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After our trip to Yates Center this weekend, summer has begun in the Martin household.  We have already started the conversation about how to enjoy the summer and not get bored.  Here are a few of our ideas: Limited internet and TV time--We are planning about an hour a day. Reading the same Scripture together separately and then together as a family. Enjoy time outside with friends. Family Fun Night--When we have a free night, each child can pick an activity to do as a family.  Only rule: no cost. Looking for opportunities to help and serve around the house. How about you?  What are your plans for the kids this summer?

On Thursday, I decided to type "in Christ" into my Bible app on my phone and see the Scriptures as a reminder of my identity in Christ.  Here is a partial list: Sons of God (Galatians 3:26 No condemnation (Romans 8:1) ·          Mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5) ·          Eternal purpose (Ephesians 3:11) ·          Made alive (1 Corinthians 15:22; Romans 6:11) ·          Proud of work for God (Romans 15:17) ·          Bold (Philemon 1:8) ·          Forgiven (Ephesians 4:32) ·          Brought near to God (Ephesians 2:13) ·          Hope (Ephesians 1:12) ·          Justified by grace (Romans 3:24) · ...

Today, was the last day of school in Hesston.  My kids love school, but they are looking forward to a little break.  A neat tradition occurs for those finishing fourth grade.  Mackenzie was part of the "clap up" at the end of the day.  Teachers, staff, parents, and students line the hallways and clap as the fourth grade classes walk through the middle as they leave the elementary schools for the last time.  It is a great transition for 5th graders because they are part of the Middle School in Hesston. Congratulations Kenzie!

Check out this great resource for families for the summer.  It was written by staff at The Village Church in Texas.  Check it out here .

Yes, that's right.  I am thinking about pizza.  Why?  Because tonight is the pizza party for our kids who completed extra Bible reading this year during Hide N Seek.  During Hide N Seek, our students are encouraged to memorize Bible verses and complete weekly devotions.  Additional Bible reading is optional, but does come with a reward of pizza at the end.  Am I motivating our kids with external motivation?  Yes.  But I don't feel bad about our boys and girls getting into the Bible on their own.  This year, they either read assorted Psalms or John.  They might be doing it just for the pizza, but I am glad that God's Word is being hidden in their hearts.  Now, for the big decision:  cheese or pepperoni?

This is my final post from the LEAD One event at First MB in Wichita, KS on May 3rd.  It was a great event with tons of great ideas for leaders.  The source for these ideas is Andy Stanley from 2010.  Momentum: Forward motion fueled by a series of wins Tip: You rarely regain momentum by simply doing what you did to create it in the first place Momentum is never triggered by tweaking something old.  It is triggered by introducing something new. Anything new, by definition, generates some kind of momentum The momentum can be positive or negative. The new must be a noticeable improvement over the old. Is this a significant improvement over what we had before? Warning: New does not guarantee sustained momentum. But, new is an essential trigger for momentum Applying "New and Improved" to the World of Ministry New personnel New programming New season New series New look New venues Momentum Killers Disengaged Leader Overactive management in ...

This is my fourth post from the LEAD ONE event sponsored by Mission USA. Jon Wiebe of the MB Foundation shared on the the topic of, "Maximizing Generosity in Tough Times: A Realignment of Faith and Fundraising." Here are my notes: Tough Times Giving Realities General Population <1% Roman Catholics 1.5% Mainline Denominations 2.8% Evangelicals 4% A Crisis Exists Few seminaries teaching on generosity Pastors avoid it Fundraisers at Christian Organizations are competing 4 Biblical Principles Urge those who sit as stewards of storehouses to open them rather than hoard them.          (Genesis 41:56-57) Invite those with a portfolio of assets to sell as asset. (Acts 4:34-37) Direct the church to send aid to those in need. (2 Corinthians 8-9) Ask everyone to give sacrificially. (1 Kings 17; Mark 12:41-44; 2 Corinthians 8:1-7) 4 Tools Evaluative Tool Organizational Tool (see 7 steps below) Discipleship Tool Individual Tool...