Elyse Decks the Halls

I love Christmas Carols. The last couple of years we were in Eureka California and I had the privilege of leading a kid's choir for a special event. We had our share of funny moments...a 3 year old somersaulting off the 3rd stair of the platform, girls sitting not so lady like, one of them putting their fingers in their ears while someone sang a solo right next to them. All priceless moments!

Elyse has been giving us some laughs in her rendition of carols. Here's the latest:

Deck the halls with bows of holly fa la la la la la la la la

Twos the season to be jolly fa la la la la la la la la

Join the ni ni two be carol fa la la la la la la la la

deck the halls with bows of holly fa la la la la la la la la la

Enjoy your kids this Christmas season and make sure you write

down some of the funny stuff. I know I will be!

Bible Marathon

Back in October I posted a blog about Bible reading, and making it a part of our kids lives. Over the last week or so I have been developing a Bible reading plan for our Children's Ministry. Here's the idea:

• All kids who attend Bethel are going to be encouraged to make reading God's Word part of their daily lives.
• We, together, are going to read the New Testament all the way through from January to December, 2010.
• Parents of kids that aren't able to read yet are encouraged to read TO their children, allowing the kids to still follow the plan. Even if your kids are babies and toddlers, read to them!
• All of our kids can earn rewards every 2 months for bringing in their completed Bible reading plans. I'm saving a really awesome reward for those who stick to it all the way until December!

As I have been going through the New Testament, preparing this plan, I realized, once again, that there is some things weaved throughout God's Word that are hard for kids to grasp. There are things that will provoke conversations with your kids and move you out of your comfort zone a little. Even if your kids aren't understanding every word, imagine the impact reading God's Word every single day will have in their lives!

Over the next two weeks, I am going to be talking about this plan to your kids at church. It will make it's debut on December 20th, and will be available throughout the year. I do want to encourage you to grab a copy before January 1st so you can start with the group. I imagine the starting line of a marathon; we are all there ready to take on this challenge. Remember that it's not a sprint. It will take endurance and encouragement.

I believe by our kids reading or hearing the Word every single day, it will begin to transform their lives. Our Bethel kids are going to be growing in their relationships with Christ in exciting ways.

What do you say? Will you and your kids meet me at the starting line?

It's that time again...

December. My most favorite month. I grew up in a house where traditions are revered, Santa is real, and Jesus is first. My Dad loves Christmas more than any other person I know. Growing up, as a steadfast rule, we didn't start Christmas until after Thanksgiving. Decorating the tree was a family activity (some of my childhood creations still make an appearance on my parents tree!) My childhood memories of Christmas are precious to me.

It seems like every year Christmas is commercialized more and more. One thing that we have tried to instill in our own children is that Christmas is not about what we get. It seems to be a message that lays heavy on my heart each Christmas season. Jason and I have taken a couple of years and tried to simplify Christmas; buy less for ourselves and give cheerfully, to the fullest. Parents, that is the message that your kids will be bringing home this Christmas season from church. We will be answering some questions: Why do we give? What should we give? How can we give?

I want to encourage you as a family this month, not to get caught up in the "busy-ness" of the season. Take some time to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of Christmas. Enjoy your family traditions. If you are a young family and don't have traditions yet, start some. Don't let this month fly by. Don't buy into the idea that you have to experience "Holiday Stress." This might just be the year to simply your family Christmas.

Wishing you a wonderful Christmas Season....