Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs!

Hey, all! I just saw a really great movie! Cloudy With Chance of Meatballs is about a guy who is into science and wacky inventions...unfortunately most of his inventions don't go as planned. His life and the lives of his island community are changed when he creates his ultimate invention: a machine that turns water into food! And when the machine is accidentally rocketed into the atmosphere...well, you will have to see the movie to find out what happens.

What really struck me about the movie was the main character Flint's struggle to be himself and embrace his gifts, even when that makes him a bit of the town clown. It doesn't help that Flint's dad, a Bait Shop owner, does not understand his son's passion.

Ever been there? Feel like stepping out in faith in some of your giftings would require you to hand in your "Cool Card?" I know that some of if not most of our kids feel the same way at times. Sharing your talents and gifts can sometimes be scary. What if I'm made fun of? What if they don't understand? I'm doing this for you, God, but.... The list continues. It's so important that as adults we are cheering our kids on, encouraging them to step out of their comfort zones, and giving them opportunities to stretch the gifts that are burning in their hearts. After all, God is the one who placed them there!

Take some time, if you will, to listen to your child's dreams. What kind of gifts do you see in your kids? How do you think God is going to use them as they continue to grow? How can you encourage them to step out in faith and use those gifts for Him?

I hope you guys have a wonderful week. Below is a link to the movie review.

And remember! May God bless your socks off!

PT

http://www.pluggedin.com/en/movies/InTheaters/CloudyWithaChanceofMeatballs.aspx

Thank You, Mum Mum!

I wanted to thank everyone for their prayers. Last Saturday evening, my grandmother (Mum Mum to me) passed away and is now in heaven. As sad as it was to have her leave us, her funeral was a testimony to God's faithfulness. My grandmother had many seasons in her life that were not easy. But one constant remained: her relationship with Christ. Through difficult times, she stayed faithful to God. And that amazing faith amidst adversity and trials produced the fruit of seeing her grown children, grown grand-children, and grown great grandchildren serve the Lord with the same fire that she has! Seeing my family together--most of them Christian--made me realize that I want that testimony. I want Christ's light to shine so brightly in my life that it shines into the generations to come. I want that kind of legacy, that kind of blessing. Don't you?

Kids Camp 2009

Hey, guys! As I reflect back on my week at Kids Camp, I am floored at how wonderful our Beach Kidz are. I was impressed with them and how serious they were with lunging full throttle into God's arms. God did amazing things there, and I am humbled and overjoyed that myself and our chaperones could be a part of this amazing time in the kids' spiritual growth. Our kids were sincere, hungry, and eager. I think we could all learn a thing or two about loving God by just watching kids go for Him with all of their might!
We also had a blast doing good, old-fashioned kids stuff! Allow the pictures to show you!





Pastor Gruber was in charge this year. He was awechum!

We're so excited we can hardly contain it!

I don't know what to say about this. We'll let the picture do the talking...

Some of the purple team looking intimidating.

Blast Off!

Wow! I can not believe that VBS is already over! It was such a blessing to see so many youth and adults come together in unity for one mission: to see children learn about the Lord! We had a blast (pun intended) in games, bible stories, crafts, snacks, and worship. After hearing many testimonies I know that we accomplished our goal. In all we had 133 kids come through our doors and participate in VBS. Out of that amount we had 63 who asked for God to come into their hearts! Let us all rejoice in that fruit! Thank you ALL who made VBS their ministry. Now my one question is this: if VBS has such an impact on the children and on the community, do we have to wait until summer 2010 for the next VBS?

Thank you a million times and may God bless your socks off!

PT

New Session, New Prayer

Hey, all! First of all, let me say--no, EXCLAIM--how proud I am of our Beach Kidz that participated in our first Showcase!!! They all did a wonderful job. And I know if i'm this proud of the, you must be too!
This Sunday we are kicking off our second "session" for Beach Kidz. We are offering Worship In Motion, David's Club, and a puppetry class. We are excited to see how God is going to CONTINUE to minister to and through these amazingly powerful and mighty children!!! Stay tuned and be prepared for the amazing!

Thank you for giving me to opportunity to serve! And may God bless your socks off!!!

PT

Beach Kidz Showcase, June 28th

Sometimes we underestimate what children can do for God. Sometimes we fall into the trap of believing that Sunday mornings are for adults, and that kids can't "handle" God's presence. But thank goodness this isn't the case! For the past several months our kids have been practicing, preparing, and praying for this coming Sunday; many of them will be ministering through song and human videos. Why? Because they know that God can use them. They know that God WILL use them in touching someone's life. I know they're excited to share their talents and hard work with you. Whether you have children in Beach Kidz or not, please make sure to come and see what these children can do! They're doing amazing things for Christ!
What: Beach Kidz Showcase
When: June 28th at 6pm (*If your kids are in grades 3rd-6th please bring your children at 4:30 for rehearsal)
Where: GTC Main sanctuary
Why: To minister to the church and to the lost!

Walk a Thon!

For all the kids and youth who participated during the walk-a-thon, kudos to you! It was great fun walking, fellowshipping, and eating. For those of you who donated money, thank you. We had some kids who decided to raise their own funds and some raised enough to pay for their entire Kids Camp expenses! Good job, friends!

Chaz and Shawn cheer each other on during the last lap!

The 1/4 mile lap went quite far from the church. Gooooo, ladies!

Keep going (but don't forget to rehydrate)!