Quiet Time

Ask yourself honestly - Do you ever wake up and want to just pull the covers back over your head and let the day pass by? Don't kid yourself of course you do!
Sometimes life can weigh us down with all our appointments, meetings, school events, and just busy schedules. And often our reaction is to wake up and do the day - to - day just like we did yesterday. To get through it, to just obey, do, and do it all over again.

The problem is, this can carry into our areas of ministry where we serve. We can arrive on Sunday, check in kids, teach a lesson, do what we're asked, go home and leave little impact.

There's a simple principle that says "You can't give what you don't have." If someone really, desperately needs a car for transportation and you sincerely want to help them, wishing you could give them a car, but don't have a spare car you can't always go out a purchase a new one. It's just not that easy.
The same principle applies for our ministry. You can't give to children a relationship with Jesus if your relationship with Jesus isn't strong and kicking.

3. Show FRAMEWORK of a Christ follower     b.   Serve from the overflow of what God is doing in your personal life::Accountability:: 

Each month when you serve you have an opportunity to impact children in such a way that they build a life-long relationship with Jesus. Nothing in this world is more important than your relationship with Jesus.
Find time this week to create a nice quiet time for yourself. For you it may be in the morning when no one else is awake. Or it could be at night when you get a moment to yourself. Download a Bible app and spend time with God on your lunch break. We are accountable to the kids we serve in our relationship with Jesus.
Your quiet time doesn't have to be 30 minutes long and contain 8 passages a day. Adapt it to the way God speaks directly to you. If you get a fresh start in your day from spending 3 minutes reading His Word and telling Him how great He is…awesome! If you want to spend an hour worshiping Him to your favorite pray music…awesome! Whatever works for you is best. The idea is to create a time where you can give God your full attention. He gives you His all day long.

Serving from the overflow of what God is doing in your personal life will translate into Sunday mornings, the dinner table, work relationships, everywhere.
You can't give what you don't have.


Thanks for being intentional every Sunday you serve!
Ben & Ashley Kingdon

Do Good Things

1Peter 4:10, 11a

"God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to Him forever and ever! Amen."

1. Experience ADVENTURE In serving 

a.      Experience fulfillment & growth through serving. ::Find Purpose :: Legacy //FLM Volunteer Vision

You have God given talents that God planned for you to flourish in! In this busy holiday season lean on God for the "strength and energy that God supplies" because you are not in FLM by mistake.

You are doing good things.

You are leaving a legacy for the next generation.

You are serving a purpose.

If you're not feeling a sense of adventure, fulfillment or growth in your volunteer role take a moment and ask God what talents has he given you and how can you better use them in FLM!

Remember you're a piece of art that's never quite finished. We love to see you grow as a leader by giving you new roles and responsibilities. We are so glad God brought you to FLM to make a difference in the  families at Coastline.

"And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns." 

Philippians 1:6

SIDE NOTE: *The Winter Blockbuster is out so please review and respond.

Have a great week,

Ashley & Ben Kingdon

A fun thank you I found

Hey Team!
Here is a fun Thank you devotional I thought I would share with you. Enjoy!
Ashley

^{Hebrews 6:10}
 God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.


Volunteers are special people, especially those who volunteer for church activities and events. Those events are geared to share Christ and the gospel. What better way to spend your time and energy than in something with lasting benefits. Volunteering for the service of Christ has eternal rewards.

Although we know Christ will remember these wonderful people that volunteer when they get to heaven, it's also a great idea to honor them and thank them here on earth as well. 

• Thanks for Stepping Up.
  Everyone doesn't step up to the task. Volunteers are special. They get involved and don't stay sitting in the pew.
  
• Thanks for Sharing in the Responsibilities.
  When everyone works together for a common goal, it lightens the load.
  
• Thanks for Caring for Others. 
  When someone volunteers it shows they care. They show that compassion like Christ had.
  
• Thanks for Your Diligence.
  Volunteers willingly use their hands for service. They do the hard work. Most of the time work that no one else will do.
  
• Thanks for Your Dedication.
  Volunteers care about the details. They are conscious of what they are doing and concerned about seeing that their tasks get done.
  
• Thanks for Seeing the Vision.
  Volunteers see the outcome. They know they are working for a purpose. They see the end result as being for the glory of the Lord.

Conclusion:
Going back to Hebrews 6:10 it says that God's not going to forget those who have served Him. I don't think we should forget either.