Twelve

Today Heather and I celebrate anniversary number twelve.  It's always fun to have something to celebrate and anniversaries are especially fun.  It gives me a good excuse to take some time off work and do something with Heather.  Nothing super exciting planned for this year but we're going to go to Merrillville later this week for a movie and to go out to eat. 

Time just keeps passing by.   

Justified

Our church is in the middle of its annual Missions Conference.  This year, the kids, ages 5-6th grade, have a separate place to go for age appropriate teaching.  Tonight, when the teacher was praying with the kids, she asked if anyone wanting to ask Jesus in their heart to raise their hand.  Nolan raised his hand and met with the teacher one-on-one.  She gave him a "First Steps" booklet for Heather and I to go through with him.  We were shocked.  We didn't really expect it with him quite yet.

Both of the other kids were 5 when they accepted Jesus too, though.  So, if you think of it.  Keep Nolan in your prayers.  Us too as parents to be wise in the continued training and teaching as he grows in Jesus.

Chill with Phil

When I began as Youth Leader three years ago, I started a regular activity for the Sr. High teens called "Chill with Phil."  It started out a little slow drawing anywhere from 1-5 teens the first year but now we regularly get around 10-12 teens each time.  We do this about five times a year.  This year we decided to get t-shirts made for whatever teens want one.  They will be sold exclusively at Chill with Phil events.  You can check out the design below:

The back says, "Tri-County Bible Church Youth Ministry" and lists Proverbs 12:26.  The verse isn't printed on the back but the verse says, "The righteous should choose his friends carefully, For the way of the wicked leads them astray."

We have this event to encourage development of Christian friendships and allow the teens an opportunity to spend a weekend night somewhere where they don't have to worry about peer pressure or getting involved in activities that they shouldn't be getting into.  Plus, it's a great event to bring unchurched friends to that's less intimidating.

Nolan's Turn

Nolan started pre-school this week.  He goes for two and a half hours on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.  So far he's enjoying it.  He's glad to get to go having Emma and Alex already in school, he'd been getting bored without them.  Here are some pics of his first day!

 

No!  He did NOT get to take the cat with him to school.  Though maybe it would be a good way to get rid of it. ;)