Isaiah 54:13 NIV — All your children will be taught by the Lord, and great will be their peace.

Usually the volunteers in charge of Bible story time at Vacation Bible School are creative actors/actresses who relay the Bible story and convey a valuable lesson to the children. The wonderful words they use leave an imprint on the lives of those who hear them. Have you ever helped with Bible story time at Vacation Bible School? If not, have you had the opportunity to listen to the Bible story time? Spend some time recalling your experiences with Bible stories in VBS or even in Sunday School. How have those experiences impacted your faith journey? How did the lessons you learned at VBS shape you? Today I encourage you to ponder the ways your Christian walk is affected by Bible stories today? When you hear stories in your Sunday School class or in worship, is your faith spurred on? Do you listen as if you were a child and allow your life to be transformed and your faith to be renewed?

Let’s pray. Dear God, Thank You for my memories of VBS Bible story time and the wonderful words shared with me. Open my ears, heart, and mind to the stories I hear today and may I continue to grow and renew my faith. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

3 John 1:4 NIV — I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

Vacation Bible school crafts have come a long way over the years. This past week I helped at the craft station at our VBS. I enjoyed hearing stories of past VBS crafts and the inventive ways the adults prepared for the crafts. Now, we have the privilege of Pinterest for ideas and ready-made kits for crafts. No matter the technique, crafts provide a hands-on activity to connect children with the Bible stories told. What memories do you have of craft time at VBS?

What hands-on activities do you participate in now to connect you to the Bible stories you know? Do you serve at your church or in your community in a volunteer position? Do you lead a Sunday School class or sing in the choir? When entering a store do you hold the door open for the person behind you or share kind words with those you meet? Spend some time today thinking of the way you connect with Bible stories. What technique do you use to live out the Bible to those around you? 

Let’s pray. Thank You Lord for the examples You give us in the stories we read in the Bible. May I be mindful of the techniques I use to exemplify those stories to others. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

John 3:16 KJV — For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

What are your memories of Vacation Bible School? Last week we had VBS at my church. As I participated I recalled songs, crafts, snacks, and Bible stories I learned while memorizing scriptures. As we read the history of VBS yesterday, we learned that the first VBS had some of the same activities. John 3:16 is one of the verses I remember learning. In fact, I recall it as the first scripture I learned as a child. Did you memorize scripture at VBS? Do you remember some of the Bible stories you were exposed to while at VBS? 

At the root of VBS is the idea of exposing children to God through Bible stories and fun. In essence, VBS is a way to participate in the Great Commission as expressed in Matthew 28:19 NIV — Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. 

How are you joining the Great Commission and making disciples? How are you sharing the love of God with others? If you are able, participate in a local VBS and share God with children of all ages.

Let’s pray. Thank You Lord for the opportunity to participate in the Great Commission through Vacation Bible School. Remind me of my place and part in sharing the love of God with children of all ages. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Proverbs 22:6 NIV — Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.

Did you participate in Vacation Bible School as a child? Even if you did not participate in VBS when you were younger, I imagine you have some knowledge of what all it involves. At its root, VBS is meant to expose children to the love of God while incorporating fun experiences. Take a few moments to read this article published by the Advocate titled, “Facets of Faith: Who created vacation Bible school?” What an interesting history.

Now, spend some time recalling your Vacation Bible School experiences. Let’s spend some time this week walking down memory lane. As we go throughout the week reminiscing, let’s also ponder our place in VBS today. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, Thank You for the pioneers of Vacation Bible School. As we reflect on our experiences, open my eyes, ears, heart, and mind to Your leading. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Proverbs‬ ‭3‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬ – Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.

Join me for See You Saturday as I talk about love.

John‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬-‭17‬ ‭NIV‬‬ – For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

Have you ever heard the saying: “fake it till you make it?” Basically, you’re looking for self-confidence in areas that you don’t feel qualified.

I am once again writing to you from my back porch. I took a break from writing to take my mom, who lives 5 feet from me, a piece of yummy banana bread that I had made earlier this morning. I asked her to meet me in the backyard. As I went to step off the porch I almost stepped on a snake. Yes, a snake!!!!! I quickly had to change my plans and met her on the front porch, away from any snakes. I am not sure what kind of snake it was. I just knew it was brown and went slithering under the porch at the sound of my scream. The snake is now hiding and waiting in a cool dark place. 

Take a look at the dark wooded path pictured here. Is Satan hiding in your dark places waiting to attack? Are you lacking in self-confidence? Friends, I am here to tell you, don’t let the snakes stop you. Although I am deathly afraid of all snakes, I am not going to let them stop me from enjoying my backyard. I am going to faith it till I make it. Just like we don’t always feel equipped for the call of our lives, God will give us the God-confidence we need to continue on our journeys. We are blessed to have the Good Shepherd walking both in light and dark places. Today, instead of an opening verse or a closing prayer, I leave you with a benediction. 

Benediction and Final Greetings

Hebrews 13: 20-21 NIV – Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Ephesians 2: 4-5 NIV – But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.

It is now Saturday and I have every day of the week for our blog mapped out and written except for today’s post. As I am sitting on my back porch writing to you, I can see my reflection on my computer screen. I have been staring at myself asking God what I should write for today. Earlier in the week I wrote down in my journal “No Take Backs Thursday.” Why did I write that? Looking at my reflection, I see a 42-year-old daughter, sister, wife, mother, and friend, who hasn’t always said or done the nicest things. Just like you can’t put back the toothpaste in a tube once it has been squeezed out, there are no take-backs in life. We have one opportunity to walk this earth. I am thankful for God’s grace every day. I am thankful for my family and friends’ forgiveness for all the times I have fallen short. I am thankful that when others don’t see, know, or understand the full picture, my God knows, sees, and still loves me.

Have you heard the saying, “By the grace of God go I?” Take a look at 1 Corinthians 15:10 New King James Version. This Christian walk we are on is the road less traveled. Only through God’s grace, love, and mercy can each of us walk this road. We are not alone, friends. The reflection you see today is your sister in Christ Jesus. In the song, “The Father’s House” by Cory Asbury he says, “Failure doesn’t define me, cause that’s what my father does.” Let’s use yesterday’s failures as good data for today.

Let’s pray. Dear God, With Your grace may I walk and talk through this Christian life. May others see You through me. Although it is the road less traveled, it is well worth Your eternal glory. Thank You for blessing me with another day to share Your word and truth. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.