I've been challenged by a friend to post three positive things for seven days on Facebook. I'm going to be posting on my blog and then uploading to Facebook. I've seen this done several different ways . . . I've seen some post "positive" things, others post things they're thankful for, others post "blessings." I'm going to post three specific things from each day that I'm thankful for. I was supposed to begin yesterday, I think, and yesterday is a great way to begin!
1. I'm thankful for the opportunity I had to spend my Saturday with 650 4th, 5th and 6th graders at the Preteen Invasion Conference at First Baptist Church in Lafayette. PTI is kind of like a mini-evangelism conference for tweens. This has become an annual event sponsored by the Louisiana Baptist Convention. The day was jam packed with all kinds of fun activities (inflatables, rock wall, dodgeball, photo booth, missions project, games), a praise band, a guy from Mega Force (a strength team) and a speaker. I took five of my favorite tweens (although I'm really having a hard time thinking that my boy is one of these "tweens") from church with me. This ichthus they are holding here is actually some sort of, like, iron or steel rod or something (I don't know my medals!) that the Mega Force guy bent while holding it with his teeth!
2. I'm thankful for my friend Amy who volunteered to go with me as an additional chaperone. She's a very special Momma to five very special children, one of which lives in heaven. I really enjoyed hanging out with her.
3. I'm thankful I got to see Mrs. Faye, the lady who is my Children's Ministry mentor. She was the Children's Minister at the church we went to years back, and she's currently living and serving in New Orleans now. Every once in awhile I see her at one of these events, and it's always so encouraging to chat for a minute. Most of the things I've learned about serving in Children's Ministry I've learned from her. And anytime I have a question about Children's Ministry, I always contact her. I never thought I'd land in Children's Ministry. I really thought Women's Ministry was more my speed. But the Lord had other plans for me. I didn't know that Mrs. Faye was going to be there yesterday so I was really excited when our paths crossed while we were watching our kids climb the rock wall.
The theme for PTI this year was Stand Strong. The kids heard sound, Biblical teaching about what that means and how they can make practical application of that to their day-to-day lives, especially as they begin a new school year. During one of the sessions, the speaker talked about the tongue - the words we say, how we say them, the impact of our words on others. I'm a sucker for a good visual, and I always use visuals when I'm teaching. But this one beats anything I've ever done before. He whipped out a cow tongue! A real, live cow tongue. Y'all. Have you ever seen a cow tongue?! I mean, like, not in the cow, but, like, removed from the cow?! Let me just tell you. It. is. huge. Ginormous! Anyway. Just thought I'd share that.
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." ~Joshua 1:9