What is your testimony?

If you are on a walk with Christ, you have a testimony. Often we only consider the start of our relationship with Him as our testimony. But it's an ongoing story, and we write a chapter each day. 

Too often, we focus on the bad moments that God turned around for us, and not the minor ways in which He talks to and interacts with us. 

But those little things are daily miracles. 

Do you notice them? Do you hear God when he speaks to you?

Those are excellent questions to ask yourself. And if you think that you don't hear God or that you don't know how to hear Him - that's where a church community and your pastors can help. 

For me personally, God often speaks to me when I am reading His Word, or completely lost in worship, or deep in prayer, or even working out at the gym (without distraction). 

When we eliminate distraction and seek Him, we often hear God with clarity. Sometimes it's a thought, a dream, or an idea to take action on. 

The thing is, God wants more of us. He wants to be able to speak with us and to be in a relationship. He wants relationship with us in the highs and the lows of life. Our testimony is formed through every season of life.

As humans, we tend to go to Christ most often when we need something. But He wants us to be His daily ambassador; to treat people as He would, to pray with and over His children, to serve Him by serving others. Maybe most importantly, He wants us to lead others back to Him.

So, as we gear up for a new year, let's reflect on how we serve God. 

Do we do it daily? 
Or, do we only turn to him in times of need? 

Regardless of the answer, you can write a new chapter in your testimony starting now. 

-Jim

A Note from Derek Vaughn, Site Director - December 2019

Let me start off by saying, I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and had the opportunity to spend it with family and friends!  This year, like every year, Joshua House has been blessed by all of the volunteers, donors, and those who attended our Annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner.  We had a record breaking 525 meals served!  How incredible!  In case you were unaware, we host this event every year on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving.  Be sure to mark it on your calendar for 2020 as we would LOVE to break bread with you, serve with you, and see how you are doing.

2019 Champs - Lakers

I am very excited to announce that our Cross-Town Basketball League will be starting up this month!  This program is one that we provide to students in 7th to 12th grades throughout the area who love the game of basketball and love to have fun.  Last year we had 4 teams and hope to expand on that this year.  If you have a child or grandchild that is interested, please sign them up because this league is a blast! Let me give you some important dates and then we will dive into the purpose of the league.

• Open Gym: December 28th from 5:30 to 7:30

• Open Gym: January 8th from 5:30 to 7:30

• Last Day of Registration: January 10th

• First Practice: January 15th from 5:30 to 7:30

• First Game: January 18th from 5:30 to 7:30

• League runs January to beginning of March

• Registration Fee: $25 per player

• Register on: www.joshuahouse.com/cross-town

Proverbs 3:6 states ‘In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.’  The wonderful thing about the league is that it gives us the opportunity to connect with youth in a sport they love and share our testimony of faith.  Last year I was able to lead a student to Christ and cannot tell you how thankful I am for that interaction and this league.

When I spoke to that youth, he conveyed to me uncontrollable feelings of rage and unforgiveness, feelings of destruction.  He asked how he could stop those feelings, and how he can overcome them.  He knew Jesus but never submitted his life to Him.  We spoke and prayed together.  He asked Christ to come into his life and into his heart.  That youth has never been the same since.  He is always eager to help, eager to learn.  I am very proud of that young man and who he is becoming.  He has been an example to me as to why Joshua House exists and why Cross-Town is such a cool thing to be a part of.

Not all stories of our attendees are like this, but, to me, that is ok.  Joshua House has been a safe haven to many youth who are struggling, have feelings of unforgiveness and need a place to feel accepted.  We have been here to give guidance and love, and without support from people like you, we would not be able to do this. So, thank you for supporting us and giving us the opportunity to have impact.  The Armory has truly become a place that a lot of youth call home.

Since this will be the final monthly update of the year, I would like to, on behalf of Joshua House, wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas!  Make sure to spend some time with your loved ones and celebrate.  Celebrate the year in passing, the year ahead, and the birth of our Savior.  I admit, I sometimes get caught in the frills and thrills of Christmas with preparing for dinner and gifts and hosting friends and family from out of town, but I do not want to push the true meaning aside.  This year I will be sure to take the time to truly celebrate Jesus and all that He has done.  From the bottom of my heart, thank you and have a very Merry Christmas!!

-Derek

A Note from Derek Vaughn, Site Director - November 2019

Thanksgiving Day is so close! For us here at Joshua House that means a very busy and exciting time as we host our Annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner on Tuesday, November 26th. In case you have never heard of it, this dinner is provided to the community for FREE as a way for us to give back and to give thanks! We host this event at 926 Logan Ave, Tyrone (The Tyrone Armory) from 4:30 until 6:30 PM. Last year we were able to serve 400 meals and hope to serve even more for this year!

I absolutely love this season and this event! It gives us the opportunity to see what a wonderful heart our community has between those who donate food, donate their time to serve or cook and recognize what a blessing giving can be. We get to see old friends, make new ones and feed multiple families who may or may not otherwise enjoy a home cooked Thanksgiving Day meal. If you wish to volunteer or have items to donate please call me at (814) 684-2032.

Attention basketball enthusiasts in grade 7th to 12th! Our Cross-Town Basketball League registration is NOW OPEN! This league offers a chance for those who are not on the school varsity team to show off their skills or enjoy an upbeat and friendly competition in a sport we know well and love. We have three open gyms this year.

• December 18th

• December 28th

• January 8th.

All open gyms and practices are from 5:30 until 7:30 PM.

Registration must be completed by January 10th as coaches will be drafting their teams the day after.

Registration fees are $25 to help cover the cost of official refs, awards, and jerseys.

Practices will start on Wednesday, January 15th and will continue to be held on Wednesdays for the remainder of the season.

Games will be on Saturdays. We’ll announce game dates soon.

For more info and to register, go to our Cross-town page.

From all of us here at Joshua House, Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!

-Derek

An Opportunity To Be A Blessing

Thanksgiving is just around the corner. This holiday is a fantastic opportunity to slow down and reflect on all of the blessings in your life. I encourage you to start a Thanksgiving list and write down everything for which you are thankful. I’ll get you started: God’s love for each of us, our amazing town, the renovation of the Armory, the kids that come to Joshua House, and HoopsFest! There you go, you are off and running. What else can you identify and thank God for in praise? Psalm 100:4 is a pattern that we should live our lives by, “Enter His gates with Thanksgiving, and His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name.”

Keeping in mind that for some people, the holidays are not pleasant, what can you do to bless your neighbors or people in your community? For the last 19 years we have provided a Thanksgiving dinner for the community, and it is such a joy seeing friends, family, and newcomers gather together. Last year we served 450 meals, and we expect to do so again this year.

Many times we focus only on ourselves and ask to be blessed, but we have an amazing opportunity to go be a blessing. Ask your pastor or a community leader how you can serve during these holidays, and then go step out of your comfort zone. It is truly amazing how much it will bless your heart when you intentionally reach out and bless someone else.

I want to encourage you today to go be a blessing!

Blessings, and see you soon!

Jim

A Note From Derek Vaughn, Tyrone Site Director - October 2019

FALL. IS. HERE! A little fact about myself, I love Fall! Football is in season, leaves are changing, the chill of the morning welcomes your day and all my favorite holidays are on its way. The most obvious, Thanksgiving!

I remember being a young boy and going to my grandparents house where all three floors of their home were filled with laughter, story telling, kids running around and the delicious smell of thanksgiving dinner in the air.

The Thanksgiving Dinner is a great way for teens to learn the value of serving others. Desert anyone?

Here at Joshua House we like to celebrate God’s faithfulness by hosting a community Thanksgiving dinner the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. We have been so blessed to be able to provide this to our area year after year for free! Last year we served over 400 meals and are hoping to serve even more next month. This is all made possible because of our wonderful volunteers who dedicate their time to cook all of the turkeys, the stuffing, mashed potatoes, cookies and so on. I can smell the goodness! Can’t you? I cannot express enough how thankful I am for our volunteers and donors.

If you have never come to this event this note is my invitation to you to come break bread with us on November 26th at the Armory (926 Logan Ave). You’ll most likely see old friends, make new ones and have a delicious meal. For us, it’s a chance to give back and to share God’s love. It brings me such overwhelming joy to be a part of this and I am sure you will feel the same.

If you are interested in donating or volunteering we would LOVE to have you play a part. Please message our Facebook page or reach out to me directly.

I wanted to also give you a reminder about the Fall Classic - our beautiful 5K, 9 mile and Kids SuperHero costume 1 mile race. The Fall Classic is on Saturday, October 26th at Reservoir Park. You can register here.

God bless!

-Derek

What Is Your 'WHY'?

What’s your WHY? Every leader has a ’why’, something that drives them, something that motivates them, something that moves them. I have run 4 marathons in my life and each time I hit a wall where I was tempted to give up and walk off of the course. A marathon is 26.2 miles if run perfectly along the tangent but often it is longer because of making wider turns or running around people. During my first marathon, I hit the wall at mile 20 and didn’t know if I could go on as my legs cramped terribly. I realized I did not train adequately for the speed I was running at that distance but I resolved deep inside of me I would not quit and I would finish.

Those next 6.2 miles were painful, miserable, and dare I say comical (I can elaborate if you ever want to hear about it more). You see, I had a ‘why’ behind my first marathon. Yes, it was the pride of finishing and getting that Runner of Steel medal but it was more about running on behalf of Joshua House. I was representing the organization and vision of Joshua House and that kept me going as each mile I dedicated to something or someone within this amazing organization. My ‘why’ was the young man who decided not to commit suicide but is now a dad, a family man, and business owner. My ‘why’ was the young girl that was forgotten about and never given a chance who later traveled to Guatemala and Belize to minister to kids in the Ghettos and orphanages and now has a family and is a supervisor in her place of work. My why was for my kids to see that with hard work and determination you can accomplish some crazy exciting feats.

Your ‘why’ will change at times in your life and that is ok. Vision is always developing and adjusting but what should never change is your values. When you walk with God, it is an amazing journey and He has put a ‘why’ deep inside of you. Today I pray that you step back to look and listen to what that ‘why’ is so that it can and will drive you to pursue the very things that God has created you to fulfill. You were made on purpose for a purpose and your ‘why’ is what helps you push through those dark times because it is what helps you focus on keeping the main thing, the main thing.

Keep Focusing on Him,
Jim Kilmartin, Founder

In the Absence of Leadership, Lead!

Edmund Burke, an Irish Orator stated, The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” This quote has rocked my life for a long time and has driven me to want to stand up and make a difference. It was 21 years ago that I heard God call me back to my hometown, and there He broke my heart for the youth in our communities. Just the other day, I was asked to speak at a high school class, and I recalled to them why I started Joshua House. The reason was simple; there was a void, an absence, a lack of direction, and hope for the younger generations! There was a real need to reach out to these kids and inspire them with a message of hope, purpose, and destiny.

Life is different 21 years later, but the message of hope and purpose is still very relevant. We see too many young people’s lives swept away by addiction, suicide, and depression. Our heart is to create more than just a refuge for the kids to retreat to but to provide a community of support to empower them to overcome obstacles and generational cycles that have held them back. Joshua in the Bible could have looked at the giants in the promised land or the fortified wall at Jericho and retreated in despair. Instead, he was known to be of a different spirit, the spirit of an overcomer. At Joshua House, we want to educate and encourage young men and women that will be world changers.

We are looking for more people that have the heart to help inspire young Joshuas. We have many activities and programs, consider getting involved and leading with us to impact a generation for the Kingdom of God!

A Note From Derek Vaughn, Tyrone Site Director - September 2019

It has been an excellent summer for myself and Joshua House! As some of you may know this has been my first year as Site Director and I cannot express enough how grateful I am to be a part of this organization, to carry out our purpose in helping the community and our youth.

We had quite a summer! Here are some highlights:

• For our 19th year of HoopsFest, we had over 200 teams, representing 10 different states (not to mention surviving the high heat index!). Be on the look out for HoopsFest 20th year plans!

• Took a group of 50 teenagers to Compassion Commission in Baltimore. We helped clean up throughout the city, minister to people and build a home for a vet.

• We started a new program called ‘Above the Rim’ which was held on the 2nd and 4th Fridays of every month led my local basketball legend, Drew Shubik who played D1 college ball and a year of pro ball oversees. We had at least 12 teens come each time where we played basketball, ate pizza together and Drew would share powerful messages.

• This was the first year for a new event called ’SportsFest’ held at Lakemont Park in Altoona. This event had three three-on-three tournaments - basketball, volleyball and dek hockey. Though a smaller event than HoopsFest, it was a blessing to be able to give Blair County another opportunity to relate sports to faith and have it as an avenue of outreach.

Our 2019 Compassion Commission Crew

I can't tell you how excited I am that school is back in session! That means our AfterSchool program has begun. The Summer is a busy time for many so seeing some kids who were off the grid during the Summer is great. Our attendance is strong and we're looking to build off of last year with implementing an incentive program, creating volunteer opportunities, scheduled speaker nights and much more. This program was created for the purpose providing a safe place where our youth can come and feel welcomed, wanted and given direction in life.

Also, be sure to sign up for the Fall Classic coming up on October 26th. It's a favorite in the area because the beautiful Fall scenery at Tyrone's Reservoir Park and for the yummy food at the end. Pumpkin muffins...oh yeah!

-Derek

How to Prepare Your Family for a New Year

By Theron and Mizpah Glenny

The beginning of the year is always one of our favorite times.  There’s a newness about it…a fresh start, a new beginning.  Dreams come alive again.  Our wheels start spinning again as the potential of what could be floods into our brains.  We get that sparkle in our eyes and smile on our face.  As we enter into this new year, it’s important to capture these sparks so you can identify which sparks to grind.  

In this article, we want to share the process we use to put a bow on the previous year by wrapping it up properly so we have legs to leap into the next year.  We share the questions we not only ask ourselves, but also our kids.  It allows them to think deeply and journal their answers, which make beautiful memories to remember years from now. 

Please note, we strongly encourage you to set aside 1-2 hours to do this.  We’ve learned that if something is really important to us, we schedule it on the calendar so our brains know the time is set aside.  So, reserve some time for yourself and your family.  The clarity you’ll get doing the exercise will make the pain of blocking the time off well worth it. 

Before you start thinking about the new year, first look back on the previous year and write down what went well, what didn’t go so well, and what you’d do differently.  Here are some questions you and your kids can ask yourselves:

• What were your favorite moments?

• What brought you the most satisfaction?

• What did you learn last year?

• What new friendship did you start? And why do you enjoy being friends with them?

• What was your favorite book you read?

• What was something hard you faced? Did you overcome it and if so, how?

• What scripture or piece of advice really helped you?

• Would you change anything or do anything different?

Once you answer these questions, you should feel good about moving on to start thinking about this new year, but be sure to take the time as a family to share.  Don’t feel pressure to share everything as there may be things you don’t want to share, but it’s important to share some things in order for you and your kids to connect to the story God wrote in you as a family the previous year. 

Now, time to think about the new year!  Here are some questions to ask yourselves (and be sure to write down your answers):

• What do you want to accomplish, and why?

• What are some fun things you want to do?

• What person(s) do you want to be closer to?

• How will you serve others this year?

• What are some things you’d like to learn this year? Are there areas of your life you want to grow and mature in?

• What book(s) are you going to read?

• What mentors will you seek counsel from? Another way to ask this is, who do you want to learn from this year?

• What could hold you back from accomplishing what you wrote above? …and, how will you overcome the fear with God’s help?

As mentioned before, be open to sharing your answers with each other.  Knowing what is in each person's heart to do in the new year provides another connection point and an opportunity to encourage each other.

In the next article, we’ll focus on helping you overcome fears and limitations.  We believe this year is a year of ’no limits’ and want to equip you and your family to be all that God wants you to be this new year.  

Please reach out to us and let us know how the above questions helped you and your kids prepare for an amazing new year.  We want to hear some stories.  

The article above also appeared in the Tyrone Daily Herald. 

We started Arrow Warriors to give parents resources to help them raise up their children to prepare them for life. Psalms 127:4 says “Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth.” We believe children are a blessing from the Lord. Every kid was created on purpose for a purpose. Our job as a parent, like a warrior with their bow and quiver of arrows, is to aim our children and release them to hit their targets.

Click the Arrow Warrior image to get more parenting resources.

2017 Year in Review Video

What an AMAZING year!  Please watch our 2017 Year in Review video below.

Click here to give your year-end financial gift for 2017. 

As we reviewed the programs and events of the 2017 (including our race series and HoopsFest), we realized that throughout this year, we have been able to touch close to 6,000 lives in big and small ways.  We are so thankful for your support via finances, time, energy, and prayers!  Hundreds of people like yourself willingly gave of their time and resources to impact this next generation. …and there was so much fruit!  

• 25 Dauntless Generation teens served on a missions trip to inner city Baltimore and received leadership training
• 7 teens got baptized after committing their lives to follow Jesus!
• 50 kids participated in Summer Camps
• 75 kids participated in our Youth Running Club during the school year
• Cross-town basketball has 6 teams and 29 players ages 13-18
• Tyrone Roller Hockey League (TRHL) celebrated it’s 10th year and had 7 teams and 80 players
• 314 ran in our 5k/10k/15k race series
• Thousands heard the gospel through HoopsFest
• HoopsFest expanded into Altoona and had 53 teams, 212 players, and 40+ volunteers
• HoopsFest Tyrone had 244 teams, 976 players and 150+ volunteers
• We served 400 meals to students during the school year
• We fed close 500 at our community Thanksgiving meal
• We started a new column in our local paper, the Tyrone Daily Herald, that runs every other Monday that's focused on helping parents help their family find and live with purpose.  All articles are also posted on our blog.
• Operation Christmas Blessing provided Christmas gifts for 31 families, 65 kids

We believe 2018 will be just as impacting as we focus on renovation projects in the Armory.  The project to renovate the upstairs gathering room at the Armory is a big step to drive forward our mission to help youth find purpose.  It will serve as an amazing training and equipping hub for Dauntless teens to be called out of wandering and into a life of purpose!

As 2017 draws to a close, would you consider giving towards this project?  Again, our goal is to raise $12,000 to be able to complete that room.  Your gift can truly make a difference!  

Click here to make a year-end contribution!

Thank you again for your past and future support!  We are honored & inspired to do more!

May 2018 be a year of revived purpose and deep impact!

Many blessings to you in the New Year!

Sincerely,

The Joshua House Team

End of the Year Message to Dauntless Generation

Here is the prophetic word Mizpah shared in the video for the teenagers of Dauntless Generation...

"Some of you had very significant things happen this year. Some of you were baptized. Some heard God speak to you for the first time. Some of you stepped out to lead or start a group and take a stand for God. Some of you got saved! Some of you were filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues. Some of you received prophetic words that rocked you. Some of you felt God's presence for the first time. Some of you saw people healed. Some of you were healed. Some of you prayed for people and saw God touch them!

In all of these things, God did something new in you and it has shaped you and prepared you for the future...it has pointed you in the direction of your purpose and destiny. We want to challenge you. Do not take this lightly. For Christmas this year, do not let it be the same. Recognize that because Christ came to be with us on this earth, you are forever marked, you can live with purpose, knowing you have a future that He has carved out for you. Celebrate the fact that He came to be with YOU. He came so that He could spend eternity with YOU.  

Then from that foundation, we pray that you are launched into 2018 with newly revived purpose. That you know without a shadow of a doubt that He has called you to to do great things for such a time as this. Do not doubt the call on your life. Let Him pull you back deep into His heart, let Him aim and launch you to your target. During this holiday, take the time to hear Him speak to you about 2018 and be ready to live life to the fullest and give Him everything this year." 

How To Make Christmas Meaningful For Your Family

By Theron and Mizpah Glenny

 

Christmas is a magical time of year, but it can also be stressful for parents trying to figure out how to make it meaningful for their family.  Every year heading into Christmas, we find ourselves excited for Christmas, but also asking ourselves some tough questions.  Like you, we want our kids to see Christmas as more than just getting gifts.  We want Christmas to be meaningful to them with memories they will cherish into their adult life.  

In our last article, we talked about how to prepare your kids for the holiday season by establishing traditions that will help your kids gain the proper perspective. In this article, we will walk through some specifics that will help you as parents ensure Christmas is meaningful for your family. 

What experiences do you want your family to have?

This is important to think through.  What do you want Christmas Eve to be like?  What about Christmas Day?  Plans will likely vary from family to family.  For us, we want life to slow down for maximum enjoyment. We want to spend it together cherishing each other. On Christmas Eve, we spend it with close friends and read a special story together when we get home - see our book recommendations at the end of this article. 

For us, we start the day doing something that puts things in perspective. Last year on Christmas day, we made a fire in our fireplace and let the presents just sit under the tree. Miz played the piano, we sipped hot drinks and sang some songs. It was awesome! It is His birthday, so why not start the day celebrating Jesus?  Have fun with this. Make a plan.  Just don’t make it about getting stuff.  

But, what do you buy your kids?

Every parent asks this question.  You want to get your kids some things, but you want the gifts to be meaningful.  There are so many choices that it can be overwhelming!  We got the following list off of Pinterest and thought it was very valuable and wanted to share.  This will help you keep Christmas shopping simple, but meaningful. 

Here’s how to shop for your kids for Christmas:

1.     Something they want - this can be a big ticket item they’ve been asking for…obviously within your financial budget. 

2.     Something they need - sports equipment? Hobby related item? 

3.     Something to wear - Clothing not usually bought…maybe something brand attire or fun accessories.

4.     Something to read - we are huge on this. Is there a book?  Magazine subscription?  We’ve bought books like Tim Tebow’s Through My Eyes for our son that has had a big impact. 

5.     Something to do - Movie ticket? Event or game ticket? 

6.     Something for ‘Me’ - This is a keepsake like an ornament, photo album, framed photo, letter or something you made for them.  Theron loves writing letters. 

7.     Something for family - Board game? Movie? A family outing? 

Note, not all categories need to be bought for, but this list provides you with a solid road map.

How do you teach your kids to be thankful? 

Thankfulness leads to contentment.  It’s painful to watch (and hear) a whiny, selfish and ungrateful kid.  Here’s how you can prevent that this Christmas. 

1. Prep them - walk through what Christmas day will be like.  Tell them they will likely receive some gifts from you and others.  Ask them what they should do when someone gives them a gift.  Don’t expect them to thank people who give them gifts if you didn’t instruct them to.  Prepping them gets them thinking about being thankful no matter the gift.  

We tell our kids they probably won’t get everything they want and there may be gifts they get that they didn't want…but that someone thought enough about them to shop and spend their hard earned money on them…and for that, they need to be thankful.

2. Give them the look! - Yes, you know that look...the look that communicates, ‘What did you forget to do?’ We learn by repetition, so it is totally fine reminding your kids throughout the day to thank each person who gave them a gift.  Make sure they look the person in the eyes, be vocal, and give hugs.  

Lastly, we want to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas!  May it be filled with love, hope, joy and peace.  Be blessed.  

Recommended Christmas tunes:

•    TobyMac - Light of Christmas

•    Kim Walker Smith - When Christmas Comes

Recommended books to read as a family during the Christmas season:

•    The Best Christmas Ever - Junior Discovers Contentment  by Dave Ramsey

•    Unwrapping the Greatest Gift: A Family Celebration of Christmas by Ann Voskamp 

•    Christmas Tapestry by Patricia Polacco - This is an absolute tear jerker 

This article also appeared in The Daily Herald today. 

We started Arrow Warriors to give parents resources to help them raise up their children to prepare them for life. Psalms 127:4 says “Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth.” We believe children are a blessing from the Lord. Every kid was created on purpose for a purpose. Our job as a parent, like a warrior with their bow and quiver of arrows, is to aim our children and release them to hit their targets.

Click the Arrow Warrior image to get more parenting resources.

How To Prepare Your Kids For The Holidays

By Theron Glenny

If you are like us, you love this time of year.  Your house has a slight aroma of Thanksgiving dinner goodness and you are starting to decorate for Christmas.  It is a very exciting and full season so we wanted to pass along some advice to help you make this holiday season special by helping you prepare your kids.  

We can’t encourage you enough to help your kiddos process through what they are thankful for. Don’t assume they have already processed through things.  Take time to connect on a heart-level with them by asking them what they are thankful for.  

As parents, we consistently put effort into making sure our kids hearts are in the right place.  A heart in the right place to us is ready and willing to be respectful, to love, to honor, to receive instruction and to serve.  A heart gets to that place by first being thankful.  We live in a very 'me-focused' culture.  Being thankful helps take our eyes off ourselves to see the big picture.  It provides the right perspective.  It’s the cure for arrogance, depression and entitlement.  

What traditions do you have or that you can establish this year that can help your kids get the proper perspective?

Thankfulness requires a response.  It requires action.  For us in the Glenny home, we make a Thanksgiving list together. We think back over the current year and remember what God has done for us.  This tradition may sound simple, but it is extremely powerful. It helps both us as parents and our kids see the big picture because we decided to be thankful. …and it’s fun to look back at what our kids wrote on our thanksgiving lists from past years. 

What about you?  What will you do?  Here are some questions to ask yourself…

• What books will we read together?

• What movies will we watch, and why? Remember, think about the message and/or perspective you want your kids to have. How do you want them to think and feel about Christmas?

• Who will we go visit together?

• Who should our kids buy gifts for? Is it someone in their class? Teacher? Sibling? Grandma? Take time to ask them questions to help them think through what they could give.

• When our kid receives a gift, what will we teach them to do? This can be difficult especially for younger kids, but teach your kids to thank the giver right away and to keep eye contact so they are genuine. For younger kids, this takes time to develop.

Developing Generosity

Most parents want their kids to be thankful and generous. Developing generosity in your children does not happen overnight.  It takes time and deliberate effort.  We look for opportunities to develop generosity.  For example, another tradition for us is participating in a Christmas blessing program.  There are many churches in the Central PA region that do a program. It’s an amazing opportunity that helps parents in need provide their children a great Christmas.  We set aside money in our Christmas budget so our kids can sponsor other kids (whom our kids do not know as identities are kept confidential).  We usually choose kids who are around the same age as our kids.  When you sponsor a child or teenager, you are told whether they are a Male or Female, what age they are and what they would like for Christmas.  It’s a fabulous way to bless families and help your kids think beyond themselves and develop a generous heart.  

Make a plan to ensure your traditions happen.

Our last piece of advice is the key to making the holiday season special.  We find that if our plans are not on the calendar, they do not happen.  There’s a big difference between us saying we want to do something and actually scheduling it.  Take time to think through the things we listed above and then schedule them.  You’ll be glad you did as your Christmas season will be special for your entire family. 

This article also appeared in The Daily Herald today. 

We started Arrow Warriors to give parents resources to help them raise up their children to prepare them for life. Psalms 127:4 says “Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth.” We believe children are a blessing from the Lord. Every kid was created on purpose for a purpose. Our job as a parent, like a warrior with their bow and quiver of arrows, is to aim our children and release them to hit their targets.

Click the Arrow Warrior image to get more parenting resources.

Purpose Starts At Home - Part 4

By Theron Glenny

Preface: Whether you are a Mom or Dad, Uncle or Aunt, a grandparent, teacher or coach, if you work with youth, this bi-weekly column is designed to encourage you and equip you to impact the next generation.  Here at Joshua House, helping youth find purpose is our mission.  It is our heartbeat.  It is what drives us. We have learned over the years that modeling purpose starts at home.  

The following article is the fourth of a four-part series where we walk through how you as a parent can model at home how to live with purpose so your kids will live with a sense of destiny.  

In our last article, we shared how your mindset in every situation can stir up faith in your family or, make your family miserable.  Our message was you can take the bait by complaining, but you'll remain in your circumstance. The alternative is you can be positive, praise and be thankful and then be raised up.  It’s easy to complain.  It’s hard to praise, but the more you do it the easier it becomes and you will see victory.  The environment in your home, which is your responsibility to create as the parent, will become an environment full of faith and purpose because you chose to be thankful and praise.  

The fourth key is a call to seek the Lord with all your heart.  

Let’s first start with, why?  Why is it important to do this as a parent? Kids naturally imitate their parents.  They watch you like a hawk.  They see your life behind the public curtain.  They know whether you are the real deal or not.  They know if you are just a Sunday church goer or someone that has a real, genuine relationship with God and seeking Him and letting Him lead you.  You do not have to be a know-it-all…but you should know Who to go to that does know-it-all.  Purpose starts at home.  If you are seeking the Lord for direction and purpose in your own life, you are establishing your home on a firm foundation.  Parents, remember that more is ‘caught’ by your kids than ‘taught’. 

Caption: Recent picture of me with my Dad and two brothers on our hunt together this year in Missouri. Dad (& my Mom) laid a great foundation for us boys by putting God first and seeking the Lord for wisdom for guiding our family. Now, all three of us have kids and can do the same for our own families. #generationalblessing

My Dad worked in construction and operated heavy equipment on large road jobs.  He woke up typically around 3:30/4 am each morning.  I have fond memories of coming out to the dining room for breakfast, hours after he left, to see his bible open and his notebook on the table. Then, there was another notebook on the dishwasher with a handwritten note to us.  Each day he would write a note to my Mom and then to me and my two brothers.  It is still astonishing to me he did this daily.  I could always tell that he knew what was going on in our lives by the things he wrote to us.  I’m so appreciative that my Dad put first things first.  He sought God first and the wisdom he received, he passed on to us with great love and care.   

It is a very powerful thing when parents seek the Lord. God has a way of doing amazing things when He’s put in the right place.  Families become close.  They connect. They heal. They live with purpose.  My parents inspired me to put first things first - to put God first and ahead of the other areas of my life.  

If God made us on purpose and for a purpose, shouldn’t we seek Him since He holds the keys to unlocking our purpose? The Bible teaches us to seek, to ask, and to draw near to Jesus.   Here’s a few verses:  

• Matthew 6:33 says, But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

• Jeremiah 29:13 says, And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.

• James 4:8 says, Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.

Ask yourself, ‘where am I going to find and hear inspiration, get purpose and fulfillment’? God?

Joshua 24:15 says, And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” 

There are other gods and mediums out there that are not healthy for you nor your family which tap into other spirits.  Here’s our advice… Don’t waste time on that stuff. Seek the real God, Jesus Christ. You’ll find Him when you seek Him with all your heart.  …and your kids will see the fruit in your life and have great respect for you. 

Like Joshua, maybe you need to make a declaration in your house that you will seek and serve the Lord Jesus.  We can’t encourage you enough to take that step and commitment as parents.  You’ll be laying the right foundation.  Commit to serving the Lord and watch God orchestrate something beautiful with your family. 

The above article also appeared in today's Tyrone Daily Herald. 

We started Arrow Warriors to give parents resources to help them raise up their children to prepare them for life. Psalms 127:4 says “Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth.” We believe children are a blessing from the Lord. Every kid was created on purpose for a purpose. Our job as a parent, like a warrior with their bow and quiver of arrows, is to aim our children and release them to hit their targets.

Click the Arrow Warrior image to get more parenting resources.

Purpose Starts At Home - Part 3

By: Mizpah Glenny

Preface: Whether you are a Mom or Dad, Uncle or Aunt, a grandparent, teacher or coach, if you work with youth, this bi-weekly column is designed to encourage you and equip you to impact the next generation.  Here at Joshua House, helping youth find purpose is our mission.  It is our heart beat.  It is what drives us. We have learned over the years that modeling purpose starts at home.  

The following article is the third of a four-part series where we walk through how you as a parent can model at home how to live with purpose so your kids will live with a sense of destiny.  

In our last article, we gave you a challenge to do things that require faith.  As you walk out your purpose and model it for your kids, you will need to step out in faith and take risks at times. Those moments are critical in building that foundation of courage and purpose in yourself and your kids.  The third key we’d like to give you will help you overcome a potential trap that could hold you and your family back from living fully alive.

Complain and remain, praise and be raised.

We’ve all been around those people.  Ones that cannot say anything positive, no matter what good thing may have just happened to them.  Complainers and whiners.  They are not fun to be around.  You can feel it when they walk in the room.  Holding onto the negative, glass-half-empty, outlook in life.  If you step back and look at their lives, generally, these types of people will stay stagnant in life, not moving forward into new and better things. This is what happened to the Israelites when they were on their way to the Promised Land.

After leaving slavery in Egypt, as they were approaching the land that God had promised them, Moses sent out 12 spies to check out the land.  All but 2 of them came back full of fear, basically proclaiming that there was no possible way to overcome those giants (Numbers 13). Even though they had experienced miracle after miracle of God protecting them and providing for them in the wilderness, they couldn’t see any way that God would continue to do the same for them going into the Promised Land.  They were blinded by fear and they complained.  Their attitude stirred up fear in the rest of the Israelites.  “And all the children of Israel complained against Moses and Aaron, and the whole congregation said to them, ‘If only we had died in the land of Egypt! …Would it not be better for us to return to Egypt?’” (Numbers 14).

Return to Egypt?!?  The land where they were slaves, forced to make bricks all the days of their lives?  They would rather stay in slavery than enter the land of freedom that God had promised them?  When God heard this, he decided that the complainers would not go into that Promised Land.  They were going to remain in that wilderness, wandering and circling, never to find a place to call home.  No purpose, no vision, just wandering.  They complained and they remained.  

Joshua and Caleb came with a 'different spirit';  They had an attitude of faith, a glass-half- full, positive, “we can do this!” attitude!  They believed that God would do what He said He would. Caleb tried to rally the people believing fully that they could overcome it.  Joshua also tried to persuade them know that it was a good land that God said He would give them.  He remembered God’s goodness and believed they could take the land.  He praised God in the midst of the challenge, and he was raised up to lead the people of Israel after Moses died. Just like the Israelites, we have a promised land that God wants us to overtake and inhabit.  

As parents, it is our job to lead our families to that place of purpose.  Like archers aiming their arrows at the targets, we have the privilege of aiming our kids in the direction of their Promised Land(s) and launching them to those targets.  In order to see the next generation get to those places, we have to drop the complaining and take on the perspective of faith.  Like Joshua, we need to remember and proclaim the goodness of God — praise and be raised — so that our kids see the power of praise.  

Ask yourself, what could happen if I really believed His goodness?  In our homes, let's believe in the power, promises and goodness of God.  Let’s quit complaining and walk in that “different spirit” — believing and moving forward into our Promised Land!

The above article was also published today in the Tyrone Daily Herald.

We started Arrow Warriors to give parents resources to help them raise up their children to prepare them for life. Psalms 127:4 says “Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth.” We believe children are a blessing from the Lord. Every kid was created on purpose for a purpose. Our job as a parent, like a warrior with their bow and quiver of arrows, is to aim our children and release them to hit their targets.

Click the Arrow Warrior image to get more parenting resources.

Purpose Starts At Home - Part 2

BY THERON & MIZPAH GLENNY

Preface: The following article is the second of a four-part series where we walk through how you as a parent can model at home how to live with purpose so your kids will live with a sense of destiny.  

In our last article, we shared the importance of remembering God has purpose for your life.  To model purpose to your family, you first have to remember you have it.  When you remember that you matter and have reason for existence on the earth, your sense of destiny will rub off on your family.  The second key to modeling purpose is to do things that require faith.  

I remember it vividly.  We were walking through the city streets of Buffalo and there was a homeless person just ahead.  This wasn’t a time to debate whether I was going to help the guy or not.  My kids were watching. I know they were asking themselves ‘what is Daddy going to do?’   As we approached I engaged the fellow in conversation. As I talked to the man, he sadly shared with us that he had cancer throughout his whole body and was dying.  I think it shocked my kids.  Frankly, it shocked me.  Our hearts immediately went out to him.  We couldn’t have provided enough money to solve his problem.  We did give him some money, but more importantly, we spent some time with him and shared with him how much Jesus loved him and how he had purpose…even now while he was fighting cancer.  We asked him if we could pray that God would heal him and he welcomed us to.  So, we all laid hands on him right there on that crowded street and we asked God to come and heal him.  We prayed he would feel God’s presence wherever he goes and in every situation.  

We don’t know what happened to that man, whether he was healed or not, but what I do know is this, I did what I was supposed to do.  My job was to step out in faith.  Please hear me on this: We don’t get it right all the time folks.  We aren’t superman and wonder-woman.  We’re just like you wanting to impart faith and courage to our kids.  But, what I can tell you is this - the more you step out in faith, the more you will see your kids have the courage to step out. My kids have become accustomed to this now.  Everywhere we go, they know Dad and Mom will step out in faith.   

One day in Altoona, my daughter saw a lady walking down the street with a distinct limp that looked painful.  Worse, she looked sad.  My daughter said 'Daddy, do you see that lady and how she’s walking and she looks sad'.  I said 'yes baby, I do'.  Without having to ask her, she said, 'I want to go talk to her and pray for her'.  So, we did.  My little girl took a step of faith.  When we approached the lady, I told her that my daughter wanted to meet her and felt like God wanted her to pray for her.  My daughter was super courageous then.  She laid her little hands on the older lady and prayed out loud. It was a beautiful prayer.  The lady was shocked.  She was taken back at what just happened - a little girl was led to have a conversation with her and pray for her.  I absolutely love seeing my kids be bold like this.  As parents, we should want it to be normal for our kids to do things that require faith.  But, it starts with us.  We can’t expect our kids to be bold in their faith if we aren’t. 

God said to Joshua, “Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”  Joshua was one of the few leaders of the Israelites that was willing to face giants.  He was an overcomer.  He was one who did things that required faith.  When we get scared, we should ask the Lord for courage and strength because He will give it to us.  The next time you come into a situation where you can do something that requires faith, do it and watch what happens.  May you be known by your kids as one who demonstrated faith and inspired them to be courageous. 

In our next article, we’ll share a potential trap that could hold you and your family back from living fully alive. 

The above article was also published today in the Tyrone Daily Herald.

Photo credit: wisdomtimes.com 

We started Arrow Warriors to give parents resources to help them raise up their children to prepare them for life. Psalms 127:4 says “Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth.” We believe children are a blessing from the Lord. Every kid was created on purpose for a purpose. Our job as a parent, like a warrior with their bow and quiver of arrows, is to aim our children and release them to hit their targets.

Click the Arrow Warrior image to get more parenting resources.

Purpose Starts At Home - Part 1

How to live with purpose so your kids will live with a sense of destiny

BY THERON & MIZPAH GLENNY

The following article is from our column published today in the Tyrone Daily Herald. 

Whether you are a Mom or Dad, Uncle or Aunt, a grandparent, teacher or coach, if you work with youth, this bi-weekly column is designed to encourage you and equip you to impact the next generation.  Here at Joshua House, helping youth find purpose is our mission.  It is our heart beat.  It is what drives us. We have learned over the years that modeling purpose starts at home.  The following article is the first of a four-part series where we walk through how you as a parent can model at home how to live with purpose so your kids will live with a sense of destiny.  

As mentioned earlier, purpose starts at home.  It starts with us as parents.This may sound simple, but the first key to modeling living with purpose is to remember you have it. A definition of purpose is "the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists” (online dictionary).  Remember that God created you on purpose for a purpose.  There are reasons why you are alive and breathing today.  Do we ever doubt this?  Is every day full of happy, smiley-face emoji’s?  No.  There are tough days.  There are days where we might not feel like getting out of bed.  There are days where we wonder if there is any purpose at all. We have all been in a place of wandering in life, not knowing what our purpose is and where we are going.  But, we must remember that even on those tough days, purpose still exists.  Our successes in life are determined by how we handle our problems and struggles.  Our battles can birth our victories, if we position ourselves to win.  

In the Bible, Joshua was one of the leaders that brought the Israelites out of a place of wandering into their Promised Land, the land and purpose God had for them from the beginning.  

Joshua 1:2-3 says, "Now therefore, arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them—the children of Israel. 3 Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, as I said to Moses.”  

Joshua did not shy away from the destiny he knew was promised to his people because he remembered what God said.  He remembered his purpose.  His story sets an example for how to live with purpose in order to get to the Promised Land that God has for us. But Joshua’s story didn’t start well.  The Israelite people traveled from Egypt where they were in slavery to their promised land and when they got there, many in the group had a change of heart.  Why? The leaders sent out trusted men to spy out the land to see what was there.  Joshua and his colleague Caleb were two of those spies.  They went into the land and found it was everything God had promised.  It was luscious and full of goodness.  There were giants in the land too, but Joshua and Caleb believed the Israelites could take the land and thus, were full of faith.  The key to positioning yourself to win is to remember your purpose so you can be in a position of faith.  Have faith.  Believe you can overcome with God’s help.   

The other spies that were sent out came back full of fear.  They were not full of faith.  They had forgotten God’s promise.  They forgot God said He'd give them that land.  They forgot they had purpose because they were in a place of fear and not faith.  Therefore, the report they brought back about the land scared all of the people and the Israelites did not go and take the land.  They were so close!  They were at the doorstep!  God did miracle after miracle to get them out of slavery in Egypt.  You would have thought they would have been full of faith when they arrived at their destiny moment.  Sadly, they weren’t.  And because they embraced fear, they ended up wandering in a desert for forty years while that generation died off.  Forty years!  

The good news is, Joshua and Caleb out-lived most of that generation and when they were appointed leaders, they led the people into the promised land.  After all those years, they never lost sight of their purpose.  You don’t want to be a family that embraces fear.  You want to be a family that is full of faith because you know you have a promised land.  You have purpose.  

As parents, we know that most often, more is caught than taught.  Our kids absorb and imitate so much more of what we do than what we say.  Will they catch your position?  Yes, they will!  Your words, actions, attitude and behaviors will communicate to them.  The key to staying in a place of faith is to remember you have purpose.  Remember.  Remind yourself.  Remind your spouse.  Remind your kids.  They will watch the way you position yourself to face your challenges and will imitate what you do throughout their lives. Will you have rough days?  Probably.  But don’t lose faith.  Remember God created you on purpose for a purpose.  Remembering will sustain you on tough days.  It will build your faith up.  You got this!

Practical tip: Write it down.  Somewhere in your house, write down ‘I have purpose’ or ‘We have purpose’.  If you know what your purpose is in this season of life, make sure to be specific.  Put it somewhere where you can see it and where your family can see it.  Let it be a memorial to you to help you remember so on your tough days, you'll position yourself to face your challenges with faith. 

Photo credit to Pinterest.

We started Arrow Warriors to give parents resources to help them raise up their children to prepare them for life. Psalms 127:4 says “Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth.” We believe children are a blessing from the Lord. Every kid was created on purpose for a purpose. Our job as a parent, like a warrior with their bow and quiver of arrows, is to aim our children and release them to hit their targets.

Click the Arrow Warrior image to get more parenting resources.

How we got here and where we’re headed

BY THERON & MIZPAH GLENNY

The following article is from our column published today in the Tyrone Daily Herald. 

We are very excited to start this new column focused on helping our youth find
purpose.  Whether you are a Mom or Dad, Uncle or Aunt, a grandparent, teacher or
coach, if you work with youth, this bi-weekly column is designed to encourage you and
equip you to impact the next generation.  In this first installment, we are going to share
a bit of our story so you can get to know us and identify with who we are, where we
came from and our hearts to help youth find purpose, in Tyrone and beyond.

When we first met and fell in love back in our college days at Messiah College, we
didn’t know how our future would unfold.  Mizpah wanted to be a medical missionary
and live in a hut in Africa serving the world’s poorest of humans.  Mizpah’s Dad is a
surgeon in North Carolina but growing up, she would go with her parents on medical
mission trips all over the world and on those trips, she fell in love with other cultures
and people groups and saw first-hand the desperate needs of people that don’t have the
quality of medical care we have here in the United States.  On the contrary, Theron’s
heart was set on moving back to Central Pennsylvania to either start another Joshua
House in Huntingdon or help Jim Kilmartin with Joshua House in Tyrone. Theron grew
up in Juniata Valley and when he was around 12 years old, he met Jim at a youth group
event when Kilmartin was still in high school.  Jim’s life and testimony had a major
impact on Theron and as Theron puts it, “I wanted to be like him.”  After college, Jim
started Joshua House because he saw so many teenagers who were aimless, wandering
through life and without purpose. Theron knew in his heart that he too wanted to help
youth find purpose and dedicated the rest of his life doing so.  

So, I guess you could say our paths didn’t necessarily line up - a hut in Africa or Central
PA? We both wanted to serve people and help them become all that God created them
to be, but ‘where' was the question.  Most people when deciding where to live decide
based on where they get a job.  Theron was reading a book at the time by Bob Beckett.
 Bob was a pastor out in Hemet, California and God challenged Bob to be committed to
the people of his city in a radical way so that he could see lasting, and generational
impact.  One of the lessons that Theron learned from this book was that making this
important life decision on where to live was less about where he and Mizpah got a job
and more about who they were to be connected to and do life with. He knew in his heart
they were to be connected to Jim and Jessica Kilmartin and come serve the town of
Tyrone and learn from them.  After getting married in 2005, we moved to Tyrone and
have been here ever since.  When we made the decision to come here, all the other stuff
fell into place - job for Theron, physician assistant school for Mizpah, place to live, etc.

Mizpah is a physician assistant by trade and works part time with UPMC Huntingdon
while also directing the programs at Joshua House on a volunteer basis.  Theron works
in software sales for Outreach Corporation based out of Seattle and works with business
leaders throughout the country helping their sales teams generate more revenue.  He
also serves on the board at Joshua House and alongside Mizpah, lead a team of amazing
volunteer leaders who put so much time and energy into investing into our
community’s youth through the various programs Joshua House does. We’ve got two
sweet kiddos (& one on the way!).  Our son Elah Roar is 9 and our daughter Sarah is 7. 

When we are not hanging out with our family and friends or doing Joshua House stuff,
we do have some hobbies.  We are both outdoorsy.  Mizpah loves to go on hikes and
runs.  She also loves to play volleyball.  Theron loves to play hockey.  So much so that
he does a backyard ice rink each year during winter.  He also enjoys bow hunting and fly
fishing. 

We both have been blessed with amazing parents and great mentors over the years.
 Two of those mentors, who have led Joshua House for the last 19 years, are Jim and
Jessica Kilmartin.  Their hearts to serve our area and see our youth impacted is
contagious.  Their efforts, valiant.  This past April, the Kilmartins started a church in
Altoona called Center City Church which exists to see people awakened to God, revived
in His presence, and empowered to see lives, families and communities
transformed. The church is thriving and has grown quickly in just six short months.
 They have a large vision for the church and for Joshua House.  This vision includes
starting other Joshua Houses in multiple towns and cities.  Jim, Jess and their family are
moving to Altoona this Fall, but will continue to provide oversight for Joshua House for
years to come. The mission to help youth find purpose was birthed in them here in
Tyrone, and what was started here will give life and purpose to youth all over
Pennsylvania, and beyond. 

We will be sharing more with you over the coming months on various topics.  If you are
one who has a heart to see our youth become all that God has created them to be, you
won’t want to miss this column.  Our schools, churches, and other community
organizations can put on amazing programs, but kids still have to go home and it’s in
the home where the most influence happens.  Through this column, we want to
encourage you and equip you to impact the next generation in your homes.  It truly
takes a village to raise a child and help them find their God-given purpose.

If you have an interest in joining our mission to help youth find purpose, we would love
to hear from you!  It truly is a blessing and honor to be able to serve the youth and
families of our community, and we would love to have more people join us.  The armory will be undergoing a few renovations this Fall, but later this Fall (likely November), we
plan to open up After-School hours, which provides homework help for students, open
gym time, and free meals.  Details for this program will be available soon, but if you are
interested in helping out, contact Mizpah at mizpah@joshuahouse.com.  For more
information on other Joshua House programs, check out our website:
www.joshuahouse.com.