My name is Melissa, and I am a VBS addict!

I love VBS!


I really do!


For those of you who don't know what that is:
Vacation-Bible-School


For me, summer isn't complete without VBS.
I enjoy having the church filled with screaming children.
I am pretty sure God enjoys that too.
I also enjoy the decorations, the bible stories,
the missionary stories.
I freely admit it, I love it all.


I have had the opportunity to work on the state VBS team for a number of years. Sounds cool? Well, it is. No, I don't get paid to do it. I do receive a t-shirt with the theme emblazoned on the front or back. I have been able to go to Glorietta for training. 
(Glorietta, the western Mecca for Southern Baptists)
I did get to go to a class led by the man who has written the music for VBS for years. 
And, I'm sad.
This is the last year Jeff Slaughter will be writing the music for VBS.
He has served the Lord lovingly and written the most beautiful, meaningful, active songs! Songs that set Lifeways VBS apart from all others. 


Living in a small town, makes it pretty easy to get star-struck.
The first time I met Jeff, I couldn't speak. I couldn't even move.
I just stood there, (No, thank God I didn't drool) and smiled.
I stood in his class, learning the songs, trying hard to do all the actions,
without looking like a total geek, and had so much fun I came home contagiously happy and excited! It was one of my best days.


You might ask what made me so happy?
Well, it wasn't because Jeff is hot. I mean, he is okay, just not my type.
(I prefer shorter balder type men named Nathaniel :-D)
It wasn't because the music was that great. It was good, but I couldn't tell you the songs now if you asked me.
It wasn't the free t-shirt, although I still have that.
It was because God was going to let me, little dorky, geeky, loud, obnoxious, silly, dumb, me, work with children and leaders around the state in VBS!
He chose me to be His hands, His feet, and His mouth to all kinds of different people.
It is such a humbling and honorable and mind numbing experience!
I will confess, every year I find myself asking God, "are You sure You want me?" I am constantly dumbfounded when He tells me, "Yes, I want you!"


Now, I'm nothing special. I really am a normal looking person. I'm not one of the beautiful people of the world. I have no fashion sense. In fact, I really do believe that t-shirts and clean jeans are pretty dressy for all the places I go. I just love God.


Over the last 30+ years, I have been able to work in VBS. I have taught bible study classes, Missions, Music and crafts. I have made and eaten countless cookies, and drank enough Kool-aide to make a small child have a sugar high for years!
I have been able to go to places like Honduras, the Navajo Reservation, and all over Colorado to teach in VBS, and yes, learn.
Serving God in this way is the ultimate fun for me!


VBS lets me picture God like this: Laying on His tummy in Heaven, Looking down at all the screaming children. Laughing as He watches the wonderful way they move to the music. His tongue sticking out with each child as they work patiently on a craft, or listening closely and sitting on the ground as they hear about missionaries from all over the world. Seeing God put His arms around little shoulders when they see themselves through His eyes, and telling them He loves them more than anyone ever could. 


My name is Melissa. I am addicted to VBS. I don't want a 12 step program to help me get through this one. I'm addicted for life!!