All Things Kids!!

The Tug of Foolishness

2011-10-10T07:31:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share with you all a personal testimony about this weeks lesson. This lesson was particularly relevant as we discussed some issues with our teenagers this week. As many of you know we have 3 teenage boys. They are an awesome blessing to us but at times we have our struggles. Earlier this week we had a good discussion about music and what types of music we should listen to. The position we have for our family may not be the position that works for all families, but for us, we highly encourage Christian music. We allow "neutral" music and highly discourage and disallow music with negative lyrics. This practice has worked for us for many years and hasn't been called into question... until this week.

Our boys are growing and they are beginning to reason for themselves. So this last week they began questioning us about music. Now, in our family we rarely listen to the radio. For the most part we listen to songs we have purchased on Itunes. This allows us to select the types of music that we like the most. Our boys have found a great site on the web called Pandora. Pandora allows you to listen to a variety of music. It allows you to like and dislike songs and over time it learns what types of music you do and do not like.

So here is the issue. Our sons have picked up on Pandora and have started listening to "neutral" music with the occasional "negative" music sneaking in. Once they hear a "negative" song they dislike the song, but of course they have already heard it at that point. Since our boys are teenagers and are growing more independent we want to give them freedom to spread their wings and begin making decisions. We want to begin this process now so that they are prepared to live on their own in just a few short years. So this last week when my wife went downstairs and heard a song with questionable lyrics it sparked a great conversation.

We tried to explain to them that it is important to watch what we allow into our lives. We need to limit the negative and increase the positive. Of course being teenagers they thought we were a bit narrow in our thinking. They tried to explain that it was okay to listen to non-Christian music. That it didn't affect them. We tried to explain that as you allow more and more non-godly influences it desensitizes you.

We used this illustration. If you have a continuum from one to ten; ten being good and godly, and 1 being completely worldly and sinful. Our eternal goal is to bring all of our life into the ten range. That is what we are made for. That is our goal in holiness. We want to see most of our lives with ten events with maybe the occasional six or seven or even five. If we allow ourselves to live most of our lives in the five range we begin seeing some sevens and eights but also some fours and threes. And we tend to think that the fours and threes are not so bad. Then as we fill our lives with more threes and twos, eventually ones are not so bad. We are trying to encourage them to live as much of their lives in the ten range because that is our eventual dwelling place. Heaven will consists of all tens.

Of course teenagers being teenagers they pointed out that you just cannot live your life surrounded with all tens. They asked about movies, the occasional neutral song that is just plain fun, and the great novel, web page, or musical that just isn't in the ten range. It was convicting on our part as a mom and dad. It made us evaluate our lives to see where we were living most of our lives. It is hard to tell your kids to strive for the tens if you yourself are settling for threes, fours or sevens.

At the end of our discussion I think they still thought we were a bit extreme. The question was asked, "Why do the "neutral" and "negative" songs sound so good?, Why can't Christian entertainment, entertain like the world does?" I thought it was a good question and have been thinking on it over the weekend. I think there are various reasons why it isn't as good, but I think one of the reasons has to do with the heart. Our hearts are easily drawn away from the good things. We are attracted to those things that are neutral and negative. Part of the reason non-Christian entertainment is so entertaining is because we are drawn to it by our remaining sinful nature. We need God to grant us new appetites. We need to be praying that we and our children begin to hunger after righteousness.

Here is the great part. God is so good to reinforce His Word. This weeks lesson for Kidz Klub focused on how we are called to wisdom as Children of God. That, as we walk the way of wisdom we need to hold onto instruction, guard our hearts and keep our feet from evil. Foolishness is always calling us to love what is wrong. It is always tugging at our heart. We need to strive to do what Proverbs 4:27 says, "Do not swerve to the right or the left, keep your foot from evil."

In this week's parent page there are some great ideas for helping yourself and your kids think through the tug of foolishness.

Pumpkinland Pics

2011-09-26T16:23:00.001-07:00

What a great turnout we had this year at Pumpkinland! Thanks to all who came!

Missional Mothering

2011-09-16T12:26:00.000-07:00

I like this!!

10 Things Missional Moms Can Do

5 Finger Prayer for Children

2011-09-13T19:54:00.001-07:00

I LOVED this - what a great way to pray with our younger ones.

5 Finger Prayer

Bible Information

2011-09-12T20:27:00.000-07:00

We were asked this week by a couple of parents to recommend a Bible for their son/daughter to bring to Kidz Klub. So we came up with some thoughts!

One thing that we like to encourage our kids to do is to begin the habit of bringing a Bible to Kidz Kore and Kidz Klub. Sylvia Holtrop, our 4th and 5th grade teacher, encourages the kids to bring their Bibles because it is our "text" book. Just like we bring our school text books we need to bring our church text book.

We believe that God has spoken in the Scriptures, through the words of human authors. We believe that the Bible was verbally inspired, without error in the original writings. It is the complete revelation of His will for salvation, and the ultimate authority by which every realm of human knowledge and endeavor should be judged. Therefore, it is to be believed in all that it teaches, obeyed in all that it requires and trusted in all that it promises and as we teach our children we seek to refer to it as often as possible.

For Each lesson, our teachers will turn to the Bible to demonstrate that the words that are being taught come directly from the text book. If the children can turn to their Bibles and see the same words it becomes even more powerful.

We would encourage children as early as the Kindergarten age to begin bringing their Bibles. If children in preschool would like to bring a Bible that is great too. We realize that in the K-1st grade ages that they may not be able to read from them but it does begin to establish the habit of bringing them. Here are a list of some great Bibles that could be purchased.

These examples are by no means all-inclusive - they are just some we have used with our kids or seen in person. And even a small "Gideon" Bible is not a bad option - just something so they can get in the habit of using it in their classes. With our kids, we have found that if we can find a Bible that "catches their eye" they are more willing to look through it and read it. But any Bible can be tricky for our Kindergartners and 1st and 2nd Graders to read - so at that age - any attempt is good.

Encouragement for Sons

2011-09-12T20:23:00.001-07:00

This video is quite a great look at a new book out. We wanted to make you aware of it as it looks very helpful for those of us with boys to raise!

AND if you are interested in the book - it is available in Nook, Kindle and Ibook format for $1.99 until October 15. We have not read it yet - but it does look good.

Stepping Up: A Call to Courageous Manhood by Dennis Rainey

(This copy is regular price - but I wanted to link it anyway here. Just make sure if you want the ebook format for $1.99 that you click on the link above.)

Kidz Klub Reading

2011-09-09T09:03:00.001-07:00

One of the things we are encouraging the kids to do this year in Kidz Klub is to read The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis. When they read it (or have it read to them) they get extra stickers on their sheets. BUT we don't want it to stop there - if they do read that wonderful book - we have some others that they can continue on and read as well - ALL super for talking about "The Way of the Wise and The Way of the Foolish" - our theme for this year. So encourage them to keep reading with any of these titles - and if they do, be sure and let us know so we can give them extra stickers!!

Little Pilgrim's Progress by Helen Taylor

The Dangerous Journey by Oliver Hunkin

Hind's Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard

Snack Sign Up

2011-08-28T12:09:00.000-07:00

We are trying something new this year!! :)

We have online snack sign up - let me know what you think of this!!

Kids of Courage

2011-08-17T08:22:00.000-07:00

We are always looking for ways to show our kids what missions can look like - maybe through missionary stories, videos, praying for missionaries or countries, etc. So when I found this site for children put together by Voice of the Martyrs - I was thrilled. You may want to bookmark it - I think it is something you will turn to over and over.

Kids of Courage

Parenting....

2011-08-16T07:30:00.000-07:00

There is nothing easy about parenting, but I did think this article was encouraging!

We pray for each of you - that God gives wisdom AND strength.

Grace and Discipline

Cherish the Moments

2011-08-09T08:24:00.000-07:00

This was encouraging to me today -

One Man's Treasure

Praying for our Children

2011-06-02T07:26:00.001-07:00

Praying for our children~

Live for Christ~ John 17:13

Grow strong spiritually~ John 17:15

Serve Christ~ John 17:17

Experience Fellowship~ John 17:21

Bring Others to Christ~ John 17:20

~Rick Warren

Taco Night - Finale!

2011-05-02T10:24:00.000-07:00

If a picture is worth a thousand words...then here are a few thousand words!!

Worship!!

Trading in Stickers for Memory Work!

EATING TIME!

Resurrection Eggs

2011-04-19T07:10:00.000-07:00

GO HERE to learn how to make your own Resurrection Eggs - we love these for Easter!

Bible Memorization

2011-03-10T20:04:00.000-08:00

We use Children Desiring God curriculum at our church and promote scripture memory so this app is just such a great fit! Justin Taylor had some words about it as well. I wanted to pass it along in case anyone was interested.

Family Time

2011-03-02T10:40:00.001-08:00

Love this YEARBOOK idea!!!

Time Flies

2011-03-01T07:38:00.000-08:00

I encourage you to take the time to read this blog post - GREAT reminders!!!

Roller Skating Night

2011-02-26T07:37:00.000-08:00

Roller Skating Party

SUNDAY, February 27, 2011
6:00 PM- 8:00 PM

Roller Roulette, Sheldon, IA

Everyone is welcome to come to skate or not to skate. The facility is setup so everyone can enjoy the skating and fellowship. We are encouraging life groups to participate as we'd love to have parents attend as well!!

Cost is $3.50/skater ($2.50/child 6 yrs. & younger)
(This includes the rental of the quad skates. Inline skates are available for an additional $2.00/pair. No discount for bringing your own skates, which need to be approved by the Roller Roulette staff prior to use.)

Food is available for additional cost through the concessions at the rink. They offer all the best in junk food including pizza and soft pretzels!

Bring board games and cards for those not skating. Plenty of booths are available to gather for conversation and fun.

Lots of Good Reasons!!

2011-01-11T09:08:00.000-08:00

Wow - great information here!! When you have time, read and see - you will be encouraged too!!

68 Benefits of Children's Ministry

Teaching our Little Ones to Pray

2011-01-03T19:18:00.000-08:00

I found this insightful - maybe you will as well.

Pray Without Ceasing

Christmas Celebration

2010-12-23T15:30:00.000-08:00

What a wonderful program we had - and all because each of you shared your gifts and talents! I wish I'd gotten pictures of all of you - but I missed some. Enjoy what I did capture!

Merry Christmas!

Haiti Packing Night

2010-11-21T19:04:00.000-08:00

We were blessed again by all of you! Thank you for giving so willingly - giving your time, your selves and your money - all so generously.

Our Middle Schoolers were AMAZING help!!!

In all, we packed 117 bags to go to Haiti to bless others.

We were blown away by your generous donations of personal supplies.

You can tell we've been doing this a few years - our veteran workers have it ALL under control - and even take the new workers "under their wings"!! You guys really are SO good!

We had some GREAT looking picture frames!! :)

Making our Christmas cards to stick in our bags. This was a busy spot!!

I am telling you, not a slacker in the bunch!!

Oops - they can't go to Haiti - we better not seal that one up!!

Boxes packed and ready to go!

I only wish we'd had pictures of the kitchen crew - I didn't have my camera out yet - but THANK YOU to the kitchen crew as well. It really speaks highly to our church - our body really all pitches in! Can't wait to hear about Christmas in Haiti!!

Uniqueness

2010-11-12T15:55:00.000-08:00

Uniqueness is learning more about others so you can know more about yourself.

At Studio252, we believe that when you take the time to get to know someone – really understand what makes that person unique – you actually start to discover what makes you unique, too! And as a child begins to understand just how unique we all are, he starts down a path of discovering his own niche or significance in the world. Here are just a few ways you can help your child learn more about the people around him and even discover his own uniqueness in the process!

Make a unique Peanut Butter & Cheese sandwich for lunch
Look in a mirror with your child and write down all the differences you see
Help your child construct a list of things he wants to do in his life
Share unique tricks or talents with your family
Go on a scavenger hunt to find even more unique things God made

For these activities and more visit our website studio252.tv. Register to gain access to this month’s CueBox, weekly bedtime stories on what God says about uniqueness, interactive devotionals for your children, questions to start meaningful conversations about uniqueness, even blogs and videos from your favorite Studio252 characters!

Studio252.tv and CueBox is designed to help you as the parent connect with your child in a fun way to discuss virtues, like Uniqueness, that will ultimately play a significant part in your child growing into the person God made him to be. So visit studio252.tv and check out all the fun we have planned for your family this month!

VIRTUE VIDEO: Uniqueness (November 2010) from Orange on Vimeo.

**We do not necessarily endorse all you will find on these websites - but you may find some of it useful.

Thankfulness

2010-11-10T13:57:00.000-08:00

I came across this article today - I thought it was good and the book sounds helpful as well - wanted to pass it along!

What mom doesn't want to grow grateful kids? And by grateful we mean more than saying "thank you" without being prompted, although that would be nice. The kind of grateful we're talking about is the kid who somehow rises above the entitled, me-me-me attitude that seems so prevalent in our world today. Susie Larson's newest Hearts at Home book release Growing Grateful Kids tackles this issue with gusto.

Here are five strategies every mom can use this Thanksgiving season.
1. Model Thankfulness. "Cultivating a heart of gratitude in our children is impossible unless we ourselves are grateful. We can't impart something we do not possess."
2. Practice restraint. "In this day of entitlement, self-restraint has become a lost art. We do ourselves (and our kids) a great disservice if we never practice restraint."
3. Develop Compassion. "Our darling, self-centered children love it when life is all about them...we must interrupt their plans to be selfish and introduce them to the idea that God has a big giant heart for the least of these, and He has entrusted some of the world's needs to our care."
4. Embrace Contentment. "When our children watch us battle through our appetites and unfulfilled desires to find contentment, they'll learn that though it's not always an easy win, it is possible, and it is a good fight."
5. Give Grace. "When you blow it, give yourself some grace. When your kids act like the little humans that they are, correct them, teach them, forgive them, and then offer grace."

Megan, a mother of four, said after reading Susie's book, "The biggest lesson I learned is that growing grateful kids does not start with their hearts, it starts with mine."

(All quotes taken from Growing Grateful Kids by Susie Larson)

Adoption Video

2010-11-07T19:58:00.001-08:00

In honor of National Adoption Month -

We've had people ask for a place to watch the video again so I will post it here.

What blessings!!!

Adoptive Families in our Body from Becky Bilby on Vimeo.

Reading Scripture Together

2010-11-04T12:29:00.001-07:00

Although this article was written for special needs children, I see it as being useful for many of our children - slower readers, struggling learners, etc. Take a minute to read it - I think you'll find it very good!!

Let's Read the Bible

Another good site and valuable too is here as well - Bible Pronunciations.

Thanksgiving Idea

2010-10-28T12:12:00.000-07:00

Absolutely LOVE this and want to hire someone to make one for me!!!

What a great way to share what you are thankful for AND use for years to come!

Give Thanks Gratitude Board

Sermon Notes Help

2010-10-27T12:04:00.000-07:00

Do you have young ones that are learning how to take notes on the sermon?? I have found this wonderful tool - feel free to print it out and bring it along to church!

Sermon Note Taking Sheet for Children

Praying Together

2010-10-26T07:27:00.000-07:00

As families - we can pray together - and SHOULD, I would say! When I came across this prayer guide for orphans, it seemed fitting to share as November is National Adoption Month. It is also just a great way to pray together.

Orphan 40 Day Prayer Guide

Protective Parents

2010-10-20T20:10:00.000-07:00

I found this encouraging - hope you do too!

Protective Parents

Memos from your Child....

2010-09-30T12:48:00.001-07:00

Great article HERE!!!

Fall Newsletter

2010-09-15T12:59:00.001-07:00

Here is the electronic version - we will have paper copies available at Kidz Klub this coming week as well!

Newsletter Fall 10

Family Devotions

2010-09-14T19:13:00.000-07:00

Here are some fun ideas for family devotions....

Creepy Crawly Family Devotions

If God had Texted the 10 Commandments

2010-09-12T08:08:00.000-07:00

If God had Texted the 10 Commandments:

1. no1 b4 me. srsly.

2. dnt wrshp pix/idols

3. no omg’s

4. no wrk on w/end (sat 4 now; sun l8r)

5. pos ok – ur m&d r cool

6. dnt kill ppl

7. :-X only w/ m8

8. dnt steal

9. dnt lie re: bf

10, dnt ogle ur bf’s m8. or ox. or dnkey. myob

source unknown

Encouragement

2010-09-10T17:25:00.000-07:00

"Put a child's face between your hands and lift it heavenward. Let him see the Savior "whom to know aright is life everlasting.' "

Save the Date!!

2010-09-05T10:01:00.000-07:00

Don't miss this one!!!

Sat., Oct. 16 - 5:00 at Pumpkinland

Come for fun and fellowship!! We will provide the food and you can help us grill it - how's that!?!?

If you choose to do the maze - that is great too - it will cost $5.00 per person if we have 15 or more people.

We will be taking a freewill offering to help cover the cost of food.

Family Reading Bible

2010-08-29T20:02:00.001-07:00

I am NOT biased!! Just because I was asked to be on a panel and give my opinion on this Bible, and just because the Bilby name is mentioned in this Bible - I am still not biased!! (That's ok, because Ringelberg's are mentioned in here too!!) However, all of that aside, I do want to tell you that if you are struggling to find a family tool for Bible reading OR if you need something new - this Family Reading Bible has a great layout and plan to help your family succeed. I do HIGHLY recommend it - great, thought-provoking questions, and insights that will help add to your family devotion time.

Little Kidz Klub

2010-08-22T18:56:00.000-07:00

The curriculum we used last year has been discontinued so we had to choose something new for this year. We have chosen David C. Cook's new First Look. So far, we are very impressed with the quality and focus. We are excited to explore this year together with your little ones!

If you'd like to know more about the focus each month - go HERE. Make sure and click on the Sept. video to see what we will be studying first.

They have also developed an interesting blog for parents - you may be encouraged by it.

Parents Blog

Help for Parents!

2010-01-04T15:37:00.000-08:00

Found some new books that look intriguing - now we haven't read them - but they seem reputable!!!
Instructing a Child's Heart by Tedd and Margy Tripp
Everyday Talk by John A. Younts

And here's the deal- IF you do read one of these - leave a comment - we ALL want to know what you think!!!!

Video for Week 9

2009-12-16T19:27:00.000-08:00

The Forgiving Prince from Jonathan Michael on Vimeo.

(no need to add a code, just hit ENTER and it'll play)

visit the The Jesus Storybook Bible site to learn more

buy the book: here

download audio on or amazon

Christmas Program 2009

2009-12-13T19:13:00.001-08:00

The Best Christmas Present Ever!!
What an amazing job - both by the kids and our amazing team of directors!!! Parents - thank you for all of your commitment and hard work as well - it really is amazing to see it all pull together - but it surely takes everyone!!

(I reduced these to fit on the blog - but if you want any of them emailed to you in full size - just let me know!!)

He's Here - Christmas Video

2009-12-08T12:17:00.000-08:00

Visit The author of The Jesus Storybook Bible, Sally Lloyd-Jones, at her blog.

Week Eight Video

2009-12-07T12:10:00.000-08:00

The Girl No One Wanted from Jonathan Michael on Vimeo.

(no need to add a code, just hit ENTER and it'll play)

Week Seven Video

2009-12-06T12:11:00.000-08:00

The Present from Jonathan Michael on Vimeo.

(no need to add a code, just hit ENTER and it'll play)

Week Six Video

2009-12-05T12:13:00.000-08:00

Son of Laughter from Jonathan Michael on Vimeo.

(no need for a code, you can just hit ENTER and it'll play)

Week Five Video

2009-12-05T12:08:00.001-08:00

A Staircase to Heaven from Jonathan Michael on Vimeo.

(no need to add a code, just hit ENTER and it'll play)

Week 4 Video

2009-12-05T12:04:00.000-08:00

A New Beginning from Jonathan Michael on Vimeo.

no need to have a code, just press ENTER

Week Three Video

2009-12-05T12:01:00.000-08:00

The Terrible Lie from Jonathan Michael on Vimeo.
(no need for a code, just click ENTER)

Week Two Video

2009-12-05T12:00:00.001-08:00

The Beginning: A Perfect Home from Jonathan Michael on Vimeo.

(no need for a code, just click ENTER)

Week One Video

2009-12-05T11:42:00.000-08:00

We are BIG fans of our Jesus Storybook Bible - so when I found the NEW DELUXE version - I was SUPER excited!
THEN, when I found these videos - it was like the icing on the cake! I will either try to link them all up or post the links here so you can enjoy with your children too! I think you will find them to be such great tools.

The Story and The Song from The Jesus Storybook Bible on Vimeo.

read by David Suchet
(no need for a code, just click ENTER or the arrow in the padlock)

Scripture Memory

2009-09-04T14:18:00.001-07:00

Here is our complete list of scripture memory for this Kidz Klub year.
Scripture Memory

Fall Kidz Klub Newsletter

2009-08-27T10:54:00.001-07:00

Here is our new Fall newsletter - make sure and take time to read it - this a lot of great info. tucked in here!!

Fall 09 Kidz Klub News

2009 -10 Calendar

2009-08-17T21:01:00.001-07:00

2009 10 Calendar

Parenting Resources

2009-08-17T16:51:00.000-07:00

Joe and I plan to periodically post some parenting resources we have found that seem to be quite helpful! If you want to find them easily - just click on the sidebar label "Parenting Resources" and you can find all of the posts that we do on parenting resources.

The Praying Family - Creative Ways to Pray Together by Kim Butts
It has been proven that when couples pray together, the divorce rate drastically declines. Kim Butts knows there are many obstacles to becoming a family of prayer. In The Praying Family, she not only tackles those barriers, but she provides a practical, step-by-step approach to making family prayer time the most exciting activity a family engages in. Broken into several steps, each "journey" will further enhance this essential aspect of your family life.

Each journey is made up of:
- Side trips to reinforce prayer concepts, to add variety for younger children
- Resources and Materials list for the journey.
- Memory Verses for your family to learn together.
- Journey for a Lifetime - practical suggestions to apply what's been learned.

About the Author
Kim Butts co-founded Harvest Prayer Ministries with her husband David, and is editor of Harvest Prayer Messenger, Kim is on the executive committee of the National Prayer Committee and on the advisory committee for PrayKids! Magazine.

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Big Truths for Young Hearts by Bruce Ware

Equips parents to guide their young children through all major doctrines in an understandable, chapter-a-day format.

Sure, it's easy to teach your children the essentials of Christian theology when you're a theology professor. But what about the rest of us?

With Big Truths for Young Hearts, Bruce Ware, (you guessed it!) a theology professor, encourages and enables parents of children 6-14 years of age to teach through the whole of systematic theology at a level their children can understand. Parents can teach their children the great truths of the faith and shape their worldviews early, based on these truths.

The book covers ten topics of systematic theology, devoting several brief chapters to each subject, making it possible for parents to read one chapter per day with their children. With this non-intimidating format, parents will be emboldened to be their children's primary faith trainers-and perhaps learn a few things themselves along the way.

Sacred Parenting by Gary Thomas
Parenting is a school for spiritual formation—and our children are our teachers. The journey of caring for, rearing, training, and loving our children will profoundly alter us forever.

Sacred Parenting is unlike any other parenting book you have ever read. This is not a "how-to" book that teaches you ways to discipline your kids or help them achieve their full potential. Instead of discussing how parents can change their kids, Sacred Parenting turns the tables and demonstrates how God uses our kids to change us.

You’ve read all the method books. Now take a step back and receive some much-needed inspiration. You’ll be encouraged by stories that tell how other parents handled the challenges and difficulties of being a parent—and how their children transformed their relationship with God. Sacred Parenting affirms the spiritual value of being a parent, showing you the holy potential of the parent-child relationship.

Disciple Like Jesus For Parents by Alan Melton and Paul Dean
What others are saying about this book and ministry: Alan Melton and Paul Dean have gotten it right. If we are to see young men and women who look like Christ, then we must disciple as Christ did. Read DISCIPLE LIKE JESUS FOR PARENTS and prepare to have a paradigm shift. Your children are depending on it. Meeke Golden Addison, American Family Association, and Mother of Two DISCIPLE LIKE JESUS has the right idea. Their emphasis on parental discipleship is much needed, as we often seem to forget that one's own children provide the greatest opportunity and need for discipleship. Dr. Christopher Cone, President, Tyndale Theological Seminary The training up of children and youth has always been the God given responsibility of the parents and not the Church or government. Because this is the stance and passion of DISCIPLE LIKE JESUS I am pleased to endorse its ministry. Dr. Kenny Rhodes, President, Scofield Seminary and Pastor, Mable Ave Church DISCIPLE LIKE JESUS gets it. The key to reaching the world tomorrow is discipling our children today. The church is losing over two million children every year and they are not returning. What can parents do about this? Jesus showed us the way. Immediately following three years of making disciples, Jesus commanded us to do the same. Disciple Like Jesus For Parents offers practical, creative ways to make disciples of your children. Learn how His approach can transform your family into the image of Christ and allow you to enjoy the great blessings of children.

30 Ways in 30 Days to Save Your Family by Rebecca Hagelin
Your Family Can Be Stronger...
Your Kids Better Protected...
And You Can Do It in 30 Days

As a parent, you know the challenges against you can seem overwhelming. While you're trying to raise thoughtful, considerate, innocent children, popular culture seems to want to turn your children against you. Schools sometimes seem less places of learning than bazaars where your children are sold bad language and surly attitudes--or worse, drugs and sexually transmitted diseases. Your own day is stressful and hectic--and you worry that you're neglecting your children. And you sometimes think there's nowhere to turn for help.Now there is. Rebecca Hagelin's 30 Ways in 30 Days to Save Your Family is the guidebook every parent needs, laying out 30 practical actions--concrete, doable steps you can implement one day at a time--to restore peace in your home and reconnect with your children.

In 30 Ways in 30 Days to Save Your Family, Rebecca Hagelin--a mother of three, as well as a syndicated columnist, author, and specialist on family, culture, and media issues--provides a guide for parents who want more than mere encouragement; who want a practical plan: with realistic goals, specific actions to take, and a clear path to achievement. In 30 Ways in 30 Days to Save Your Family, you'll learn:

* What to say to your teen as you pass Victoria's Secret in the mall
* How to make a clothing contract with your daughter
* How (and why) to write a letter to your child
* How to slow down your life--and your child's--so that you can enjoy your time together
* How to fight the culture--and not your child
* And much more

Raising your child should be a joy, not an uphill battle that leaves you frustrated or in tears. Rebecca Hagelin's 30 Ways in 30 Days to Save Your Family is a parent-tested guide to help you succeed in the most important responsibility you have--raising happy, responsible, well-adjusted kids.

Air Hockey!!!

2009-03-02T10:26:00.000-08:00

I love blogging but I have been so delinquent this year - ugh, can you tell children's ministries grew and presented some fun challenges for us!?!?!

Here is a fun Thank you for Gibbons' to show how much the kids LOVE their new air hockey table!

Pumpkinland Fun!!

2008-09-28T12:03:00.000-07:00

Here is a bit of our fun at Pumpkinland!!

Extreme Church Makeover!!

2008-09-08T15:40:00.000-07:00

All we can say is, "PRAISE GOD!!!!" He is SO good - oh yes, and we thank ALL of you too - we could NEVER have done it without EACH ONE of you!!!

Taco Night

2008-04-27T17:01:00.000-07:00

Our LAST night for this session will be Sunday, May 4 ~ Taco Night.

Little Kid's Club and Kid's Club will both be together for that. We are just asking to keep church costs down that each child bring $2.00. We will end at 7:00 for the graduation party at church. So - Kid's Club will run from 6-7 pm. See you then!!!

Roller Skating Info......

2008-02-07T06:18:00.000-08:00

Roller Skating Party

SUNDAY, February 24,2008
6:00 PM- 8:00 PM

Roller Roulette, Sheldon, IA

Everyone is welcome to come to skate or not to skate. The facility is setup so everyone can enjoy the skating and fellowship. We need 50 skaters so bring your friends, children, and grandchildren. We are encouraging life groups to participate as we'd love to have parents attend as well!!

Transportation and Other Information
If anyone is able to provide transportation please let Joe Bilby know so we can place extras or those children needing transportation.
(737-4359/ home #)

Cost is $3.50/skater ($2.50/child 6 yrs. & younger)
(This includes the rental of the quad skates. Inline skates are available for an additional $2.00/pair. No discount for bringing your own skates, which need to be approved by the Roller Roulette staff prior to use.)

Food is available for additional cost through the concessions at the rink. They offer all the best in junk food including pizza and soft pretzels!

Bring board games and cards for those not skating. Plenty of booths are available to gather for conversation and fun. Phase 10 or Sequence rematches may be conducted!

Skating is Coming!!!

2008-01-23T06:33:00.000-08:00

Just to give you a heads up - Roller Skating Night is coming!!! The rink is reserved and we are ready!!

February 24 - stay tuned for more details!!!

Christmas Operation

2008-01-06T16:24:00.000-08:00

Well - the Christmas program is over, and now that we've had time to recover (!!) thought we'd post some pictures! We have just oodles of pictures - so if you'd like some of your child/children and you don't see them on here - just email and let us know - we would be happy to email them out!! (Karen took many pictures of each family, and I don't have room to post them all - but feel free to email and ask!!) Thanks Karen, again for a superb program!! And Thanks Parents, your dedication to bringing your kids to practice made this year's program a success. Oh yes, and Thanks Kids - you did awesome!!

Christmas Program

2007-12-15T15:36:00.000-08:00

Here are some dates and times (off of the sheet that was passed out last week at church):

Sunday, Dec. 16th - 9:15 - Come to the Sunday School Room (at the Daycare) and we will go over the 1st song in the program. At 9:35 we will walk over to the church and march up on stage ( they do not need their t-shirts on).

Sunday School Time - 9:50 - after we sing at the end of the 1st service, we will go back to the Sunday School Room and have Sunday school time. The first 10 in. will be to review any songs we need to work on and then the last 30 min. will be spent with their Sunday School teachers.

10:45 - At 9:40 we will line up at the Sunday School Room and go back into the church to sing the 1st song again.

Sunday Evening, 16th - all children in program should be in the Old Children's Church Worship Room with their t-shirts and pants on at 5:40 (khaki or black pants). Please find your box as soon as you get there and you will get lined up in order.

Parents - please bring 2-3 dozen goodies to the kitchen when you arrive.

Jr. High students, shepherds, angel, PA announcer, mary, Joseph, Rich Man, Poor Widow, Character of Jesus, Readers, etc. should be dressed and at the Old Children's Worship Room at 5:50 and will be sitting in the back of the church until you need to go on stage.

BK Challenge

2007-12-11T08:31:00.000-08:00

BK CHALLENGE!!!!

Where did Abram live when God called him?

(Remember, just leave a comment on this post with your answer and your name!!! The winner will be announced in Kid's Club!!)

Tug of War

2007-12-11T08:25:00.000-08:00

Welcome Back! After two long weeks off it is nice to be back in Kid's Club. He hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving.

This week we had a great time with Renee and Justin. Thanks Cole for inviting your parents to spend the evening as our special guests. The evening started off with an exciting competition between Justin and Cole. We had a tug of war matchup. It was a fierce battle but in the end Cole was no match to Justin's brute strength. (Not to mention Justin's just a little bit bigger than Cole.) The second round of Tug of War was a bit different. Cole teamed up with about 15 of his heavy weight friends and easily put down the competition. Team Kid's Club was victorious. Now you may be asking what does this have to do with Kid's Club, and honoring our parents? Our lesson for the week was on the Tower of Babel. Scripture says that when God came down he said "If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them." God had told the people that they were to fill the earth and they wanted to build a tower "so that we may make a name for ourselves and not be scattered over the face of the whole earth." In their unity they sought to disobey God so God confused their language and the result was obedience. They scattered over the face of the whole earth. When we unite to honor God we can accomplish much but when we unite to dishonor God he can break the unity to bring about his will. As families let's be united to honor God. Let's use our time together to accomplish much for God.

As you spend time this season decorating Christmas Trees or baking great Christmas goodies, think of things you can do as a family to accomplish much for God. As a family seek out an opportunity to show love to someone who needs it. If they ask why tell them you just wanted to share the good news of the season.

Haiti Packing Night

2007-12-02T15:51:00.000-08:00

We'll let the pictures speak mainly for themselves - we had a great night and pray that our gifts will bless others with God's love.

Christmas Packing Party

2007-11-12T19:52:00.000-08:00

Kid’s Club Haitian Christmas Packing Party

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2007 6:00 pm

New Hope EFC Sanctuary

The kids are almost ready for the packing party, having completed crafts for giving a gospel message through the colors of faith ornament and a gift tag for each of the Haitian children.

We would encourage you to sit down with your child and write a special letter telling their friend something about themselves, their love of Jesus, and their hope for their friend to know Jesus as their own personal friend as well. The letters can be translated by Krissie and Jean Jean and read to each child.

Following are some final needs we have in preparing for the packing party. Please bring donations to the church and deposit in the box placed by the mailboxes at the church entrance.

DONATON REQUESTS:

6 boxes of Ziploc 2.5 gallon Jumbo Bags
Toothbrushes & Toothpaste
Soaps and Other Toiletries
Band-Aids or First Aid Items
Small Penny Candies (no chocolate…it might melt in shipping)
Packing Tape (2-3 Rolls)
Scotch Tape (for Krissie)
Duck Tape (for JeanJean)
(excellent for Bible Repairs)
Twine for additional gift tying.
Large Sterilite storage containers for packing and shipping gifts in. (They are useful after presents are distributed.)
Offerings for mission gift to Wilson’s ministry with HAFF

SUGGESTED GIFTS FOR HAITIAN CHILDREN:

Clothing 2 sizes smaller than their age for children ages 6-12
No battery operated toys.
(They won’t be able to replace the batteries.)
Clothing for younger children are closer to their age but larger is always good for growing into.
Flip Flops or croc type shoes.
Deflated soccer balls are a favorite toy.
Rain Jackets.
Ribbons, beads, & hair ties for Girls
Colored Pencils and Coloring Books

Everyone is invited to participate in the packing party and share our Christmas party with the children of New Hope as an all-church event. Even if you have not adopted a child, your help would be appreciated, as there are plenty of ways to come alongside the children and help with the packing and shipping process. You may also come just to enjoy the social experience with children!

Please bring a Christmas goodie to share with the group. If you can’t bring a goodie, come anyway!

Cinderella

2007-11-03T13:02:00.000-07:00

We had a great time with Rebekah's Parents. We enjoyed having Mark and Lisa visit us so we could honor them as parents.

Kids: We are finding that honoring our parents is no little thing. Some of the ways we honor our parents are by obeying, respecting, loving and spending time with them. This week we explored yet another way we can honor our parents. Rebekah told us how when there is a storm she feels at peace because her parents are around. She even shared with us that when there is a tornado warning her family, just like our family, camp out in the basement until the storm is passed. We also talked about how Rebekah learned to ride a bike. Her dad held the bike upright just until the right time when he knew she could stay up. Then he let go and she was able to stay up. In all of those events Rebekah was showing that she trusted her parents. This is another way that we honor them. By trusting them we show that we know they want to take care of us. They love us and we put our faith in them to care and protect us. Some of the ways we can trust them is by listening to what they say and then following what they say. Trusting and obeying kind of overlap. We obey our parents because we trust that they want the best for us.

Parents: Our children trust us. All through their lives there will be times when our children will come to us for support, advice, encouragement and love. As parents we need to be there for them, to be available, ready to do the things that say "you can trust me". I want to share with you an email that I received last week. I receive some great encouraging emails from the Familyman Ministries, started by Todd Wilson. I am attaching one of his emails and then a link to a great song by Steven Curtis Chapman.

Dads, follow this link http://www.familymanweb.com/newsletter to signup to receive the newsletter. Moms - If your husband doesn't sign up to receive this newsletter go sign him up yourself!! Todd has a heart for men being great dads and husbands. His weekly emails are an encouragement and his website has many resources to encourage dads to be the best husbands and dads they can be.

Here is the email:

You know, there’s just something very pink and tinkerbellish about girls. Sure,
there’s also a ton of unbridled emotion and changing of clothes that goes hand
in hand with having a girl, but there’s just something wonderful about
daughters. My daughter Katherine (10) has proven that to me more than once in
the last two weeks. The first time happened on a beautiful, fall night when we
were still able to eat dinner on our screened-in porch. We were halfway through
dinner when Katherine asked a question, and I responded in a fairly normal
way---I thought. Katherine was hit with a wave of emotion and burst into
tears. I was touched by her brokenness and in my softest, most fatherly voice I
said, “I didn’t mean it that way, Katherine. I’m so sorry---” Her tears stopped
and later that evening she walked up to me and apologized for her outburst, and
we hugged and talked. A few days later, I walked past her and she gave me a
funny look. "Dad,” she said, “can you dance with me?” I have to admit that I was taken back by her question---she’s never asked me to dance before. But without hesitation, I put my arms around her and swept her off her feet to giggles of delight. Then, last Thursday a tornado touched down just a few miles from our home. The radio blared its emergency test warning---but it wasn’t a test. Katherine was a mess---and she’s never even seen the Wizard of OZ. The entire night she clung to me and wanted to hear my words of assurance.
And lastly, she proved it to me again when our whole family went to the mall recently. As I walked to the pretzel booth, Katherine walked with me with her arm around my waist---like a teenager with her boyfriend. It felt a little weird, but it grew on me as we walked. In fact, by the time we got to the pretzel place, I was kind of bummed that she removed her arm. OK, so here’s the point, Dad. Our daughters find comfort, security, and love in us. They need us to sweep them off their feet from time to time, talk gently, and try to understand their emotions. If we’re not there for them---some other guy with baggy jeans will be. So, Dad, be there. Make the time to hold your daughter on your lap, ask her about her day, and put your arm around her waist like you’re a teenager and she’s your girlfriend---because she is.

BK Challenge

2007-11-01T12:11:00.000-07:00

BK Challenge!!!!!

How many doors did God tell Noah to put on the Ark?

To answer the question:

Find the correct answer to the question.

Click on the comment link at the bottom of this post to enter your answer.

Come to Kid’s Club to see if you win the prize.

2007-10-28T14:40:00.000-07:00

We want to give Brady and Lindsay a hearty Thank You for joining us at our last Kid's Club meeting. We had a great time discussing how we, as children, need to honor our parents. Each week I ask the kids what it means to honor their parents. One of the first answers is "we need to obey them". I had been holding off on discussing obedience with the kids because it is an area that most of them understand. We are supposed to do the things that our mom and dad tell us to do and yet we so often disobey. Why?

Jenna and I talked about making cookies. We discussed how exciting it is when mom pulls the batch out of the oven and we want to take a bite, but, mom says we have to wait. We don't necessarily want to wait but mom did say wait. Why? Why would mom want to stop me from enjoying the cookies. Is she selfish? Does she want to withhold the cookies from me? Does she want to keep them all to herself? No, the reason I have to wait is because mom knows what is best for me. She knows the cookies are hot and they would burn me. Mom withholds the cookies because she loves me.

In our lesson later that night the kids and I touched upon the reason why we disobey. We disobey because the first man and woman disobeyed God. God told Adam and Eve to leave the tree of the knowledge of good and evil alone. They were not even to touch the tree. But they said in their hearts, "I will decide what is true and right," rather than trusting God to decide what is true and right. After Adam and Eve sinned a terrible thing happened between God and mankind. The perfect relationship was torn in two. Man and woman no longer had a perfect relationship with God, they were separated. The separation was caused by disobedience and we call that disobedience, sin.

The same thing happens when we disobey our parents. The relationship is damaged and things must be made right. Usually there is pain. It may be pain that is caused by our disobedience, such as getting burned by the cookies, or it could be pain that is caused by discipline from mom or dad. Please understand Mom and Dad, there must be discipline. It could be as simple as a firm talking to or it could involve more severe punishment depending on the situation, but there must be discipline. To withhold discipline is to affirm in your child that disobedience is ok - that to disobey is a little thing.

The reality is that disobedience is a BIG thing. When our children disobey us they disobey God as well. If we treat our children's disobedience to us a as a little thing it teaches them that their disobedience to God is a little thing as well. Their disobedience to us provides us with an incredible opportunity to demonstrate the relationship between mankind and God. Use your child's time of disobedience to display what takes place between us and God when we disobey. The relationship is broken, punishment must be made. In His grace God has provided Jesus to take the ultimate punishment upon Himself - death. In the death of Jesus the penalty for our disobedience is met and we can be reunited with God. When you discipline your child take time to share the good news that Jesus provides a way for us to be reunited with God. Encourage them to ask the Father for forgiveness. The real issue when our children disobey us is not that they are sinning against us but that they are sinning ultimately against God.

BK Challenge

2007-10-20T16:04:00.000-07:00

Introducing the New Hope’s BK Challenge for Kids

You may be asking, “What is the New Hope BK Challenge?” Well, the BK Challenge is a new Bible Knowledge Challenge for Kid’s who attend New Hope. This is how it works. Each week a new Bible Challenge question will be posted on the New Hope Family BLOG. Find the BK Challenge, post a comment with the answer along with your first name. Each week during Kid’s Club one person will be randomly selected to receive a BK Challenge prize. It’s this simple:

Go to ALL Things Kids!
(Click on the underlined words to go there!)

Find the BK Challenge for that week.
Find the correct answer to the question.
Post your answer with your first name
Come to Kid’s Club to see if you win the prize.

Little Kid's Club

2007-10-16T19:41:00.001-07:00

Because we so often don't get to see inside Little Kid's Club on the blog, here are some fun glimpses from last week!!

2007-10-14T11:38:00.000-07:00

Honor and Respect

It was our privilege to have Olivia's parents, Gary and Rachel, as our special guests this last week. As a group we talked about how Honor and Respect are closely related. They are often used interchangeably to describe each other. This week we decided to focus in on the positive side of respect. It isn't enough to just not do "bad things" but we must also do "good things". We must be seeking to look for the good and honorable things to do. When we honor and respect our parents we should think of ways to "esteem, show regard or to favor".

Each week we start off asking easy questions, questions that are simple to answer and then we move to more difficult questions. Olivia did a great job as I moved into some of the more difficult ones. We talked about things that we can do for her mom or dad when they are having a bad day. Some of the things that Olivia likes to do for them is to make cards for her parents to show that she loves and honors them. She likes to cook with her mom and may play games with her dad.

Kids, Make it a point to let your mom and dad know that you love them by doing something for them this week. It could be something like helping rake the leaves or do the laundry. It could also be something like making a card or just out of the blue giving them a hug and telling them you love them.

Parents, Last week we encouraged the kids to let you, the parent, love on them. This week we want to encourage you to let your kids love on you. When they come to talk to you, stop what you are doing and listen to them. They are coming to you because they honor, respect and love you. When they want to give you that hug, let them linger, enjoy it, anything else can wait.

Oops!!!

2007-10-09T09:18:00.001-07:00

Yes, we had a minor mistake on our Life Groups sheet SO - we WILL have Kid's Clubs THIS Sunday, October 14 but we WON'T have Kid's Clubs NEXT Sunday, October 21 - instead we have a congregational meeting. If you were scheduled to bring snack or be a special guest on the 21st - we will move you to the 14th instead. Thanks so much!!

Special Guests - The Harald's

2007-10-05T13:38:00.000-07:00

We had another great evening honoring Nicholas' mom and dad, Mark and Dorinda Harald. It was a joy to get to know the Harald's a little better as well as giving Nicholas a chance to show honor to his parents. Sunday night we reviewed some additional ways that we can honor our parents. Some of the ideas the kids had included respecting, obeying, and listening to them.

We asked Nicholas what he does when he gets hurt. His answer was "my mom puts a band aid on it". We also asked him if he allows his mom and dad to hug him. He said that they give him a hug before going to bed at night. Mom's and Dad's love to show affection to their children and they do it in many little ways all throughout the day. Basically, Mom's and Dad's love to love.

Kids - let your mom and dad love you. It gives them joy and it gives them honor. Parents - let's take some time this week to encourage our children to let us show our love. Explain to them that it is honorable to allow your mom and dad to love you. Mom's and Dad's lets give our kids a few more hugs throughout the day and maybe just maybe try giving them a kiss on the cheek.

As I was writing this it made me think of our Father in heaven. Do I honor Him by letting Him love me? Have I put our faith in the fact that God really loves me? Do I cherish that love? I can imagine few greater hurts than to have one of my children reject my love. Have you hurt the Father by rejecting His love? Spend some time with Him this week. Allow Him to love you. You will honor Him if you do.

Corn Maze is COMING!!!

2007-09-30T18:19:00.000-07:00

THIS SATURDAY, October 6 at 6:00 - we are meeting at Pumpkinland to do the corn maze!!! Plan to come and join us - the whole family is welcome! (The maze will cost $4.00 per person and you can pay that at Pumpkinland.) Following our time in the maze - we will head to Pizza Ranch in Orange City for PIZZA!!!! (We are just asking for a freewill offering to help cover the cost of the pizza.) If you want to come and didn't sign up at the table - leave us a comment below and we'll make sure to add you to our count - oh, and in your comment, mention your favorite pizza choice too!!

See you there!!!

(If you click on the word "Pumpkinland" above - it will take you to their website for directions, etc.) AND - thanks to Jennifer Tullar for planning and coordinating this fun outing for us!!!

Special Guests!

2007-09-26T11:14:00.000-07:00

Honor Your Father and Mother.

Each week in Kid's Club we want to reserve some special time to focus on honor. Specifically how to honor our mother and father? We discussed what it means to give Honor. Honoring our Mother and Father includes more than just obeying it also includes respect. We gave examples of dishonor such as direct disobedience, improper attitudes and arguing. This week we were privileged to have the parents of Chris and Zack join us.

Chris and Zack demonstrated honor by answering a few questions. We started off simple, asking just a few questions about a few of their parent’s favorite things:

Tim’s favorite soft drink is Coke.
His hobby is watching sports.
His favorite sports team is the University of Michigan
His favorite food…. Anything that isn’t moving. :)

Kari’s favorite food is chocolate.
Her favorite hobby is sewing.
Her favorite sports team is Michigan State and sometimes Penn State.
Her favorite sport is Hockey.

We then focused on Chris and Zack. We wanted to know what they enjoyed doing the most with their parents. Chris enjoyed any board games and Zack enjoyed Movies with his dad. We also asked them what they would miss the most if their parents had to leave for a year. Chris would miss his mom’s lasagna and Zack would miss his Dad’s “lame” jokes.

You might be asking, “How do these simple questions demonstrate honor?” The answer is time. The thing that Chris and Zack value the most is time with their parents. They didn’t even realize that they were showing honor to their parents in the answers they gave. But think of the honor they demonstrated by in affect saying that they most wanted time with their parents; time to listen to jokes, prepare great food, watch movies and play games.

So, thank you, Chris and Zack for showing us that one way we can honor our parents is by valuing the time they spend with us.

Note from Joe...

2007-09-24T13:22:00.000-07:00

This year has had a great start. On our first Sunday we had the first ever New Hope water logged bon fire. We did indeed have smores that night thanks to Jason’s incredible fire abilities. Not only did we have a fire but the fire was started while the rain was starting to come down. You’ll have to ask him what his secret is… (I think it may have something to do with a little lighter fluid)…

I wanted to take a few minutes to tell you about an opportunity for you during our Sunday Night Kid’s club. Some of you may wonder “what do they do with my kids after I drop them off on Sunday night?” Well, we want to give you a chance to see. We would love to give each of you the opportunity to be our special guest host for an evening. This is your opportunity to spend an evening with us, to check us out.

Our goal is to come along side you as you seek to teach your children the ways of God. We are your helpers and we want to get your feedback. We want to know how we can better partner with you as you disciple your child.

We also want to take some time to discuss with the children what it means to “Honor your Mother and Father”. Each evening we will set aside a time to discuss honor, and to reflect on practical ways that children can show honor.

Here is what are we looking to do: On the night that you sign up to be our special guest we are looking for three things. 1. Come check us out. You can come and follow your child as they go from class to class or maybe you can help us out if you feel comfortable with that. 2. (Here’s the hard part… food). We are asking that you bring the treat for that night. Maybe you and your child can work together to bring their favorite treat to share. 3. Provide us an opportunity to honor you for the greatest job on the planet… being a parent.

So when you drop off your child take a look at the signup sheet. Find a night that works for you and feel free to put down your name. If you have any questions feel free to give me a call or catch me sometime.

Thanks,

Joe

New Blog

2007-09-19T16:56:00.000-07:00

Guess What - Becky's blogging has spilled over into church!! We are going to start a Children and Family Ministries blog. Our main goal is to have a place for you to check online if you need to know what to bring, where we are meeting, what time, etc. BUT it will also be a great place for PICTURES and MORE!!! If you ever want to ask a question or leave a comment - we'd love it. Just click under a post to leave a comment or question and we will get back to you SOON with an answer.

So plan on stopping by often - we will keep it updated regularly and you will know what is happening with your children and their ministries!! (In case you aren't familiar with Blogs, they update every time we make a new post and the most current post will always be first - if you want to see older posts, just scroll down or look along the right hand side at the sidebar and there will be a square called "Labels" - that will separate each post by it's label - which might make older news easier to find too!!)