Last week was the final session of AWANA at church. The program culminated in an award celebration complete with songs, ribbons, prizes, and more. This was Sarah’s first year in AWANA (she and David were both in Cubbies). She spent a good portion of the summer months reminding anyone who would listen that she was “going to be in Cubbies this year with David.” Very exciting! Joshua’s 5th and 6th grade ROCK program (Real Outstanding Christian Kids) also meets on Wednesday nights. All of these wonderful church activities meant that Tim and I often had an hour and a half to ourselves on Wednesday nights.
David and his Cubbies certificate
The children all worked very hard on their Bible studies and memory verses (some of which I hope they will actually remember). Toward the end of the year I began scheduling in some specific AWANA study time in their school work. Rachel, in particular, was very diligent in her AWANA lessons. She enjoyed some healthy competition with another girl in her class (she gets the desire to WIN from Tim–ha) and made excellent progression through her books.
The final part of the award ceremony recognized the children who had completed the most sections of their AWANA book (involving memory verses, doctrine/theology lessons, and other activities and work) during a six week contest period and also for the entire year. To everyone’s surprise and delight, Rachel won first place for both events!! She received a huge kite and a cd player! She was so tickled and thrilled and excited. We all cheered and clapped.
Hooray for Rachel!
We were very proud of Rachel and all her hard work over the year. She is becoming an amazing godly young woman. She loves the Lord, she studies her Bible every day, she seeks to really understand difficult spiritual concepts, and she is striving to live her life in the light. She is a most excellent daughter and I am proud to be her mother. I was pleased that she received some recognition for her achievements.
My prayer is that she would enjoy these special rewards but understand that they are fleeting and the true value is found in the richness of God’s Word.
Psalm 119:30-32; 35-37
I have chosen the way of truth;
I have set my heart on your laws.
I hold fast to your statutes, O LORD;
do not let me be put to shame.
I run in the path of your commands,
for you have set my heart free.
Direct me in the path of your commands,
for there I find delight.
Turn my heart toward your statutes
and not toward selfish gain.
Turn my eyes away from worthless things;
preserve my life according to your word.
Kathy
It was very fun to hear Rachel’s response to winning first prize: “I’m the happiest I have ever been!”
She’s a very special girl, and I also am very proud of her.