Gus the Worshiping Prince

We had just wrapped up the second service (and 5th teaching) of our Culture of Honor weekend seminar at the Vineyard. Carrie and I had been fortunate enough to flip-flop services so that we could each hear the teaching during one service.

I had the pleasure of keeping Gus 'contained' during second service and he was getting to be too much. His wild shrieks and screams had reached a crescendo that even peppermint candies couldn't buy off. We retreated to the crying baby room and waited until worship started. Finally, the music light up the room and Gus and I walked up to the front to worship. As we approached the front the flags were already out.

It didn't take the little guy long to notice that there were actually extra flags sitting on the stage. He wandered up, grabbed one and to our surprise came right back to Carrie and I. Then, with the faith that only a child can display, he waved his bright yellow flag with all his might! Triumphant in his quest to be just like everyone else, he started worshiping with his flag as though he was the only person around (i.e. he actually whacked a few people!)

Since that Sunday, he now demands a flag when worship starts. But he isn't comfortable to just wave a flag in the back. Nor does it work to give him just a little one. He likes 'em big, bright, and wants to be near the stage!

The Optical Course

As kids, Aje and I always used to make "Obstacle Courses". We would tip over couches, use cushions and find old bins to act as stepping stones as we tried to stay out of the lava. Recently, Carrie taught the girls how to build such a course. She added a few pieces of her own flare and a bit of imagination and creativity! The girls (and Gus) ran with it.

Within a few short minutes, the course was built.

*a slide

*a bin

*an air mattress

*two little benches

*an upside down cooking pot

and

*the top to the previously mentioned bin

(sometimes there was also a "Gus Hazard" in the middle as well)

The girls came running upstairs to let us know that they had just completed building their "Optical Course" (note the spelling) and they wanted us to come and watch. I had to get some footage, this was just too priceless!