Out of the frying pan...

...and into the fire.

I don't know if the author of this original quote was talking about children's/family ministry during the summer months, but I'm going to go ahead and assume they were.

We had a great week at camp...I don't think my body has quite recovered, but there's no rest for the weary. In two weeks, we have another great opportunity to teach kids about their Heavenly Father and especially the way he demonstrated that love for us, His Son. The gospel will go out again, and it makes all the toil and effort worth it.

Would you join me in praying for Firewheel's VBS? It's going to be an awesome week, and it's my prayer that some of our kids would trust Christ as their Savior that week. That's the kind of stuff that makes all this tiredness worth it.

Camp - Next Week

I'll be taking a little break from the blog next week. I'll be at summer camp with a group of kids. As you can imagine, camp with 50+ kids will keep me plenty busy.

I'll look forward to posting when I return. Have a great weekend, and a fantastic week next week. I'll be back on Monday, June 28th.

This is your brain on ______

The effects of technology are all around us. I've been on this earth almost three decades, and I am just astonished at how far technology has moved us. I was a proud owner of the original Nintendo (as a matter of fact I still have it hooked up at home), but the difference between the original Nintendo and the Wii or PS3 is just incredible.

Technology has given us all kinds of things at our fingertips that astonish me. Right now, I can go to my contacts, pull up somoene's name, press one button and have a map to their house from my location...it's amazing stuff.

What we don't always think about is the potential negative effects that technology can have on us. I read a recent article in the New York Times about the effects of technology on our brains. I found it extremely interesting. It may be worth your consideration personally and especially if you're raising kids.

Your Brain on Computers

Crazy stuff...we thought technology was all good...it might not be.

Wednesdays are for parenting tips...

What to Do When Kids Are Annoying

Dealing with annoying behavior is not like disciplining for defiance or teaching a child to follow instructions. When it comes to impulsivity, the child can't always make changes just by choosing something different. In many cases, kids don't realize that they're being annoying and they don't know what to do to be more appropriate.

Furthermore, these patterns often come from habits that have been practiced for a long time. These reasons are not excuses for inappropriate behavior but they're a further indication that the job will take concentrated effort from the child and the parents.

Part of the issue is immaturity; the child hasn't learned how to pick up on the social cues or restrain behavior as much as we'd like. But these children need more than just time to grow up. They need concentrated work to develop two character qualities: self-control and sensitivity.

These qualities not only help children when they're young, but they become tools for success as children get older.

Here are some working definitions for sensitivity and self-control to get you started with your children in this area:

Self-control is the ability to control myself so that Mom and Dad don't have to.

Self-control means to think before I act.

Self-control is the ability to talk about problems instead of grabbing, pushing, or hitting.

Self-control means that I limit the noises I make when others are around.

Self-control means that I focus on one thing until it gets done, before I move to the next.

Sensitivity means that when I walk into a room I look and listen before I speak.

Sensitivity is thinking about how my actions are affecting other people.

Sensitivity means thinking about how I could help someone else.

What are some practical definitions you've found helpful in your family?

This parenting tip comes from Chapter 7 in the book "Good and Angry, Exchanging Frustration for Character In You and Your Kids" by Dr Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN,BSN.

What kids want most...

...you might think it's the newest video game. It might be a new toy. It might be an iPod touch or a new cell-phone. It really could be anything. They may already be buttering you up for Christmas and that huge thing they're going to ask for.

But what do kids want most...

What Your Kids Want Most From You

This is definitely worth reading and considering.

Scripture Memory...and Bon Jovi

What does scripture memory have to do with Van Halen or Bon Jovi or Fergie or Carrie Underwood (depending on your musical preference)? Let me explain.

I'm always amazed (and yet shocked) to know how many song lyrics I have stored in my head. The other day a 15-year old song came on over the sound system in a local store, and I immediately began singing every word. It was like all those lyrics were stored away in my brain, and I was able to recall them almost immediately. Music has this mysterious power to it. When you put something to music (especially if it's catchy), it has a way of staying in our brain.

One of the things most believers lack in their spiritual tool belt is scripture memory. What if music and scripture memory were combined for kids. Well, isn't it your lucky day. It is.

...and this is just a sampling of their material. You can find more at www.seedsfamilyworship.net

And it's even available in the iTunes store as well.

Children and Grief

For some reason, God has chosen our church to have to deal with this issue more frequently than this pastor would like. In God's infinite wisdom (and I do not now know why this is so), he has given us this task. I trust that he is counting us worthy to walk through trial and trouble.

Here's a document I put together a while back about how to approach the ideas of death, grief, and the like with children. If you can't use it now, I'm sure it may be something to store away later.


Children and Grief

"It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting, for this is the end of all mankind, and the living will lay it to heart." (Eccl. 7:2)

How to teach your kids BAD theology...

Great video right here...although humorous, there is a great point!

Teach Your Kids Bad Theology: A How-to Guide - tangle.com
- Watch more Videos at Vodpod.

You're always teaching your children something. The difficult part of parenting is that you aren't always aware of what/how you're teaching them. It can be the littlest things or the littlest action that can stick with a kid for a long time.

Plus, the website mentioned at the end of this video might be of benefit to you as well.

Insight for Living - Parents

What are they (you) learning?

Although comical...this one may hit too close to home...

Now, don't get me wrong...I'm not saying you should throw away all you Disney movies. I still love the Lion King and Finding Nemo, but I wonder what subtelties, our children are being taught through the media they ingest. Their (our) minds are sponges that soak up all kinds of things.

Even more frightening, what are you assuming is "true" based on the media you ingest on a daily basis. I won't ask you to make a list or run-down the media you ingest on a daily basis. I did it earlier, and it was humbling. Nevermind...maybe you should!

How to start a conversation with a kid...

Some people are just naturals when it comes to talking to kids. They talk to them so effortlessly.

Others have a more difficult time. They look at the child sitting in front of them, and wonder (hopefully silently), "how in the world do you understand these things"?

So many times, the struggle is learning how to start a converstation. Because as many of us know, once you get some kids started, they'll go on and on and on. Cue - awesome website link.

100 Questions to Start a Conversation with a Child

So, even if you're great at talking with kids (even your kids), this article can't hurt. Learn how to start great conversations with your kids.