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Thankful Thursday
Luke 18:16 (NIV) Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
I spent four days this past weekend with 85 middle school kids. These are kids who are 11, 12, and 13 years old and start middle school as chubby faced babies. They depart three short years later with facial hair, curves, and attitude. 
I am sure you remember these years. Kids find themselves struggling with self-esteem issues, sorting out the social pecking order. They discover their bodies are growing an inch a month and the schoolwork is just plain hard.
Ten chaperones, the band director, and the school principal traveled to San Francisco where the kids participated in a competition with bands from the west. I made a discovery on this trip. I discovered there are really great kids in Middle School.
Middle School kids often get a bad rap but my experience proved different. Sure there were a few ornery knuckleheads and some girls who could talk and talk and talk. Did I say they could talk…. I mean all night long and then they wanted to text all day.
But these kids pull it together to wear concert dresses, tuxedos and behave better than many adults. 85 kids playing every sort of instrument in perfect time was a glory to behold and a wonder to hear.
Our band director is an amazing man. Thanks Mr. H.
The kids took home BOTH first place trophies and out scored every band in the two-day competition, including High School bands.
I am praising the Lord for kids, especially Middle School Kids. Jesus could see their innocence and potential. So do I.
Matthew 18:10 (NIV) "See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven."
Mark 10:13-16 (NIV) People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. 14When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." 16And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.
Have a blessed Thursday. Thank you for sharing this triump with my daughter and me. Be Blessed, Lynn
For more Thankful Thursday blessings, visit Iris at Sting My Heart.
What a wonderful time you spent with those lovely girls&boys! I miss my childhood now!
May God bless you a restful weekend.
Posted by: Millie | April 23, 2008 at 07:42 PM
WOW! Lynn---what a time! What a trip!
God bless you big time! (I think I would have had to take a stockpile of coffee...or some type of energy drink to keep up with those kids!)
(((HUGS))) to you!
Posted by: Angie | April 23, 2008 at 07:46 PM
Woo Hoo, sounds like you had a great time my friend.
Posted by: Denise | April 23, 2008 at 08:06 PM
Sounds like a wonderful time!! Good for you for singing the praises of children this age who are often criticized unfairly.
Posted by: Gina's Public Diary | April 23, 2008 at 08:13 PM
I used to host a middle schoolers church group in my home, and I loved it! I have my own middle schooler and I just love her to pieces!
Posted by: Susie | April 23, 2008 at 08:58 PM
Wow I can see that you had a great time with these kids --and with the band. Love that shirt at the end of this post. Makes me smile.
Posted by: mama meji/zamejias | April 23, 2008 at 09:09 PM
That must have been some trip hanging out with all those middle schoolers. I have 3 kids this age and it is very interesting. It's such a hard age, but it's exciting to see them grow and mature.
Posted by: Shari | April 23, 2008 at 10:49 PM
Hi Lynn,
Are you a band leader? This was so neat and a great big Congrats goes out to your kids, how wonderful!
My daughter in law teaches middle school also.
I was in the band from 4th grade to early college years. So many, many wonderful memories were made.
Thanks for sharing this, I really enjoyed reading about it.
Blessings♥
Posted by: Susan | April 24, 2008 at 07:24 AM
I knew you'd have a blast!! Congrats to the band! That is just wonderful! I said it before & I'll say it again...middle school kids ROCK! ;)
Posted by: Patricia | April 24, 2008 at 08:29 AM
Yippee for the band! I personally appreciate middle schoolers more than the older teens. They are still a little more innocent, less mouthy, and sincerely interested in learning. It's a tough time of life though (I would NEVER repeat it!)
Posted by: Heather@mommymonk | April 24, 2008 at 09:53 AM
Great times and great memories. My daughter wasn't in the band, but Girl Scouts and oh the fun memories!! Glad you have this time with your daughter. Happy TT!!
Posted by: Darlene | April 24, 2008 at 11:08 AM
I love the band! Actually, my oldest is in HS and is it and I saw your shirt. She would LOVE it-I was wondering where you got it!
Posted by: Bobbie Jo | April 24, 2008 at 11:15 AM
Wow! Great post, Lynn!! Thanks so much for sharing your daughter and your trip with us!!
Posted by: Susanne | April 24, 2008 at 12:20 PM
Good job Lynn and way to go Middle School!
Yes, I do remember those days but probably more when I taught that age...did not last long(LOL) but the kids were great!
It's good to hear that a band of Middle School kids can make you Praise th Lord, hear His music and SEE their potential!
I'm not to sure about the innocence, perhaps your lovely daughter and some of the jabberwockys but...PTL...for 85 kids, that you survived this in a positive attitude, and that God will use these kids to make a joyful noise!!! Thanks for putting us in God's perspective to see the greatness! Missed ya' Peg
Posted by: Peggy | April 25, 2008 at 08:22 AM
Congrats to your daughter and the band! That's just awesome. And kudos to you for bravely traversing the world of teens on a trip! Glad it was a good experience. :-)
Posted by: Dineen Miller | April 25, 2008 at 09:44 AM
Oh - how awesome, Lynn. That is so wonderful that you have seen those kids like our Heavenly Father does every day. Congratulations to the band - what an awesome accomplishment.
I like the word 'knuckleheads' - I feel like one myself some days. Thankfully our Lord is patient with me.
Thank you so much for sharing your grateful heart with us this week.
Be blessed today and always.
Posted by: Iris | April 26, 2008 at 09:53 AM
Oh I remember those days!
Bless you for being a chaperon and for your great post!
Posted by: Heather (Blessedw4mom) | April 26, 2008 at 02:26 PM
Lynn,
Thanks for your comment and the scripture on my Laced with Grace post. I appreciate you sharing your thoughts.
And this Thankful Thursday was a real treat for me to read. Loved it!
Posted by: Tiffany Stuart | April 27, 2008 at 11:13 AM