Prayer: Just Be Yourself

Most of us have witnessed this scene before: a prayer request is mentioned, heads bow, and prayer begins. What comes next sounds nothing like the person you know. In reality, sometimes our prayers just don’t sound like us when it comes to praying aloud, in front of others, and especially in front of our children. Who each of us is as a person doesn’t always come across as genuine to whom God made us to be.

 So, what are some practical tips to bridge the uncomfortableness and just be yourself in prayer?

1. Slow down and be okay with silence (Ps. 46:10). Slowing your pace and allowing for quiet moments helps to move our thoughts away from the daily demands and focus on being in the presence of the Lord.
2. Use normal language. Your kids will be the first to call you out on this one. Model for them that prayer is conversation with God.
3. Use your normal voice. See #2.
4. Keep it short and simple. Even though the comprehension level will differ, the attention span of a toddler and teenager are roughly the same J. Pay attention to the attention limitations of your children at various ages and slowly build their praying stamina.
5. Let your children see YOU praying (1 Thess. 5:17-18). You are your children’s primary discipler. As they watch you pray about all things and in every circumstance, they will learn that prayer is a natural part of life.
6. Expose your children to other adults praying. Whether this is in Sunday morning worship or at a weekly prayer fellowship, children need to see and hear other adults praying. Depending on the setting, include your child as a participant and not just a listener.
   

Prayer is naturally one of the most spiritual things we can do as believers, so we don’t need to add anything extra to over-spiritualize it, make it a burden, or complicate it for our children. We can simply come as joyful sons and daughters with reverent awe that we have been rescued by a God who loves us and hears us.

Every Wednesday night at 6:30, we have a one-hour prayer fellowship time for our entire church family and those in our community. During this time, we have a team of caring adults who will pray with your children and teach them how to pray for others. Start the New Year off with a renewed commitment of bringing the entire family to prayer fellowship at least once a month, if not more. It’s a great time of fellowship, a midweek recharging of the soul, and a place to just be yourself. This could be the thing which helps your prayer life the most.

Children and Stress

Illness, death of a loved one, school bullies, parental job loss, or divorce, these are just a few life stressors that can bring uncertainty,anxiety and stress into a child’s life.

As much as we want to shield our children from hurt and harm, life happens. As we seek to handle these tough times, here are a few suggestions:

 

• Take time to reassure your children of your constant love for them and of God’s promise to never leave us. Be attentive, accepting, affirming, and reliable.
• As much as possible, maintain the same schedules and rules during crises because structure and boundaries help children feel safe. When changes occur, let children know what to expect.
• Encourage your kids to talk openly about their feelings and fears. Most importantly, pray that God will help you all grow closer to him, no matter what obstacles you face.

 

 

 

 

 

“ For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future,j nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”    

Romans 8:38-39 

Sharing the Joys of Easter with Your Kids

“Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said. … Thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.”                     (1 Corinthians 15:3-4, 57)

 

Children are drawn to Easter, with the holiday’s emphasis on candy and bunnies. What a privilege to help them realize it’s about so much more! For Christians, Easter is a day of victory. Because Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead, we have forgiveness, hope, and eternal life.

Looking for new ideas to celebrate Holy Week and Easter with your kids? Sometimes the most meaningful activities are the easiest. For example:

 On Palm Sunday, when Jesus was cheered before his death, cut out paper shapes of your palms and wave them around to praise Jesus.

 

 

 

On Maundy Thursday, when Jesus shared the Last Supper with his disciples, wash one another’s feet as an act of service.

 

 

 

 

 

On Good Friday, walk around all day with a pebble in your shoe. Then talk about that burden and what Jesus’ suffering means to you.

 

 

 
On Easter, collect foil from candy eggs and create shiny streets of gold as reminders of heaven, where Jesus prepares a place for us.

 

 

 

 

Did You Know?

• Easter is the oldest Christian holiday and the most important day of the church year. It’s a “moveable feast,” meaning the date changes. Since the year 325, Easter has been on the first Sunday after the full moon following the northern hemisphere’s vernal (spring) equinox.

• Originally, eggs symbolized new life, purity, and fertility. Later, they were linked to Easter because Jesus was temporarily dormant in the tomb (shell) and emerged to give us new life.

 

As you and your family look ahead to the Easter celebration, ask God:

1. To bless your Easter preparations and celebrations.

2. To keep your family members focused on Jesus’ resurrection and what it means for them.

3. To forgive your sins—and thank him for “never again” remembering them (Hebrews 8:12).

Teaching Children About Stewardship

This month’s post will focus on children and stewardship, courtesy of Group Publishing, Real Family. Real Jesus. Real Simple newsletter.   I hope you will find this post helpful in your family.

Christian stewardship is about more than just pledging donations or placing money in an offering plate. A steward manages resources, including time, talent, and money. Because God has given us so many blessings, we respond by using them wisely and also sharing them with others.

Children observe their parents’ financial habits and learn about the role of money at a young age. So it’s important to model appropriate attitudes about saving, spending, and giving. When we’re honest about everything from our daily transactions to our yearly taxes, we demonstrate how to be trustworthy. And when we contribute to church, charities, and neighbors in need, we teach the joy of being generous while assisting other people.

 

 

 

 

Experts recommend using an allowance system that works for your family so children can save for the future, spend money on desired items, and donate a portion of their earnings. Such habits can set the foundation for a lifetime of financial stability as well as God-honoring stewardship.

 

 

 

 

 

Family Faith Conversations

Talk with your kids about stewardship by asking these questions:

1. Why does God give us money and talents? What does he want us to do with these things, and why?

2. How do you decide how much of your money to spend, save, or give away?

3. How can you handle money wisely without honoring it too much?

“If you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven? … You cannot serve both God and money.” (Luke 16:11, 13)

Handling money wisely is one way to worship God, the giver of all good things.

 

Chores for Children

Happy New Year!!

This month’s post is a timely one, courtesy of Group Publishing, Real Family. Real Jesus. Real Simple newsletter.   I hope you will find this post helpful in your family.

Make one of your New Year’s resolutions starting a regular chore routine for your children. You’ll provide a valuable gift. Chores teach children responsibility, develop much-needed life skills, and instill a sense of belonging and self-worth.  Most child-development experts agree that children shouldn’t be paid for household chores, which are part of contributing to family life. Here are some tips for a positive chore experience at your house:

• Give kids ownership. Have a family meeting and enlist the help of your children in selecting the chores they want to do. Also have them participate in selecting the consequences for chores not performed in a timely manner. Let kids know expectations ahead of time.

• Use “shaping” to teach tasks. First, let children watch you perform a chore as you talk through it step by step. The next time, let children perform one part of the chore. Each time, give kids a little more responsibility until they’re ready to tackle the chore alone.

• Use language cues to spur self-reflection and responsible behavior. Say, “I see books on the floor” rather than giving a direct command. That helps kids make decisions and reduces any defiance.

• Offer encouragement. Always thank children for their contributions and offer genuine praise for their efforts. Instead of saying, “Your room looks good,” say, “Thank you for working so hard to put your clothes and toys in their proper place.” Don’t expect perfection.

Use the power of prayer and Scripture to strengthen your family.  Ask God:

1. To give your children a good attitude about doing chores

2. To help your children feel like contributing members of a close family

3. To develop in your children a heart for service at home and elsewhere.

 

Select chores specifically geared to your child’s age, ability, and personality. Here are some examples of age-appropriate tasks:

Ages 3 to 5: Work alongside children to help them perform simple chores such as putting away toys, putting dirty clothes in the hamper, sorting laundry into color-coded piles, making their beds, and feeding pets.

Ages 6 to 8: Children can dust and vacuum, put away their clothes, empty wastebaskets, set and clear the table, care for pets, and help with some yardwork.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ages 9 to 12: Kids can unpack groceries, load and unload the dishwasher, mop the floor, fold laundry, wash the car, and help prepare simple meal

 

 

“Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were

working for the Lord rather than for people.” — Colossians 3:23

Chores may not always be pleasant or exciting. But by doing them faithfully, children learn how to serve and how to perform all types of tasks with a joyful attitude.

It’s Been A Great Year!!

As 2013 comes to a close, our children continue to learn and grow in their knowledge of our Lord and Savior.  It has been a great year and I’m truly thankful for an awesome team of volunteers, dedicated parents, eager children and GOD’S AMAZING GRACE!!

Since a picture is worth a thousand words, here are “several thousand words” capturing the last several months.

Importance of prayer:

Ephesians 6:18 (NIV)

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

Annual Family Fun Day!

1 Thessalonians 5:11  (NIV)

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

 

 

Student Ministry Skits

Our middle and high school students did an excellent job bring the Bible to life for our children by presenting skits on The Prodigal Son and The Birth of Jesus.

 

 

 

 

December Family Fun Day

A morning of indoor and outdoor games with our CASM families.  Lots of fun and fellowship!

 

 

 

 

Christmas Eve 2013

Luke 2:10-11 (NIV)

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.

Encouraged!!

Happy November!!

The holidays are quickly approaching and we have much to give thanks for AND to be encouraged by in our KIDS R.O.C.K. Children’s Ministry at The Church at South Mountain. During the month of September, our children were introduced to five “Heroes of the Faith” ( Augustine, Eric Liddell, John Bunyan, Amy Carmichael and William Booth) and then challenged in October to write an essay about the hero who most influenced their lives.

Congratulations to Celeste Stowers, daughter of Timothy and Ellanda Stowers. Celeste is 9 years old and chose to write about Amy Carmichael as her “Hero of the Faith”.    We are proud of Celeste and thankful for the guidance and support of her parents with this project.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Celeste and Associate Pastor Rich Wells

Click on each page below for a larger view of her thoughtful essay on the influence of Amy Carmichael in her life.

A Great Start to Sundays!

At this time of year, parents are overwhelmed with “how to’s” regarding the new school year…. how to find the best deal on school clothes, how to pack a healthy lunch, how to set up a well-organized homework area.

However, what are the “how to’s” for helping your child have a great year at church?

Here are a few ideas:

Prepare the night before.  Lay out clothes and accessories, bathe the children, set Bibles and offering money near the door…anything you can do to eliminate as many time-consuming items in the morning will help you get out the door on time.

Go to bed at a reasonable hour.  Being well-rested will ensure that everyone will (1) get up and out the door and (2) help eliminate grumpy behavior – for parents AND kids.

Don’t forget breakfast.  A full tummy will help kids focus better and again cut down on grumpy behavior.

 

 

Play up positives for church other than “fun”.  If you tell your child something like, “I’ll bet you’ll have lots of fun today!” and they don’t, they will likely resist wanting to go back.  Emphasize that worshiping and attending church is an important start to your week and that when we go to church, we can learn more about Jesus.

Commit to attending church regularly.  There are so many things that vie for your attention on Sunday mornings.  Make regular church attendance a priority for your family.  

Arrive at church on time.  By doing so, your child is able to get settled in with minimal disruptions to the class.

Get to know your child’s teacher.  Your child’s teacher has committed to building a relationship with your child and sharing Jesus with him/her.  This relationship is a very important one to nurture.

Put dates for children’s ministry activities on your calendar.  Information about what will be taught, memory verses, and special holiday activities will help you to encourage your child.

Ask the right questions.  Instead of asking, “Did you have fun today?” when you pick up your child, ask more specific questions such as,

“Tell me about your day.”; “What did you do today?”; “What did you like best?”  

Find ways that you can serve together as a family.  Participate in the church food and water drive, serve as ushers, greeters, or bake cookies for church events.  This will help your child feel like they are part of a larger community.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ephesians 6:10-12 reminds us of the daily battle we face and provides us with THE way to win the war.  I hope these tips are helpful and get your Sundays off to a great start!

 

Back to School!

It’s finally arrived….BACK TO SCHOOL!!  This time of year brings a variety of emotions for both parents and children.  Seasoned parents have calmly mastered the routines of organizing backpacks,lunches and homework while parents of kindergarteners are still a bit emotional as they send their “baby” to school.  It is an exciting, emotional and busy time.   So, this month’s blog is devoted to helping you stay on track, spiritually and practically.

 

Easing Your Child’s Fears and Anxieties

Whether it’s the first day of school or the first time in Sunday School, children face anxious moments.   New teachers, routines, friends, and studies.   Helping children understand  and believe what the Bible teaches about anxiety (Matt. 6:34; 1 Peter 5:7)  takes time and it takes you.  Here are a few suggestions to help you get started:

• Show respect for your child’s feelings and provide a safe environment for conversation.
• Help your child identify their feelings.  Just naming an emotion can bring relief.
• Identify underlying reasons for fear and provide children with an understanding about who God is.
• Model trust in God.  Share about how you cope with anxiety.

 

Time For God, Time For Family

This is a great time of the year to re-establish family priorities and renew your vision of worship.  Your family life doesn’t have to be a whirlwind of evening and weekend activities that move you away from God.  Remember, you are privileged with a great responsibility (Deut. 6:1-8).   This is an opportunity for your family to shine Christ’s light into the world.

Click on the link below to read an article, “Are You A Part-Time Churchgoer?”, describing  a struggle many families face.  It offers interesting insight about our practice of  worship.

http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/trevinwax/2013/08/06/are-you-a-part-time-churchgoer-you-may-be-surprised/

As you think about your child’s future….what college they will attend, what they will be when they grow up, who they will marry…have a vision and  a prayer for your child, that they will come to Christ and grow strong in the faith.  For this to happen, they will need you.

 

Be blessed!

Summertime!

It’s officially summertime and the heat is on…at least here in Phoenix.  This is the time we slow down to enjoy our family and friends and do all the fun things we promised ourselves during the year.   So, how’s it going?  Have you taken time to do that “something” or go to that “somewhere”  you promised yourself and your family?  Have you slowed down to spend time together with your family?

I think as parents we sometimes think together means running the roads; overpriced summer attractions; bigger, better, brighter.  Those things are wonderful but they aren’t the only way to find quality time with your kids.

Listening to each other, learning something new, explaining, asking your child’s opinion….voices aren’t raised, tempers aren’t flared.  Just enjoying being together.  

As I’ve learned from my son and daughter, the memories that stick in their heads aren’t always the ones with the most $$$ signs.  Memories that stick are rooted in together.  As I write this blog, my adult children are at opposite ends of the country. One is in New York and the other in San Francisco.  They’ll both be home in a few days with stories and pictures of their summer adventures and I will eagerly listen and love that we are together.

Side by side.

Give and take.

Patience and time.

Just together.

So maybe for you, together is cleaning out a closet, helping with dinner or pulling all the blankets out and building a fort in the living room. Whatever it looks like at your house, cherish it!  You have a lot of summertime, together-hungry hours ready for you to fill!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you Lord for together!