Dad in the Middle http://waynestocks.com Sun, 05 Feb 2012 05:05:00 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3 DadInTheMiddlehttp://feedburner.google.com Wayne’s Weekly Twitter Digest – 2012-01-29 to 2012-02-04 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DadInTheMiddle/~3/rIm7Hp3tfjA/ http://waynestocks.com/2012/02/05/waynes-weekly-twitter-digest-2012-01-29-to-2012-02-04/#comments Sun, 05 Feb 2012 05:05:00 +0000 Wayne http://waynestocks.com/2012/02/05/waynes-weekly-twitter-digest-2012-01-29-to-2012-02-04/
  • Wayne’s Weekly Twitter Digest – 2012-01-22 to 2012-01-28
  • Wayne’s Weekly Twitter Digest – 2012-01-08 to 2012-01-14
  • Wayne’s Weekly Twitter Digest – 2012-01-01 to 2012-01-07
    • ]]>
  • Six Ways to Persevere Through the Sluggish Times http://t.co/DmSb2tXJ 08:15:30, 2012-02-03
  • JUMPING THE TRACK (A Dad in the Middle Review) http://t.co/JlmiNmP7 07:57:02, 2012-02-02
  • You Gotta Love Kids http://t.co/bU08jYc4 13:11:03, 2012-02-01
  • While @michaelchanley hangs out at Butt Drugs, I'm chatting #kidmin on CmConnect.org. Care to joinn? 14:08:09, 2012-01-31
  • Wayne’s Weekly Twitter Digest – 2012-01-22 to 2012-01-28 http://t.co/0rkIE79u 01:08:31, 2012-01-29

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    1. Wayne’s Weekly Twitter Digest – 2012-01-22 to 2012-01-28
    2. Wayne’s Weekly Twitter Digest – 2012-01-08 to 2012-01-14
    3. Wayne’s Weekly Twitter Digest – 2012-01-01 to 2012-01-07

    ]]>     http://waynestocks.com/2012/02/05/waynes-weekly-twitter-digest-2012-01-29-to-2012-02-04/feed/ 0 http://waynestocks.com/2012/02/05/waynes-weekly-twitter-digest-2012-01-29-to-2012-02-04/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=waynes-weekly-twitter-digest-2012-01-29-to-2012-02-04     Six Ways to Persevere Through the Sluggish Times http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DadInTheMiddle/~3/mZb2N5vjUNA/ http://waynestocks.com/2012/02/03/six-ways-to-persevere-through-the-sluggish-times/#comments Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:55:00 +0000 Wayne http://waynestocks.com/?p=5256
  • 30 Ways to Get Connected with Your Kids
  • 22 Ways to Teach Kids HOW to Think And Not Just WHAT to Think
    • ]]>     Have you ever had one of those days?  You know the kind – where you really aren’t “in to” what you’re doing and you feel like you rather be doing just about anything else.  What do you do when those times correspond to your time in ministry.  Wednesday was one of those days for me.  On Wednesday night, I run the games for our Awana program.  It’s an-hour-and-a-half and something like 200 kids broken into 30 minute game segments.  Usually, it is one of the highlights of my week, but this week  I just felt rather “ho hum” and work out when I showed up.  It’s bound to happen.  We can’t always be ON!  And, when it comes to ministry, sometimes you just have to put your game face on and trudge through.  Here is what I’ve found works for me.

    1. Pray

    Working in children’s ministry, I find myself praying “God, give me the strength!” more often than I would like to admit.  When you’re feeling down or just not into it though, it is essential that you turn first to God.  He renews us day by day, and he can renew us minute by minute.  Always start by asking your Heavenly Father.

    2. Remember why you’re there

    It’s not about you.  It’s not even about the kids.  It’s about God.  Remember that, in your ministry, you are there to serve a God who died on the cross for your sins.  If he can endure that for me, I can make it through a couple of hours of games, or a lesson on Sunday morning, or whatever the situation might be.

    3. Plan Accordingly

    When I’m not 100% sold out, there are still things I can do that will accomplish the purpose of my ministry.  For example, when I am picking games for Wednesday night, if I am feeling a bit out of it, I try to pick a game where the kids will have fun and there’s not a whole lot of my energy required.  On Wednesday night, we ran relay races of varying sorts.  My job was to explain the rules and say “On your mark, get set, go.”  There wasn’t a lot of “Ra! Ra!” required from me, which was good because I didn’t have a lot to give.  You can do the same thing when you are teaching.  Just gear your activities to work as much as possible.  This is not, by the way, a reason to slack off.  If you’re feeling down one Sunday, don’t throw in a video just because, but if a video actually works in the context of what you are teaching, go ahead and use it.

    4. Strive for Excellence

    My friend, Jared Massey, is fond of this term, and I agree with him wholeheartedly.  Even when you’re not feeling it, make it your goal to honor God by striving for excellence in all that you do.  Sometimes, this focus alone will be enough to pull you out of whatever funk you’re in.

    5. Remember How you Feel, and Check Yourself

    If you are tired or grumpy, it is easy to let that seep into your interactions with the kids in your ministry.  It is important to remember going in that you don’t quite feel yourself and try to keep your reactions in check.  If you are irritable, minor annoyances that wouldn’t bother you on a normal day are going to make your skin crawl.  Make sure that your reactions don’t differ just because you feel differently.

    6. Fake it Until you Feel it

    I probably shouldn’t say this, but the truth is sometimes you have to fake it.  You have to smile when you don’t feel like smiling.  You have to seem excited when you feel anything but.  But, rest assured that God is in control, and if you are seeking his will, he will provide you the sustenance to get through – so fake it!  The feelings are likely to follow.

    Related posts:

    1. 30 Ways to Get Connected with Your Kids
    2. 22 Ways to Teach Kids HOW to Think And Not Just WHAT to Think

    ]]>     http://waynestocks.com/2012/02/03/six-ways-to-persevere-through-the-sluggish-times/feed/ 0 http://waynestocks.com/2012/02/03/six-ways-to-persevere-through-the-sluggish-times/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=six-ways-to-persevere-through-the-sluggish-times     JUMPING THE TRACK (A Dad in the Middle Review) http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DadInTheMiddle/~3/K8y5Hj5czGw/ http://waynestocks.com/2012/02/02/jumping-the-track-a-dad-in-the-middle-review/#comments Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:55:00 +0000 Wayne http://waynestocks.com/?p=5249
  • THE BIG GOD STORY by MICHELLE ANTHONY (a Dad in the Middle Review)
  • 9 THINGS THEY DIDN’T TEACH ME IN COLLEGE ABOUT CHILDREN’S MINISTRY by RYAN FRANK (A Dad in the Middle Review)
  • DON’T HUG A GRUDGE by Donna Perugini (A Dad in the Middle Review)
    • ]]>     Jumping the TrackI am a fan of Roger Fields.  Roger is a self described:

    Husband. Dad. Writer. Blogger. Consultant. Social Media Junkie. Humorist. Minister. Horse Owner. Prez of Kidz Blitz Ministries. Political Prognosticator. Public Speaker. Newsaholic. Author. Lifelong Learner.

    I like that about him.  I have followed Roger’s sites (those still running and those long since shut down) for years now ever since I started dabbling in children’s ministry.  His monthly column in K! Magazine is one of my favorites.  Before I had ever met Roger, I felt like we would get along great and have plenty to talk about over a cup of coffee.  There was something about Roger that just resonated with me.  When I attended the first CMX a couple of years ago, my list of “to do” items included meeting Roger Fields, but every time I saw him he just looked too busy, and I didn’t want to disturb him.  Last year though, I didn’t let Roger’s schedule stop me, and I was pleased to get a few minutes of his time just to say hello.

    Roger’s work with Kidz Blitz is fairly well known, and when I heard on Twitter and Facebook last year that Roger was writing the history of that organization, I was excited to get my hands on it.  You can only imagine my surprise when I got the book and thought to myself,

    “I never knew Roger was a hobo in an earlier life!!!”

    I was shocked, but it didn’t deter my want to read his new book Jumping the Track.  I was even more enthused when I received I free copy of it in the mail a few weeks later to review for this blog.  Don’t tell Roger, but I would have paid full price for the book.  What can I say?  I like the word free.  As a conservative, I’m sure Roger can understand that!  Enough about me though, let’s get back to the book.

    Jumping the Track is Roger’s story, but it is much more than that.  It is a story of someone willing to forsake security in order to be available to answer God’s call at any time and in any place.  Roger shares how he decided one day to give up comfort and security in order to follow his life’s calling.  There were, of course, bumps along the way, and Roger shares those with the reader in his unique and engaging style.  The message of the book is clear, “God is more important and more powerful than any long term plan you might have for yourself.”  Roger is clear that this book, and this lifestyle, is not for everyone.  I disagree.  While the lifestyle may not be for everyone, and frankly might not be God’s design for everyone’s life, I do believe that this book is for everyone.  Easily readable and captivating, this book will challenge and encourage you whether you are a planner and goal setter or a track jumper.

    WIN A COPY FOR YOURSELF!!

    Admit it!  You were hoping this review might lead to a giveaway, and indeed it has.  Roger has generously provided me with a second copy of his book (a signed copy no less) to give away to one lucky reader.  Here’s how you can win, but first a little bit of back story.  I am not a track jumper by nature, but last year God led me to create a new ministry formed for the purpose of ministering to children of divorce.  I have no personal or professional experience in this area, but I am trying to follow God’s lead, and I started Divorce Ministry 4 Kids last summer to do just that.  This venture represents the most significant ministry track jumping I have ever engaged in, and it seems appropriate to use this give away to get the word out.  So, you can enter our giveaway by doing any, or all, of the following:

    1. Visit Divorce Ministry 4 Kids and comment on any article page anytime within the next week.  I will enter all comments into the drawing.  Make sure to include your e-mail address so I can get in contact with you.
    2. Follow DivorceMin4Kids on twitter.
    3. Like the Divorce Ministry 4 Kids facebook page.
    4. If you are a child of divorce, fill out our 8 question survey for Children of Divorce.
    5. Sign up for the Divorce Ministry 4 Kids monthly e-mail newsletter on the front page of Divorce Ministry 4 Kids.
    6. Tweet the following: “Help @stocksohio get the word out about DivorceMinistry4Kids.com & win a free copy of @RogerFields new book: http://wp.me/pN5Ju-1mF #kidmin”

    That’s up to six ways to enter, please take advantage of all of them.  We will pick a winner sometime next Thursday, February 9, 2012.  Happy track jumping!

    Disclaimer: I was provided a free copy of this book in order to compete this review.  That in no way influenced the contents of this review.  Furthermore, I can neither confirm or refute the assertion that Roger was indeed at one point a hobo.  I would suggest you ask him about that.

    Related posts:

    1. THE BIG GOD STORY by MICHELLE ANTHONY (a Dad in the Middle Review)
    2. 9 THINGS THEY DIDN’T TEACH ME IN COLLEGE ABOUT CHILDREN’S MINISTRY by RYAN FRANK (A Dad in the Middle Review)
    3. DON’T HUG A GRUDGE by Donna Perugini (A Dad in the Middle Review)

    ]]>     http://waynestocks.com/2012/02/02/jumping-the-track-a-dad-in-the-middle-review/feed/ 0 http://waynestocks.com/2012/02/02/jumping-the-track-a-dad-in-the-middle-review/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=jumping-the-track-a-dad-in-the-middle-review     You Gotta Love Kids http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DadInTheMiddle/~3/gh_EmhBndO4/ http://waynestocks.com/2012/02/01/you-gotta-love-kids/#comments Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:09:38 +0000 Wayne http://waynestocks.com/?p=5247
  • 10 Things I Love About Being A Dad
  • When Love Came Down (December 16)
    • ]]>     I love my kids – I mean I actually love my kids.  It’s more than just your normal, I’m a parent and I love my kids kind of love.  I love my kids as people.  They never cease to amaze me, humor me and bring joy to my life.  No doubt, there are tough times too, but the good far outweighs the bad.

    Case in Point

    At dinner the other night, my four year old asked me how old God was.  I, of course, launched into a theological discussion about the eternality of God and preexistence of Christ.  Upon further reflection though, I realize why Nathan was really asking.  We had spent the last weekend at a birthday party for my best friend who just turned 40.  I’m not far behind.  It turns out that Nathan wasn’t interested in the eternality of God so much as he was interested in figuring out who was older – God or Me.  Like I said, you gotta love kids!

    Related posts:

    1. 10 Things I Love About Being A Dad
    2. When Love Came Down (December 16)

    ]]>     http://waynestocks.com/2012/02/01/you-gotta-love-kids/feed/ 0 http://waynestocks.com/2012/02/01/you-gotta-love-kids/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=you-gotta-love-kids     Wayne’s Weekly Twitter Digest – 2012-01-22 to 2012-01-28 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DadInTheMiddle/~3/ItLiQtyRoPs/ http://waynestocks.com/2012/01/29/waynes-weekly-twitter-digest-2012-01-22-to-2012-01-28/#comments Sun, 29 Jan 2012 05:05:00 +0000 Wayne http://waynestocks.com/2012/01/29/waynes-weekly-twitter-digest-2012-01-22-to-2012-01-28/
  • Wayne’s Weekly Twitter Digest – 2012-01-08 to 2012-01-14
  • Wayne’s Weekly Twitter Digest – 2012-01-15 to 2012-01-21
  • Wayne’s Weekly Twitter Digest – 2012-01-01 to 2012-01-07
    • ]]>
  • What? No one is chatting on CMConnect.org right now? Join the conversation at CMConnect.org!!! #kidmin #CMConnect 14:05:21, 2012-01-24
  • Wayne’s Weekly Twitter Digest – 2012-01-15 to 2012-01-21 http://t.co/06H0fEB1 01:05:02, 2012-01-22

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    2. Wayne’s Weekly Twitter Digest – 2012-01-15 to 2012-01-21
    3. Wayne’s Weekly Twitter Digest – 2012-01-01 to 2012-01-07

    ]]>     http://waynestocks.com/2012/01/29/waynes-weekly-twitter-digest-2012-01-22-to-2012-01-28/feed/ 0 http://waynestocks.com/2012/01/29/waynes-weekly-twitter-digest-2012-01-22-to-2012-01-28/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=waynes-weekly-twitter-digest-2012-01-22-to-2012-01-28     Wayne’s Weekly Twitter Digest – 2012-01-15 to 2012-01-21 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DadInTheMiddle/~3/etBhpVO6jYE/ http://waynestocks.com/2012/01/22/waynes-weekly-twitter-digest-2012-01-15-to-2012-01-21/#comments Sun, 22 Jan 2012 05:05:00 +0000 Wayne http://waynestocks.com/2012/01/22/waynes-weekly-twitter-digest-2012-01-15-to-2012-01-21/
  • Wayne’s Weekly Twitter Digest – 2012-01-01 to 2012-01-07
  • Wayne’s Weekly Twitter Digest – 2012-01-08 to 2012-01-14
  • Wayne’s Weekly Twitter Digest – 2011-09-18 to 2011-09-24
    • ]]>
  • What verses would you suggest for helping someone who is in denial? #kidmin 13:31:50, 2012-01-18
  • Wayne’s Weekly Twitter Digest – 2012-01-08 to 2012-01-14 http://t.co/IGv5Kn6J 01:25:02, 2012-01-15

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    2. Wayne’s Weekly Twitter Digest – 2012-01-08 to 2012-01-14
    3. Wayne’s Weekly Twitter Digest – 2011-09-18 to 2011-09-24

    ]]>     http://waynestocks.com/2012/01/22/waynes-weekly-twitter-digest-2012-01-15-to-2012-01-21/feed/ 0 http://waynestocks.com/2012/01/22/waynes-weekly-twitter-digest-2012-01-15-to-2012-01-21/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=waynes-weekly-twitter-digest-2012-01-15-to-2012-01-21     Wayne’s Weekly Twitter Digest – 2012-01-08 to 2012-01-14 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DadInTheMiddle/~3/vizhA-ewrRY/ http://waynestocks.com/2012/01/15/waynes-weekly-twitter-digest-2012-01-08-to-2012-01-14/#comments Sun, 15 Jan 2012 05:05:00 +0000 Wayne http://waynestocks.com/2012/01/15/waynes-weekly-twitter-digest-2012-01-08-to-2012-01-14/
  • Wayne’s Weekly Twitter Digest – 2012-01-01 to 2012-01-07
  • Wayne’s Weekly Twitter Digest – 2011-02-13 to 2011-02-19
  • Wayne’s Weekly Twitter Digest – 2011-05-29 to 2011-06-04
    • ]]>
  • @hastenhome @pastorjaredm @commanderbill here is that link on the Luke 16 passage I mentioned. http://t.co/KUs11uEl 22:19:07, 2012-01-13
  • @HastenHome @pastorjaredm @commanderbill I love a good theological discussion. I'll post the link I sent @pastorjaredm #kidmin in reply to HastenHome 17:13:35, 2012-01-12
  • @CommanderBill Don't think it's OK for him to "correct" his actions with his master's money though. in reply to CommanderBill 13:26:54, 2012-01-12
  • @pastorjaredm Check your inbox. Not sure it's 1st grade ready, but it might help. :) in reply to pastorjaredm 12:51:07, 2012-01-12

  • @pastorjaredm No. He's saying we should care more about eternal things when it comes to money than nonbelievers care about temporal things. in reply to pastorjaredm 12:47:28, 2012-01-12
  • @pastorjaredm I think he's saying. "As opposed to that way of thinking, do this…." Rather than being shrewd, be generous. in reply to pastorjaredm 12:40:31, 2012-01-12
  • @pastorjaredm By contract (to being shrewd), sons of light should use the wealth they are entrusted with to help others & build the kingdom. in reply to pastorjaredm 12:37:52, 2012-01-12
  • @pastorjaredm Like he was saying, "I would have done the same thing myself." in reply to pastorjaredm 12:36:31, 2012-01-12
  • @pastorjaredm I'm not convinced the rich man is God. The manager is commended because the world values shrewdness. in reply to pastorjaredm 12:36:16, 2012-01-12
  • @pastorjaredm Jesus is teaching by comparison of worldly ways – where shrewdness is commended – to godly ways where faithfulness is key. in reply to pastorjaredm 12:25:57, 2012-01-12
  • RT @psexton3: Kid's Need Emotional Engagement..Emotion cements learning.. #cpc12 #kidmin // I'm not so sure about this statement. 12:07:55, 2012-01-12
  • @pastorjaredm Not in a 140 characters. :) in reply to pastorjaredm 12:02:02, 2012-01-12
  • Wishing all my friend safe travels to #cpc12. May God's grace surround u & may all u do the next several days bring glory to Him! #kidmin 11:23:18, 2012-01-11
  • The Next BIG Kidmin Deal! http://t.co/pDN7jp7Q 12:56:03, 2012-01-10
  • Don't know who else will be there, but I plan on chatting at 2:00 PM EST on CMConnect.org. #kidmin #cmconnect 12:48:11, 2012-01-10
  • Writing an article for http://t.co/ecRep4HN for next Monday. It may be the hardest article I've ever had to reduce to writing. #kidmin 16:42:00, 2012-01-09
  • Wayne’s Weekly Twitter Digest – 2012-01-01 to 2012-01-07 http://t.co/ABD7BpSc 01:07:02, 2012-01-08

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    ]]>     http://waynestocks.com/2012/01/15/waynes-weekly-twitter-digest-2012-01-08-to-2012-01-14/feed/ 0 http://waynestocks.com/2012/01/15/waynes-weekly-twitter-digest-2012-01-08-to-2012-01-14/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=waynes-weekly-twitter-digest-2012-01-08-to-2012-01-14     The Next BIG Kidmin Deal! http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DadInTheMiddle/~3/ikTtX5o6Jv0/ http://waynestocks.com/2012/01/10/the-next-big-kidmin-deal/#comments Tue, 10 Jan 2012 17:51:40 +0000 Wayne http://waynestocks.com/?p=5242
  • What is the big deal with contentment?
    • ]]>     clip_image001If you work in Children’s Ministry, there’s a good chance you’ve heard about the deals from Only144.com These are the guys who offer amazing deals on collections of children’s ministry resources that are available for only 144 hours each time. Well, the newest 144 hours sale starts this Friday, January 13th at 12:00 P.M. and lasts for, you guessed it, 144 hours! It’s the biggest KIDMIN sale of the YEAR! It features over $1,600+ worth of Children’s and Preteen Ministry resources for only $97. Free shipping to U.S. locations is included. This deal includes:
    • Six Yancy Worship Videos
    • Five Uncle Charlie Worship Videos
    • From PreTeenMinistry.net – Curriculum, Small Group Series, Summer Game Pack, Coaching Series, Walk the Line and 21 PowerPoint games for preteens
    • Five OneTimeBlind Illustration/Skit Videos
    • Video Shorts & Countdowns from Timbuktoons
    • 2 Tickets to the PreTeenMinistry Conference
    • Children’s & Youth Logo Pack from Church Logo Gallery
    • PowerPoint Games for Children, Students, and Adults and Children’s & Student Leader Training mp3′s from Burnt Toast
    • 25 Best Youth Group Skits and 10 Best Youth Group Games from Righteous Insanity
    • Bedroom Bible College for Tweens: Leader Guide PDF files from J12
    • Journey: Beginning Your Walk with God

    More details are available at www.only144.com. There are also great incentives to order early:

    • The first person who orders will win a new Amazon Kindle.
    • The first 10 people who order will win GoFish’s new Praise VBS Curriculum
    • The first 20 people who order will win the book Stretch by Jim Wideman
    • The first 50 people who order will win a MissionSix CD
    • The first 100 people who order will win an iShine Live DVD
    • The first 200 people who order will win a Yancy CD

    So, make plans for noon on Friday to get your deal. And, remember if you miss it at noon that you only have another 144 hours until this deal is done! Happy shopping! Happy savings!

     

    Disclaimer: The people at Only144.com have provided me with a complimentary copy of this wonderful package.

    Related posts:

    1. What is the big deal with contentment?

    ]]>     http://waynestocks.com/2012/01/10/the-next-big-kidmin-deal/feed/ 1 http://waynestocks.com/2012/01/10/the-next-big-kidmin-deal/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-next-big-kidmin-deal     Wayne’s Weekly Twitter Digest – 2012-01-01 to 2012-01-07 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DadInTheMiddle/~3/GDXtn6Dc1BE/ http://waynestocks.com/2012/01/08/waynes-weekly-twitter-digest-2012-01-01-to-2012-01-07/#comments Sun, 08 Jan 2012 05:05:00 +0000 Wayne http://waynestocks.com/2012/01/08/waynes-weekly-twitter-digest-2012-01-01-to-2012-01-07/
  • Wayne’s Weekly Twitter Digest – 2011-09-18 to 2011-09-24
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    • ]]>
  • Got a new iPad for Christmas. I probably already have your top f apps, so what are your 6-10 must have apps? #kidmin #ipad 12:51:14, 2012-01-06
  • It's Thursday. It's almost 2:00. That seems like good enough reason to chat on CMConnect.org. Join me if you're available! #kidmin 13:56:30, 2012-01-05
  • The Children’s Ministry Blog Patrol – 2012-01-05 http://t.co/dSs8gPG2 13:26:19, 2012-01-05
  • Got rid of 90 RSS feeds in Google Reader today. Down to only 226 now. #simplify #kidmin 12:04:11, 2012-01-05

  • @rogerfields Thanks Roger. I'm looking forward to reading it. in reply to rogerfields 11:01:38, 2012-01-05
  • Check out the new and improved (sort of) #Kidmin Blog Patrol on facebook at http://t.co/fghCENw4 11:25:36, 2012-01-04
  • @rogerfields When's the book blog tour? in reply to rogerfields 16:06:55, 2012-01-03
  • Wayne’s Weekly Twitter Digest – 2011-12-25 to 2011-12-31 http://t.co/nXjGc9jj 01:00:35, 2012-01-01

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    ]]>     http://waynestocks.com/2012/01/08/waynes-weekly-twitter-digest-2012-01-01-to-2012-01-07/feed/ 0 http://waynestocks.com/2012/01/08/waynes-weekly-twitter-digest-2012-01-01-to-2012-01-07/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=waynes-weekly-twitter-digest-2012-01-01-to-2012-01-07     The Children’s Ministry Blog Patrol – 2012-01-05 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DadInTheMiddle/~3/FfN_GJRIRH0/ http://waynestocks.com/2012/01/05/the-childrens-ministry-blog-patrol-2012-01-05/#comments Thu, 05 Jan 2012 18:00:00 +0000 http://waynestocks.com/2012/01/05/the-childrens-ministry-blog-patrol-2012-01-05/
  • The Children’s Ministry Blog Patrol – 2011-03-17
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  • The Children’s Ministry Blog Patrol – 2011-05-12
    • ]]>
  • Check out the new and improved (sort of) #Kidmin Blog Patrol on facebook at http://t.co/0MAm8ViF #

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    2. The Children’s Ministry Blog Patrol – 2011-03-10
    3. The Children’s Ministry Blog Patrol – 2011-05-12

    ]]>     http://waynestocks.com/2012/01/05/the-childrens-ministry-blog-patrol-2012-01-05/feed/ 0 http://waynestocks.com/2012/01/05/the-childrens-ministry-blog-patrol-2012-01-05/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-childrens-ministry-blog-patrol-2012-01-05     Wayne’s Weekly Twitter Digest – 2011-12-25 to 2011-12-31 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DadInTheMiddle/~3/cQiwWWPGw6s/ http://waynestocks.com/2012/01/01/waynes-weekly-twitter-digest-2011-12-25-to-2011-12-31/#comments Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:05:00 +0000 Wayne http://waynestocks.com/2012/01/01/waynes-weekly-twitter-digest-2011-12-25-to-2011-12-31/
  • Wayne’s Weekly Twitter Digest – 2011-02-13 to 2011-02-19
  • Wayne’s Weekly Twitter Digest – 2011-12-25 to 2011-12-31
  • Wayne’s Weekly Twitter Digest – 2011-05-08 to 2011-05-14
    • ]]>
  • Just finished my personal 4 gospels in 14 days challenge. A great way to spend the last couple weeks of 2011. Great way to start 2012 too! 13:52:10, 2011-12-31
  • @SavedSister7 Are you still planning on being on tonight? 21:03:34, 2011-12-29
  • I'm broadcasting live on the air! Listen in 5 minutes at http://t.co/OGMNG1qg. #BlogTalkRadio #kidminradio 20:56:03, 2011-12-29
  • I knew @mattmckee was going to be quoted in this WSJ article, but I didn't realize he'd be pictured holding his iPhone. http://t.co/ti4eeZD5 00:33:18, 2011-12-29
  • @mattguevara no doubt! My family now has six people, 3 iPhones, 3 iPod touches and an iPad. My kids from age 4 to 18 all enjoy them. :) in reply to mattguevara 21:57:09, 2011-12-28

  • “@drmoore: Johnny Cash's handwritten "to-do list," recently auctioned off, in today's WSJ: http://t.co/nNZMBrFA” Simple is good! 14:47:34, 2011-12-28
  • I'm liking the twitter app on iPad. Much better than the recent update for he iPhone. 14:45:24, 2011-12-28
  • @Barbaragraves That's great. I need to check w/ @SavedSister7 to see if she can make it 2. It'll fun chatting with you guys w/ no agenda. in reply to Barbaragraves 14:43:22, 2011-12-28
  • “@SpNeedsKidmin: Homemade #sensory toys Gr8 4 #kidmin environments that include kids w/ #specialneeds http://t.co/8HfEEpgt” Awesome stuff! 14:41:14, 2011-12-28
  • @Barbaragraves Same to you. I owe you an e-mail. We need to catch up. Are you still available for the radio show tomorrow? in reply to Barbaragraves 14:38:44, 2011-12-28
  • @pastorjaredm Which is a testament to how little I have been on Twitter recently. It's been "cleansing" like a colonic. :) in reply to pastorjaredm 14:37:21, 2011-12-28
  • “@samluce: Sigh. #fb http://t.co/1Xaiitg7” I'm jealous. We got all that yesterday as a cold rain! 14:35:51, 2011-12-28
  • @gregbaird Your work blesses us all. As for me, I'm glad I'm off until Tuesday. :) in reply to gregbaird 14:35:09, 2011-12-28
  • @michaelchanley Ah, the great answer to everything. I'll have to put that in a spreadsheet! in reply to michaelchanley 14:34:20, 2011-12-28
  • “@mattguevara: How to get young kids started with gaming http://t.co/siSNcWLP” Is this really a problem…getting them started? 14:33:12, 2011-12-28
  • “@Barbaragraves: I have the strangest desire to crochet something. #grandmotherinstincts” not sure why this made laugh, but you did. Thanks! 14:31:46, 2011-12-28
  • @pastorjaredm Not sure what that is but thanks…I think! :) #kidmin in reply to pastorjaredm 14:29:32, 2011-12-28
  • Haven't tweeted in a while. What have I missed? #kidmin 12:41:48, 2011-12-28
  • @ronbrooks77 Merry Christmas to you too. I know it's late, but hopefully it was a good one! in reply to ronbrooks77 00:41:32, 2011-12-27
  • Day After Christmas (December 26) http://t.co/D3cBSYqy 07:58:52, 2011-12-26
  • It’s About the Cross (December 25) http://t.co/OmZCJVeP 07:58:02, 2011-12-25
  • Wayne’s Weekly Twitter Digest – 2011-12-18 to 2011-12-24 http://t.co/hSbgfeE0 00:59:02, 2011-12-25

    • Related posts:

    1. Wayne’s Weekly Twitter Digest – 2011-02-13 to 2011-02-19
    2. Wayne’s Weekly Twitter Digest – 2011-12-25 to 2011-12-31
    3. Wayne’s Weekly Twitter Digest – 2011-05-08 to 2011-05-14

    ]]>     http://waynestocks.com/2012/01/01/waynes-weekly-twitter-digest-2011-12-25-to-2011-12-31/feed/ 0 http://waynestocks.com/2012/01/01/waynes-weekly-twitter-digest-2011-12-25-to-2011-12-31/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=waynes-weekly-twitter-digest-2011-12-25-to-2011-12-31     Wayne’s Weekly Twitter Digest – 2011-12-25 to 2011-12-31 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DadInTheMiddle/~3/cQiwWWPGw6s/ http://waynestocks.com/2012/01/01/waynes-weekly-twitter-digest-2011-12-25-to-2011-12-31/#comments Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:05:00 +0000 Wayne http://waynestocks.com/2012/01/01/waynes-weekly-twitter-digest-2011-12-25-to-2011-12-31/
  • Wayne’s Weekly Twitter Digest – 2011-02-13 to 2011-02-19
  • Wayne’s Weekly Twitter Digest – 2011-12-25 to 2011-12-31
  • Wayne’s Weekly Twitter Digest – 2011-05-08 to 2011-05-14
    • ]]>
  • Just finished my personal 4 gospels in 14 days challenge. A great way to spend the last couple weeks of 2011. Great way to start 2012 too! 13:52:10, 2011-12-31
  • @SavedSister7 Are you still planning on being on tonight? 21:03:34, 2011-12-29
  • I'm broadcasting live on the air! Listen in 5 minutes at http://t.co/OGMNG1qg. #BlogTalkRadio #kidminradio 20:56:03, 2011-12-29
  • I knew @mattmckee was going to be quoted in this WSJ article, but I didn't realize he'd be pictured holding his iPhone. http://t.co/ti4eeZD5 00:33:18, 2011-12-29
  • @mattguevara no doubt! My family now has six people, 3 iPhones, 3 iPod touches and an iPad. My kids from age 4 to 18 all enjoy them. :) in reply to mattguevara 21:57:09, 2011-12-28

  • “@drmoore: Johnny Cash's handwritten "to-do list," recently auctioned off, in today's WSJ: http://t.co/nNZMBrFA” Simple is good! 14:47:34, 2011-12-28
  • I'm liking the twitter app on iPad. Much better than the recent update for he iPhone. 14:45:24, 2011-12-28
  • @Barbaragraves That's great. I need to check w/ @SavedSister7 to see if she can make it 2. It'll fun chatting with you guys w/ no agenda. in reply to Barbaragraves 14:43:22, 2011-12-28
  • “@SpNeedsKidmin: Homemade #sensory toys Gr8 4 #kidmin environments that include kids w/ #specialneeds http://t.co/8HfEEpgt” Awesome stuff! 14:41:14, 2011-12-28
  • @Barbaragraves Same to you. I owe you an e-mail. We need to catch up. Are you still available for the radio show tomorrow? in reply to Barbaragraves 14:38:44, 2011-12-28
  • @pastorjaredm Which is a testament to how little I have been on Twitter recently. It's been "cleansing" like a colonic. :) in reply to pastorjaredm 14:37:21, 2011-12-28
  • “@samluce: Sigh. #fb http://t.co/1Xaiitg7” I'm jealous. We got all that yesterday as a cold rain! 14:35:51, 2011-12-28
  • @gregbaird Your work blesses us all. As for me, I'm glad I'm off until Tuesday. :) in reply to gregbaird 14:35:09, 2011-12-28
  • @michaelchanley Ah, the great answer to everything. I'll have to put that in a spreadsheet! in reply to michaelchanley 14:34:20, 2011-12-28
  • “@mattguevara: How to get young kids started with gaming http://t.co/siSNcWLP” Is this really a problem…getting them started? 14:33:12, 2011-12-28
  • “@Barbaragraves: I have the strangest desire to crochet something. #grandmotherinstincts” not sure why this made laugh, but you did. Thanks! 14:31:46, 2011-12-28
  • @pastorjaredm Not sure what that is but thanks…I think! :) #kidmin in reply to pastorjaredm 14:29:32, 2011-12-28
  • Haven't tweeted in a while. What have I missed? #kidmin 12:41:48, 2011-12-28
  • @ronbrooks77 Merry Christmas to you too. I know it's late, but hopefully it was a good one! in reply to ronbrooks77 00:41:32, 2011-12-27
  • Day After Christmas (December 26) http://t.co/D3cBSYqy 07:58:52, 2011-12-26
  • It’s About the Cross (December 25) http://t.co/OmZCJVeP 07:58:02, 2011-12-25
  • Wayne’s Weekly Twitter Digest – 2011-12-18 to 2011-12-24 http://t.co/hSbgfeE0 00:59:02, 2011-12-25

    • Related posts:

    1. Wayne’s Weekly Twitter Digest – 2011-02-13 to 2011-02-19
    2. Wayne’s Weekly Twitter Digest – 2011-12-25 to 2011-12-31
    3. Wayne’s Weekly Twitter Digest – 2011-05-08 to 2011-05-14

    ]]>     http://waynestocks.com/2012/01/01/waynes-weekly-twitter-digest-2011-12-25-to-2011-12-31/feed/ 0 http://waynestocks.com/2012/01/01/waynes-weekly-twitter-digest-2011-12-25-to-2011-12-31/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=waynes-weekly-twitter-digest-2011-12-25-to-2011-12-31     Day After Christmas (December 26) http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DadInTheMiddle/~3/5vRikLIQ5Y0/ http://waynestocks.com/2011/12/26/day-after-christmas-december-26/#comments Mon, 26 Dec 2011 12:55:00 +0000 Wayne http://waynestocks.com/?p=5234
  • December 1 – Christmas With A Capital "C" (A Christmas Carol Advent)
  • December 17 – Babe in The Straw (A Christmas Carol Advent)
  • December 22 – Come And Worship (A Christmas Carol Advent)
    • ]]>     Dec26

    To view the entire 2011 Christmas Carol Advent check out our Christmas Carol Advent index page.

    Video

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvM3Lp_BZeQ

    Story Behind the Song

    Written by Matthew West, this song was released on the 2011 album The Heart of Christmas.

    Commentary & Analysis

    If you love Christmas, then every year when it’s over you are likely to experience a little bit of a let down.  That is what this song is all about.  As Christians though, we need to remind ourselves that while the celebration of Jesus’ birth may be over, we should celebrate 365 days a year.  Just because the Christmas season has come and gone pales in comparison to the fact that Jesus is alive and that God lives with us each and every day.  We should celebrate that and focus on that.  So, in the words of Matthew West, “Happy day after Christmas, and Merry rest of the year.”  Make your year count for Jesus this year!

    Questions for Further Reflection / Devotion

    1. How will you make your year count for Jesus this year?
    2. How will you keep joy in your life and the lives of your loved ones all year round?
    3. Take some time today to celebrate and worship Christ with your family and loved ones.  Rejoice in the light of the world.  He will last so much longer than those Christmas lights that you need to take down!

    Lyrics

    Here comes the letdown Christmas is over
    Here comes the meltdown, there goes the cheer
    But before we have a breakdown, let us remember
    The light of the world is still here

    Happy day after Christmas
    And merry rest of the year
    Even when Christmas is over
    The light of the world is still here
    The light of the world

    Come January I’m ready for summer
    The Super Bowl’s over and I’ll settle for spring
    Sometimes we all need a change in the weather
    But it won’t change the reason we sing

    Happy day after Christmas
    And merry rest of the year
    Even when Christmas is over
    The light of the world is still here
    The light of the world
    The light of the world
    The light of the world

    So take down the stockings, take back the sweaters
    Take down the lights and the star and the tree
    But don’t let this world take your joy after Christmas
    Take joy to the world and just sing

    Happy day after Christmas
    And merry rest of the year
    Even when Christmas is over
    The light of the world is still here
    [x2]

    The light of the world [x7]

    Related posts:

    1. December 1 – Christmas With A Capital "C" (A Christmas Carol Advent)
    2. December 17 – Babe in The Straw (A Christmas Carol Advent)
    3. December 22 – Come And Worship (A Christmas Carol Advent)

    ]]>     http://waynestocks.com/2011/12/26/day-after-christmas-december-26/feed/ 0 http://waynestocks.com/2011/12/26/day-after-christmas-december-26/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=day-after-christmas-december-26     It’s About the Cross (December 25) http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DadInTheMiddle/~3/02RgDokFRAs/ http://waynestocks.com/2011/12/25/its-about-the-cross-december-25/#comments Sun, 25 Dec 2011 12:55:00 +0000 Wayne http://waynestocks.com/2011/12/25/its-about-the-cross-december-25/
  • December 25 – It’s About the Cross (A Christmas Carol Advent)
  • It’s Christmas Time (December 7)
  • Born to Die (December 21)
    • ]]>     Dec25To view the entire 2011 Christmas Carol Advent check out our Christmas Carol Advent index page.

    Video

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VyR0lwO-nXc

    Story Behind the Song

    This song was written and performed by Go Fish and appears on their Christmas album called Snow which was released in 2006.  We actually kicked off our Christmas Song Advent with a Go Fish song (Christmas With A Capital “C”) and it seems appropriate to end with this one which reminds us that Christmas may be about the birth of Christ, but in the end we must never lose sight of the cross!

    Commentary & Analysis

    This song isn’t as well known, but I couldn’t think of a better way to “finish off” this Christmas Carol Advent than with this song from Go Fish.  This song reminds us, on Christmas Day, that this holiday is actually quite secondary to the death and resurrection of Christ.  Over the last 25 days, we have looked at a number of songs celebrating the manger, the angels, the shepherds and the wise men.  Those are an integral part of Christmas celebration, but we should never lose sight of the cross of Christ where God paid the penalty for our sins so that we could be reconciled to him forever.  It’s about accepting him as our Lord and savior so that we can, through his death, be born again into the kingdom of God.  While we celebrate a babe born in the straw, we must remember the stone that was rolled away to find an empty tomb “so we can have real life someday.”  The second set of verses turns from the traditional, and biblical facets of Christmas, to remind us that the current trimmings (family, presents, snow, decorations and the feelings they all elicit), while nice are also not what Christmas is really about.  No matter how much we enjoy Christmas, and we should, we have to remember that it is only the beginning of Christ’s time on earth, and it was the end of his time here that gives us the opportunity at eternal life.

    Questions for further Reflection / Devotion

    The following questions are meant for your reflection and or devotion.  Feel free to meditate on them, discuss them with your family or others or post your responses here.  I would love to hear from you.

    1. Why do you think we, as Christians, spend so much more time and money celebrating Christmas rather than Easter?
    2. How can you spend time focusing of the cross this Christmas?
    3. How can you balance the joys of family and all the trimmings (which are not bad things) with the Biblical purpose of Christmas?
    4. Many families read the Christmas story ever Christmas morning or some time during the Christmas season.  What tradition can you start this year to shift some focus from Christmas Morning to the death, burial and resurrection of Christ?
    5. “It’s about God’s love, Nailed to a tree, It’s about every drop of blood that flowed from Him when it should have been me.” I challenge you this Christmas – every time you look at the Christmas Tree in your house, remember the tree Jesus was nailed to and what he did for you and me!

    Lyrics

    It’s not just about the manger
    Where the baby lay
    It’s not all about the angels
    Who sang for him that day

    It’s not just about the shepherds
    Or the bright and shining star
    It’s not all about the wise men
    Who travelled from afar

    Chorus:
    It’s about the cross
    It’s about my sin
    It’s about how Jesus came to be born once
    So that we could be born again

    It’s about the stone
    That was rolled away
    So that you and I could have real life someday

    It’s about the cross
    It’s about the cross

    Verse 2:

    It’s not just about the presents
    Underneath the tree
    It’s not all about the feeling
    That the season brings to me

    It’s not just about coming home
    To be with those you love
    It’s not all about the beauty
    In the snow I’m dreaming of

    Repeat Chorus

    Bridge:

    The beginning of the story is wonderful and great
    But it’s the ending that can save you and that’s why we celebrate

    It’s about the cross
    It’s about my sin
    It’s about how Jesus came to be born once
    So that we could be born again

    It’s about God’s love
    Nailed to a tree
    It’s about every drop of blood that flowed from Him when it should have been me

    It’s about the stone
    That was rolled away
    So that you and I could have real life someday
    So that you and I could have real life someday

    It’s about the cross
    It’s about the cross

    Related posts:

    1. December 25 – It’s About the Cross (A Christmas Carol Advent)
    2. It’s Christmas Time (December 7)
    3. Born to Die (December 21)

    ]]>     http://waynestocks.com/2011/12/25/its-about-the-cross-december-25/feed/ 0 http://waynestocks.com/2011/12/25/its-about-the-cross-december-25/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=its-about-the-cross-december-25     Wayne’s Weekly Twitter Digest – 2011-12-18 to 2011-12-24 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DadInTheMiddle/~3/s1mDIH59qBE/ http://waynestocks.com/2011/12/25/waynes-weekly-twitter-digest-2011-12-18-to-2011-12-24/#comments Sun, 25 Dec 2011 05:05:00 +0000 Wayne http://waynestocks.com/2011/12/25/waynes-weekly-twitter-digest-2011-12-18-to-2011-12-24/
  • Wayne’s Weekly Twitter Digest – 2011-12-04 to 2011-12-10
  • Wayne’s Weekly Twitter Digest – 2011-12-11 to 2011-12-17
  • Wayne’s Weekly Twitter Digest – 2011-11-27 to 2011-12-03
    • ]]>
  • Leaving Heaven (December 24) http://t.co/AmvcgqxG 07:58:27, 2011-12-24
  • Born in Bethlehem (December 23) http://t.co/dBtGV16O 07:57:42, 2011-12-23
  • Manger Throne (December 22) http://t.co/6einAKE3 07:58:07, 2011-12-22
  • The joys of holiday shopping. http://t.co/U1AeyF4r 17:20:01, 2011-12-21
  • Born to Die (December 21) http://t.co/xLJRBdil 07:58:34, 2011-12-21

  • playing with vlingo app 14:46:26, 2011-12-20
  • While You Were Sleeping (December 20) http://t.co/TpZe0zED 08:00:44, 2011-12-20
  • This Baby (December 19) http://t.co/eaJMWa5T 07:57:40, 2011-12-19
  • Wayne’s Weekly Twitter Digest – 2011-12-11 to 2011-12-17 http://t.co/XZVuyGXL 01:13:01, 2011-12-18

    • Related posts:

    1. Wayne’s Weekly Twitter Digest – 2011-12-04 to 2011-12-10
    2. Wayne’s Weekly Twitter Digest – 2011-12-11 to 2011-12-17
    3. Wayne’s Weekly Twitter Digest – 2011-11-27 to 2011-12-03

    ]]>     http://waynestocks.com/2011/12/25/waynes-weekly-twitter-digest-2011-12-18-to-2011-12-24/feed/ 0 http://waynestocks.com/2011/12/25/waynes-weekly-twitter-digest-2011-12-18-to-2011-12-24/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=waynes-weekly-twitter-digest-2011-12-18-to-2011-12-24     Leaving Heaven (December 24) http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DadInTheMiddle/~3/n-hZUUYy4kI/ http://waynestocks.com/2011/12/24/leaving-heaven-december-24/#comments Sat, 24 Dec 2011 12:55:00 +0000 Wayne http://waynestocks.com/?p=5230
  • December 19 – Mary’s Song (Breath of Heaven) (A Christmas Carol Advent)
  • Breath of Heaven [Mary’s Song] (December 8)
  • Christmas With A Capital “C” (December 1)
    • ]]>     Dec24

    To view the entire 2011 Christmas Carol Advent check out our Christmas Carol Advent index page.

    Video

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZLNRThASR4

    Story Behind the Song

    Leaving Heaven was written by Matthew West.  Along with Vince Gill, Matthew recorded the song for 2011 album The Heart of Christmas.

    Commentary & Analysis

    I saved this song for Christmas Eve day because I think it captures the heart of what was about to happen just prior to the original Christmas night.  Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, was walking in paradise with His Father and with the Holy Spirit as He always had in perfect communion.  But, that was going to change.  Based on a plan that existed before time, Jesus was about to leave the comfort and perfect relationship.  He was about the leave heaven.  Instead of street of gold, our savior walked the dirt laden streets of His creation.  In stead of perfect communion, he was born in a manger.  And, what should we make of all this?  Is a testament to God’s mercy, grace and love for us.

    What answer should that prompt in us?  It should prompt us to accept that we are sinners, that Christ left heaven, was born in manager, grew up but never sinner, died on the cross in my place and rose again three days later.  It should lead us to place our love and faith in Him as Lord and Savior so that we can be reconciled with God.  When we do that, we too will one day walk the streets of gold in heaven in the presence of God.

    Questions for Further Reflection / Devotion

    1. Take a minute to reflect on all that Christ gave up to come to earth as a man.  What does that mean to you?  What does it say about his love for you?
    2. The song reminds us that Jesus Christ laid down his life for us “like a truest friend.”  Indeed, the Bible tells us that the ultimate expression of love is laying down your life for another.  How often do you think about what Jesus did specifically for you in dying on that cross?
    3. Do you define yourself by how much you are worth to God or by some other measure?  Why?

    Lyrics

    Well, it’s been real nice living way up here
    In paradise, over the atmosphere
    But I can’t stay long, gotta make my way
    I’m leaving Heaven today

    You see the world is dark and it needs a light
    I’m gonna hang a star in the eastern sky
    So everybody’s gonna know where I touch down
    I’m leaving Heaven right now

    I’m gonna walk around that broken Earth
    Trading in these streets of gold
    So if you ever wonder how much you’re worth
    You should know
    That you’re the reason why I’m leaving Heaven

    Ain’t gonna be no kingdom, ain’t gonna be no crown
    Just a little old manger, in a little old town
    But it’ll do just fine for this humble King
    I’m leaving Heaven let all the angels sing

    I’m gonna walk around that broken Earth
    Trading in these streets of gold
    So if you ever wonder how much you’re worth
    You should know
    You’re the reason why I’m leaving Heaven

    And when my time comes to an end
    I’ll lay down my life like a truest friend
    And when I get back home, I’m gonna make some room
    So, don’t you worry, ‘cause I’m coming back for you

    And you will say goodbye to that broken Earth
    You’re gonna walk on streets of gold
    And if you ever wonder what my love is worth
    Well you should know
    That I’m the reason you’ll be seeing Heaven
    Oh, you’re the reason why I’m leaving Heaven
    I’m leaving Heaven

    Related posts:

    1. December 19 – Mary’s Song (Breath of Heaven) (A Christmas Carol Advent)
    2. Breath of Heaven [Mary’s Song] (December 8)
    3. Christmas With A Capital “C” (December 1)

    ]]>     http://waynestocks.com/2011/12/24/leaving-heaven-december-24/feed/ 0 http://waynestocks.com/2011/12/24/leaving-heaven-december-24/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=leaving-heaven-december-24     Born in Bethlehem (December 23) http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DadInTheMiddle/~3/EHyc-n0Z8tM/ http://waynestocks.com/2011/12/23/born-in-bethlehem-december-23/#comments Fri, 23 Dec 2011 12:55:00 +0000 Wayne http://waynestocks.com/?p=5226
  • December 2 – O Little Town of Bethlehem (A Christmas Carol Advent)
  • Jesus Born on this Day (December 10)
  • Born to Die (December 21)
    • ]]>     Dec23

    To view the entire 2011 Christmas Carol Advent check out our Christmas Carol Advent index page.

    Video

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Av7fPUem190

    Story Behind the Song

    This Third Day song originally appeared on their 2006 Christmas album titled Christmas Offerings.  It was written by Third Day front man Mac Powell.

    Commentary & Analysis

    This is an awesome song of praise this Christmastime.  It also reminds us of some fundamental truths about our Lord and Savior, and today is the perfect day to be reminded of these truths so that we can celebrate them as well:

    • He had a humble birth not befitting of His royal status
    • He cried.  He experienced all the things we do so that He can relate to us.
    • He is our King.
    • He chose to be given as a gift for us.
    • He is the Son of God.
    • All people should come and bow before the King.
    • He died for our sins.
    • He rose after three days.

    Questions for Further Reflection / Devotion

    1. Jesus, King of Everything, chose a very humble birth.  Why do you think that is?
    2. What do you think the line “Baby Jesus, lying in a manger, crying for the world.” means?
    3. Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man.  Do you think He knew from a young age what His purpose was and that He would eventually die on the cross?  If so, why?  If not, when do you think He knew that?

    Lyrics

    Baby Jesus, born in a stable, humble Savior’s birth.
    You left your throne in Heaven above, to live here on the Earth.

    Baby Jesus, lying in a manger, crying for the world.
    The Angels told the Shepherds of the Good News for us all.

    Halleluiah, the King is here, given for all men.
    For today the Holy Son of God, is born in Bethlehem.

    Come now Sinners and you Saints, all peasants and all Kings.
    And bow before the Earth’s Redeemer, let all voices sing.

    Halleluiah, the King is here, given for all men.
    For today the Holy Son of God, is born in Bethlehem.

    Halleluiah, the King is here, given for all men.
    For today the Holy Son of God, is born in Bethlehem.

    Baby Jesus, do you know you’ll die for all our sins?
    Don’t be afraid, for in 3 days, you will rise again. Cause you will rise again.

    Halleluiah, the King is here, given for all men.
    For today the Holy Son of God, is born in Bethlehem.

    Halleluiah, the King is here, given for all men.
    For today the Holy Son of God, is born in Bethlehem.

    For today the Holy Son of God, is born in Bethlehem.

    Born in Bethlehem.

    Related posts:

    1. December 2 – O Little Town of Bethlehem (A Christmas Carol Advent)
    2. Jesus Born on this Day (December 10)
    3. Born to Die (December 21)

    ]]>     http://waynestocks.com/2011/12/23/born-in-bethlehem-december-23/feed/ 0 http://waynestocks.com/2011/12/23/born-in-bethlehem-december-23/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=born-in-bethlehem-december-23     Manger Throne (December 22) http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DadInTheMiddle/~3/reoIOaf-1Qs/ http://waynestocks.com/2011/12/22/manger-throne-december-22/#comments Thu, 22 Dec 2011 12:55:00 +0000 Wayne http://waynestocks.com/2011/12/22/manger-throne-december-22/
  • December 7 – Manger Throne (A Christmas Carol Advent)
  • December 3- Away In A Manger (A Christmas Carol Advent)
  • Christmas Offering (December 12)
    • ]]>     Dec22

    To view the entire 2011 Christmas Carol Advent check out our Christmas Carol Advent index page.

    Video

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CbWXf1Gw-w

    Story Behind the Song

    Manger Throne is a song performed by the Christian Band Third Day.  The song first appeared on the Christmas album titled City On a Hill: It’s Christmas Time released in 2002.

    Commentary & Analysis

    I love songs that really capture the condescension of Christ at Christmastime.  In this song, Mac Powell asks, with an appropriate level of reverence, “What kind of King would leave his throne in Heaven to make this earth his home?”  I think that sometimes, at Christmastime, we forget everything that God gave up to put on human skin, to come to earth, to be tempted in all ways like his creation, to be persecuted, to be falsely accused and to die on the cross to reconcile us to him.  This song asks the question, what kind of man would do that?  The answer is clear – no normal man would, but God did!  Jesus Christ is King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and whether he is sitting in the throne room of God or lying in a dirty manger, he is still king – thus the title of the song “Manger Throne.”  The song ends with a reminder that our heart is also the throne of God.

    Questions for further Reflection / Devotion

    The following questions are meant for your reflection and or devotion.  Feel free to meditate on them, discuss them with your family or others or post your responses here.  I would love to hear from you.

    1. Take some time to meditate on all that God gave up for you.
    2. Have you thanked God today for all he gave up to come to earth to save you?
    3. What have you given up for God?  What do you feel him calling you to give up for him?
    4. How is it that the original Christmas was marked by giving up so much and Christmas today is marked by such materialism?  What are you doing to make sure that your Christmas is not consumed by materialism?
    5. Spend some time today in prayer.  Pray about how God would have you change the way you celebrate Christmas so that you can bring glory to his name.

    Lyrics

    What kind of King would leave His throne
    In Heaven to make this earth His home?
    While men seek fame and great renown
    In loneliness our King comes down

    Jesus, Jesus, precious One
    How we thank You that You’ve come
    Jesus, Jesus, precious One
    A manger throne for God’s own Son

    You left the sound of angels’ praise
    To come for men with unkind ways
    And by this Baby’s helplessness
    The power of nations is laid to rest

    What kind of King would come so small
    From glory to a humble stall?
    That dirty manger is my heart, too
    I’ll make it a royal throne for You

    My heart is a throne
    My heart is a throne for God’s own Son

    Related posts:

    1. December 7 – Manger Throne (A Christmas Carol Advent)
    2. December 3- Away In A Manger (A Christmas Carol Advent)
    3. Christmas Offering (December 12)

    ]]>     http://waynestocks.com/2011/12/22/manger-throne-december-22/feed/ 0 http://waynestocks.com/2011/12/22/manger-throne-december-22/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=manger-throne-december-22     Born to Die (December 21) http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DadInTheMiddle/~3/RxHxTqkOfRk/ http://waynestocks.com/2011/12/21/born-to-die-december-21/#comments Wed, 21 Dec 2011 12:55:00 +0000 Wayne http://waynestocks.com/?p=5222
  • Jesus Born on this Day (December 10)
  • December 21 – Mary’s Boy Child (A Christmas Carol Advent)
  • Mary Did You Know? (December 3)
    • ]]>     Dec21

    To view the entire 2011 Christmas Carol Advent check out our Christmas Carol Advent index page.

    Video

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7S5cQhx2nZA

    Story Behind the Song

    This Bebo Norman song appeared on the 2007 album Christmas… From the Realms of Glory.

    Commentary & Analysis

    This songs gets right to the heart of Christmas in my mind.  The birth of Jesus was, of course, a joyous event, and as Christians we are right to celebrate it.  But, Christmas isn’t just about a birth – it’s about a baby born to die.  When God came to earth as a man, it was not simply to experience being a baby, it was with an express purpose which had been laid out for Him before the creation of the universe.  He came to live a perfect life, die on a cross for your sins and mine and be raised again in three days to conquer sin and death.  He came to save us from our sin and pay the penalty which we deserved.  He came that, through faith in him, we may have eternal life.  This baby, born in a manger to a young woman and an adoptive father, came to change the world.  He came to die.  Thank you Jesus!!! As we celebrate your birth this year, let us not lose sight of your purpose as we know that you never lost sight.  Thank you for giving your life for mine.  Thank you for choosing to be a Baby born to die!

    Questions for Further Reflection / Devotion

    1. Who do believe the first verse in this song is talking about?
    2. Why do you think God chose to be a baby born to die?
    3. What does that say about what God thinks of you and how much he values you?
    4. How will you remember the cross this Christmas season?

    Lyrics

    They never knew a dark night
    always had the Son’s light
    on their face
    Perfect in glory
    Broken by the story
    of untold grace…
    come that day

    Majesty had come down
    Glory had succumbed now
    to flesh and bone
    In the arms of a manger
    In the hands of strangers
    that could not know
    Just who they hold

    Chorus:
    And the angels filled the sky
    All of heaven wondered why
    Why their King would choose to be
    Be a baby born to die

    And all fell silent
    For the cry of an infant,
    the voice of God
    Was dividing history
    For those with eyes to see,
    the Son would shine
    From earth that night

    Chorus

    Bridge:
    To break the chains
    Of guilt and sin
    To find us here
    To pull us in
    So we can join in Heaven’s song
    And with one voice around the throne

    Chorus:
    All the Angels filled the sky
    And I can’t help but wonder why
    Why this King would choose to be
    Be a baby born for me
    Be a baby born
    Be a baby born to die

    Related posts:

    1. Jesus Born on this Day (December 10)
    2. December 21 – Mary’s Boy Child (A Christmas Carol Advent)
    3. Mary Did You Know? (December 3)

    ]]>     http://waynestocks.com/2011/12/21/born-to-die-december-21/feed/ 0 http://waynestocks.com/2011/12/21/born-to-die-december-21/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=born-to-die-december-21     While You Were Sleeping (December 20) http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DadInTheMiddle/~3/diq3RP5HH-w/ http://waynestocks.com/2011/12/20/while-you-were-sleeping-december-20/#comments Tue, 20 Dec 2011 12:55:00 +0000 Wayne http://waynestocks.com/?p=5218
  • December 5 – Do You Hear What I Hear? (A Christmas Carol Advent)
  • December 21 – Mary’s Boy Child (A Christmas Carol Advent)
  • Labor of Love (December 4)
    • ]]>     Dec20

    To view the entire 2011 Christmas Carol Advent check out our Christmas Carol Advent index page.

    Video

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rqhG2yT-58

    Story Behind the Song

    This song from Casting Crowns appeared on their 2008 Christmas Album Peace on Earth.

    Commentary & Analysis

    This song is a call to wake up and take note of what God is doing all around us.  Set against the backdrop of a quiet night in Bethlehem, we are left to wonder about all of the people (many of them likely weary travelers) who slept through the most amazing night in the history of mankind.  What did those people miss as they slumbered?  Our Lord and Kind, the Creator and Sustainer of everything, came to earth as a man that night as countless people slept and never even noticed.  While noble men were sleep in their comfortable beds, his presence was announced to lowly shepherds in a field.  Indeed, as this song reminds us, the town of Bethlehem (birthplace of our King) is best known as the town with no room for the coming Savior.  Flash forward to 30 some odd years later, in a town not so far away, Jesus (now a man) was tried and beaten and convicted while the city slept.  I love the next lines of this song as they describe way too many people in our world today:

    The Father gave His only Son
    The Way, the Truth, the Life had come
    But there was no room for Him in the world He came to save

    Have you made room for Him in your life?

    Flash forward another 2,000 years to a nation which is the leader of the free world – a nation with a sense of pride in what it has become.  We are a nation which increasingly rejects Jesus Christ.  This song looks forward to day which is coming when our Lord and Savior will return, and all will be judged.  Are you ready for that day?  Will you be sleeping?

    Questions for Further Reflection / Devotion

    1. What do you think it would be like to have been one of the those people sleeping in Bethlehem when Jesus was born?
    2. The Bible tells us that Jesus was rejected by His own people.  Why do you think that happened?  Do you still see that attitude today?
    3. What are you doing internally to prepare yourself for Christ’s second coming?
    4. What do you think the song means when it says we have been “sung to sleep by philosophies that save the trees and kill the children?”

    Lyrics

    Oh little town of Bethlehem
    Looks like another silent night
    Above your deep and dreamless sleep
    A giant star lights up the sky
    And while you’re lying in the dark
    There shines an everlasting light
    For the King has left His throne
    And is sleeping in a manger tonight

    Oh Bethlehem, what you have missed while you were sleeping
    For God became a man
    And stepped into your world today
    Oh Bethlehem, you will go down in history
    As a city with no room for its King
    While you were sleeping
    While you were sleeping

    Oh little town of Jerusalem
    Looks like another silent night
    The Father gave His only Son
    The Way, the Truth, the Life had come
    But there was no room for Him in the world He came to save

    Jerusalem, what you have missed while you were sleeping
    The Savior of the world is dying on your cross today
    Jerusalem, you will go down in history
    As a city with no room for its King
    While you were sleeping
    While you were sleeping

    United States of America
    Looks like another silent night
    As we’re sung to sleep by philosophies
    That save the trees and kill the children
    And while we’re lying in the dark
    There’s a shout heard ‘cross the eastern sky
    For the Bridegroom has returned
    And has carried His bride away in the night

    America, what will we miss while we are sleeping
    Will Jesus come again
    And leave us slumbering where we lay
    America, will we go down in history
    As a nation with no room for its King
    Will we be sleeping
    Will we be sleeping

    United States of America
    Looks like another silent night

    Related posts:

    1. December 5 – Do You Hear What I Hear? (A Christmas Carol Advent)
    2. December 21 – Mary’s Boy Child (A Christmas Carol Advent)
    3. Labor of Love (December 4)

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