If - Then

by Mollie

The promises in the Bible are good. Like really good.  God promises all sorts of good things that would seem PERFECT in our lives RIGHT NOW.  So often I forget the first part of those verses: the "if"

Isaiah 58:9-11 says.

  "you will call, and the LORD will answer;

   you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.

   IF you do away with the yoke of oppression,

   with the pointing finger and malicious talk, 

and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed,

then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. 

The LORD will guide you always;  he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. 

You will be like a well-watered garden,  like a spring whose waters never fail."

 My friend, Holly, brought this verse to my attention and I really like the last part. "a well-watered garden"  Peaceful, lush, serene... are you picturing it with me?!?

Its the "IF" in those verses that are gonna get me. 

  The Message puts it like this:

  What I'm interested in seeing you do is: 

   sharing your food with the hungry, 

   inviting the homeless poor into your homes, 

   putting clothes on the shivering ill-clad, 

   being available to your own families.

Do this and the lights will turn on, 

   and your lives will turn around at once.

Your righteousness will pave your way. 

   The God of glory will secure your passage.

Then when you pray, God will answer. 

   You'll call out for help and I'll say, 'Here I am.'

God is good and He continually blesses us more than we could ever expect, but some of those promises have an "if"  

Things I should already be doing...  

I hope you and your family have a fantastic week!

Blessings,

  

Want to go on a date?

by Mollie

  Let us help.  Kids Ministry is hosting a date night for the families in the church.  Saturday, February 11th from 5-7pm.  Its for ages 3-9 only and the cost is $5 per kiddo.  We have some really fun games, activities, and snacks planned.  Your kids will have a GREAT time and you get a night out that is easy on the wallet.

There are limited spaces so make sure to sign up quickly!! Sign ups start on Sunday. 

I hope this allows you and your sweetie a night out!

ALSO

THIS Sunday is Missionary Sunday! The team that went to El Salvador will be sharing about their trip with our 1st - 5th graders.  This is ONLY 2nd service so make sure to be there!!  

Blessings,

  

Changing Times...

by Mollie

   We have an incredible staff here at GVC.  I am really blessed by a lot of these people, but nothing is better than our staff meetings.  We get the privilege of doing a devotional together at the beginning and I am always challenged.

 This month our Jr. High Director, Andrew, did a devotional about how God doesn't change.

  Its a simple concept on the surface, God doesn't change.  Then you start to think about all the things that do change: the weather, kids, family dynamics, routines, seasons, etc. God stays consistent through all of it.

  I have a routine with my girls.  We get up at the same time everyday, eat our meals around the same time, take naps, etc.  When we are off our "schedule" they are grumpy and it makes things difficult.  My girls are comforted by consistency.  Don't you think that rings true about our relationship with God?  God is consistent, He is our comforter.

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."  James 1:17


p.s.  our staff is also pretty cool too... we played around the world ping pong after the meeting! 

Blessings,

Meet Nicole!

by Mollie

 Take a minute to get to know our new(ish) Co-Director Nicole!!



  Click HERE to read her profile! Don't even get me started about how grateful I am for this girl!!

Blessings,

 

The Final Six - Prayer

by Mollie

  This is it.. The final 6 ways to pray over your kiddos.

#26:  The willingness and ability to work hard. "Teach them, Lord, to value work and to work hard at everything they do, 'as working for the Lord, not for human masters'"  (Col 3:23)

#27:  A passion for God. "Instill in them, Lord, a soul that 'followeth hard after thee,' a heart that clings passionately to you (Ps 63:8)

#28: Self-discipline.  "Father, may they develop self-discipline, that they may acquire 'a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair" (Prov 1:3)

#29:  Prayerfulness. "Grant, Lord, that their lives may be marked by prayerfulness, that they may learn to 'pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests'" (Eph 6:18)

#30:  Gratitude. 'help them to live lives 'overflowing with thankfulness'; that they may be always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ'" (Col 2:7)

#31:  A heart for missions. "Lord, please develop in them a desire to see your glory declared among the nations, your marvelous deeds among all peoples" (Ps 96:3)


  I know that my family and I have enjoyed praying through these.

If you missed the first segments you can find them here:

Numbers 1-10
Numbers 11-15
Numbers 16-20
Numbers 21-25


Blessings!

 

New Years Resolutions

by Mollie

 ** We are taking a quick break from the prayer lists to celebrate the new year!

 I hope that you and your families has a spectacular new year!  I know I stayed up way too late, but it was SUPER fun!  Our family had a super competitive game of Cranium going on, HYSTERICAL!!

  Ronnie and I don't typically set resolutions but this year we decided to bite the bullet and do it.  We each set individual resolutions.  Both of us are going to try to be more disciplined: with devotionals, working out, eating healthy, etc.  We also set a family resolution: we decided to do one generous act each month for the entire year.  This is going to span from making lunches, doing someones yard, helping someone move, etc.  This month we decided to go and visit one of the elderly homes in Rancho Bernardo, we are going to take the kiddos and just go spend some time visiting and chatting.  I'm really excited to see how these acts are going to influence our family and our girls.

  I also set a couple resolutions for the GVC kids ministry.  Here they are:

 #1:  That this ministry would be family based.  Through Sunday School and other events, we (staff) would be able to empower and equip parents to have spiritual conversations at home with their kiddos.

#2:  This blog would serve as a tool for families to relate and connect with one another.  Please follow and leave comments.  I want to hear what is going on with your families and I know everyone else does too!

  I can't wait to start this new year, I KNOW God has big things in store!

Blessings,