Tag: kids

Motivational Monday- Back to School 4

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On August 25, 2025

In Motivational Monday, News and Announcements

Hey friends!  Today we will be wrapping up our back to school series.  As I have said in this series a couple of times, if your child(ren) does not have a strong foundation that you set, they will have difficulty standing firm in their beliefs.  I’m a grown woman and I have trouble!  Can you imagine a 10 year old?!  So let’s get to talking.

I am all over social media.  Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X to just name a few.  And truth be told, I have a love/hate relationship with it.  We have talked about it on several occasions in these motivations.  I like that I can stay connected and I like the opinions of others.  But, social media can skew perceptions of people, places and even words.  Social media can make or break businesses all over one person’s bad experience.  I am SO GLAD social media wasn’t around when I was learning to drive!  I would have been on my city’s page with a picture of my car and tag!

One of the buzzwords of today’s culture is courage.  There are a lot of messages geared toward kids especially of what it means to be courageous.  To take risks and follow their dreams.  To pursue self-actualization.  To have the courage to be themselves, accept themselves and love themselves.  But that definition is a lie.  You are basing that courageous behavior on the “I am enough” culture.  But you aren’t and neither are your kids.  You see faith begins at the core of we are NOT enough.  We are all sinners and deserve God’s wrath (Ephesians 2:1-3) but instead, we receive mercy by providing for us and the salvation in Christ.  Christ is enough, not you.

By telling your child they are not enough, give them courage…the right courage.

People, in general, want to be liked and accepted.  Perception is key.  For instance, you see a friend on social media driving a fancy car, living in a fancy house, travelling all the time and has met the “love of their life”.  But a year later, their life is crumbling.  All the smiles, money and love was just a farce.  They did that to “keep up with the Joneses” as momma would say.  I just gave you a scenario as an adult, children are no different.  Peer pressure hits every age.

Biblical courage is not the absence of fear.  In fact, they fear the right thing. (Proverbs 1:7).  We need to teach our kids to live before God.  They don’t need to worry about being condemned by their peers because God is the only one with that power (Romans 8:33-34).  But we don’t want to motivate them out of fear…that’s not the point.  We, as parents and loved ones, need to instill courage by pointing out the reality that Jesus already paid the price for our sins.  They don’t have to fear their peers because the Lord has already declared there’s no condemnation for those who are in Christ (Romans 8:1).

Biblical courage comes out of confidence that we are God’s children.  We don’t need to prove ourselves to others because we should live to please Him.  Not the other way around.  And as adults, it’s so easy for us to say, “Don’t worry about what little Josh is saying.  He’s just trying to hurt you!”  But your child is watching you.  They see you fall to peer pressure.  Their peer pressure may seem silly to you because “it’s kid stuff”.  But, it is the exact same thing you are succumbing to but on a bigger, financial level.  Right?  

So, at the end of the day, no.  You are not enough.  And that’s exactly where you need to be.  That’s exactly where your kids need to be.  It’s not a bad place.  It’s a place of knowing and needing the Lord.  You can face all of life’s circumstances with courage.

Love you all and see you next week,

Jennifer

Motivational Monday- Back to School Edition 2

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On August 11, 2025

In Motivational Monday, News and Announcements

Hey friends!  Today we are continuing our Back to School series.  This series is geared towards helping children transition back into school all while bolstering their faith.  This gives them courage, love and humility.  So, let’s CONTINUE to talk about it!  😉

Last week, I told you about my first big job as a bank teller.  One of the things they taught me was how to spot counterfeit money.  For some reason, I was fascinated by this!  And because I was fascinated, I REALLY studied the different bills and what made them authentic.  Because the only way you can spot the fake ones is to know the real ones, right?

Kids need to know the core truths of the Christian faith.  When you send your kid to school, they are facing the “real world”.  Their faith will be questioned and trials will follow.  Will they be like the man who dug down deep and built his house upon a rock? (Luke 6:48) Will they “be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks” them for the reason for their hope? (1 Peter 3:15).  Teaching the foundations of faith is based on what and why.

What is the what?

That’s easy!  I know we have all heard this before but kids are sponges.  Their little brains are ready to soak up knowledge.  This is peak time to make sure they KNOW the Bible.  They know the truth so they can draw from that knowledge for a lifetime.  We can help them store up God’s word in their hearts, so they’ll be equipped to fight temptation when it comes (Psalm 119:20).  By giving them the what, it’s an investment in your child’s life…entire life.  They will encounter false gospels and false gods no matter how hard you try to protect them.  So, you have to arm them.

What is the why?

You can teach your kids what we believe all day and they may or may not retain it.  But, if you give them the why behind it it shows our faith has substance.  There’s two ways you can teach the why: digging deeper in the faith with your child or allowing your child to ask questions.  Personally, I have taught both ways but I prefer the second option and I’ll tell you why.  When children learn the what and think about it and turn it into a question, then you know they are genuinely thinking about what is being said.  Also, it challenges me!  I don’t always know the answer and again, I’m ok with that.  I LIKE letting them know that I don’t know the answer and we look for the answer together.

When a child asks a why question that sounds like they are questioning the faith, it’s ok.  A questioning faith is a stronger one.  How you respond to the question (not the question itself) will dictate a lot of their feelings towards faith.  You know, when you teach the why it’s ok to elaborate on why people leave and reject Jesus.  It’s ok to expose false narratives that are being taught.  It’s ok to admit to them if you have ever had doubts or struggles.  Curiosity will come. And, if they’ve never seen it before, it might be bright and shiny, even as it leads to death (Proverbs 16:25).

I think sometimes, we are scared of questions.  We think if we can’t answer questions, that’s a reflection on our faith.  And you have even been around a child for 5 minutes, sometimes they can ask hard questions because they usually have no filter.  As adults, you need to remember that God has provided us with a family within our homes and within His church that can help with questions if needed.  That’s why we are all here.  Questions shouldn’t be looked at as a sign of their faith unraveling.  Reassuring them it shows a deeper confidence in God as they ask for answers.

Love you all and see you next week,

Jennifer

 



Motivational Monday- VBS Style!

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On June 16, 2025

In Motivational Monday, News and Announcements

Hey friends!  Guess what next week is??!!  VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL!!  WOOHOO!!!  So naturally today’s motivation was an easy pick for me.  Why is vacation bible school so important?  You know where I’m with this…let’s talk about it.

I have been a part of Spring Creek’s VBS for…years now.  Honestly, I can’t remember how many years and honestly it’s unimportant.  I always tell Kathy to put me where she needs me and she ALWAYS needs me as a storyteller.  I’m going to be honest here and tell you this always puts me out of my comfort zone.  I want to make sure I convey the story correctly and in a way that particular age group gets it.  And those kids have GREAT questions!!  Which I absolutely LOVE because that means they are engaged.  But it stresses me out because I don’t have all the answers!  😂

But every year, before VBS, I get stressed because I want to make sure my part is done 100% and those kids enjoyed what I talked about.  So before I begin studying the story I am assigned to, I have to remember what these kids are getting out of VBS every.single.year.

First, it’s a much needed summer engagement for kids.  All year during school, a lot of focus for these kids are on academics.  During the summer, they have time to allow their brain to soak in stories of the bible without the stress of school.  And because these kids are doing this away from school, they are able to build relationships with others.  These relationships can be long term with the community.  These kids get to meet ALL KINDS of wonderful and knowledgeable people just because of VBS!

How do these kids soak in more during VBS versus attending church?

If you have never been to VBS, you need to come.  Yes, even YOU as an adult.  VBS is HIGH energy.  These kids dance, sing, make arts and crafts and sweat buckets outside while playing.  They do ALL of this while learning about Jesus.  It’s not sitting in church, having to be still and focus. Side note- there is NOTHING wrong with that but if you’re a kid, it might seem…boring.  Sorry Pastor Scott!  I love your sermons!  Even the stories they learn…listen.  The volunteers at Spring Creek make story time ah-maz-ing with how life like they make it.  Last year, we crawled into a whale as I told the story of Jonah.  It even SMELLED like fish in his belly 🤢.

In today’s world, these kids really need VBS (for the record, I feel like every generation says this about the new generation).  But kids today have to compete with things I didn’t have to compete with when I was their age.  The societal pressures are different.  Technology is great and…not so great.  These kids literally have access to EVERYTHING at their fingertips.  As much as parents try to restrict or parent their kids, the kid has to make the decision to obey because it is just that easy to not obey.

VBS gives them the why behind obeying.  The Bible stories equip them with making good decisions on their own because they see and feel the love of Jesus!  VBS offers them a safe place to not compete with those who are not like minded.  They can unplug, connect with others and grow in their faith.  VBS offers an opportunity to create moments that these kids will carry with them for a lifetime. 

If you are not volunteering with VBS this year, THAT’S OK!!  You can STILL be a part of VBS.  How?  Be a recruiter and a prayer warrior!  Tell every parent and child you see about our VBS.  Remember.  It’s free.  We feed them.  We wear them out.  They learn all about Jesus.  This is YOUR opportunity to show them the church is a place where they belong and their lives can be transformed by Jesus.  All because you stopped and spread the word.

Love you all and see you next week!

Jennifer

 

Details about VBS:

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Motivational Monday

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On May 5, 2025

In Motivational Monday, News and Announcements

Hey friends!  I hope you were all able to make it to Homecoming this year.  I heard it was phenomenal (as usual).  Listen, we know how to cook and eat, don’t we?  I missed it this year for good reason.  My nephew graduated from college and I, of course, wanted to go and support him in his accomplishment.  So today’s topic…it would be a huge foul if I didn’t talk about Mother’s Day since it is this upcoming Sunday.  So mommas…is motherhood a duty or a privilege?  Let’s talk about it.

Several weeks ago, Logan came to me and informed me he wanted to go skydiving.  He expected me to just lose it but instead, I shrugged my shoulders and said, “Just be careful.”  I mean, what could I really say that would stop him?  Not to mention, I have thought about skydiving myself.  I waited several weeks to tell my mom (his beloved granny) about him skydiving.  She ABSOLUTELY lost it. In fact, she called Logan and asked him to rethink his choices.  I had to have a talk with her and tell her that no matter what we said, he would do what he wanted.  She sighed and said, “Well, he is your child.” 😆  Sigh.  

As a kid, it was never my goal to stress her out.  It’s just that I live my life as a “we only live once’” type of mentality.  If it’s something I am interested in, then…I research it and do it or not.  But I put it to bed one way or another.  That’s Logan.  But after that comment, I worried that I upset her more than I should have because parenthood is hard!  We don’t have all the answers even when we are expected to have one.  There are days where task after task sucks all the joy out of your day.  Or your child acts out or is sick.  And you just run on autopilot.

This is going to sound cliche but it is so important to find the joy in your life.  And if you are a mother, especially find joy everyday in motherhood.  YES!!  Even those days your kid wants to skydive.  Psalm 127:3 says, “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.” You see…your child was given to you for you to take care of and raise.  But your child doesn’t belong to you.  Your child belongs to God.  God entrusted you with their soul.  

And the funny thing about kids, they are all unique (like fingerprints!).  And as they grow, they change every way possible (physically, emotionally, mentally).  As I am writing this, I think of a rubix cube.  When one thing changes, three other things change.  Think about that for just a second.  Slowing down just a little and realizing that stuff you have to do, can wait.  You don’t need a perfect house.  You need to make memories.

So to answer the original question, is motherhood a duty or a privilege?  Truthfully, both and I don’t think it a bad thing to admit that to ourselves.  The word “duty” sounds negative but why?  It IS our duty to raise, nurture, model faith and character, discipline and just be a positive influence.  Is that a privilege as well?  Yes.  100%.  But it’s all a mindset…your mindset.  

I absolutely love being a mother to Logan.  He brings me happiness and joy that I never knew I needed.  If you are reading this, you have a mother.  This mother might be someone who legally (or not) adopted you or birthed you.  Some of us have a lot of “mothers” in our life who would be there in a heartbeat if we called and needed them.  This Mother’s Day, make sure to tell all the moms in your life how much they mean to you.  Just like you, moms are also unique.  Some ok skydiving and others don’t…and that’s ok.

Love you,
Jennifer

Motivational Monday June 3, 2024

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On June 4, 2024

In Motivational Monday, News and Announcements

Motivational Monday

Today is the DAY!  What day is it?  VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL STARTS!!  Woohoo!  I cannot begin to tell you HOW much goes into this every year.  So much preparation goes into this and it feels like every single church member plays a part.  Kathy Huggins puts on quite a show and we couldn’t do it without her.  She is the mastermind behind it all!  So of course, this week I want to talk about kids!

Now I know some of you reading this immediately said, “ This doesn’t apply to me because I don’t have little kids.”  Well, actually…that’s not correct.  This isn’t JUST for parents.  It’s your job as a christian to lead any and all to Christ.  This includes children.  Now, let me be clear, it IS the parent’s duty to raise their children in the church but as a congregation we are there to support them.  So as a parent or congregation, how do we lead a child to Christ?  Let’s talk about it.

First, kids are going to make mistakes.  We all do.  But in order for children to put their faith in Jesus, they need to understand some basic truths.  One of these is recognizing their sin.  How can they stop a behavior if they don’t understand it’s wrong?  And it’s on US to teach them.  We can show them this with scripture.  They need to understand they are going to mess up (Romans 3:23).  They need to accept the consequences of their actions (1 John 1:9).  But no matter what, God loves them whether they fail or succeed (Romans 5:8).  And only God has the power to change their heart (Ezekiel 36:26).  You see, WE don’t have to have the answers because it’s all written out for us to follow!  We just need to know where to find it!

Second, kids need to understand the significance of Jesus’ death and resurrection.  I know this seems obvious but because it is so obvious, it sometimes gets skipped.  Sometimes we assume they know this significance.  When you have a child that you showed grace to, this is an opportunity to relate it back to God sending His only Son to forgive our sins (John 3:16).  Jesus taught us how to live and to know His Father.  He died on the cross in our place.  And he defeated sin and death through His resurrection and he lives!

Lastly, it’s important for us to teach children that God is close to them.  Now, don’t creep them out with this statement.  But what I mean here is how important children are to Jesus.  It’s so important to remind kids that they can talk to Jesus any time.  He is literally just a thought away because He never leaves them (Hebrews 13:5).  Jesus came to Earth to die and rise again for us to be closer to God (1 Peter 3:18).

I know some of you read this and thought, “I don’t think my child can comprehend this.”  At the end of the day if you lead them by example then this will naturally fall into place with conversations.  And even if you don’t have kids or small kids in your house, you can still show them Christ in everyday life.  Which, if you think about it…this what we do in Vacation Bible School!

So this week, I would like to encourage everyone to specifically pray about children or just a specific child.  You know and understand the needs around you.  Pray for kids to come to Him.  For them to feel like they can ask questions even if they are hard!  Please pray for us during VBS.  Please pray we can have fun while delivering, encouraging and enlightening young minds to His love.

See you soon and love you all,

Jennifer

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