Unlocking the Angel Within

Michael Angelo lingered before a rough block of marble so long that his companion remonstrated. In reply, Angelo said. "There's an angel in that block and I am going to liberate him." Oh, what unbounding love would manifest itself in us towards the most unlovable - the most vile - if only we saw what they might become and in our enthusiasm for souls, we cried out, "There's the image of Christ - marred, scarred, well-nigh obliterated - in that dear fellow and I'm going to make that man concious of it."

Quote by A. E. Richardson

As I read this quote the other day, I couldn't help but think about the children the Lord has called me to minister too.

I have been involved in children's ministry for quite sometime (going on 8 yrs now).  I love every minute of it! Just recently, the Lord has opened the door for many more opportunities to serve in this copacity.

It started with the unexpected trip to Texas (read the story of God's Provision here). While I was there, I made a commitment to step out on faith and do impossible things for God.  Little did I know how soon that would start happening!

I came home from the conference, and Wednesday night, a very rambunctious 5 year old came into church, and suddenly we had Children's church! Praise God for the Children's Institute training I have had over the years! :)

Two weeks later, my pastor asked me what I thought about having a Vacation Bible School. I said I liked the idea, then he said "Would you like to lead it?". "Of course!" was my reply.

Within two weeks of the conference and making the commitment to do the impossible, the Lord had opened the door for two different children's ministries! I was and am thrilled!

When I saw the above quote, I thought about the little 5 year old, and the other kids that I am ministering to on a weekly basis, and the kids I will get to minister to for a week at VBS and CI.  A lot of kids (like the 5 year old) are rambunctious and people think they're a little crazy, and teachers prescribe Ridlin, because they don't see the potential within the child.

The Lord showed me from the first night I had that very hyper child the potential there is in his life.  If he has someone show him the way to Christ, and help channel his energy into productivity, he can become an on-fire soul-winner for Christ, a magnificent preacher, or an energetic youth leader, etc. all he needs is someone to show him how!

And it's not just this child, it's every child out there, and even some adults who haven't found their niche yet. They need guidance. They need someone to show them the way to Christ and help them hone their skills to release the angel within the stone.

What a blessing and honor it is to be apart of shaping and molding children for the Glory of God!!

"Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6

Tribute

Tomorrow is Father's Day, and this week I have been thinking about the men who have impacted my life.

My Pawpaw Ed.

Of the two of my grandfathers, my mom's dad has had the most personal impact on my life.  I was definitely a Pawpaw's girl growing up!  He taught me how to mow the lawn, how to fish and how to catch a fish (if you have ever gone fishing, you know these two things are completely different!).  He taught me other things as well, like how to make everyone you meet feel like they're your best friend, how to smile through the pain, how to love unconditionally, and how to have fun and cut a rug! (one of my fondest memories of my childhood is dancing in the living room with my Pawpaw!). 
By example, he showed me that Christ is to be your all.  
You know how each of us has little video clips tucked away in our minds? One of the little movies of my past that I bring out and play every now and then is of my Pawpaw. I walked passed his bedroom one night and he was kneeling by his bed with his Bible open, praying, communing with Jehovah.  I will always hold that memory dear to my heart!
My Pawpaw didn't except Christ as his Savior until after I was 2 months old, but from then on, he lived his life for Christ.  Nothing brought more joy to him than one of two things- 1. Being with the Family of God in church and 2. Being with his own family.
It will be 9 years this September since my Pawpaw went to be with the Lord, but the lessons he taught, both verbally and visually, will always be with me.

My Pawpaw Earl
I barely remember my Pawpaw Earl. He went to be with the Lord when I was only 4. But the values that he passed down to my father and uncles, have now been passed down to me. His memory remains alive in the little things.
Some of the values he passed down are-

1. Your word is your worth.  It's something that many people say they have been taught, but this wasn't just taught in our family, it was drilled in. You never gave your word you would do something and not follow through.

2. Always look your best. My grandfather was an MP in the Army in WWII. Shined shoes, straight gig-lines, and crisp creases on pants were not an option, they were a necessity!  Even though my sisters and I wear dresses and skirts, the rules are no less for us. Everything must be pressed properly for Sunday morning. You must always look your best because the first impression is made when someone sees you, not when they talk to you. 
 
3. Love God, Love your Family, Love your Country. No explanation necessary.


These are just a few of the things that have been passed down to me from my grandfathers, and my dad continues to live these things out on a daily basis for my sisters and I to see! I have truly been blessed by a wonderful heritage. I look forward to the day when I can pass these things down to my children, and continue passing along the wonderful legacy that has been handed to me!