People much wiser than I have always said about little ones that they grow up so fast. I never had any idea how fast until Kathy and I had a little one of our own. Carson is growing and growing and growing. For instance, just in the last couple of weeks he has switched from his racecar bed to a big boy bed. He has used his wits to outsmart his dadda into keeping some toys. He seems to have gotten over his fear of walking on the playground. He has learned that The Empire Strikes Back is the greatest movie ever...okay he may not think its the greatest movie ever, but he likes it cuz Luke and Vader sword fight. And shortly he will begin playing soccer.
Kathy and I can't believe how quickly he is growing and how time is flying by with Carson. It's hard to believe that he is about to begin playing sports. I am so excited about this prospect, but it makes me think about how quickly he has grown. I can't wait to see him in his soccer uniform running around in a big blob with Luke and the other kids chasing the ball.
I'm so grateful to have these moments with him and to watch him grow. And I know it will be the same with Courtney Grace. I know she will grow up just as fast. The added bonus will be we will get to see her grow up with a big brother. And I know Carson will be a great big brother. I am really looking forward to the way the two of them will interact. I even know that Carson will be a better big brother than I was. He will never pick on his little sister.....okay maybe a little. That's what big brothers do right?
I pray that I am able to take the time to pause and reflect on these special moments with Carson and with Courtney because they will be all grown up before we know it....at least that is what I've heard.
grace&peace
kevin
Monday, February 27, 2012
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
The Younger Generation
I was reading a book yesterday and there was something that stuck out to me. It stated that research shows that there are four reasons the younger generation is leaving their Christian roots:
1. they never experienced God in their worship
2. their connections are stronger outside the church than in it
3. the issues being discussed at church don't matter to them and the issues that matter aren't being discussed.
4. they didn't see anything compelling in their parents lives to make them follow a similar path
It is unfortunate that some research has shown this, but we can do something about it. Not only can we do something about it, but we need to do something about it. The younger generation needs to be involved in worship. They need strong mentors (both youth and adults) in the church, so they know they are cared about. Tough issues need to be discussed and the younger generation needs input. Parents need to be an example of what a Christian needs to be. Youth need people to try and understand them and most importantly to meet them where they are.
As Christians we can be most, if not all, of these things to the younger generation. Leaders can involve youth in worship. Connections can be made. (Hint: it doesn't matter how old you are, you can make a difference) Issues that matter can be discussed. Parents can be involved and show and teach what it means to be a Christian.
I guess the question should be: what are WE going to do about this trend? Just something to think about, and then do something about.
grace&peace
Kevin
1. they never experienced God in their worship
2. their connections are stronger outside the church than in it
3. the issues being discussed at church don't matter to them and the issues that matter aren't being discussed.
4. they didn't see anything compelling in their parents lives to make them follow a similar path
It is unfortunate that some research has shown this, but we can do something about it. Not only can we do something about it, but we need to do something about it. The younger generation needs to be involved in worship. They need strong mentors (both youth and adults) in the church, so they know they are cared about. Tough issues need to be discussed and the younger generation needs input. Parents need to be an example of what a Christian needs to be. Youth need people to try and understand them and most importantly to meet them where they are.
As Christians we can be most, if not all, of these things to the younger generation. Leaders can involve youth in worship. Connections can be made. (Hint: it doesn't matter how old you are, you can make a difference) Issues that matter can be discussed. Parents can be involved and show and teach what it means to be a Christian.
I guess the question should be: what are WE going to do about this trend? Just something to think about, and then do something about.
grace&peace
Kevin
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