Tuesday, May 27, 2008

School Shopping

Now that might sound like shopping for clothes, but we were actually looking at schools. With the new job and the move into Pekin, we as a family are looking at school options for Emily. This afternoon we visited Faith Baptist School here in Pekin. http://www.faithchristianofpekin.org/ It is a K-12 school located on Koch St. They have very high academic standards and teaching about the faith is a major part of the day. There are some differences from what Emily is used to. There is a strict dress code. Modesty is definitely the policy. There is a fine line between high standards and being legalistic. I don't want Emily to grow up thinking there are rules to follow to be one of God's children. However, having high clothing standards can make school a very safe place to be.
Please pray for us as we decide where our school will be next year. Thanks!

Friday, May 23, 2008

Graduation Weekend


Graduation weekend is here. The seniors of Pekin Community High School will be going through their commencement exercises on Sunday afternoon. The weather for that day looks fantastic and I am very excited to go and see it. This time of year can be filled with stress also. Houses need to be cleaned for open houses, and the prospect of leaving home and starting the next part of your life can be scary. This weekend I am preaching the services at Grace and we will be studying Matthew 6:25-34. In these verses Jesus teaches us about worry. He tells us that worry is not necessary. As a matter of fact, in verse 33 it says "seek first his kingdom and righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

Come this weekend and we will learn how to actually do that.
Of course, Congratulations Graduates!

Monday, May 19, 2008

Jr. High Missions

Last night we had our first jr. high parent and student mission meeting. We are going to the Midwest Distribution Center which is located in Chatham, IL. The students will be going down there to serve in the Center. This will be the first mission experience for these students, and the first for me here at Grace. We will be heading down on a Thursday and working all that day. Friday will also be a work day, with Saturday being a trip to Knights Action Park. The students we are taking are super, and I am so excited to have the opportunity to work with them.
This week is busy as graduation nears, and I am excited to see the students prepare to move on to the next phase of their lives.

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

TLC




Tuesday Morning. I am sitting here writing to you all as I listen to messages from Teen Leadership Conference 2007. http://www.bbc.edu/tlc/ This conference is very special to me. I went there in 2006 and it was there that I said to God, "God, I am willing to go wherever you would send me to do your will." At the time I was pretty sure that would mean full-time youth ministry. Little did I know that God would choose to use me and my family for full-time ministry right here in Pekin.


This past summer I was unable to attend TLC, because I was working for Pioneer. I have tried to listen to all the messages that took place that week. They definitely challenge me and cause to dig deep into God's word. The amazing thing is, these speakers are geared toward the students. I challenge all of you students out there to click on some of these speakers and take some time to listen to their Biblical challenges. Adults, you can benefit from the teaching also. Listen to God's word being taught, it can do wonderful things in your life.

Saturday, May 10, 2008

Long Time


It has been a while since I have put anything new up here! You will find a couple of pictures from our JOLT/YAM class game night. This past Wednesday was exciting as the sixth graders came up and joined our jr. high group. It was a full house and we had the chance to continue our study in the Book of Acts. We read about Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch. Philip is a good example for all of us to be prepared to share the Gospel with whoever we meet, wherever we meet them.
Don't forget that tomorrow is Mother's Day. Call your mother and tell her you love her, or maybe you will have the chance to see her in person. Not sure yet what our family plans are going to be. Emily and I have already got Leslie the perfect gift. (something she asked for) It is an angel for outside. She loves to decorate and garden outside. You will all be able to drive by and check it out soon.
Have a great day!

Friday, May 2, 2008

"That must stop now"

"That must stop now." Those were the words from my doctor yesterday after she asked if I was still playing softball. I had to go back, because my wrist hasn't been feeling any better. Now I am officially on the DL. She wants me to take the next 4 weeks off and begin physical therapy to get the wrist back to full strength. I love playing ball, so this is not great news. Now if you ask the coaches that I play for, they may have a different view of the news :) It has been a long time since I have had any kind of physical therapy. Unlike Chuck, who has spent the last few years of his life there.
I had a chance to go to Dragon Pride last night. It was a neat experience. Seeing all the students up there was downright awesome. There are so many great students who are doing great things at Pekin High School. The work that was displayed last night was very well done. I am very proud to be able to call a lot of these students friends. Keep up the good work!