This is NOT Family Week!
Awana Clubs tomorrow night at 6:30pm!
The Newsletter Blog for Parents at Prayer House Assembly of God. Keeping parents informed on current events and information concerning C.H.R.I.S.T WORKS Kids Ministries and providing parenting tips for all ages.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Sign up for KidZ BlaZt 2011!
Kidz Blazt 2011 is coming Feb. 25th & 26th!
Kidz Blazt is a conference for 3rd-6th grade boys and girls who want to know God better and learn to share Jesus with friends in fun ways. Kidz Blazt will take place at the Kalahari in Wisconsin Dells and will feature guest speaker, Pastor Brian Dollar (a.k.a. “Skittles”).
We will leave early Friday morning to enjoy a full day at the in-door water park and then attend the conference kick-off at 7:30pm followed by all the Saturday conference activities, returning home by 9pm Saturday night. Besides the sessions with Brian Dollar, there will be powerful worship and prayer time, small group time, and a choice of three workshops from a schedule of about 35 subjects/activities.
The cost will be $110 per child and includes gas, meals, registration, housing, & T-shirt. Registration & $25 is due by Dec. 15th with the balance due by Jan. 23rd.
See Pastor Kevin or Aimee for registration forms and questions.
Be Careful How You Handle Your Child's Pain
When children get hurt they need love and compassion. They need to know that they can come to Mom or Dad for comfort. But sometimes parents, in an attempt to show love to their children, end up compensating for the pain by withholding discipline.
When children experience pain or disappointment, they often become self-focused. That can be normal and healthy so that they seek help. However, some children overdo it and become demanding and even hurtful. Parents sometimes don't know how to respond. On the one hand they would normally discipline for this kind of behavior, but on the other hand, they want to be sensitive to the child and not heap on any more pain.
Jimmy doesn't get picked for a project at school and because he is disappointed, he starts treating his mom unkindly. Charissa sprains her ankle in soccer and becomes demanding, ordering people around to serve her. Children in these kinds of situations need comfort but they also need firm discipline to deal with the way they're relating to others.
This reminds me (Joanne) of what happens in the hospital with children who are seriously ill or who have been sick for a long time. Sometimes parents spoil their kids. They say to themselves, "This child has been through so much, I just can't discipline him." And that parent gives and gives and overlooks and overlooks and the child becomes more and more demanding and unhappy. That's not productive and it contributes to unhappy, unhealthy kids.
Remember that love doesn't just give but it also sets limits so that others can grow. When your child is feeling hurt or disappointed, empathize with and comfort your child. Comfort is important, but don't allow your child to be demanding or manipulative in the process. Point out the unacceptable behaviors and encourage a more helpful response such as gratefulness and peace.
Today's tip is from the CD series called Single Parenting: Bringing hope and practical help to single, blended, and reconstructed families by Dr. Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN.
When children experience pain or disappointment, they often become self-focused. That can be normal and healthy so that they seek help. However, some children overdo it and become demanding and even hurtful. Parents sometimes don't know how to respond. On the one hand they would normally discipline for this kind of behavior, but on the other hand, they want to be sensitive to the child and not heap on any more pain.
Jimmy doesn't get picked for a project at school and because he is disappointed, he starts treating his mom unkindly. Charissa sprains her ankle in soccer and becomes demanding, ordering people around to serve her. Children in these kinds of situations need comfort but they also need firm discipline to deal with the way they're relating to others.
This reminds me (Joanne) of what happens in the hospital with children who are seriously ill or who have been sick for a long time. Sometimes parents spoil their kids. They say to themselves, "This child has been through so much, I just can't discipline him." And that parent gives and gives and overlooks and overlooks and the child becomes more and more demanding and unhappy. That's not productive and it contributes to unhappy, unhealthy kids.
Remember that love doesn't just give but it also sets limits so that others can grow. When your child is feeling hurt or disappointed, empathize with and comfort your child. Comfort is important, but don't allow your child to be demanding or manipulative in the process. Point out the unacceptable behaviors and encourage a more helpful response such as gratefulness and peace.
Today's tip is from the CD series called Single Parenting: Bringing hope and practical help to single, blended, and reconstructed families by Dr. Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Thanksgiving Theme Night at Awana Clubs Tomorrow Night!!
REMINDER: This Wednesday we WILL have Awana clubs to make up for the week we missed last month because of the Missions Event. But to make it a special club night, we're having a THANKSGIVING THEME NIGHT! Help your kids to dress up as Pilgrims or Native Americans, or even turkeys for some fun (though remember that they still need to be able to play during game time so don't dress to restrictive). ALSO: EVERY CLUBBER WHO BRINGS A NOTE OF THANKSGIVING to give Ms. Aimee at check-in will earn an extra 100 points for their color team as well!
See you tomorrow night!
Monday, November 22, 2010
The World-Wide Flood has Gone and the Ice Age has Begun!
Did you know that the Ice Age was a result of the Catastrophic World-Wide Flood that was God's judgement on the World? Did you know that man was not given meat to eat until after the flood? Did you know that the flood was probably the cause of changed weather patterns, ocean temperatures, continental shifting, mountain ranges & canyons, and most of the fossil record that we see today? Have you ever connected the Ice Age with the time of the Patriarchs and realized that mammoths roamed the earth at that time and probably dinosaurs too?Well if not, you should ask your kids to tell you what they learned this last weekend in the CW Playhouse:Outback Adventure! Not only did they learn about Thanksgiving after the storms in life, but all of that great apologetics stuff too! So sit down with them this week and review their Road Map Take-home sheets with them. You should have some interesting discussion and open up a time of thanksgiving as well leading perfectly into the Holiday this weekend!
10 Things to Be Thankful For
In our life, we sometimes spend too much time complaining about the things we do not like or have. Today and every day we need to take time to be thankful for the blessings we do have. Take a look at this list of 10 things we are should be thankful for:
1.Thankful for family that raised us
We are all where we are today because our parents or guardians raised us. Hopefully, we have taken all the positive lessons from them and are applying them to our lives.
2.Thankful for the families we have
If you are married and have children, be thankful for the blessing of your family. If you are single, be thankful for your parents, aunts, uncles and grandparents.
3.Be thankful for friends
True friends encourage us, motivate us and push us to do better. Take time to call them and thank them for all the great things they have done. Show your gratitude by also being a great friend to others.
4.Be thankful for a roof over your head
If you have home, be thankful you have a place to rest and relax. Hopefully your home is also a place of safety and encouragement. Truly show you are thankful for your home by helping organizations who help those who have no homes.
5.Be thankful for laughter
Laughter is a gift from God which can bring great joy. Be thankful for the laughter of children, a spouse or friends.
6.Be thankful for a job
A job is a great blessing, whether we are happy in the job we are in or not. Take the time to list out reasons you are thankful for your job. If you find this hard, don’t look at your job just as a means to make money, but look at it as a way to help people.
7.Be thankful for the freedoms you have
We have so many freedoms other countries do not have and it has cost some men and women their lives. This freedom continues to cost others time away from family and bodily injuries. Take time today to say “thank you” to someone who helped or is helping protect those freedoms
8.Be thankful for those who have made a positive impact in your life
All of us have had people in our lives that have made a positive impact. It may be a teacher, coach, pastor, youth worker, Sunday school teacher, and, hopefully, family members. Be thankful these people were placed in your life and give to others as they have given to you.
9.Be thankful for nourishment
We should be thankful we have the opportunity to eat on a daily basis. If you have plenty, please show your thanks by helping to support agencies who try to care for the hungry.
10.Be thankful for your health
If you are reading this, you are probably a person in good health. Be thankful for that. However, there are probably people in your family and community not as fortunate. So take time to help them sometime this week.
1.Thankful for family that raised us
We are all where we are today because our parents or guardians raised us. Hopefully, we have taken all the positive lessons from them and are applying them to our lives.
2.Thankful for the families we have
If you are married and have children, be thankful for the blessing of your family. If you are single, be thankful for your parents, aunts, uncles and grandparents.
3.Be thankful for friends
True friends encourage us, motivate us and push us to do better. Take time to call them and thank them for all the great things they have done. Show your gratitude by also being a great friend to others.
4.Be thankful for a roof over your head
If you have home, be thankful you have a place to rest and relax. Hopefully your home is also a place of safety and encouragement. Truly show you are thankful for your home by helping organizations who help those who have no homes.
5.Be thankful for laughter
Laughter is a gift from God which can bring great joy. Be thankful for the laughter of children, a spouse or friends.
6.Be thankful for a job
A job is a great blessing, whether we are happy in the job we are in or not. Take the time to list out reasons you are thankful for your job. If you find this hard, don’t look at your job just as a means to make money, but look at it as a way to help people.
7.Be thankful for the freedoms you have
We have so many freedoms other countries do not have and it has cost some men and women their lives. This freedom continues to cost others time away from family and bodily injuries. Take time today to say “thank you” to someone who helped or is helping protect those freedoms
8.Be thankful for those who have made a positive impact in your life
All of us have had people in our lives that have made a positive impact. It may be a teacher, coach, pastor, youth worker, Sunday school teacher, and, hopefully, family members. Be thankful these people were placed in your life and give to others as they have given to you.
9.Be thankful for nourishment
We should be thankful we have the opportunity to eat on a daily basis. If you have plenty, please show your thanks by helping to support agencies who try to care for the hungry.
10.Be thankful for your health
If you are reading this, you are probably a person in good health. Be thankful for that. However, there are probably people in your family and community not as fortunate. So take time to help them sometime this week.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
After the Rain: The Post-Flood World & the Ice Age!
This week we wrap up our mini-series on Noah's Ark by taking a look at the POST-flood world and how a world-wide catastrophe with water would effect weather, animal life, life spans, rock-layers, even continental shifting! That means we'll be exploring the Ice Age this weekend as well as discussing how we should live spiritually AFTER THE RAIN, looking at the meaning of the Rainbow and God's new covenant with man.
Join Tasmania Jones and the History Hunters this weekend for more apologetics teaching in our Outback Adventure, Saturday night at 5:30pm and Sunday morning at 10am! (And don't forget that there is Sunday School for kids starting at 9am!)
Give Thanks
Age-specific ways to help your kids experience the meaning behind the celebration on Thanksgiving Day.
by Lynne M. Thompson
Sometimes it's a challenge to convince children that Thanksgiving Day is really not all about the food. Sure there's turkey, stuffing, gravy, cranberries, and pie. Oh yeah, don't forget the pie! But hidden inside this palate-driven holiday is an opportunity to teach the meaning behind the celebration. It is, after all, a day to remember God and give thanks.
The scriptures are filled with passages calling us to maintain a thankful heart. From Psalm 106:1, "Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good," to Paul's letter to the Thessalonians urging them to "give thanks in all circumstances" (5:18). It was this latter verse that sustained the Pilgrims, venturing to the New World, who ushered in the Thanksgiving Day celebration.
In the winter of 1620, Pilgrims, traveling by sea, settled at Plymouth, Massachusetts. They came for religious freedom — a desire to worship God and live according to Holy Scripture. But the country they found was bleak and uninviting, with several inches of snow already on the ground. Of the 102 passengers aboard the ship, the Mayflower, nearly half died during the first winter of the "great sickness." Yet, according to settler Edward Winslow, they were grateful to God for his provision in their lives. A year later, the group celebrated with a feast of thanksgiving.
So, this year as the guests arrive, in addition to a bountiful meal, try these fun-filled age-appropriate activities that will direct children, and adults, back to the true meaning of the holiday, and also create Thanksgiving Day memories that will last a lifetime.
Ages 0-3
For the very young, holidays are about the nurturing and extra attention received from grandparents and other close family and friends. Try to provide time for fun interaction, with songs and hymns that celebrate the season. Provide toddlers with some crayons and color books, and invite grandparents to color along. Be sure to include The Pumpkin Patch Parable, a picture book by Liz Curtis Higgs, for an after supper story time.
Ages 4-7
Make your young guests feel special when Thanksgiving dinner is served atop a custom-made tablecloth they designed. Break out the color crayons, or markers, and allow each child to draw their own artwork depicting a thankful day. Later, play a game of "Alphabet Thanks," where children draw from a bowl of letters, and then tell God thanks for something that begins with the letter they picked.
Ages 8-12
This age group is ready to put the spirit of thanksgiving into practice by canvassing their neighborhood, collecting canned food items for those in need. For fun on Thanksgiving Day, have this age group use a video camera to film their own home movie about giving thanks. Guests can be entertained as they view the finished work on the TV during dessert. Or, for the more musically minded, have the kids borrow the tune from their favorite pop or rap song and replace the lyrics with a seasonal message.
Age 13-18
This age is perfect for hands-on community service. Visit the local rescue mission or nearby retirement home, and have them pitch in by serving the holiday meal. Another fun idea is to invite these teens to compete in a pie-baking contest, with Gram and Gramps deciding the winning recipe.
All Ages
Ice Breakers are a fun way to get everyone talking. Write something to be thankful for on a small sheet of paper and tape it to the back of everyone who comes in the door. They must ask yes or no questions from other guests to guess what is written on the paper.
The scriptures are filled with passages calling us to maintain a thankful heart. From Psalm 106:1, "Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good," to Paul's letter to the Thessalonians urging them to "give thanks in all circumstances" (5:18). It was this latter verse that sustained the Pilgrims, venturing to the New World, who ushered in the Thanksgiving Day celebration.
In the winter of 1620, Pilgrims, traveling by sea, settled at Plymouth, Massachusetts. They came for religious freedom — a desire to worship God and live according to Holy Scripture. But the country they found was bleak and uninviting, with several inches of snow already on the ground. Of the 102 passengers aboard the ship, the Mayflower, nearly half died during the first winter of the "great sickness." Yet, according to settler Edward Winslow, they were grateful to God for his provision in their lives. A year later, the group celebrated with a feast of thanksgiving.
So, this year as the guests arrive, in addition to a bountiful meal, try these fun-filled age-appropriate activities that will direct children, and adults, back to the true meaning of the holiday, and also create Thanksgiving Day memories that will last a lifetime.
Ages 0-3
For the very young, holidays are about the nurturing and extra attention received from grandparents and other close family and friends. Try to provide time for fun interaction, with songs and hymns that celebrate the season. Provide toddlers with some crayons and color books, and invite grandparents to color along. Be sure to include The Pumpkin Patch Parable, a picture book by Liz Curtis Higgs, for an after supper story time.
Ages 4-7
Make your young guests feel special when Thanksgiving dinner is served atop a custom-made tablecloth they designed. Break out the color crayons, or markers, and allow each child to draw their own artwork depicting a thankful day. Later, play a game of "Alphabet Thanks," where children draw from a bowl of letters, and then tell God thanks for something that begins with the letter they picked.
Ages 8-12
This age group is ready to put the spirit of thanksgiving into practice by canvassing their neighborhood, collecting canned food items for those in need. For fun on Thanksgiving Day, have this age group use a video camera to film their own home movie about giving thanks. Guests can be entertained as they view the finished work on the TV during dessert. Or, for the more musically minded, have the kids borrow the tune from their favorite pop or rap song and replace the lyrics with a seasonal message.
Age 13-18
This age is perfect for hands-on community service. Visit the local rescue mission or nearby retirement home, and have them pitch in by serving the holiday meal. Another fun idea is to invite these teens to compete in a pie-baking contest, with Gram and Gramps deciding the winning recipe.
All Ages
Ice Breakers are a fun way to get everyone talking. Write something to be thankful for on a small sheet of paper and tape it to the back of everyone who comes in the door. They must ask yes or no questions from other guests to guess what is written on the paper.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Pictures from Passport to Compassion
Passport to Compassion was powerful this past Missions Weekend! If you missed it, you were spared a very eye-opening and convicting, hands-on event! Here are some pictures from it:
A video presentation about Milwaukee inner city ministry.
In the Bible Verse room a shepherd asks the kids to help him find his lost sheep.
Then the kids illustrate the story of Boaz's workers and the gleaners.
A video presentation about Milwaukee inner city ministry.
In the Bible Verse room a shepherd asks the kids to help him find his lost sheep.
Then the kids illustrate the story of Boaz's workers and the gleaners.
More Pictures from Passport to Compassion
Visitors were given play money to purchase what they need for their family...
But it wasn't much when they had to get groceries, housing, medical, and school supplies with it.
The Banquet was educational...
...and painful for some.
10 Ways to Reduce Family Fighting Over the Holidays
Time to give thanks for all our blessings? ‘Tis the season to be jolly? Somehow, it doesn’t always work out that way when it comes to families and holidays. These are the moments that are designed to bring us together, but more often tend to tear us further apart. It doesn’t have to be that way. Family harmony can be attained during the holidays and we’re going to help show you how. Really. Trust us. Try these tips out and ho, ho, hope they work!
1.Do Not Seek Perfection
The classic perfect image of the holidays: Fresh-fallen snow glistening outside and a roaring blaze crackling inside a giant, stone fireplace. Happy faces, hot chocolate and the gift that we always wanted. Reality? In most areas the snow comes from a can. Your three-year-old spilled the hot chocolate all over him and you. The wrapped box you have stared at for two weeks turned out to be a red tie with reindeers on it.
Perfect holidays only exist in movies and the afterlife. Here on earth, we need to lessen the expectations. Seeking the perfect holiday only creates a high level of stress for you and everyone involved. Let things happen naturally.
2.Reasons For The Seasons
Usually lost in the mix of the holiday rush are the actual reasons we are celebrating. We worry about family members that don’t get along. We stress over gift lists, budgets and menus. The tensions are so high that bickering and resentment become the featured guests at our gathering. Instead, try to maximize the importance of the holiday itself. The majority of holidays this time of year are faith based. Moments to reflect and display our appreciation for blessings that have been bestowed upon us. Focus on the reason and not the season.
3.Acceptance
We all have our opinions and we all think we are right. Your brother is bringing his third wife over for the family celebration. His first wife and the mother of his children will be there as well. Your Mom has left your father after 35 years and is dating a man 20 years younger. She will not come unless her new boyfriend is welcome. The simple truth is that none of these issues will be solved during this holiday. Try to keep your opinions in check and practice acceptance. No matter the family issue (and every family is full of them) put it aside at this special time. Declare your home a drama free zone for just this little bit of time.
4.Do Not Add Fuel To The Fire
The cup of hot cocoa is helping you relax and deal with the situation, but your mother-in-law has been secretly sneaking shots of bourbon on trips to the bathroom. Your brothers have been drinking beer since 10 am. All this adds up to a volatile explosive mix just waiting for the spark to ignite it. Booze almost always creates high drama, and adds fuel to an already hot fire. Despite the protests, you may need to tell your guests that alcohol will not be a part of your celebration.
5.Declare A Truce
Before the family gathering ever occurs, take preventive measures to reduce possible conflict. If you can, pinpoint the issues that are most likely to overtake center stage. Attempt to solve the problem(s) before the family gathers. If that isn’t possible, arrange a holiday truce to be in effect. Facing a little discomfort now is better than around the holiday dinner table.
6.Human Shields
Children have delicate ears and innocent hearts. Use this to your advantage. If guilt works to get the adults to shape up, then use that bullet without hesitation. Place the children in strategic locations throughout the entire celebration. Tongues will have to be held. Bad habits will be kept in check. Peace for the sake of the children will be declared. It might be sneaky but it works. (But MAKE SURE you know your family will respect the children, or DON'T USE THIS ONE!)
7.Sing-A-Long
Music calms even the most bitter of hearts. It might sound corny, but having the family gather to sing holiday classics is a perfectly brilliant idea. Consider yourself the pied piper. Whether around the piano, or a karaoke machine, get everyone involved in the singing. Smirks will be replaced with smiles. Laughter will begin to spread around the room. Music has remarkable abilities.
8.The Governor Has Issued a Pardon
It is time to forgive. You have fought with your sister for 10 years and nothing has been resolved. Issue a full and completely absolving pardon. Be the bigger person. Forgiveness can be the best gift you give this holiday! Use this season to begin a new and positive chapter in your family relationships.
9.Sometimes You Just Have To Laugh
Just like music, humor has astonishing abilities. Despite your best efforts to avoid it, a full-blown dramatic explosion has occurred right in your living room. Tears are flowing. The screaming match has begun. What are you going to do? First address both parties in a calm voice, then try to find something—anything—to get them to laugh. Once you can get them smiling and hopefully laughing, the tensions will wash away behind a tide of laughter. You haven’t solved the issue, but the drama bomb has been defused.
10.Give Thanks
In the bigger picture, isn’t it wonderful to even have a family? So many people are completely alone in this world. As your family sits around the table eating dry turkey, a man is huddled up behind a grocery store dumpster seeking scraps. A woman sits alone in the dark crying as addiction has destroyed her life. Children, orphaned and homeless, dream of what life must be like for children who have the things they so desperately miss. There, but for the grace of God, go I. Get on your knees and give thanks for this grace, and everything else will seem small in comparison.
1.Do Not Seek Perfection
The classic perfect image of the holidays: Fresh-fallen snow glistening outside and a roaring blaze crackling inside a giant, stone fireplace. Happy faces, hot chocolate and the gift that we always wanted. Reality? In most areas the snow comes from a can. Your three-year-old spilled the hot chocolate all over him and you. The wrapped box you have stared at for two weeks turned out to be a red tie with reindeers on it.
Perfect holidays only exist in movies and the afterlife. Here on earth, we need to lessen the expectations. Seeking the perfect holiday only creates a high level of stress for you and everyone involved. Let things happen naturally.
2.Reasons For The Seasons
Usually lost in the mix of the holiday rush are the actual reasons we are celebrating. We worry about family members that don’t get along. We stress over gift lists, budgets and menus. The tensions are so high that bickering and resentment become the featured guests at our gathering. Instead, try to maximize the importance of the holiday itself. The majority of holidays this time of year are faith based. Moments to reflect and display our appreciation for blessings that have been bestowed upon us. Focus on the reason and not the season.
3.Acceptance
We all have our opinions and we all think we are right. Your brother is bringing his third wife over for the family celebration. His first wife and the mother of his children will be there as well. Your Mom has left your father after 35 years and is dating a man 20 years younger. She will not come unless her new boyfriend is welcome. The simple truth is that none of these issues will be solved during this holiday. Try to keep your opinions in check and practice acceptance. No matter the family issue (and every family is full of them) put it aside at this special time. Declare your home a drama free zone for just this little bit of time.
4.Do Not Add Fuel To The Fire
The cup of hot cocoa is helping you relax and deal with the situation, but your mother-in-law has been secretly sneaking shots of bourbon on trips to the bathroom. Your brothers have been drinking beer since 10 am. All this adds up to a volatile explosive mix just waiting for the spark to ignite it. Booze almost always creates high drama, and adds fuel to an already hot fire. Despite the protests, you may need to tell your guests that alcohol will not be a part of your celebration.
5.Declare A Truce
Before the family gathering ever occurs, take preventive measures to reduce possible conflict. If you can, pinpoint the issues that are most likely to overtake center stage. Attempt to solve the problem(s) before the family gathers. If that isn’t possible, arrange a holiday truce to be in effect. Facing a little discomfort now is better than around the holiday dinner table.
6.Human Shields
Children have delicate ears and innocent hearts. Use this to your advantage. If guilt works to get the adults to shape up, then use that bullet without hesitation. Place the children in strategic locations throughout the entire celebration. Tongues will have to be held. Bad habits will be kept in check. Peace for the sake of the children will be declared. It might be sneaky but it works. (But MAKE SURE you know your family will respect the children, or DON'T USE THIS ONE!)
7.Sing-A-Long
Music calms even the most bitter of hearts. It might sound corny, but having the family gather to sing holiday classics is a perfectly brilliant idea. Consider yourself the pied piper. Whether around the piano, or a karaoke machine, get everyone involved in the singing. Smirks will be replaced with smiles. Laughter will begin to spread around the room. Music has remarkable abilities.
8.The Governor Has Issued a Pardon
It is time to forgive. You have fought with your sister for 10 years and nothing has been resolved. Issue a full and completely absolving pardon. Be the bigger person. Forgiveness can be the best gift you give this holiday! Use this season to begin a new and positive chapter in your family relationships.
9.Sometimes You Just Have To Laugh
Just like music, humor has astonishing abilities. Despite your best efforts to avoid it, a full-blown dramatic explosion has occurred right in your living room. Tears are flowing. The screaming match has begun. What are you going to do? First address both parties in a calm voice, then try to find something—anything—to get them to laugh. Once you can get them smiling and hopefully laughing, the tensions will wash away behind a tide of laughter. You haven’t solved the issue, but the drama bomb has been defused.
10.Give Thanks
In the bigger picture, isn’t it wonderful to even have a family? So many people are completely alone in this world. As your family sits around the table eating dry turkey, a man is huddled up behind a grocery store dumpster seeking scraps. A woman sits alone in the dark crying as addiction has destroyed her life. Children, orphaned and homeless, dream of what life must be like for children who have the things they so desperately miss. There, but for the grace of God, go I. Get on your knees and give thanks for this grace, and everything else will seem small in comparison.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
No Awana tonight - Clubs Cancelled for Passport to Compassion this Weekend!
Remember that there is NO AWANA CLUBS tonight due to the upcoming Passport to Compassion coming this weekend. The set-up for this monumental event has already begun and it's going to be AWESOME! Hope to see your family here on Friday night. This event will have a lot of stuff even for younger children and is sure to impact your family, so don't miss out!
This is also the beginning of family week this weekend, so there will be no CW Playhouse services. In fact, there is no SNS at all this weekend, but get ready for an incredible missions service on Sunday! God is going to impact lives!
Make Family Mealtime More Pleasant - Instill Healthy Habits in Your Kids
As a parent, your days are probably pretty stressful. You get the older kids off to school, run errands, keep the household running smoothly, and maintain your career. At the end of a hard day, you just want to relax and spend some quality time with your family.
But if you’re like most busy parents, relaxation time is nothing more than wishful thinking. As the house fills up again at night, there’s noise, tantrums, and disorganization, which seem to last until everyone falls asleep.
Mealtime, whether it’s breakfast together or a family dinner, doesn’t have to be as stressful as the rest of your day. Here are some tips to handle picky eaters, set an example of healthy eating (which children learn from their parents), and make your meals together a more positive experience:
* Try to serve food in a comfortable, relaxed, and unhurried atmosphere.
* Encourage a child’s participation in meal preparation (measuring, stirring, decoration, cutting and arranging)
* Food should be warm or cool, (not hot or cold); a child’s mouth is more sensitive than an adult’s
* Flavors should be mild, not spicy; a child has more taste buds than an adult
* If the child is able, give her a small, mini-shopping list to look for a few items on the lower shelves.
* Make sure the foods are nutritious and easy to handle.
* If you want to avoid waste, serve smaller portions. Don’t encourage overeating or fussy eaters by forcing a child to eat everything on the plate.
* Let your child learn to feed her or himself. Be patient. To ease the mess, put newspaper under the chair and have a towel ready to wipe up spills.
* Serve food with child-sized plates and cups.
* If possible, plan rest or quiet time before meals. A tired or overly excited child may be less hungry at mealtimes.
* When introducing a new food, try serving it during the same meal as a favorite food.
* Make pre-meal hand washing a pleasant event. Allow time for the child to enjoy the splash of soap and water. A quick, forced washing, particularly after the food is served, may make a child too upset to eat well at the meal.
* Set a good example. If other people at the table enjoy a variety of foods, your child will learn by copying what you do.
* If your child appears to have lost interest in the meal, or to dawdle, give him/her a reasonable time to eat (20-30 minutes) then quietly but firmly remove the food. Most children will eat when they are hungry. Do not force the issue.
* Likes and dislikes may appear suddenly. Be casual about these new food notions. If no one pays special attention to these quirks, they will soon be outgrown.
* Do not coax, play games, or force your child to eat. You are not teaching good food habits. Make a wide variety of nutritious foods available to your child, and then let your child decide what to eat.
* Small children prefer to eat with their fingers. Give them small sandwiches, raw veggies, meat cut into bite sizes, fruits and cheese cut into small pieces, and crackers spread with peanut butter or cottage cheese.
* Be casual about desserts, and make them a part of the total meal plan when they are served. Placing special attention on desserts, or using them as rewards only makes them more desirable than other foods.
* Let your child be the judge about how much to eat. Appetite may vary from one meal to another, and from day to day. Never make an issue of food acceptance. You provide the nutritious choices…then let the child choose among them.
But if you’re like most busy parents, relaxation time is nothing more than wishful thinking. As the house fills up again at night, there’s noise, tantrums, and disorganization, which seem to last until everyone falls asleep.
Mealtime, whether it’s breakfast together or a family dinner, doesn’t have to be as stressful as the rest of your day. Here are some tips to handle picky eaters, set an example of healthy eating (which children learn from their parents), and make your meals together a more positive experience:
* Try to serve food in a comfortable, relaxed, and unhurried atmosphere.
* Encourage a child’s participation in meal preparation (measuring, stirring, decoration, cutting and arranging)
* Food should be warm or cool, (not hot or cold); a child’s mouth is more sensitive than an adult’s
* Flavors should be mild, not spicy; a child has more taste buds than an adult
* If the child is able, give her a small, mini-shopping list to look for a few items on the lower shelves.
* Make sure the foods are nutritious and easy to handle.
* If you want to avoid waste, serve smaller portions. Don’t encourage overeating or fussy eaters by forcing a child to eat everything on the plate.
* Let your child learn to feed her or himself. Be patient. To ease the mess, put newspaper under the chair and have a towel ready to wipe up spills.
* Serve food with child-sized plates and cups.
* If possible, plan rest or quiet time before meals. A tired or overly excited child may be less hungry at mealtimes.
* When introducing a new food, try serving it during the same meal as a favorite food.
* Make pre-meal hand washing a pleasant event. Allow time for the child to enjoy the splash of soap and water. A quick, forced washing, particularly after the food is served, may make a child too upset to eat well at the meal.
* Set a good example. If other people at the table enjoy a variety of foods, your child will learn by copying what you do.
* If your child appears to have lost interest in the meal, or to dawdle, give him/her a reasonable time to eat (20-30 minutes) then quietly but firmly remove the food. Most children will eat when they are hungry. Do not force the issue.
* Likes and dislikes may appear suddenly. Be casual about these new food notions. If no one pays special attention to these quirks, they will soon be outgrown.
* Do not coax, play games, or force your child to eat. You are not teaching good food habits. Make a wide variety of nutritious foods available to your child, and then let your child decide what to eat.
* Small children prefer to eat with their fingers. Give them small sandwiches, raw veggies, meat cut into bite sizes, fruits and cheese cut into small pieces, and crackers spread with peanut butter or cottage cheese.
* Be casual about desserts, and make them a part of the total meal plan when they are served. Placing special attention on desserts, or using them as rewards only makes them more desirable than other foods.
* Let your child be the judge about how much to eat. Appetite may vary from one meal to another, and from day to day. Never make an issue of food acceptance. You provide the nutritious choices…then let the child choose among them.
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