Younger Siblings

So, my children have been in school for 2 days now.  So far, so good.  Ashley has complained about a couple of her teachers that Nick had and how they hate her already.  Nick was known in the two classes as forgetting to do homework.  That surprises me. Ashley said when they called roll and came to her name they asked if she was related to Nick.  She said yes and then the teacher proceeded to roll their eyes.  Not a good sign.  What they don't know Nick will be an angel compared to Ashley.  Ha Ha!  I say that and laugh because Nick might have forgotten his homework, but Ashley she will have a debate with them about homework.  Ashley told Nick she hated being the younger one because he messes up in school and later on she pays the price for it.  She also told him he better not misbehave this year.  I was the oldest child so I don't know how she feels. 

First Day of School

Well, my wonderful kids are off to school today.  They were both excited but nervous.  I sit here and think about when my children were younger and I would be nervous.  Wondering if they would know where to go once they were inside the school.  Would they know what bus to get onto.  Now I find myself worrying about other things such as, will they make the right choices or will they say no to peer pressure, will they continue their way with Christ or will they try the worldy ways.  As much as I talk to my children and tell them right from wrong are they strong enough to make a stand or will they fall into the worldly ways as I did as a teenager.  I am so glad that Craig and I sit down with our children and talk to them one on one about things that might be bothering them or things they might be tempted by.  Parents let me tell you if you don't talk to your children now is the time.  Craig and I have found out so much about our children and the stuff that goes on at school and things that have been offered to them.  Craig and I do family devotions with our children.  Its hard to stay on track but now that our children are older its important and our jobs to make sure our children know the Word.  Parenting is a hard job and I am sure it doesn't get any easier as they get older.  My prayer for my children is to continue to grow in Christ and even when we are not able to be around them and protect them they know that God is.  I pray they grow up being a Godly man and woman who will not be afraid to make a stand for what they believe in.  I pray that my children stay in God's word and able to continue to make a difference in our community. 

Children's Camp

I just got back from children's camp.  What a great and exhausting time I had. We had 436 people this year at camp.  Even though the weather was a scorcher, and we were crowded it was a great week.   I enjoy and am grateful that I can participate in such a great ministry opportunity.  When I go my prayer is that God uses we in a mighty way. This year I had opportunities to talk to a few people.  I am thankful that God can use me.  When I get back from either a mission trip or children's camp I understand more about why it is so important to share the Gospel.  I appreciate my life more, things I have, my family, and most important my relationship with my Heavenly Father.  I realize how important it is to share the Gospel.  We (believers) are not just to go to church on Sundays and Wednesdays, we are suppose to be involved.  Our jobs is to spread the Gospel to all nations.  That includes Paragould, Greene County, and Arkansas.  Too many times people put their fears first, if you are doing the work for the Lord, He will give you the words, courage and strength.  Don't let your fears stop you from doing what we as Christians are suppose to be doing.