Teachers

As a former middle school math teacher, I can relate to the challenges that teachers face. This week's lesson on Elijah and Elisha is a good chance to look at how we should obey and love our teachers, in addition to being loyal to them. This is our opportunity to drive home the point that teachers need the support of families and the kids they teach...and that teachers are people who need our grace when they show their humanity and inevitably make mistakes.

One of the things that teachers were always challenged to do was to see things from the eyes of the student. Many kids today don't get enough support and love at home, and it is important to remember that in order to get some context when a student behaves inappropriately. But it is equally important for parents to challenge their children to see thing from the eyes of their teachers and realize our teachers want what is best for us.

Doug

The Cloak

January has been our month of Elijah (Role Models). This Sunday we are talking to the children about teachers.
Elijah was a teacher of Elisha. In 1 Kings 19:19 Elijah throws his cloak around Elisha's shoulders signifying the passing of the baton.
Elisha's initial reaction was to tell Elijah he had to say goodbye to his parents.
As a mom, I love that. But I don't think Elijah was as impressed. "Go back." Elijah replied. "What have I done to you?" (vs.20) In other words "Do you understand what just happened?". "I just made you the new prophet."
Elijah had to drive home the point to get Elisha to understand what was happening.
Think about God in your life. How often are you waiting for God's answers to your prayers, grace, wisdom, etc.? What happens when those prayers are answered? Do you reflect back, thank Him and make those life changes you promised Him? "Lord, if you grant me this I promise I will exercise every day for the rest of my life." Or do you do what most of us do? Take grace for granted with a, " Hummmmm, about time that happened." attitude.
Today, take a moment. Look back at '08. Remember your prayers from '07. Look at what God has done. Kill the oxen (vs. 21), leave that part of your life behind. Recognize what God has done and move to where God really wants you to be. Accept the cloak. Wear it well. Thank Him.
Have a blessed day!
See you Sunday!

Laurie

Athletes and Jesus

It's popular to bemoan the lack of role models these days, but it's not hard to find college football football players who sport Bible verses on their eyeblack (Tim Tebow, Terrell Pryor and James Laurinaitis come to mind...and anyone who lives in Austin knows of a certain UT quarterback's faith). Be sure to take the chance to point these positive example to your kids. And after the game, when the players thank God, this is a good chance to bring up a few questions for discussion, like: Why do you think the player is thanking God? Should we only thank God after victories? Does God favor one team over the other?

Good examples and teachable moments exist, we just need to look for them.

Doug

Two Important Announcements

First, we will be announcing a date for our next motionologist training soon. It will be sometime in late January.

Second, there will be no Summit service on Christmas Eve. Remember, our Christmas services are all on the 24th at 12pm, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm and 8pm.

Joy

As you hopefully know, we are spending this month talking about "Joy" and how it transcends circumstances, as opposed to happiness. In these tough times, it can be a challenge to stay joyful and remember that God supplies our needs and not our "wants".

This is a very inspiring story about Wayman Tisdale, a former basketball star at Oklahoma and later in the NBA (he also is an accomplished musician). Despite a rough bout with cancer, Wayman maintains a positive outlook rooted in his strong faith.

Doug

67-6:7

Here is our new vision for LHC Kids - our new mantra if you will. We want to help families go from 67 to 6:7.

At most, parents bring their children to church 67 hours a year for spiritual training by the church.
We want parents to spiritually train their children according to Deuteronomy 6:7: "Impress [spiritual truths] on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

67-6:7 - Thank you God for this direction for our ministry here at LHC Kids!

Pastor Philip

BIG ANNOUNCEMENTS!!

Don't you love getting great news?! Come this Sunday as we start our new theme - "JOY" - and hear two very big announcements about this summer. I can't wait!!

Pastor Philip