In The First Light

One of my favorite Christmas songs is "In the First Light" written by Bob Kauflin and performed by Glad. The words are simple yet beautifully profound. I have to share them:

In the first light of a new day no one knew He had arrived 

Things continued as they had been while a new born softly cried.

But the heavens wrapped in wonder knew the meaning of His birth

In the weakness of a baby they knew God had come to earth.

As His mother held him closely, it was hard to understand

That her baby, not yet speaking, was the Word of God to man.

He would tell them of His kingdom, but their hearts would not believe

They would hate Him, and in anger they would nail Him to a tree.

But the sadness would be broken as the Song of Life arose

And the First Born of creation would ascend and take His throne.

He had left it to redeem us, but before His life began

He knew He'd come back, not as a baby, but as the Lord of every man.

Hear the angels as they're singing on the morning of His birth

But how much greater will our song be when He comes again to Earth.

When He comes to rule the Earth!

Stress and Sweet Reminders

It is already November 30. And it's almost over! I can already hear the engines revving up as Christmas day quickly approaches! I am already feeling the stress of finding the perfect, and not so perfect, gifts for everyone on my list. My house remains only partially decorated - a fall wreath still hangs on my door! And the clock still ticks...

Yet amidst all the stress and distraction, there is a constant, sweet reminder from within to adore the Christ child. Christmas points us to the Savior, the Holy One of Israel. It is a time when the gospel is proclaimed in stores and secular radio stations through Christmas carols. Television channels broadcast the Christmas story in various ways. Christmas trees point heavenward and remind us of the everlasting love of our Father. The Truth of Christmas cannot be hidden or snuffed out. Emmanuel came to a world that did not want Him. Things haven't changed much. Yet, the One who came more than two-thousand years ago continues to abide with us.

As you make your purchases, wrap your gifts, finish your decorating, and enjoy the festivities of the season, enjoy the worshipful messages you hear and see around you. Remember that the Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace is your Wonderful Counselor through all the stress! His is a sweet reminder.

A Mother's Prayer

We're Home!

We're home. At least in our "temporary" home, which is a representation of what's to come when we get to our eternal permanent home. Anyway, for now, we're home. In our new Madison Heights Church home. God blessed our efforts to honor Him. I am looking forward, with great anticipation, to what God has in store for us in this new home. Because really, it's His home. It is where He meets with us when we gather to worship Him. It is the place from which He sends us to be part of the work He has begun around us. It is the place where He changes lives. Forever. It is home.

Yesterday we gathered to worship together, commission our first missionary families, and enjoy the fellowship of friends and family. It truly felt like we were home, where we belong. For now. Someone told me that everyone looked more beautiful, than they had before. That makes me smile.
The children in the nursery seemed much happier. There were less tears and more laughter. That makes me really smile!! It was a day to be remembered with great joy. Next Sunday Children's Church will resume. There will be more smiles, more laughter, more learning, more singing, more worship. I can't wait.

I am so very thankful for the opportunity to be part of God's work in and through Madison Heights. It is truly a "happenin' place"! May God continue to grow His church, deepen our love and commitment to Him,  increase our desire for and awareness of obedience to Him. May His kingdom increase and His will be done. May He be honored in all that we attempt carry out in His name.

Thank you, Father, that you chose such unworthy vessels to be part of a building where You, the Sovereign Creator, will continually meet with us.

Stop and smell... His Glory!

We've all heard "stop and smell the roses!" I'm sure we all attempt to slow down so we can enjoy more than the smell of roses. I know I do. And I am largely unsuccessful at slowing down.

I just read something that caught my attention:
     "God is glorified not only by His glory's being seen, but by its being rejoiced in. When those that see it delight in it, God is more glorified than if they only see it. His glory is then received by the whole soul, both by the understanding and by the heart. God made the world that He might communicate, and the creature receive, His glory; and that it might [be] received both by the mind and heart." Jonathan Edwards

So... when we stop and smell the rose, or take in the beautiful sunset, or enjoy the laughter of children, God is glorified. And our souls are refreshed. On this labor day weekend, breathe a little deeper, gaze a little longer, enjoy your children's fascinating discoveries from creation. Guide your children to enjoy what God as made to be enjoyed. Guide them to glorify Him by finding pleasure in those things we consider ordinary and take for granted. Your children will be delighted, and your hearts will be uplifted.

Oh, Father, please help us to slow down and enjoy the beauty of Your creation, that You may be glorified and we may be enriched.

Springs of Life

"Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." Proverbs 4:23, NIV

"Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life." Proverbs 4:23, ESV

"Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life." Proverbs 4:23, NLT

Wow. When I look at the verbs telling us what to do with our heart, I am... wowed. Guard. Vigilance. Diligence. I have to confess, I am not much of a guarder of my heart. I'm not sure I really thought about it at this level before. At least not like this.

Look at how important it is to guard our heart! It is the wellspring, the source of our "quality" of life. It determines the health of our relationships, how we handle issues, what our choices will be, our actions, our reactions, our decisions, our mood. No wonder I find myself so often discontented! I don't guard what goes into my heart!

How does stuff get into our heart? Our heart is already deceitful. We don't even understand the full extent of it's wickedness! (Jer 17:9) Aside from our own sinful nature, sin gets there from our head. Pretty much. What we see and hear goes into our head. Our head transfers it into thoughts. Our selfish, sinful desires fuel our thoughts, which in turn transforms into what we believe. What we believe feeds our heart. (But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin and sin, when it is fully grown, brings forth death. James 1:15)

We say we believe a lot of things. A lot of good things. Probably most of what we say we believe is the right stuff. But it's very possible that we don't believe what we say we believe. Because "out of our heart spring the issues of life." Stress. Anxiety. Worry. Anger. Hatred. Jealousy. Apathy. Immodesty. Lust. You get the picture. We like to blame "things" (aka circumstances, other people, "just the way I am") for all those issues. WRONG! The truth? It's a heart issue. And we don't guard our heart.

We are not diligent in keeping promiscuity, adultery, violence, greed, among other things, off the big screens in our living rooms. Instead we are vigilant in keeping up with the latest trends, checking out the newest fashions, reading the most popular publishings, watching the greatest movies, feeling sorry for ourselves, and criticizing others. Scripture is not the guide for our speech, our dress, our finances, our entertainment, or our relationships. Because we really don't believe it is applicable in those areas. We think that what we hear from friends or the media is good advice. We like what we see at every turn. We really like it. It's comfortable. It makes us feel good. We want it. (Did you see the backwards progression?)

THANK GOD FOR HIS GRACE!! His mercies are new every morning. Great is HIS faithfulness!! There is hope! I pray, for the sake of the cross, I will be more diligent, more vigilant, in guarding my heart. When I am guarding my heart, I am guarding the hearts of my children. And my grandchildren. And our Covenant children. (It's that whole ripple effect thing...) I thank God that He, who began His good work in me, is faithful to complete it.

I pray you will work at guarding your heart, too. I pray your children will learn the importance of guarding their heart. Besides, it is the wellspring of life.

Our God is an Awesome God

July 9-11 was long anticipated. For months, the Arts & Sports Camp team met, prayed, and planned. The news of the upcoming camp was spread through various means, supplies were purchased, and every activity of the camp was staffed. We tried to be sure no rock was left unturned.

July 9-11 arrived. It was met with much enthusiasm. Much energy. Much joy and excitement. We sang, we heard Truth from God's word, we learned Scripture, we gave an offering for the Name of Christ to be spread, we played various sports, we participated in various arts. Teachers, coaches, helpers - ALL played a vital role in carrying out the plans given to us by our Father. We took part in His work. His amazing work.

We saw the end of Arts & Sports Camp seemingly minutes after it began. But not before many hugs were given, many smiles reflected, many high-fives received, many praises sung, many prayers heard, many seeds planted and watered. God graciously allowed us to experience Him at work in the lives of little children. He chose for each one to be at our Arts & Sports Camp. He chose us to be there, too. Amazing. Humbling. Encouraging.

July 9-11 was a small drop in the bucket of His plan for His Kingdom. Yet it is an important drop. His Word does not return to Him void. Not ever. And His word was proclaimed. His love shown. His Truth experienced. What an amazing God we serve. The King of the universe calls us to be a part of His eternal plan.

Thank you. Each one who worked in any capacity of Arts & Sports Camp 2012. You saw an opportunity to be part of God's work around you. And you jumped in. You gave of yourself for an eternal purpose. You are an encouragement. A blessing. You are much appreciated.

Looking forward to what the Lord has in store for 2013...

Great Time

We are having a wonderful week at Arts & Sports Camp!! Truth is being proclaimed, Scripture is being learned, praises are being sung, and everyone is having a super time! I thank God for allowing us to enjoy Him as we learn more of Him, growing our love deeper. His Word never returns to Him void!!

Tomorrow night, July 11, at 6:30 in the gym at St Joe, will be Family Night. The children from drama, dance, music, and cheerleading will perform; awards will be presented to our young athletes, and the gospel will be presented. YOU ARE INVITED TO JOIN US!! And stay for the Ice Cream Social immediately following!

ARTS & SPORTS CAMP 2012

 You are invited!

   to..

I. Join us in prayer

  1. For the campers: That God will prepare their hearts, providing good soil on which His Word may fall; safety.

   2. For the workers: That we will grow deeper in our love for God and knowledge of Him; safety; wisdom, discernment, and clarity in leading.

   3. For the overall camp: That every aspect of it would glorify our Lord and lift high the name of Christ; for cooler temperatures and no rain during camp hours.

Prayer for ASC:

“And this is my prayer: that your love my abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, that you will be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ - to the glory and praise of God.”  

Phil 1:9-11

II. Join us for Family Night in the gym and 

Ice Cream Social in the cafeteria

Wednesday, July 11, at 6:30

The children will perform some of what they have learned; the gospel will be 

presented to many unchurched families.

Please consider joining us and welcoming our guests!!

Terrific Tuesday

June 19 - Bubbles, Water, and Paint 

Join us at the Church Office from 4:00-5:30 for a time of fun and fellowship. Among the many works of art for the day, we will be creating a masterpiece for our new building using the children's handprints! WE WANT YOUR CHILDREN'S HANDPRINTS!! But they need to be present to donate their painted handprints to our mural :) 

Also included in your $5 donation per child ($12 max per family): pizza, chips, cookies, ice cream, and drinks - for moms and kids.

It will be an afternoon of fun for all!! Wear clothes that can be messed up!

Meet us at 

the Jackson Zoo!

When? Tuesday, June 5 meet at 9:30, 

entrance of the Zoo

Who? All are invited! 

What? Bring a picnic lunch

                What else? Invite your friends!

*In case of inclement weather, we will reschedule this event.

Questions? Ask Rebecca Day 

 rebaj33@hotmail.com 

Beach Party

Come join us TOMORROW at the Beach Party at Reunion Beach!

KIDS!! Please let me know if you are ready to answer more catechism questions!! SUNDAY, MAY 6, is CATECHISM CLUB MEMBERS RECOGNITION DAY!! Awards will be given based in 15 learned question increments - 15, 30, 45, 60, 75. 


Sunday School Teachers: your curriculum is in! You may come by the office to get it, or I will be happy to deliver it to you. Please let me know - sherlie@madisonheightschurch.com

April/May Newsletter

KINGDOM KRIER
From the Children’s Ministry of Madison Heights Church April/May 2012

IT’S TIME!!
July 9-11 are the dates for our second annual Arts & Sports Camp! We will meet at St Joe again this year from 8:30-11:45 each morning. All children from rising 4K to rising 6th grade are invited to attend and encouraged to pre- register. You may register online - madisonheightschurch.com, go to Ministries, 
and find the links under Kingdom Kids. Forms are also available at the church office and in the foyer each Sunday. Our ASC team has already begun planning to make this year even better than last! Some new things to look for:
•This year’s theme is Hall of Fame. Our focus text will be Hebrews 11-12:2.
•Brilla Soccer Ministries, a minor
league soccer franchise based in
Clinton, MS, will be our mission focus. Some of Brilla’s guys will join us as soccer coaches during the camp. You can visit their website at msbrillafc.org to learn more about them!
•This year’s ASC will include three blocks - that means every child will be able to choose three different activities to experience each day, instead of only two.
•All activities have been evaluated and “tweaked” in needed areas to meet the needs of our kids.
•Our new youth pastor’s wife, Molly, will be leading our music. She’s already planning!
Please pray about how you will be involved in this community event. WE NEED
YOU! I ask that you prayerfully consider taking these three mornings off work to help share the love of Christ with our Covenant and neighborhood children. If you work in any capacity of Arts & Sports Camp, your child(ren) will be allowed to participate in Mini- Camp, for birth-3. Two and three year olds will be involved in Rally Time, games, crafts, music, and more. If you are not able to help with ASC, please remember us often in prayer.
Looking forward with great hope and anticipation to what the Lord has in store for us in July! Sherlie


Nursery News: Welcome Jabus Coetsee, Harper Martin, and Jacob Sullivan!!
Thank you to of all you who help make our nursery run smoothly! You are a blessing!!!

Catechism Club
Sunday, May 6

Awards Day!!

During the morning service of May 6, the children who are in the Catechism Club will be recognized and given awards for their hard work. Awards will be given by categories to those who have recited 1-15, 16-30, 31-45, and 46-60. Below are the members of the Catechism Club:
.
15: Avery Brewer, Ella Kilman, Sara Beth Day,
Mahlon Day, Joseph Cullum, Mary Clair Henderson, Jack Poole Jude Tingle, Isaac Tingle, Ford Stewart, James Sones, Kate Elfert
30: Millie Moses, Porter Harrell, Lilly Shorter, Aaron Lindsey
45: Audrey Funkhouser, Will Shorter 60: Bo Henderson
If your child should be on this list and you do not see his/her, or I have listed him/her incorrectly, please let me know.
Thanks! sherlie@madisonheightschurch.com

Kids Khoir!
The 3, 4, and 5 year olds will be singing
Sunday morning, May 20.
They have been practicing songs from Steve Green’s Hide ‘Em In Your Heart CD Vol 1
in Children’s Church and Sunday School. I have a few CDs available or you may order them from christianbook.com.
They will sing:
Let the Little Children Come to Me

Fill up those Churchy Banks!!

Bring them to the 
worship service 
on May 20


Hope to see you Sunday!

Happy Holy Week

 Last night a song, that I first heard in my teenage years, began playing over and over in my head: Idol With A Golden Head performed originally in 1957 by the Coasters, who took it to the top 100s chart. (In case you're wondering, I was NOT a teenager in 1957; I wasn't even thought of by my parents yet!) The words to the song begin with

Got myself an idol with a golden head 

Put it on a shelf right above my bed;

Got down on my knees and I began to pray...

after each line, the background singers sing

Great big idol with the golden head...

Even as a young, confused teenager, I was uncomfortable with the words. Seemed very bold and blasphemous. Who had golden idols, anyway? And who in the world would be stupid enough to pray to one? How dumb.


Yet in the last few years, I've become more and more aware of the idols we have. Of the idols I have. They are definitely dumb. Joy destroyers. Relaxation killers. Serving idols is so hard. A very demanding, time consuming, demeaning business. Lately, particularly yesterday, I have become much more aware that I still bow down to them. Not as often, maybe not as low. But still bowing. Bowing to my approval-seeking idol, my self-serving idol, my children-pleasing idol, my guilt-carrying idol,  my staying-busy idol. All of these idols turn my face away from my Father. Each one keeps my focus off of what Christ did on the cross.  What He FINISHED on the cross. 


"And you, who were dead in your trespasses and uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross." Colossians 2:13-14 


I find it odd that in 1957, the "good Christian" years in America, Idol With A Golden Head was on the 100 Chart. We never stopped loving the golden calf. Our idols are in place, because we do not think what Jesus did was enough. We think we need to have one more thing... or more. "If only... then I would be happy." That's an idol. I'm going out on a limb and state: anything that causes undue stress or anxiety is idol-serving. Look deeply enough and you'll find it. It's there. Underneath the facade of our self-righteousness. 


Jesus paid it all. Did it all. Canceled the debt. The eternal debt that not one hair of my head is good enough to pay. When I am facing the cross and following Christ, I can't bow to any idols. In fact, they disappear. And the joy returns. The deep sigh of rest is heard. Peace takes over. And I fall more deeply in love with my God.


As you look towards Easter this week, dwell on what Christ really did on that cross so long ago. And rejoice.

How to Rear a Delinquent

I was cleaning out some cabinets and ran across this. Mother had typed it and stuck it in a book (which dates it to the late fifties/early sixties). Interesting and applicable, although there is much we can add. Life was much simpler then!
     How to Rear a Delinquent
1. Begin with infancy to give the chid everything he wants. In this way he will grow up believing the world owes him a living.
2. When he picks up "bad" words or "dirty" words, laugh at him. That will make him think he is cute. He will run off and pick up some other words that will blow the top off your head.
3. Never give him any spiritual training until he is 21, and then let him decide for himself. By the same logic, never teach him the English language. Maybe when he is old enough he may want to speak Bantu.
4. Praise him in his presence to all the neighbors; show how much smarter he is then the neighbors children.
5. Avoid the use of the word "wrong". It may develop in the child a guilt complex. This will prepare him to believe that when he is punished later on for stealing cars or assaulting women, society is against him and that he is being persecuted.
6. Pick up everything after him: his shoes, his books, his clothes. Do everything for him, so that he will be experienced in throwing burdens on others.
7. Let him read [modern day: watch] anything he wants. Have no concern whatever for what goes into his mind. Provide him with lily cups for his lips, but let his brain drink of any dirty container for words and ideas.
8. Quarrel frequently in the presence of your child. In this way he will be prepared for a broken home later on.
9. Give him all the spending money he wants. Never let him earn his own. 
10. Satisfy every craving of the child for food, drinks, and everything that has to do with the sense of taste and touch, gratifying every sensual desire.
11. Take his part against policemen, teachers, and neighbors. They are all prejudiced against your child.
12. When he gets into real trouble, always defend yourself and say, "I need could not do anything with him."

Winter Beach Party

Winter Beach Party 
tomorrow, Feb 10
5:30-8:30
for grades 1- 6.


It's gonna be really fun!!!
games, prizes, make-your-own-pizza, popcorn, movie = GREAT FUN!
Friends always welcome!!


email me if you're coming:
sherlie@madisonheightschurch.com

The Love of the Lord

I love Charles H. Spurgeon. He often encourages me from writings of his devotional book Morning and Evening. If you can get past the "thee's", "thous", and other formal language, I think this will encourage you, too!

February 04 Morning "The love of the Lord." Hosea 3:1 Believer, look back through all thine experience, and think of the way whereby the Lord thy God has led thee in the wilderness, and how he hath fed and clothed thee every day--how he hath borne with thine ill manners--how he hath put up with all thy murmurings, and all thy longings after the flesh-pots of Egypt--how he has opened the rock to supply thee, and fed thee with manna that came down from heaven. Think of how his grace has been sufficient for thee in all thy troubles--how his blood has been a pardon to thee in all thy sins--how his rod and his staff have comforted thee. When thou hast thus looked back upon the love of the Lord, then let faith survey his love in the future, for remember that Christ's covenant and blood have something more in them than the past. He who has loved thee and pardoned thee, shall never cease to love and pardon. He is Alpha, and he shall be Omega also: he is first, and he shall be last. Therefore, bethink thee, when thou shalt pass through the valley of the shadow of death, thou needest fear no evil, for he is with thee. When thou shalt stand in the cold floods of Jordan, thou needest not fear, for death cannot separate thee from his love; and when thou shalt come into the mysteries of eternity thou needest not tremble, "For I am persuaded, that neither death; nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Now, soul, is not thy love refreshed? Does not this make thee love Jesus? Doth not a flight through illimitable plains of the ether of love inflame thy heart and compel thee to delight thyself in the Lord thy God? Surely as we meditate on "the love of the Lord," our hearts burn within us, and we long to love him more.

Seeds for all!

The excerpt below was taken from the Seeds Family Worship website. I thought it was very good. You may visit their website at http://www.seedsfamilyworship.net/ This is the same site that Hunter mentioned in an earlier email. Their Scripture-to-music CDs are very good!




At Seeds Family Worship, we are always thinking about ways to help your whole family spend time together. To this end, we are busy creating activities to bring the Scripture learned through Seeds Family Worship songs to life.

You can go to our YouTube channel to find videos to supplement family worship and encourage deeper conversation. Continue visiting this page for guides for family worship activities, resources, and much more.

To start, try this sunny day activity at home with your family.

• Listen to the song “Heavenly Lights” from the Power of Encouragement CD.
• Go outside and find a place on the pavement where you can all see your shadows. Stand still and trace each other’s shadows. Also trace where your feet are standing. Let the younger children help trace the shadows of the parents. This gives them a special sense of accomplishment and connectedness.
• Sit down outside and read James 1:17 from your Bible.
• Ask your family to list out the “good and perfect gifts” they know. For younger family members, have them draw these gifts in chalk on the pavement.
• Talk about what it means for God to be the Father of the heavenly lights.
• Now, take some time to be active. Observe your shadows as you jump up and down, move from side to side, and wave your arms. Laugh and talk with your family about what they notice about their shadows.
• If you want, take some more time to allow the kids to color in their shadows with chalk. The whole time, continue talking about light, dark, and their shadows.
• Now, have everyone go back and place their feet in the chalk outlines. Look to see how the shadows have now moved.
• Ask why the Scripture says God doesn’t “change like shifting shadows.” Talk about how good it is that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). What would it look like if we displayed the consistency of Christ?

Very Good Read...

I highly recommend that you obtain a copy of  George Barna's book. Read the excerpt below...


SAMPLE READING from
 Transforming Children into Spiritual Champions by George Barna

Chapter 8
It's Time to Produce Some Spiritual Champions
Children often need reassurances that they are loved by those whom they trust and depend upon. My oldest daughter loves to ask challenging questions of her mother and me. Several years ago, while spending a laid-back Saturday lounging around the house, she wandered into my study where I was working at the computer .
“Daddy,” she began innocently, “do you love me?”
After turning away from the computer to give her my full attention, I affirmed that she was more important to me than anything else in the world and that I loved her very dearly. She smiled and then let loose the big one.
“How do I know you really love me?”
Ah, the thoughts that went racing through my mind. <em>Let's see. I wiped your poopy behind every day for two years, ran a car into the ground carting you to sports practices, spent hours awake late at night holding you or calming you when you had earaches or stomachaches, spent more money than I'd care to tally on special adventures and events, played silly games until I couldn't bear it any longer, and so on.
“I hug you and kiss you and tell you all the time how much I love you,” I replied.
“Yeah, but how do I know you really mean it?” she pressed forward, digging for the golden nugget of truth. “I work really hard to make the money that provides your food, clothing, home and toys.”
“Yeah, but you have to do that. That's what every parent has to do, but that doesn't mean you love me.”
I invited her to sit on my lap while I told her the ultimate, indisputable way that she could know that I loved her more than anything else on the planet. “Buddy, I do everything I can to try to raise you up to be the woman that God made you and wants you to be. There is nothing more important than that you love, obey and serve God with all your heart, mind, strength and soul. And I do everything I can to help you be a little girl who grows up to be a big girl who is God's pleasing and faithful servant. There's nothing more special that any parent can do than to help his or her child honor God; and I will never stop trying to do the things that bring you closer to Him. That's more important than buying you nice clothes or giving you a cell phone, than letting you see every movie you want to see or giving you the biggest room in the house. I really want God and other people throughout the world to be blessed by who you are.”
Her big, dark eyes continued to stare intently into mine for a few seconds after I finished delivering my best shot. Then she pursed her lips, grinned, nodded her head up and down a few times, and simply said, “Okay,” and went bounding out of the room. She has never asked me that question again. I hope it is because she sensed the truthfulness and sincerity of my reply.
A Shared Goal
Each of us who has the privilege of relating to young children these days shares a special goal: to help transform those children into spiritual champions. It will not happen by accident. It may not happen even if we devote our best resources to that task, but the possibility is worth the risk. In fact, this isn't really a risk at all since our personal success in life is completely wrapped up in our willingness to nurture these young people.

1 of 2 5/4/07 10:19 AM

Transforming Sample http://regalbooks.com/transform_children_sample.html

If you have not yet reached the point of embarrassment over the fact that most adults—perhaps even you—abdicate your children's moral and spiritual development to illegitimate usurpers of that responsibility (e.g., schools, the media, legislatures, judges and even churches), then I pray that the Holy Spirit will heighten your sensitivity to this travesty with all due haste. We have no right to complain about how our children develop if we are not heavily and purposefully investing in those outcomes. Those who fill the gap in our absence are mere substitutes for us when we don't pull our weight. If we default on our responsibility, we cannot blame those substitutes for making the most of the opportunity. This is, after all, part of the battle for the minds and hearts of humanity.
I pray that in the years to come you will seize the opportunities that God provides to you, as a committed disciple of Jesus Christ, to enable your home and those of other believers to be places of victory in the turbulent and relentless spiritual battle for those young hearts, minds and souls. May your household provide a nurturing environment of faith, love and spiritual growth so that the emerging generation of America's children will be all that their creator intends them to be. 

New Year's Resolutions

I borrowed this from Lakeland Pres' website. I'm sure they won't mind!

New Year’s Resolutions

New Year’s Resolutions are usually a waste of time. Ac-cording to some statistics less than half of the resolu-tions made will be kept after two months. However, you can make some important resolutions that will benefit you and your child.

1. Laugh a lot. Laughing re-leases endorphins and other hormones which make us feel good. Laughing makes being a family fun. Young children love physical comedy and older children often love a joke played on parents. Laugh loud and laugh often.

2. Catch your children being good. Studies show that children are told "no" about once every nine minutes. Find a reason to say "yes" and praise good behavior. Be specific as you praise well and praise often.

3. Add some boredom to kid’s lives. Call it what you will— downtime, relaxation, day dreaming, vegging out. They will call it boring, but it renews the brain. Stargaze or cloud watch, but teach your child to relax. In the harried world we live in, it may be an invaluable lesson.

4. Read to them every night. Developing language skills, learning to listen, time spent together are only three little reasons why this is important. The Bible is a great thing to read together as a family.

5. Plan adult time. Nurturing your adult relationships is very important for you and your kids. They will, after all, leave you one day. Your adult relationships are part of what makes you a healthy adult and those will not grow if not nurtured. So, get a babysitter or take advantage of a parent’s night out and go once in a while.

If your resolutions don’t last the week, mine never do, cut yourself some slack and start over!

Lakeland Presbyterian Church Children’s Ministry