New Shoes

tevas.jpg

I recently bought a new pair of sports sandals. Actually I really needed a new pair quite some time ago but was perfectly content with the old ones. They served me well. We’ve been to a lot of places together. In work and play, we have been constant companions. We’ve been to relaxing tropical beaches and on rigorous hikes. We’ve also gone through a lot of trials and stress together. Imagine supporting a 100kg American on your back for just a few minutes! They’ve been carrying me almost every day for the last couple of years.

Forget the fact that the straps are frazzled, the bottoms are worn smooth, and one sniff by the city sanitation department would leave you with a citation for air pollution.

A pair of shoes becomes something of an old friend. Over time they have personally adapted themselves to my uniqueness. They are worn in all the right places. Wearing them is like a soothing massage rather than necessary equipment for my journeys. Unfortunately, the sole of my sandals became completely detached and there was nothing I could do to repair them.

So now I am wearing a new pair of shoes. I contemplated getting some brand-named Air Jordans. Of course everyone knows if you wear the same basketball shoes as Michael Jordan you will jump just like him. But I went back with the same brand I had before… just a newer, improved model. Even change has its limits sometimes!

Even though I psyched myself up for the new shoes, I wasn’t surprised when they were awkward on my feet and abrasive to my ankles. They have worn blisters on my feet on more than one occasion. They will be uncomfortable for some time, but as my old shoes are forever gone, I couldn’t go back to my old comfortable ones.

In spite of the awkwardness and abrasiveness, I have to press on. The change, though it has its painful moments, is a necessary step in my journey.

No one would consider a change of shoes to be among the most significant events in life. But basic principles seem to be surprisingly similar in any area of change, including those changes that need to occur regularly in our lives and churches. Change rarely, if ever, comes easily or automatically. Often change only occurs when we find ourselves in a situation where we are not given a choice. Its either change or be forever stopped in your tracks. Changes initially tend to be awkward, even abrasive. It always takes a little time to settle into any change.

Several months later, guess what? The new shoes will become increasingly comfortable. And in time change will again be needed. Then the process begins anew.

Is there something in your life that needs to be renewed?
Have you been resisting change because things are comfortable?
Has your soul become detached and stopped you spiritually dead in your tracks?

Maybe its time for you to make that change in life you have been resisting! Things might be a little awkward or even abrasive for a while, but its a necessary step for you to move forward in the journey God has prepared for you!

This devotional on New Shoes and Change could be easily adapted as an object lesson or Children’s sermon.

MORE IDEAS? See “Creative Object Lessons”
200 page e-book that explains everything you need to know when planning your very own object lessons. It contains 90 fully developed object lesson ideas and another 200 object lesson starter ideas based on Biblical idioms and Names / Descriptions of God.
Learn More…


Get "Destined to Win" Youth Bible Study Series
Destined to Win
Need a Youth Camp/ Bible Study Series on “Running the Christian Race”?

The race as a metaphor for the Christian life is used in several places in the Bible. This series is a great follow up for new Christians or to re-emphasize the basics of our spiritual Journey in the Faith. This Bible Study / Camp Curriculum has a sports theme and is great for athletes as well as a tie in to the youth Olympic Games.
->Tell me about “Destined to Win”

To God be the Glory

“How can I say thanks for the things you have done for me–
Things so undeserved, yet You give to prove Your love for me?
The voices of a million angels could not express my gratitude–
All that I am and ever hope to be, I owe it all to Thee.

To God be the glory, to God be the Glory;
To God be the glory for the things He has done.
With His blood He has saved me; with His power He has raised me;
To God be the glory for the things He has done.

Just let me live my life; let it be pleasing, Lord, to Thee.
And should I gain any praise, let it go to Calvary…

With His blood He has saved me; with His power He has raised me;
To God be the glory for things He has done.”

Author: Andrae Crouch

Get Creative Youth Ideas: "Holiday Collection" ebook Holiday Collection
Games and Activities in Celebration of common Holidays.

Creative Holiday Ideas has over 300 pages of ideas to help you plan your next New Year’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Halloween or Fall Festival, and Thanksgiving event. If you’ve ever wondered what you’re going to do for all these holidays and how you’re going to do it, this resource is for you.

=> Tell me more about the Holiday Collection

Autumn

“Of all the seasons, autumn is my favorite. There’s a feel about it, a distinct and undeniable aura that surrounds it. Being a football freak, I naturally would favor autumn. But of course it’s much deeper than that.

Those leaves are part of it. What color, what artistry! Crisp, frosty mornings also help. What a refreshing change from oppressively hot afternoons and sweltering nights! Then there is a helpful return to routine as school starts. And along comes Thanksgiving, a nostalgic reminder that God has indeed ‘shed His grace on thee.’ The firewood is cut. The pumpkins are getting bigger. Our hearts are overflowing.

Let’s think of autumn as a season of reflection. Time to gain new perspective. To stroll along the back roads of our minds. To think about what. And where. And why. Such visits through the museum of memory never fail to assist us in evaluating the way we were and establishing the way we want to be. This implies change, another reason autumn seems to represent a season of reflection. It’s during this season the foliage changes. And the weather changes. And the time changes. Birds make their annual journey southward. Squirrels finish storing their nuts. Salmon start their phenomenal swim back to their spawning grounds. And many of the larger animals take their final stretch before curling up for a long winter’s nap. With incredible consistency, all these creatures in the natural world act out their individual pageants without external instruction or some script to follow.

Quiety, without flare or fanfare, God graciously moves upon our lives, taking us from summer to autumn, a season when He mysteriously writes His agenda on the tablets of our hearts. Patiently He waits for change to begin. Without exception, it does. And we reflect on that as well.

Has autumn arrived in your life? Think before you answer. Close your eyes for a minute or so and consider what God has been doing deep within your heart.”

Charles R. Swindoll “Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life” (Multnomah Press)


MORE IDEAS? See “Creative Object Lessons”

200 page e-book that explains everything you need to know when planning your very own object lessons. It contains 90 fully developed object lesson ideas and another 200 object lesson starter ideas based on Biblical idioms and Names / Descriptions of God.

Learn More…

Thanksgiving Cookbook

by Mrs. Geraghty’s Kindergarten Class

NOTE: Mrs. Geraghty will not be responsible for medical bills resulting from use of her cookbook.

Russell — Turkey: You cut the turkey up and put it in the oven for ten minutes and 300 degrees. You put gravy on it and eat it.

Geremy — Turkey: You buy the turkey and take the paper off. Then you put it in the refrigerator and take it back out and cut it with a knife and make sure all the wires are out and take out the neck and heart. Then you put it in a big pan and cook it for half an hour at 80 degrees. Then you invite people over and eat.

Andrew — Pizza: Buy some dough, some cheese and pepperoni. Then you cook it for 10 hours at 5 degrees. Then you eat it.

Shelby — Applesauce: Go to the store and buy some apples, and then you squish them up. Then you put them in a jar that says, “Applesauce.” Then you eat it.

Meghan H. — Turkey: You cut it into 16 pieces and then you leave it in the oven for 15 minutes and 4 degrees. You take it out and let it cool and then after 5 minutes, then you eat it.

Danny — Turkey: You put some salt on it to make it taste good. Then you put it in the oven. Then you cook it for an hour at 5 degrees. Then you eat it.

Brandon — Turkey: First you buy it at Fred Meyer. Then you cut it up and cook it for 15 hours at 200 degrees. Then you take it out and eat it.

Megan K — Chicken: You put it in the oven for 25 minutes and 25 degrees and put gravy on it and eat it.

Christa — Cookies: Buy some dough and smash it and cut them out. Then put them in the oven for 2 hours at 100 degrees. Then take them out and dry them off. Then it’s time to eat them.

Irene — Turkey: Put it on a plate and put it in the oven with gravy. You cook it for 1 minute and for 100 degrees. Then it’s all cooked. Your mom or dad cuts it and then eat.

Moriah — Turkey: First you cut the bones out. Then you put it in the oven for 10 hours at 600 degrees. Then you put it on the table and eat it.

Vincent — Turkey: You cut and put sauce on it. Then you cook it for 18 minutes at 19 degrees. Then you eat it with stuffing.

Jordyn — Turkey: First you have to cut it up and put it on a plate in the oven for 9 minutes and 18 degrees. Then you dig it out of the oven and eat it.

Grace — Turkey: First you add some salt. Then you put it in a bowl. Then you put brown sugar on it. Then you mix it all together with a spoon and then you add some milk and mix it again. And then you put it in a pan. Then you put it in the oven for 15 minutes and 16 degrees. Then you take it out of the oven and then you eat it.

Alan — Turkey: First you shoot it and then you cut it. And then you put it in the oven and cook it for 10 minutes and 20 degrees. You put it on plates and then you eat it.

Jordan Salvatore — Turkey: First you put it in the oven for 15 minutes at 100 degrees. Then you cut it up and then you eat it.

Jordan Simons — Chocolate Pudding: Buy some chocolate pudding mix. Then you add the milk. Then you add the pudding mix. Then you stir it. Then you put it in the refrigerator and wait for it to get hard. Then you eat it.

Whitney — Turkey: Cut it and put it in the oven for 50 minutes at 60 degrees and then you eat it.

Jason — Chicken Pie: Put the chicken in the pot and put the salad and cheese and mustard and then you mix it all together. Then put chicken sauce and stir it all around again. Then you cook it for 5 minutes at 9 degrees. Then you eat it.

Ivette — Banana Pie: You buy some bananas and crust. Then you mash them up and put them in the pie. Then you eat it.

Christopher — Pumpkin Pie: First you buy a pumpkin and smash it. Then it is all done. And you cook it in the oven for 12 minutes and 4 degrees. Then you eat it.

Christine — Turkey: First you buy the turkey. Then you cook it for 5 hours and 5 degrees. Then you cut it up and you eat it.

Ashley — Chicken: Put it in the oven. Then cut it up. Then I eat it.

Jennie — Corn: My mom buys it. Then you throw it. Then you cook it. Then you eat it.

Jordan — Cranberry Pie: Put cranberry juice in it. Then you put berries in it. Then you put dough in it. Then you bake it. Then you eat it.

Adam — Pumpkin Pie: First you put pumpkin seeds in it. Put it in a pan and bake it at 5 degrees for 6 minutes. Then take it out and eat it.

Jarryd — Deer Jerky: Put it in the oven overnight at 20 degrees. Then you go hunting and bring it with you. Then you eat it.

Christina — Turkey: Get the turkey. Put it in the oven. Cook it for 43 minutes at 35 degrees. Put it on a plate, cut it up, then eat it.

Joplyn — Apple Pie: Take some apples, mash them up. Take some bread and make a pie with it. Get some dough and squish it. Shape the dough into a pie shape. Put the apples in it. Then bake it at 9 degrees for 15 minutes.

Isabelle — Spaghetti: Put those red things in it. Then put the spaghetti in it. Then cook it in the oven for 2 minutes at 8 degrees.

Bailey — Chicken: Put pepper and spices on it. Cook for one hour at 60 degrees. Then eat it.

Nicholas — White and Brown Pudding: First you read the wrapper. Get a piece of water. Stir. Then you eat it.

Sean — Turkey: Put it in the oven for 5 minutes at 55 degrees. Take it out and eat it.

Lauren — Turkey: First you find a turkey and kill it. Cut it open. Put it in a pan. Pour milk in the pan. Put a little chicken with it. Put salsa on it. Take out of pan. Put it on the board. Cut into little pieces. Put on a rack. Put in the oven for 7 minutes at 10 degrees. Take out of the oven and put eensy weensy bit of sugar on it. Put a little more salsa on it. Then you eat it.

Olivia — Corn: Get hot water and put on stove. Wait for 8 minutes. Put corn in. Then put it on a plate. Then eat.

Siera — Pumpkin Pie: Get some pumpkin and dough for the crust. Get pumpkin pie cinnamon. Cook it for 20 minutes at 10 degrees.

Kayla — Turkey: Buy it. Take it home. Then you cook it. Put it in the oven for 1 hour. Take it out of the oven. Put it on a plate. Then you eat it.

Tommy — Pumpkin Pie: Get a pumpkin. Cook it. Eat it.

Get Creative Youth Ideas: "Holiday Collection" ebook Holiday Collection
Games and Activities in Celebration of common Holidays.

Creative Holiday Ideas has over 300 pages of ideas to help you plan your next New Year’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Halloween or Fall Festival, and Thanksgiving event. If you’ve ever wondered what you’re going to do for all these holidays and how you’re going to do it, this resource is for you.

=> Tell me more about the Holiday Collection

Thanksgiving is Coming

When I was a young turkey, new to the coop
My big brother Mike took me out on the stoop,
Then he sat me down, and he spoke real slow,
And he told me there was something that I had to know.

His look and his tone I will always remember,
When he told me of the horrors of ….Black November,
“Come about August, now listen to me,
Each day you’ll get six meals instead of just three.

“And soon you’ll be thick, where once you were thin,
and you’ll grow a big rubbery thing under your chin,”
“And then one morning, when you’re warm in your bed,
In’ll burst the farmer’s wife, and hack off your head.”

“Then she’ll pluck out your feathers so you’re bald and pink,
Scoop out your insides and leave ya lyin’ in the sink.”
“And then comes the worst part” he said, almost blushing
“She’ll spread your cheeks and pack you with stuffing.”

Well, the rest of his words were too grim to repeat,
I sat on the stoop like a winged piece of meat,
And decide right then that not to be cooked,
I’d have to lay low and remain overlooked.

I began a new diet of nuts and granola,
High-roughage salads, juice and diet cola,
And as they ate pastries, chocolates and crepes,
I stayed in my room doing Jane Fonda tapes.

I maintained my weight of two pounds and a half,
And tried not to notice when the bigger birds laughed,
But ’twas I who was laughing, under my breath,
As they chomped and they chewed, ever closer to death.

And sure enough when Black November rolled around,
I was the last turkey left in the entire compound,
So now I’m a pet in the farmer’s wife’s lap,
I haven’t a worry, so I eat and I nap.

She held me today, while sewing and humming,
And smiled at me and said “Christmas is coming…..”

Author Unknown

Get Creative Youth Ideas: "Holiday Collection" ebook Holiday Collection
Games and Activities in Celebration of common Holidays.

Creative Holiday Ideas has over 300 pages of ideas to help you plan your next New Year’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Halloween or Fall Festival, and Thanksgiving event. If you’ve ever wondered what you’re going to do for all these holidays and how you’re going to do it, this resource is for you.

=> Tell me more about the Holiday Collection

God’s Voice Mail

What if God had voice mail ?

Imagine praying and hearing this:
“Thank you for calling My Father’s House. Please select one of the following four options:
Press 1 for requests…
press 2 for thanksgiving….
press 3 for complaints…
and Press 4 for all other inquiries.”

What if God used the familiar excuse:
“All the angels are helping other customers right now. Please stay on the line…your call will be
answered in the order it was received.”

Can you imagine getting these kind of responses as you called on God in prayer!…
“If you would like to speak with Gabriel, press 1..
Michael, press 2…
for any other angel, press 3.
And if you would like King David to sing psalm for you, press 4.”

“To find out if a loved one has been assigned to Heaven, enter his or her social security number.”

“For reservations at My Father’s House, press the letters J-O-H-N followed by the numbers 316.
For answers to nagging questions about dinosaurs, the age of the earth and where Noah’s ark is,
wait until you get here”.

“Our computers show that you have called once today already. Please hang up immediately. This office is closed for the weekend. Please call again on Monday after 9:00 a.m.”

Thank God!…you don’t call Him too often…. you only need to ring once and God hears you. You’ll never get a busy signal. God takes each call and knows each caller personally.

“When you call, the Lord will answer. You will cry for help and He will say “Here I am.” ” Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me when you search for me with all your heart.” (Jer 29:12-13).

Thank goodness I have never called Him and was told His computer was down.

-Author Unknown

Get Icebreakers ebookIcebreakers Ahead: Take It To the Next Level

This 170 page resource not only provides 52 of the world’s most popular group icebreaker activities and games, but also includes lesson ideas and discussion questions to smoothly transition into conversations about the issues common to most groups.

Click here to find out how to get your hands on this incredible resource!

Thanksgiving Ideas

During the month of November many people in the United States are beginning to turn their attention toward Thanksgiving. There are a host of game ideas, devotions, and other creative ideas for Thanksgiving on the “Creative Youth Ideas” website…. All you need to do to access them is to type “Thanksgiving” into the search box or just click here

I will be adding more through the month!
Enjoy!

Ken