Florida Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

“A faithful person will be richly blessed” (Proverbs 28:20, NIV).

Last evening found us at a local church community outreach doing alternative for the traditional usual Trick or Treating.  It was heartwarming to see the church reach out in an effort to keep our children in a controlled safe environment.  A special Thank You for the invitation to be able to be a part of this event.

A week ago I left Florida for a conference in Denver hoping to find cooler weather, but this did not happen. They too were enjoying lovely fall temperatures.  The picturesque landscape was absolutely gorgeous.

God’s handiwork was visible in the fall colors I was able to enjoy.  I return with lots of information to process, but most of all I returned knowing that God is present in all things.  He is FAITHFUL and never changing.

Quote of the Day: Keep your face always toward the sunshine – and shadows will fall behind you.  Walt Whitman

When the Wind Blows

Oct 19, 2016 06:00 pm

Farmer Hassell hired a young man as a farmhand even though he was puzzled by something the young man said: “I can sleep when the wind blows!” Days later, a strong windstorm woke up Mr. and Mrs. Hassell. They quickly checked various points on the farm to ensure the wind would not cause damage and found the shutters well fastened, the barn properly locked, and the animals in place with sufficient food.

Then they understood the words “I can sleep when the wind blows.” Their helper had learned early in his life that he did not need to do anything spectacular – if he did his job faithfully he could rest in peace even when the wind blew. The Bible contains promises for the obedient and loyal, including “A faithful person will be richly blessed” (Proverbs 28:20, NIV).

Ideas: Play “No Let Down”

Have children stand in a circle. Blow up a balloon and toss the balloon into the circle. Say:

Don’t let the balloon fall to the floor. You may only bat at the balloon with your hands. No

one is allowed to catch it. As the balloon goes from person to person, count until you reach

100. If the balloon falls, start again and continue counting where you left off. The game ends

when the group reaches 100 (or less if taking too long depending on age and ability of group).

After the game, ask:

Did the balloon ever get let down? How?

How do we sometimes let other people down?

Is it hard to keep promises that we make? Why or why not?

Can you depend on people who don’t keep promises?

The Bible says we can depend on God and that He keeps His promises.

Let’s talk more about God’s faithfulness.

GOD’S Promise Chart: Put a large poster board on the wall and let the children to take turns writing or drawing pictures that represent some of God’s promises. Have the children draw a small rainbow next to each promise as a symbol of God’s faithfulness to keep his promises!

Activity – God is Faithful  A Walk in the Park!

Take a hike or a walk through the neighborhood or park. If it’s warm, pack a picnic supper to take with you!! Before you leave do the following experiment:

Gather the following items: q-tips, a penny, cotton balls, paper clips, pen, eraser, and small stuffed animal. Take turns holding the items in the air and letting go. If you change the way you drop them does anything change in how they land? You will notice that no matter how you drop them, they always land on the floor. It’s impossible for them to land on the ceiling or on the wall. Why is that so? Because gravity pulls objects down. Gravity is totally dependable–it pulls things down. Another way to put it is to say that “gravity is always faithful to pull things down.”

While you’re walking or hiking, look for things in nature that are also dependable and faithful. (Leaves fall in the autumn and come out in the spring; birds make nests; ants gather food; waves crash on the beach; the stars come out at night; the sun shines even when there are clouds. See who can find the most examples of faithfulness.

Talk About It:

Talk about what you saw and why it is a reminder of faithfulness. God is completely faithful in every way. We can depend on Him to always do what He says He’ll do. The world He created reflects God’s faithfulness in many ways, and it reminds of His faithfulness wherever we go.

Choose one thing you saw today to be your reminder of God’s faithfulness to you and share it with everyone.

Calendar Updates:

                        November 5                Creative Ministry Workshop @ North Miami SDA Church

                        November 18-20        Blaze @ Lake Yale Baptist Convention Center (check this out on the Florida Conference Pathfinder website)

As you can see the year and events are winding down, but we will be busy and invite you to any or all the above events.  These leadership training events are to keep you current and engaged in ministry for your churches.  Hope to see you there.

Tis the season to be Thankful…I thankful for a safe trip back home and especially thankful for you who have a passion for Children, Family and Singles of your churches and community.  I will be praying for you.

Until next time.