iPhone Users

Do I have one?  NO!  But it is on my Christmas list.  Since becoming a mac user my list for changing to the iPhone has grown exponentially (my wife is rather annoyed).


Why am I telling you this?  Glad you asked.  You see, for all of you iPhone users out there TRU (our Kids Adventure curriculum) has developed a FREE iPhone app.  The app gives you HomeFront monthly and weekly editions on demand and at your fingertips.  Why is this so great?  Well, for those times when you're waiting on the dentist, riding in the car (when your spouse is driving, of course), sitting at home and the laptop battery is dead, at a moments notice you can pull up HF weekly and preview the upcoming week at Kids Adventure with your children.  The app is also loaded with features from HF monthly like:  recipes, games, storytelling, marriage and parenting articles, and more.


I've used the app (sorry Todd for drooling on your phone) and it is slick.  So, grab your iPhone (I wish!) and download the app now.  Go to the iTunes store and search TRU HomeFront.


ENJOY!

Forming Habits

Camp was a great experience.  Just two weeks ago we were packing our bags and making our final preparations for five days of fun.  We ended the week with a challenge; six weeks of Bible reading.  Someone said that it takes six weeks to develop a habit.  So, the challenge was to keep reading for an additional five weeks after we finished camp.

Some of them took this challenge.  One child asked me, "What should I read?"  My reply, "Use Homefront weekly.  It gives you a passage to read AND will get you ready for church each week."  "OK," was the reply, "I can do that."

Our children need our encouragement and guidance.  Take the lead by using Homefront.  Now is the time for us to help them develop habits that will impact them for a lifetime.  We're just beginning week 3.  If your child went to camp encourage them to keep up with the challenge.  Read with them.  Talk over the passage.  Your efforts now will pay off in the long run.

Kids Safari (Preschool & Kindergarten) Homefront weekly

Kids Summit (Elementary) Homefront Weekly

Don't forget Homefront Monthly.  You can find a link in last week's post titled "Dog Days".

THE BIG GOD STORY!

Some of you have heard this phrase from your child.  So, what is "The Big God Story" all about?  Why do we call it that?


It's pretty simple.  Every week at Kids Adventure we take time to focus on the Bible and the wonderful, true stories therein.  But we take a bit of a different approach.  We go from beginning to end in one year, stretching from Genesis to Revelation chronologically to help kids understand scripture as more than just a collection of short stories. God’s redemptive plan is woven throughout.  No dipping here and skipping there.


One more thing...the Big God Story isn't about a bunch of superhuman people who did superhuman things.  Rather, it is about regular people (like our children, you, me) who made a choice to follow God.  Then God, in His supernatural power, did amazing things in and through them.  So, if he can do this in people like Abraham, Moses, Esther, David, Peter, Mary, Paul, then why not us?


It's His Big Story and He wants you and me to be a part of it.  Dr. Michelle Anthony, Family Ministry Ambassador at RockHarbor Church in Costa Mesa, Ca. has developed this idea in her book called "The Big God Story".  It's a simple overview of the Bible from start to finish.


Here's a video narration of the book.  Check it out then show it to your children.

Culture? What's that?

I heard someone say something today that challenged the way I think.  I like that (usually).  Here's what he said, "Community is the heart of culture."  Yep, that's it!  I know, pretty deep.


So, I did what any good post-modern 40-something would do....I Googled the phrase.  To no surprise I got NOTHING.  Why?  I don't know.  One thought:  both are painfully slow things to develop and nobody wants to spend all of their time writing about something that most people don't want to take the time to read about.


Wiki defines culture as..."the set of shared attitudes, values, goals, and practices that characterizes an institution, organization or group".  Community is certainly at the heart of this definition.  So, if I want to be a part of a community then I join in.  But if I want to be a part of a culture then I give up my selfish ways for the good of the community.


So, with what culture(s) do you share common values, goals and practices?  Quite honestly, everyone is a part of a culture.  Unfortunately, many cultures lure us away from what is important.  Sometimes, that can even be our own churches!


I've been challenged to re-evaluate my community and culture:  family, work, small group and church, fun.  Why?  Because God called me to be a part of a culture that changes the world! You know, that whole salt and light thing.  What am I doing to develop a culture of Kingdom influence in the avenues of my life?


You know, I cannot think of a better place to develop a Kingdom influence than in my own family.  I have three daughters (and another on the way).  Chances are they will get married and have children of their own.  If I develop a Kingdom influence in them then I've multiplied my influence many times in the span of just two generations.  That's a culture worthy of my investment.


I challenge you to create a Kingdom culture.  After all, God isn't just our Savior, He's our King!

Dog Days

We're in the dog days of summer.  If you're like me the routine is getting a bit difficult now.  I don't even want to step outside because I know a blast of hot, humid summer will hit me square in the face.  My house needs painting.  My landscaping is in a bit of disrepair.  The grass needs watering.  DOG DAYS!!!


One thing I cannot compromise is my relationship with God and family.  Homefront is a great resource to keep me on track.  Take Homefront Weekly.  It gives me an overview of what is coming up for my children NEXT Sunday.  I can take the initiative to teach my children about what they will hear in church.  All of a sudden, I become the Bible teacher hero of my family.  When they arrive Sunday, they will be ready for a great review from a different perspective.  What a great opportunity for me!


Then there's Homefront Monthly.  It's packed with extras for me to do with the family through the month.  Games, recipes, stories, parenting and marriage articles.  Just what I need to conduct some meaningful time together with my family.


So, don't let the dog days get your spiritual routine down.  Use Homefront for a boost.


Check it out:
Homefront Monthly (Knowing)
Kids Safari (Preschool/Kindergarten) Homefront Weekly
Kids Summit (Elementary) Homefront Weekly

Camp Highlight Video

Here's what we've all been waiting for....our camp highlight video.  A huge shout out to Jennifer Collier who put this together for us.


Enjoy....

BEST CAMP EVER

Click on our facebook page tab above and check out pics from camp (more added daily).


This was the "BEST CAMP EVER"....

What a Week!

Campers and parents, we had an incredible week.  I want to start by saying a huge THANKS to all of our leaders.  We've never had a better crew of camp leaders than this year.  You went above and beyond the call.
To our moms and dads, you should be proud of your children.  They were very well behaved and came with open hearts.  While we had a few "moments" our week was filled with newly formed friendships and willingness to listen to God speak.


For those who accepted Jesus as Savior, I encouraged them to talk with their parents as soon as they got home.  For all of us, I gave a six week challenge.  Someone once said that it takes six weeks to develop a habit.  We spent one week in God's Word at camp.  The challenge is to spend the next five weeks in the Word.  This blog can be a help.  Each Monday we post a resource called HOMEFRONT.  Log on and click the link to download it.  Use it to help keep your child going in this challenge.


As we process video and pictures I'll post them here.  Hopefully before the weekend is over we will have our official highlight video.  Check back soon!


For now check out this group picture... (click to enlarge!)

Thanks for allowing us to share this great week with your child.  We look forward to our journey ahead as we RUN TO WIN together as a team.


Blessings,


Kevin

Courage To Go

WOW!  Hard to believe it's Friday already.  We're getting up and packing our bags, but we are not done yet.  


We had an AMAZING day yesterday.  Everyone is doing well.  Check these video clips out.
Here's a clip from AbiliT:

AND....go flying with Kendall on the blob:

Here's our final devotional moment.  Follow along with us:


COURAGE TO GO!

Stretch…

• What are some prizes that are given for winning a race?

Train…

Read Philippians 3: 12 – 14

• Paul confesses that he is not perfect, but what is he determined to do?
• What is the “prize” that Paul is striving for?
• What is Paul’s attitude?  What character traits does he display?

Read Colossians 3: 15 – 17

• What do you see in these verses that will help you to press on toward the prize?

Race…

• What can you do to run a better race for the goal?
• Read Hebrews 11: 6 … It all starts with FAITH!

We plan to arrive at the church by 3pm.  I will call the church when we are in Sedalia.  If you want to know our travel progress you can call the church at 524-6786.

See you this afternoon!

Blessings,

Kevin

Thursday Morning Update

Good morning!  We're ready for our LAST full day at camp.  Here's a video update...

Follow along with our kiddos and do today's devotion:


Correct Your Course:

Stretch…

• Describe things that would cause a person to not do well in a race.
• Have you ever seen someone stumble or fall in a race?

Train…

Several years ago when the Olympics were held in Barcelona, Spain, the world saw one of the greatest moments in Olympic history.  Derek Redmond, a young man from Britain, had dreamed all his life of winning a gold medal in the 400 meter race.  He had worked hard to get to the Olympics and his dream was within his reach.  He was in the semi-finals and was running the race of his life.  He could see the finish line just ahead as he rounded the final turn.  Suddenly, he felt a sharp pain in the back of his leg and he fell to the trace with a torn muscle in his right leg.

As the medical attendants ran toward him, Derek struggled to his feet.  He started to hop toward the finish line on one foot in an attempt to finish the race.  Suddenly, a large man came out of the stands, pushed aside a security guard and ran to Derek’s side.  It was Jim Redmond, Derek’s father.  “You don’t have to do this,” he told his son.  “Yes, I do,” said Derek. “Well, then,” said his father, “we are going to finish this together.” 

As they did, they stayed in Derek’s lane all the way to the end.  At first, the crowd watched in silence, then they rose to their feet and cheered… some even wept.

Derek Redmond didn’t win the gold medal, but he walked away with the incredible memory of a loving father who, when he saw his son in pain, left his seat in the stands to help him finish the race.

Read Hebrews 12: 1 – 2

Life is like a race that has been set before us.  We may struggle and face many obstacles, but we have a great crowd of witnesses who are cheering us on.  We have a Heavenly Father who loves us and will help us when the pain is too great.  We have a Savior, who left his place in heaven and came to earth to show us how to run the race.  If we will keep our eyes on him!

• What hinders a believer?  What cause us to fall?
• Who is cheering us on?
• Are we supposed to stop running or keep going?
• Where should our eyes be during the race? (verse 2)
• How do we keep going after a “fall?”

Race…

It’s very easy to walk around and think, “I’m not a sinner… I’m just as good as the other guys.  I don’t do much wrong.  And I would never really sin big.  Actually, I’m pretty good.”

Though God doesn’t want you to dwell on your mistakes, your sin, he certainly wants you to be more honest with yourself and realize that, “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”  It’s not about being as good as the other guys; it’s about pleasing God and getting rid of the sin that gets in the way of your relationship with Him.  The Lord desires for you to walk in His ways.  That’s how you are going to win the race!

• Read Psalm 139: 23 – 24 and quietly consider “is there an offensive way in me?

More to come later.  We feel your prayers and thank you for your support.  God is richly blessing our lives and we can't wait to come home to tell you all about it.

Blessings,

Kevin

Time to Worship....

Our Kids Summit Kids in worship.....

Hi Mom & Dad!!!!

Here's a special message to all of our camp parents.  ENJOY!

Commit Your Ways!

The first FULL day of camp is in the books.  BUT we're just getting started.  It's Wednesday morning and there is another day of incredible experiences in store for everyone.


Last night Todd Demott and the worship band presented the Gospel in music and art.  Here's a short clip of what that looked like...

Thanks for your prayers.  I'd say there were about seven children who "got in the race" by accepting Jesus as their personal Savior!  What a night.  Todd did an amazing job painting and explaining the good news of Jesus Christ.


Today's activities will include an extended recreation time this afternoon so all who want can participate in the Edge ropes course.  It's going to be amazing!  As always, the pool, lake blob and tubing will be available (and the air conditioned lodge...ahhhhh!).


Today's theme is "Commit Your Ways".  The Christian life isn't easy street.  We must be committed to run with patience and endurance.  Spend a moment today and go through our devotion with us.  Before you begin pray asking God to speak to you and your child today.

Stretch…

• If you were in a race, what do you think you would need to do to prepare?

Train…

Read 1 Corinthians 9: 24 - 25

Corinth is an ancient city in Greece.  At the time when Paul was writing, the population of Corinth was estimated to have been about 650,000 people.  Over 400,000 of those people were slaves.  The city would biannually host the Isthmian Games, the second largest games in Greece.  Slave owners would select the strongest and the fastest men and enter them into the competition.  Competing the in these games would give the slaves a chance to step away from their daily task and train.  To win a wreath (equivalent to a medal) in the competition would result in freedom for the slave.  It made the games quite intense, and Paul would have understood the power these sports had on the psyche of even the most casual fan in Greece.  Comparing faith to the competitive world of sports resonated with the people of Corinth, as it does with us today.

The verses say that everyone who competes in the games goes into very strict training and works very hard to win a prize.  Some people compete in the “game of life” for personal gain.  Perhaps they do it so that they can become famous, or be very popular, or to make a lot of money.  Paul says that their prize will not last. 

• What is the higher purpose we should live our life for?  What is the “prize” or “crown” that will last forever?
• How do we run the race well?  What can help us? 

God’s Word gives us some guidance.  Read and discuss these verses:

Acts 5: 19                        Dueteronomy 10: 12 – 13                        Proverbs 3: 5 – 6

Matthew 6: 33            Joshua 1: 9                                                Romans 12:  9 – 10

Race…

• Do you chase after things in life that will make you happy for the moment or forever?
• What are you doing to “run to win?”
• Be encouraged… read Philippians 1: 6

Thanks for your prayers.  God is working in our lives.  Have a great day.

More to come.....

Blessings,

Kevin

Off to the pool....

Yes, it's free time.  You know what that means....
TIME TO SWIM!  or some other aquatic activity.


It's been a HOT but super great morning here.  We're getting set for AbiliT auditions and tubing runs on the lake.  Here's a video update:

Back with you later today.  Thanks for your prayers.  All is well and we're having a wonderful time.


Blessings,
Kevin

Tuesday....Come When He Calls

Tuesday is here and we're ready for a full day of camp craziness!  Here's a preview of what's going on today..

More on today's happenings later.  But for now, how about taking a couple of minutes and reading through today's devotion?

Each day's devotion is divided into three parts:  Stretch, Train, and Race.  Let's get started.

Stretch…

• Have you ever competed in a race?
• To enter a race, what must you do?
• How do you feel when you are at the starting line, waiting for the start signal?

Train…

Let’s turn to Philippians.

Paul is writing this letter to the church of Philippi while he is chained to a guard, having been arrested on his second missionary journey.  The theme of “joy” permeates each verse of the book of Philippians.  How can that be if Paul is suffering in jail?

Paul has discovered that when you follow Christ you have new desires that go beyond what is familiar.  Something of greater value now dictates how he acts, speaks, feels, and relates to others.

Read Philippians 3:  8-10

• What is the response that Paul had as a result of knowing Christ? 

(note:  the word “know” in these verses means “to have a personal acquaintance or experience with”)

Paul realized that everything he used to think was important was nothing in light of knowing Christ.  He considered all else “rubbish” or trash.  For Paul, knowing Christ was worth more than all the treasures of the world!

• What is the first step in knowing Christ?
• What about God makes knowing Him so valuable?
• Why would Paul give up everything, and even suffer and die, for the sake of knowing Christ?

Race…

• Do you think you see knowing God as more valuable that your life?
• Read Romans 10: 9 – 13… Have you taken the first step in knowing Christ as your Savior and Lord?

As you can see, we will be presenting the Gospel today.  Please pray for your child's understanding of the good news of Jesus.  He is the way, the truth, and the life.  No one is right with God without first believing and trusting in Jesus.  

Thanks for your prayers.  Have a SUPER day.  I know we will!

Kevin

WE'RE HERE!

We made it!  Everyone has checked into rooms and we're preparing now for our orientation.  It's officially 100 degrees here.  Looks like we're in for a hot week.
One thing is for sure; this will be a great experience.  The band is warming up and they sound great.  We'll be watching a video from the "I Am Second" web site (Click here to go to iamsecond.com) by Bethany Hamilton - the gal who's life the movie Soul Surfer is based on.  The challenge:  To begin to think about why God made me.  Here we go....


......Off to a great start!  Thanks for your prayers.


Kevin

The Journey Begins!

We're packing up and loading the busses.  It's gonna be an awesome week at camp.  Parent's, this is the place for you to check up on all camp happenings.  I'll be blogging several times through the week.  Stay tuned for the latest scoop on what your kiddos are up to.

Please begin to cover your child and our camp experience with prayer.  God has set this appointed time for us to do a great work in our lives and I can't wait to see what He is going to do.

See you Friday!!!

Kevin