James and Anna attended VBS at our church last week along with about 500 other kids! Plus a few hundred workers. What an amazing outreach. We are so thankful for our home church and the way they minister so well to young people. What a gift.
This was the first year Anna was old enough to go and she was so excited. Getting to do something just like big brother is a big deal around here. And, I was so looking forward to a week of mornings to myself. The break was wonderful. I spent a couple mornings reading and studying – forced myself to sit and relax despite dishes and laundry screaming at me. I so enjoy being with the kids, but regular breaks now and again are necessary for any mom. Even after just a few hours apart, the afternoon together is so much sweeter.
This year’s theme was Olympion which ties in to the upcoming summer Olympics. The kids learned about the race of life – how training ourselves in godliness helps us fight the good fight and finish the race strong. Running with Jesus and keeping the faith is the best thing we can do!
The kids worked hard on their memory work for the week, as well as earning other stickers and points by helping out around the house and doing kind things for family and friends. While the extra work for them is great, I am most impressed by their commitment to learn and memorize scripture. We talked all week about hiding God’s Word in their hearts and how valuable that can be as they continue to run the race of life. God is so faithful to bring to mind various verses right when you need them.
Hebrews 12:1-2:
“Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eye on Jesus…who…endured the cross…and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Joshua 1:7-9:
“Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law…do not turn from it to the right or to the left…meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it…Be strong and courageous…for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
We are so thankful for opportunities like this for the kids to experience. Definitely a worthwhile week!
