Friday, June 27, 2008
Day 5 - Friday Quiet Time
Today's quiet time focuses on unity. In Ephesians 4:1-6 Paul urges us to live a life worthy of our calling. He goes on to say to be humble, gentle, patient, and make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit. As we end our last day, our prayer is that our group will remember the words of Paul as we deal with the children and with each other.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Beach Day Pictures
A picture says a thousand words...look at our students loving on the children from the Agape Center.
Giordano's and Downtown Pictures
Our time eating at Giordano's and walking downtown was so much fun. We've been inside all week so it was nice to get outside for a change. Walking was wonderful. The pizza was great. We brought back two big boxes. The fountain was lovely.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Wednesday Day Camp Pics
Here are the pictures from today's activities at Day Camp. The gym game was the best today. The kids played a variation of soccer and had a great time. Here are a few pics from that.
Wednesday Night Group Time
What did God teach you today?
Something Funny:
Mikey: DJ got out of his chair at crafts at told Ricky “I don’t even play with little kids.” – funny part of that is that DJ is about the size of a 1st grader…he’s so sweet.
Carson: While singing “Walk in the light of Jesus” one of the kids as me if he could “run” in the light of Jesus.
Rachel: I enjoyed being called a 30 year old.
Katie: Our kids wrote questions to us during group time and one of the kids wrote, “Dear Ms. Katie, How old are you and do you have a boyfriend?”
Favorite Part of the Day:
Shalee: Watching Kevin do “round up” song today.
Rachel: Watching Kyle dance and sing after I asked him to lead out during the song time. He has not participated up until that point.
Hannah and Katie: Our group time was really good today…they were really focused. We let them ask questions on a notecard and they had some great ones. Plus during craft time they really paid attention.
Rocky and Christi: Gym time today was a lot of fun…the kids really participated and had fun.
Carson: The three girls that I have been praying for step forward and participated in the songs today.
Something God taught you today:
Hannah: God showed me that we don’t have to be doing something crazy to connect to the kids…it doesn’t have to be a big show.
Rachel: How many times we take things for granted…when one of my kids said his dad was in jail…most of us don’t have those kind of issues.
Mikey: Hearing the kids answer Mrs. Massie when she asked them what they hear at night…gunshots, ambulances, fireworks, trains…just really got to me.
Mary: Listening to my kids talk about their lives and what they go through…and how they don’t follow authority. Who knows how long they have on this earth with their situations…it just really hurt me.
Chris: I really like watching God work through you guys…being able to pick at each other and be fluid with each other…but seeing you unite and have that common bond in Jesus is really good. God is doing incredible things through you and with you this week.
Something Funny:
Mikey: DJ got out of his chair at crafts at told Ricky “I don’t even play with little kids.” – funny part of that is that DJ is about the size of a 1st grader…he’s so sweet.
Carson: While singing “Walk in the light of Jesus” one of the kids as me if he could “run” in the light of Jesus.
Rachel: I enjoyed being called a 30 year old.
Katie: Our kids wrote questions to us during group time and one of the kids wrote, “Dear Ms. Katie, How old are you and do you have a boyfriend?”
Favorite Part of the Day:
Shalee: Watching Kevin do “round up” song today.
Rachel: Watching Kyle dance and sing after I asked him to lead out during the song time. He has not participated up until that point.
Hannah and Katie: Our group time was really good today…they were really focused. We let them ask questions on a notecard and they had some great ones. Plus during craft time they really paid attention.
Rocky and Christi: Gym time today was a lot of fun…the kids really participated and had fun.
Carson: The three girls that I have been praying for step forward and participated in the songs today.
Something God taught you today:
Hannah: God showed me that we don’t have to be doing something crazy to connect to the kids…it doesn’t have to be a big show.
Rachel: How many times we take things for granted…when one of my kids said his dad was in jail…most of us don’t have those kind of issues.
Mikey: Hearing the kids answer Mrs. Massie when she asked them what they hear at night…gunshots, ambulances, fireworks, trains…just really got to me.
Mary: Listening to my kids talk about their lives and what they go through…and how they don’t follow authority. Who knows how long they have on this earth with their situations…it just really hurt me.
Chris: I really like watching God work through you guys…being able to pick at each other and be fluid with each other…but seeing you unite and have that common bond in Jesus is really good. God is doing incredible things through you and with you this week.
Wednesday - Day Camp Recollections
How did the day go?
Hannah: Today was really good.
Group: Pretty good.
Justin: Our group was a lot better today.
Maggie: The last part of the day my group spent time asking questions about fighting…I wasn’t sure how to handle that. They understand fighting and it was hard to communicate to them that fighting is not the answer or way to solve your problems.
Rachel: Today in family group time our group was able to put the Bible verse into application. It was so encouraging to hear that they truly understood what the verse was saying. It was encouraging to see that some things are starting to sink in.
Mikey: The red team was so good all day but during family time they just couldn’t get themselves under control.
Mr. Marc: Their behavior is either one extreme or other.
Rocky: During rec time today Stephanie and I had no problems…it was a great day!
Chris: So many of the kids here at camp are zoned in, but sometimes we focus on those who are causing disturbances that we miss what God is doing in the lives of those who are focused. We need to make it a point to praise those who are being respectful, listening, and participating.
Christi: When I hear their stories, I ask myself “what is normal and how are you even coping with all those things?” Keep in mind that we have to keep loving on them despite their behavior…love them not their actions.
Chris: Just remember that there are kids at this day camp that will have their life impacted by Jesus and through that they can impact their neighborhood.
Mrs. Massie: What you do matters. These kids will remember you. They were already asking, “When’s that Texas group coming?” Keep sharing God’s word with them.
Ms. Linda: Mrs. Massie and I could not do this without you guys.
Hannah: Today was really good.
Group: Pretty good.
Justin: Our group was a lot better today.
Maggie: The last part of the day my group spent time asking questions about fighting…I wasn’t sure how to handle that. They understand fighting and it was hard to communicate to them that fighting is not the answer or way to solve your problems.
Rachel: Today in family group time our group was able to put the Bible verse into application. It was so encouraging to hear that they truly understood what the verse was saying. It was encouraging to see that some things are starting to sink in.
Mikey: The red team was so good all day but during family time they just couldn’t get themselves under control.
Mr. Marc: Their behavior is either one extreme or other.
Rocky: During rec time today Stephanie and I had no problems…it was a great day!
Chris: So many of the kids here at camp are zoned in, but sometimes we focus on those who are causing disturbances that we miss what God is doing in the lives of those who are focused. We need to make it a point to praise those who are being respectful, listening, and participating.
Christi: When I hear their stories, I ask myself “what is normal and how are you even coping with all those things?” Keep in mind that we have to keep loving on them despite their behavior…love them not their actions.
Chris: Just remember that there are kids at this day camp that will have their life impacted by Jesus and through that they can impact their neighborhood.
Mrs. Massie: What you do matters. These kids will remember you. They were already asking, “When’s that Texas group coming?” Keep sharing God’s word with them.
Ms. Linda: Mrs. Massie and I could not do this without you guys.
Wednesday - Day 4 - part 2
See what had happen was that Mickey’s fragrance was NOT reeking for Christ…it was hurting our nose hairs!
The kids are really starting to settle in…few are still experiencing difficulties (respecting authority, listening to student leaders, keeping their hands to themselves). My favorite part of today was the gym activities. The teams played a variation of soccer. Two hoola hoops were set in the middle of the gym floor with a beach ball inside it. The team members were each given a number. When their number was called they had to go kick the ball out of the hoola hoop and try to kick it into their goal. It started off with just one number being called, but my favorite part was when Rocky called out two numbers. At that time they could only touch the ball one at a time. What a great way to teach teamwork. It was easy to see their frustration, but as the time went on they began to get the hang of working together. We all face times when we want to just “fix” or “do” things on our own, but with God as our partner life sure goes a lot smoother.
The kids are really starting to settle in…few are still experiencing difficulties (respecting authority, listening to student leaders, keeping their hands to themselves). My favorite part of today was the gym activities. The teams played a variation of soccer. Two hoola hoops were set in the middle of the gym floor with a beach ball inside it. The team members were each given a number. When their number was called they had to go kick the ball out of the hoola hoop and try to kick it into their goal. It started off with just one number being called, but my favorite part was when Rocky called out two numbers. At that time they could only touch the ball one at a time. What a great way to teach teamwork. It was easy to see their frustration, but as the time went on they began to get the hang of working together. We all face times when we want to just “fix” or “do” things on our own, but with God as our partner life sure goes a lot smoother.
Wednesday - Day 4
Today's quiet time focus was from 2 Cor. 2:14-17...being the "fragrance of Christ!"
Things to ponder:
- What is the purpose of our "fragrance" as Christians?
- How will our "fragrance" be received by fellow believers? Non-believers?
- So...what's your scent?
We are called to REEK of Christ! Our scent should be so strong that is should linger when we are gone.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Tuesday - Day 3 Recollections
What was my favorite part of today?
Mary: Watching one of the children in my group show another child encouragement during a game.
Christi: Boys in my group came out of their shell and worked together as a team.
Rachel: Sitting by the “troublemaker” and getting to know him and see him really focus on a craft today, surprisingly he was so focused and not antsy.
AJ: During the welcome time/free time a child ask me to pull him on the scooters in the gym and then seeing how the line kept growing.
Carson: Seeing the kids sing during Bible story time is so cool. They all knew the words to “Big House” and that was so neat.
Mary: Seeing James, who complained about “lame” songs, get excited about singing and stood and the front and participated.
Justin: Watching the “cool” kids loosen up and dance and sing during our group time.
Brandy: During crafts today, I was asked to teach one of the little girls at my table to teach her how to talk like me.
How did someone in our group serve you today?
Katie: Casey, thanks for getting me an extra water.
Murphy: Katie, thanks for making me drink water when I didn’t feel well.
Rocky: Jadi, thanks for helping us in the kitchen even though you are not part of our team.
Ashley: Thanks to Carson for helping me with my devotion.
Chris: Thanks Ashley for helping me clean up my spaghetti when I spilled it tonight.
Christi: Thanks to the guys for setting up and breaking down the tables upstairs.
Chris: Thanks to the group for how you are serving others this week.
Mary: Watching one of the children in my group show another child encouragement during a game.
Christi: Boys in my group came out of their shell and worked together as a team.
Rachel: Sitting by the “troublemaker” and getting to know him and see him really focus on a craft today, surprisingly he was so focused and not antsy.
AJ: During the welcome time/free time a child ask me to pull him on the scooters in the gym and then seeing how the line kept growing.
Carson: Seeing the kids sing during Bible story time is so cool. They all knew the words to “Big House” and that was so neat.
Mary: Seeing James, who complained about “lame” songs, get excited about singing and stood and the front and participated.
Justin: Watching the “cool” kids loosen up and dance and sing during our group time.
Brandy: During crafts today, I was asked to teach one of the little girls at my table to teach her how to talk like me.
How did someone in our group serve you today?
Katie: Casey, thanks for getting me an extra water.
Murphy: Katie, thanks for making me drink water when I didn’t feel well.
Rocky: Jadi, thanks for helping us in the kitchen even though you are not part of our team.
Ashley: Thanks to Carson for helping me with my devotion.
Chris: Thanks Ashley for helping me clean up my spaghetti when I spilled it tonight.
Christi: Thanks to the guys for setting up and breaking down the tables upstairs.
Chris: Thanks to the group for how you are serving others this week.
Team Building Activities on Tuesday Night
Tuesday - Day 3
Today our quiet time focus was Luke 10:38-42…the story of Mary and Martha entertaining Jesus at their home. As we examined our heart for serving this week, we were asked the questions “Why do we serve? Is it to impress others, try to feel good, or serve simply to honor and glorify God?” We will be examining our hearts this morning as we prepare for our 2nd day of working with the children at the Agape Center.
Today during camp the Bible story focused on the virtue of patience – “waiting until later for what you want now.” Today was a lot smoother than yesterday. We continue to have a few children who are struggling…continue to pray for them.
What the group is saying about today:
Carson: “Today was a lot better…the children got along better today.”
Katie: “The children definitely seemed to listen better today and more open to the activities we did.”
Mary: “Today I think Bible story time was awesome. Our kids really listened.”
Christi: “Maggie did a great job leading our group with the scripture memory verse by using a scavenger hunt. They kids all cooperated.”
Casey: “In crafts we only had 2 bowls at our table and the boys at my table shared without arguing.”
Mrs. Massey: “I had a boy come up to me today and apologized for being disrespectful to me yesterday.”
Mrs. Linda: “Kudos to the yellow and green leaders (Casey, Rachel, Jadi, Justin, and Shalee) for coming up with table games after the crafts were finished to keep the children on task.”
Rachel: “The colored squares on the floor really helped keep the children on task.”
Mickey: “The kids really loved the ‘rodeo’ song…which is Round-Up song.”
BREAK: Mrs. Linda didn’t know what that song was so our group just did the Round Up with Mrs. Linda. SOOOO FUN!!!!
Today during camp the Bible story focused on the virtue of patience – “waiting until later for what you want now.” Today was a lot smoother than yesterday. We continue to have a few children who are struggling…continue to pray for them.
What the group is saying about today:
Carson: “Today was a lot better…the children got along better today.”
Katie: “The children definitely seemed to listen better today and more open to the activities we did.”
Mary: “Today I think Bible story time was awesome. Our kids really listened.”
Christi: “Maggie did a great job leading our group with the scripture memory verse by using a scavenger hunt. They kids all cooperated.”
Casey: “In crafts we only had 2 bowls at our table and the boys at my table shared without arguing.”
Mrs. Massey: “I had a boy come up to me today and apologized for being disrespectful to me yesterday.”
Mrs. Linda: “Kudos to the yellow and green leaders (Casey, Rachel, Jadi, Justin, and Shalee) for coming up with table games after the crafts were finished to keep the children on task.”
Rachel: “The colored squares on the floor really helped keep the children on task.”
Mickey: “The kids really loved the ‘rodeo’ song…which is Round-Up song.”
BREAK: Mrs. Linda didn’t know what that song was so our group just did the Round Up with Mrs. Linda. SOOOO FUN!!!!
Monday, June 23, 2008
Navy Pier - Monday Evening
This evening our group ventured out to Navy Pier…we found it and not the state of Indiana like last year. What a beautiful sight that place beholds. Many of us ate at the Italian restaurant called Capis. The food was great. BUT best of all, for all you children of the 70s, was seeing Erik Estrada outside the restaurant…yes, Ponch was there! The funny part of that several of our students kept asking who he was…man, I’m OLD!
The ferris wheel was a hit for most of our group. Christi Pitts and I finally managed to get Rocky, who is deathly afraid of heights, on the ferris wheel. Once we made it to the top we had to talk him through it. The students had a great time. They took tons of pictures.
The ferris wheel was a hit for most of our group. Christi Pitts and I finally managed to get Rocky, who is deathly afraid of heights, on the ferris wheel. Once we made it to the top we had to talk him through it. The students had a great time. They took tons of pictures.
Monday - Day 2
It’s a beautiful Monday in the Roseland Community of Chicago. The weather right now is 65 degrees with the high of 72 today. It’s nice to be out of Texas. This morning we will divide the students into groups (Recreation, Crafts, Bible Story) as we prepare for the children to arrive. Kid’s Camp starts at noon.
It’s the first day so everyone was up early and ready to go by 7:00. Breakfast was schedule for 7:30. Now tomorrow will be a different story. Each day the students will get up later and later…too funny!
Continue to pray for Julie Hurst. She left this afternoon for Texas. Due to illness, her doctor advised her to come home for treatment. We were very sad to see her go but know that God’s plans are bigger than our own.
Today was a tough day for our students. This is week two of camp for these children. Monday is a transition day for them…getting used to a new group of counselors, new faces, pushing the limits with rules, etc. We came into this situation knowing that the circumstances of many of these children were not great, but today each of our students were mentally exhausted. Pray for emotional strength for the week. It makes a “momma” proud to know that her child is serving the Lord…be proud of your student…they were a bright and shining star today!
It’s the first day so everyone was up early and ready to go by 7:00. Breakfast was schedule for 7:30. Now tomorrow will be a different story. Each day the students will get up later and later…too funny!
Continue to pray for Julie Hurst. She left this afternoon for Texas. Due to illness, her doctor advised her to come home for treatment. We were very sad to see her go but know that God’s plans are bigger than our own.
Today was a tough day for our students. This is week two of camp for these children. Monday is a transition day for them…getting used to a new group of counselors, new faces, pushing the limits with rules, etc. We came into this situation knowing that the circumstances of many of these children were not great, but today each of our students were mentally exhausted. Pray for emotional strength for the week. It makes a “momma” proud to know that her child is serving the Lord…be proud of your student…they were a bright and shining star today!
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Sunday - Day One
The first day is always the day of patience…flight changes, getting the whole group checked in and boarded, flying with teenagers (haha!), getting the rental vans, and wondering if we will ever make it to Pot Belly’s for food. Just know that your student is surviving and being a great example for Christ. I type this as I sit on the plane. As I look around I see Janet (Pastor BJ’s wife) reading; Maggie Moore napping; Rocky watching a movie on his laptop; Christi Pitts reading Authenticity (small group literature…you’d be proud Doyle); Mr. Mark Moore scoping out the view from the window; Josh Rutledge working a sudoku puzzle; Jeremy Rutledge doing the same as Josh; Rachel following Josh and Jeremy with the puzzle (what’s up with the Sudoku puzzles); Casey Fletcher listening to her ipod, eating peanut butter crackers and drinking Diet Coke; Brandy and Shalee bepooping in their seats; Carson, Justin, and Jadi visiting; Murphy and Ariel giggling; Mickey and Katie just hanging out; Dustin, Hannah and Mary visiting; Mikey, Courtney, and Ashley visiting; poor AJ has a seat with no one else from our group; and last but not least is Chris and Julie…they are hidden somewhere up at the front of the plane while we hangout by the restrooms at the back of the plane…must be because Mr. Hurst made the reservations.
Our plane didn’t actually take off until 11:15. Apparently, our plane sat in the hanger all night and the front bathroom was a little “ripe,” according to the pilot. No one has actually tested that bathroom to see if it is “ripe”…I’m trying to talk Christi Pitts into checking it out but she is not being a team player. For some reason, unbeknownst to me, she doesn’t want to be part of that team.
Check back for my information about our adventure on our first day to Chicago. This is Kristie Johnson and I will be your informant for the week! Be sure to check for new prayer updates…they will be on the right side of the blog…
O’Hara Airport:
The drivers made their way to the rental company while the rest of the group waited for their return. There’s nothing better than “people watching” at the airport. This year our rental company was prepared and ready. We have two fifteen passenger vans and one Expedition. So, off we went…which was not so bad because construction was completed on the roads. Of course, there’s no way around traffic at 4:00 in Chicago but we arrived at the Agape Center around 5:15.
Arrival at Agape Center:
Upon our arrival today, Ms. Linda Cotton, Kid’s Camp Director, met and gave us a brief orientation of the building. The students took time to get their beds ready and chill while four of us (Julie, Janet, Mickey, and myself) made a grocery run to Walmart. After unloading the van we loaded up and headed to dinner. Tonight we ate at the Cracker Barrel. All you need to know is “chicken ‘n dumplins”…yummy!!!! We had a great time of fellowship.
Our plane didn’t actually take off until 11:15. Apparently, our plane sat in the hanger all night and the front bathroom was a little “ripe,” according to the pilot. No one has actually tested that bathroom to see if it is “ripe”…I’m trying to talk Christi Pitts into checking it out but she is not being a team player. For some reason, unbeknownst to me, she doesn’t want to be part of that team.
Check back for my information about our adventure on our first day to Chicago. This is Kristie Johnson and I will be your informant for the week! Be sure to check for new prayer updates…they will be on the right side of the blog…
O’Hara Airport:
The drivers made their way to the rental company while the rest of the group waited for their return. There’s nothing better than “people watching” at the airport. This year our rental company was prepared and ready. We have two fifteen passenger vans and one Expedition. So, off we went…which was not so bad because construction was completed on the roads. Of course, there’s no way around traffic at 4:00 in Chicago but we arrived at the Agape Center around 5:15.
Arrival at Agape Center:
Upon our arrival today, Ms. Linda Cotton, Kid’s Camp Director, met and gave us a brief orientation of the building. The students took time to get their beds ready and chill while four of us (Julie, Janet, Mickey, and myself) made a grocery run to Walmart. After unloading the van we loaded up and headed to dinner. Tonight we ate at the Cracker Barrel. All you need to know is “chicken ‘n dumplins”…yummy!!!! We had a great time of fellowship.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)