Raysin' Kids

Camp Copass Leaders

2011-07-24T13:11:00.000-07:00

This year at Camp Copass was completely led by the Lord. Everything we needed and wanted was provided. For the first time we asked all of the current weekly committed volunteers to join us at Camp Copass. The response was praised in itself. Volunteers for camp this year came from Awana, Sunday School, Elevate and The Edge. Weekly volunteers committing to be with the kids for five days displayed their love for their ministry. In these five days the leaders built a deeper relationship with the kids that will impact their ministry to them the rest of the year. This is one of the essentials of making our kids ministry like a family. The leaders they see every week need to be people that make them feel like they are at home. Spending a week together in the same cabin, eating, sleeping, playing, worshipping, traveling, and praying creates a close tie that holds them together for the rest of the year. Every one of the leaders slept in a cabin full of kids who were crazy playing in the cabin, noisy until the lights were out, messier than you want to imagine and simply big kids who act like they are little kids again. In other words they felt loved. Loved is exactly what I saw. With the large number of leaders who were willing to come, each one of the kids was individually cared for all week. Please thank the leaders who came and gave that time with your kids.

PreTeen Conference

2011-04-09T10:25:00.000-07:00

I just finished attending a PreTeen conference and had the privilege of listening to many well known leaders in this unique ministry. One thing is for sure, this is a great need in the church. The PreTeens today are facing issues and going through a time of maturity that needs extra attention. Not only is this a great need for the kids, it is also a time for the parents to receive support and training as well. One of the well known speakers, Craig Jutila, shared how hard it is on him right now as his 6th grade daughter is getting looks from teenage boys. Others talked about opening their children up to discussing one of the key issue...purity. Others shared how these kids are getting ready to face a tough time in school and in their own personal makeup that needs support and training. I also learned that the potential for these kids to minister is huge. They are ready to serve instead of be served. One of the pastors shared that he even has kids share a short message each week on Sunday morning. With the help of parents and new plans I believe we can made a huge difference in our PreTeen families lives. Follow this blog and learn about some of the great tools available for parents to strengthen their children as they go through this stage of their lives.

Daily Devotions with Dad

2011-02-01T15:06:00.000-08:00

This I have been challenged by Larry and inspired to read the Bible with my children every day. We have missed a few days here and there but we have put in the extra time to get caught up. When I decided to read the Bible with my kids every day I debated on reading a devotional with them instead. Working in the kids ministry I am familiar with a large variety of kids devotionals. For me I just decided to keep it simple. For Andrew my youngest I chose to read the "Day by Day Kids Bible" by Karyn Henley and for Darryl I am reading through the Bible on youversion.com (which I am using myself). What has inspired me is hearing Andrew ask me to read the Bible to him every night. What is interesting about this is that Andrew is the one who has a difficult time paying attention when I am reading the Bible. All that said, I have learned that what my boys love most is the special one on time with their Dad and just hearing the power of God's word. I have wished that some day I will see my boys having daily devotions and I believe that have daily devotions with them is the key to seeing it happen. Discipling your children can't get any easier

Back to School in Texas

2010-09-22T12:10:00.001-07:00

The first year we arrived in Texas was a big challenge. After living in Oklahoma and Oregon we found out that Texas is moving a lot faster and providing a lot more education. It was tough for my boys the first year but this year is going smoothly. They may be spending over an our each night doing homework but they are learning far more here in Texas. This is something I am thankful of every week. Thank you Lord for bringing us to Texas.

The Edge

2010-02-02T14:17:00.000-08:00

Pre-Teens are ready to dive into the Word. Over the many years I have worked with kids I have seen Pre-Teens take on a new shape. Pre-Teens today have the desire to open up the Bible and find out for themselves what the Bible says. In many churches I see them still being taught like they were still in 3rd grade or backy in the 80's. Every time the look on their face in these classes shows evidence of their interest and feeling no challenge.

Pre-Teen is a unique and very valuable time when they are both a kid and a youth combined together. They are still naturally respectful (yes, we may agree with this sometimes) and willing to be taught, yet at the same time they are ready to talk about deep issues that take a lot of deep thought.

It nothing new to any of us that these kids are facing issues that many of us were not dealing with until we were in 8th grade and some of the issues we never dealt with at all. Our culture today is changing so fast that we have to be in touch with what is going on. We can read all the articles we want about what kids are facing today but that will not give us an immediate connection to the path our kids are taking and what they are battling along the way.

In the Edge we are going to develop a closer relationship with the kids in a safe and secure small group where kids are willing to honest. Honest in their prayer requests, opinions, and challenges they are facing. Using discussion we will give the kids a hunger to study the Word. We want them to learn how to use the Bible, see how it is in touch with the 21st century, and give them the confidence to study it themselves. The youth will be coming up to lead the kids in worship and help them to learn how to intimately worship the Lord. Finally we are going to just play together and have a lot fun, plus build a lot of good memories.

I believe The Edge is going to bring some big change in a lot of kids lives.

Merry Christmas from our familiy to yours!

2009-12-24T09:45:00.000-08:00

Thank you for praying!

2009-12-21T15:26:00.001-08:00

Boys will be boys...right? On Sunday evening, Dec. 13th we had an unfortunate accident at our house. While wrestling with each other can sometimes result in a rug burn or two, this time it was a broken collarbone.

It is our "first broken bone" in the Ray house and it was hard on all of us. Darryl is quite the trooper though and is quickly recovering. He'll be wearing a sling for several weeks, and has somehow already managed to figure out how to still play video games. There's no stopping this kiddo!

It completely boggles my mind that God made our bodies in such a way that our own bones can heal themselves. Astonishing!! Thursday we did our follow-up appointment with the orthopedic doctor here in our neck of the woods. Thinking it was just going to be a routine check, our reality quickly changed. Here is what we were basically told:

Darryl's collarbone broke in such a way it could pose danger in puncturing a vital artery, hmm...or heart!
Surgery needed to be done immediately.
Because of the nature of the procedure, there had to be another doctor on standby to fix the puncture if it indeed did happen.
We were then hustled out the door and sent to the Texas Children's Hospital in Houston.

YEAH, mama trying not to freak out at this time.

We packed a bag, grabbed Andrew from school and headed to the hospital. Darryl had the hiccups almost the whole way and each time I felt like my own heart was in my throat. All with the worry that any sudden movement could put my child in serious danger.

5 hours in the ER and extensive xrays later we were told that this was not the case. Apparently from his first xrays he was standing in such a position that it "looked like" there was danger. The doctor went over the new xrays with us and completely explained my son's situation. I really needed that. I needed peace of mind that we were not leaving with that "what if" question hanging over our heads.

Andrew loves his brother!

The Lord has really been teaching me a lot about trust lately. And when it comes to my kids, that's a toughie. Once again I was given the opportunity to really put to test that faith and trust in God.

I had no problem trusting God the past several days of bathing him, feeding him, and taking care of him. You know, the days I felt like I had some sense of control over his well being.

Suddenly that trust was snatched up, shaken real hard and laid out for the truth to be shown.

A scripture verse that has meant a lot to me over the past several years has come to be so true for me this past week:

"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.
Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal." Isaiah 26:3,4

I am so very grateful I have this hope and peace in my life.

Thank you Lord!

~Linda

Viola at the Rays

2009-12-14T12:33:00.000-08:00

The Christmas Spirit here in Texas

2009-12-09T11:54:00.000-08:00

My wife and I both love the Christmas season. The Christmas tree went up on Thanksgiving and the lights were put up on the house the next day. In Oregon and Oklahoma we were the first ones, but not here in Texas. The lights in our neighborhood all went up the same week. Texas definitely loves Christmas and it is shown in a lot of places in a wide variety of ways. My son Darryl told me that several kids are wearing Santa hats at Mitchell and Reindeer cars are seen all over town. We thought we had seen it all until this morning when all of the sudden we saw our first Elf car.

Have a Merry Christmas

What great place to live where so many are just as excited about Christmas.

Parent Meeting

2009-11-05T08:42:00.000-08:00

Sunday night I shared with parents my vision, goals, and strategies for the kids ministry. Crossroads already had a great kids ministry when I arrived. Both the volunteers and the programs were very impressive showing some great leadership and a passion for the kids. What I shared with the parents was basically my vision, goals, and strategies. This is a brief overview but will give you an idea of where things are going.

VISION
"That every child will feel at home here at Crossroads growing in their faith"

GOALS

STRATEGIES

Sunday School, Elevate, Awana, Special Events, and The Edge/Mission Quest.

CHANGES

Sunday School - We have hired Rene Holder to organize and provide all the supplies needed for each classroom. All the teachers do now is look at the list and check what they would like to have when they teach the next week. The list includes the activities the curriculum suggests, as well as creative ideas that we add for every lesson. This makes it possible to teach the class in the way that works for you. This also makes it possible for any parent to get involved in their childrens Bible education that I believe is a necessity to taking the responsibility of discipling their children.

Special Events - Almost monthly we are scheduling fun events for kids to build friendships with other kids and a closer relationship with parents and volunteers.

Plese feel welcome to ask me any questions or offer any suggestions.

Curtis

Kingdom Tales

2009-10-27T19:30:00.001-07:00

Kingdom Tales began this week starting an eight week series on developing the noble character God wants us to have. Kingdom Tales take the kids "right to the throne room of King Earl the Undecided. In each lesson the king must decide the best way to solve a problem in the kingdom. To do so, the king seeks the counsel of the kingdom's two most trusted advisers. The lessons King Earl, and the children, learn helps them develop the noble character God wants all of us to have."

As always we have volunteers who are doing a great job keeping the kids glued to the drama teaching the lesson. Each character plays a key part in teaching the lesson clearly for any kid in any circumstance and different age group.

Take a visit on Sunday and watch one of these lessons with your kids. You will enjoy it just as much as them.

Bubba was a Blast

2009-10-19T20:41:00.000-07:00

This last Sunday Gene Wright (Bubba) came to Elevate. I've known Gene for over 10 years now and he has always been able to share from his heart to children using magic and a lot humor. Sunday morning the kids were glued to that stage and laughing right along with a lot of adult volunteers. Gene was juggling and eating fire while teaching the kids about being on fire for Jesus and sharing the gospel with others while he put fire on his tongue and lighted another wand he was holding. Gene did many other tricks to make the gospel more and clear to each one of the children. At the end he put on a big show when he climbed into a balloon and added 17 more kids in the balloon with him. Gene stole the show and I am sure he will come visit us again.

Curtis

2009-09-05T17:07:00.001-07:00

We don't have any big plans for the long weekend...but we do have many places around The Woodlands that are yet undiscovered by the Ray Family! There is a nature preserve a few miles down the road from our house, so we grabbed the dogs and took off for a few hours. I am still amazed at all the trees here. It was surely nostalgic to walk along the path among all those pine trees especially.

Sorta felt like we were still in Oregon...

...except for the HEAT! ☺

We survived...

2009-08-28T19:29:00.001-07:00

The first week of school that is!

I'm sure proud of our boys. They have gone through some big changes the past several months and they made it through a great first week back to school. I'm not sure if I should tell them that they got jipped a week of summer since we got out later in Oregon. But I know we were all ready for school to start.

It seems like summer winds down to that point and all of a sudden the kids are antsy and the mommy's are too. It's always hard on me to see my guys head off to another year. It means another year older and the house gets too quiet so suddenly.

We are thrilled with the schools our boys are attending. There are so many more opportunities afforded to them here compared to their school last year. My oldest has decided to take on the viola and join the Orchestra class at his school. What a dream for him to experience. My youngest is beside himself at the fact that he can have Chick-fil-A for lunch!

Here's to a great start to a great year ahead of us.

I hope your's started off just as good this past week. As for the weekend...I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we all get to sleep in on Saturday!

~Linda

Frogs, Frogs everywhere!

2009-08-13T18:46:00.000-07:00

This summer was our family's first experience with FROG camp and it was spectacular! It was so rewarding to end exhausted after such a great week of singing, games, off campus adventures and lessons on trusting God.

I was blessed to lead a group of seven 8-year old boys for the week, including my youngest son. I'm used to the body noises, strange humor, etc. so it was right up my alley to hang out with these little "men". My oldest son came along as my helper and along with Lacey Garza...we were quite the team!

Monday we hit the Houston Zoo. I see now why Texans don't let the heat/humidity dampen the excitement. What a great place. We were able to see a baby giraffe who was only 2 hours old at the time. The boys' favorite spot was camped out in the Reptile exhibit. At first I thought it was because of the air conditioning, but soon figured it was to "creep out the leader"! They got a kick out of inviting me over to see the snakes, alligator and lovely creatures all boys seem to love!

Tuesday was the adventure to Space Center Houston. Awesome!! It was neat to sit in the theater watching a movie about the space shuttles and peeking down the row seeing little eyes all lit up with wonder. Having so many hands on activities was great too.

Wednesday was the Aquarium. What a cool spot in Houston! We were treated to a special session with a diver and learned a lot about sharks and fish. It was a hot day and the ferris wheel was out of order for awhile, so my boys had a fabulous time playing in the water...even if they weren't in their bathing suits. We had enough time to go through the Aquarium twice! I must say however, they are very clever to end the tour in the gift shop!!

We finished our incredible week at Incredible Pizza. I think as an adult I enjoyed the behind-the-scenes tour as much as the kids! Then to sit and watch little yellow t-shirts running back and forth among the video games was amazing. There is something so magical to watch a child's eyes in a complete moment of happiness.

I watched one little boy win a big load of candy. More than he could obviously carry. I could see those wheels were turning on figuring out how in the world to get all that candy back home. His conclusion.....stuff them in his shoes! He plopped down right on the carpet and started shoving the loot inside. He even attempted to put the shoes back on!! I just about laughed til my belly ached on that one. Of course I helped the little guy put the candy in a bag...despite his initial reluctance to give up his loot to a leader!

Crossroads has some pretty incredible kids. I was grateful to be a part of such a well-behaved, group around town. You should be proud of your kiddos!

I must say, what I am most impressed about was the organization, work and effort put into to the week by Karen Splawn and her team of young adults. She is one amazing woman and a very hard worker. We are very blessed to have her as a part of our staff!

Thanks for sharing your kids with us for Frog Camp. It was a special part of our summer as a family and we truly enjoyed getting to know your kids better!
~Linda

Preteen Camp '09, Day Three

2009-07-15T09:25:00.001-07:00

Pre-Teen Camp Day 3!!! from Crossroads Baptist Church on Vimeo.

Preteen Camp '09, Day Two

2009-07-14T06:25:00.001-07:00

Pre-Teen Camp Day 2! from Crossroads Baptist Church on Vimeo.

Day 2 - FLIP in effect

2009-07-13T20:57:00.000-07:00

Hearing the children share with us tonight what God is teaching them was evidence enough that God is making some changes in these kids live. So many kids shared with us how the message personally applied in their own life. I myself was very touched and challenged by some of the kids who shared about something in their that they were committing to wrestle with in their very own life.

The message has been FLIP which basically means turning your life around to make God number one. The kids showed so much of their maturity facing issues that anyone who was an adult would identify with: getting along with brothers or sisters, accepting situations that were out of their control, taking focus off of things they want, thinking of others first, being honest with others about yourself, and the list went on.

Along with this came a lot of fun for the kids playing with each other and with their leaders. Yes it was hot but cooling off made up for it having the pool available for everyone who came. If they weren't at the pool they were enjoying a smoothie followed by an arcade or basketball at the gym. I chose the arcade and had a blast playing with the kids in all different games.

Spending all of this constant time together has made us all feel like a family. The shirts that were provided not only helped us stay together, they also made us feel like a team. Everything put together is making a difference drawing the kids closer to the lord and with their fellow brothers and sisters in the Lord.

Keeping praying for us, your prayers are already making a big difference.

Curtis

Preteen Camp '09, Day One

2009-07-13T08:54:00.000-07:00

Pre-Teen Camp day 1 from Crossroads Baptist Church on Vimeo.

FLIP Day 1

2009-07-12T21:01:00.000-07:00

The curfew was at 10:30 and none of the kids needed to be pursuaded to go to bed. Most were in bed with the lights out long before they were even asked.

All of the kids have been great! There has been tons of excitement and friendships that have developed in just a few hours. Each one of the kids has been able to balance excitement and respect of everything that has been happening.

One of my biggest hopes is for the kids to have friends who are right along side of them and a message that sinks into their hearts and minds. Both of those are happening and it is only the first day. All of the kids are either sitting next to someone or playing with several other kids.

The message is already reaching their minds as they got to have some personal time of Bible study with their leader and an incredible message and worship at night.

They kids are being treated like royalty. With tons of food, snacks, and toys they have had no time to even think about asking for something. One of the greatest treats was ending the evening with ice cream and a video shown of their first day (http://www.vimeo.com/5569439). It couldn't have been any better for them.

Keep praying for the kids that in the Bible study, quiet time, and worship their hearts and minds would open up to what God is saying to them in these few days. Every prayer will make a difference.

Curtis

Growing Pains

2009-07-11T09:12:00.001-07:00

I love being in the Kids Ministry!

Curtis & I started out serving together before our boys were born. As they have grown, we've been so blessed that Kids Ministry has become a family affair! In the past we have always done kids camp together. At first the boys were packed around in a stroller or baby backpack. Then as they grew, I have many memories of their little feet scurring as fast as they could to keep up with the older kids.

This summer is a bit different as our oldest leaves for FLIP Preteen camp on Sunday. As much as I boo hoo about it, I know how important it is that he has this opportunity by himself. Because, before I know it he will be off to youth camp or a missions trip....what will I do then?!

I've already had my first taste of the *Preteen world* when we toured schools last May. In Oregon the boys' school was K-5th. So the whole Intermediate School is a new concept I am digesting. LOCKERS? My baby is going to have a locker at school? What if he forgets the combination?

These baby steps that I am taking now aren't easy. I think all moms look back with an ache in their heart at grasping those memories of our kids being younger. As much as I embrace the future for him, there is always that desperate feeling of wanting it to go slower.

I realize I'm whining a bit, especially if I admit the fact that his dad will be with him. A lot of other mom's don't have that privilege. But it is still a big deal for me to watch him leave on a bus without me on it!

The poor fella has been doing projects lately to earn his spending money for camp:

I have a feeling that money is going to feel a whole lot better in his hands now that he has earned it. (Although I'm sure he must think he should get a few more bucks for the torture he has endured by working in this heat!)

I've really been praying for this boy. I am hoping this camp experience will open a new door for him to know God better. He has "grown up" in church....which is a good thing....but I want him to make the relationship he has with his Savior all his own. And that will only happen if his mama gets out of the way and lets God do the teaching!

Meet Henry & Dale!

2009-07-08T19:39:00.000-07:00

We've all gone through transition lately and for one particular pooch, it's been a HOT transition:

Henry is our 4 year old labradoodle. He desperately needs shaved and only goes outside long enough to do his duty and returns to the cool of our house. Well, unless there is a tennis ball involved and if thrown...he'll chase the ball over and over again til he can't stop panting.

At first Henry seems like a goofy fella. But he has quite a history. He once saved the day in our neighborhood in Oregon. About 2am we woke up to a ferocious bark we've never heard before and went to investigate. He was standing at our back porch window and we quickly discovered the neighbor's (behind us) porch was ablaze. Long story short, the family had just bought the house and moved 1/2 of their possessions into the garage. There was some damage but overall it was a miracle! Henry made it on our local news, as well as the Associated Press. The owners of the home brought us a huge basket full of dog treats, dog bones & tennis balls. So even if Henry strikes you that he is a bit clueless...he's smarter than you think!

Dale our beagle has a one-track mind...hunting. His goal in life is to rid our yard of all squirrels, birds and lately those strange sounding bugs (cicadas). He seems to love the heat here and we catch him sprawled out on the back porch "laying in the sun" occasionally. He's the boss of the 2, but he doesn't seem to mind letting Henry act like he's in charge once in awhile.

Both sweet pups seem very content and happy to be here. They would however like to know if there are any dog parks in The Woodlands? You know, in case the weather ever cools off, they'd like to meet some friends!

~Linda

Welcomed Home

2009-06-27T17:36:00.001-07:00

There have been few times in our lives that a door has swung open so far that we thought the hinges were going to come off! Times when we were unsure about a decision and God made it clear which box; yes or no, we were supposed to mark. Times that marked the ending of one season and the beginning of another.

This last spring we both knew the time was coming for our us to move again. It seemed crazy since we had finally moved our kids back around family. We were a part of holiday dinners, birthday parties and days off together once again. The grandparents were given a chance to dol out kisses and hugs and we were able to be a part of our own neices/nephews growing up. After all, we had only been back in Oregon a little over 2 years. It was a confusing time for our family...but not for us.

We have only experienced a couple pivitol times in ministry when the direction God was asking us to go was clearer than anything we have ever seen. Even after we initially said "no", there were no doubts in the end when a decision was made!

It is an incredible feeling when God's peace overwhelms you in the answer to the direction to take your family. Perhaps many of you have come through something similar?

That is how life has been for our family the past few months.

We put the *for sale sign* in the front yard, packed up our sweet house, took the boys out of school a few days early and waved goodbye to the neighbors in our cul de sac that we loved. We placed our pets in carriers and all boarded the plane to transplant our lives to a new adventure.

Texas?

We never ever expected the Lord to move us to Texas! After all, we lived in the promise land (Oklahoma) for 6 years! HA HA HA! Oh but we are quickly learning that this place is the beautiful garden in that promise land!

Coming in during VBS was timed just right for our family. Our boys were quickly welcomed and have made a couple friends already. I was able to meet so many loving volunteers that truly hold this ministry together in success. Linda has been able to paint, unpack and begin to make our new house a home. A huge thanks to Tamera for helping her out with this big job!

On Thursday night of VBS week, Linda and I walked around the carnival holding back tears of joy and amazement. We knew from living in Oklahoma that there is no culture like this midwest. So loving and welcoming and warm. But on that night we looked at each other and truly felt like we had come home. You have all made us feel like we fit right in to the family.

We've appreciated your prayers in our transition. Our boys are slowly adjusting and as we make Texas our new home, we still wake up each day amazed that God has called us here. Now about the heat! No, just kidding. We are just so grateful to have the sunshine since it rains in Oregon so much, that a bunch of humidity won't get us down.

Our hope for this blog is to share with you about our family and the kids ministry at Crossroads. Thanks again for praying and welcoming us in to Crossroads like we have always been a part of your family!

Curtis