I can't believe that the summer has officially ended -probably because it's still 100 degrees outside - but as far as taking summer vacations it's pretty much over, which is always sad to think about!  A few weeks ago I was able to go on a short vacation with my mom and sister to the Frio River.  My family has been going there for years, my mom went as a little girl and pretty much grew up going there every summer with my grandparents and now a lot of my favorite summer memories are going there.  Every time we are there we always go back the house we had there each summer that overlooks the river, we go to Garner State Park and talk about how my grandparents loved to dance there, we eat at the same restaurants and see the same people who still own the Lodge's on the river who remember my mom as a little girl!  Going back this summer was a little different, I think it really hit me how long we have been going to this place and not only the memories that have been made there with my family, but the legacy. 

I love that my parents still take us there, I love the memories that have been made there each summer, and more than anything I love the time that has been spent each time with my family, memories I will never forget!  I hope that you have been able to make memories this summer and have been able to spend time with your family - it's those times that I think we will treasure forever!!!

Psalm 107:1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever!

On the Sunday before the first day of school, my family was having our "last supper" of summer vacation.  One of my sons said the blessing and thanked God for our schools.  After his Amen, my youngest exclaimed, "But he didn't say enough!"  I thought maybe he wanted to ask that everyone would be safe as they go back to school, but he surprised me when he said, "Heavenly Father, thank you for this beautiful world and when things get messed up and go wrong in our lives, that's ok because it's your world and you're the one that created it. Amen."

I was very surprised by the insightfulness of a 9 year old and although I'm convinced that he must've heard someone somewhere utter that prayer, I am also convinced that prayer was meant for me.

Over the past few weeks, as I have helped my twins prepare for the big step of moving into junior high, everything that could go wrong did!  A locker wouldn't open, both of their schedules were wrong; their physicals were lost so therefore they couldn't get a gym locker or equipment.  I voiced my frustration numerous times in numerous ways, as only a mother can do!

I am not one known for patience and I like results and quick fixes, but problems and inconveniences do have a way of working out and I have slowly checked off my list all that is going right:  the locker was fixed, we got another copy of the physicals, and I have spoken to the proper people about their schedules.

In Planet 56 we talk a lot about the letters from Apostle Paul.  I am a fan of Paul's teachings because he states things so simply.  Philippians 4: 8 says "think about the things that are good and worthy of praise."  In other words, think good thoughts and don't let the bad stuff bring you down!  I know I'm guilty of letting things like a stuck locker, messed up schedule and lost forms to permeate my mind. I look around and I see that the world is truly beautiful and stuff gets messed up all the time, but God has created this world and everything in it!  It took a 9 year old to remind of this!

WANTED: Planet 56 Interns

Seeking interns who can play Paintball and do the Cupid Shuffle; who can make lemonade and inflate beach balls; who want to inspire and worship with the 5^th and 6^th graders!

If you are a high school or college student, at least 16 (or nearly 16 and will be driving soon) and you want to share your faith with those younger than yourself, then contact Sandra Huskey for this unique opportunity to be a part of Planet 56.  Planet 56 is a busy Sunday school classroom with additional activities such as Bible studies, Friday Night Frenzies and Daycamp.

It's not just a job; it could be your adventure!

Sandra Huskey, Director of Planet 56 shuskey@twumc.org or 281-297-5976.

What is the meaning of a true friend? That has been the question we have been asking our elementary kids for the past three weeks. We just wrapped up our series on "BFFs from the Bible" and it was amazing to see the kid's reactions. The first week was a little serious talking about David and Jonathan; we talked about how 'friends help each other out' and how GOD gives us good friends to help us when we have troubled times. Then we moved on to our second week with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego; we talked about how 'friends stick together' and how God wants us to have good friends. Our final week was about Jesus; how he should be the 'third strand' in our friendships and how He wants to be our BFF. Our focus was to teach the kids all about honesty, loyalty, acceptance, and the importance of having godly friends especially at this time, at the beginning of the school year. So I am following the advice that we taught. And will 'Walk the Walk' and not just talk the talk. My assistants, Jayanne Martin and Lisa Hammond will be joining me in a bible study to learn all about 'our Jesus'. We will help each other out and stick together through this already challenging school year and will gain strength from Jesus. The three of us have signed up to attend Renew Bible Studies; which will be wonderful to get 'an in-depth look at the I Am statements of Jesus', just like the curriculum we will be teaching to our elementary kids this Fall. God is so amazing and can't wait to see all those tiny miracles He allows us to be a part of here in the Children's Ministry.
 
"You have been bought and paid for by Christ, so you belong to him-be free now from all these earthly prides and fears" (1 Corinthians 7:23 LB).

This past week I spent on a cruise ship with my husband.  I never thought that rocking back and forth would be so relaxing!  The week was amazing and wonderful.  It was great to be able to escape reality for awhile and put my everyday responsibilities in the hands of other people.  Our kids stayed with grandparents, the Loft Kids Church was handled by the wonderful Andrea, the cooking and cleaning; well was done by the crew of the ship.  And I must say I NEVER went hungry.  I probably ate more than my fill.  I was excited to see what kind of "towel animal" would be awaiting our return from dinner.  I laughed at all the pictures that the crew of the ship took of us and at how quickly we figured out that we would just make "fools" of ourselves.  We were NOT going to spend $20 on one stinking picture!  The photographers quickly figured out who we were J and what our plan was.  We thoroughly enjoyed the rest we got and the adventures we had.  We swam with the dolphins, snorkeled with the sting rays, got stung by the jelly fish and soaked up the rays all the while enjoying the time God had given us to be together.  I had forgotten what joy comes from taking that time to rest in Him and spend time with my husband.  God is good!!!