New York New York

GOOOOOOD MORNING!!

Laurie and I were thrilled to get the opportunity to go and visit The Brooklyn Tabernacle in New York for the SPARK Children's Ministry Conference. The last five days were packed with gorgeous views, beautiful history, incredible teaching, helpful tips/information and the Spirit of God. We were/are blessed.

Our days in New York were numbered. We were giddy girls in a pink candy shop. We wanted to see everything and we wanted it all. There was so much to see & we did our very best to fit it all in with our wonderful tour guide, Pauline Bethel :)

As for the conference, we were encouraged and blessed. Our first night at the conference we had not a clue what to expect. We were greeted by Brooklyn Tabernacle greeters in red shirts and handed a name tag & a welcome bag filled with goodies. We walked into this large, beautiful sanctuary filled with friendly faces and loud music. Laurie and I chose a seat and settled comfortably. We were full of anticipation. Andddd..5-4-3-2-1 "Let's stand a sing to the King," was echoed from the microphone on stage. We stood and worshiped together with people from 15 different states & countries- it was amazing! Once we finished singing, the rest of the night was filled with skits, dance motions, teaching, a birthday party and a dessert social (with cupcakes that had unbelievable presentation). YUM!

Day 2: We gathered again together to worship and pray. We heard from the Senior Pastor, Jim Cymbala. He had just landed from a two week trip in Asia but still chose to encourage and teach us. Bless him! We dismissed into our three different workshops shortly after Pastor Cymbala finished. Laurie and I divided and conquered. We separated and visited different workshops and then complied information and thoughts. That night we wrapped our conference up with a prayer meeting. We knelt down and prayed for FBC Benton and kids. We prayed over our kids and asked the Holy Spirit to lead us and guide us as we seek His peace and presence. We were BLESSED. God met with us and we are thankful.

Day 3: It was Sunday and we made plans to join the 9:00 worship service at Brooklyn Tabernacle and then sit in on their children's worship hour at 12:00. It was fabulous. Our eyes and hearts were open and received what God had for us.

We walked away knowing that God IS all and God is FOR all and God DOES all.

I am ready to seek God together and allow God to lay a foundation for our kid's. They are worth it. They are valued and loved. What an amazing privilege we've been given to teach and show the love of Christ in a fun, excited and FBC Benton way!! We're asking God to lead! We welcome you to join us!

Love lots, travel much & ENJOY SPRING BREAK.