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AWA Accessories

Hey guys! VBS Previews are great for many reasons—the biggest one is the people. Besides getting to see old friends and making new ones, I’m always impressed by the “amazing” enthusiasm preview folks have for VBS! It’s great to hear stories about last summer’s VBS, and talk about your plans for the coming year. It’s difficult to put into words exactly how that “fires me up”!

Check out a couple of my new friends who take their enthusiasm beyond what they say to what they wear!

Andrew created a flight helmet (sorry no photo) and this “amazing” jacket!

Andrew painted the AWA logo on the back of his leather jacket! Awesome!

Here’s Paula Royal wearing some of her “amazing” creations…

Paula's cool black vest with embroidered AWA logo

Here's the front!

Paula's embroidered jacket! Note the embroidered pant leg!

Here's the back of the other pant leg—with scripture reference—a conversation starter "fer shur"!

Do any of you have VBS accessory photos you’d like to send? I know a couple of you do: Becky Mitchell—send us a photo of your awesome knit pilot’s cap! …and Christy Law—send us some shots of your VBS ear rings. (Christy makes ear rings out of some of our promo items every year! Deb Muller too!)

Again, send in those photos!

Grace and peace,

Gordon

Geek of The Week – Christy Law!

Introducing Christy Law – VBS Geek of The Week! Hey guys. Gordon here. I sure wish you could meet Christy in person. I had the opportunity several years ago. Christy is a regular at the Preview Events so introducing her is like introducing one of the VBS team. I ask Christy to answer a few GOTW qualification questions. Here’s what Christy had to say:
1. What are you VBS roles (state, association, church, etc.)?  

I teach the music at my church, I also help setup the crafts before VBS starts. I have been on the Illinois state team, that was a lot of fun.

2. What is your “geekiest” VBS moment?

That would be hard to decide I have so many. During Rickshaw rally I carried people from the parking lot to the church in a rickshaw.

The Honoarble Christy Law and her trusty rickshaw!Another would be to make earring out the VBS stuff,  or breaking out in VBS songs when you here a VBS verse.

The Flipper Dance!Currently I am looking for a zoot suit for this year’s theme.

3. What makes you continue to do VBS year after year?

I enjoy seeing the kids doing the music (singing the songs doing all the motions). Hearing them tell me what they learned at VBS.

When I see them later they say, “Hey music lady! What are we doing this year!”

4. What is your favorite VBS theme to date?

I have love them all, but I might have to pick Outrigger island because I want to go to Hawaii even if it though VBS, or I might pick Saddle Ridge Ranch because I’m a country gal.

Don't be a tu-uh-uh-uhmbleweed!!!
5. (Based on your experiences, complete the following) You might be a VBS Geek if… you use the music songs as a workout plan throughout the year. (Gordon here – this is one my favorite GOTW answers of all time!)

…I didn’t know till recently that Christy is the daughter of another GOTW, Deborah Muller! Deborah is Ministry Assistant for the Church Strengthening Team of the Illinois Baptist State Association!

Thanks to you both for all your hard work, dedication, enthusiasm, you bring to the kingdom and to kids and to families at your church through VBS and throughout the entire year!

Geek of The Week – Paula Royal!

Hey Guys. Paula Royal caught our attention at the Nashville Preview Event as soon as she walked into the EXPO room. She was wearing an orange colored jacket with the Amazing Wonders Aviation logo embroidered on the back! Not only that, she had embroidered VBS 2012 airplanes on both legs of here blue jeans… scripture reference stitched right in! My first thought? “There goes a Geek of The Week!” (…and I mean that with all due respect!)

It is a pleasure to introduce Paula Royal, Lake Martin Baptist Church, Dadeville, Al – our newly inducted VBS Geek of The Week!

Paula receives her Geek of the Week T-Shirt at the Nashville Preview, Jan 2012

Paula is a delight. I don’t usually use that word but it applies here. What a sweet lady! During the preview, she wore several other self-made, custom designs! (…we’re saving those and other custom made accessories another blog!) For now, here are some shots of Paula’s cool customized clothes that caught our eye…

Paula's outfit!

Front left of Paula's jacket!

Paula's pants - back left!

Paula's pants - front right!

What are your VBS roles?
My roles in VBS are:
1. teaching the 3 – 4 year old class
2. I help others with ideas and decorations when needed
3. the past 2 years (and again this year) I will teach crafts at the Tallapoosa Baptist Association VBS clinic
4. helping anywhere needed

What is your “Geekiest” VBS moment?
Last year at our VBS I dressed as “Liz the Taxi Cab Driver”. I monogrammed
a white jacket with the VBS logo, taxi cabs, the Big Apple with silhouette, Statue of Liberty and the Bible verse. I also painted my tennis shoes black and white checked with yellow accent like a taxi cab. After VBS I passed my “Liz” items to Beulah Baptist Church in our area to use. I asked, if possible, please pass these items on to another church when they were finished.

However I felt my “Geekiest” VBS moment was this year at the TN preview. Dressing as “Liz the Taxi Cab Driver” was fun and crazy, but I never realized that there was such a title as “VBS Geek”. I am a person that is not surprised easily and this time someone got me. I know that God made me special, but what a privilege and honor to be called a “VBS Geek”. [...gotcha Liz!]

What makes you continue to do VBS year after year?
I need to give a little background in this area. Two years ago our
VBS director, Gwen Stockdale asked if I would teach the 3-4 year old class. I said yes and the first night of VBS I had 12-15 little ones. It was total chaos for my helper and I. After class I went to Gwen and told her I felt I was not capable of teaching (as this was the first time I had every taught VBS) and explained what the class was like. I tried so hard to teach the children about Jesus, but things were out of control and I felt I had failed. Gwen said it would all work out and hang in there. We discussed what had happened and come to find out I had received the wrong lesson plan book for my class age. I know now why it is so important to have age appropriate lessons. That night I prayed to God and thanked him for what I thought was a disaster and asked for wisdom to teach my class. Each night thereafter I received blessing after blessing from my little ones.

The reason I continue VBS is the joy in the children’s faces when the bible story clicks with their lives and their love to learn about Jesus. It is a blessing to have children who have been in my class in previous years wanting to come back to learn more. I love teaching the little ones about Jesus and after VBS is over I sit and reflect on the week. I find that I have learned more about my savior and have grown in my Christian walk during this time. My husband said that God and Gwen have me teaching in the right age group, as I can relate to them, as I am on the 3-4 year old level.

Another reason I love VBS is the love, excitement and joy my VBS director and her husband, Gwen and Byron Stockdale, have for the Lord. They are dedicated to our Lord, not only on a daily basis, but when VBS rolls around they are wide open. They are such an inspiration to me. I try daily to be like Jesus, but when you have a good Christian example (as is all our VBS group) to follow, it helps make your Christian walk straighter and stronger.
I plan to continue working with VBS until the Lord leads me in another direction.

What is my favorite VBS theme to date?
I have only been teaching the past 3 years and out of these years my favorite VBS theme is Big Apple Adventure. When we were at the Tennessee preview last year, I saw the shirts and thought what does “I HEART (Love) VBS” have to do with the NY theme. It wasn’t until late that evening it clicked with my brain. My VBS director had so many great ideas for this theme and made it exciting. Gwen is truly Blessed with ideas and teaching others of Jesus. The Sunday after the preview she dressed like “Pearl of Praise” and no one in the congregation recognized her. Everyone, especially me, was excited to see what she had planned for VBS and what God was going to do. I loved how the theme expressed that God loves us all no matter who we are. We are to reach out and teach others about Jesus from every background no matter their circumstance.

I cannot wait for VBS to come this year and see what Gwen has planned, what I will learn, and what God has in store for us.

You might be a “VBS Geek” if ______?
I never thought myself as a “VBS Geek” but I guess I am. After every preview I begin praying, thinking about ideas/decorations, looking for items, and starting to work on lesson plans for my 3-4 year old class. My mind is in VBS mode until after VBS. And now that I know that the next years theme will be announced on June 2nd, I will get in VBS mode even earlier.

Every opportunity I get between now and VBS, I will wear my Amazing Wonders Aviation logo and airplane, my VBS button and bracelet to tell everyone about VBS and God. The other night at my grand-daughters Up Ward basketball game I wore my black vest with the VBS logo on the back. A lady asked me who I worked for and what I did, as she had never seen that logo before. I told her that “I worked for Jesus” and strove to do what He wants me to do. Then I explained about VBS and the theme this year. I love talking with others about Jesus, what He has done and VBS.

Who would have ever thought a girl from Lake Martin Baptist Church, Dadeville, Alabama could be voted as “VBS Geek”. It truly has been a Blessing for me and our VBS group, not to mention the opportunity to tell others of Jesus. I thank God and want to thank you again for this opportunity and experience.

Will we continue to see you at one of the VBS previews?
Lord willing and the lake doesn’t rise!

Paula Royal (aka Liz)
“2012 VBS Geek of The Week”
Lake Martin Baptist Church
Dadeville, Al

Geek of the Week x2 (PART 2)

Hey guys. Me again with “the rest of the story” from Melissa Lasseter and her VBS gang from Miami Shores Baptist Church. I met Melissa Lasseter, Laura Miller, and Georgina Watkins, aka “Mom” at the Ridgecrest Preview and will see them again at the Preview in Kissimmee, Florida. Yes! They are attending 2 VBS Preview events – which totally qualifies them as Geeks of the Week! Since they’re from Florida, the Kissimmee Preview should be an easy drive. However, the drive to Black Mountain, NC to attend the Ridgecrest Preview was quite the ramblin’ road trip! (pun intended)

Here’s their story (written by Melissa) of how they drove from Florida to North Carolina – Geek of the Week style! (more…)

Geek of the Week – X2!

Hey guys. Gordon here. This is not just another Geek of the Week. It’s actually two – three to be more exact! I met Melissa, Laura, and Georgina (Melissa’s Mom) at VBS Preview in Ridgecrest. Within moments of meeting them, it was clear. I was in the presence of future candidates for VBS Geek of the Week! So, it is with great appreciation we, the VBS team, bestow not one, not two, but three “Geek of the Week” awards to Melissa Lasseter, Laura Miller, and Georgina Watkins, aka “Mom”!

Melissa, Laura, and Georgina (aka Melissa's Mom) flying high at Ridgecrest Preview!

1. What is your geekiest VBS moment? [re: Melissa] “My first VBS announcement (for Saddle Ridge Ranch) caused quite a scene. I was so nervous! Dressed as a cowgirl with a pink cowboy hat and boots, I interrupted a deacon giving announcements in church that Sunday morning. His surprise was genuine! The congregation loved it and looks forward to the skits each year!

[re: Laura] One Saturday afternoon, Laura and I (Melissa) were out shopping for VBS decorating supplies. While driving down my street, Laura spotted a neighbor’s trash pile with a bunk bed thrown on top. She slammed on the brakes, threw the car in reverse and backed up claiming that she found the covered wagon! We spoke to the neighbor and the bunk bed ours. It weighed a ton so we recruited my husband to load it up. After some work, it became a fabulous Saddle Ridge Ranch covered wagon!  So, we are not above trash picking to find great props.

[re: 2011 January Preview in Ridgecrest] 9 women + 2 cars (caravan/road trip from Florida to Ridgecrest) + lots of snow and ice + 7 degree weather (“NOT FUNNY for a bunch of Miami girls!) = one great experience and mega excitement.

[re: registration for Previews] While in the middle of our VBS 2011, we made an appointment to watch the 2012 web launch. We registered for BOTH the January Preview AND the Kissimmee Preview!

[re: Laura] Laura squeals and does “The Happy Dance” in the middle of the office while opening supplies for VBS like brand new boxes of markers! It’s all for the cause!

[re: Mom] “I’m just along for the ride!”

2. The back story, how they met, what’s their VBS working relationship: April, 2010 was a defining moment for Laura Miller. Long story short and amid circumstances beyond her control, Laura found herself facing a giant – her struggling church as well as the surrounding community were counting on Miami Shores Baptist Church to conduct their annual VBS. On top of that, it was only 2 months away. Laura had taught VBS but never directed VBS.

Unwilling to give up, Laura invited Melissa to drop by her place of business where she told her the whole story. Since Laura hadn’t directed VBS before and Melissa had it seemed clear what had to be done…Melissa had to be the one in charge! Laura promised to be there every step of the way – she would be Melissa’s right and left arms!

Melissa, though surprised by the request, accepted the challenge. With the decision made, the pair headed to lunch, where Melissa discovered that Laura had stashed the Saddle Ridge Ranch Super Sampler in her car in the hopes that Melissa would say YES and take the it from her. Brilliant!

With lots of prayer and optimism, the struggling church rallied and gathered 117 children for VBS! 11 of them accepted Christ as their Savior! The Lord took care of obstacles and cleared paths. They work together like a well-oiled machine – their strengths and weaknesses complement each other!

Saddle Ridge Ranch at Miami Shores Baptist Church

PS – to sum it all up – their working relationship amounts to: Melissa was officially voted on, Laura doesn’t let her forget it and (to quote) “We haven’t had this much fun working this hard in a long time!”

3. What’s your favorite part of VBS? We love every part of VBS! We love the planning, the decorating, the announcements, and the stress of getting things done!

[Melissa] I have come to love Friday Night Family Night.  I would attend in the past, but I was not a fan of the chaos, etc. One of my favorite parts is watching the children learn the music and motions. When they understand the meaning of the words and how the motions fit in with them – it makes me so happy.

[Laura] My favorite part is that the church voted on Melissa!

[Mom] I’m just along for the ride!

4. Why do you do VBS? Because we CAN’T NOT do it. How can we not share Jesus with the community and our church? How can we not give the children the opportunity to hear and experience the Good News? How can we not open the doors to our church and welcome the neighborhood kids? How can we not fulfill the Great Commission? How can we NOT? The song from Big Apple Adventure “I Will…” summed it up for Melissa!

There’s more to this story but we’re going to save it for another time. You’ve gotta hear how this team made their way to Ridgecrest from their home in sunny Florida. See ya’ll in Orlando!

VBS Geek of the Week! Alaska!

Hey Gordon! We need photos of a mother elk walking down a snowy road and a baby elk following close behind. Oh—and we also need photos of all the VBS rotation locations in Alaska, someone ice fishing and that rare flower, oh, what’s it called? The one that only grows in the Arctic?

Welcome for a brief moment to the world of the VBS graphic designer. It was 2005. The VBS team was working fast and furiously on VBS 2006 and we needed pictures of elk and puffins and all sorts of other Alaska-related things. Since elk are not commonly seen walking around downtown Nashville, we wondered, “Who ‘ya gonna call?”

How about the Alaska Chamber of Commerce?

So, I called and a nice lady answered, “Oh sure. We have all sorts of photos! I’d be glad to help!” Jack pot! I started rambling through the list of photos we needed. “What’s this for anyway?” she asked. “Well,” I said, “I’m a graphic designer at LifeWay on the VBS team and…” The lady quickly interrupted, “VBS! I’m the VBS director at my church here in Alaska!” College Heights Baptist Church, Soldotna, AK.

You know, the older I get the less surprised I am when God does those “even though I’m running the entire universe I still make time just for you” kind of things. That phone call started a friendship that spread through the whole team and continues to this day.

So, without further ado, allow me to officially introduce (drum roll please) our Honorary VBS Team Member at Large and VBS Geek of Week, Diane Somers!

On a rather serious note, in 2008 Diane experienced some serious health/neurological issues (a rare version of encephalitis) and stepped down as VBS Director.  Diane says: “This happened just before I bought a ticket for a mission trip to London to do VBS there again…but couldn’t. I haven’t been able to work until this year. I’m trying to just decorate instead of being the Director (which I loved)…so, maybe God is giving me permission to go after it again!” It just goes to show, you can’t keep a VBS Geek down for long! God bless you Diane! We’ll keep praying for you too!

And now, a few more words from Diane Somers – VBS Geek of the Week:

What have been or currently are your VBS roles (state, association, church, director, etc.)?
First of all, I’m flattered that you and the team remembered me for this blog. VBS work is the only thing I miss from my passed abilities! I wish my new brain could be in charge of VBS again, but for now, I can decorate again! I love it too…thank You, Lord. I was able to decorate this year and had a wonderful time.

What is your “geekiest” VBS moment?
Allow me to add to this one, Diane. Some of us on the VBS team had the chance to meet Diane face to face in January 2007 at the VBS Preview event in Glorieta, NM. Every time we turned around Diane was there! Short of bringing her sleeping bag to the EXPO room she was with us 24/7… and we loved every minute of it! Diane, along with her State Associate, were able to convince Jeff Slaughter to come to Alaska and do a training conference with the Alaska Team. Diane made it happen! There’s a great story about an extremely deep snow drift and a snowmobile you’ll have to ask Jeff about someday. Priceless. Back to you Diane! (I’ve always wanted to say that!)

Here’s a pretty geeky moment! I’m still around these kids
and they remember VBS with me! Cool!

Below are a couple pictures from this year’s VBS here in Soldotna!
My husband build the taxi ramp!

What is your favorite VBS theme to date?
My favorite VBS? Arctic Edge of course!

What makes you continue to do VBS year after year?
I love meeting people and seeing the group get larger and larger. I also love to see kids learn at an early age about the God and what He means to us. It’s a great way for the whole family to live and learn about God. I enjoy every minute of it!

Sincerely, Diane

VBS Preview is just around the corner! Hope to see you there!