Time for my weekly brain dump... or off the wall ramblings.

This week has been good, ableit busy. I like busy though. It forces me to get things done. I can be a teensy bit on the procrasitnator side. Well, ok.... maybe a lot on that side. Probably more like I make my home on the farthest side of procrastinatorville.

So, being extremely busy forces my hand into doing things at the moment they need to be done... not five seconds beforehand. Anyway, amidst the business... here's what's going on in my thoughts.

1. Homeschooling my kids has taken a change this week. I know that it might go against the grain of what homeschooling is about, but I really "loaded" the learning on the kids this week.... and it was more effective than trying to get done before 10 am.

When the kids woke up on Monday morning, saw an entire daily schedule (complete with time limits) that contained a literal ton of work, they didn't complain. Instead, they jumped right in and got it all done. Everyday.

I'm not trying to be a taskmaster or overbearing dictator with the education of the kids, but I do feel that constantly changing should be a non-negotaible constant. If the kids get comfortable they become apathetic to learning. I think this jogged their learning "juices" and pumped them up about what they're doing.

For instance, Matthew had every subject, every day and really thrived in it. He was actually looking forward to each day's schedule. Will I do this every week? Of course not, but at least for this last week it worked.

2. I love it when teens pray. Something about the disregard for what is "supposed" to be said and replaced by what is in their heart really appeals to me. This is where they can really connect with God in a big way. This past weekend we held an incredible event for teenagers, "The Prayer Path", put out by Group Publishing that was, in my opinion, a tremendous success. (Thank you 8isnotenough for helping out!) Kimberly has been more aware of God in everything she does and you can see the results of a deeper prayer life. This event was entirely self-led. Meaning the teens themselves took the initiative to walk through the path, pray, commune, and seek God, all by themselves. All the adults did was be there in case they needed help. And we prayed. Awesome night. Praise God for what He is doing.

3. Out of all the things that has happened this week I am the most disappointed in the level of concern some towns have for children. It boggles me that some town councils and managers care more about their prestige as leader in their town than for the well being of the kids. This comes about from a few meetings of the Little League Board of Directors that I am serving on. Some of the board members feel that "attitude" of the coach doesn't matter. And these are town leaders who are saying this. 

After much discussion (by the way, out of all the boards I am on, this is the only one where there is arguing), and loud dissention, nothing had changed. I love coaching because it gives me another outlet to spread the love of Christ to the community. And it is absolutely essential that these kids playing baseball not only learn how to play... but how to live. Unfortunately, a few can spoil the lives of many.

What does it say for a town where the kids tease players on another team, put them down when they make a mistake, and talk back to coaches? They are the reflection of what's important to that town.

Anyway, that's been sticking with me a little. I need to let it go and let God handle it. If I don't I will dwell on it and be driven crazy by it.

4. Mother's Day supper tonight at the church. I like these gatherings. No matter what they're for. It's nice seeing the body connect and form stronger relationships. Contrary to popular belief spiritual growth doesn't happen in the Sunday morning service. It happens at gatherings where people can connect and be held accountable.
I wish our church had more opportunities for this. We are working on it. We've done away with the insitutional type of Sunday School and have made a move to a small group format. I believe this is the Biblical method and will foster spiritual growth.

5. I have some posts that I am working on that I am praying will challenge people. Not to cause hard feelings or to offend anyone. Just to challenge. One of the things I stand firm to is a commitment to constant change. If people are allowed to stay content with how things are, they become detached to how things should be.

This concept can be seen in the example of the Pharisees. They were comfortable with what they did, they didn't want to be challenged, or stretched. Therefore, they became detached.

Homeschooling, as with a lot of things in our lives, needs to be evolving, changing, and growing.

6. Big God Sized Dream just got a lot clearer to me over the last couple of days. I have been trying to figure this thing out on my own. You know, where to start first. Then I broke down. I gave it all to God. And he showed me how to start.

Again, it has to do with change. And I'm fired up about it. I can't wait for the shot of God that is going to be unleased in the youth ministry. I'm going to present it tomorrow with flyers, posters, and a talk with my student leaders. When I do that I'll also clue you in. Don't you love suspense?

I guess that's enough for today. Have a great weekend!