Wa-hoo! VBS '14 a Success!

This past week has been a much anticipated event!  It was our annual Vacation Bible School.  

This was our 8th VBS and they just keep getting better and better.  This year was Avalanche Ranch.  The church was transformed into a ranch of amazing proportions that truly reflected the love of God.

We learned about how GOD IS REAL (story of Rahab), GOD IS WITH US (the crossing of the Jordan River on dry land), GOD IS STRONG (the falling of the walls of Jericho), GOD IS AWESOME (the death and resurrection) and GOD IS IN CHARGE (Naaman dipping in the Jordan River 7 times to be healed of leprosy).  We met our Bible Memory Buddies Buc, Shadow, Ranger, Skye and Boss.  We also watched the crazy antics of our pal, Chadder the chipmunk.

It takes a long to to prepare for VBS.  I have already started on next year's theme and already ordered some supplies offline.  Once the first of the year rolls around, I will be spending hours learning music, building props, painting, planning and thinking of new ideas to implement.  100's of hours go into VBS and that is no exaggeration. 

Why put all that energy into it?

Seeing the crew leaders connect with the kids, that's why.
Seeing the kids love on their crew leaders, that's why.
To hear a little girl say "this was the best day ever", that's why.
To have kids hug you and say "we don't want this to ever end", that's why.
To see kids with their heads bowed, asking Jesus to be their 'forever friend', that's why.
To see a little girl reach up and grab a leader's pinky as they walk to their next station, that's why.
Seeing lives changed, that's why.

These kids get it.  They are little but they understand.  They melt my heart.

Therefore, if you volunteered, donated, prayed or just offered encouraging words....THANK YOU.  Your actions are not taken for granted.  I appreciate each one of you.  You give me the strength to keep going when I want to just scream because I feel so overwhelmed.  Again, thank you.

Now....to take a breath......relax for a bit......or until I get the kit for next year.  I can't help myself but to review and plan when I should be taking a break.  It is all just too exciting.

Until next year......

Sing and Play Stampede

Snacks, red team crew leader with his pal

Blue team crew leader and her buddy

Clementine dancing with the kids

Hearing the story of the wall of Jericho from Joshua himself

Coloring break in snacks

Horseplay Games

My Passion

Last night I was a guest speaker at a camp with some amazing middle schoolers and their leaders.  I haven't spoken anywhere other than my own church in awhile and I miss it. 

That is my passion.  If I could just quit everything and travel the world, sharing the love of Jesus with this generation, I could die happy and fulfilled.  The young people of today feel like they aren't being heard or that no one cares and often times, it is true.  They don't have anyone that treats them like they are anything more than a burden.  A lot (keep in mind I am not saying all) of society wants to push them into a corner and forget about them until they are old enough to contribute. 

Even the church often uses the phrase "they are the church of tomorrow".  False!  They ARE the church!  These young people are so full of potential.  They have the same spirit dwelling inside of them that we have in us.  God is no respecter of persons.  He can use a 9 year old just as much as he can use a 40 year old.   It is a matter of willingness and the state of the heart.

Youth are so hungry.  They are seeking whatever it takes to fill the emptiness that drills deep inside of them, whether it be drugs, sex, alcohol, self mutilation or sexual identity crisis.  They are wanting so desperately to feel something, anything that they don't realize that what they have been longing for all along was the love of a heavenly Father.

If we don't show them that they are valued, loved and have purpose....society will give them a reason to believe that they aren't.  When I speak, whether at my own church or at someone else's, I see the same pain and hurt buried deep inside.  When God gives me a message to deliver, it is so amazing to see freedom hover over the young people and a sense of hope replace the hurt in their eyes.  THAT is what makes it all worth it.

Give them a chance.....give them a ear when they want to talk....give them a shoulder when they want to cry.....give them hope when they feel hopeless.

That is what being Christ like is all about.

To the men in my life......

It is late.....that is when my mind ponders and refuses to shut down like a normal person's would.

With that being said, it is also Father's Day.  Therefore, I wanted to blog about the inspirational father figures in my life.

First, my actual dad.  He has been gone 21 years.  It seems like a lifetime and yet seems like just yesterday.  While he and I never really saw eye to eye, I respect him more now than before.  It has to do with the maturity level, I am sure.  I wish I had known him as an adult, and I wish I had listened to his nuggets of wisdom more.  He was an intelligent man and my insatiable love for books comes from him.  He was soft spoken and didn't talk just to hear himself speak.  He rarely raised his voice and was a hard worker.  He is daily missed but I thank God for giving me pieces of him in my son.  There have been times that Caleb has taken my breath away by his posture or what he says and my dad comes through.  Happy Father's Day, Dad....see you again soon.

Next, my heavenly Father.  Corny?  Perhaps.  However, my life has been completely changed and turned upside down since 2008.  No one could ever convince me there is not a God.  Even though He doesn't have to, He proves Himself time and time again.  There are some days I think to myself how I ever survived without the knowledge of God and His presence in my life.  My life has never been the same.

Matt.....he may not be my father but he is a father in my life.  We were both young when we got married and he took on, not only me, but my 2 year old son as well.  He has always worked hard to provide for us.  He will do anything within his power to put a smile on our faces.  He has a tender heart and even though he gets on my nerves most days, I know he genuinely loves me and the kids.  I couldn't ask for a better dad for them.  It takes a special man to take on another woman's child and treat him like his own.  My son looks up to Matt and loves him without fail.

Lastly, my brother, Tracy.  When my dad passed away, he stepped up.  He handled things in a mature way.  For only being 27 at the time, he took the situation under his wing.  I never once saw him cry even though I knew the death of our dad was tearing him up inside.  He stayed strong, not because he wanted to be macho but because he didn't have a choice.  Everyone around him was falling apart.  He stood strong.  He has remained that way from then to now.  I know if I ever need anything, he will be there.  If I ever need help, he will come.  If I ever need to vent, he will listen.  He and I never argue or fight, we have the same gentle spirit and we see eye to eye on a lot of things.  We can talk for hours and laugh at stupid stuff.  He may not be my dad....but he is a pretty close second.

So with that being said, Happy Father's Day !!!  Kick your feet up, turn on the t.v. and just enjoy the day...and know that you are loved and appreciated!

The day has come

Today was a day that was I was both looking forward to and dreading. 

My first child's graduation.

I admit.  It has been hard to transition.  There are so many things that I dwell on and it is all happening so FAST.

Ok .... here is where I posted a paragraph reflecting on what I am going to miss when he leaves in a couple months.  I deleted it.  I refuse to reflect on what I am going to miss and focus on the good.  Besides, tears this late at night do nothing more than give me a headache and a stuffed up nose.

He graduated!  I have a kid that is a college freshman.  That blows my mind!  He is moving into an apartment with some buddies in August and while the transition will be hard on my heart - and I apologize for those that are in my life and have to deal with my depression (I promise it will be short, just give me a moment) - I know he is going to be successful. 

I was just telling Matt that I sometimes think how amazing my kids truly are.  They are really good kids.  They are smart, funny, good temperaments (for the most part, haha), well rounded and thinkers.  Considering that the first 10/8 years of their lives was a mess, I am truly grateful for the way they have matured and grown.

While I will miss him terribly, I know that good things are in store for him.  It is taking everything in me to not blog about what I will miss.  However, it is late and I don't want to cry at the moment.  Lord knows I have done enough of that here lately.

There are some days that I am excited for the future.  I am excited to see where he ends up, how he succeeds, who he marries and what my grandchildren will look like.  I am excited to do some things I have wanted to do but held back to ensure he succeeded. Then there are days where it feels like I cannot bear the ache that permeates my soul. It is an ache of mourning, as odd as that sounds. 

I know I will miss him but that isn't the only reason I feel the way I do.  I do not like change.  At all.  And in the next two years, everything is being turned upside down.  I am going to go from being a mother and having my kids as my best friends to being a mother - alone.  I know, I know....they are not far.  They are always my kids.  I still have Matt.  They will come home from time to time...yadda yadda.  I have heard it all.  It doesn't change the fact that I will miss them.  And telling me that "all parents go through this" doesn't help either.  I know that they do.  But I haven't and this is all new to me.

So, while I am utterly thrilled with the path Caleb is taking (going to Purdue in the fall), I will miss him terribly.  So those that are in my circle, just bear with me.  Don't offer words of encouragement.  Don't hug me and say it will be alright.  The best thing you can do....is just let me be.

With that said, congratulations Caleb!  I am so very, VERY proud of you!  I love you more than words can express and wish you nothing but the best.

Always remember.....

I am your biggest fan.

Happy Birthday, Baby...

So another year has rolled around.  Today is my daughter's birthday.  She is 17 years old.

Say what?!  How, on God's green earth, am I old enough to have a 17 year old and an almost 19 year old?  Is this real life??

T'is true.  Almost to the hour, 17 years ago my daughter was born.  She was born via scheduled C-section.  Going into it, I figured it would be a piece of cake.  My son's was.  Boy was I wrong.  I was miserable, sick, in and out of consciousness and didn't even get to hold her until about 12 hours after she was born.  Little did I know then that was a foreshadowing of her personality.

She was 9 pounds 7 ounces of perfection.  She had so much hair that I could put it into a bow and brush it.  Her little round face was all squishy and kissable.  Ugh, I can't stand it now that I think about it.

She was a cute toddler too.  She had such a sweet, tiny voice and when she got excited she would hop up and down and her voice would go an octave only dogs could hear.  She had a speech impediment that was a form of verbal dyslexia.  She would switch letters in words around or omit them all together.  For example, she would say an "r" instead of a "b".  When she said the world "like", she omitted the "l" entirely.  We would affectionately call it "Chey-nese".  No one could understand her except us and even then there were times I had to ask her brother what she was saying.  I can remember her getting so frustrated with us.  It wasn't until she started school and took 3 years of therapy before she could speak properly and even today there are times she stumbles over her words.

She loved her pacifier......dear Lord, we made many midnight trips to Walmart or the drug store because a screaming toddler couldn't find her "nuk".  She had it until she was almost 4 years old.  She would talk to me and I remember saying - "Cheyenne, take the nuk out."  She would and then say what she needed to before popping it back into her mouth.

She loved playing in the dryer, loved Blue's Clues, loved Teletubbies (LaLa - which she called Ya-Ya, was her fave), loved to play hide-and-seek, love to dance and sing.

I miss that.

She has grown into an amazing young woman.  She is smart and witty, still loves to dance and sing and has a heart of gold.  Does she have attitude?  Dear Lord she has enough to span the globe, but that is what can be expected from a teenage girl. (haha).

Going into her senior year this fall, she has felt a calling to become a missionary.  She plans to go to a missionary school before being placed in the field.  This freaks me out a little bit.  Granted, I want her to do amazing things and have amazing adventures....and of course do what God lays on her heart......but going to college is one thing.  I am dealing with that currently with my son and trying to get a handle on my emotions.  However, to go to another country?!  That's prosperous!  I can't jump and get her when she cries because she is homesick, I can't rush to her when she has something coming against her and I can't sit and watch a movie with her wrapped up in blankets.  Skype will be my friend.  It will be hard and it freaks me out but I have to be strong and encouraging.

She has so much to offer the world.  She is not afraid to be her own person.  She colors her hair extreme colors (it is currently teal), wears clothes that make me question her sanity and dances like no one is watching.  She has a heart for all animals and if I let her, I am pretty sure I would own every stray animal we see.  She loves photography and old typewriters.  She loves Disney and isn't afraid to show it.  She would rather watch cartoons than anything else.  She gets excited over the small things and isn't afraid to make plans with her momma.

Now that I think about it, we could learn a lot from her.....

It has been a rough 17 years.  I was 21 and had a baby and a toddler and no clue what I was doing.  I was getting out of one marriage and into another.  I was heavily into drugs and alcohol the first 8 years of her life.  If it wasn't for her, it would have taken me a lot longer to find Christ....if at all.  Life wasn't easy, I was young......but I did the best I could and I think that is pretty dang good.  I have two amazing kids - one going to Purdue this fall and one wanting to become a missionary.  I never worry about where they are and they aren't afraid to come hang out with me.

I am going to miss them.  Terribly.

Enough of that!  Today is a day of celebration!!!!  So HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CHEYENNE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   Today we shall eat cake and go to the mall!!!

My prayer for you is that you follow your heart, seek after God and live a life with no regrets.  Enjoy the moment and never lose that child-like innocence.  Love with your whole heart and only give it away to the one you know that God has given you.  Be strong and courageous and know that I am your number 1 fan.

Love you!

3rd bday

getting baptized, 8 yrs old

silly monkey, 1 year old

camping, 5 yrs old

in her favorite place with her favorite things, 2 yrs old

1 day old

buddies

Practice What You Preach

Another year is flying by.

Yesterday was our 5th year of Built for Battle - our annual youth rally.  I am sore, tired and feel blah but it was so worth it.

This year's theme was "Armed & Dangerous".  The whole concept this year was to empower the young people of this generation.  We wanted to awaken something inside of them and show them that regardless of their circumstance, they were created with a purpose.

Every year we have a youth/young adult speaker.  We feel it is vital for those attending to see a peer and hear them speak about what God has laid on their hearts.  This year, Antonio Porras volunteered.  For being such a quiet young man, he definitely did a fantastic job!  His sermon involved live fish (which may or may not have been alive at the end of the night.....) and his point was made in a way that I am betting no one will soon forget.

Mike Feagans was another speaker who spoke on having faith the size of a mustard seed and being "all in".  He was very interactive and required participation - you could tell he is a teacher by trade.

Music this year was done by Alias and friends, a hip hop artist out of Michigan.  We have been blessed by our entertainers year after year.  In choosing them, I take it to prayer and God always delivers.  Alias was no exception.  He was a fantastic individual, loved performing, loved interacting with the crowd and an all around great guy.  Check him out on Facebook and give him some love.

Once Ascended took the stage again.  They have performed several times for us and a great group.  While we were anticipating a more upbeat set, their hearts were in their worship and they did great.

Matt and I closed it out.  I spoke on Gideon and our tokens this year were small glass jars with a light inside.  While I had this elaborate stage design planned, unfortunately I had to scrap the idea due to lack of space once equipment was was set up.  I'm not going to lie - I was disappointed.....but the message was still delivered and went forth.

Matt closed out the night with a story that brought the point home and an altar call.  The most anticipated part of the event.

Not to mention - concessions, loads of give - aways, dinner, photo booth, J-Walkers Drama Group and merchandise.  I wish I could thank everyone who volunteered or donated but I am afraid I will miss someone.  Therefore, I hope everyone knows how truly grateful I am for your help, encouragement and support!

Now the moment of truth......

This year was a rough one.  I had so many things come against me, I was feeling out of sorts and just not with it.  I tossed around the idea of making this year the last.  *gasp*   I know.....  It is hard and a lot of work and things got the best of me.  No matter how much I prayed, no matter how much I sought God...I still felt defeated.  I felt like a hypocrite.  I was pumping everyone up on being built for battle and created for war and I, myself, felt like I had lost the fight.

Typically, before B4B is even over, I have the tagline for next year.  The event is called Built for Battle but each year there is a tagline - this year's was "Armed & Dangerous".  I have noticed, over the years, the taglines have almost created a story.  God's cool like that!  But this year - I didn't have one.  I always like to blog about the event while it is fresh.  Therefore, I try to the following day (which is today).  It has been a tradition that I announce the tagline for next year but I didn't have one.  So I thought - maybe this *is* it!?

So, while I sat in the sanctuary today as Pastor Mark gave his sermon....my mind began to wander (sorry, Pastor!).  As it did, I was thinking - "Ok, God.....you gotta give me something.  What do you want me to do?  Hang up the shield or continue on?  If you want me to continue on......"  that is as far as I got and the words came as clear as water. 

God is good.

So....without further ado......


*drum roll*

BUILT FOR BATTLE '15

"Comrade in Arms"

Two are better than one...If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.

Ecclesiastes 4:9

Pictures for B4B '14

 

Born to Raise the Dead

Time flies, I think we can all agree on that mantra.  It is nearing May and it is my "busy" season.  First on the agenda is the Built for Battle (B4B) youth rally.  We are entering our 5th year doing this event that was birthed out of a need rather than a want.

We were going to local conferences geared towards the youth, however the prices kept inclining.  By the time hotel was figured out, gas, food and the registration for the event - we were talking around $100 for an overnight trip.  While this may seem like a reasonable amount to some, it isn't to our group.  Not only did the youth struggle to get the $100 (even with fundraising) but my kids were entering the youth group and for Matt, myself and my two children to go we are bordering on $400 (nope, youth pastors don't get a discount!).

Therefore, Matt toyed with the idea of creating our own event.  Honestly, I was against it.  I was already doing annual concerts geared towards the youth and didn't want to take on another event.  But the more I thought about it, the more the idea intrigued me.

A name.

A name can make or break an event.  I told Matt it had to be catchy and roll off the tongue.  He tossed out a few that made me wrinkle my nose.  I then shook my head and said - "No, it has to be something catching like Built for Battle or something like that."  He didn't like it; I didn't really like it because I just spouted it off as an example.  But the more I thought about it, the more I actually liked it.  So it stuck.

Our first event was an overnighter and while it was fun, it was disastrous at the same time.  We tried to take what we knew about conferences and do ours with that model.  It didn't work.  So, the following year we decided to make it one, long all day event.  This worked perfectly.  The key was not to model it after someone else but to make it our own.

So what is B4B?

Built for Battle is an all day event that is geared towards youth and young people (but all ages can attend).  It is an event to equip this generation with the necessary tools to go out into a world and fight for the lost.  It is an event where we demonstrate to this generation that they are valued, they have worth and that they were created with a purpose.

We do this event on a shoestring budget.  The first few years we funded it out of our own pockets.  Then we started to do fundraisers and ask for donations and while the funds are still minimal, God is not impressed by fancy lights and expensive give aways.  His message gets across and He shows up ever time.  He's good like that!

So our event is 7 hours on a Saturday.  We try to make it not too late due to church the next day however, the Holy Spirit sometimes has his own agenda.  We never do a formal dismissal.  When the altars open, we explain they are free to leave at any time but we will stay as long as it takes to break strongholds and heal hearts.  We have stayed over 2 hours while young people wept at the feet of Jesus and cried out for their generation.  Looking on these youth that fill our floor at the front of the sanctuary, I feel so undeserving.  I feel so humble that God uses me and all the volunteers to usher in His spirit to minister.

Our event has live music.  We try to get a variety and we seek out local, unsigned talent.  We want to support local music and we find that the artists that aren't signed are typically the best to have.  They come early, they stay late, they talk with the kids, they minister and they are humble.  We try to have a fun artist and a worship artist.  We like to have fun but we also want to give glory where it is due. 

We have guest speakers.  We try to have at least one speaker be a youth/young adult.  This is a youth rally therefore we feel they need to hear from their peers.  Matt and I pray and follow God's lead on how he wants the final message to go.  I did it last year and God gave me a message for this year that Matt and I will be working on together.  I am pretty excited.

We have food.  We sell concessions to make some profit to go into next year's fund but we also have a free dinner with dessert.  We sell event tee shirts as well.  We have loads of give aways.  That is the best part of an event, right?  Everyone likes to win something.  Unfortunately, not everyone can but we do give away a lot of small stuff like cups, shirts, candy, drinks, etc.  Then we have our door prize that values around $100. 

We then throw in some fun stuff like JWalkers drama group, games, a photo booth, etc.  It is loads of fun and we are truly blessed to be a part of it.

When we started this, our main goal was not charging an admission.  We never wanted someone to be deterred from coming due to an inability to pay.  Therefore, we offer all this for free.  Yes, we have items you can purchase but someone could come to this event and not bring a dime and have a great time!  We started out with about 50 people (most from our church).  Our heaviest event had over 140.  This year we anticipate over 100 with youth groups from around the area - some traveling about an hour!

It is just a little over 2 weeks away.  Money is tight this year as businesses didn't want to be as generous as they have been in the past.  However, I know this event is blessed by God and when God blesses something, He goes all the way - not just half way.  I know I will have what I need and that the event will be phenomenal.

So, if you are reading this blog - just say a prayer for our event.  Just pray for the building to be busting at the seams - not just with people but with His spirit.  Pray that those who come don't leave the same way they entered and that the transformation stirs something inside them.  Something that sticks to them like honey and is sweet to those around them.  That they get a fire to change this generation, state, nation and world! Pray that they take that back to their city, family, school and community.

If you are a young adult/youth reading this - come check it out!  May 17th, 2-9pm (cst) at The Bridge (615 W Clark) in Rensselaer.  I promise you that you will not be disappointed.

If you are a youth leader or pastor - bring your group (register at www.thebridge-rensselaer.org).  It is FREE and a fun time.  We like to keep the event moving along and pack a lot in the time we have. 

When we look out and see young (and old) people, face down at the altars crying for change within themselves and within their society - it is all worth it.

Band - From These Ruins

Altar Time

 

Praying for one another