Invitation to "The Heart of Christmas"

We would like to invite everyone to "The Heart of Christmas." A GLO Puppet Ministry and Sunnyside Baptist Church presentation on Sunday, December 1 at Sunnyside Baptist Church, 406 Cooks Valley Road, Kingsport, TN at 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm.

Tan N. Baum, the oldest Baum, runs the family's Christmas tree farm and petting zoo in a very rural area along with his sister, Nan, the organizer of the three, and little brother, Dan. Little brother, enough said? The last time we visited the Tan N. Baum Christmas Tree Farm, siblings Tan, Nan , and Dan opened their home to their young cousin Fran from New York City. Fran, used to the big city life, was taken back at the simple life they lead on the Christmas tree farm. With no cell phones, cable TV or Internet, Fran had to go back to the basics. By doing so, she learned about the simple quiet life with no distractions and, most importantly, Jesus Christ. She learned of His birth, death, and resurrection and how much He loves her. She was able to introduce Tan, Nan, and Dan to the internet through her cell phone. Nan and Dan were fascinated by all they saw on that little phone and, reluctantly, Tan signed up for the internet. Little Fran went back home to New York City a new Christian. What about the Baums? How have they fared? Just sit back with us and enjoy the music, and let's see how this year's Baum Christmas Family Reunion turns out?

"But I trust in your unfailing love, my heart rejoices in your salvation."

Psalm 13:5

Looking to further the Kingdom,

Tammy

Day 54 Read the Bible with me

Today's reading: Deuteronomy 5 - Deuteronomy 8

My prayer: Lord, Please broaden my mind so that I can accept all things that You would have me to accept. Amen.

Looking to further the Kingdom,

Tammy

Day 53 Read the Bible with me

Today's Reading: Deuteronomy 3 - Deuteronomy 4

My prayer: Dear Lord, Let me make the best of each and every day to clear my mind so that I can hear from You. Amen.

Looking to further the Kingdom,

Tammy

Day 52 Read the Bible with Me

Today's reading: Deuteronomy 1 - Deuteronomy 2

My prayer: Lord, please help me to start this day and every day with a new attitude and lots of gratitude. Amen

Looking to further the Kingdom,

Tammy

The curtains are hung and the barn is up!!!!

The curtains are hung and the barn is up, and so the decorating begins. Here's a sneak peak of the progress for our upcoming performance on Sunday, December 1 @ 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm. We sure would love to see a packed church for GLO Puppet Ministries presentation of "The Heart of Christmas!"

There is still a lot to do. More pictures to follow...so stay tuned!

Looking to further the Kingdom,

Tammy

Day 51 Read the Bible with Me

Today's reading: Numbers 33 - Numbers 36

Well this will finish another book. We are just moving right along. I pray that you are looking forward to your time with Him daily. Enjoy every moment and listen to what He has to say to you.

My prayer:  Lord, Help us continue on our journey of reading Your Word diligently. I pray that You will have us hear what You would. Thank You. Amen.

Looking to further the Kingdom,

Tammy

Day 50 Read the Bible with Me

Today's Reading: Numbers 30 - Numbers 32

My prayer: Lord, please keep us safe from all danger and harm today. Thank you. Amen.

Looking to further the Kingdom,

Tammy

Practice for "Heart of Christmas" Saturday, November 30 @ 6:00

Ok Puppeteers, we need you to practice Saturday night @ 6:00. Please make every effort to be there. Make sure to wear your black pants and black socks!! This will be a full run through from start to finish!!
Let me know if you're not going to be there. Thanks!!

Looking to further the Kingdom,

Tammy

Day 49 Read the Bible with Me

Today's reading: Numbers 27-Numbers 29

My Prayer: Lord, Please forgive me for anything I have done, said, or thought that was not pleasing to You, and I ask now for that forgiveness. Amen.

Looking to further the Kingdom,

Tammy

Day 48 Read the Bible with Me

Today's reading: Numbers 25- Numbers 26

My prayer: Lord, You have done so much for me and You continue to bless me. I cannot thank You enough. Amen.

Looking to further the Kingdom,

Tammy

Prop making Saturday

We had a very successful day of prop making for Sunday's performance. We had to make some signs for the "pettin zoo" and "git ur gear." 

We made the Pinterest famous pennants from burlap and painted the letters. I didn't get a picture of the font we used. I'll post more pictures as the projects are completed.

It seems like the "To Do List" just keeps getting longer. It looks like we will be working hard this week to get everything finished for December 1!!

Most of our time was spent on constructing a John Deer tractor for the farm. 

Beth cemented foam boards together to make the tires. I think we all had a headache by the end!

We used Lowe's packing boxes to construct the tractor. And then we cut the back open so that a puppeteer can perform in the tractor. Discussion now is whether to spray paint it, or wrap it in green bulletin board paper. The jury is still out.

So much to do and so little time. But God always gives us what we need when we need it. We do covet your prayers for the performance. 

Looking to further the Kingdom,

Tammy

Day 47 Read the Bible with Me

Today's reading: Numbers 22 - Numbers 24

My prayer: Lord, Thank You for this day, thank You for being able to wake this morning, to see, and to hear. I am truly blessed. Thank you. Amen.

Looking to further the Kingdom,

Tammy

Day 46 Read the Bible with me

Today's reading: Numbers 19 - Numbers 21

My prayer:  Lord, I feel so blessed being able to recognize the power of You in my daily routines. Thank You for ALWAYS being with me.  Amen.

Looking to further the Kingdom,

Tammy

Day 45 Read the Bible with Me

Today's reading: Numbers 16- Numbers 18

My prayer: Lord, Your guidance gives me the strength to go after what I want, even if it is in small increments of time each week. Thank You. Amen

Looking to further the Kingdom,

Tammy

Puppets for Ayudantes de Dios

Thank you Bear n Friends at 107 E Market St, Kingsport, TN(423) 245-5046 for being so friendly and helping with the purchase of these 2 cuties for the upcoming mission trip. 

What a steal at $23.95?!?!?!

They have an awesome selection of Folkmanis puppets and these two are from the Puppet Company. Please go by and check them out. I think Kingsport has an awesome place to shop for puppets!!

Looking to further the Kingdom,

Tammy

Day 44 Read the Bible with Me

Today's Reading: Numbers 14 - Numbers 15

My prayer: Lord, give me the time I need to embrace the side of myself that brings joy and inspiration into the lives of others. Amen

Looking to further the Kingdom,

Tammy

Day 43 Read the Bible with Me

Today's Reading: Numbers 11- Numbers 13

My prayer: Lord, please fill our day with laughter and lightness. Let a good mood fill the air around us. Amen.

Looking to further the Kingdom,

Tammy

Black Light Finale Practice

We had an all day after church practice yesterday with the girls. We had a wonderful meal of BBQ. Thank you, Brent!! Then it was practice, practice, practice!!!

These girls are perfectionists, let me just tell you. They wanted to do a special song after the invitation of the Christmas play. They picked their song and choreographed it the way they wanted to interpret it. It will be the only black light song in the performance. They will wear white gloves and make pictures with their hands. Let me share with you some pictures and one of the many videos that was taken yesterday. Please keep in mind, this is by all means not finished.

You have to look past our glowing shirts. Like I said before, it's only practice!!

It was really funny to hear one of the girls say, "I remember watching you all do this in the past, but I had no idea how hard it actually was!"

Here's a video to get an idea of what it will look like. You can hear the leaders and see them directing the girls and making adjustments to the "pictures" as the song continues.

At 4:00, the guys joined us to continue our practice until 5:30. Then we prepared for a wonderful worship service. All in all, it was a wonderful practice, with much accomplished.

Looking to further the Kingdom,

Tammy

Day 42 Read the Bible with Me

Today's reading: Numbers 8 - Numbers 10

My prayer: Lord, as the new week begins help me to be more compassionate, strength to share another's burdens, and enough faith to light a spark in another's darkness. Amen.

Looking to further the Kingdom,

Tammy

Day 41 Read the Bible with Me

Today's reading: Numbers 7

My Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for giving us restful Sundays. Thank you for allowing us the freedom to worship You in our churches. Thank you for our church and our leaders. Please give them the guidance, wisdom, and words that You would have us to hear. Keep our hearts open to Your Word. Amen.

Looking to further the Kingdom,

Tammy

Day 40 Read the Bible with me

Today's reading: Numbers 5 - Numbers 6

My Prayer: Lord, please help me to truly be thankful this month. Help me to remember that all my blessings are from You! I truly cannot praise you enough for Your Goodness and Your Grace! You are SO GOOD! ALL THE TIME! Amen

Looking to further the Kingdom,

Tammy

Day 39 Read the Bible with Me

Today's reading: Numbers 3 - Numbers 4

My Prayer: Lord, I just ask that You use me as You would have. Let me always show Your love to others in all I say and do. Amen

Looking to further the Kingdom,

Tammy

Ayudantes de Dios

GLO Puppet Ministry is so excited to help  Ayudantes de Dios(God's Helpers) head off to Nicaragua!! Local church members from Darthula Baptist Church in Hiltons, Virginia are headed down for another mission trip in February, so GLO is helping them prepare a puppet presentation to present to the children where they will be visiting. Of course, this is really exciting for us to be able to help in a mission trip and share God's love to others in another country.

I'm so proud of my Mom and Dad. This is their 8th trip to Nicaragua.  God has truly blessed me with wonderful parents who love to share the Gospel and love the Lord. The trip is comprised of 8 adults who will be doing construction on a parsonage and evangelizing.

While talking about the trip, mom and I decided it would be a great idea to take some puppets to share the Word with the children. After some prayer, we thought the Wordless Book would be an awesome way to present the plan of salvation. You can see the post on the page for Ideas to Share the Gospel.

We also bought 2 flat sheets at Wal Mart for $4 each to make a 2 tiered puppet stage. All that has to be done to these is of old over about 3 inches and sew a straight line to make a pocket for the PVC pipe to thread through.  Dad will purchase PVC pipe when he gets there and construct a simple stage. I'll post pictures when they send me updates. Then, she went to Lifeway and found these two CDs in Spanish.

These are just perfect with Children's Bible songs. If you look in the first picture, we've checked what songs they'll be performing.

Next, props needed to be made that could be used and easily transported. So, off to the Dollar Tree we went to purchase some poster board and foam board. Then we used the over head projector to make our hand held props.

These vests and shields were purchased in the toy section at Dollar Tree. They will be used during "Joshua Fought the Battle of Jericho."

If you look close on the back of the vest, you can see I made a handle from duct tape. The shields already had good handles. They will be wearing black gloves to hold the props with. 

I also found the smaller flowers at the Dollar Tree that I'll be adding a hairbow and fishing line like the larger ones we use. 

Here's a video to show how they work.

Mom bought some fish at the Dollar Tree and a fishing net from Hobby Lobby to use with "Peter, James, and John In A Sailboat." We cut the net in two pieces and one time it will be thrown over the curtain empty, then the second net will be tossed over full of the fish.

I'm really excited that GLO Puppet Ministry can have a part in sharing the Word in another country. I can't wait to share pictures and update you on their trip.

Please take a moment and lift the mission team and their upcoming trip in prayer. Pray that God will use them and open the hearts and doors of the people they come in contact with and that many will come to know Him.

Looking to further the Kingdom,

Tammy

    

Day 38 Read the Bible with Me

Today's reading: Number 1 - Numbers 2

Wow, another book is finished. We are just moving right along. I pray you are enjoying your daily readings as much as I am. I know with the holiday season coming on, we will have very hectic schedules, but please remember to take this time daily with Him and remember how He desires to have His time with you as well. You will be blessed, I promise.

My Prayer: Lord, Help us to remember You are the true reason behind the season. Help us to stay focused on You and You alone. Amen

Looking to further the Kingdom,

Tammy

Day 37 Read the Bible with me

Today's reading: Leviticus 26 - Leviticus 27

My prayer: Dear Lord, Thank You for holding me accountable through Your Word. Reading through this book has opened my eyes to a lot of things that I have taken for granted. Please forgive me where I fail You. Thank You for loving me. Amen.

Looking to further the Kingdom,

Tammy

Would you mind if we prayed for you?

I've been thinking again. Sometimes this gets me into trouble, sometimes it's good, and sometimes it's REALLY GOOD! I think this is one that would fit into something that's REALLY GOOD!

I know we all need prayer. I am a firm believer that God does answer our prayers. He may not answer them right away, or the way we want, but I do know that He is faithful and He does what's best for us. No matter how insignificant we think our prayers are, we need to have the faith to just ask. "Call to me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things which you do not know." Jeremiah 33:3 

Something that I have started this week, is taking a different section of verses in the Scripture on thankfullness and really prayerfully reading them. Then I pick 2 or 3 of those verses and write them down in my notebook. Sometimes just writing it down helps you look at it in a whole new perspective. Next, I'm picking something or someone special to me and writing a prayer to God about them. Next, I write just 3 things that I am thankful for. It's not hard, not too time consuming, but it's allowing me to reflect on the many blessings and answered prayers that God places in my life every day that I take for granted. It's amazing to see how He answers prayers daily if you just take the time to pay attention to Him.

So... with all this being said, I thought it would be nice to allow you to request prayer for anything that you would like to share so that others may pray over it for you. I will share these requests with our puppet ministry team and we will pray with you. The Apostle John wrote,  "Now this is the confidence we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask,  we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him."(1 John 5:14-15) John also wrote: "And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight." (1 John 3:22).

I ask that you just leave your prayer requests in the comment section of this post and we will pray with you. Then, when you receive your answer from Him, please share with us the outcome. It's going to be a blessing to many to see how God works in our lives and a testimony to others of His awesomeness!!!

Looking to further the Kingdom,

Tammy

Day 36 Read the Bible with me

Today's reading: Leviticus 24 - Leviticus 25

My prayer: Dear Lord,  I just don't think we can thank you enough for your many blessings. We are so undeserving, but yet You still love us and are just so good to us.  Amen.

Looking to further the Kingdom,

Tammy

The Heart of Christmas Practice 2

Oh my, we only have 2 more practices until our performances. There's just so much to do and so little time. How often do we find ourselves saying this!? The kids are doing an awesome job. I didn't really video any of the practice, but I did make some pictures for you.

In this group of pictures, our girls are choreographing the finale song. They will be doing the only blacklight in the performance. It will be done with white gloves. Their hands will be creating pictures of the song. I will tell you now, they are perfectionists!!! They all volunteered to stay after church next week for an all day practice to get this one song perfected. I'm so proud of them!!!!

Our special quartet guys had they're practice closed this afternoon. I did manage to sneak a few pictures!

Also, we have been invited to perform at 2 assisted living facilities on December 8. The kids always like to take a little something to the residents when we visit. This year, they are writing some of their favorite Bible verses on foam for the residents to hang on their door knobs. I think they did an awesome job, don't you?

All in all, we had a very productive practice and lots was accomplished. 

Looking to further the Kingdom,

Tammy

Day 35 Read the Bible with Me

Today's reading: Leviticus 22-Leviticus 23

My prayer: Dear Lord,  thank you for loving me. Thank you for your many blessings. Amen.

Looking to further the Kingdom,

Tammy

Day 34 Read the Bible with Me

Today's reading: Leviticus 19-Leviticus 21

My Prayer: Dear Lord, I lift up to you today, those that are hurting and sick. For whatever reason they are experiencing pain from, please let them feel Your comfort and Your grace. Help them to see that all things are possible with you, if we only ask. Amen.

Looking to further the Kingdom,

Tammy

Day 33 Read the Bible with Me

Today's reading: Leviticus 16-Leviticus 18

My Prayer: Lord, if there's someone reading this that doesn't know you as Lord and Savior, let today be the day that they make the most important decision of their life. Amen.

Looking to further the Kingdom,

Tammy

Day 32 Read the Bible with Me

Today's reading: Leviticus 14 - Leviticus 15

My Prayer:  Dear Lord, Thank you for giving us Your Word. Help me to always have an open heart and open ears to hear from You. Amen.

Looking to further the Kingdom,

Tammy

Day 31 Read the Bible with Me

Today's reading: Leviticus 11-13

My Prayer:  Dear Lord, Please allow me to be a light for you in all I say and do. Amen.

Looking to further the Kingdom,

Tammy

Day 30 read the Bible with me

Today's reading: Leviticus 8 - Leviticus 10

My prayer: Dear Lord, I just want to say thank you and I love you. Amen.

Looking to further the Kingdom,

Tammy

Day 29 read the Bible with me

Today's reading: Leviticus 5 - Leviticus 7

My prayer: Dear Lord, there is just so much that is on our hearts. Sometimes it just seems overwhelming. Help us feel Your love today. Amen.

Looking to further the Kingdom,

Tammy

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas and other exciting plans!!!!

We are elated to start planning our Christmas performance scheduled for December1 at 3:00 and 6:00 at Sunnyside Baptist Church. We are going to be revisiting the Christmas tree farm run by the Baums. It will be complete with barn and the famous puppet "living Christmas tree." Here's a picture from the past.

But, first, we are going to be making a permanent set for Children's Church. Puppets will be performing each Sunday for our children during the morning worship service. Our college kids have graciously stepped up to perform each week. I'll keep you up to date with the planning process. We will be making a forest set and are anxious to get started. God is truly blessing this ministry. We continue to grow and perform more and more. He's answered so many prayers and we are thrilled that our GLO graduate puppeteers that have moved on to college and career paths are able to come back to minister in this capacity!!!! They are very talented and we are blessed to continue to work with these amazing young adults!

Even more exciting is the planning of our spring performance. Instead of under the sea, we will be visiting the rainforest, complete with birds, snakes, butterflies, and monkeys of course.  If you follow me on Pinterest, you'll see I've been a little obsessed with trees, and other jungle pins. We are really anxious to see how God will provide and bless these performances.

Looking to further the Kingdom,

Tammy

Some easy and very inexpensive stick puppets

Okay Guys,

Here are some videos and pictures of some very creative, easy, and inexpensive puppets that anyone can make.

Let me start off with some videos that show the movable parts and then I'll give you the easy instructions.

The s'mores puppet is really easy to make. We cut two pieces of cardboard for the top and bottom. Then a tube was sewn from duck cloth, stuffed with fiberfill, and sandwiched between the cardboard. A brown piece of felt was cut and fringed for the bangs.  I used a hairbow for the mouth that is glued in place on the back side only. Then I took fishing line and sewed through the front "lip" and a plastic ring is knotted at  the bottom. A small hole is poked through the cardboard so that the ring and fishing line mouth mechanism can work from the bottom.

The cotton candy puppet was made for VBS this year. We used clip art that was traced onto foam board. Then fiberfill was hot glued to the front and spray painted with glow in the dark spray paint. Google eyes were glued to the front and 2 holes were poked for the mouth for the hairbow. Then fishing line and the plastic ring were used to make the movement. This was then duct taped to a paint stick stirrer from Lowe's for the handle.

This is our ghost  that was one of our first stick puppets we ever made. He was cut out of the blue insulation board. We covered him with an old nightgown. Then his mouth was glued just like the other puppets and he was duct taped to a paint stirrer from Lowe's.

We used the cement glue to glue half of the hairbow for his mouth.

Here's an up close picture of the plastic ring and fishing line

Another thing that works well for us is drilling a hole in the bottom of the paint stick and attaching a tie wrap so that we can hang our props. We do this for all of our props and it makes for easier organization and storage.

Here are some random pictures of other stick puppets we have made. We have 8 different snowflakes that sang in our Christmas production a few years ago. We made boy and girl ones.

Here's a Christmas stocking. He's made with insulation blue board and poster board that is attached with spray adhesive. Then we trimmed him with a little piece of fur. We have even made the old timey looking Christmas lights that sing.

We have letters that sing and spell words as well. This one is used in the Veggie Tales song "Stand Up" and we have each letter in "Stand Up" that sings the chorus. He's also made with poster board attached to the insulation board.

If you look close you'll also see that we have a small sleeve made from duct tape on the stick that the fishing line is threaded through. This keeps the strings from tangling.

Here's a little better picture for you.

Okay, I hope you are getting some ideas for your own puppet ministry. Get your creative minds to work and start searching for your clip art.  Your overhead projector can be your new friend. And our Lowe's in Kingsport has been awesome to donate paint sticks to us.  Have fun!

Looking to further the Kingdom,

Tammy

Easter Egg hunt and Gospel Presentation!

The GLO Team was invited to Warrior's Path State Park Easter weekend on Saturday morning to perform and help our church do a community wide Easter egg hunt. The weather was perfect, the crowd was ready, and the puppets were a huge hit! We performed several songs with a simple message between presented by our Awesome youth pastor, Todd Latham. The prayer of our team before any performance to is plant seeds and further the kingdom in all we say and do. It's amazing to see God at work!

The view from the amphitheater

Trying to get the kids involved

They're getting their nerve up

Our audience

All the puppeteers with a puppet

Yes, Jesus Loves Me!!!

Our very popular quartet decked out in bunny ears!

Some of the kids dancing to God is Great, God is Good

As you can see, it was a very successful Easter egg hunt and the Gospel was presented in a different way. Just like the songs say "God is Great, and Yes, Jesus Loves Me!!!!"