We've sang this a couple times during Weekend Services and I absolutely love the words in this song...
Monday, September 27, 2010
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Hand in Hand
Each quarter we gather our families together and serve. The projects range from things around the grounds of the church to our urban church on the near-eastside of Indianapolis. But, no matter where the project is, its guaranteed to be kid-friendly and an opportunity for families to engage with one another for three hours in a setting and situation that is different from their "normal".
Saturday, was no different than any other Saturday, except that a group of 60 people ranging in age from 2 years to 60+ gathered in Noblesville at Janus Developmental Services to serve alongside the employees there and complete many projects. Ranging from gardening and organizing to painting and washing windows and walls. All over the property families were serving alongside one another.
And since I love photos, I think these are the best way to truly communicate the power of families serving alongside one another, so sit back and enjoy...
Saturday, was no different than any other Saturday, except that a group of 60 people ranging in age from 2 years to 60+ gathered in Noblesville at Janus Developmental Services to serve alongside the employees there and complete many projects. Ranging from gardening and organizing to painting and washing windows and walls. All over the property families were serving alongside one another.
And since I love photos, I think these are the best way to truly communicate the power of families serving alongside one another, so sit back and enjoy...
Labels:
Kids,
Life,
Ministry,
Missions,
Monster Suits,
Photography,
Service Projects,
Studio 6.7
Monday, September 13, 2010
Menu Monday
Fall ... football ... AND ... CHILI! I don't know if there is anything better each fall than the return of chili. Typically, I go with a simple chili, but I HATE beans - the texture, the taste ... everything = GROSS! But ... I believe I've found a substitute ... potatoes!
Here's the recipe ... it gets "judged" tomorrow, so we'll see if it receives raving reviews, but no matter what I enjoy it!
When onion is soft, add 2-3 Tbsp of the chili seasoning to the meat mixture
Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes and water
Add potatoes and boil for 45 minutes
If necessary, add a couple dashes of hot sauce and/or additional chili powder
Serve with cheese, crackers or your favorite toppings!
Here's the recipe ... it gets "judged" tomorrow, so we'll see if it receives raving reviews, but no matter what I enjoy it!
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (29 ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups water
- 6 potatoes, diced
- 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper
- 1 tablespoon dried minced onion
- 1 tablespoon dried, minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons white sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
When onion is soft, add 2-3 Tbsp of the chili seasoning to the meat mixture
Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes and water
Add potatoes and boil for 45 minutes
If necessary, add a couple dashes of hot sauce and/or additional chili powder
Serve with cheese, crackers or your favorite toppings!
Labels:
Food
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Growth
Below is a post I wrote for the blog that my church/employer runs ... it basically outlines the changes that have taken place over the last few months, that resulted from a 200+ family growth in our ministry over the last 6 months. You can read it below, or here on the Northview Blog (and maybe somewhere in this post you'll figure out why I haven't been blogging ... there's a "summer recap" coming soon!)
Take a leisurely stroll through Studio 6.7 and you’ll find that it can turn into more of a hike, involving all three floors and fifteen different rooms!
With this past August’s promotions, Studio 6.7 opened a new Early Childhood classroom and re-organized the layout of the Elementary Ministry.
In Early Childhood, children now can be found in nine classrooms; seven on the Main Floor and two on the Upper Floor. Children from birth through about three years of age are in still in the original Studio 6.7 Classrooms on the Main Floor; however the 4 and 5 year olds have moved upstairs to the Attic, which opened in August 2009, and the Loft, opened August 2010.
In Elementary, children have moved from the original two Elementary Classrooms (Studio and Stadium) into five rooms. Kindergarteners now meet in the Stadium, having both their small group and large group teaching and worship in this classroom, while the Studio is used as a Large Group and Worship Area for the other four grade levels.
First to fourth graders meet in four grade-level specific classrooms in the Lower Level. This gives children in these grade levels the opportunity to connect with peers who are their same age and with their small group leaders in a more intimate setting.
The Studio 6.7 Team has spent a good part of this past summer preparing for these changes.
Volunteers have moved to new classrooms, and supplies have been re-divided so that all children and volunteers have the things they need during services.
The changes have been exciting as each area has seen many months of preparation come together to create a fun-filled learning environment for all the children in Studio 6.7.
Ultimately, as Studio 6.7 prepares for additional growth and manages the growth that has been experienced over the past year, these classroom changes have been positive -classroom sizes in all age groups have been reduced, and volunteers now have a greater opportunity to connect with children and families, and yet, it has also allowed Studio 6.7 to prepare for the future.
Take a leisurely stroll through Studio 6.7 and you’ll find that it can turn into more of a hike, involving all three floors and fifteen different rooms!
Photo by JoanettaHendel
With this past August’s promotions, Studio 6.7 opened a new Early Childhood classroom and re-organized the layout of the Elementary Ministry.
In Early Childhood, children now can be found in nine classrooms; seven on the Main Floor and two on the Upper Floor. Children from birth through about three years of age are in still in the original Studio 6.7 Classrooms on the Main Floor; however the 4 and 5 year olds have moved upstairs to the Attic, which opened in August 2009, and the Loft, opened August 2010.
In Elementary, children have moved from the original two Elementary Classrooms (Studio and Stadium) into five rooms. Kindergarteners now meet in the Stadium, having both their small group and large group teaching and worship in this classroom, while the Studio is used as a Large Group and Worship Area for the other four grade levels.
Photo by JoanettaHendel
First to fourth graders meet in four grade-level specific classrooms in the Lower Level. This gives children in these grade levels the opportunity to connect with peers who are their same age and with their small group leaders in a more intimate setting.
The Studio 6.7 Team has spent a good part of this past summer preparing for these changes.
Volunteers have moved to new classrooms, and supplies have been re-divided so that all children and volunteers have the things they need during services.
The changes have been exciting as each area has seen many months of preparation come together to create a fun-filled learning environment for all the children in Studio 6.7.
Ultimately, as Studio 6.7 prepares for additional growth and manages the growth that has been experienced over the past year, these classroom changes have been positive -classroom sizes in all age groups have been reduced, and volunteers now have a greater opportunity to connect with children and families, and yet, it has also allowed Studio 6.7 to prepare for the future.
Labels:
Life,
Ministry,
Studio 6.7
Friday, September 10, 2010
Veggies Video
This is a beautiful song about adoption and the video is filled with many "gotcha day" photos and videos - VeggieTales new movie is all about adoption ... enjoy!
Labels:
Bible,
Kids,
Life,
Ministry,
Missions,
Monster Suits,
Never Letting Go,
Videos
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Beyond the ABC's - Thursday's Tip
Sometimes, succeeding at school isn’t about the child at all … it’s about the parents’ approach to it. Here are a few tips to help your child do their best!
Expect THEIR best … not THE best
Know what your individual child is capable of – it might not be what their big sis or brother is capable of. Study your child – learn their learning style, talk to their teachers, and understand child development for their age group. Then expect THEIR best, if it’s an “A” – then expect an “A”, but if it’s a “C” – then expect a “C”.
Words DO Matter
“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me” – yea right! We’re hurt by words constantly … and so are our kids. We’re also motivated by words – saying: “I love you” “You’re doing a great job” “Your grades are improving”, etc will help your child try harder and do better. Sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in the frustration and forget the words that matter!
It’s about THEM
Keeping up with the Jones’ has gone from the bigger, better boat to the bigger, better kindergarten derby car. Keep in mind that it’s YOUR CHILD’S work. Your child needs to do the work so that they can LEARN – that’s really what its all about. Don’t step in and do the work for your child – instead, provide “scaffolding” (a support structure) – if needed. By supporting your child you teach them that you think they’re doing a good job. When you do their work for them, you send the message that their work is never good enough.
Ultimately, CELEBRATE your child’s accomplishments … even when it means getting a “D” on the weekly spelling test instead of the “F” they’ve been receiving.
Expect THEIR best … not THE best
Know what your individual child is capable of – it might not be what their big sis or brother is capable of. Study your child – learn their learning style, talk to their teachers, and understand child development for their age group. Then expect THEIR best, if it’s an “A” – then expect an “A”, but if it’s a “C” – then expect a “C”.
Words DO Matter
“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me” – yea right! We’re hurt by words constantly … and so are our kids. We’re also motivated by words – saying: “I love you” “You’re doing a great job” “Your grades are improving”, etc will help your child try harder and do better. Sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in the frustration and forget the words that matter!
It’s about THEM
Keeping up with the Jones’ has gone from the bigger, better boat to the bigger, better kindergarten derby car. Keep in mind that it’s YOUR CHILD’S work. Your child needs to do the work so that they can LEARN – that’s really what its all about. Don’t step in and do the work for your child – instead, provide “scaffolding” (a support structure) – if needed. By supporting your child you teach them that you think they’re doing a good job. When you do their work for them, you send the message that their work is never good enough.
Ultimately, CELEBRATE your child’s accomplishments … even when it means getting a “D” on the weekly spelling test instead of the “F” they’ve been receiving.
Labels:
Kids,
Special Needs,
Tips
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Monday, September 6, 2010
Compassion International
You may, or may not, be aware of the ministry called Compassion International - more than likely you know them for their Child Sponsorship Program, which enables thousands of people around the world to support thousands of children ... making the world a little smaller by connecting those who have, with those who have not.
But Compassion does more than just enable thousands of people to sponsor thousands of children. In addition to the orphanages, food programs, schools and countless other things they are involved with, Compassion works to bring a voice to those who aren't heard. They work right in the heart of the need and enable those who otherwise would have no voice, to be heard ... around the world!
In less than 48 hours a team of seven will leave for Guatemala with Compassion International. While there, they will work right alongside those using the money from Child Sponsorships, meet children who are sponsored, maybe even meet the child they sponsor, and see life with sponsorship; and life without. Each night they'll post their stories and pictures - their thoughts, ideas, and in the end, give those who have no voice ... a voice and share it with the world.
You can follow each of their stories and hear from those they meet at the links below...
Amanda Jones ::: Baby Bangs
Lindsey Nobles ::: I'm Just Sayin
Ann Voskamp ::: Holy Experience
Lisa-Jo Baker ::: The Gypsy Mama
Compassion International
But Compassion does more than just enable thousands of people to sponsor thousands of children. In addition to the orphanages, food programs, schools and countless other things they are involved with, Compassion works to bring a voice to those who aren't heard. They work right in the heart of the need and enable those who otherwise would have no voice, to be heard ... around the world!
In less than 48 hours a team of seven will leave for Guatemala with Compassion International. While there, they will work right alongside those using the money from Child Sponsorships, meet children who are sponsored, maybe even meet the child they sponsor, and see life with sponsorship; and life without. Each night they'll post their stories and pictures - their thoughts, ideas, and in the end, give those who have no voice ... a voice and share it with the world.
You can follow each of their stories and hear from those they meet at the links below...
Amanda Jones ::: Baby Bangs
Lindsey Nobles ::: I'm Just Sayin
Ann Voskamp ::: Holy Experience
Lisa-Jo Baker ::: The Gypsy Mama
Compassion International
Labels:
Ministry,
Missions,
Never Letting Go
Saturday, September 4, 2010
The 4th
This month I'm starting a new tradition on my blog ... the 4th day of each month I'll open the 4th photo folder on my computer, select the 4th photo and tell you a little about it! So, here's September's 4 of 4 post...
This is Dale Jr's Hauler. Speedway, Indiana is a racing town ... everything there is all about racing and every July when the NASCAR Series comes to town - Speedway REALLY becomes a town that's all about racing! Each year, on Thursday evening the NASCAR Haulers arrive in little Speedway, Indiana - just outside the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and parade down "Main Street" in this small town, nestled within Indy. Fans have the opportunity to walk through the haulers, take photos, and even go inside a few!
This is Dale Jr's Hauler. Speedway, Indiana is a racing town ... everything there is all about racing and every July when the NASCAR Series comes to town - Speedway REALLY becomes a town that's all about racing! Each year, on Thursday evening the NASCAR Haulers arrive in little Speedway, Indiana - just outside the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and parade down "Main Street" in this small town, nestled within Indy. Fans have the opportunity to walk through the haulers, take photos, and even go inside a few!
Labels:
Life,
Photography
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