Thursday, April 28, 2011

I Believe I Can Fly!


Over the last few weeks we've had a wonderful front row seat watching spring life unfold!   It's been a great learning opportunity on our homeschool journey, but it's also stirred up a few great reminders for my own heart.   

A little Starling bird had built a perfect nest on the bright green ivy growing on our front porch post.   Two eggs arrived, then six.  She carefully cared for the eggs and we were very aware to not go too close to startle her or cause fear to her home.   Of course, this was not always guaranteed with our little six year old curious mind!   A few weeks had passed and on one of Eliana's daily inspection of the abode, we discovered 4 babies!  Then 6!   They were all here!     

Chris would hear the baby birds chirp so loudly when they sensed "Momma" was around!   He would call the kids to the office window to have them watch as they were fed and quieted.   One morning we found that one little bird had fallen out of the nest and did not make it through the day.  My husband was the grand hero and didn't let the kids see this hard life lesson part!    I must confess,  I did shed a tear or two knowing that the little bird didn't have a chance!

We've been watching this nest intently.  Checking in on how the feathers are forming, the yucky-ness of the nest at this point and watching carefully each day to see when they would fly!   Yesterday we checked and only two birds remained!   I'm not sure what happened to the others.  One thing I did learn with a little research on the link below, is that the "Momma" bird would have removed any dead birds from the nest.  Talk about a hard job!  

This afternoon Chris checked and the two birds were on the edge of the nest - ready at any moment to leap!    This evening - gone!   They had taken that huge step to start their new little life.    Taken that step to fly!  Taken that risk to leave the nest!   Taken the step to trust, live and FLY!

I'm proud of these little creatures!  I don't know how the rest of their story will play out, but it's been fun watching this side of it with a front row seat!   I want to live like them.  God, I know  you will always push me when I'm hesitant.  You'll nudge me out of my comfortable place to keep me fully trusting you.   You will prepare me for that moment and surround me when I take that leap to "fly" into what you've called me to do!  

Fly Birdies Fly!

 


All About Starlings!  http://www.sialis.org/starlingbio.htm

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

It's NOW time!



It's back to the Haas routine this week!   Our time in Seattle was great as we got to learn from some great ministry leaders!  It was also a treat to reconnect with some dear friends that we've had the chance to serve in ministry with.   These are dear, long time friends that we've gotten the chance to watch their children grow and develop into God loving, culturally relevant, generational leaders!  What a gift to be able to watch their lives be at this place!

We got to hear from intense children's ministry leaders as well and the resounding theme that God was speaking to us was,  "Reach them before they have to be rescued"!  There is so much that God wants to invest in this generation of children NOW!   NOW-God can and will use them!   NOW-God will speak through them!  NOW-God's Word can become real, relevant and relational to them!   This not only hit me with relationship to ministry with children, but with MY children and all we provide at home!

As we returned home, it got me thinking more about our kids and reminded me again of the imperative call from God to invest everything God has given us to our children.  As a parent, we have the mandate to train them, develop them and equip them for all God has in store.  It's not always going to be an easy adventure, but I'm confident God will direct us as parents to know when, what, where and how.  The Holy Spirit will be faithful to reveal, show and instruct ME on the behalf of my children.   There is truly no greater joy than to watch a child's destiny begin to unfold.    It is a true joy to be at this season of my life!   I'm seeing glimpses now of promises God had made regarding my children.  I'm watching talents, abilities and passions grow!   I'm watching them dream!   I'm watching God perform miracles in their lives!    What an honor to get this front row seat!

Here's what I'm thinking about ... What environment am I providing for my kids?  What other leaders am I purposefully bringing into their lives to learn from?    Within the lines of  preparing & protecting them, are they culturally relevant and aware of our culture - within the church and outside the church?   What is God challenging me with in this season to be more aware of?   Asking - Do they honor others?   Do they serve with a happy heart?   Do they understand God's plan for where they are in their life - NOW?     Do I ask the questions - What is God asking you to work on right now?  What is God saying to you?   How are you doing with ______?  (You know what to fill in the blank with! Or you better!)    


I'm challenging myself and you to apply these tidbits to your family and your church like never before!

Get connected in your home with children!   Get connected in YOUR church in serving this generation!

No more excuses!

The rewards are phenomenal!