Have you ever seen the Ikea commercial in which a woman runs out of the store, bags in hand and yelling at her husband to "Start the car! Start the car!"? When my husband sees it he complains of having flashbacks because, as anyone who has ever sat on my Blekinge-covered Ektorp sofa while eating Swedish berries and sipping coffee from a Ljuvlig mug can tell you, I love Ikea. (Our realtor encouraged us to choose a home based on location, and I did--we're now located within an hour's drive to three different Ikea stores.) And, although I enjoy strolling along the arrow-marked path around the showrooms, through the marketplace, and into the self-serve aisle, the highlight of my trip is always the "as is" section. Tucked into a corner at the back of the store, the "as is" bins are filled with scratched, dented, dirty, and broken pieces of furniture. You need to be able to look beyond the brokenness to see the potential before you buy something with an "as is" sticker stamped on it.
If there was an "as is" section tucked away at the back of the Bible, I imagine it would contain names like Moses, David, Rahab, Samson, Zaccheus--people God chose "as is" and used "as is" with his power and grace. It would also contain names like Karen, Jen, Bob, Amy, Mitch, and a little line that says Your name here ___________________.
Last week Jolanda Howe (Faith Alive teacher-trainer extraordinaire) and I attended the GROW conference in Edmonton, Alberta. It was a wonderful opportunity to share what we've learned and to connect with a fantastic group of folks dedicated to sharing God's story with kids. During lunch one leader mentioned that one of the reasons she finds it hard to get volunteers is because people feel "unqualified" to teach. Here's some good news you can give to those who don't think they've got what it takes to teach kids: like the imperfect furniture in the "as is" section of Ikea, God accepts us as the dented and broken people we are! No degree necessary, just a willingness to be shaped and molded by the potential-seeing buyer who purchased us with his Son.
Of course that doesn't mean we can show up on Sunday morning "as is," without any prep time or prayer time put into the session we're about to lead. That's where the willingness to be shaped and molded comes in! (And folks, if you are using a curriculum that promises "no prep time necessary," that's not a good thing!) As you prepare to teach this week, thank God for choosing you and using you "as is" to present his precious story to kids, and pray that God will equip you to present it with all the richness it deserves.
P.S. When it comes to shopping I'm a bargain hunter . . . and I noticed a few Faith Alive bargains this week that you might be interested in too!
God Loves Me Christmas Storybook Set. On sale this month, you can get a set of four illustrated books for under $10.00! (Makes a great stocking stuffer for the preschoolers in your life!)
Coming Home. This Advent devotional is great for personal devotions or family use. Best part--it's less than $5.00 and the more you buy lower the price! (Are you thinking what I'm thinking? My teaching team members would love them and I can share some with friends and family members too!)
Happy teaching (and happy shopping!)
Karen
If there was an "as is" section tucked away at the back of the Bible, I imagine it would contain names like Moses, David, Rahab, Samson, Zaccheus--people God chose "as is" and used "as is" with his power and grace. It would also contain names like Karen, Jen, Bob, Amy, Mitch, and a little line that says Your name here ___________________.
Last week Jolanda Howe (Faith Alive teacher-trainer extraordinaire) and I attended the GROW conference in Edmonton, Alberta. It was a wonderful opportunity to share what we've learned and to connect with a fantastic group of folks dedicated to sharing God's story with kids. During lunch one leader mentioned that one of the reasons she finds it hard to get volunteers is because people feel "unqualified" to teach. Here's some good news you can give to those who don't think they've got what it takes to teach kids: like the imperfect furniture in the "as is" section of Ikea, God accepts us as the dented and broken people we are! No degree necessary, just a willingness to be shaped and molded by the potential-seeing buyer who purchased us with his Son.
Of course that doesn't mean we can show up on Sunday morning "as is," without any prep time or prayer time put into the session we're about to lead. That's where the willingness to be shaped and molded comes in! (And folks, if you are using a curriculum that promises "no prep time necessary," that's not a good thing!) As you prepare to teach this week, thank God for choosing you and using you "as is" to present his precious story to kids, and pray that God will equip you to present it with all the richness it deserves.
P.S. When it comes to shopping I'm a bargain hunter . . . and I noticed a few Faith Alive bargains this week that you might be interested in too!
God Loves Me Christmas Storybook Set. On sale this month, you can get a set of four illustrated books for under $10.00! (Makes a great stocking stuffer for the preschoolers in your life!)
Coming Home. This Advent devotional is great for personal devotions or family use. Best part--it's less than $5.00 and the more you buy lower the price! (Are you thinking what I'm thinking? My teaching team members would love them and I can share some with friends and family members too!)
Happy teaching (and happy shopping!)
Karen
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