Children's Ministry Survey Numbers

Below are charts of the responses I got from the wonderful people in my Children's Ministry Facebook groups who were kind enough to answer my short survey.  I organized the responses in ways that were helpful to me, and I hope this information helps you all too.  Each chart is interactive so you can get exact numbers. Hover your mouse, (or tap with your finger on a mobile device) to see exact numbers.

New Normal

MRI and Judy during Angiogram

On the evening of November 19th (yes, mere hours after I wrote my last post), I experienced two seizures, the second of which occurred in the ER and forced the doctors to intubate and sedate me.  The result was that my memory of that evening through the morning of November 22nd (and most of the rest of Nov 22nd) has been completely lost.  After many tests, the doctors determined that my seizures were caused by something called a cavernous malformation (CM).  A CM (as pictured above) is a mass of blood vessels that has probably been in my brain since before I was born.  This mass has slowly bled into itself and grown all of my life.  What caused the seizures was that some of the blood actually bled out into my brain.  The flow of the blood is so slow that the CM is not considered by the doctors to be very volatile.  They have prescribed anti-seizure medication which should hold future seizures at bay even if more bleeding happens.  The CM may someday grow to a size that needs to be operated on, but for now the doctors are convinced that surgery is far too dangerous to cause the benefits to outweigh the risks.

The past several weeks have been a roller-coaster of doctors visits and emotions.  My initial reaction to the problem was: "Take it out--fix it--and let me go on with my life".  This, however, is not an option.  Even if the CM were to be removed, there is still a relatively high chance that I would continue to have to take anti-seizure medications for the rest of my life.  Any scar tissue from the removal of the CM could cause seizures.  This is a scary prospect too since anti-seizure medications can have their own set of medical risks and discomfort.  For now, God seems to be protecting me from the worst of the possible side-effects of my current medication, but this could change over time.  And even so, some of the side-effects are there: a feeling of a mental fog, and some anxiety.  These side-effects have definitely changed how I see my world and function in it.  I am also unable to drive (by law) until the end of February.

And yet, God began redeeming this traumatic experience right from the beginning.  Ever since the moment that the news of my situation was shared with our church family, they have rallied around us in ways that have been immeasurably helpful and loving.  Also, the doctors here in Casper encouraged us to get a second opinion.  We traveled to Ohio where my family lives since two of the best hospitals in the nation for neurology are located within miles of my family.  This allowed for us to celebrate Christmas and New Year's with my family.  In fact, my dad's side of the family--all 22 of us--were able to gather for the first time in almost 10  years.  Most specially, I was able to see my maternal grandmother. Even in her confusion, I am convinced she recognized me and we were both blessed by this visit.

Judy with Grandma Turnbull & Judy with cousin Megan making pretzels

God continues to redeem our situation, but it has been a journey of learning how to live in our "New Normal".  Many of you are already praying for me and my husband during this journey and we thank you deeply for your prayers.  We know that God is in the business of healing.  I am sure that he has already begun that process emotionally, and we look forward to seeing his hand on my physical condition as well.  Thank you again for your love.

Fear and Love

I have always been a talker, and I feel like I've learned to articulate myself and communicate my thoughts relatively well over the years. However, in light of the events in Paris, Syria, and now the U.S. in the past couple weeks, I find myself struggling to put words to my thoughts and emotions.  Some issues seem black and white.  The question of whether to respond to those in need usually is.  But there are so many layers to the discussion involving Syrian refugees that I feel it is important to acknowledge that this is NOT a cut and dry process.

I believe that the main reason that this discussion has become so difficult is because of the dichotomy of fear.  We all know that fear can be a healthy emotion sometimes.  It is fear that sets off the warning bell to keep us from being burnt by a hot surface, or electrocuting ourselves, or getting hit by a car when crossing the street.  It is fear that is leading many in our country now to say, "Keep them out.  If we can't be sure what their intentions are towards us and our innocents, we can't take that risk".

But fear can also cross a line and become the problem.  Scripture warns us against this kind of fear so many times that it is said that "Do not fear" is the most repeated command in the Bible.  Whether that is specifically true or not doesn't matter--what does matter is that God knows that we, as humans have a propensity to fear.  So, like most things that can be good, he warns us against the extreme--the point at which fear paralyzes us from the actions of love.

Love is an amazing thing.  It is one of the few things in this world that cannot be pushed into a "bad" extreme.  You can never have "too much" love.  And love does amazing things.  It gives us the power to forgive.  The second greatest commandment of the Old Testament calls us to love our neighbors.  Jesus showed us that our neighbor is more than just the person that lives next door to us (Luke 10:25-37).  Jesus also took it a step further and told us to love our enemies.

So the question remains: how do we walk the fine line of allowing fear to help protect us from danger, while at the same time loving our enemies? 

I think this is a question that we all have to answer individually for ourselves.  But as we walk through the process of answering this question, let us ask God to give us "a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." (2 Timothy 1:7)

Advent Devotions

My mother has always been a "collector".  I wouldn't go so far as to call her a hoarder, but she has saved up many bits of paper and important photos over the years.  Most of the time she either displays these things proudly as a testament to her family's legacy, or uses them well in her life.  One of the "bits of paper" that she saved from before I was born was pages of a magazine with a simple Advent Devotional and instructions on how to make an Advent Wreath.  The Advent Wreath has always played a prominent role in our family Christmas celebrations, and my mother continues to pass this sacred tradition on to others--often making an Advent Wreath for newly-weds and tucking the devotional into the box.

As I grew up, my parents and I faithfully gathered together each Advent Sunday to use this special devotional and anticipate the Christ child's coming.  I am beyond grateful for this tradition and memory that I have of our family time.  We would turn off all the lights, find a flashlight, and celebrate together.  And if anyone was with us, they were included in the celebration.  It was such a peaceful time to slow down and remember what the true meaning of the season was.

When I moved away from home, my mother gave me a Christmas song book, a hymnal, and copies of the original devotional pages so that, in the event that we couldn't be together for Christmas, I could celebrate with whoever I was with.  When I got married, my husband and I began using the devotional in our Christmas celebrations, including anyone who we were with at the time.

I always imagined sharing this precious tradition with my own children--repeating it so often that the Scripture, readings, and prayers would be seared into their memories too.  As I've read recently in a book by Laura Story, sometimes we have to let go of some of our dreams because God has better plans.  The dream of sharing this tradition with my own children is something I've had to let go of.  But this holiday season, God has given me a new dream.  I will be sharing this devotional with the kids at my church through my role as a Children's Ministry Director!  I'm so excited about this chance to pass on something that has been so formative in my spiritual walk to the next generation!

I would also like to share this devotional with you!  I have never found anything like it in my many searches over the years.  It is beautifully written, and based on verses of the song, "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel".  Click here to find a printable PDF of this devotional.

Painted Pasta Christmas Ornaments

This looks like fun!

DIY Christmas Decoration
Christmas is coming and this can be useful..
Posted by Smart Ideas on Friday, December 19, 2014

Coin Flip, Hand Squeeze Race Game

Materials Needed: Coin, small grabable object (i.e. ball, stuffed animal, etc.).

How to play: Players form two teams. One player is chosen to be the referee. The teams sit on the floor in facing lines facing. At the head of the lines, the referee sits between the two players with a coin. At the end of the line, a small ball or other item sits in the middle of the last two players.  The two players on the end of their line closest to the referee watch as the referee flips the coin. If it lands tails, nothing happens. If it land on heads, the hand squeezing begins. It is a race to squeeze hands quick enough so that your team member at the end of the line can be the first to grab the ball or other item in the middle. The winning team gets to rotate their players down one. The game is over when a team has rotated all their players through the line.

Twist: If a player grabs the item on tails, the team rotates backwards one person.

Click here to see Before and After pictures of Norwex doing it's job!

Silence

Even though I wish I didn't have to have Iived through the hard things I experienced last year, I am grateful for one thing in particular. I'm grateful that God has allowed me to learn a very important lesson. The lesson of silence. 

I have always been a verbal person--someone who is constantly processing my world verbally. I find it difficult to keep my mouth shut when I feel like I can help someone by speaking words. It drives me crazy to feel like there are no magic words that will make everything better. Having this as part of my personality, I completely understand why most people feel the need to verbally support someone who is in pain. 

Through my own pain this year I have learned that the deepest support someone can give to a loved one in pain--the most genuine gesture of love--is silence.  As uncomfortable as it may be to hold my tongue when someone bears their heart to me, that discomfort is nothing compared to the pain I might inflict on someone by saying the wrong thing. 

The greatest gifts I was given during this time were gifts of shared tears, quiet, unspoken prayers, and hugs.  I know now that, as those around me trust their hearts and stories of suffering with me, the best thing I can do is to listen quietly. And if circumstances really insist that I speak words out loud, I know to offer tangible helpful actions that will allow the person to find some quiet moments, and a promise to offer heartfelt prayers lifted to the Savior who is the only one who can speak all the right words of comfort and peace to their hearts. 

Cookie Salad

Ingredients

• 1 (cup) Buttermilk 
• 3.4 (ounce) package instant pudding vanilla flavor 
• 16 (ounce) cool whip 
• 1 (package) Package fudge striped cookies 
• 29 (ounce) can fruit cocktail, drained 

Directions

1. Mix buttermilk and dry pudding powder in a LARGE bowl that has a lid. 
2. Add cool whip. 
3. Crush 3/4 of the package of cookies and mix in. 
4. Mix in the fruit. 
5. Crush the remaining cookies and sprinkle on top. 
6. Cover and chill for 12-24 hours before serving. 

To Swab or Not to Swab?

A discussion on using protein swabs at parties.  
Click Here

Evangelistic Benevolence

Being the administrative assistant at my church, the most common phone call I answer is a request for help of some kind.  Yesterday, someone called the church asking for help getting a ride for a friend from one part of town to another part.  Usually when we get "benevolence" calls, I pass the info on to our head Deacon who is wonderful about helping people however possible.  But this time I figured it would be more complicated to pass it on then to help the woman out myself.  I called a friend and together we went to pick the lady up and take her to her destination.  The trip was relatively short and uneventful.

Later that day I was thinking about the trip.  I had done everything I could to make the woman feel comfortable with me and my friend, and had tried to take the opportunity to let the woman know that we would be happy to "be there for her" if she needed it.  I told her about the gatherings our church has during the week and that she could call my number if she ever wanted a ride to church.  But while thinking about it later, I wondered, "What might she have thought of all that?"  Did she think I gave her a ride only because I wanted her to come to my church?  

Have you ever been in that place before--asked someone for help, and while receiving it, got an invitation to something church-related?  How did you feel about that?  Did you go to the event?  Why or why not?

Easter Outreach Idea

I went searching for ideas for doing an Easter Egg Hunt with the church.  I felt like it might be a good outreach option.  We don't have a TON of space on our land outside the church, but I could see us hiding eggs all around in the classrooms and then finishing this activity in the fellowship hall area.  Here is the link to the post about an idea I like for the hunt.  The Story of Jesus Told in Easter Eggs

Hard Boiled Eggs

Don't Ever Say...

Don't ever say "Have you tried...?" to someone who has just revealed their struggle with infertility to you.  Ever.  Just. Don't. Do. It.  I promise, if they haven't tried it, they have a good reason.  If you really must offer your "expertise", the only slightly helpful way to do so is to say, "I'm sorry you're struggling.  Let me know if there's anything I can help you research since I'm [insert professional understanding here].  But no matter what, I'll be praying for you!"

For my own reference on how to cook stuffed shells once I've frozen them:

1. Preheat oven to 350° F.
2. Cover bottom of pan or oven-safe deep dish with your favorite pasta sauce.
3. Place 4 shells in a single layer and cover with additional sauce.
4. Cover pan with aluminum foil.
5. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes.

CINNAMON ROLL CAKE!! This is sooo easy and tastes Yummie!!

Cake:
3 c. flour
1/4 tsp. salt
1 c. sugar
4 tsp. baking powder
1 1/2 c. milk
2 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 c. butter, melted

Topping:
1 c. butter, softened
1 c. brown sugar
2 Tbsp. flour
1 Tbsp. cinnamon

Directions:
Mix everything together except for the butter. Slowly stir in the melted butter and pour into a greased 9x13 pan. For the topping, mix all the ingredients together until well combined. Drop evenly over the batter and swirl with a knife. Bake at 350 for 28-32 minutes.

Glaze:
2 c. powdered sugar
enough milk to make a runny glaze about 6 or 7 tablespoons
1 tsp. vanilla

While warm drizzle the glaze over the cake.

Feeling the need to write...

Most people that know me know that I love kids.  Really, I LOVE kids.  I was so blessed this summer to get a job that allows that to be part of my work.  And yet, I don't have any of my own.  I'm sure some people wonder about this, but most are polite enough not to ask.  In a country where the "struggle of infertility" is like a club, most adults know this is a subject to be avoided.  I guess some people would say I get to be a member of that club.

I hate the idea of that though.  Of course I hate the idea because it sucks not to have kids.  But what I really hate about being a part of the "club" is that people feel sorry for me.  That they feel the need to tiptoe around subjects like pregnancy and child raising.  That they feel like they need to empathize with me in some way.  That they feel guilty being excited about a new baby.  That my empty arms need to be filled with their own children.

It's very true that I have my "bad days".  But don't we all?  Each one of us has something in our lives that we feel is not quite right: we're not married yet, or we haven't found the right job yet, or we don't own a house yet, or we can't wait till retirement, or we want that next promotion at work, or we wish we could travel more, or we live far away from our families.  We all have moments in our lives when we just don't want to live the life we have right now and want something else instead.  That's the nature of living in a fallen world.

I guess the reason I felt like writing all this is this: I know a lot of people who have never had to wonder each month if THIS might be the month you finally get to have a child wonder how they can support someone who has.  Well, here's how you can help.  Talk about your kids.  Talk about your pregnancies.  Tell me what cute things they did.  Tell me how you can't wait to find out what gender your baby is so you can start buying baby clothes.  Tell me about how frustrating getting no sleep is.  Really, I can take it.  In fact, I love to hear about it most of the time.  Did I mention I love kids? Not having my own doesn't make me hate everybody else's kids.  But what I need most of all from you is prayer.  Pray that, as each month comes to a close, I will find solace in God's lap.  Pray that when I'm having my "bad days" I'll run to God first.  Pray that God will fill that hole in my life with himself.  Pray that God will be so real that I can't imagine any better life than that moment of stillness, peace, and joy that I find myself in.

And, if someday God allows my arms to hold a child of my own, pray that I will keep praying for those who haven't had that experience.

He gives the barren woman a home,
    making her the joyous mother of children. Praise the Lord!
Psalm 113:9

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