We had our Vacation Bible School program this past week.  A team of college age counselors came from a local summer camp and put on a program for us.  They provided music, lessons, crafts and did a great job of interacting with our kids.  It was really wonderful to meet each of them and learn a little bit about how God has been working in their lives.  It was also a blessing to hear our kids answer questions about God and share what they already know about Christ.  I can tell that our kids have been learning a lot from parents, grandparents and Sunday school teachers.  I am grateful for the way God worked in and through the VBS program in our church this week.

I thought we would have had more participation from our community; as it was only grandkids of members came.  Someone at my office asked me if I was discouraged about that.  Surprisingly enough, I was not.  Though I had hoped for a bigger turnout, I know that God is in control.  And I know that we were faithful to what He asked us to do.  Anytime we are faithful and obedient, we should never be discouraged – even if things don’t turn out like we plan.  When someone asked me why I was not discouraged, one of the verses that came to my mind was Philippians 4:8

Phil 4:8  Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.

Besides God being in control there were some other very excellent, honorable and lovely things that happened this week.  Some of our newest members were very involved and supportive of the VBS program.  One of our members who is 88 years old came every single night to encourage the kids and the counselors.  And while we were together we sang songs of worship and we talked about the truth of God’s word!  So although some of my expectations were not met, and although there are some things we may do a little differently next year, I know that there were lots of blessings this week – things worthy of praise!  And I know I will never feel discouraged if I choose to dwell on these things.

Until next time, stay strong in the faith.