"But My Anger is Justified!"

Some view their anger as justified because they are right and others are wrong. They believe that being right is the only ticket required to launch into an adult temper tantrum. But saying "He made me angry" implies that external events require emotional intensity. The dad who links the trigger (what "made" him angry) and response (what he does with his anger) too closely ends up believing that others have made him the way he is.

When parents do this, they often blame their kids for problems and rarely take responsibility for their own emotions. In many cases, of course, the child is indeed wrong. It isn't helpful, though, to expect our children to bear the responsibility of our anger in addition to what they did wrong. The mom who says, "I wouldn't have to get angry if my kids would listen the first time," has fallen into the trap of blaming her children for her angry responses.

The truth of the matter is that it doesn't take much intelligence to see something wrong, but it takes wisdom to know how to respond to it. There's a big difference between a button that pops up on a turkey to announce that it's done and a cook who knows how to make a great dinner. Some people are like those little turkey buttons—whenever something goes wrong they pop up with angry reactions and they try to justify abusiveness because they see a problem.

It's not enough to be right in life; parents also need to be wise. Real wisdom knows how to respond in a way that brings change, not revenge. As parents, we don't just want to punish our kids for doing something wrong; we want to help them change their hearts. Anger may reveal what's wrong, but it's rarely a good solution to a problem. Once you identify an offense, it's best to consider how to motivate change.
To learn more about emotions and parenting, take a look at the book Good and Angry, Exchanging Frustration for Character In You and Your Kids, by Dr Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN.

Kingdom Chronicles Launches Strong!

VBS launched with much chaos and wonder as we doubled our pre-registration numbers at the door with nearly 20 visitors!  1 Down & 4 nights to go!  We hope to start on time this Wednesday and encourage everyone to arrive well before the starting time of 6:15pm.  REMEMBER: Doors open at 5:45pm and kids get points for giving to our missions project: The Ark Encounter, as well as memorizing the lesson Bible verses and BRINGING VISITORS!  See you Wednesday night!

 The Herald, Sir James & Aaron Esquire

welcome the kids to the Kings Manor.

 

 Lady Rebekah, House Minstrel, arrives!

 The Cook's Kitchen w. Lady Darlene

Learn-a-Lot Chambers w. the Ladies Lou Ann & Tammie.

 Sir Richard of the Whistle!

10 Ways to Teach Your Children to Be Honest

“Honesty is the first chapter of the book of wisdom,” wrote Thomas Jefferson. When it comes to small children and honesty, it’s not usually hard to find. The word “brutal” comes to mind. “Aunt Becky, did you know that your belly is huge?” With older children and teens, the truth sometimes becomes more elusive. Here are a few ideas to help guide your children on the correct honesty path:

1. Reward The Truth

As parents we are often quick to scold. Sometimes we aren’t always so quick to praise. Reward honesty with loads of praise and hugs. It will build self-confidence and reinforce the positive behavior. Plus a child can never get too much love.

2. The Art of “Spin”

The brutal truth should not always be spoken. Such as the hurtful comment towards Aunt Becky mentioned in the opening. We have all heard the saying, “If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” One needs not lie and say Aunt Becky is skinny. Just don’t say anything. Or find something else about Aunt Becky that is positive. “That sure is a colorful shirt.” Spin. People make a lot of money doing it. Spin works two ways, but when done for good, it’s a wonderful tool to learn.

3. The Hard Truth

Correct morals and purity of spirit always trump protecting the feelings of someone who is doing wrong. Wrong is always wrong. For instance, your son’s best friend is cheating on tests and your son is fully aware. He has a duty to go to his friend and advise him to quit. He’s hurting himself and cheating the others who have honestly studied. If he refuses, then your son would have to tell the teacher about what is going on. That is called the hard truth. Nobody wants to be put in that position. Yet, life constantly puts us in these types of situations. As adults, we are faced with all kinds of scams, rampant adultery, and general dishonesty. Teach your children to stand strong on the side of righteousness.

4. The Apple Doesn’t Fall Far From The Tree

As is always the case, you are the role model. You do not want your child to hear you telling a lie. To see you perform a dishonest act. Yes, you could enter the national park for free since there is no attendant. But the sign says $5 dollars. Put your money in the slot and move along. Yes, it would make your life easier if Grandma didn’t know you were in town this time. But your child is listening to you on the phone telling her you don’t know when you’ll be there again. Are these the traits you want to teach your children? Clean up your act. Those little eyes and ears are always open.

5. Do Not Lead The Witness

Though it’s tempting to test them, try to avoid asking questions that give your child a chance to not be honest. You saw your daughter spill red juice on the couch. No need to ask, “Did you just spill your juice on the couch?” This leads her to believe she might have a way out and could possibly pass blame elsewhere. Just tell her to clean it up. She’ll have enough opportunities to tell the truth.

6. Truth Or Consequences

We all sin. Even children do. They will eventually lie to you and you will eventually catch them. It’s important that there be consequences for their actions. Appropriate discipline should be carried out and followed through. Make it so not worth it to lie.

7. Correct Mistakes

Catching your child being dishonest is a good time to break out your teacher hat. Help him correct the mistake. Talk about how he could have responded or reacted differently. An example would be that your son came home with an Evan Longoria rookie card. He obtained it by trading his friend two Pat Burrell cards. Obviously, his friend knows nothing about baseball or really likes Pat Burrell. Either way, he got swindled. Explain to your son that trades should include fair value on both sides. Preying on the unaware is not a desirable character trait. Return the card and work out a fair deal.

8. Your Word Is Gold

The most important character trait a person can possess keeping and following through on promises made. This one thing alone will take a person very far in life. To be trusted and deemed honorable is a crown even a king would envy. Teach your children to be people who consider their word gold. When they give it, they don’t break it. It is much harder than it sounds. Fool’s gold is easily found. The real thing takes a lot of digging. Gold is highly sought after and is extremely valuable. Just the kind of person you want your child to be.

9. What’s Yours Is Yours

Possessions can create all sorts of problems. The best policy is to teach a child early on that what they have belongs to them. What other people have belongs to that person. It is not OK to borrow a game and never return it. It’s awesome to share, but the item must always be returned. We all have that neighbor who borrows our trimmer and never brings it back. You don’t want your son to be that guy. It might sound harmless, but honesty does not take days off. Value your own possessions and keep your hands off your neighbors’.

10. Look for honest friends

Show me your friends and I will show you your future. If your child’s friends lie and cheat, so will they. But if your child’s friends are upstanding and honest clean through, your son or daughter will be that much better off. Keep an ear out for any of your children’s friends who lie. They’re a terrible example for your children.

The Medieval Adventure Continues this Summer!

All Spring we've been focusing on the Kings of Israel & Judah through a Medieval theme on Sunday morning, but the Medieval theme doesn't end there.  This Summer your kids are invited to join us for the KINGDOM CHRONICLES, a VBS adventure by Answers in Genesis where they will learn to stand strong in the battle for truth as they put on the full armor of God learn the heroic tale of Kingdom history and their part in it!

Though the adventure doesn't begin until July 10th, it isn't too early to register your kids.  Just click on the link below and follow the prompts.  Also, if you are interested in helping out with VBS as an adult volunteer, contact Pastor Kevin.  You can e-mail him at revkev@prayerhouseag.org or through Facebook or call the church office during business hours 262 595-0500.  (You must be at least a Jr. High graduate or 15 years of age to volunteer.)

VBS will run for 5 weeks on Wednesday nights from 6:15pm to 8:15pm.  Doors will open at 5:45pm and most adult volunteers must be able to arrive no later than 5:30 each week for pre-event prayer and final instructions.  God bless and welcome to the Kingdom!

VBS 20137-10-2013

VBS 2013