Sometimes a creative spark hits and- this is the result.
God made His people creative and imaginative.
What was the last thing you dreamed/created?

Jason *over and out

Then Monday, Carrie had complications and heavy pains from her epidural. The doctors told us whoever did the epidural apparently went in too far, puncturing the spinal fluid area and it began to leak (happens 1% of the time). Because of this leak, she had unreal headaches and the spinal pressure from the brain to the bottom of the spine is not level. The body tried to help level out on it’s own, causing her to feel tremendous pain while upright or simply sitting.

They performed a “Blood Patch” which apparently is identical to the epidural procedure, but they pumped some of her blood in to plug the leak of fluid. I have no clue how this works, but they said it’s 95+% effective. Well, it worked. But, it left her unable to do much of anything for a week. Leaving Mr. Mom to take care of the girls (man, that sounds weird to say… or type… uh, nevermind) and also take care of Carrie.

Through all of this, God has been faithful.
We’ve had meals brought to us every night (Thank you Pollards, Millers, Oran/Wood, Allens, Austins, Rosteks, Merciers, Lukesons, & Laniers). People stopped by the hospital, sent messages on Facebook/Twitter, have come by the house- seriously, we have the best church family in the world. Hands down.

I jumped back into the routine of blogging only to have BabyGate ’10 stop our family in it’s tracks. We’re back to normal though (chaos is pretty normal to us by now) and will be available for meetings, counseling, hanging out, more free dinners, shopping trips (on your dime, j/k. well… sort of). Thanks again, to our family/friends, everyone at Forefront, and our ministry friends all over who have been in prayer for our family. You guys are great!

Jason, Carrie, Chloe, and Roxy  *over and out*

Cletus & Brawny Man from Forefront Church on Vimeo.

The “Break Dance Battle Video” was done during the “Battleship” week. We sent our Student Pastor, James, out on the streets to battle people with his break dancing skills. It brought the house down. Enjoy.

Break Dance Battle – VA Beach Oceanfront from Forefront Church on Vimeo.

Forefront Baptisms, 05-30-10 from Forefront Church on Vimeo.

Well, this Sunday we have another guy who is getting baptized after service (possibly two more people with him, well not at the same time, but… well, nevermind). Also, this Wednesday night at one of our Gel Groups, 3 people are getting baptized. Make plans to be there Sunday, 12:01 p.m. after service. Directions cards will be available at the Hub Table before & after service. I want to see that backyard packed out.

God is moving people’s hearts.
It’s nothing special we’re doing.
He’s got it on lock down and we are simply following His lead.

Jason *over and out*

1. Kids Put Adults To Shame When It Comes To Worship. There’s a reason Jesus holds the innocence/passion of children so dear. They were singing at the top of their lungs. I loved it. Almost got hit with this kids dreads as he swung them around. It ruled.

2. Kids Aren’t Afraid To Let Go. As I watched them, they just enjoyed the moment- without any concern what anyone else thought. How many times do we think about doing something, only to immediately wonder what others will think? Yeah, I’m talking to you.

3. Kids Are Listening. Really Listening. When asked what kind of choices they make, they screamed “WISE CHOICES!!!” Now we might say as parents they don’t always do as they know, but they’re listening. I’ve talked to too many adults who ask what to do, and I think “Have you listened at all in the last 6-12 months as we’ve discussed God & Jesus and how to live?” Kids are listening. We could take note.

4. Kids Get Jesus And His Love. They all signed shirts for a bunch of leaders (including myself). The shirts had 80+ kids signatures and on the back it said, “A True Friend Has Your Back.” The adults & kids talked about how Jesus died for our sins and essentially had our back. The kids wanted to let us know they had our back and were praying for us and thanked God for what we do. It was so cool.

5. Kids Take Pride In Loving People. One kid after another came up after service to tell me two things: “Pastor Jason, I signed your shirt. I have your back.” and “Mr. Jason, I love what you do for my mom and dad. Thank you.” They were proud of themselves for loving others. I wonder what it would look like if every adult was just as amped on loving other people??? Hmmmm.

6. Kids Are Excited About The Volunteers In Children’s Ministry. If you want to thank someone for the change in your kid- thank God. If you want to thank who God is using to help lead your kid- thank a volunteer. Those kids LOVE the volunteers down there. They are amazing. They don’t get paid a cent. They simply love your kids and want to help them love Jesus. They are “Grade A” Amazing.

7. Kids Need Someone To Engage Them. While worshiping & teaching- they were great. But, it was due in large part to a group of loving volunteers to kept them engaged, focused, and on track. The thing is, they love it when adults show them attention. If you have kids, come home and drop what you’re doing. Take time to play, wrestle, laugh, join in their world. Engage them. You won’t regret it, I promise.

8. Kids Are A Vital Part Of God’s Church (RIGHT NOW). I’ve heard some people equate children’s ministries across the country to “day care.” I would disagree. Especially with the format our team provides for Forefront. They plan specifically to your child’s age to help them understand basic biblical concepts and ideas. They work pain staking hours to make it happen. Because your kids are important. It’s not a day care, they are vital and we love and teach like the world depends on it.

9. Kids Need To Know Their Parents Love Jesus. As a kid, my parents were involved in the church. Teaching. Leading. Building Maintenance. Whatever They Needed. Now I didn’t always listen in church, like going, or believe what I was learning as a kid. But, I watched as my parents loved Jesus. Now, they didn’t always get it right, but they modeled it. I attribute that as a major factor for me being a Christian now. Parents, show your kids you love Jesus.

10. Kids Need A Team Effort. The church is great. We’re teaching your kids about God, Jesus, love, joy, and redemption. But, we are with them for one hour a week. You have them for the other 167 hours during the week. The church doesn’t have near the influence parents do. It’s a team effort. The church is here to help, but we cannot be the only influence. If we are…

“God, please be with this rising generation. May we teach them and lead them to love and follow you. Push us to be better leaders, adults, examples, and followers of Jesus.”
Amen.

Jason *over and out*