KIDS IN CHURCH

In our Church, the kids stay with their parents until after worship. When Pastor gets up to preach he dismisses them to Jr. Church. It's amazing to see how quickly they disperse.
I love to watch the kids in our congregation especially during worship. This is the time where they learn how to behave in big Church. Sitting still (well sort of). Keeping quiet (well sort of). Parents try their best sometimes kids are kids. Let's face it Church should be a fun place to be, where the Bible is preached,where you learn to respect and revere God, where kids and adults want to come back. Not a stern don't talk, cough, move or laugh place. I remember when my aunt came to Church with us in Escondido, Ca. she was nervous because there were crying babies(the mom was trying to take the baby out but sometimes it takes a minute). The Pastor cracked a joke she wasn't sure if she should laugh. She had been brought up in a denomination where none of that was allowed, and the Priest certainly didn't crack a joke. So as an adult she quit going to Church altogether. After her nervousness wore off and she saw it was OK to have fun in Church and still learn from the Bible and have such a wonderful worship time that she got saved, it was awesome.

I'm glad we have a Church that loves kids and doesn't get all upset if a baby cries. Or insists that older kids go to Jr. Church even if they'd rather sit with their parents.
Well last Sunday my 3 grand kids were here visiting for Mother's Day. My 6 year old granddaughter Ashbie was standing next to me. She's in the first grade. She knows a lot of the songs we sing, because her parents have them going at home and listen to Christian radio in the car. Well, I don't remember what the song was but I heard her singing the verse not just the chorus. I thought I'm surprised she knows this song. I looked at her and realized she was reading the words off the screen. I was so excited. A whole new world has opened up to her. I know she's been reading books from the library. But, to see she can now enjoy worship even more, it just touched me. I smiled and thanked God. Now my grandson Ashton her twin is a drummer. Usually after service they'll let him play the drums. God has given this boy a special gift. I can't wait for this summer when he can start taking lessons.

This takes me to yesterday. I was sitting next to a young lady who was sure to tell me next week is her birthday. I believe she will be turning 6 or 7. Her mommy does the signing for our Church so sometimes the kids sit next to me, even though her Grandma was in the same pew at the other end. That's OK with me they give lots of hugs and I love hugs. We sang a few songs, she was sitting quietly writing on a paper. Then all of a sudden I hear from a very loud voice, "Lord of heaven and earth you are holy" repeat, verse(quiet) chorus very strong voice again. I loved it, I looked at her and just smiled she was full of joy and so was I. A few songs later quiet again. Then all of a sudden strong voice once again, "Hosanna Hosanna you are the God who saves us."
Once again I smiled and I'm absolutely sure God was smiling.