VBS – YES!

Wow!  What a week of community outreach to kids!  We had over 300 kids each day and 353 was our one day high, with 0ver 40 decisions of commitment or rededication.   It was such a joy to get to know so many kids and their friends.  The best part of all is that sooo many kids heard the Gospel message “Thanks be to God who gives us the victory, through our Lord, Jesus Christ” .  Through pumped live music, well-planned lessons, Bible Verses, & love,  it is our prayer that the foundation was laid for kids to be drawn to Jesus as they mature.  It was a beautiful sight to walk by each room and see the teachers & leaders pouring themselves into their students.  Kids were the “CENTRAL” focus and I was thrilled with the outcome!  PRAISE THE LORD!

“Reaching Kids Together”,  Miss Denise

 

 

Happy Mother’s Day!

Jonathan & Elaine, Hillary & Jason

I just got back from vacation, a little tired, but very refreshed.  Our daughter-in-law, Elaine, graduated from Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida.  We were so proud of her hard work.  What a week of celebration with our family.  I am so thankful for the “gifts” the Lord has allowed our sons to choose as wives.

Rick and I faithfully prayed from the time our sons were in my belly for their future wives.  Rick would intentionally point out things in me (thankfully, the good stuff – ha!) to our sons that he loved in me as a Christian woman.  It is important to continually pray for our children and their paths, while intentionally teaching God’s ways.

Being a mother is such a big responsibility in so many ways, but the most important of all is to strive to reflect Christ in all you do….perfectly? No, but consistently and honestly as we invest into this generation… so they will invest in the next.  Wow!  What a legacy to represent Christ and let Him flow through us as we lead His children…”in the way they should go”.

“Reaching Kids Together”,    Miss Denise

It’s Unfair!

Ever play a game and sides are uneven?  “Hey, it’s unfair”!   Someone you love is sick, financial burdens, offenses, the list goes on and on that sometimes we experience something as unfair.  I’m doing a series on “Victory” in CCA Chapel, looking at various battles in the Bible and pulling out truths we need to realize in our daily living…such as ”unfair” battles we sometimes face.  King Jehoshaphat (II Chronicles 20:6-19, 20-22) had 3 armies coming vs. his 1 army…what did he do…freak out and complain?  No, he prayed and remembered God’s Power, Promises, then he sent the choir 1st singing and praising God!  Wow!  The Lord then took care of the situation!  Isn’t it exciting to realize that when we begin to worship our Awesome God…we experience His power to trust Him for the Victory and “He will direct our paths” through any “unfair” situation we face.  Worship is not just a nice thing we should do…it’s powerful! 

The 1st Sunday of each month and some special services through the year, you have the opportunity to worship together as a family in the main sanctuary.  Let your children see the importance of worship in your life, even when at home, in the car, etc.  It’s powerful!

“Reaching Kids Together”, Miss Denise

2011 Breakaway Retreat – So Fun!

We had 8 kids from Central to attend the 2011 Breakaway Retreat in Carlisle, PA.  The theme this year was “ComPASSIONate Kids”, a mission’s focus on Compassion that is more like Jesus everyday.  Pastor Jeremiah Gruber, the main speaker, did a super job each session.  I loved watching the kids have LOTS of fun together, but most of all having some personal encounters with Him about  how to “Pray, Give, Go” right where they are, while having Christ-like Compassion for those in need around the world.  We are a blessed nation…I believe with that blessing comes responsibility, mainly Compassion for others through Jesus Christ our Lord.   I encourage you to 1.  Continually share with your children the importance to be thankful to God each day,  2.  Be proactive as families in helping those in need, both physically and spiritually, and  3. Demonstrate Christ-like Compassion in our homes.     

“Reaching Kids Together”,                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Miss Denise

It’s Official!

Hey, Everyone,

“Miss Denise’s Blog” is officially up and running!  It is exciting to try new ways to communicate with so many.  I look forward to sharing my thoughts, experiences, and whatever the Lord puts on my heart.   Hopefully, this site can be a little tool to encourage you as you continually “train up a child in the way he should go…”  Proverbs 22:6

Also, I want to see what has been successful in your experiences, too!

“Reaching Kids Together”,        Miss Denise