Wednesday, January 6, 2016
Friday, November 13, 2015
Senior Youth Retreat Info and Waiver.
If you have any questions, feel free to call: 204-327-5208, or email: bmcyouthpastor@gmail.com
Have a great day!
Thursday, September 17, 2015
Thoughts on transitions and memory making.
What were the things that caused them to celebrate throughout the summer? Most of the celebrations seemed to center around family vacations, or camping getaways. The students reflected on the importance of stepping out of the normal every day stuff and doing things that were extra-ordinary. My encouragement to you parents out there who are doing the best you can, is that you're doing a great job. Even if extra-ordinary for you isn't an extravagant vacation, I would encourage you to do special things with your teenagers. Go out of your way to do something just for them. They will probably brush it off, and you may think it was unimportant or another blip on their radar. Those are the things we hear about at youth. The special moments. Invest in your family by planning special things. They don't have to cost a bunch of money or be super far away. It may be enough just to break the routine and spend some "no technology" time together as a family.
Blessings as fall transitions are happening!
Gerry G,
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
Running in the wrong direction?
Monday, August 17, 2015
What's on your mind?
How often do thoughts of God dominate my day? Am I often in prayer about the stresses and situations that come up? How often do I take time in my day to focus on the needs of others rather than my own? Does concern for the needs of others (spiritual, physical, emotional, mental) show up in my life in the ways I spend my time, my money, or my energy? These are all important questions to ask ourselves regularly since life in North America can be hectic, stressful, and busy.
I've come to find that when I'm stressed I tend to become more self-focused. It is of utmost importance to keep reminding ourselves of the truth that God has declared through Jesus. It is also important that we continue to think of others before ourselves, if we continue to do this especially in the hard times we will develop endurance.
Matthew 11:28 reads, "Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest."
If your life seems crazy, busy, and spinning out of control and you are not sure how to handle it, my advice would be to be intentional about taking time to retreat with the Lord. Spend time in his word, and let him know the things that are going on in your head and heart. He cares for you and wants to listen and speak to you.
Friday, July 31, 2015
Why playing is important.
Children develop identity in close relation to the emotions that they feel. They chemically link emotions and memories. Their memory works sort of like a series of snapshots. At around 12, they start to develop the ability to string these snapshots together, and develop their identity from these things. If the majority of the snapshots that they find are linked with negative emotions, they can easily develop a negative view of themselves. Perhaps they think, "I'm just a sad person, because most of my memories are sad." Or they may think, "I'm just an angry person, because I'm always angry."
You might be asking, how does this relate to playing? We need to cultivate joy in the lives of our children, and ourselves. As a young parent myself, I love to watch my son Judah enjoy life. I love it when he is captivated by the wonder of the world that God has made. When we play, we realize that the world is not just dark, depressing, and gloomy. There is joy, and wonder to be found. Encourage positive memory-making with your kids. Take time and invest it into your kids, expressing your joy in them. Play with them,and let them work alongside you. Make positive memories together.
It's important to note that Jesus can change these negative self-images in a heartbeat, although, often he addresses them little by little as we grow in relationship with him.
Matthew 19:14 But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.”
Jesus took time for children, let's follow his example!
Be Blessed!
Thursday, July 16, 2015
Everyday Miracles
James 1:17 NIV Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights,who does not change like shifting shadows.
Miracles of the day:
Jesus has saved me, set me free, made me whole, and given me a right relationship with God! And he continues to teach and mould me to reflect his character everyday.
My beautiful wife
My son Judah
My brother Eric showing up at just the right time to help me get my brakepads replaced and wheel back on before it started to rain.
Food to eat
A job/calling that I love
And many more.
My prayer for you is that as you reflect on the everyday miracles in your life, that you would grow in faith, and seek to be a miracle to someone you meet today, or tomorrow, or everyday.
May you enjoy the peace of Christ today.
Gerry.