Liz Etherton discusses whether there is a need for Self-Esteem for youthm as Oprah suggests.
She highlights the need for youth to know who they are in Christ. I agree. This needs to start while they are still children.
Children need to know that they were made by God, God made their world God loves them unconditionally, And He wants them to be in a relationship (best friend) with Him! How do we do that ? That's another big question ...
Any thoughts ?
Rt Rev Jonathan Gledhill, The Bishop of Lichfield highlights the need for providing safe space for children here. I agree - I think most of public would agree too. But what if it stops there?
If it stops there - they'll not hear about how they can know
the God made them and this amazing world,
God is big enough and strong enough to handle anything that they have to face,
God wants them to be his best friend.
And they'll not be familiar with formative stories. like this report suggests.
So let's make safe spaces, but also pass on the opportunity of the priceless offer of a relationship with God.
You don't need to look any further than Psalm 78. Wayne Stocks finds 8 good reasons there.
thanks to David Wakerly.
This is a good introduction to children's ministry - thanks to Henry Zonio
Children's Ministry Intro
In teaching Sunday school what am I trying to do ? This is a question I think about often as I help out in Sunday school at Kingsland.
I think there are various benefits from Sunday school like - having someone responsible watch the children while the parents are able to receive teaching or worship in the "main" service. Teaching the children to live good lives and even passing on information about the person called Jesus.
But for me it has to be more than that.
Pastor Karl addresses this well in his blog on the subject here.
I want the kids to know Jesus, not just know about him. They say that that 7 inches is the longest distance, the distance from the mind to the heart. And that's what I think its about I want to introduce them to Him or encourage them in their relationship with him.
I can't do it but my prayer is that God will use me and other sunday school teachers and their christian peers to do it!
Just tried out this new software for making animated movies - all you need to do is type in the script and edit with a few icons and away you go - I maed this test one in 10 minutes check it out here. Why not check it out. I'm thnking about signing upfor the first year so you might see a few more animations coming from me.
HT to Dwayne Riner
This is in Quebec Canada - A 12 yr old girl sues her father(seperated from her mother) to let her go to a graduation trip. The father had grounded her as a punishment. For full report click here
Surely parents have a right to give their children consequences to their actions.
Lots of questions raised in my head -
Where's the father-mother relationship at ? Who supported/encouraged the girl to go to court and why ?
What did the girl do to have the consequence of not be able to go on the trip ?
And relecting on my parenting are the consequences we apply fair and constructive?
Food for thought ...
Thank you Online Telegraph. It's funny old world. When there is some credit to be taken from something people are happy to own it. But if you suggest that some games might inspire violence all of a sudden there's "no proof."
Don't get me wrong I think its great to inspire children and youth to "make a new song" with their God-given talents and gifts. but ...
Lets get real ! We are all influenced by outside sources, why do companies still spend millions on ads or commercials? As influencers of Children and Youth is our influence good or not so good?
God help me to be a influencer for His good!
This time from a different sauce (lol).
A return to family mealtimes and a focus on seasonal food would help create a "more caring" society and bring people together, top chef Raymond Blanc has said. (thanks to the Daily Telegraph)
On another blog I follow, Perry Noble shares a family event from last week. One that spoke loudly to him. It involves kissing and toilets !
read the rest here !I was in the bathroom the other day taking a “pee pee” when I turned to my right and there was Charisse staring at me. (It was totally awkard!)
SO…I told her, “Daddy is pee pee’ing in the toliet…you will do that one day.”
She looked at me, smiled and said, “pee pee!!!”
What we need to be addressing is DDD Discipline Deficient Disorder. That I think would be the fruit of the spirit that we call patience and self-control. You might think research 18 yrs ago might not be to helpful these days, but read on anyway...
This article talks about a group of kids put in front of a marshmallow and told that if they wait for the instructor to return they will receive two marshmallows if they haven't taken the one left in front of them.
It turns out the kids who waited for the instructor achieved worldly success when they grew up and the ones that didn't wait didn't. Not sure how scientific or representative it is but it's food for thought.
The rest of the article is if you want to read it.
Tim Sanders has a great blog that parents(that includes me) might want to take a look at. He highlights a Japanese study that finds that people prefer praise to cash in the hand !
At day camps and other such I have often implemented "caught you being good" awards. The awards are not cash ! Usually stickers our something that act as pseudo-praise. I think I'll make it everytime now.
I'm also going to be on a more careful watch to catch Clayton, my son, doing paraiseworthy stuff however small !
thanks Tim.
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