Boys on a Mission

We've just returned from a children's ministry mission trip.  It was a little bitter sweet due to the fact that this was Tommy and Trey's last mission trip as part of the children's ministry drama team.  Soon they will be heading off to student ministry, where I'm sure their mission adventures will continue.
As with most mission trips, the people who go are as ministered to as the people they visit.

This group of mostly tweens spent four days sharing the gospel in Gatlinburg, TN.  People were willing to take in their message because of their age and the level of confidence they displayed in sharing their faith.  I noticed three different reactions to our group. 

1. People were amazed at them and would stop and listen to everything and soak it in. 
2. People would wonder at their willingness to share so boldly and be encouraged to do similar things with children at their church.
3. People would totally pass them by, but would still take notice.

Our leaders were also encouraged by them.  Listening to their sweet prayers before each event.  Hearing their insights on the events of the day.  Watching them grow as they completed daily Bible readings and prayer journals.  Watching them bond as a team, as a family of believers.  The joy that comes from seeing them encourage one another is incomparable. 

Of course there was plenty of time for fun! 

 

I mean- what boy could resist baked beans!!!

 

We hit "watering holes", raced go carts, go lost on narrow mountain roads, and went on picnics too!

 

They had a great time sharing their faith with their church family.  We don't have to worry about their self esteem when they've got Jesus esteem- when they know who they are in Christ. 

I know a lot of moms that worry about if they teach their kids too much about Jesus their kids will turn out weird.  Jesus doesn't want your kid to be weird, but He does want them to be different.  This kind of different is exactly what I want my tweens to be!

Breezing into Back to School Mode

Back to school time is expensive- especially for large families.  So how can you be frugal but keep teens and tweens happy?  For us, it starts with keeping that expense in mind when making summer plans.  Saving up for all the supplies, fees, and clothes before planning that beach trip or even an extra movie/dinner out. 

The Hagerty Top Tips for Breezing into School

Be honest with your kids- we can't afford it all at once and you don't need everything

keep the need v. want talk going

make a list of needs- if they find something they want, allow them to purchase with their own money if they just have to have it.  But stick to your list- only buy what's on the need list

Start early and spread the buying out

 

Our Buying Schedule

At the end of June, we purchased the school supply lists

In mid July, we purchased clothing- NEEDS ONLY

At the end of July, we will buy shoes and socks

Mid August, we will be ready to shell out money daily for awhile for team uniforms, club dues, memberships, and lunches.

 

How do we buy affordable and fashionable clothing for 4 teens/tweens?

Before shopping we go over the needs list

We plan to shop for clearance and sale items only

Our first stop is ALWAYS at our favorite Thrift store in Buford- for as long as they can remember, we've had a rule that if you do not try on clothes at this store you may not try on clothes at the mall.  They always roll their eyes at the mention of it, but are never disappointed with their finds.  Today alone at this store we bought 3 dresses, 1 pair of jeans, 1 pair of shorts, and a jean jacket for $30.

 

There's no fighting or fit pitching.  Everyone knows before we leave the house what the plan is and we have a fun day out as a family together.  Hopefully they are learning to budget, discern between wants and needs, and learning to be content with what they have. 

 

We love them enough to teach them to make wise choices.

 

 

 

 

 





Lazy Days of Summer??

Well, summer IS a little more laid back these days... but certainly not lazy!  And, only laid back because we are very intentional about keeping a steady pace! 

 

With so many mission trips, field trips, day camps, overnight camps, and more to choose from- we have to be real choosey about what we do.  Sure, we could do them all.  But....should we? 
We're teaching these guys about boundaries, right?  Just cause we can doesn't me we should- no matter how much we want to.  So some may ask (and have) how do you decide?  Others look at us and say- you do it all!  Our kids look at us and want to do even more.  Here's the short of it:

• prayerfully consider the events or activities and the impact they will have
• will it prevent us from worshiping (will we be too tired or behind on grocery shopping/laundry)
• consider if there is adequate down time between events/activities to be still
• can we financially afford it (little eyes are still watching)

I hear- but Amanda, not everything is church related?  I guess what they mean is not every decision can be left up to God?  We disagree.  No decision should be made without God.  When making decisions about your teen or tween, there is no greater name to seek out than Jesus.  

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.  Proverbs 3: 5-6