very unfamiliar path of my journey. Spiritual disciplines that I have known and practiced seem out of reach, but I trust "the process." I trust that Spirit is present.
. . . "through the heartfelt mercies of my God
God's Sunrise will break in upon me;
shining on those in darkness
those sitting in the shadows of death,
then showing me the way, one foot at a time,
down the path of peace" Luke 1.78-79 msg

She is guiding me, one foot at a time, down the path of peace. I trust that this unfamiliar path over time, will draw me closer to the Heart of God.

Kids Literature: Some of my favorites

Kids books that I like. I like these books because of their themes, for their illustrations, for the conversations that can follow, for their silliness. Many of the books are not written by Christian authors, but reflect God’s truth.

I'd love to hear what are some of your favorite kids literature. Drop me a note.

I Love you Stinky Face – Lisa McCourt
silly, lots of laughter, about unconditional love – toddlers & older

I love you this much – Lynn Hodges
we make it fun by yelling some of the phrases really loud – toddlers & older

Good Night God – Holly Bea
great book about seeing God in everything – toddler & older

Sandy Eisenberg Sasso – Jewish rabbi who understands kids’ spirituality. Excellent books with awesome illustrations. Sandy’s books are thought provoking. Ask your kids “wonder questions” I wonder what is your favorite name for God.
these books are for preschool age and older

What is God’s Name
In God’s Name
God in Between
I am God’s Paintbrush

God’s Echo: Exploring Scripture with Midrash – awesome book for adults

The Story of Ruby Bridges – Robert Cole
true story about the first African girl who attend a white school, speaks of her faith in God and courage. Love this book, I still cry when I read it. – preschool age and older

Walter Wangerin – wonderful storyteller and author

Mary’s First Christmas – Walter Wangerin, illustrated by Tim Ladwig
Mary tells a Yeshi (a young Jesus) the special story about his birth – preschool age and older

In the Beginning there was No Sky – Walter Wangerin
beautiful illustration, a wonderful story about being created with love – preschool age and older

Water Come Down: When you were baptized – Walter Wangerin
Even though we do not do infant baptisms itw is a great story about God’s promise to you

I don’t have your Eyes – Carrie Kitze
Simple book about looking different but we are all the same because we all love in the same way. I especially liked this book because my daughter and I do not physically look the same. – toddler & older

Sylvester and the Magic Pebble – William Steig
Endearing story about a family, lost and found – preschool age & older

Psalm 23 – Barry Moser
beautifully illustrated version of Psalm 23

The Lord’s Prayer – Tim Ladwig
he has two versions, I especially like the one with the cover of the father and daughter holding hands. The words are the Lord’s Prayer, but the illustrations bring out another aspect of the story. – toddler & older

How Leo Learned to be King – Marcus Pfister & J. Alison James
Good story about a lion who learns to serve others – toddler & older

Giraffes Can’t Dance - Giles Andreae & Guy Parker
Good story about being unique, how God created us the same but different – toddler & older

Papa, Do You Love Me? – Barbara M. Joosse
African culture, precious story about father & son, unconditional love – preschool age & older

My family really enjoys the Avatar: The Last Airbender cartoon series by Nickelodeon . We haven’t read the books, so I can’t comment on them. Age appropriate for old preschool & elementary. You know best what your kids can handle.

wwKids Haunted House

Gratitude – Celebration – Excitement – Electrifying Energy
– Future Opportunities!

This was a huge week for wwKids on many levels and with many various groups of people. So MUCH Jesus stuff happening.

HALLOWEEN: Kids’ Haunted House – Sunday was awesome. Exciting, fun, full of teachable moments , helping our kids know that even though we are afraid, God says, “don’t be afraid, for I am with you; don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will help you.” (Isaiah 41.9b-10)

We used fringe volunteers – those who loved kids (or me) but don’t serve regularly in with the kids – they were a huge asset so that our faithful teachers & leaders, got a break. A satellite group bagged candy and baked cookies for us. We were able to invite several other wwKids volunteers into a deeper “serving” experience, building vision and excitement for what happens behind the scenes! We had a great Confronting Fears article on Saturday, October 30, in the Citizen Pat with a photo of Leigh MacCready. The article truly represented what WW was intending to accomplish with a Halloween celebration! We used Mel Evans artistic skills and promoted the Haunted House at Paragon school via an one-of-a-kind kids coloring book.

We had 220 kids Sunday morning. That is 70 more than we usually have. While this number is very exciting we WON on some many levels. To maximize this win, we need to tell the story of what God is doing in wwKids and invite them along as well.

HALLOWEEN: Family Movie Nite – 126 people came to the movies. Sheryl Amburgey (Tolonen) gave 3 or 4 new families – first time stepping into WW – tours.