2 posts tagged “church”

When Junior was a very young girl, she begged us not to make her go to church.  Of course, we did – every Sunday morning, Sunday night, and Wednesday night.  We took her to VBS and every special event for kids.  She quietly sat through each activity, sometimes with friends and sometimes alone.  And it was especially during those alone times we counted on adults to make church a positive place for our child.  That didn’t always happen.

Then second grade started and Junior got to join a Sunday school class taught by Mr. L.  He was in his late 70’s that year and was beloved.  Junior couldn't wait to get to church. Our family would arrive, streaming down the hallway one at a time, dragging bibles, diaper bags, and lots of other stuff.  And there would be Mr. L., waiting in the doorway of his classroom, calling, “There’s one of my kids!  Hi, Junior!!  Come in and get some donuts!”   Every time a child in his class celebrated a birthday (and that seemed to be every week), Mr. L. brought in donuts and pop.  Junior waited all year to celebrate her birthday in Sunday school, and Mr. L. didn’t let her down.

He never needed an assistant.  He never needed props.  No modern music ever pounded out of his room.   And he never missed a Sunday.  He was a beautiful, consistent, optimistic man who loved the Lord.  He was respected by adults and cherished by children.

We are celebrating Mr. L's move to Heaven this week.  Thank-you, Lord, for the blessing of knowing him in this life.

We really do try to head in the right direction as far as faith training.  But sometimes we don't do so well.  That's why we are so very, very grateful for the teachers, Sunday school workers, and children's pastors who partner with us.  However, in spite of all the best efforts, there are times when only the seeds of the concept get in.  Here are a few examples:

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Junior - 8 years ago

The Meaning of Christmas

"Today we learned that if Jesus didn't die and come alive again, we wouldn't have any reason to celebrate Christmas."

*parents impressed with her intellect*

"But I have no idea what that means. I only know I'm Mary and don't want to carry Jesus around anymore."

(All spoken with a dish towel on her head.) 

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Stewart - 5 or 6 years ago

The Power of Christ

 The house was quiet and everyone was supposedly snoozing quite late one night when Checkered and I were startled by a cry from Stewart.

"Mommy!  Daddy! I need you now!!!!!" 

We thought we knew what was going on.  Stewart hated sleeping in his own room.  We knew what plea was forthcoming, and we were prepared to tell him he had to stay in his room - no exceptions.  We were wrong.

"I need Jesus to live in my heart -- right now!!! Bibleman says if Jesus lives in your heart, his love is bigger than anything I'm afraid of, so help me get him in my heart.  I don't want to be afraid of the dark anymore, but I can't figure out how to get him inside of me."

Stewart still clearly remembers that prayer and what it meant.

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Kenseth - 2 years ago

The Omni-Present Christ

"Isn't it something how Jesus is with us everywhere?  He's in China and Kentucky and Hawaii and he's right here in our kitchen with us- all at the same time! 

I know he's here because he's sitting on my lap right now."

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Kahne - 2 days ago

God Made to be Man

"It's kind of confusing how God used to be half-God and half-man. 

 I've been trying to figure out which half was God. 

I don't think it's the bottom part because God probably doesn't fart."