I ♥ VBS

Noah is attending Vacation Bible School this week at our church.  He's been going since he was big enough to walk up the tall steps leading into the front doors.  In those days, I'd park and walk him all the way in, his little hand tucked in mine.  I always left in comfort knowing his big brother, Austin, would be there, just a few rows back keeping an eye on him.  Seems unreal now that Noah's so grown, more than able to go into the church on his own.  In fact, this year will be his last as a VBS student at Beaver Dam Baptist.

Sending him off yesterday brought back memories of my own childhood and summers spent at VBS.  As we spent much of our summer between our grandparent's houses anyway, the week of VBS we would "move in" to Grandma and Grandpa Coons' house.  Grandpa was pastor of Garden Green Baptist and since church was a family affair there we were not only students, but assistants, teachers, helpers and anything else they needed!  I literally grew up through the years at VBS, from being the cute little youngster singing "This little light of mine" to teaching a teen class (as a teenager myself), to coming back as an adult leader all those years later. 

My fondest memories include the hours spent preparing with my Aunt Becky, Grandma, and Grandpa in the weeks leading up to Bible school...coloring and designing posters....the annual parade we'd walk as a group in the neighborhood by the church...the smell of the Baptist Bookstore where we'd pick up supplies...the sharp contrast of lemonade and cookies in my mouth...how proud I was the year I learned all our pledges without reading the overhead projector...(overhead projectors!)...ARTS & CRAFTS!!!...glue on my fingers...feeling Jesus in my heart! 

And then as an adult...feeding my childhood fantasy of becoming a teacher, if only for one week a year...lesson plans...school supply shopping...organizing and planning...and greatest of all, sharing Jesus with the children, seeing it click, and watching them come forward later in the week.  There is no greater honor than helping a child become a Christian and being there for those first steps.

Thinking back to all those moments makes me realize how much I miss it.  Unfortunately, our church holds VBS during the day so I've never been able to volunteer.  But, maybe someday soon.  Until then, I'll live vicariously through Noah, as he excitedly tells me about his day and the fun he had at Vacation Bible School!

A life changed

We recognized our youth pastor today for serving 25 years in the church...amazing accomplishment!  It would be difficult to imagine how many lives he's touched within that time, but through many surprises and tributes, our church tried to show him. 

Even arriving to church early this morning, it was a task trying to find a parking spot.  Noah commented that it looked like Easter Sunday with the crowd we had!  We ducked into a seat near the back and watched as the pews quickly filled to capacity.  The choir soon mirrored the crowd, as it overflowed with past and present youth choir members. 

As Doug stepped into the baptismal and looked out into the sanctuary, I hope the large number of supporters was evidence of the impact his service has made.  The rest of the morning was filled with a sweet mixture of laughter and tears, as former and current youth led the service.  A most touching moment was when they called Doug and Jennifer up to sit in front of the church and signed to the song "thank you" which tells a story of a man gone to Heaven and seeing all those who's lives he touched.  As the chorus sang, "Thank you for giving to the Lord...I am a life that was changed.  Thank you for giving to the Lord.  I am so glad you gave,"  dozens of former youth lined the walls.

I must admit some of my tears were bittersweet, in wishing Austin had been there with us in this celebration.  I know he would've been right there among the others, with that big beautiful smile and would've had one giant bear hug to share with Doug afterwards.  Though Austin only had him as a youth leader a little over two years, Doug certainly made an impact in his life.  He looked up to Doug and truly, there isn't a much better role model out there.  They both shared a love of baseball, for God, and of giving wonderful hugs.  I am ever grateful Austin had the opportunity to know Doug and have him in his life because I know he was a great Christian influence for him.

Doug and Jennifer have been so supportive to our family through the years, especially the past six.  Not being steady regulars to his Sunday school class it was a loving shock to me when the group took such great care of us after our wreck in 2005.  From fully cooked meals, to offers to mow the yard, they were there.  Most importantly they prayed with us and for us.  And this support came again just a few years ago when we lost Austin.  In fact, Doug will always hold a very special place in my heart because of his love for our family during that time.

Our pastor had recently retired before Austin's passing and we struggled with who to ask to lead his service.  Tim and I both instantly thought of Doug, because both as our Sunday school teacher and as Austin's youth leader, he held a special place in our family's lives. 

It bothered me though when I learned that Austin's would be his first funeral service to lead and I worried that we'd placed a burden on him that maybe he wasn't prepared for.  And although I know that service was most difficult for him, he could not have done a better job.  He spoke so lovingly and eloquently of Austin and shared more than I could ever have envisioned.  It was a beautiful eulogy that captured the essence of who Austin was.  At the end, Doug shared about the great hugs that Austin was known for and challenged the room to "Hug Somebody" for him.  You can click on the link to see what an impact that made. 

This morning, when a youth led the children's message and sent them off with the same phrase to "hug somebody" my arms were covered with goosebumps and tears once again filled my eyes.  I couldn't help but feel that was a sign Austin was in the room, cheering on Doug, just as he will be (much like the song) when he greets him in Heaven someday.  His life, as well as our entire family's, have all been changed because of the service and heart of the King family.  And we, are joyfully, so glad they gave!

Hallowed Fun Night!

You know how some people say..."it isn't Thanksgiving without the turkey and dressing"...or "it doesn't feel like Christmas unless it snows"?  Well, I say, "It doesn't feel like Halloween until Hallowed Fun Night at our church!

I'm pre-posting my joyful moment today for the happiness I know I'll feel tonight.  Because it will be late by the time we get home, and this girl needs all the beauty sleep she can get, I'm writing early.  I look forward to Hallowed Fun Night as soon as the leaves begin to change.  It combines so many of my favorite things about fall and just sets the mood for the rest of the Halloween holiday festivities to come.

From the hayrides... to the cake walk... to the cookie decorating station... to the bonfire (sigh)... to the popcorn, pie, and other goodies... to the photo booth... to the giant inflatables.  There's something for everyone....and it's FREE!  I (sighed) on the bonfire because of course, even with the rain we've received the past two days, our county is still under burn ban.  I'll settle for a grilled hot dog this year but it won't quite be the same.  The part I love the most, it's an evening with family and friends.

Noah will run around like crazy most of the night; last year he was tailed by two little girls, which was a big sign to me how quickly he's growing.  We'll stop him long enough for a hot dog, to put candy corn on a sugar cookie, and a hug on the hayride.  Tim and I will walk hand in hand under the tall oak trees, the crunch of freshly fallen leaves with each step, and enjoy the night.  Our extended family will take up half the spots on the cake walk, and if luck continues, we'll make it home with some yummy treat.  This year, I'll get to experience the excitement with my youngest niece and nephew and I can't wait to see their faces among all the wonder. 

By the end of the night, my feet will be tired and nose cold from the night air, but we'll settle in and relax at home with a warm cup of coffee and a slice of whatever we won.  My happiness tank will be filled to the brim, along with another year of memories of fall fun... enough to tide me over until the next year.