Children's Weekly Bulletin

2012-01-22T06:06:00.001-08:00

What is righteousness?

Righteousness means we live like God wants us to. When we hunger and thirst for righteousness, we’ll seek to please God all the time in every way we know how.

How can I know what righteousness looks like?

The Bible is the best place to find out how to please God. Righteousness isn’t just about learning what the Bible says. It’s about living it. As we read the Bible and pray, God will help us change to be more like Him. We can also learn about righteousness from the people who teach us how to live for God, like our parents, teachers, pastor, and others who are growing closer to God.

2012-01-16T07:40:00.001-08:00

Blessed are those that mourn, for they will be comforted. Matthew 5:4

Parents you can teach your kids:

What is sin?

Sin is disobeying God.

Why should I admit my sin?

God will forgive and comfort us when we admit our sins and do our best not to do them again. He has given us the Holy Spirit to help us become more like Jesus in our attitudes and actions. When we ask God to forgive our sins, we should be so sorry that our attitudes and behaviors toward others should change. Others should be able to tell that when we say, “I’m sorry,” we really mean it and we prove it by not repeating the wrong things we’ve done.

2011-12-19T06:06:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas

2011-12-12T05:55:00.001-08:00

Why is living for God important?

When we ask Jesus into our heart and life, He wants us to follow Him. Then others will know that we are Christians, and we’ll be able to share our faith with them. But it’s not always easy to know how to follow Jesus. Thankfully, we have the Bible to guide us.

What are the Beatitudes? Matthew

I will live for God (5:3)

I will admit my sin and not do it again. (5:4)

I will be strong and easy to live with (5:5)

I will always want more of God (5:6)

I will see the need and make a difference.(5:7)

I will keep my heart clean. (5:8)

I will make peace wherever I go. (5:9)

I will do what’s right even when it’s hard. (5:10)

2011-12-04T14:08:00.001-08:00

Evangelism

To Share

Not to Share

2011-11-26T13:50:00.001-08:00

Compassion

The holiday season is a great time to teach our children compassion.

Ephesians 6:7 says "Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord and not men."

This verse should not be in word only but in action. As parents and teachers we should model compassion before our children.

Matthew 6:3 says "But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing..."

Our motive should be for Jesus and not ourselves. If children just see Christmas as a time to receive they would be missing out on so much.

Hone in on each child's unique personality and their God-given gifts. Each child has their own unique personality and will each have different ideas of what types of service projects they would like to undertake. In addition, they each have their own spiritual gifts.

2011-11-06T14:17:00.001-08:00

Bulling

Let’s examine some reasons why children act out this way. Knowing the possible reasons can keep your heart soft while you seek to help a bully in your church.

Parents set a poor example. The old adage, “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree,” proves true. Children learn their behaviors from role models.

A need for control may cause some kids to bully. Kids who frequently experience abuse or neglect in their home are more likely to bully.

Substance abuse can be a factor. Children who are bullies may drink alcohol, use tobacco, and take drugs. Being under the influence of these items can become a factor in child bullying. Even high caffeine energy drinks can alter a child’s personality and increase aggressiveness.

An absence of spiritual leadership will lead a child to bullying. Jesus taught, “Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life in him.” 1 John 3:15

(Next week we’ll look at some ways to cope with bullying. I will be teaching a lesson on bullying on Sunday, 11/13/11 and Wednesday, 11/16/011 )

2011-10-30T06:31:00.001-07:00

Children’s Ministry This Week

Kids and Evangelism

Great Suggestion

Great Commission

2011-10-23T05:18:00.000-07:00

Are your kids hearing what you are saying? You may want to ask your child to repeat back to you what you said. You may be surprised as we are in Children’s Ministry as what actually registered into the child’s mind

Raising a Modern-Day Knight by Robert Lewis

2011-10-16T05:34:00.001-07:00

Raising a Modern-Day Knight by Robert Lewis

Margaret Mead made this observation: “The central problem of every society is to define appropriate roles for the men.”

George Gilder adds: “Wise societies provide ample means for young men to affirm themselves without afflicting others.”

David Blankenhorn says, “Men, more than women are culture-made.”

Personal Note: If boys are left to themselves to form their our life vision and course, culture will lead them. In order to change culture we must change one heart at a time.

Pastor Randy

Fruit of the Spirit

2011-10-09T12:54:00.001-07:00

What is goodness?

Goodness describes who we really are on the inside, even if no one is watching. The Bible tells us that a “good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him” (Matthew 12:35) Goodness isn’t something we can have without thinking about it. Goodness comes when we’re careful to make choices that show we live for God.

Goodness means we are dependable and honest. People can count on us to be truthful. We are quick to see and meet needs and to help others.

How can others see goodness in us?

By choosing goodness, we can influence others. Jesus’ goodness influenced Zacchaeus to change. Goodness shows through our actions. Zacchaeus’s goodness showed through his generosity and willingness to pay back what he had taken from others.

This Week

2011-09-27T11:03:00.001-07:00

Fruit of the Spirit

Peace

Self Control

2011-09-20T05:39:00.001-07:00

Fruit of the Spirit:

Self-Control

Self-control helps us choose to think, act, and say things that demonstrate God's love and character.

What is self-control?

Self-control is choosing actions and attitudes that please God,

not our self. The Holy Spirit helps us to make choices that show we are created to be like God, who is righteous and holy. (Eph 4:23,24) Self-control isn't about following rules and having strong willpower, so we can be perfect. Self-control is about why we act like we do.

2011-09-05T07:08:00.001-07:00

Kid's putting others 1st

In 2003, Serviceleader.org published a paper on volunteerism in children under 14.2 Author Gabina Torres reviewed a number of studies, including one by the Search Institute that involved some 47,000 youth, and she discovered:

Children who volunteer exhibit higher levels of self-esteem, motivation, interest in learning, and moral responsibility.

Kids who served others just one hour or more per week were less likely to be involved in at-risk behavior than those not active in volunteering.

Young volunteers often gain valuable social and career skills, including responsibility, punctuality, grooming and interpersonal communication.

Kids who volunteer have unique opportunities to use their creativity, talents and ingenuity to improve their community.

Volunteers often improve their own lives by meeting new friends interacting with mentors.

2011-08-28T05:37:00.001-07:00

Fruit of the Spirit

Love

Fruit of the Spirit

2011-08-22T08:15:00.001-07:00

Does growing up help us grow the fruit of the Spirit?

No always. We must choose to let the Holy Spirit help us grow His fruit in our life. Jesus doesn't expect us to grow all of the fruit at the same time. Instead, He wants us to look for His leading on which fruit we need to grow and then ask Him to show us how to grow. Even adults still need to choose every day to let the fruit of the Spirit show in their life. Then as we grow the fruit, we'll get better at showing others that Jesus is in our life.

2011-08-15T06:54:00.001-07:00

Witness

Evangelize in

THE NAME OF JESUS

2011-08-09T08:27:00.001-07:00

We are speaking about witnessing for Jesus

2011-05-23T10:59:00.001-07:00

This past spring we saw a lot of new children. You can imagine the rooms were crowded.

So .... There is a need to do something different.

NEW: Saturday Afternoon Children's Service.

This would be a one hour service for kids from Grade 1 through Grade 4. The bus would run.

We have some that have shown interest in helping but we need more helpers.

Positions Needed:

Bus Supervisor

Children Monitor during services

*Person that would do a 10 minute segment. This person would do games, object lesson, etc.

You could volunteer once, twice or every Saturday per month.

When your child is mad

2011-05-16T10:49:00.001-07:00

In his book, When Kids Are Mad, Not Bad, Henry A. Paul , M.D. describes the kind of anger exhibited as developmental anger - anger that aids infants in getting their basic needs met.

I often tell new parents that it's not possible to spoil an infant. I believe that. An infant cries and gets angry because of an unmet need: hunger, uncomfortable, too hot or cold, over stimulated, feeling isolated, experiencing an upset stomach or dirty diaper or just needs to be held.

I had to laugh at an episode of My Wife and Kids. The baby wouldn't stop crying. Michael would take the crying baby into another room and return with a content baby. He wouldn't tell his secret until the end. Then we found out that Michael just helped the little one pass gas.

As a child turns two a frustrated toddler could reach "shake factor #10". Imagine seeing the older kids and the dog doing things and wanting to do it only to be told NO. Studies have show that a toddler can understand hundreds of words before being able to speak. Imagine again knowing all these words and not able to express yourself?

Instead of seeing these cases of anger as negative, a parent can view it as growth. In the first case with infants it's important to meet the child's need immediately, even in the middle of the night. As for toddlers a parent should not take the role of problem solver. That is an endless job. Remember that it isn't your fault and it's normal. It's a part of your child learning to master his world.

2011-05-09T07:28:00.001-07:00

Rules

As your children mature, rules need to be revised. You want your rules to be logical, fair, reasonable, and truthful. Parents can make rules out of convenience for themselves. Sometimes they make rules to satisfy their need for control or to eliminate their own fears.

When your child breaks one of your rules be careful not to attack their character. Make their "character" off limits. A parent can point out wrong actions. It's important to make a distinction between behavior and character.

Example of pointing out wrong behavior: "You did wrong when you took those cookies."

Example of attacking character:

"You're a thief because you took those cookies."

2011-04-25T11:25:00.001-07:00

Raising a Modern-Day Princess by Pam Farrell & Doreen Hanna

Blessing Prompts Celebration

Celebration stated with and comes from the heart of God. The Heavenly Father loves to celebrate and bless His children.

Adam & Eve - Blessing - to be fruitful and multiply

People out of Egypt: - Celebrate Passover; Celebrate Feast of Harvest, Celebrate Feast of Ingathering

A word spoken and in due season is like apples of gold in settings of silver. Proverbs 25:11

What if the Nightmare is real: Monsters by Julie Dejong

2011-04-18T11:16:00.000-07:00

She writes this about herself when she was a young child: "To all outward appearances, I seemed normal. I could smile and act like everything was great and I didn't have a problem in the world. But inside I was screaming. There were times I wanted to curl up and die!"

"It is like a wound that keeps festering and hurting with nothing to dull or take the pain away."

"I often wondered how someone could look at me and not see what a horrible, ugly person I was." I must be a terrible person for something like this to happen to me. Does that mean there is something wrong with me? Is there something inside of me that is bad and that is why this happened?

Self Esteem?

What self esteem? I am a hideous, repulsive, vile person and there is no way anyone could ever truly love me if the knew!

This is another way the monster has insured the secret will be kept!

Pastor Randy Thoughts: My question is this: There are children that are like Julie. How can we go below the surface and help those children?

2011-04-12T08:46:00.000-07:00

Tips to Children's Workers & Parents

Be honest in your answers and who you are.
Children easily identify phoniness. Don't insult them by trivializing their concerns or giving pat answers.

Don't pry
Win the right to be heard. If you see or feel that something is truly wrong, encourage the child to talk to an adult they do trust.

Listen, don't lecture
Most kids want to express themselves, but won't do that until they trust you. And they won't trust you unless they believe you care and have proved it by listening to them.

Keep confidences
Their secrets are a gift to you; treat them as such unless, of course, doing so endangers the child or someone else.

Provide a safe place
Give the child space he needs to be alone while still offering him the security and comfort of a safe environment ... and knowledge that you'll be there when he is ready to talk.

And don't forget!
While our instinct may be to fix the problem, our role is usually to help kids in their growing process. So we must teach and show that there is One who cares for them more than they can ever imagine.

2011-04-04T11:35:00.001-07:00

Kid's Krusade this week. April 4-6, Mon, Tues, Wed. @ 7:00pm

2011-03-21T12:02:00.001-07:00

Kid’s Krusade

April 3– 6

2011-03-14T08:04:00.001-07:00

Raising a Modern-Day Princess

Pam Farrel & Doreen Hanna

A Jewish girl’s rite of passage is called a bat mitzvah.

Age of 12 she is paired with a women mentor
This mentor will stay with the 12 year old girl for 1 year training her in the ways of Jewish womanhood.
In preparation for her mitzvah, she memorizes a passage from the Torah
On her 13th birthday she celebrates her rite of passage.
She and her mother shop for equivalent to a wedding dress.
On her special day she stands in her synagogue and reveals her knowledge of the Torah by quoting a portion from memory.
She demonstrates her talent, expresses her future goals and states where she will share 10 percent of the gifts with the poor.
Climactic Moment: Her rabbi and father publicly bless her
The dinner after the ceremony is usually quite elaborate as many family and friends are invited to celebrate and many attend bring very generous gifts.

2011-03-07T07:43:00.001-08:00

Over Churched Kids (Part 1)

1. Familiar Stories Lose Their Power: When kids hear the same Bible stories year-after-year they can become a little boring. Even worse - these stories are often told without imagination or any listener interaction. Most over-churched kids have heard the same 100+ Bible stories since they were in the Toddler Sunday School. They no longer connect with the characters or feel moved by the plot resolution.

2. Knowledge Can Promote Pride: Something happens inside of us when we become the expert. Children feel that same sense of superiority when they have more religious knowledge than their peers. Too often over-churched kids build their identity around that achievement, even when it doesn't involve a growing relationship with Christ.

3. They Have Learned to Pretend Pray: A real struggle for grown-ups is connecting with God through prayer. Too often it becomes routine and dry. Most younger children learn prayer as an act of imitation. Many don't even realize that something cosmic is happening when we address our words to God. They don't feel the presence of God or even expect that they should.

Quiet Child

2011-02-28T08:41:00.001-08:00

What can be done with a child that processes his day internally, without saying much?

From the moment of birth, children cry out for attention. As the child becomes older the mechanism of attention gets more complicated. It takes an attentive adult to decipher exactly what the child is saying. One child may become silent, while crying out inside for someone, anyone to notice them. A preschooler may seek attention by throwing a tantrum. A fourth grader may seek attention by getting in trouble at school. A teenager may be seeking attention by starting to smoke. The bottom line is that the child wants you to pay attention to them without asking for it.

An attentive adult would look for non verbal communication. That adult would express affectionate interest in that child and give the child the attention they seek for.

If the child does not receive the attention they crave, the child will eventually disengage and count you as irrelevant. You will not have any authority with that child. That usually happens to coincide with a drivers license.

This Week in Children's Ministry

2011-02-21T06:25:00.001-08:00

The Church

What is the church?
Why should we go to church?
What do church leaders do?

We’ll be discussing these points. Talk with your kids about these questions.

2011-02-07T07:47:00.001-08:00

Facebook & Twitter & Children Part 2

Twitter is similar to Facebook in that users can express their thoughts — from the most simple to the most earth shattering — for the world to see. But there are a few key differences from Facebook:

It's important for your child to keep users from seeing her tweets unless they've been given specific permission. To do this, click on “Settings” from your account, click on “Account” and check the box saying “Protect my tweets.”

Your child should avoid tweeting her name, address or phone number. It's also important that she doesn't tweet where she is– like places in Facebook.

Only you and your child should know her password.

Make sure your child knows not to click on any link promising a quick way to get rich, a free prize or anything else that looks too good to be true. These tweets could be a scam to charge everyone who gave away their phone numbers a monthly fee without their knowledge.

You can set up a Twilert. http://www.twilert.com/ and follow whatever is said about your child on line.

Parenting Phase Two: Coach 2

2011-01-30T06:04:00.001-08:00

After the early years of a child's life, a new phase starts. Probably around the 3rd or 4th grade. The child should be taught about work and wages - interviewing, hiring and even occasionally firing them from jobs around the house and garden. The idea is not only to teach but also to encourage their growth from direction to self-direction, giving them more responsibility with each new job.

It's good to help clarify - rather than dictate - a child's choices for them. "Would you rather do this . . . or that?" It should be a choice you as parent can live with. Obviously, don't tempt them to choose something wrong or foolish; the phrase is simply a tool to help them gain experience in making their own decisions. For example, You might ask, "Would you rather leave now for church and have time to talk to your friends, or leave a little later and go straight to your class?" The choices you give your child will help them think when you're not around.

2011-01-10T12:16:00.001-08:00

We're studying the 16 fundamentals of the Assemblies of God. This week we're looking at the trinity.

Children’s Ministry This Week

2010-12-06T07:48:00.001-08:00

Victory Everlasting

Jesus gives you power and authority over the enemy

2010-11-29T10:50:00.001-08:00

Standing Firm in Christ

Our children are surrounded by bigger problems than you and I ever faced, yet they must stand firm in Christ. We have to do everything we can to help them. You’re aware of the mountain of sin and destruction that is present in our public school system.

Jesus doesn’t change, and our children and we can stand firm with His help. Our kids and we can overcome peer pressure. We don’t have to give in to sin. We don’t have to compromise. When the world tries to bend us, or our enemy tries to break us, with God’s strength and power, we can stand firm. We don’t have to give in—just say no!

2010-11-15T06:23:00.001-08:00

Phase Two: Coach

After the early years of a child's life, a new phase starts. Probally around the 3rd or 4th grade. The child should be taught about work and wages - interviewing, hiring and even occasionally firing them from jobs around the house and garden. The idea is not only to teach but also to encourage their growth from direction to self-direction, giving them more responsibility with each new job.

It's good to help clarify - rather than dictate - a child's choices for them. "Would you rather do this . . . or that?" It should be a choice you as parent can live with. Obviously, don't tempt them to choose something wrong or foolish; the phrase iss simply a tool to help them gain experience in making their own decisions. For example, You might ask, "Would you rather leave now for church and have time to talk to your friends, or leave a little later and go straight to your class?" The choices you give your child will help them think when you're not around.

2010-11-08T11:53:00.001-08:00

Advice from Dr. Dobson (Bringing up Girls)

“To both mothers and fathers, let me share a suggestion that you may not want to hear: good parenting almost always requires sacrifice. Childhood lasts for only a brief moment, but it should be given priority while it is passing before your eyes. Watch your kids carefully. Think about what they are feeling, and consider the influences they are under. Then do what is best for them

2010-11-01T08:19:00.001-07:00

Faith Facts 16 AOG Fundamentals

One True God

#2 There is one true God.
God the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are one.

Isaiah 45:21
There is no God apart from me, a righteous God and a Savior; there is none but me.

2010-10-11T06:10:00.000-07:00

Children's Ministry This Week

Tower of Babel

Flood

2010-10-04T07:35:00.001-07:00

What changes did the flood bring to the earth?

A flood the size and duration of Noah's flood would have wreaked tremendous havoc on the earth. The entire geography would have changed. The climate would also have changed drastically. Fossil evidence shows that tropical plants used to grown in areas near the poles and that plants, animals, and even humans used to grow much bigger than they do today. Some fossilized human footprints are over a foot long!

Is there any evidence of a worldwide, destructive flood?

Evidence in the fossil record:

*Fossils are found all over the world. The flood covered the entire world.

*Fossils are dead creatures. The flood killed every living creature.

*Fossils are found in layers of rock that were laid down by water. These layers are found all over the earth. The flood would have laid down vast amounts of mud and silt all over the earth.

*Fossils are formed only when creatures are buried quickly and thoroughly. Usually when a creature dies its body decays or is eaten by other animals. Even creatures that are buried in a usual manner will undergo decay. Only when a body is buried very rapidly in such a manner that no oxygen can get in will a fossil have a chance to form. Such conditions are rate. The fact that fossils are found in great abundance all over the world testifies to a worldwide, catastrophic flood.

2010-09-27T08:41:00.001-07:00

Days of Creation

Day 1—Day & Night

Day 2—Sky

Day 3—Land & Plants

Day 4—Sun, Moon & Stars

Day 5—Sea Creatures & Birds

Day 6—Humans & Animals

Who shut the door of the Ark?

After Noah was shut in the ark, how many days passed before it began to rain?

How many days did it rain?

For how long did the waters “prevail” or rise upon the earth?

What did Noah see when he came out of the ark?

What keeps the seas from overflowing their boundaries and flooding the earth?

2010-09-20T07:41:00.001-07:00

Did Noah take mosquitoes on the ark?

It is unlikely that Noah took any insects on the ark, for he was to take two of every animal with the “breath of life” in it. In Genesis 7:22 it is clear that the animals that died were those with “the breath of life in its nostrils.” Since insects breathe through their abdomens, they do not fit in this category, therefore they may have survived the flood on their own. Many insect eggs can live for long periods of time in water.

2010-09-13T08:05:00.001-07:00

If God created everything perfect, why are there poisonous plants and animals?

Before the Fall of Man, there were no poisonous plants and animals. But sin brought a curse to all the earth, a curse that brought pain and death to living creatures, and that also affected the plants. Thorns and thistles appeared—these are things that were not in existence before the curse (Genesis 3:18). The serpent was altered as punishment for its part in man’s sin (Genesis 3:14). Sin’s effect on the whole world brought about many changes to the perfection that once existed.

2010-09-07T07:40:00.003-07:00

FAQ’s about Creation

Don’t fossils prove that dinosaurs lived millions of years before man did?

Evidence of humans and dinosaurs living together has been found in the fossil record. For instance, human & dinosaur footprints have been found together in many places in the world. This matches the biblical account that states, “all the creatures that move along the ground” were created on Day 6, the same day that God created man.

2010-08-30T07:38:00.001-07:00

Children’s Ministry This Week

God Created Man
When God created man, he made him in the likeness of God. He created them male & female and blessed them. And … he called them “man”. Genesis 5:1,2

Don’t the fossils show a clear pattern of men evolving from apes?

The fossils show no such thing. The only place you find a line of creatures gradually changing from an ape to a man is in pictures in books, not in any physical evidence. In fact, all of the so-called “links” between apes and men have been proven to be either hoaxes or misinterpreted evidence. For example:

*Neanderthal man was identical to modern humans but with a bad case of rickets

*Ramapithecus was later found to be no more than an extinct ape, not a link.

*Nebraska man was nothing more than a tooth that was later found to have come from a pig.

*Java man is now regarded as completely human.

*Australopithecus africanus is now considered to be completely ape-like.

*Peking man has been reclassified as completely human.

Similarities between men and apes does not prove evolution. To illustrate: Compare the similarities between a Porsche and a Volkswagen. Why do these cars have so many similarities? Because they were made by the same designer. Similarity in design points to one Designer, God, as opposed to many designers.

2010-08-23T06:39:00.000-07:00

Raising a Modern Day Knight

Knights embodied a well-defined set of ideals. Many knights sincerely adhered to and embraced a moral code of honor. They pledged themselves to their lord, their kind, and their God.

One historian writes:

Honor was the shrine at which the knight worshipped: it implied renown, good conduct, and the world’s approval. The “word of honor” was the most solemn oath the knight knew, and this alone became the reason for the most extravagant exploits.”

2010-08-23T06:38:00.001-07:00

Raising a Modern Day Knight

Three critical points on how to help your son go into manhood:
1. Deliver to your son a clear, inspiring, biblically grounded definition of manhood.
2. Give your son a directional process in order to embrace the manhood that is defined.
3. Commemorate your son’s progress with a ceremony.

2010-08-20T07:47:00.001-07:00

We're studying genesis. This week - God Created Birds & Animals

Questions to ponder:

Don't fossils prove that dinosaurs lived millions of years before man did?

Evidence of humans and dinosaurs living together has been found in the fossil record. For instance, human and dinosaur footprints have been found together in many places in the world. This matches the biblical account which states that "all the creatures that move along the ground" were created on Day 6, the same day that God created man.

Did birds evolve from dinosaurs?

This theory is receiving tremendous support from some scientists and science magazines, but not all evolutionists agree with it. Here are some of the problems:

Scales and feathers are made of different material. And what good are scales that are in the midst of evolving? They are no use for protection and cannot yet help the animal to fly. If such a mutation took place, the animal would not live long.

Birds have no bladder

Birds have hollow bones

Birds have a much stronger heart that beats at a much faster rate.

2010-08-02T05:54:00.000-07:00

This Week in Children's Ministry

We'll be studying in Genesis - Creation

2010-05-24T05:18:00.001-07:00

This Week in Children's Ministry: Worship God

2010-05-16T05:47:00.001-07:00

Evangelism

“They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke God’s word without fear.

Acts 4:31

2010-05-10T07:05:00.001-07:00

This Week in Children's Ministry

Evangelism

Verse: They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke God's Word without fear.

Acts 4:31

2010-03-21T06:23:00.001-07:00

Creation

Land formations appear to be very old. Doesn’t this prove evolution?

How old was Adam on the day he was created? Technically, he was only one day old. But did he appear to be one day old? No, he probably appeared to be in his twenties, or at least a young man. God created him complete and able to live in his environment. When God created a tree on Day 3, that tree might have appeared to be several hundred years old because it was fully formed at the moment it was created. In the same way, the land formations might have appearance of great age when they are actually very young.

Many land formations, such as Ayers Rock in Australia, actually show evidence that they are younger than evolutionists claim. Over time, the earth wears down through the processes of erosion. Like the waters of the sea tumbling rocks and making them smooth and round, the particles that make up Ayers Rock should also be smooth and rounded if the rock is as old as evolutionists say it is. But the evidence shows that the particles in the rock are rough and jagged, indicating a young age.

Creation

2010-03-08T06:50:00.001-08:00

Has science proven that evolution has occurred?

No, but many scientists would like you to think so. The truth is that their dating methods, such as caron-14 and potassium-argon, are based on false assumptions and therefore give many false results. Also many scientists do not believe in God, therefore they cannot accept the idea that God created everything. Even when the evidence points toward creation, they feel they must make the evidence fit with their preconceived evolutionary theories.

For example, evolution claims that life arose from nonlife, yet one of the most established laws of science is the Law of Biogenesis, which states that life can only come from life. Also—the missing link is still missing.

Can creation or evolution be proved?

Both creation or evolution cannot be proved scientifically, for that method only deals with what can be observed and experimented. No matter of history can be proved scientifically. For instant you cannot scientifically prove that you ate eggs and ham yesterday, unless it was video recorded.

Can you believe in the biblical account of creation and also in evolution?

You cannot believe in evolution the way that evolutionist say it happened and still believe that the Bible is the infallible Word of God, for those two things are polar opposites. Consider, for example, Genesis 1:20 and 1:24—birds were created before land animals, such as reptiles. Yet according to evolution, reptiles came first and gradually evolved into birds. You cannot believe both these statements at the same time.

2010-03-01T07:28:00.000-08:00

Tips on how to make a happy home

By Godswill and Oluchi Israel

(Nigeria Children’s Pastors)

Make the home the central attraction by developing and manifesting love for God and for one another.
Make Christ the centre of your home.
Establish daily family devotions e.g. prayers at meals, quiet times, fellowship times. etc.
Attend church regularly and punctually with your children
Help your children to find God for themselves as early as possible
Maintain discipline in the home by living a clean, pure and wholesome Christian life.
Trust the children by giving them responsibilities and also see that they carry them out in love.
keep your children busy through home responsibilities.
Show interest in your children. Talk, joke and play with them.

2010-02-22T07:02:00.001-08:00

“You and your Child” by Charles Swindol

Rules for Raising Delinquent Children

Begin with infancy to give the child everything he wants. In this way he will grow up to believe the world owes him a living.

When he picks up bad words, laugh at him. This will make him think he’s cute.

Never give him any spiritual training. Wait until he is 21 and then let him “decide for himself.”

Avoid use of the word “wrong”. It may develop a guilt complex. This will condition him to believe later, when he is arrested for stealing a car, that society is against him and he is being persecuted.

Pick up everything he leaves lying around. Do everything for him so that he will be experienced in throwing all responsibility on others.

Take his part against neighbors, teachers and policemen. They are all prejudiced against your child

When he gets into real trouble, apologize for yourself by saying, “I never could do anything with him.”

Prepare for a life of grief. You will be likely to have it.

2010-02-15T07:11:00.000-08:00

Tips on how to make a happy home

By Godswill and Oluchi Israel

(Nigeria Children’s Pastors)

Make the home the central attraction by developing and manifesting love for God and for one another.
Make Christ the centre of your home.
Establish daily family devotions e.g. prayers at meals, quiet times, fellowship times. etc.
Attend church regularly and punctually with your children.
Help your children to find God for themselves as early as possible,
Maintain discipline in the home by living a clean, pure and wholesome Christian life.
Trust the children by giving them responsibilities and also see that they carry them out in love.
Keep your children busy through home responsibilities.
Show interest in your children. Talk, joke and play with them.

Funny

2010-02-01T10:28:00.001-08:00

The Cowboy Boots (Funny)

(Anyone who has ever dressed a child will love this one!) .

Did you hear about the Texas teacher who was helping one of her kindergarten students put on his cowboy boots?

He asked for help and she could see why .

Even with her pulling and him pushing, the little boots still didn't want to go on. By the time they got the second boot on, she had worked up a sweat. .

She almost cried when the little boy said, 'Teacher, they're on the wrong feet.' She looked, and sure enough, they were. It wasn't any easier pulling the boots off than it was putting them on. She managed to keep her cool as together they worked to get the boots back on, this time on the right feet. .

He then announced, 'These aren't my boots.'

She bit her tongue rather than get right in his face and scream, 'Why didn't you say so?' like she wanted to. Once again, she struggled to help him pull the ill-fitting boots off his little feet. No sooner had they gotten the boots off when he said, 'They're my brother's boots. My mom made me wear 'em. '

Now she didn't know if she should laugh or cry. But, she mustered up what grace and courage she had left to wrestle the boots on his feet again.

Helping him into his coat, she asked, 'Now, where are your mittens?'

He said, 'I stuffed 'em in the toes of my boots.'

2010-01-25T07:13:00.001-08:00

More—Breaking the Code
Of Internet & Texting Lingo

MYOB– Mind Your Own Business
NOYB– None of Your Business
WAJ– What a Jerk
2G2BT– Too Good Too Be True
IOMH– In Over My Head
BRD– Bored
IDK– I don’t Know
DKDC– Don’t Know, Don’t Care
IMO– In My Opinion
AFAIK– As Far As I Know
NM– Never Mind
BTW- By The Way
FYI– For Your Information
FWIW– For What It’s Worth

BRB– Be Right Back
AFK– Away From Keyboard
LOL– Laughing Out Loud
ROTFL– Rolling on the Floor Laughing
K– Okay
J/K– Just Kidding
SLAP– Sounds Like a Plan
PLZ-Please
TY or THW– Thank you; Thanks
YW– You’re Welcome
NP– No Problem
G2G– Got To Go
BFN– Bye For Now
TTFN– Ta Ta For Now
LBR– Later
CYA– See You (Later)
CYT– See You Tomorrow

2010-01-18T07:50:00.000-08:00

Breaking the Code
Of Internet & Texting Lingo
POS—Parent Over Shoulder
PAW– Parents Are Watching
P911– Parents in Room (Alert)
AITR– Parents in Room
TPTB– The Powers That Be
KPC– Keeping Parents Clueless

A/S/L– Age/Sex/location
MorF– Male or Female
BFF– Best Friends Forever
BMAY-Between Me and You
LUV U—Love You
LYSO– Love You So Much
TOY– Thinking of You
H&K– Hugs and Kisses
QT– Cutie

ADDY– Address
A3– Anytime, Anywhere, Anyplace
WH5– Who, What, When Where, Why?
F2F—Face to Face
IRL– In Real Life
WK– Week
WKD– Weekend
2Nite– Tonight
OMW– On My Way

WRUD-What Are You Doing?
RUOK-Are You OK?
PTB– Please Text Back
DKU– Do I Know You?
TMI– Too Much Information
411– Information

2010-01-11T06:38:00.001-08:00

“Parenting is like having a bowling alley in your head.” Comedian Martin Mull

10 Tips for Stress-less parenting by Brenda Nixon

1. All kids can and do misbehave.
2. There are no perfect kids.
3. There are no perfect parents
4. Parenting is a short season of your life.
5. Physical affection is therapeutic; give and receive hugs.
6. See humor (somewhere) in each situation.
7. Take a break. Exercise, listen to soothing music, read a passage in the Bible, or enjoy a cup of coffee.
8. Talk to other parents to ease frustration.
9. Overlook some behaviors
10. Take comfort in knowing that the Perfect Parent is available to help you. He has children who are out of control, too.

2010-01-01T06:06:00.001-08:00

Parenting with a Purpose
By Godswill & Oluchi Israel
(Children’s Pastors from Nigeria, Africa)

A plant cultured and nurtured to grow vertically, will not grow horizontally except where the conditions made for its growing vertically is hampered on or changed. To avoid this, the farmer has to always check on the plant constantly and by so doing monitor and correct any anomalous in the growing behavior of the young plant.
It has been discovered, by educationists in the field of child development, that most of a child’s life formation is made within ages 0 and 12 (Nurman 1966). This has been tested over some periods of time, and even presently, it is observed to be true. With the afore-mentioned ages, the child is very much reliable on his parents or guardian. The child expects to be fed with all that he needs to be readily useful and acceptable in the society.

2009-12-28T04:44:00.001-08:00

GOD
As being taught to a PreschoolerThe preschooler needs to know that God loves him. God wants us to love others and be kind to them. I can talk to God. God wants us to tell others about Him. These are truths that are conveyed to the child by speaking of God and relating to the preschooler in a warm and loving manner.Preschoolers need to sense Gods love and care in their daily lives. The child needs to associate God with happy experiences.
JESUS
As being taught to a PreschoolerThe preschooler learns that Jesus was a baby; He grew to be a boy and then a man. Jesus is Gods Son. Jesus loves every person. Jesus helped people. Jesus had friends who loved Him. Jesus wants people to love and help others. The preschooler needs to associate the name of Jesus with feelings of love and happiness. The child needs to hear his parents speak the name of Jesus in a loving way. Repeatedly tell the child Jesus loves him. Talk about Jesus as a friend and helper.

2009-12-21T08:19:00.001-08:00

Talking with Preschoolers
Young preschoolers have a limited vocabulary and limited understanding. Much of the communication with preschoolers is non-verbal. The tone of voice, facial expression, and body stance tells the child if an adult is tense, relaxed, angry, happy, or joyful. The preschooler needs to hear the name of Jesus spoken in loving ways. When the body language of the adult matches the words spoken, the child knows the words are true. Even though the infants or toddlers may not understand everything that is said, they need to begin hearing about God and Jesus from an early age. Tell an infant that God made him. Talk in a gentle voice. Smile when talking about God. Sing a song about God to a toddler. Clap the rhythm of the words from a Bible thought with a one-year-old. Let the child hear words of thanks to God.
A preschooler is not able to think in terms of symbolism. For the child to comprehend, the words have to relate to something the child already knows. This is why preschoolers do not understand figures of speech. They do not yet have the mental capability to think in abstract phrases.
Avoid using terms such as the, “House of God”. A preschooler would know this as church. Use words that do not have symbolic meaning. The preschooler thinks in the here and now. A child will understand the phrase, “Tell others about Jesus,” much more than “shine your light on the world.”

2009-12-14T08:07:00.001-08:00

Strong Willed Children
What’s a parent to do when their child is bound and determined to have their “way”?
1st—Establish clear boundaries
2nd - Maintain those boundaries
Parents need to put prayer and thought into what their children’s boundaries are. Then those boundaries should be communicated clearly to the children. Children will test those boundaries. Those rules must not change when tested. Now, as a child grows older the boundaries may be adjusted. A teen can be included in the discussion of boundaries. Once the boundaries are established then maintain the rules.

2009-12-07T05:31:00.001-08:00

When a Child has a Nightmare

Tip from Dr. James Dobson talking to parents of children who have nightmares.
Teach your child that when they have bad dreams, it's like watching a bad movie on TV. If they don't like
how the story is going, they can pick up the remote control and change the channel. While they are
sleeping they can actually change their dream to end the way they want it to. They can "pick up a remote control" in their dreams and change the channel to something they like better.

Now as strange as that seems, I personally have done it. Because I keep Jesus fresh in my thoughts, I call out to Him when a dream becomes a nightmare and our children can do the same.
Pastor Randy

2009-11-23T07:43:00.001-08:00

Prayer & Children
“The gift of prayer is the greatest inheritance we can give our children,” writes Denise George in Kids Can Talk to God. “By teaching them to pray, we help them develop a natural, conversational relationship with God that will grow as they mature in their faith.” Teachers and parents can model prayer by talking to God throughout their daily experiences.

Like Bible stories that are told, the prayers spoken should relate to the experiences of the child. When prayers relate to the child’s activities he comes to view prayer as an important part of his life. Find opportunities during daily activities to pray with your child. Use, short, simple sentences in prayers.

2009-11-16T07:53:00.000-08:00

From the book:
Postmodern Children’s Ministry

The magnificent and untainted imagination of young children draws them toward the stories of the Bible. They are easily persuaded to wonder about the power, love, and mysteries of God. And they believe everything we tell them. So those of us entrusted with the soul care of young children need to work at introducing them to their loving Creator God. We need to acquaint them with God through ritual, story, community, and church tradition, helping them understand all this in a concrete and literal way.

Young children think concretely and literally. They can’t understand abstract concept unless it is continually and intentionally linked with a concrete action or object.
Remember love is abstract.

2009-11-02T06:29:00.001-08:00

Preschoolers
Book: Postmodern Children’s Ministry

As a child moves into the later preschool years, his faith goes through a stage James Fowler describes as Intuitive-Projective. The preschool child lives in a world of unrestrained imagination. He has very little concept of the logic of things and the world around him. These two aspects of the child’s intellectual and affective development greatly influence his spiritual development. The stories, symbols, and gestures of faith form long-lasting emotional impressions that can have an almost indelible imprint on the child’s later understanding of faith, God, and spirituality. Exposing children to the history and rhythms of the church year, the rituals of worship and community, and the stories of God’s redemptive work in the world and God’s specific work in our lives builds a foundation for positive faith development.

2009-09-21T07:08:00.001-07:00

From the Book: The Parent you want to be by Drs. Les & Leslie Parrott

The Undeniable Importance of Being a Connected Parent

Dr. Nick Stinnett is one of the nation’s leading clinical researchers in identifying what makes strong families. He has compiled the largest database on strong families in the world.
After interviewing thousands of successful families, Stinnett have isolated 6 consistent marks of what he terms a “fantastic family.” The number one mark of such a family is that the parents choose to make an unconditional commitment to each child. In Stinnett’s words, “Members of strong families are dedicated to promoting each other’s welfare and happiness. They express their commitment to one another—not just in words, but through choosing to invest time and energy. Their commitment to each other is active and obvious.

2009-09-07T07:03:00.001-07:00

From the Book, “Help my Kids are Hurting”
By Marv Penner

Kids will decide whom they’ll trust with their deepest pain.
Kids need non parental adults to help them navigate the realities of their complicated adolescent world. Formal systems to deal with kids at risk have been established in many communities. Guidance counselors in schools, Social Workers, toll-free crisis lines, after-school programs, and counseling centers invite hurting kids to tell their stories. But when a kid really hurts, he longs for a relationship with someone who cares about him on a personal level—someone who knows his name and is available outside of office hours. Kids share their lives with people who’ve taken the time to prove their trustworthiness. They don’t care about the education, certification, or experience of the people they choose to trust. They just need to know those people care.

2009-08-18T08:20:00.000-07:00

From the book: HELP my kids are hurting

The deepest hurts most kids feel is relational

Neither the chaos of adolescent transitions nor the bizarre circumstances in which kids often find themselves are what wounds kids the most. No, the deepest wounds happen when the people they count on fail to honor that extended trust. When a person who is supposed to provide safety and support walks away and leaves kids on their own, they feel most deeply hurt. We are talking about abandonment—relational, emotional, and at times even physical abandonment. This generation has been left to care for itself. Unfortunately, the deepest betrayal of trust kids experience is often family based. And even more upsetting, in too many cases a kid loses his relationship with his dad. Kids need people in their lives whom they can count on—no matter what. In the absence of trustworthy people, they’re often left to do whatever they must in order to survive. That can lead to all kinds of destructive and dangerous choices.

Weekly Bulletin

2009-08-10T08:25:00.000-07:00

Question: What does a parent do if they have a very shy boy?

According to the New York Longitudinal Study, approximately 15 per cent of babies are somewhat quiet and passive in the nursery. That feature of their temperaments tends to be persistent throughout childhood and beyond. They may be very spontaneous or funny when they are comfortable at home. When they are with strangers, however their tongues are trust into their cheeks and they don’t know what to say. Some kids are like this because they have been hurt or rejected in the past. The more likely explanation is that they were born that way.

Here is Dr. Dobson’s answer:
My advice to you is to go with the flow. Accept your child just the way he is made. Then look for those special qualities that give your boy individuality and potential. Nurture him. Cultivate him. And then give him time to develop into his own unique personality like no other human being on earth.

From the book, “Bringing Up Boys”

Boys & Girls

2009-08-04T08:07:00.000-07:00

Canadian psychologist Barbara Morrongiello studied the different ways boys and girls think about risky behavior. Females, she said, tend to think hard about whether or not they could get hurt, and they are less likely to plunge ahead if there is any potential for injury. Boys, however, will take a chance if they think the danger is worth the risk. Impressing their friends (and eventually girls) is usually considered worth the risk. Morrongiello shared a story about a mother whose son climbed on the garage roof to retrieve a ball. When she asked him if he realized he could fall, he said, “Well, I might not.”

A related study by Licette Peterson confirmed that girls are more fearful than boys are. For example, they brake sooner when riding their bikes. They react more negatively to pain and try not to make the same mistake twice. Boys, on the other hand, are slower to learn from calamities. They tend to think that their injuries were caused by “bad luck.” Maybe their luck will be better next time. Besides, scars are cool.

Dr Dobson tells a story of his own childhood

his book, “Bringing up Boys,” I mixed some bright blue chemicals in a test tube and corked it tightly. Then I began heating the substance with a Bunsen burner. Very soon, the thing exploded. My parents had just finished painting the ceiling of my room a stark white. It was soon decorated with the most beautiful blue stuff, which remained splattered there for years.

2009-07-27T05:56:00.001-07:00

Bulletin for 7/26/09

2009-07-20T07:52:00.000-07:00

Monday, July 20, 2009

2009-06-22T06:03:00.000-07:00

From the Book, “Postmodern Children’s Ministry

The Independent Years

As children grow out of infancy and into the toddler years, they begin to eagerly explore the world. This innate curiosity joins with their burgeoning physical and intellectual abilities to push them into the next stage or crises, Autonomy vs Shame and Doubt. As he grows increasingly independent of his parents, the toddler’s battle cries become, “Me do it” and “No.”. For a child to successfully navigate this crisis, he must come to feel good about his newfound ability to master tasks like getting dressed, using the toilet, and feeding himself rather than feel ashamed or unsure of his ability to learn and execute new and necessary skills. Adults who praise and celebrate the child age-appropriate attempts at independence help him build a sense of competency. The parent who stifles or belittles a toddler’s attempts at independence will cast the pall of shame and doubt over the child’s efforts at conquering his little piece of the world.
Because a toddler’s desire for independence often runs headlong into his parents’ desire to keep him safe, healthy, and dressed, these are the years when discipline becomes an issue. The way a child is disciplined has a tremendous impact on this crisis of autonomy. The parent who expects behavior beyond the child’s developmental ability or offers harsh punishment of misbehavior can damage the child’s spirit and cause the child to lose confidence. The parent who sets appropriate and consistent expectations for a child’s behavior and who follows up with appropriate, loving, and consistent consequences helps a child develop a sense of accomplishment.

The Independent Years

2009-05-29T12:37:00.001-07:00

Preschoolers & the Bible

2009-05-29T12:35:00.000-07:00

Preschoolers & the Bible

One aspect of telling preschoolers of God is in using the bible with them. Preschoolers need to sense that the Bible is a special book. They need to see adults using the Bible in their daily lives. Preschoolers need to have opportunities to hold the Bible and turn the pages as they see the printed words. Teachers can use the Bible by showing a preschooler a verse and saying, “This is where the Bible says that God loves me.” Hold the Bible in your lap or within reach of preschoolers. Show how to handle the Bible in a careful manner. Express to the child that the Bible is a special book.

As the preschoolers attention span grows, he is able to listen to the stories of the Bible. Telling these stories is a way of sharing the biblical message with preschoolers. Bruce Powers lists telling and retelling the biblical story as a basic action in passing on faith. The Bible tells of God and His Son, Jesus. It tells of His creation and His works in the world. The Bible depicts our rich heritage of those who have gone before us in faith in God. Young children need to hear these stories over and over again.
From the book: The Hurt that they Feel.

Victorious Living

2009-05-29T12:34:00.001-07:00

Victorious Living
We have launched the KIDS in Victory series and focused on helping the children understand that we truly share in Christ’s victory. It’s easy to say, yet it’s a subject that adults grapple with too. Often, our daily situations and pressures pull us down and make us feel defeated. We can go from a Sunday sermon, walking in the victory that Christ won for us, to a crushing Monday-morning drive, pondering the load we carry.
Nonetheless, we do share Christ’s victory. We fully share in His victory whether we feel it or not. It’s our responsibility to walk it out. Can you imagine an Olympic athlete winning a gold medal and then being too discouraged to walk forward and accept his award? Our place is with Christ in the victory circle. He went to the cross, paid for the sins of mankind and has won the victory over death and Satan. Moving ourselves into the victory circle is a matter of growing in faith; what you believe does make a difference.
Victorious living is putting our faith into action and overcoming doubt, as Thomas did.
Do you need proof today? Reach out to Jesus. Put you life in His hands, and allow Him to help you walk in victory.

Dee Dah Day Dance

2009-05-29T12:33:00.001-07:00

Dee Dah Day

John Ortberg writes about his children.
Sometime ago I was giving a bath to our very young children. Johnny was still in the bath tub and Laura was in her pajamas. Mallory was out of the water, but was doing what has come to be known in our family as the Dee Dah Day dance.

On this particular occasion, John was irritated. “Mallory, hurry!” John prodded. So she did—she began running in circles faster and faster and chanting “dee dah day” more rapidly. “No, Mallory, that’s not what I mean! Stop with the dee dah day stuff, and get over here so I can dry you off. Hurry!”

Then she asked a profound question: “Why?”

John had no answer. I had nowhere to go, nothing to do, no meeting to attend, no sermons to write. I was just so used to hurrying, so preoccupied with my own little agenda, so trapped in this rut of moving from one task to another, that here was life, here was joy, here was an invitation to the dance right in front of me—and I was missing it.

So I got up, and Mallory and I did the Dee Dah Day dance together.

Personal note: Next time the Dee Dah Day dance presents itself, let dance with all our might. Lets slow down and enjoy our children.

Why not to mess with Kids

2009-05-25T04:29:00.000-07:00

A Kindergarten teacher was observing her classroom of children while they were drawing. She would occasionally walk around to see each child’s work.

As she got to one little girl who was working diligently, she asked what the drawing was.

The girl replied, “I’m drawing God.”

The teacher paused and said, “But no one knows what God looks like.”
Without missing a beat, or looking up from her drawing the little girl said, “They will in a minute.”

t

2009-05-15T04:56:00.000-07:00

Parenting Insight You Can Use Now
Many parents use a simple behavior modification approach to raise their children. If you get your homework done, then you can go out and play. If you clean your room, then you can watch a video.
Unfortunately children trained this way often develop a What's in it for me? mentality. If I don't get something out of it, why should I obey?
God is concerned with more than behavior. He's interested in the heart. The heart contains motivations, emotions, convictions, and values. A heart-based approach to parenting looks deeper. Parents still require children to finish their homework and clean up their rooms but it's the inner motivation and character that they're addressing.
A heart-based approach shares values and reasons behind rules. It requires more dialogue, helping children understand how their hearts are resistant and need to develop cooperation. A heart-based approach is firm but also relational. It's a mindset on the part of parents that looks for heart moments that then bring about significant change.
As you consider your children, remember the words that God said to Samuel, Man looks at the outward appearance but the Lord looks on the heart.
This concept is explained more fully of the book, Parenting is Heart Work, by Dr. Scott Turansky

Mom of the Bible

2009-05-11T06:56:00.001-07:00

JOCHEBED
Mother of Aaron, Moses, and Miriam
If there was ever a mom whose life would have made a great screenplay for a Lifetime for Women movie it would be Jochebed. You just have to give it up for her and the midwives who, in their act of civil disobedience, allowed Moses to be born. Those midwives, when asked by the pharaoh why they were not killing the boy babies as commanded, replied that the Hebrew women were “too vigorous” and popped those babies out before they could get there! Thus baby Moses was born but had to be sent down the river (literally) with his sister serving as lookout, only to be pulled out of the water by the pharaoh’s daughter, who secured the services of Moses’ biological mom to nanny him. Talk about movie script material! Oh wait. They’ve already done that. Anyway, Moses’ mom shows us that the determination and ingenuity of a desperate mother can result in surprising circumstances. Oh, the places you’ll go!
By Anita Renfroe

Reason Why Not to Mess with Kids

2009-05-04T05:33:00.001-07:00

A little girl was talking to her teacher about whales.
The teacher said it was physically impossible for a whale to swallow a human because even though it was a very large mammal its throat was very small.The little girl stated that Jonah was swallowed by a whale.Irritated, the teacher reiterated that a whale could not swallow a human; it was physically impossible.The little girl said, When I get to heaven I will ask Jonah.The teacher asked, What if Jonah went to hell?The little girl replied, Then you ask him.

e

2009-04-27T06:32:00.000-07:00

Everything in Perspective

One day a little girl was sitting and watching her mother do the dishes at the kitchen sink. She suddenly noticed that her mother had several strands of white hair stick out in contrast on her brunette head.

She looked at her mother and inquisitively asked, “Why are some of your hairs white, Mom?”

Her mother replied, “Well, every time that you do something wrong and make me cry or unhappy, one of my hairs turns white.”

The little girl thought about this revelation for a while and then asked, “Mommy how come All of grandma’s hairs are white?”

A Childs Viewpoint

2009-04-20T04:14:00.001-07:00

Children see painful and scary procedures as exactly thatpainful and scary. They dont care whether the shot will help them or not. They dont want it because it hurts. Rather than respond with logic, give comfort and presence. Of course youll explain that the purpose of the procedure is to help your child get better, but focus on helping him through the experience.

The Lovable Child

2009-04-06T04:30:00.001-07:00

The Lovable child
By Emilie Poulsson
Frisky as a lambkin, Busy as a bee -Thats the kind of little girl People like to see
Modest as a violet, As a rosebud sweet - Thats the kind of little girl People like to meet.
Bright as a diamond, Pure as any pearl -Everyone rejoices in Such a girl.
Happy as a robin, Gentle as a dove -Thats the kind of little girl Everyone will love.
Fly away and seek her, Little song of mineFor I choose that very girl As my Valentine.

2009-03-30T04:49:00.000-07:00

From the Book: Postmodern Childrens Ministry
Infants
I believe the spiritual formation of the child begins as birth, at the very earliest (see Psalms 139). It may be positive or negative, but it is never neutral. In fact, Fowler believes infancy is a crucial foundational stage for all later positive faith development. Naturally, an infant has no concept of a world larger than himself and certainly no concept of any kind of God or faith. Yet the way the infant is cared for during those early months of life has direct bearing on his ability to form a relationship with God and with others in the faith community to which he belongs.
by Ivy Beckwith

Children's Bulletin

2009-03-22T14:24:00.001-07:00

Should You Have Disagreements in Front of the Children?

Parental modeling of respectful disagreements can be a powerful and useful life lesson for children to observe, provided that a few cautions are kept in mind:

Consider your audience. The children should be old enough to comprehend what you are talking about and emotionally mature enough to grasp the concept that you can disagree with someone whom you deeply love and respect. Preschoolers and early grade-school children can become terrified by the thought that Mom and Dad dont like each other and may misinterpret a spirited parental exchange as the unraveling of their world. They probably should rarely, if ever, witness a serious parental disagreement.

2009-03-15T18:07:00.000-07:00

Story to tell your child about anger
Genghis Khan was a great king and warrior. He led his army into China and Persia, and he conquered many lands. One morning when he was home from the wars, he rode out into the woods to have a day of sport. Many of his friends were with him. All day long Genghis and his huntsmen rode though the woods. They didn't find the game they were looking for.
On the way home Genghis separated from the group and took a passage that was a little longer. His pet hawk had left his wrist and flown away. Genghis was thirsty and decided to stop at a spring. He jumped down from his horse. He took a little silver cup from his hunting bag. He held it so as to catch the slowly falling drops. It took a long time to fill the cup; and the king was so thirsty that he could hardly wait. At last the cup was full. He put it to his lips, and was about to take a drink.All at once there was a whirring sound in the air, and the cup was knocked out of his hands. The water was all spilled upon the ground. The king looked to see who had done this thing. It was his pet hawk. The king again filled his cup, this time only half full. Again the hawk knocked the cup out of his hands.And now the king was very angry. He tried and for the third time the hawk kept him from drinking.Then he filled the cup again. But before he tried to drink he drew his sword. The next moment the hawk lay bleeding and dying on the ground. When he reached for his cup he found that it had fallen between two rocks. The king determined to have a drink climbed up the rocks only to find a dead poisonous snake had fallen in the water.The king stopped. He forgot his thirst. He thought only of the poor dead bird lying on the ground below him.The hawk saved my life! he cried, and how did I repay him? He was my best friend, and I have killed him.He took the bird, mounted his horse and rode home. He said to himself: I have learned a sad lesson today, and that is, never to do anything in anger.

Weekly Bulletin

2009-03-09T09:19:00.000-07:00

Emotional Development of Children by Focus on the family
1. Be purposeful in guiding your child's emotional life. Focus intentionally on his emotional needs. These needs are just as important as his cognitive, physical and spiritual needs.
2. Build a strong bond by spending quality time with your child. Experts agree that parents who interact regularly with their children beginning in infancy develop stronger bonds.
3. Stay emotionally in tune. Connect with your child on an emotional level. Attempt to understand what she is feeling. When she is happy, be happy for her; when she is sad, cry with her.
4. Model healthy emotional relating. Your children will mimic the way you handle emotions and the way you relate to others. By managing your own emotions in a positive way, your children will learn to do so as well.
5. Teach children how to handle negative emotions. Doing this well does not come naturally. Children need to be taught how to handle defeat, deal with conflict or be angry in a healthy way. Children who are taught these skills early are better able to handle negative feelings as adults.