Well, it has been a busy, fun, and exciting few weeks! We have seen some amazing results from our amazing challenges! Teams have gone above and beyond in their attempts to earn points and experience this 'missional life'.
Now that we have experienced it, have we gotten a taste for it? Will we be able to continue the momentum? Now, we really packed a lot of missional activities into a month, and it isn't realistic to think that any family would continue at that pace, but have our eyes been opened? Will we see more opportunities in the future? Will we have the courage to follow-through on the opportunities we see in front of us?
Games are fun - Challenges are exciting, especially when there is a big prize at the end to work toward. But the goal in RFamily Church's Amazing Race isn't about winning a trip to Branson - it is to spark a new attitude, to open eyes and hearts, to begin to see the people around us with a new perspective.
Every day, in just little ways, you can share God's love with those around you. Let yourself open up to what God has in store for your day and follow Him where He leads. The Race has just begun and it is going to be AMAZING!
Showing posts with label challenge. Show all posts
Showing posts with label challenge. Show all posts
Monday, April 29, 2013
Thursday, March 7, 2013
The Camel and the Eye Hole
I love teaching children!
Ok, so I just love teaching in general, but I REALLY love teaching children. There is an open-ness of their hearts that is unparalleled in any other age group. It's what I always imagine Jesus was thinking when he told us that we need to receive the Kingdom of God like a child.
It is also fitting that tonight, when I noticed this difference between adults and children so profoundly, we learned about the Rich Young Ruler, which is the very next story in the book of Luke.
God had tonight's plans already completed, but hadn't shared them with me. In fact, I started my night with the kids frantically thinking and searching. But like I said, God had it all taken care of.
We began the evening with our normal routine of reviewing the story video and practicing the Bible Verse and The Point, then went to snack. I had found a 'game' outline online to try and got it ready, but I was concerned about how it would work out.
The idea behind this game was to have one child 'purchase' various boxes with labels attached, then put them in a backpack and try to get through a tiny space while wearing the backpack, illustrating the Camel and Needle concept. Well, I didn't have play money AND I wanted to involve all the kids AND I didn't want to wrap all those boxes, so I switched it up a little -
I have 'Tribes' in my class - my group is divided into 4 tribes, each with a tribe leader. The tribes are small groups. They always stay the same, and the leaders (older students) are encouraged to get to know more about the kids and really bond with them. So, each tribe came back from snack to find 5 gold coins in their space. (I use these coins in a variety of ways - they are common items for us) They were instructed to work as a group to choose 5 items from the room that they would like to purchase or take home with them. I was concerned about what they would choose and whether it would fill my backpack enough.
I shouldn't have worried.
God took over at this point.
The first item brought to the front of the class was the new 5ft. wooden cross. The second item was the green butterfly chair. The third item was our 4ft carnival tiger. It was going to work out just fine..... :)
We filled the backpack to the point of barely zipping, then the kids took turns putting it on and attempting to crawl under the chair I was sitting in. (Actually, my daughter and I were BOTH in the chair to keep it on the floor as they struggled to get through!)
There were some close calls - two children almost made it through - determined little stinkers! LOL
But my favorite part was when a girl made the connection to the story before I ever went there through our talk time! She was so excited about the connection when she got it!
We settled back down and I emptied the backpack and asked if they thought they could put it on and get through this time - of course they could!
"Like the camel and the eye hole!" one young guy blurted. Yep! That's exactly it!
There's a camel in the eye-hole, dear Liza, dear Liza
There's a camel in the eye-hole, dear Liza, a camel! - yes, I really sang it! :)
We talked and we talked. They stayed close and engaged as they lounged around among all the items they had 'purchased' earlier. We talked about the things we own. We talked about toys and video games and tv.
Then we talked about friends and family.
I challenged the kids to identify one item that they use too much and they could put aside so they would have more time to work on their personal relationships.
I even went as far as to talk about how God will let them know what that item is the next time they play with it! Then we talked about what it 'feels' like when we get a whisper from God - and the kids already knew what it felt like for them, because they had heard from God before! :)
I am so excited to hear about their weeks this Sunday! I have some kids who are on fire and I get so psyched hearing about their interactions with God!
But what about you?
What do you have in your life that is getting in the way of building a deeper relationship with those in you family, friends, and neighborhood? What could YOU put away for a while so that you could detox from it for a while?
I know that God will talk to you about it just like I know He will talk to the kids.
Are you ready to hear what He has to say today?
Ok, so I just love teaching in general, but I REALLY love teaching children. There is an open-ness of their hearts that is unparalleled in any other age group. It's what I always imagine Jesus was thinking when he told us that we need to receive the Kingdom of God like a child.
It is also fitting that tonight, when I noticed this difference between adults and children so profoundly, we learned about the Rich Young Ruler, which is the very next story in the book of Luke.
God had tonight's plans already completed, but hadn't shared them with me. In fact, I started my night with the kids frantically thinking and searching. But like I said, God had it all taken care of.
We began the evening with our normal routine of reviewing the story video and practicing the Bible Verse and The Point, then went to snack. I had found a 'game' outline online to try and got it ready, but I was concerned about how it would work out.
The idea behind this game was to have one child 'purchase' various boxes with labels attached, then put them in a backpack and try to get through a tiny space while wearing the backpack, illustrating the Camel and Needle concept. Well, I didn't have play money AND I wanted to involve all the kids AND I didn't want to wrap all those boxes, so I switched it up a little -
I have 'Tribes' in my class - my group is divided into 4 tribes, each with a tribe leader. The tribes are small groups. They always stay the same, and the leaders (older students) are encouraged to get to know more about the kids and really bond with them. So, each tribe came back from snack to find 5 gold coins in their space. (I use these coins in a variety of ways - they are common items for us) They were instructed to work as a group to choose 5 items from the room that they would like to purchase or take home with them. I was concerned about what they would choose and whether it would fill my backpack enough.
I shouldn't have worried.
God took over at this point.
The first item brought to the front of the class was the new 5ft. wooden cross. The second item was the green butterfly chair. The third item was our 4ft carnival tiger. It was going to work out just fine..... :)
We filled the backpack to the point of barely zipping, then the kids took turns putting it on and attempting to crawl under the chair I was sitting in. (Actually, my daughter and I were BOTH in the chair to keep it on the floor as they struggled to get through!)
But my favorite part was when a girl made the connection to the story before I ever went there through our talk time! She was so excited about the connection when she got it!
We settled back down and I emptied the backpack and asked if they thought they could put it on and get through this time - of course they could!
"Like the camel and the eye hole!" one young guy blurted. Yep! That's exactly it!
There's a camel in the eye-hole, dear Liza, dear Liza
There's a camel in the eye-hole, dear Liza, a camel! - yes, I really sang it! :)
We talked and we talked. They stayed close and engaged as they lounged around among all the items they had 'purchased' earlier. We talked about the things we own. We talked about toys and video games and tv.
Then we talked about friends and family.
I challenged the kids to identify one item that they use too much and they could put aside so they would have more time to work on their personal relationships.I even went as far as to talk about how God will let them know what that item is the next time they play with it! Then we talked about what it 'feels' like when we get a whisper from God - and the kids already knew what it felt like for them, because they had heard from God before! :)
I am so excited to hear about their weeks this Sunday! I have some kids who are on fire and I get so psyched hearing about their interactions with God!
But what about you?
What do you have in your life that is getting in the way of building a deeper relationship with those in you family, friends, and neighborhood? What could YOU put away for a while so that you could detox from it for a while?
I know that God will talk to you about it just like I know He will talk to the kids.
Are you ready to hear what He has to say today?
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Tacks as a Defense
Tacks are a part of everyday life. Well, at least the everyday I remember. I think I see more magnets than tacks these days...
But I digress - tacks are around.
My daughter uses tacks in her bedroom to hang her pictures and posters. Her MILLIONS of pictures and posters! :)
Tonight she came downstairs and announced, "Hey! I know a great defense mechanism! I will use my bag of tacks and dump them all around me! Nobody will want to mess with them to get to me!"
Now, I know what she was talking about - she was thinking about protecting herself in the event of some horrible break-in or attack. (It is sad that an eighth-grader plans for things like that, but that's not a discussion for this post...)
But she said the magical phrase - the red light phrase - 'Defense Mechanism' and my mind went in a different direction.
We use defense mechanisms every day in a variety of ways.
Think of them as tacks.
When we spread tacks out around us to keep people at bay - to keep them from getting too close. If someone attempts to venture in, we will place tacks in their path, or we will move some out of the way.
What tacks are you using?
How do you keep people away? Do you deny that you need them? Act out so that they will leave you alone? Do you stuff your feelings and put on a happy face? Do you make yourself unavailable by not answering the phone and staying home more than you should?
There are many ways to put out tacks and keep people away. What are you using?
How many do you have out?
That's the big question - how many ways do you have for keeping people from getting too close?
We were designed to be social creatures. We were designed to be in relationship with one another. Our relationships with one another help us build a relationship with God.
Think about those tacks and what you can do to remove a few. Let a few more in to be close. A nice challenge....
But I digress - tacks are around.
Tonight she came downstairs and announced, "Hey! I know a great defense mechanism! I will use my bag of tacks and dump them all around me! Nobody will want to mess with them to get to me!"
Now, I know what she was talking about - she was thinking about protecting herself in the event of some horrible break-in or attack. (It is sad that an eighth-grader plans for things like that, but that's not a discussion for this post...)
But she said the magical phrase - the red light phrase - 'Defense Mechanism' and my mind went in a different direction.
We use defense mechanisms every day in a variety of ways.
Think of them as tacks.
When we spread tacks out around us to keep people at bay - to keep them from getting too close. If someone attempts to venture in, we will place tacks in their path, or we will move some out of the way.
What tacks are you using?
How do you keep people away? Do you deny that you need them? Act out so that they will leave you alone? Do you stuff your feelings and put on a happy face? Do you make yourself unavailable by not answering the phone and staying home more than you should?
There are many ways to put out tacks and keep people away. What are you using?
How many do you have out?
That's the big question - how many ways do you have for keeping people from getting too close?
We were designed to be social creatures. We were designed to be in relationship with one another. Our relationships with one another help us build a relationship with God.
Think about those tacks and what you can do to remove a few. Let a few more in to be close. A nice challenge....
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Renewal
We also came back with some new vision for the future. That was really cool - how God worked in our week away - but that will have to be another blog....
When we returned, I was reading some articles and came across the following one. It was another encouragement - that God has been in the plan for RFamily from the beginning and He is going to shape it as it goes... We wouldn't want it any other way!!!
5 Ways the Church Will Change
by Thom Schultz - as published on ChildrensMinistry.com
Is the American church fading away? Will the losses in membership and attendance lead to a marginalized church presence such as that in present-day Europe? What will the American church look like in ten years?
Church leaders, denominational executives, and religion researchers gathered in Colorado recently to examine the church's health and prognosis. The Future of the Church Summit was sponsored by Group Publishing.
After evaluating current trends, Summit members predicted a number of likely scenarios for the American church in the next ten years:
- Emphasis on relationships. Whereas the church and congregational worship today are largely spectator-oriented, the new coming trend will prioritize spiritual growth through personal relationships.
- Return to Jesus. The current church is preoccupied with the "ABCs"-attendance, buildings and cash. A Summit pastor said, "We need to deal with the idols of the church." The coming church will highly focus its mission, goals, measurements and message on Jesus.
- Community focus. The church of tomorrow will be much more engaged in addressing the needs in the community. The church will be known more for its members' relational acts of compassion outside of church walls, taking ministry out rather than waiting for outsiders to come in and sit.
- Conversationally oriented. The current church relies primarily on one-way messaging-from the preacher/teacher at the microphone. The new church will rely more on person-to-person conversation, sharing messages of God's love with one another. Churches will begin to trade pews for conversation tables.
- Rise of the laity. Shrinking resources will trigger fewer paid ministry positions-and more reliance on unpaid ministry work. The concept of "the priesthood of all believers" will re-emerge.
Scott Thumma from the Hartford Institute for Religion Research shared data showing waning church attendance, the aging of congregational membership and the exodus of young people. The churches that are bucking the downward trends tend to be either small (fewer than 200 members), or very large (more than 2,000 members).
Thumma also cited that congregations' financial health has declined significantly over the past decade. In 2000 31 percent of congregations exhibited excellent financial health. By 2010 only 14 percent showed excellent financial health.
Congregations with high spiritual vitality dropped from about 43 percent in 2005 to 28 percent in 2010, according to Thumma.
To transition to the future, Thumma suggested congregations take a number of actions: create a listening team; get rid of the concept of church committees; learn how to be the church outside of Sunday morning.
Neil Howe, author of "Millennials Rising" and "The Fourth Turning," told Summit attendees that aging Boomers are shaping churches in a direction that young adults in the Millennial generation reject. He said Millennials are looking for environments that emphasize a sense of authentic community, variety of experiences, doing good deeds together, and student-centered learning (not teacher-focused).
Summit participants heard author Reggie McNeal predict that no one model of ministry will characterize the church of tomorrow. Rather, several different models will emerge to connect with the diverse American culture.
And British church leader and consultant Mike Breen doubted that the American church would go the way of Europe, where the church has withered. He indicated that America's entrepreneurial spirit will provide the drive and the flexibility for the church to survive and thrive in the future.
I want to look at those 5 points one-by-one...
1. Emphasis on Relationships. Spiritual growth through relationship.
Our ministry plan incorporates relationship into everything we do - just as Jesus built relationships and did life with his disciples, so do we. We identify people with passion and apprentice them, disciple them, into leaders. We develop spiritual growth by doing life together. And what's really funny is that our model is basically a pyramid scheme! LOL As each person grows, then will, themselves, meet and grow others under them, who will meet and grow others.... etc... :) No formal small groups, just life and God's leading. We aren't filling leadership positions, we are creating positions for the leaders God raises within our church family.
2. Return to Jesus.
In our church, ABCs aren't Attendance, Building, and Cash, they truly are Admit, Believe, and Confess. As much as we do struggle ourselves (Jeff and I) against our years in ministry counting numbers, we celebrate growth. When we stand in front of our state ministry group to give our yearly report, we focus on salvations, rededications, baptism, and personal growth.
3. Community Focus.
This is where I LOVE to see how we are different! Our church is ALL about the community where we were planted! We have adopted a school and we serve there regularly. When the schools have teacher-training days, we provide childcare for the parents that is a community service day for the kids. A lady has risen-up to begin a MUCH-needed groups for grandparents who are raising their grandkids. The women's ministry group is service-oriented and has begun a program to provide formal attire for teens who cannot afford it for prom and other such dances. It is amazing! While we DO have bible study, it is not our FOCUS.
4. Conversationally oriented
This one is pretty cool - our ministry plan has this built-in. We have couches and tables, not rows of chairs. When Jeff speaks, he invited comments and encourages other to talk back to his questions. Nothing happens that isn't based in communication.
5. Rise of the laity
We have a few staff, but for the most part, that is all we will ever have. Because of the pyramid scheme we have designed, there should not ever be a need for a large staff. Each staff is simply a higher point in the pyramid - we have designated areas we oversee, but the ministries are run by the laity. Jeff and I are the planters, the founders, but we do not pretend to possess powers or a connection to God that is any different or any better than those around us. God put us in place to lead this group of people, not be in power over them!
We have seen and continue to see God's hand at work through the work we are doing. It is awesome and amazing. It is beyond anything we could do - only through God has this been accomplished. I can't wait to see what He has in store for the future!
Friday, February 8, 2013
Venue Change?
We are two years into our church plant - two years since our family of 5 parachute-dropped into our little town. I would love to share with you how we are averaging 200 people in church on Sunday mornings, we are totally self-supporting, that we have savings building for our next church plant in Missouri, and all sorts of other normal numbers 'wins', but that is not the case. In the past two years, if nothing else, I have learned to count 'wins' by something other than the numbers! (but that's another blog)
So for the past two years I have been church planting. When I go to the grocery store, I have been constantly aware of those around me - always eager for an opportunity to share God's love. When I go to a ball game, when I attend a school meeting - always eager for the opportunities that God has been abundant in providing. Along the way, I also developed a Children's Ministry. Jeff was a wonderful help, but my work in Children's Ministry was always an 'also'. I was a church planter and 'also' a children's pastor.
These past couple of weeks, with the second anniversary of our drop, I have noticed a specific shift in my life (yes, life - my ministry IS my life. There is no 'at work' and 'off work') I have finally become a Children's Pastor and 'also' a church planter!
Today, for the first time in many months, I woke up, ran an errand with Jeff, then went to the office and STAYED THERE ALL DAY working on nothing but things that were on my 'to do' list! I actually got started on a project that I have had on my list for over a year! Almost two, even!
Then, at the end of the day, I came home with NOTHING on my plate to get done ASAP - I was able to play on the internet for fun - to read a few articles on Children's Ministry - to research fun places to eat and play in Florida when we go later this month for a conference. All unplanned. All spontaneous. All simply let by rest and relaxation.
My shoulders haven't been this loose in months!
I feel like I have a new job, when really, I am just more free to do the one I was created to do! Instead of adults, I can now focus on the kids I see around me. I can go for a walk in the park and stop to watch the kids play and share some of my 'sharing toys' I keep with me. I can spend time meeting with school officials about how I can best serve them and the kids.
I am so excited!!!
Thank-you, God for the renewed energy and excitement even with no 'normal' changes. Usually this kind of excitement and renewal comes with a move or a job change. Not this time. So wonderful!!!
So for the past two years I have been church planting. When I go to the grocery store, I have been constantly aware of those around me - always eager for an opportunity to share God's love. When I go to a ball game, when I attend a school meeting - always eager for the opportunities that God has been abundant in providing. Along the way, I also developed a Children's Ministry. Jeff was a wonderful help, but my work in Children's Ministry was always an 'also'. I was a church planter and 'also' a children's pastor.
These past couple of weeks, with the second anniversary of our drop, I have noticed a specific shift in my life (yes, life - my ministry IS my life. There is no 'at work' and 'off work') I have finally become a Children's Pastor and 'also' a church planter!
Today, for the first time in many months, I woke up, ran an errand with Jeff, then went to the office and STAYED THERE ALL DAY working on nothing but things that were on my 'to do' list! I actually got started on a project that I have had on my list for over a year! Almost two, even!
Then, at the end of the day, I came home with NOTHING on my plate to get done ASAP - I was able to play on the internet for fun - to read a few articles on Children's Ministry - to research fun places to eat and play in Florida when we go later this month for a conference. All unplanned. All spontaneous. All simply let by rest and relaxation.
My shoulders haven't been this loose in months!
I feel like I have a new job, when really, I am just more free to do the one I was created to do! Instead of adults, I can now focus on the kids I see around me. I can go for a walk in the park and stop to watch the kids play and share some of my 'sharing toys' I keep with me. I can spend time meeting with school officials about how I can best serve them and the kids.
I am so excited!!!
Thank-you, God for the renewed energy and excitement even with no 'normal' changes. Usually this kind of excitement and renewal comes with a move or a job change. Not this time. So wonderful!!!
Monday, December 19, 2011
What a Wonderful World This Would Be!
It's late on Sunday night/ Monday morning. I'm working on a project for Bethany's teacher for this week - it's a tough week in most classrooms. Only a few days left - kids are all excited and worked-up for Christmas - parents are stressed, which puts the kids even more on edge.... so I am cutting and cutting and cutting to help out and do my share.
The other day on Facebook I had a friend make a comment about how busy my schedule is - how there is always something I am working on or responsible for... That used to be very true, but things are a little slower these days - I'm not working in the schools 40 hours a week on top of everything else like I used to do! :) But we still stay pretty busy around here - it's what we do - it's how God made us.
While I am working in the house, whether it is on the computer or cutting paper sacks, I like to have videos playing. Mostly they are background noise - I pick videos I have seen before and use them more like a book on tape or an old-time radio show and listen more than watch. I am currently into a series called 'Lie to Me'. (Thanks, Corey....I love it!) Tonight, while I was watching, the main character said, "You have to realize that your talent doesn't belong to you anymore!!!" Wow. I felt as if I had just been blown over - I really believe the Holy Spirit just 'WHOOSHED' right into me to make a point:
MY TALENTS DO NOT BELONG TO ME
I was created by God and given talents to use. But these talents, these gifts, are not mine - they are God's gifts and talents. He is just letting me use them..... FOR HIM!
I'm crafty. I love to make and create. How often do I use this talent to help someone find their way back to God.
I tend to be insightful. I can often 'tell' what a person is thinking or feeling even if their words are the opposite. How often do I use this gift to help someone find their way back to God?
I have a lot of training for working with children with disabilities. I have a lot of training for working with parents. How often do I use this training to help someone find their way back to God?
Isn't that what we are supposed to be doing with the gifts and talents and opportunities God gives us? We were created by God - we were all once with Him. Finding our way back to Him is the most precious thing that can happen in our lives. Are we sharing that goal, that journey, with those around us? Are we helping others find THEIR way back to God?
I do a little - I like to help out at school because I am drawn to kids - because I have a better chance of finding out ways I can use my gifts and talents to help - because I can cheer and encourage the teachers and staff through small gifts and smiles.
What would it look like if we all used our gifts and talents this way? What if I kept that goal at the FRONT of my thoughts instead of the back of my mind? The line of a song is running through my head.... "What a wonderful world this would be...."
The other day on Facebook I had a friend make a comment about how busy my schedule is - how there is always something I am working on or responsible for... That used to be very true, but things are a little slower these days - I'm not working in the schools 40 hours a week on top of everything else like I used to do! :) But we still stay pretty busy around here - it's what we do - it's how God made us.
While I am working in the house, whether it is on the computer or cutting paper sacks, I like to have videos playing. Mostly they are background noise - I pick videos I have seen before and use them more like a book on tape or an old-time radio show and listen more than watch. I am currently into a series called 'Lie to Me'. (Thanks, Corey....I love it!) Tonight, while I was watching, the main character said, "You have to realize that your talent doesn't belong to you anymore!!!" Wow. I felt as if I had just been blown over - I really believe the Holy Spirit just 'WHOOSHED' right into me to make a point:
MY TALENTS DO NOT BELONG TO ME
I was created by God and given talents to use. But these talents, these gifts, are not mine - they are God's gifts and talents. He is just letting me use them..... FOR HIM!
I'm crafty. I love to make and create. How often do I use this talent to help someone find their way back to God.
I tend to be insightful. I can often 'tell' what a person is thinking or feeling even if their words are the opposite. How often do I use this gift to help someone find their way back to God?
I have a lot of training for working with children with disabilities. I have a lot of training for working with parents. How often do I use this training to help someone find their way back to God?
Isn't that what we are supposed to be doing with the gifts and talents and opportunities God gives us? We were created by God - we were all once with Him. Finding our way back to Him is the most precious thing that can happen in our lives. Are we sharing that goal, that journey, with those around us? Are we helping others find THEIR way back to God?
I do a little - I like to help out at school because I am drawn to kids - because I have a better chance of finding out ways I can use my gifts and talents to help - because I can cheer and encourage the teachers and staff through small gifts and smiles.
What would it look like if we all used our gifts and talents this way? What if I kept that goal at the FRONT of my thoughts instead of the back of my mind? The line of a song is running through my head.... "What a wonderful world this would be...."
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
God's Beauty Found in a Halloween Costume
When I saw this, first I just went, "AWWWWW!" Then I heard all kinds of thoughts go through my head - how this image just screams out what a wonderful job this couple is doing raising their little girl and how this family costume says it all.
I'm a person who likes to put abstract ideas into concrete images, so let me share what I saw in this picture.
There sits little Violet. Yes, her name is really Violet! (hence, the costumes!) Violet is a fragile, beautiful, precious little thing that God brought into this couple's life. I know He was thinking of these two beautiful people as He created Violet - He had to have been!
Now, I could go on all day about this family, and I intend to talk about them a lot, but I want to start by talking about flowers - especially violets - and what they need to survive.
Flowers need water - plain and simple. They cannot survive without it. It keeps them supple, yet it gives them the strength they need to stand tall and stand strong in the world they face every day. Without good, clean water a flower cannot process its food.
Flowers need sunlight - they cannot survive without the sun. Sunlight and water combine within a flower to produce the food it needs to live. Without the sun a vulnerable flower cannot grow to it's potential - it cannot become the flower God intended for it. If it survives at all, it would be weak and pale and nothing at all like its intended beauty.
Flowers also need bees. Yuck! But it's true. Bees take bits of the sweet goodness that is within the flower and share it with other flowers so they all can grow and reproduce. The one flower itself does not need the bee to live and be beautiful, but to be all it was intended, a flower needs a bee.
God provided these things for this beautiful Violet when He sent her to this couple!
Look at mom - a watering can. I remember when she left the job she loved as a teacher. Almost overnight, she walked away from her career when God put Violet in their life. She refocused her life for Violet. This mom literally is pouring her life into this beautiful little girl. Every day she spends her time making sure Violet get what she needs. Mom's whole life is focused on one thing right now: that Violet is taken care of.
I love how Mom is dressed AS the watering can, not just holding the watering can. This isn't a role she can put down and walk away from - this is who she is at the moment. This role she has chosen is one that she doesn't set down when it gets heavy or difficult - it is who she is. Her role doesn't end when she leaves Violet in others' hands for a while. She is still Violet's main lifestrength. What she is pouring into this little one is making her strong and allowing all the wonderfulness in her life to sink down into the core of who she is and who she will become. Without this wonderful water, Violet could never take what is provided for her to its full use.
Then there is Dad dressed as the sun. What a wonderful provider he is to be able to allow Mom to stay home with Violet. He makes sure she has all she needs - shelter, food, and lots of love. I think I've only met Dad in passing once or twice, but I know that he is doing great things for his family. His love and care, protection, and hard work are providing the basics necessary for mom to be able to pour all of herself into this beautiful Violet to help her grow into a strong woman.
And Violet needs her dad. More and more, research is showing how important a dad is to a child's life. Dads are the ones who instill modesty into a young girl. Dads are the backbone. Dads bring the morals. Moms grow them and refine them, but those basics are actually brought in by the dads. Dads are lifeshapers! Just as the sun is needed to make a flower all that it was intended to be, so a dad will bring out all a child is intended to be.
Then we bring in the little bee... what a cute little thing. And what an awesome first friend for Violet. This little dog will help teach Violet how to be a good friend - how to spread her love for her family and her love for God to others around her. As Violet grows she will learn to be gentle, to sometimes give space to those around her when they need it, to spend time with, and to care for others in her life. This little dog will help her learn to look outside of herself to see others and how she can help care for them.
Then there is just the overall beauty of the picture. All these elements working together to not only create a beautiful flower, but also a beautiful picture of life. This is a family working to create beauty in their child and those around them. As this mom and dad work to raise Violet, their care will spill over into their neighborhood and town, making it healthier and better. It makes me want to live next door!
Oh, if only God guided the hands of all those around us, what a beautiful world we would life in! That just challenges me all the more to shine strong and water abundantly - to do what God has asked me to do in such a way that I strengthen those in my care, spill over into the world around me, and choke out the weeds around me through His love!
I challenge you, moms and dads, to take a moment to ponder your role in the lives of your children. None of us is perfect, but how are you doing, really, being sunlight and water for your kids? Allow God to speak to you. He may give you a big 'Well Done!" or he may give you a nudge. Listen to Him. And remember - the lives you are pouring into right now will shape the world in the future. Love on those kiddos - it makes all the world a better place!
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