Children

Recently, our two-year-old granddaughter braved shots and the drawing of blood while making a visit to the doctor. Through tears, she continually cried, “Tank you,” to the doctor and nurses.

Be prepared yourself. You should be there to greet them; you should not be doing lesson plans, etc. as students arrive.

Whether you are a kindergarten teacher or a parent of a kindergarten aged child you know that they are very malleable and are always learning about their surroundings. We should take advantage of this impressionable time to teach children their ABC’s.

Do you ever tremble at the incredible responsibilities on your shoulders as a parent? On one hand, you are called to protect the tender hearts and minds of your children, and on the other, you are trying to do so in a terribly perverse society and while exercising faith in God. How do you balance both?

Many of us found that the daily routines we had established in the spring, went out the window on Memorial day. Now that school is back in full swing, it may be wise to step back and assess your daily routines. In our family, we have found that developing morning and evening routines helps us be able to get up at a decent time without stressing over whether or not we have time to prepare for the day.

Have you ever heard someone say, “God gave us two ears and one mouth so that we would listen more than we speak!”

I love rollercoasters! I love the high climbs and the fast descents. I love the feeling of the speed of the track as well as that feeling of nearly coming out of the seat! I could go over and over again. I love the loops and the corkscrews. The more wild the ride, the better! However, I have never enjoyed the “roller coaster” of youth ministry.

I received a wonderful little handmade card earlier this year from “Kelly.” She is a little girl who has started coming to our children’s ministry on Wednesday evenings as a result of our summer Open House Outreach BBQ. I always enjoy cards and notes from kids—they really help to encourage a preacher and keep him focused on the work of God.

When preaching to children, it is important to purposely tailor your message to them. If you do not, you will find that it goes over their heads and is of little practical help to them. Here are a few thoughts that may help you as you preach to children.

Missionary Kids (MKs) are unique! If you are an MK, or if you have ever known an MK, you undoubtedly know it too! Without even trying, their life is just different from the norm.

I despise soggy cereal! When I was a kid, there was a grandmotherly woman named Mrs. Shelton who would sometimes care for us if my parents were out of town. She had a very effective way of getting us out of bed in the morning.

We’ve all been unhappy bystanders at the “supermarket meltdown.” Some cute, precious toddler has been told that he can do without the tantalizing and strategically placed candy bar next to the checkout counter.

Upon the death of his sickly baby boy, David expressed his confidence that they would be reunited. His baby was now in Heaven, and some day David would be there too.

In the multivariable equation of raising good teenagers, one of the things that will create a bond of affection between teen and parent is good memories.