Our Family of Flowers- though each of us is individually unique, like the difference between a rose and a daisy, we are characterized as one- A Family of Flowers.
Jelly Bean Sunshine Lego Boy Butterfly Mom and Dad
Do not go where the path may lead,
Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail behind.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson
Think you need to be a billionaire to give your children all they need?
I am not a billionaire, nor will I ever be able to provide that type of wealth to my children. However, I will be able to give them a greater treasure. The treasure is knowing Jesus and having eternal life with Him. The bible states for us not to store up our treasures on earth where they will fade away. But instead to store up our treasure in heaven. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-21 New International Version). In other words, the “things” I could provide my children here on earth (materialistic things) will perish. We cannot take any earthly possessions to heaven with us, what we can take is our children. We can leave an inheritance with our children to be passed down generation to generation that are a greater treasure than any earthly possession. I should teach my children to love Jesus with all their heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37).
We are called as parents to “train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it” (Proverbs 22:6). My primary task as a parent is to teach my children to stand strong in their faith so they can be the salt and light of the earth (Matthew 5:13-16). In other words, I do not want them, their salt, to be tainted by the ways of the world. I want to teach them to defend their faith, so their light can shine, so they can fight the battle and stand strong in their faith (let their light shine before others).
“Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God” (Matthew 19:24 New International Version).
Teaching for Him,
Jennifer Hyatt
In July 2008 Emma proudly proclaimed “I want to be a firefighter someday” as she raced around in her power wheels. It seems that dream is still present. I Love you my sweet little Emma.
Chocolate, chocolate chip waffles and hash-brown casserole- mmmmmm!
Someone once stated that Christianity is but a generation from extinction. A youth pastor is not working for money or prestige or any other worldly thing. A person should have a passion and calling, that innate feeling that this is where they are supposed to be and this is what they are suppose to be doing. A person who is called to serve in youth ministry is given gifts from God in order to do the job well. In His grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well…If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. – Romans 12:6-7. We are God’s hands and feet here on earth and He gives us all we need in order to do His work. As a youth pastor it is our awareness that we are God’s instrument to lead people to be reconciled with Him through Jesus Christ.
Many Christians are being led astray and questioning the accuracy of the Bible. Many times they are unaware they are being led to question the Bible. With today’s contemporary age and the teachings of public school in secular/ evolutionary “theories” it is being ingrained in us (whether we realize it or not) the accuracy of the Bible. In example, children are taught that our world is millions of years old…that dinosaurs roamed the earth before man…and that we evolved from slime or apes or whatever the far-fetched evolutionary perspective is today. By having a youth ministry in place and youth pastors who have been called, we can deter these teachings and provide a valid way of defending our faith- through God’s Word where families can learn together. Pastors should equip parents to be the spiritual leaders of their homes. As youth pastors we are called to save lives- we are called to minister as if the children’s lives depend on it- because they do. His Word is “…a lamp to my feet and a light for my path” (Psalm 119:105). Youth pastors are ambassadors in the same way that in Ancient Rome, an ambassador was sent in to give one final offer between countries in battle before utter devastation and destruction took place. The same principle applies here- we are ambassadors for God to give one final offer before their earthly life is over and judgment takes place. Therefore, the importance of Youth Ministry in our contemporary world is vital to the lives of children today and the lives of future generations to come, it is the trickle-down effect.
I am placing God ahead of all things and allowing Him to control all situations. I will start my day with Him and allow Him to guide my actions and watch what incredible things He will have in store for me. My husband asked me today what I plan on doing once I am finished with my Masters. I said, “well, we will see what plans He has for me.” I know that while God provides the items to make bread- He is not going to make it for me. I also know that I am not going to ask the Lord to guide my footsteps if I am not willing to move my feet.
Teaching for Him,
Jennifer Hyatt
Homemade from scratch- Mexican potato salad, coleslaw, ribs, spinach dip, and the sides- corn on the cob whole grain baguette, and green beans. We also had a Julian Pie Company pie- Apple Mountain Berry Crumb- yum!
Emma, my baby girl, is my free-spirited and smart Jelly Bean. She is so sweet and truly made of sugar and spice, and everything nice. She brings much happiness and love to our family.
Kailey is my little baker and helper, she has a servant's heart. She brings warmth and sunshine to all who know her with her selfless compassion and love. 
Steven, my loving and tender-hearted boy, brings laughter to our life. He has a spark of humor and creativity. He is an inventor and has the capability of seeing the world with new insight. 
Kiersten is my independent and artistic butterfly who is blossoming into a beautiful young lady capable of great things. Her imagination is endless as she writes and illustrates her own books. 
