I just finished a week helping at our Church’s Vacation Bible School. This years Bible School happened at Avalanche Ranch. On our Ranch kids played games, prayed, made Prayer Bears for oprhans in Africa, heard bible stories and learned key verses, and sang to their creator with complete joy. My kind of week!
I volunteered to coordinate snack. As is pretty typical in ministry, this volunteer post increased as we go closer to the week. I was assigned the role of Rita the Cowgirl. The part was written for a boy (Rowdy) but as we did not have an eligible cowboy on hand, the role became female and also became mine. I was sceptical because Rita is basically a huge ditz. I take issue with playing a stupid girl, just not the kind of role model I want to be. However, I really couldn’t turn down the opportunity to wear my cowboy boots and worship with kids all week, so Rita I became.
Here is a conversation that Ben had with his Mom which pretty much sums up my week as Rita:
Ben: “Mom, I wonder what stupid thing Sarah is going to have to do when she’s Rita tomorrow? Sarah hates being stupid.”
Jennifer: “What do you mean stupid?”
Ben: “You know, all those Bible School character are stupid… they do stupid stuff, then they learn about God”
Rita did in fact do some pretty dumb stuff to learn about God. But in reality, don’t we all do that? I have learned the most about who God is after I make the biggest mistakes. At the heart of Rita were some pretty important messages. Simple as they may be, how often do they get overlooked?
Without further delay… here are the lessons learned from Rita’s antics this week:
God is Real.
Lesson of the day: Cowboys wear 10 gallon hats not 10 bucket hats.
“the Lord is the only true God” Jeremiah 10:10
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God is with us.
Cowgirl Lesson: The doggies that Cowboys lasso are baby cows not pet doggies at home.
“The Lord your God is with you Always” Joshua 1:9
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God Is Strong
Word to the wise: Don’t try to ride horses.
“The Lord is my Strength” Psalm 118:14
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God is Awesome!
Lesson Learned: Rita (and Sarah) are not awesome Yodelers
(please note: photo taken mid yodel attempt)
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For the lord most high is awesome Psalm 47:2
God is in Charge
Lesson: When you use spurs too hard to show that you are in charge… you can start a stampede!
“If you love me, you will obey my commands” John 14:15
WAHOO
