Children's Service

Today we did a special Children Service. The theme was Team up with God. I started with the verse of Scripture in Matthew 18:3 "Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven." Jesus thinks children are important. When we look at kids playing baseball we can learn some lessons that will lead us into the kingdom of God. When kids play on a team they are "all out" for their team. They put all their effort into helping their team win. Their team is the best. They have a Yielded Heart. When we join God's team we are to have a Yielded Heart. We need to be all out for God. Letting everyone know that we are on God's Team and with God's help we'll always be a winner. Kids also have a Teachable Spirit when on a baseball team. They have to allow the Coach to correct their errors and teach them the right batting techniques etc. so that they can become the best player possible. On God's Team we too, must have a Teachable Spirit. After we are saved, we do not know it all. We have to allow God to teach us, correct us and be ready to change as He directs. Lastly, a team must have a Unified Effort. They must work together to gain the victory. There are many different positions in a baseball game, but all are important. Each position is played with that united goal in mind-victory. We as Christians must have a United Effort, a team spirit--we must work together, not putting each other down but cheering them onward. Looking at kids and baseball with a Yielded Heart, A Teachable Spirit and a Unified Effort shows us that in spirit, we each need to have these childlike aspects if we are to enter into the Kingdom of God.

That's it, in a nutshell. Much more elaboration, songs, puppet,memory verse, game and interview with Billy Sunday as well. Our Bible story was about King Jehoshaphat. He and his people had these characteristics in their life. Because of that, God was able to fight their battle and bring them victory.

The Lord really helped me. I couldn't do it without His guidance and help. I pray these thoughts that were presented in the service will continue to help people onward to Home Plate, where we will be welcomed by the Great Umpire.

Team up with God

During the service we talked about Billy Sunday. He was saved while playing professional baseball for the Chicago White Stockings. He continued to play baseball for 4 years. All the while witnessing to His teammates. God then directed him into full time evangelism. He preached to crowds as large as 24,000. He is estimated to have preached face to face with around 100 million people. Quite a statement considering there were no PA systems, or TV. My husband was Billy Sunday. We did an interview with him.

Singing our theme song--"Take me out to the ball game" with new words--Take me out to the ball game. Sign me up for God's team. Give me a Bible and peace in my heart. I'm going to serve Him and never depart. It's CHEERS! CHEERS!CHEERS! for our God's team......

Backstop, bat bag, etc.

New Addition

Here is the newest member of our family. He has the esteemed name of "Nacho"

Anniversary Celebration

We were able to go away to celebrate our 15th anniversary. My brother-in-law and sister-in-law kept our kids for 3 days and two nights. With their four kids and our five, their house was bursting at the seams with kids, ages 3 - 12. Thanks Tim and Connie!
We had a great time! It was so nice to get away for a little while. Very fun and relaxing with no time schedules to keep and no responsibilities.

Historic Gold Hill

We got caught robbing the gold mine. ha ha. This was a quaint historic town. Neat little shops, trails to the gold mine, a jail, the stocks and boardwalks instead of sidewalks.

Peaceful River

We went to Boones Cave State Park. We hiked down to this serene river. Very relaxing, even though it was cloudy with bouts of rain every now and then. We also saw the cave where Daniel Boone was said to have hid while living in Yadkin Valley, NC.

Paddleboating

We went out on the lake in a paddleboat. Brought back lots of memories. That is one of the things we did while we were dating. More than 15 years ago!

Carousel Ride

Saturday morning we went to a park that had carousel rides. I talked my husband into taking a ride. It was fun. A step back into our childhood.

Creation Museum

On the way home from Kids Camp last week we went to the Creation Museum. Located in Petersburg, KY. The pictures do not do it justice. I would recommend it highly. It is worth your time and money. Very impressive! We all really enjoyed it.

More Creation Museum

The kids near one of the displays.

Dinasour that had movements and sounds. Pretty cool!

Catching Up

Last week we went to the ICHA Kid's Camp in Indiana. This was the last year all our boys will be able to participate. (For pictures, go to Dixie's blog)
While we were gone my garden took over. I have now done up 18 quarts of green beans, 9 quarts of corn, 6 quarts of bread and butter pickles and today I am making spaghetti sauce. I have lots of zucchini--fried zucchini, zucchini bread, chocolate zucchini cake, and zucchini casserole are all dishes I have made. I have frozen shredded zucchini, given zucchini away and still have plenty. All from 3 plants! I also have butternut squash in abundance and more tomatos ripening as I type. Any recipes you would like to share would be wonderful.

Anniversary Present

My husband bought me this set of dishes for my anninversary present. They are stoneware and a lot like Currier and Ives except the different color and different pictures.