Focus on the Family & Colonial Woods

It's too soon to give all the details, but coming very soon Colonial Woods will be hosting a Faith @ Home Church Seminar the weekend of May 1st & 2nd with the Missionary Church's own Mark Holmen.  This event is being sponsored by the Michigan District of the Missionary Church.

There will be several components to the weekend - some for church leaders from across the Blue Water and Thumb of Michigan AND for parents who wish to take the next step in discipleship of their kids.  You can find out about how FOTF and Faith @ Home are partnering by going to their WEBSITE.

So stay tuned to find out more details as they become available.

Superman vs. Jesus

During my devotional time today - which is all too few and far between - I was reading about how Jesus was FULLY human.  It directed me to read Isaiah 52:13 - 53:12 - likely one of the most famous Messianic passages from the Old Testament.  There are some interesting thoughts around this question:  What was life like for Jesus as he was growing up?

"He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering.  Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not."

There are times when I may not have been popular, and certainly experienced suffering in my lifetime; but I don't think I can ever say I've been "despised!"  But our Savior was!

"Those who sit at the gate mock me, and I am the song of the drunkards."

I have certainly been mocked before - both in my childhood and adult life - but I can't say I've ever been a "song of the drunkard!?"   But our Savior was!

I then got to thinking, what life would have been like for Jesus growing up?  Did these things take place as a kid, teenager, adult????  Here's an analogy...

Remember the original Superman Movie???  You know, the one with Christopher Reeves????  [Yes, I'm THAT old!]  As Clark Kent, Superman was just an ordinary kid who was made fun of and put down.  He didn't play any sports or show himself to have any special talent.  But underneath that, he was The Man of Steel!  He could do just about anything - including FLY!!!!!!

I wonder if Jesus was picked on and made fun of as a teen???  Did he keep his Lordship under raps??? Underneath the exterior of the Son of Man, was the King of Kings!  One who would save the world!!!

I guess what I'm getting at is that no matter what you've been through, God has been through worse!  No matter what you've done, God has been there!  Remember that as you go through your day!

More "Dear God" Letters

Just a few more.....enjoy!!

~ This is my favorite! ~

In Him, Dean

"Dear God...."

ere are some letters to God from Elementary Kids.  Read and enjoy!

More design input, please!

OK, so I updated the designs a little bit based on feedback received - and THANKS for that by the way.  Let me know what you think of these.  Thanks everyone!

I think I need to move the box up a little bit...

Graphic Design Thoughts

I'm going to be ordering a few table top displays to use for recruiting and promotional tables, and want to know what you think of these designs.  They need to be simple, but visionary.

Now, admittedly I am NOT a graphic artist, and I can only use Publisher to create these, so they certainly won't meet the standards of you MAC users - so be kind - but offer some input.  I am going to be ordering these designs through Momentum Media who is running a special as part of promoting this newer business to the folks who attend the Orange Conference.

OK, check them out:

I wrestled a while with the background color options, but still don't know if they work.  Thoughts??

Remodeling Pictures

We have been in process of finishing our basement (with it's own entrance) over the last few months and have gotten quite a bit done.  I wanted to share some pics with ya'll.  This will be where my wife's parents live in the future - likely in a few months.  Hope you enjoy this look into our home!

Future Kitchen w/ Tile Floor

Columns in the main living area.

The Throne in all it's Glory!

Shower / Tub Combo - there will be a pocket door in the space on the left (leads to the bedroom).

Beautiful double sink in the bathroom.  More tile flooring.

Additional Water Heater for the downstairs bathroom.

Sub-Electrical Panel for the downstairs.  Brad Morris ROCKS!!!

French Doors that lead to a cement patio and our back yard.

Hanging Light will be above an island in the kitchen.

Main living room again.  There are 3 columns total - for now.

A little nook for the future office!

Hot off the Presses - The Journey

As Family Journey in Faith has grown over the last 3 years at Colonial Woods, a desire to encourage, inspire and equip as many parents as possible has risen.  This desire does not just include families of pre-school and Elementary kids, but those with pre-teens and teenagers as well.  To that end, it is my joy to begin to offer a resource for parents of ALL aged kids who wish to continue to mentor and disciple their children in the home.

"The Journey" is a quarterly (for now) newsletter available for download that provides insights, encouragement, and resources for parents as we seek to carry out the Great Commission in our families.  I know what you may be thinking:  "Oh great!  One more thing to read to fill up "all this time" I have on my hands!?!?!?"  (Sarcasm intended.)  The FJIF team understands you are busy!  We understand there are thousands of messages speaking into your marriage and family every day!  You don't necessarily need one more thing to do....

But the FJIF team also understands that God has placed each parent into the primary role to teach their kids about God.  We are the ones they will learn about any and all spiritual matters from; and as Jesus followers I very much want my kids to follow Him as well.  Take a look through "The Journey" and let God encourage you through it.

Also, let us know your thoughts and insights for future editions.  There is also a Giveaway Contest if you would like to participate.

In Him,
Dean

Get Ready to Blast Off!!!

Ladies & Gentlemen, Boys & Girls of all ages:  I introduce to you, the next adventure of Vacation Bible School for Colonial Woods:

Cadets:  You can begin your training by clicking HERE!

Parents:  Save these dates - July 18th - 22nd from 6:00 to 8:30 PM!!!!

Marriage Retreat @ CWMC

Husbands and Wives - do you need a little inspiration and encouragement?  Then I encourage you to check out this event next month:


Marriage Retreat:
“Men are Like Waffles, Women are Like Spaghetti”

February 19 & 20, 2010 Speakers:  Bill & Pam Farrel On February 19 & 20, 2010 we will be hosting a Marriage Retreat for our married and soon-to-be married couples. We welcome Bill and Pam Farrel, the authors of Men are Like Waffles, Women are Like Spaghetti. Tickets are on sale in the church office or at the table in the foyer. The cost is $49.00 per couple before February 8. After February 8 the ticket price will go up to $59.00. Schedule Friday, February 19, 2010 7:00 PM—9:00 PM Session #1 followed by a Sweet Treats Afterglow Saturday, February 20, 2010 8:00 AM—9:00 AM Continental Breakfast 9:00 AM—10:30 AM Session #2 10:30 AM–11:00 AM Break 11:00 AM-12:00 PM Session #3 For more information, contact Melissa at 810-984-5571.