I know something about BIG families… My mom is one of six children, I grew up with three brothers, and (breathe, just breathe) I have FOUR kids of my own!

I have often said at Keystone: “We are family”.  This family atmosphere is not about our size, it’s about our spirit!  I LOVE BIG FAMILIES!!!  They are loud, funny, and full of energy.  There’s diversity and a multitude of gifts.  At Keystone, we felt like we were family when we were cramming people in my home; we also felt like family this Spring as we have grown like never before.

This week I witnessed something that truly inspired me.  I saw a very big family unify and love on each other with intimacy and vulnerability.  Fellowship Church in Grapevine, TX is one of my favorite churches and I love their pastor, Ed and his wife Lisa.  They are incredible.  This week their church family tasted what every family on the planet goes through when one of their leaders,  Vanessa Whitwell tragically died.

I encourage you to go to the church’s website and Ed’s Blog to see how this big influential church reveals its family DNA. 

Have you ever had one of those DEFINING MOMENTS that could have passed you by?  I had a subtle reminder of the power of teamwork leading up to the Easter weekend 2008.

Due to the amazing growth in our preschool age group, we determined we needed to add another ‘yard’ beginning the Easter weekend (a ‘yard’ is like a class space, but open and surrounded by murals and fencing to create an open atmosphere for experiencing God… see pic below!).  Before the fence was installed, I noticed some of the panels were chipped.  I notified Eric (our kid’s main-main) about the fence over lunch.  Eric’s response: “Yes, I noticed that too… I’m on it!”  I loved that response.  Then, Trey (who was also at lunch) told me how he had been with Eric while EVERY one of our staff made the same observation about the fencing… And, Eric gave the same response each time!

LEADERSHIP LESSONS A-PLENTY:

First of all, the entire team felt the freedom to inspect each other’s area without TURFISM.  That’s huge.  Eric wasn’t defensive.  Also, he gave the same kind, patient response each time.

I truly believe it’s the small things that make all the difference… I’m so grateful for these subtle, defining moments! 

I love this picture from Easter… absolutely love it.

It’s by no means a perfect picture.  I have a goofy look, like I just did something wrong (not beyond the realm of possibility).  Beck is trying his best to leap out daddy’s strong arms, and Ellie is enjoying the whole scene.  Ava is unusually serene.  Susan and Georgia are pretty perfect, but I think you get the point.  I love my funny, abnormal, crazy family.