Good Soldiers in Christ

I have been praying for you and trust you are doing well as you carry out your “marching orders” from God. I use that phrase “marching orders” because I was reading in 2 Timothy where Paul, in his final words before his death, gives this message to a young leader in the church named Timothy. Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them. 2 Timothy 2:3-4 … [Read more...]

Your Red Sea

I wanted to share a quick thought that came to my mind as I was reading in Exodus 14. When I read the stories recorded in scripture, it is very common for me to imagine I am a part of the story. I can see myself actually there in that moment experiencing the very situation I am reading about. That is what happens when you have the mind of a 10-year old (smiley face). Exodus chronicles one of the most popular events in the Old Testament of the Israelites miraculously crossing the Red Sea. I was … [Read more...]

The Power of Yet

As I was praying this morning, the Lord took me to Isaiah 49:3-4 and impressed me to share it with you. He said to me, “You are my servant, Israel, and you will bring me glory.” I replied, “But my work all seems so useless! I have spent my strength for nothing and to no purpose at all. Yet I leave it all in the Lord’s hand; I will trust God for my reward.” Some of your tasks and daily duties may, at times, feel simple or insignificant with little or no real impact on the big picture. And there … [Read more...]

Roll Over

  I hope and pray you are all doing well today and that you fully understand how significant each of you truly are to children’s ministry. The very idea that God has called and commissioned you to be a part of the ministry that has the greatest influence on a human being’s eternal destiny should create an incredible level of hope and joy. However, the enemy would love nothing more than to cause your heart and mind to drift into despair, discouragement and defeat. This ministry, and your … [Read more...]

Parenting Seminar #6 – Technology

In our final Parenting Seminar, Scott Burnett from Integrity Computer Concepts brings his passion and expertise in protecting children in a technological world. This session is action-packed with tons of practical, hands-on tools. Scott opens our eyes to the protection pathways and applications to keep our kids safer in their use of technology. Our hope and prayer is that every bit of information brings you and your children a step closer to using technology wisely. … [Read more...]

Calling

Have you experienced feelings of inadequacies lately? Has anyone felt under resourced and over burdened? Have you lacked the mental, physical or spiritual energy to fulfill your responsibilities with excellence? Have you felt fatigued? Have you felt a depletion in your passion for ministry? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then let me congratulate you on being normal and welcome you to spiritual leadership. You know, it is kind of like being a parent. You look forward to … [Read more...]

Parenting Seminar #5 – Grief

Our latest Saddleback Kids Parenting Seminar focused on the challenge of grief facing children. Sadly, more and more children in our ministry are dealing with the loss of extended family, friends, siblings and parents. The need for additional parenting support, especially founded on God’s Word, is critical in this time of loss. Kathleen and Kristina Fucci share from an extremely personal and real perspective about the struggles and the triumphs in moving children through grieving.   … [Read more...]

Going Deep!

“One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, the people were crowding around him and listening to the word of God. He saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, ‘Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.’ Simon … [Read more...]

Parenting Seminar: Tough Stuff

Parenting is anything but an easy undertaking. In the broken world that we live in today, our children are being faced with giant, tough stuff as they go to school, participate in extracurricular activities, watch media and simply do life. The issues they face come faster, sooner and harder than generations before. As a church, our desire is to be authentic and real about these tough issues. After talking with families, the top three issues on their hearts as parents are sexuality, depression … [Read more...]

Parenting Seminar #2 – Divorce Care

As we continue to partner with parents, next on the line-up is the Parenting Seminar on Divorce Care. Megan Wessberg oversees Saddleback Kids’ Grades 4-6 Weekend ministry and has a huge heart for kids going through divorce. This heart passion and connection to this age, stage and situation led Megan into overseeing our Divorce Care for Kids. Megan leads from a place of personal experience, wise counsel and compassion to parents who have gone through, are going through or may even be considering … [Read more...]