Parenting With Power Part 2

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Some great parenting advice.

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Fantastic advice, books and gifts.

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Did You Know? By 2013, Australians will be spending $1.4 billion a year on takeaway hot drinks, most of which will be coffee.

From cola to coffee, kids are acquiring a taste for the wrong kind of dietary stimulation.

While many mums and dads are actively not allowing their kids to drink strong coffee, many Aussie adolescents, and children even younger, are getting a regular caffeine fix. And that's not a good thing.

With more and more links being drawn between caffeine and addiction, sleeping problems, obesity and poor bone health, many youth health professionals are reiterating the fact that there is no reason for caffeine being in a child's diet.

CAFFEINE SOURCES:

The main sources of caffeine are tea, coffee, cola drinks and, increasingly, energy drinks.

Austraiian resdearch from 10 years ago found that 27% of boys aged 8 to 12 had consumed an energy drink in the two weeks before the survey. Back then, these sugary pick-me-ups were new to the market. Today, they are everywhere.

More recent research, albeit from the caffeine-loving US, found that 75% of kids aged 5 to 12 consumed caffeine daily, from an average of 3 cans of fizzy drink a day.

What these fizzy and energy drinks are doing, say these studies, is creating an unhealthy lifelong caffeine habit.

An ongoing study from the University at Buffalo found kids who drank more than the recommended amount of caffeinated drinks had an increased likelihood of poor diets, which included losts of junk food.

CUTTING OUT CAFFEINE:

Dietitian Clare Evangelista believes no child should have caffeine until their late teens.

"If a teenager uses caffeinated beverages on a regular basis, there is a risk that they will develop a strong dependence," she says. "they need more and more to get the same 'buxx'. This means that 'occasional use' of caffeine is uncommon - once you start, you can't stop."

While some in the scientific community disagree, Evangelista also warns of the link between caffeine consumption and osteoporosis. "We only have until our early 20's to buld bone to last us for the rest of our lives. Caffeine can cause osteoporosis in the future, as it increases the urine output of calcium, preventing it from being used for bone growth."

There has been a change to the format of chapels this year. As some of you would be aware, all Year 10, 11 and 12 students are studying a Certificate III in Christian Ministry.

In the second year of study, students are required to help prepare and present chapels. To facilitate this, students will organize chapels for their houses on a weekly basis.

The topics of these chapels will be in line with the topics students are studying in Christian Living.

As I visited the four house chapels today I quickly became aware that the theme was 'self-image'. What an excellent topic for teenagers.

There is tremendous pressure from the media for teenagers to conform to the body images presented in magazines, catalogues, television shows and the like. Magazines in particular are very quick to note on the front cover when a celebrity has gained weight, is without make-up or heaven forbid, has wrinkles. Yet they are equally quick to point out plastic surgery or botox injections that celebrities may have had. So much importance is placed on one's appearance.

Too much attention to these false messages of worth and value can lead young people to feel very discontented about their appearance and their feelings of worth.

Coincidentally, my daily devotions today discussed Self-esteem - Built on God's Esteem.

God is so clever in how He brings things together - self-image in chapel and self-esteem in my readings.

The bible reading from my devotion was "You are precious to Me. You are honoured, and I love you." Isaiah 43:4 NLT

Today, the message students received was about their value in the Lord's eyes. He has made each one of us unique and He knows our worth and values us. Instead of being concerned about pleasing others in relation to our appearance and personality we should be looking to please the Lord. God wants to give a sense of self-esteem built on His esteem.

The question is - will you let Him?

Go to God today, ask Him to tell you who you are and what you're worth. He will say, "You are precious to Me. You are honoured, and I love you."

That's God's opinion - make it yours.

1 Samuel 16:7 - "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." (NIV)

"You should be known for the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God." 1 Peter 3:4 (NLT)

I would like to commend the students who prepared and presented the house chapels along with the chaplains and staff who supported them.

Well done.

Happy parenting.

I wish you Jesus.

A choice to make.

Remember God's esteem.

As we commence the new school year, I set to wondering about the success of the year. We do not know what lies ahead, but we know that the success of a year and our happiness depends on the choices we make. This is a valuable lesson to impart to our children. I found this article by Steve Goodier -

A Choice To Make

I believe that, at least to some degree, we can each exercise control over our outlook and attitudes. And the problem is - if we don't control our attitudes, they will surely control us.

One farmer took charge of his outlook. He did it by filling his mind with awe and gratitude. He found that doing this gave him more energy to work on problems and to tackle those things that needed his attention. His neighbor's outlook could not have been more different.

One summer morning he exclaimed, "Look at the beautiful sky. Did you ever see such a glorious sunrise?" She countered. "It'll probably get so hot the crops will scorch."

During an afternoon shower, he commented, "Isn't this wonderful? Mother Nature is giving the corn a drink today." "And if it doesn't stop before too long," came the sour reply, "we'll wish we'd taken out flood insurance on the crops."

And so it went.

Convinced that he could instill some awe and wonder in this hardened woman, he bought a remarkable dog. Not just any mutt, but the most expensive, highly trained and gifted dog he could find. The animal was exquisite. It could perform remarkable and impossible feats that, the farmer thought, would surely amaze even his neighbor.

So he invited her to watch his dog perform. "Fetch!" he commanded, as he tossed a stick into a lake, where it bobbed up and down in the rippling water. The dog bounded after the stick, walked ON the water, and retrieved it. "What do you think of that?" he smirked.

Her brow wrinkled. "Hmmm. Can't swim, can he?"

Not to sound too Pollyanna, but I agree with newscaster Paul Harvey when he said that he has never seen a monument erected for a pessimist. A stubbornly positive attitude can often make the difference between happiness and misery, between health and illness and even between life and death.

Viktor Frankl would have agreed. Dr. Frankl chronicled his experiences as a Holocaust and concentration camp survivor in his book MAN'S SEARCH FOR MEANING. In it he asserts something really quite remarkable. He says that everything can be taken from a person except one thing. What can never be taken away is the power to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances.

We can decide to choose our attitudes every day. That may be one of the most important decisions we will make. I don't want to neglect making that choice.

~ Steve Goodier ~

Happy parenting.

I wish you Jesus.

A choice to make.

A mother was concerned about her kindergarten son walking to school.

He didn't want his mother to walk with him.

She wanted to give him the feeling that he had some independence but yet know that he was safe. So she had an idea of how to handle it.

She asked a neighbour if she would please follow him to school in the mornings, staying at a distance, so he probably wouldn't notice her.

She said that since she was up early with her toddler anyway, it would be a good way for them to get some exercise as well, so she agreed.

The next school day, the neighbour and her little girl set out following behind Timmy as he walked to school with another neighbour girl he knew.

She did this for the whole week.

As the two walked and chatted, kicking stones and twigs, Timmy 's little friend noticed the same lady was following them as she seemed to do every day all week.

Finally she said to Timmy,

'Have you noticed that lady following us to school all week? Do you know her?'

Timmy nonchalantly replied, 'Yeah, I know who she is.'

The little girl said, 'Well, who is she?'

'That's just Shirley Goodnest ,' Timmy replied, 'and her daughter Marcy ...'

' Shirley Goodnest ? Who is she and why is she following us?

'Well,' Timmy explained, 'every night my Mum makes me say the 23rd Psalm with my prayers, 'cuz she worries about me so much. And in the Psalm, it says, ' Shirley Goodnest (surely goodness ) and Marcy (mercy) shall follow me all the days of my life', so I guess I'll just have to get used to it!'

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you; the Lord lift His countenance upon you, and give you peace.

May Shirley Goodnest and Marcy be with you today and always

I know you smiled! I sure did.

Show this to someone And brighten their day!

It's never too early to teach children about money management and the best way to do this is through example.

Did you know: - The average yearly income of kids aged four to 14 is $499: 65% is pocket money, 35% is gifts and 5% is from paid work.

The financial behaviour kids see their mum and dad displaying could play a significant role in how financially savvy kids are as adults, say experts.

That's got to be a scary thought for the many mortgaged-up parents facing a growing mountain of credit card debt.

It's also a bit unfair, because the early parenting years are traditionally the most cash-strapped, expensive and busy.

Justine Davies, author of How To Afford A Baby (ABC Books), says, "Kids are renowned imitators so it makes sense they will also mimic our attitudes towards money."

NO CASH, NO PROBLEM:

What sort of message are we sending our kids when we swipe the plastic at the shopping centre or type in a credit card number online?

Kids see parents using this seemingly bottomless pit of money in the form of a card and then, voila, we walk away with a purchase, tickets to the movies or access to an online game.

Davies says while credit cards make life easier, kids generally have no idea parents have to pay the money back, with interest.

"Parents need to talk to children about what happens when you use that credit card. They should tell them the money comes out of what mum and dad earn and have saved in the bank." She says parents must stress that credit cards are not free money.

Australian entrepreneur Creel Price, who founded Club Kidpreneur, an online and in-school program raising financial awareness in kids, believes getting children to earn their own money helps them learn to understand its value.

"If a kid spent two days of their time earning $80 then they can start to equate effort with outcome," Price says. "Generally it's about giving kids responsibility for their own actions and letting them learn financial cause and effect."

PARENTS ARE THE KEY:

As with almost every other area of childhood development, parents are the most significant influencers of their offspring's future financial behaviour.

Research from the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Arizona has found that invariably kids inherit their financial sense from mum and dad. The study discovered parents who intentionally taught their children about financial management exerted a greater influence on a child's financial knowledge than lessons learned in school and the workplace combined. Davies agrees and says she would like to see parents flash cash rather than cards.

"Kids will learn more from actually seeing a cash transaction take place," she says. "Before going shopping, take out some cash and explain to the kids that this is as much as you will be spending. Then let them see you hand over the cash and receive your change.

"For older kids, at the start of school holidays, for example, let them earn some cash to pay for things they want to do and then let them be responsible for making choices on how they plan to spend their money. They will learn they can't do everything."

TOP TIPS FOR TOTS:

Savings guru Creel Price advises:

* Create a saving culture. Offer financial incentives if they can reach a certain goal.

* Teach consequences. If kids go over ona bill, deduct it from their pocket money

TOP 10 BUSINESS IDEAS FOR KIDS:

Top tips on how to encourage your child's entrepreneurial spirit.

Kids are constantly presenting their parents with lists of expensive items they say they "must have" immediately to survive - stuff like expensive game consoles, imported skate shoes and school trips abroad.

If this sounds too familiar, here's a way to ease the cost burden: encourage them to set up their own businesses so they can raise money for their dream item.

For kids, setting up their own business is about a lot more than just making money. It's something to do that's fun and exciting, and the money part can often be an added bonus.

From an educational point of view, encouraging a child's entrepreneurial spirit teaches kids skills they will use throughout life, says self-made businessman, Creel Price, who started out on his own entrepreneurial path with a strawberry growing business at age 11 and was employing his parents within a few years.

He has now set up an online and in-school program for kids called Club Kidpreneur which teaches primary-aged kids all about how to set up a business. And he's keen parents also lend their support at home.

"Through teaching kids about business we hope they will develop an appreciation of money, learn what part business plays in society and the possibilities for having fun in business or making it a potential career choice in the future," says Creel.

HOW PARENTS CAN HELP:

His advice to parents is this: "Show an interest, lend them start-up funds - possibly at a rate of interest - and remember you want to keep them safe without smothering them.

"Generally it's about giving kids responsibility for their own actions and letting them learn financial cause and effect."

And another role for parents is to help them formulate some business ideas and their plan of action. Some steps to guide them through include:

* What is their business plan?
* How much will cost to set up?
* How much do they hope to make?
* How will they market their business (e.g. leaflets, word-of-mouth, online)?

While there are the usual newspaper runs and babysitting, here are some more "out-of-the-box" ideas.

Talking with friends on the weekend, we were discussing the importance of having an attitude of gratitude, forgetting self and seeking to help others - whether it be to let someone in in front of you in a line of traffic, being thankful for each new day, or speaking happily with the checkout chick and letting her know that her job is important.

SUCCESS:

The most important single ingredient in the formula for success is knowing how to get along with people.

"In humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." Philippians 2:3 and 4.

In "Bible Power for Successful Living" Norman Vincent Peale tells of a man he calls Jeb. Early in his life, Jeb was so miserable that he attempted to kill himself by drinking poison. He succeeded only in burning his lips. When he recovered, his first thought was negative, "I can't even kill myself". Then a different thought took over, "Perhaps God has spared me for a purpose". From that time on, Jeb decided it was his purpose in life to make others happy. Everywhere he went for the next thirty years, Jeb left a trail of smiles and sunshine. He handed everyone he met a business card on which he had printed this message:

THE WAY TO HAPPINESS:

Keep your heart free from hate,
Your mind free from worry.
Live simply; expect little; give much;
Fill your life with love; scatter sunshine.
Forget self.
Think of others, and do as you would be done by.
Try it for a week - you will be surprised.

Dr. Peale said Jeb was one of the happiest men that he had ever met.

In your goals for success, have you included any goals that will help others find happiness?

"The truth is that all of us attain the greatest success and happiness possible in this life whenever we use our native capacities to their greatest extent."

Smiley Blanton

Possession..................... The Lord is MY shepherd
Provision......................... I shall not want
Power ............................. He maketh me
Position .......................... to lie down
Place .............................. in green pastures.

Pilotage........................... He leadeth me
Peace.............................. beside the still waters.

Prosperity ....................... He restoreth my soul.

Progress......................... He leadeth me
Piety ............................... in the paths of righteousness
Purpose ......................... for His name's sake.

Pilgrimage ...................... Yea, though I walk
Pain ................................ through the valley of the shadow of death
Protection ....................... I will fear no evil
Presence ........................ for thou art with me.

Punishment .................... Thy rod
Persuasion ..................... and thy staff,
Pleasure ......................... they comfort me.

Preparation .................... Thou preparest a table before me
Persecution .................... in the presence of mine enemies.

Preservation ................... Thou anointest my head with oil
Plenty ............................. my cup runneth over.

Promise .......................... Surely goodness and mercy
Pursuit ............................ shall follow me
Period ............................. all the days of my life
Placement ....................... and I will dwell
Palace ............................. in the house of the Lord
Permanence .................... FOR EVER.

No wonder this psalm is so well known, it is so reassuring.

Do parents still teach their children the 23rd Psalm?

Many years ago when I was young, Halloween Was not celebrated in Australia.

It has slowly crept in over the past 20 Years or so. One can hardly miss Halloween Now because of how commercial it Has become. In some stores now there Is an abundance of costumes, ugly masks And other ornaments associated with Halloween.

Most people think 31 October (Halloween) is just a harmless Fun night. People dress up in fun costumes and go door To door "trick or treating".

But this day has a lot more significance.

Did you know that, modern witches celebrate eight Special days and Halloween is the most special?

About 300 BC the Celtic people of England, France and Scotland celebrated the last day of their year on 31 October.

They believed that on this night their most powerful god the Lord of Death, Samhain allowed everyone who had died during The year to return home.

On this night the 'veil between The worlds' was at its thinnest. Then Samhain would decide if They would be reincarnated as humans or as animals.

When the Celtic people were introduced to Christianity, Pagan customs started to die out.

As some still remained, The church established All Saints Day on 1 November.

This Was first celebrated in 610 AD to remember all the saints, and Later extended to remember all Christians who had died for Their faith.

The Church believed that celebrating evil was Wrong, and started All Saints day as an alternative. Instead Of concentrating on evil, people should be concentrating on God and everything that is good.

Halloween has become a time for some people to be involved In making mischief, for running wild, for causing discord And for destructiveness at the expense of others.

Things to think about -

Does celebrating Halloween desensitise us to evil?

Is it better to dwell on evil or celebrate good?

Should we act out modern day versions of pagan rituals?

What are the long term consequences of thinking evil is Fun?

An Alternative -

The biggest appeals of Halloween are the lollies and dressing Up. Instead of dressing up in ugly costumes and walking Around the streets at night, why not have an All Saints dressup Party on 1 November. This is a day for honouring good People who have been killed for being Christians.

It is also a Day to remember Jesus, who finally conquered evil by dying On the cross and being raised to life. We do not need to be Afraid of evil.

What should we think about?

Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, Whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is - admirable

If anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such Things. Philippians 4:8

Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of Evil. 1 Thessalonians 4:21, 22

I implore parents to take an interest in your child's school report results.

Avoid the temptation to glance over the paperwork and then file it away or for your child to brush off your remarks.

I'm confident however, that there will be some discussion between parents and child surrounding the results of the report. Those discussions will be varied from
family-to-family, however I would hope that each one would have the element of encouragement intertwined within it.

The encouragement could take on a variety of forms from verbal affirmation and acknowledgement of hard work, to rewards for doing well, and at times, the loss of privileges or hope of incentives to encourage a child to take their studies more seriously.

Whatever needs to take place in your family, please help your child to see how their school results fit into the bigger picture of him or her ultimately achieving their long term goals.

Nobody becomes an electrician/engineer/nurse etc overnight.

Confidence, the desire for increased responsibility, the ability to meet timelines, the development of skills and the acquisition of knowledge all take effort, and it is in the faithfulness of each small step that the goal is reached.

May this be a time for you and your child to re-establish the goals in order for the results on reports to have a more meaningful impact in the journey towards him or her fulfilling their hopes for the future.

From time to time I find myself telling students that "life is not always fair but that's life".

We need to know how to deal with what life sends our way.

WHAT IS LIFE?

Life is a gift.....ACCEPT IT.

Life is an adventure.....DARE IT.

Life is a mystery.....UNFOLD IT.

Life is a game.....PLAY IT.

Life is a struggle.....FACE IT.

Life is beauty.....PRAISE IT.

Life is a puzzle.....SOLVE IT.

Life is opportunity.....TAKE IT.

Life is sorrowful.....EXPERIENCE IT.

Life is a song.....SING IT.

Life is a goal.....ACHIEVE IT.

Life is a mission.....FULFIL IT.

By David McNally from "Even Eagles Need a Push"

It is wonderful to know that despite the above, there are some core truths which make life worthwhile and meaningful.

CORE TRUTHS.

* In God's economy, nothing that happens to you is ever wasted.

* Planning, organisation, and maintenance can help make your hard times easier.

* Relationships - with God and with others - are the most important treasures you can stock up in your life.

* Time is short. Do not put off doing what you know to do.

* God can use even your negative experiences for His good purposes.

* Do not worry! When you open your hands in need - even if you've neglected to prepare - God will not let you down.

Enile Barnes from "A Different Kind of Miracle"

Life is so wonderful and precious.

I praise God for life's experiences that He can use to mould us into the people He would have us be.

We however need to be willing to walk with Him, talk with Him and give Him authority to work in our lives.

He will always work for our good and not for harm. He is a mighty and loving Father.

In any civilized society, there is a code of conduct all must learn. It's a refinement process of complicated social skills that takes years to master. We should not assume that our children will automatically learn them or be able to produce them when they are necessary. People who have learnt those social skills are more likely to be successful in all areas of their lives and go through life with fewer battles with others.

While the protocol of today is definitely more casual than that in the past, if parents want their children to get by in "polite society", they have to be conscious of teaching etiquette in a deliberate, intentional ways - without shoving manners down the children's throats.

Think about the manners that are important to you, and the following tips may prove useful. Of course it goes without saying that if parents model good manners and respect, then the children will be more aware of what is required and how they should behave.

1. Instruct in small does. Start with one or two at a time and gradually increase as your child grows.

2. Use a variety of approaches for manners instruction. Show your child how to, for example, put his serviette on his lap by doping it for him. After that give a one word reminder - "serviette". Try offering a non-verbal cue by just pointing to the serviette.

3. Stay Consistent. It takes dedication on the parents' part to keep reminding and expecting the standard set.

4. Model the manners you insist your child exhibits. Point them out to your children. "Nancy sent flowers when Grandma died. It's polite for me to write this thank you note."

5. Tell you children what you expect. Instead of "Yuck! I hate this green stuff!" Politely correct by saying "What I'd like to hear you say is, 'I don't care for spinach'."

6. Compliment your children when they spontaneously use words expressing consideration or using their manners without prompting.

7. Don't expect perfection. It's a matter of keeping on keeping on and remaining the good role model.

8. Don't embarrass your child. Resist the urge to reprimand a child in front of others. Give the cues, or take them aside to talk to them.

9. Explain to your children that rules of etiquette are important not simply as codes to live by, but as acts of kindness and consideration for others.

It is so important not to give up. Be consistent. Require good manners everyday. Remind gently. Over time you will find your children using those manners automatically.

As staff we are committed to insisting on good manners and respect at school, thus reinforcing the manners and respect at school, thus reinforcing the manners and standards you are teaching at home. How we relate to and treat others is a very great influence on how they will react to and treat us. It is important our children are aware of this - a valuable lesson for life.

I'm sure you would agree with me that it is very rewarding To see a child grow in their confidence.

A child who Is brimming with confidence is often happy, content, self-assured And fun to be around.

People are drawn to confident People.

Here are a few tips to assist you to develop Confidence in your child:

* Provide opportunities for your child to succeed.

* Help your child feel safe and that they can trust themselves To solve challenges (safe meaning that they know That they can turn to you and that you can step in when Necessary).

* Allow your child to talk about their anxieties without The fear of having their anxiety belittled.

* Give meaningful praise and encouragement when it's Due.

* Have patience to see the confidence grow and be re-shaped As attitudes creep in and mistakes are made.

The difference that separates the notion of confidence And the potential for arrogance is the heart and attitude of The person. With each attempt at something new, may your Child find the balance to:

* Be humble enough to acknowledge those who assisted Him/her in their journey

* Demonstrate gratefulness and good stewardship for His/her gifts and talents

* Enjoy the exhilarating feeling of success

* Understand that not all failure is negative

Honesty - Organisation - Leadership - Dignity

A regular complaint from children who are out of order in school is "It's not all my fault - I don't talk anymore than the other kids do; the teacher picks on me even when everyone is talking!"

THE WAY TEACHERS WORK:

So how do you train a teacher not to pick on you?

Well, first you need to know some secrets about teachers. They're all much the same in how they work out which ones they will pick on. Here are the clues they use to decide.

First, when they are telliing the class something, they work out who is listening by observing who is watching them - making eye contact.

Second, they work out who is interested by who talks only about the topic of the lesson - asks and answers questions, etc.

Third, they work out who cares about school by whether they have the right gear at school so they can do their work well.

Fourth, they watch to see who gets straight down to work when they are given something to do.

Fifth, they watch to see who keeps at the work and tries to finish it or do a good job on it.

Now in all that there's nothing that says you have to be crash hot in getting work correct or knowing everything about it, or ever remembering from the last lesson.

So teachers can decide you're a good student even if you aren't able to get everything right. And once they have decided you're a good student, you'll probably be able to talk now and then without getting into trouble.

There's another important thing:

If you've already trained the teacher to pick on you, and it has taken you a while to do this, you have to allow at least four weeks training time for the teacher to change his or her beliefs about you.

It takes that long for the teacher to decide that you really are different. So if you do get picked on during the training time, there is a special way to handle it.

TRAIN THE TEACHER:

Here is your training program.

1. When the teacher is telling you something, make eye contact with him or her.

2. Ask or answer questions on the topic, and nothing else. It doesn't matter if you get things wrong, as long as you show interest. Keep other matters for later.

3. Have the right gear for work - books, pens, rulers, etc.

4. When the teacher tells you to start work, start before you can count to ten - no wasting time.

5. Keep at the work until you finish - ignore distractions.

The other section of your training program is in how to behave if you are picked on:

Do the opposite of what you usually do - instead of answering back, just take whatever the teacher says. Even if it's unfair, do what he or she says right then, and have a talk about it after the lesson.

The idea of this is that you let the teacher get on with the work at the time, and instead of making matters worse by arguing right then, you can discuss it quietly and get your point of view across later.

It can be a help to rate yourself on how well you do each of the five types of behaviour. Give yourself and A, B or C for each type of behaviour for a week. See if you can spot the things that might have trained the teacher to pick on you in the first place.

Tonight I watched one of the current affairs programs after the news and heard about a preschool child's parents being told their child is obese. The child did not appear to be so at all.

The concern is, what messages are being sent to that child, if at age four judgements are being made on how she looks.

Recently I read an article regarding the world's obsession with how people look and the danger of judging a person's worth depending on outward appearance.

I came across the following Beauty Tips which are far more important to instil in our children.

* For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.

*For beautiful eyes, look for the good in other people.

* To lose weight, let go of stress, hatred, anger, discontentment and the need to control others.

* To improve your ears, listen to the Word of God.

* Rather than focus on the thorns of life (or the "imperfections" of one's body), smell the roses and count your blessings, giving thanks for each one of them.

* For poise, walk with knowledge and self-esteem.

* To strengthn you arms, hug at least 3 people a day; touch someone with your love.

* To strengthn your heart, forgive yourself and others.

* Don't worry and hurry so much. Rather than walk this earth lightly, walk firmly with determination and leave your mark.

* For the ultimate in business, casual or evening attire, put on the robe of Christ; it fits like a glove but allows room for growth. Best of all, it never goes out of style and is appropriate for any occasion.

* Doing these things on a daily basis will certainly make you a more beautiful person.

Addendum - 1 Peter 3-4 (NLT)

"You should be known for the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God."

A beautiful spirit is reflected in the face and the whole person.

How the Bible can strengthen your prayers for your kids

Wash laundry. Cook meals, Celebrate birthdays. Attend parent-teacher conferences. Chauffeur, chauffeur, chauffeur.

Countless tasks fall on a parent's shoulders, but one responsibility rises above the rest - prayer. And that's powerful stuff!

My conversations with God often sounded like a parrot with limited vocabulary: "Dear God, bless my children. Keep them safe. Amen."

In my heart I wanted to pray more deeply, but I didn't know how to change. Then the answer came.

I met a group of women who prayed the word of the Bible for their children and their children's school. For the first time, I felt as though my prayers echoed the longongs of my heart. The concept hooked me.

Obviously, the Bible is packed with wonderful verses to pray for our children - more than we could ever find on our own. So it helps to have a specific approach to finding passages to pray, such as praying around the idea of decision-making or friendships.

One of my favourite ways to use scriptural prayer is to pray for my children from head to toe using the Bible to ask God's blessing on various aspects of their lives. This method works for all children, no matter how old they are or what they're going through. Pray each prayer for a week straight, writing the verse on several index cards and posting them around the house and in the car. Pray the verse whenever you think of your children and in a matter of days, you will have learned the verse by heart.

Just fill in the blanks with your child's name and you're off and praying!

MIND: Proverbs 9:9-10 "Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy one is understanding."

PRAYER: Father, please make _______ wise. Make his heart open to instruction that he might gain more wisdom. Teach him what it means to fear the Lord, for that is the beginning of wisdom. Grant him knowledge of the Holy One.

EYES: Proverbs 3:7 "Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil."

PRAYER: God, please guard ________ from being wise in her own eyes. May she fear you and find wisdom, strength and understanding in you alone, not in her own capabilities. May she understand your holiness and resist evil.

EARS: Proverbs 2:2 "....turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding."

PRAYER: Father, please make ______'s ears attentive to your wisdom. Deafen her ears to the call of sin; teach her to recognise your still, small voice. Incline her heart to understanding.

MOUTH: Ephesians 4:29 "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."

PRAYER: I pray that ______ would speak only wholesome words beneficial to others. May his speech be appropriate and respectful. May it encourage those who are disheartened and bring faith to those who have none.

TONGUE: Proverbs 10:19-20 "When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise. The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked is of little value."

PRAYER: I ask that ______ will learn wisdom and as a result, be able to hold her tongue. Keep her from wicked words. Make her tongue like choice silver.

NECK: Proverbs 3:3-4 "Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favour and a good name in the sight of God and man."

PRAYER: I pray that love and faithfulness will not leave ______. May she bind them around her neck and write them on the tablet of her heart. Open her eyes to others' needs, making her quick to extend kindness. Bless her with favour and a good reputation in the sight of God and man.

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

PRAYER: I pray ______ will watch over his heart with all diligence. Keep his heart pure. Keep him from being embittered by trials. May his heart be steadfastly set on loving you more than anything or anyone else.

HANDS: Psalm 24:3-5 "Who may ascend the hill of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false. He will receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God his Saviour."

PRAYER: I pray that ______ would have clean hands and a pure heart. May she love you with all her heart, turning away from all that is false. Keep her speech and motives pure. Thank you for promising a blessig and being faithful to fulfil it.

KNEES: Psalm 95:6 "Come, let us bow down to worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker."

PRAYER: I pray that ______ will worship and bow down before you. May he love and fear you, honouring you as the King of his life. May he acknowledge you as his Maker and recognise that your love will never fail."

FEET: Psalm 119:35 "Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I found delight."

PRAYER: Father, please help ______ walk in your path. Cause him to delight in your commandments and follow you all his days.

This may be helpful to use as we pray for our children.

This is for all you wonderful Parents, may God Bless you.

Is there a magic cut off period when Offspring become accountable for their own
Actions?

Is there a wonderful moment when Parents can become detached spectators in The lives of their children and shrug, 'It's Their life,' and feel nothing?

When I was in my twenties, I stood in a hospital Corridor waiting for doctors to put a few Stitches in my daughter's head.

I asked, 'When do You stop worrying?' The nurse said, 'When they get out of the accident stage.'

My Dad just smiled faintly and said nothing.

When I was in my thirties, I sat on a little Chair in a classroom and heard how one of my Children talked incessantly, disrupted the class, And was headed for a career making License plates.

As if to read my mind, a teacher Said, ' Don't worry, they all go through This stage and then you can sit back, relax and Enjoy them.'

My dad just smiled Faintly and said nothing.

When I was in my forties, I spent a lifetime Waiting for the phone to ring, the cars to come Home, the front door to open.

A friend said, 'They're trying to find themselves. Don't worry, In a few years, you can stop worrying. They'll be Adults.'

My dad just smiled faintly And said nothing.

By the time I was 50, I was sick & tired of being Vulnerable. I was still worrying over my Children, but there was a new wrinkle. There Was nothing I could do about it.

My Dad just smiled faintly and said nothing.

I Continued to anguish over their failures, be Tormented by their frustrations and absorbed in Their disappointments.

My friends said that when my kids got married I Could stop worrying and lead my own Life .

I wanted to believe that, but I was Haunted by my dad's warm smile and his Occasional, 'You look pale. Are you all right? Call me the minute you get home. Are You depressed about something?'

Can it be that parents are sentenced to a Lifetime of worry?

Is concern for one another Handed down like a torch to blaze the trail of
Human frailties and the fears of the Unknown?

Is concern a curse or is it a virtue That elevates us to the highest form of life?

One of my children became quite irritable Recently, saying to me, 'Where were you? I've been Calling for 3 days, and no one answered I was worried.'

I smiled a warm smile, and said nothing.

The torch has been passed.

As parents we all know the importance of giving our children sound guidance to live by throughout their lives. We tend to become a little upset when they do not accept that well-meant guidance easily.

How do we adults fare as God's children when it comes to accepting guidance?

I read this the other day, it prompted me to have a good think.

When I meditated on the word GUIDANCE, I kept seeing "dance" at the end of the word. I remember reading that doing God's will is a lot like dancing. When two people try to lead, nothing feels right. The movement doesn't flow with the music, and everything is quite uncomfortable and jerky.

When one person realises and lets the other lead, both bodies begin to flow with the music. One gives gentle cues, perhaps with a nudge to the back or by pressing lightly in one direction or another. It's as if two become one body, moving beautifully. The dance takes surrender, willingness, and attentiveness from one person and gentle guidance and skill from the other.

My eyes drew back to the word GUIDANCE. When I saw "G", I thought of God, followed by "u" and "i". "God", "u" and "i" "dance". This statement is what guidance means to me.

As I lowered my head, I became willing to trust that I would get guidance about my life. Once again, I became willing to let God lead.

My pray for you today is that God's blessings and mercies be upon you and your family on this day and everyday. May you abide in Him as He abides in you. Dance together with God, trusting Him to lead and to guide you through each season of your life.

Glory to the Lord of life.

Success isn't measured by the position you reach in life; it's measured by the obstacles you overcome.

"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him."

James 1:12

In 1927, Lucille Ball (famous American comedienne of "I Love Lucy" television shows) was told by an instructor at the John Murray Anderson Drama School, "Try any other profession. Any other."

Academy Award-winning film-maker Woody Allen flunked motion picutre production at New York University, and at the City College of New York.

Universal Pictures dismissed both Clint Eastwood and Burt Reynolds in 1959, claiming that Reynolds had no talent and Eastwood talked too slow.

Malcolm Forbes, the late editor-in-chief of Forbges magazine, failed to make the staff of his school newspaper when he was an undergraduate at Princeton University.

Decca Recording Company executives responded negatively to the audition of four young musicians, saying, "We don't like their sound. Groups of guitars are on the way out." The Beatles tool their sound elsewhere.

For seven years, a young inventor names Chester Carlson took his idea to twenty corporations, all of whom turned him down. the Haloid Company finally purchesed the rights to his electrostatice paper-copying process. Haloid became Xerox.

Don't be discouraged if you are not finding the acceptance and success you desire today. Your success story is still being written!

"A diamond is a piece of coal that stuck to its job. When he has tested me, I shall come out like gold. My foot has held fast to his steps."

Job 23:10, 11.

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road yhou're trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest! if you must - but never quit.

Life is queer, with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about
When he might have won if he'd stuck it out;
Stick to your task, though the pace seems slow -
You may succeed with one more blow -
and you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems afar;
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit -
It's when things seem worst that

YOU MUSTN'T QUIT.

Author Unknown

If you quit today, you'll never know what lies just around the bend.

Happy parenting.

And so it is.

Maintain good relationships.

Bring heaven to earth.

Fear prevents, faith prevails.

God bless.

True meaning of Easter.

Celebrate the risen Christ.

Happy Mother's Day to all our mums.

Find the joy.

Defend the Australian way of life.

Encourage goal setting.

Be thankful.

Bloom where you are.

Develop resilience.

To blessed to be stressed.

Take time.

Encourage a positive attitude.

Never quit.

It is currently the season for awards to be handed out To those who have found success in various areas of sport, Culture and academic studies, either here at school, or in The community sports clubs, dance schools, equestrians etc.

Sadly though, the reality is not every child is going to be given Public recognition for his/her hard work and dedication Throughout the year.

The question I would like to propose For reflection is, how do we personally find reward when We know we have given our personal best, yet nobody else Rewards us for our work or effort?

As adults we find a range of mature approaches to this Question (okay, some of us may choose immature options) But for a young person, receiving limited to no validation Either from within the family unit or beyond, can be a devastating Experience that has long-lasting effects.

Dealing With disappointment when our performance has been measured Against others is a reality we all have to come to terms With at some point in our lives.

Here are a few ideas to help Nurture the development of some emotional and personal Resilience when teenagers deal with disappointment:

1. Develop the practice of aiming for our personal best (PB) that we achieve because we are motivated to Achieve and compete against no other but ourselves. Using a PB is a great way for young people to set goals For themselves to accept their achievements for themselves Or to refocus and continue the hard work with An attitude that doesn't encourage resentment of another's Success.

2. In meeting a personal best, look to reward yourself Without relying on others to do this for you. The rewards Are endless - it might be a rest day after five days Of training on the bike.

3. Use positive (and not negative) self-talk that keeps Things in perspective and honest.

4. Remind yourself of past successes in other areas.

5. Weigh what we have lost against the values we hold and Know that when the values have not been breached, a Person can be proud of themselves.

Once upon a time, in a land far, far away, there existed a 'country' that was full of giants, strange bells, routines and opportunities to have fun with friends.

To the small people who inhabited this country the place was known as life in Year 2.

The giants were the friendliest of all Giants that ever existed or were imagined (even better than Anything that Roald Dahl could think up!).

Some of the giants existed to teach the small people, others to develop their skills in sports and then there were those who excitedly gave up their lunch hour once a week in order to mentor them in reading.

These giant mentors were also known as Year 9 students who found great enjoyment and satisfaction knowing that they could contribute to the land of school.

The small people really enjoyed reading to the giant mentors and the giant mentors grew in confidence as they took responsibility for their young charges.

They learned how to guide their young readers through the pages of their books and encourage them to do their best.

Giants were expected to grow into strong leaders and contributors to their society and this they would commit themselves to in the experimental reading program for a whole term.

The giants and small people learned new things about each other as they went about reading together and enjoying one another's company and to this day they have lived happily ever after.

Raising children can be very hard work with the greatest Possible paybacks but you have to earn those paybacks.

Training children to tell the truth is at the heart of teaching Good character values. It is these character values that Will Bring you, eventually, a stable, secure home life. On the Other hand, if you want trouble in your home, sow Deceitfulness In your child. Without realising it, we often model Lying behaviour in front of them.

For Example, when our Mobile phone rings and we do not wish to talk to a particular Person, we ask our children to Tell the caller that 'mummy is in the shower right now'. Have you ever parked In a disabled car park because you Were in a rush and there Were no other parking spots?

What kind of harvest will we Reap if we constantly model This kind of behaviour.

Eventually, We will experience the high schooler who gets caught Cheating on his test At school. We will live with the teen Who lies as a matter of course and you realise you have No idea where she is Going, who she is with or what she is Doing.

Much of our sowing of truthfulness is modelled in The way we interact With our spouse, our children and our Friends. Children observe closely the way their parents deal With situations Where truthfulness is required and eventually Adopt this style of thinking.

The Bible reminds us to Choose our words Carefully because our thoughts determine Our words, our words determine our actions, our actions Determine our Character and our character determines the Character of our children.

Set a special time aside this week To talk as a family about the importance of truthfulness and The 'little lies' we Sometimes tell.

King's is about preparing Christian Leaders for tomorrow's generation. All Students leaving our college can be leaders With strong character and principles Wherever they choose to work and live.

They can become the moral fibre of society - those who choose to live by high Principles and yet be non-judgemental, but people who will Encourage others to adopt those principles.

Principles To Live By

Groucho Marx quipped, "Those are my principles, and if You don't like them... Well, I have others." Though he is joking, I wonder if he is actually hitting close to Home.

I need To regularly check in with myself and ask questions like, "Is The thing I'm doing now guided by sound principles?"

Principled people are the heart and soul of a society. But Who teaches our young people about character?

Who teaches Them how important it is to be honest and to do what is Right?

Even ETHICS classes might not touch on matters of character.

They discuss the medical ethics of cloning, stem cell Research and genetic engineering. They consider euthanasia, Abortion and capital punishment.

And they Even look at The ethics of governments and multi-national corporations.

But one college professor recently made a disturbing discovery:

She assumed her students shared her principles of Honesty, honor, integrity, and the like. She taught ethics, But assumed that her students shared her personal Ethical Standards.

Then one day she dropped an armful of final exams on her Desk in disgust and complained that over 50% of her students CHEATED on their social justice Exam. (Do you think they Caught the irony here?)

They'd spent months learning about Ethical issues most societies face, but they never discussed Personal morality. They could talk convincingly about good And bad behaviours of corporations, governments and societies, But they cheated on their exams. They just didn't get It:

Cheating is wrong.

And can we expect societies, governments And businesses to do better than the people who run Them and live in them?

Principled people are the heart and soul of our lives together.

Church leader John Wesley simplifies it for us. In Regards to what is right and wrong, he says simply this:

Do all the good you can,

By all the means you can,

In all the ways you can,

In all the places you can,

At all the times you can,

To all the people you can,

As long as ever you can.

I think those are principles I want to live by.

Exams will start happening in the next few weeks which Means if a study routine has not already been established Then these next few weeks are crucial.

If your child is going To give his/her very best in his/her academic pursuits then Some of the following may need to be addressed:

1. Are the physical needs of your child being met? A good Amount of sleep is essential together with a healthy Diet.

2. The social life and extra-curricular activities may need To be reduced.

3. The study area may need to be freed from clutter or Distractions.

4. Parents may need to assist in the areas of organisation, Reminders, timelines and expectations. It would be Good if parents could show an interest in their child's Studies by having them explain concepts as this will assist Him/her to understand ideas better.

5. Your child will need to be identifying areas in his/her Studies that they may be struggling to understand. If Your child has not already approached his/her teacher About seeking clarification, now is the time to do it.

Making an appointment with the teacher and taking a Written list of questions with him/her will assist both The staff member and student.

6. Different techniques for commiting information to Memory may now need to be employed. Regularly covering Material from now on means there will be a better Chance of information staying in the long-term memory, Rather than being lost to the short-term memory part Of the brain.

7. The clustering of information, the use of acronyms and Rote learning of some knowledge may be needed. Mindmaps Could be drawn and Positives, Minuses and Interesting Points Charts (PMI Charts) could be used to help Create ideas for potential essays and short responses.

8. Your child could be reading textbooks or novels and Making notes and raising questions about what he/she Reads.

Good academic results are the reward of diligent and Faithful study and commitment.

I urge parents to partner With their child during the ensuing weeks in order to assist Your child with the necessary motivation, sense of purpose And acceptance of appropriate expectations placed upon Him/her.

Sometimes the best way to help A child is by doing nothing and staying out of the way, allowing A natural consequence to provide the teaching.

You've Probably learned a number of things through natural consequences Yourself, maybe more than you'd like to admit.

Have you always saved your sales receipt so you'll have it If you need to return what you bought or bought fuel when Your tank is on "E" even if you're late for work?

Did you Ever forget to water your plants or wash your husband's red Sweatshirt with his white underwear?

Natural consequences allow life to provide its own lesson Without outside intervention.

When a parent intentionally Stays out of a problem and makes little or no comment, the Child has an opportunity to learn from life.

In the Bible, Peter was allowed to experience a natural Consequence of lack of faith when he stepped out of the Boat in Matthew 14.

After he began to sink, however, Jesus Was there to help him.

Jesus also allowed Peter to make the Mistake of denying Him three times.

No lectures or rebukes Were needed; just a look from the Master's eyes and Peter Was overcome with remorse.

Many times in the gospels, Jesus Allowed life to be the teacher and he took on the role of Counsellor or coach.

Natural consequences often happen if We, as parents, learn to keep quiet.

The four-year-old who Goes out to play on a hot day wearing a turtleneck learns by Experience.

The six-year-old who chooses to skip snack time Because she wants to continue her game may feel the pain Later.

The ten-year-old who spends all his money on one Thing may wish he had not done so.

Each of these experiences Can be a learning opportunity if the parent responds Wisely.

I am a huge advocate for having a balance between work And play, particularly after a busy year at school.

For students it's important to learn to stop and relax, for their Bodies to refresh, minds to be on things other than school And deadlines and to simply regroup and reflect.

However, Sometimes a young person can have too much time available To them, particularly over the long Christmas break.

And when this happens, young people will always find opportunities To fill their time, hopefully with creative ideas That reap positive results, but then there are times when They can become directionless or mischieveous, particularly If parents are out at work.

To encourage and protect your Child this holiday here are a few thoughts for parents to Consider:

1. Will I be leaving my child alone for long periods throughout The day? If so, what safety precautions are in place So my child has some accountability and assurance?

2. Positive self worth or a sense of contribution can be Found in acomplishments. Completing a list of chores Or tasks over the holidays or learning new skills do a teenager wonders (even if they claim otherwise). What can I have my child do?

3. Too much couch time (tv, wii) without any exercise has its own side effects.

4. If computer and mobile telephone access is unmonitored - is my child going to be safe from bullying, predators or other inappropriate behaviour he/she may decide to be involved in over the holidays?

5. Unlimited time 'hanging out' at the local shopping centre with friends can often be an opportunity for all kinds of mishaps, what alternatives can I offer my child?

6. It's six weeks into the holdiays and mums and dads are wondering, 'How can I have a holiday from my child?' A tropical island is sounding good....Enjoy!

Oh what to do with the holidays...

Remember the frustrating Phrase our teenagers throw around, "Muuuuum, I'm Bored!". All well-seasoned holiday mums have a plethora Of responses to the statement.

However, I thought I would Encourage you with a few different types of ideas (other Than the long list of chores your child could still be doing).

If you arrange for some of these at the beginning of the Holidays, your child may have a lot of fun learning to create Something out of nothing.

1. Proactively organise who your child will spend time With.

It could be a mentor once a week who they could Meet with.

Work for a business/relative or set up a small business (mowing lawns).

Go to work with mum or dad for the day.

Volunteer once a week at a local animal shelter, nursing Home, your church etc

Volunteer for some work experience in different companies (at the end of the experience a reference could Be gained for the resume or the offer of a job).

2. Do an online course that is of interest.

3. Go on a Scripture Union camp ( a great variety of these Exist and are full of good, clean fun).

4. Set up a reading club (pick some books and fun venues To discuss books and life).

5. Organise some day trips that really stimulate the senses, Allow your child to learn new skills, techniques or have Experiences that will help him/her to build confidence.

6. Make a holiday film. This will involve a lot of planning But could be enormous fun and very rewarding.

7. Organise to have your own photographic exhibition at The end of the holidays for friends to come over and view Your child's work. Pick a theme for the holidays and run With it. Perhaps a group of friends could get together and Plan to do this.

8. Rehearse an item for Talent Quest which will be held in The first few weeks of school in 2010.

9. Write and perform a play.

10. Be responsible for planning and cooking the family Meals.... Master Chef here we come.

The list could go on. I hope you are inspired to find something That your child could be busy with during the holiday Break.

Just a week before Christmas I had a visitor. This is how It happened.

I had just finished the household chores for The night and was preparing to go to bed, when I heard a Noise in the front of the house.

I opened the door to the Front room, and to my surprise, Santa himself stepped out From behind the Christmas tree. He placed his finger over His mouth so I would not cry out.

"What are you doing?" I started to ask.

The words choked up in my throat, and I saw that he had Tears in his eyes. His usual jolly manner was gone. Gone was The eager, boisterous soul we all know.

He then answered Me with a simple statement: "TEACH THE CHILDREN!"

I was puzzled, what did he mean?

He anticipated my question, and with one quick movement Brought forth a miniature toy bag from behind the Tree.

As I stood bewildered, Santa said, "Teach the children. Teach them the real meaning of Christmas. The meaning of Christmas that nowadays has been forgotten."

Santa then reached in his bag and pulled out a FIR TREE And placed it before the mantle.

Teach the children that the Pure green Colour of the stately fir tree remains green all Year round, depicting the everlasting hope of mankind.

All The needles point heavenward, making it a symbol of man's Thoughts turning toward heaven.

He again reached into his bag and pulled out a brilliant STAR.

Teach the children that the star was the heavenly sign Of promises long ago. God promised a Saviour for the world, And the star was the sign of the fulfillment of His promise.

He then reached into his bag and pulled out a CANDLE.

Teach the children that the candle symbolizes that Christ is The light of the world, and when we see this great light, we Are reminded of He who displaces the darkness.

Once again he reached into his bag and removed a WREATH and placed it on the tree.

Teach the children that The wreath symbolizes the real nature of love Christ showed For us. Real love never ceases. Love is one continuous round Of affection.

He then pulled from his bag an ornament of HIMSELF.

Teach the children that I, Santa Claus, symbolize the generosity And good will we feel during the month of December.

He then brought out a HOLLY LEAF.

Teach the children That the holly plant represents immortality. It represents The crown of thorns worn by our Saviour. The red holly berries Represent the blood that He shed for us.

Next he pulled from his bag a GIFT and said, "Teach the Children that God so loved the world that whoever believes In Him shall have everlasting life." (John 3:16) Thanks be To God for His unspeakable gift. Teach the children that the Wise men bowed before the Holy Babe and presented Him With gold, frankincense and myrrh. We should always give Gifts in the same spirit of the wise men.

Santa then reached in his bag and pulled out a CANDY CANE and hung it on the tree.

Teach the children that the Candy cane represents the shepherd's crook. The crook on The staff helps to bring strayed sheep back to the flock. The Candy cane is the symbol that we are our brother's keeper.

He reached in again and pulled out an ANGEL.

Teach the Children that it was the angels that heralded the glorious News of the Saviour's birth. The angels sang "Glory to God in The highest and on earth peace to men of good will".

Suddenly I heard a soft tinkling sound, and from his bag he Pulled out a BELL.

Teach the children that as the lost sheep Are found by the sound of the bell, it should bring mankind To the fold. The bell symbolizes guidance and return.

Santa looked around and was pleased.

He looked back At me and I saw that the twinkle was back in his eyes.

He Said, "Remember, TEACH THE CHILDREN the true meaning Of Christmas and do not put me in the Centre for I am but a Humble servant of the One that is, and I bow down to worship Him, Our Lord, Our God, and Saviour.

I think it is so important for children to learn the meaning Of some of the symbols of Christmas. It is good for them to Have that heritage and understanding of the traditions of Christmas. They feel a sense of security, consistency and Connection when the family has its meaningful traditions.

Season's Greetings

I have had a lot of fun doing These articles. The Lord has been faithful In providing me with articles and Ideas, just as He said He would when I first started this venture In faith. Thank you so much to those of you who have Encouraged me throughout the year. Your kind words and Encouragement have been greatly appreciated. I would like To share with you these two versions of the Twelve Days of Christmas.

TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS

On the first day of Christmas, JESUS gave to me Salvation Full and free.

On the second day of Christmas, JESUS gave to me Everlasting Life, and Salvation full and free.

On the third day of Christmas, JESUS gave to me Peace in My heart, Everlasting Life, and Salvation full and free.

On the fourth day of Christmas, JESUS gave to me Love for All men, Peace in my heart, Everlasting life, and Salvation Full and free.

On the fifth day of Christmas, JESUS gave to me Joy for my Soul, Love for all men, Peace in my heart, Everlasting life, And Salvation full and free.

On the sixth day of Christmas, JESUS gave to me power from On high, Joy for my soul, Love for all men, Peace in my Heart, Everlasting life, and Salvation full and free.

On the seventh day of Christmas, JESUS gave to me a Body Glorified, Power from on high, Joy for my soul, Love for all Men, Peace in my heart, Everlasting Life, and Salvation full And free.

On the eighth day of Christmas, JESUS gave to me A Robe And a Crown, a Body Glorified, Power from on high, Joy for My soul, Love for all men, Peace in my heart, Everlasting Life, and Salvation full and free.

On the ninth day of Christmas, JESUS gave to me mansions Above, A Robe and a Crown, a Body Glorified, Power from on High, Joy for my soul, Love for all men, Peace in my heart, Everlasting Life, and Salvation full and free.

On the tenth day of Christmas, JESUS gave to me Streets Of Pure Gold, Mansions above, a Robe and a Crown, a Body Glorified, Power from on high, Joy for my soul, Love for all Men, Peace in my heart, Everlasting Life, and Salvation full And free.

On the eleventh day of Christmas, JESUS gave to me A thousand Songs to sing, Streets of pure gold, Mansions above, a Robe and a Crown, a Body Glorified, Power from on high, Joy for my soul, Love for all men, Peace in my heart, Everlasting Life, and Salvation full and free.

On the twelfth day of Christmas, JESUS gave to me Eternity that's free

A thousand songs to sing,

Streets of pure gold,

Mansions above,

A robe and a Crown,

A Body Glorified,

Power from on high,

Joy for my soul,

Love for all men,

Peace in my heart,

Everlasting Life,

And Salvation full and free!! THANK YOU, JESUS

TWELVE DAYS OF GRACE

A partridge in a pear tree Jesus Christ, the Son of God

Two turtle doves Old and New Testament

Three French hens Faith, Hope and Charity, The Christian Virtues

Four calling birds The four Gospels

Five Golden rings The first five books of the Old Testament The Pentateuch

Six geese a-laying Six days of creation

Seven swans a swimming The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit

Eight maids a-milking The eight Beatitudes

Nine ladies dancing The nine Fruit of the Holy Spirit

Ten lords a-leaping The Ten Commandments

Eleven pipers piping The eleven faithful apostles

Twelve drummers drumming The twelve points of doctrine

In the Apostle's Creed

I pray that you will have happy and safe holidays.

Happy parenting.

Faith, hope and love.

Sometimes - second Chances.

Savour the chocolate.

Enjoy the coffee.

Don't look Back.

Have a greater purpose.

More ice-cream and dark chocolate.

Keep pedalling.

Be happy.

God looks at the heart, He Knows your worth.

Think of the coffee.

Attitude is everything.

Know the 'joy', share the 'joy'.

Listen to the prompting.

Set For life on the inside.

Enjoy God's beautiful gifts.

Just put it Out there. You and God.

Hope and vision.

Biblical vitamins.

Teach the children.

Have a blessed Christmas.

God bless and Keep you in His care.

This is really good....and definitely worth the read.....!

How could God allow the terrorist to attack the WTC?

Finally, The Truth on National TV Billy Graham's daughter was being interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her, "How could God let something like this happen?"

And Anne Graham gave an extremelyh profound and insightful response.

She said, "I believe that God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of government and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman that He is, I believe that He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand that He leave us alone?"

I know there's been a lot of emails going around in regards to 9/11/01, but this really makes you think. If you don't have time, at least skim through it, but the bottom line is something to think about.......

In light of recent events....terrorists attack, school shootings, etc.

Let's see, I think it started when Madeline Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body was found recently) complained she didn't want any prayer in our schools.........and we said OK.

Then, someone said you better not read the Bible in school......the Bible that says thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbour as yourself.........and we said, OK.

Then, Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr. Spock's son committed suicide)..........and we said, an expert should know what he's talking about.......so we said OK.

Then, someone said teachers and principals better not discipline our children when they misbehave. And the school administrators said no faculty member in this school better touch a studen when they misbehave because we don't want any bad publicity, and surely don't want to be sued. (There's a big difference between disciplining and touching, beating, smacking, humiliating, kicking, etc.).........and we said OK.

Then Someone said, let's let our daughters have abortions if they want, and they won't even have to tell their parents.....and we said OK.

The some wise school board member said, since boys will be boys and they're going to do it anyway, let's give our sons all the condoms they want, so they can have all the fun they desire, and we won't have to tell their pare nts they got them at school.......and we said OK.

Then some of our top elected officials said it doesn't matter what we do in private as long as we do our jobs.......and agreeing with them, we said........it doesn't matter to me what anyone, including the President does in private as long as I have a job and the economy is good.

And then someone said, let's print magazines with pictures of nude women and call it wholesome, down-to-earth appreciation for the beauty of the female body.......and we said OK.

And then someone took that appreciation a step further and published pictures of nude children and then stepped further still by making them available on the internet......and we said OK....they're entitled to their free speech.

And then the entertainment industry said, let's make TV shows and movies that promote profanity, violence, and illicit sex. And let's record music that encourages ****, drugs, murder, suicide and satanic themes......and we said it's just entertainment, it has no adverse effect, and nobody takes it seriously anyway....so go right ahead.

Now we are asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves.

Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out.....I think it has a great deal to do with....."WE REAP WHAT WE SOW."

"Dear God,

Why didn't you save the little girl killed in her classroom?"

Sincerely, Concerned Student.......

AND THE REPLY......

"Dear Concerned Student,

I am not allowed in schools."

Sincerely, God.

Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell.

Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says.

Funny how everyone wants to go to heaven provided they do not have to believe, think, say, or do anything the Bible says.

Funy how someone can say "I believe in God" but still follow Satan who, by the way, also "believes" in God.

Funny how we are quick to judge but not to be judged.

Funny how you can send a thousand 'jokes' through email and they spread like wildfire, but when you start sending messages regarding the LORD, people think twice about sharing.

Funny how the lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene pass freely through cyberspace, but the public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace.

Funny how someone can be so fired up for Christ on Sunday, but be an invisible Christian the rest of the week.

Are you laughing?

Funny how when you show this to other people, you will not show it to many people you know because you're not sure what they believe, or what they will think of you for showing it to them.

Funny how I can be more worried about what other people think of me than wat God thinks of me.

Are you thinking?

Show this to other people if you think it has merit. If not discard it.....no one will know that you did.

But, if you discard this thought process, then don't sit back and complain about what a bad shape the world is in!

I gave you life, but I cannot live it for you;

I can teach you things, but I cannot make you learn;

I can show you direction, but I cannot be there to lead you;

I can allow you freedom, but I cannot account for it;

I can take you to Church, but I cannot make you believe;

I can teach you right from wrong, but I cannot always decide for you;

I can buy your beautiful clothes, but I cannot make you beautiful inside;

I can offer you adviced, but I cannot take it for you;

I can teach you, of course, to share, but I cannot make you unselfish;

I can teach you respect, but I cannot choose them for you;

I can advise you about sex, but I cannot make you pure;

I can tell you about the facts of life, but I cannot build your reputation;

I can tell you about drugs, but I cannot say no for you;

I can tell you about lofty goals, but I cannot achieve them for you;

I can teach you about kindness, but I cannot force you to be gracious;

I can warn you about sins, but I cannot make your morals;

I can teach you about Jesus, but I cannot make Jesus your Lord;

I can pray for you, but I cannot make you walk with God;

I can love you as my child, but I cannot make your place in I can teach you how to live, but I cannot give you Eternal Life.

There are little eyes upon you
and they're watching night and day.

There are little ears that quickly
take in every word you say;

There are little hands all eager
to do everything you do

And a little child who's dreaming
of the day she'll be like you.

You're the little person's idol,
you're the wisest of the wise;
in her little mind,
about you no suspicions rise.

She believes in you devoutly,
holds that all you say and do,
She will say and do in your way,
when she's quite grown up like you.

There's a wide-eyed little person
who believes you're always right.
And her eyes are always open
and she watches you day and night.

You are setting an example
everyday in all you do
for the little one who's watching
to grow up just like you.

It must seem sometimes that I am always speaking about attitude, but honestly there are so many stories that exemplify the importance of having the right attitude as we go through life. We cannot emphasise this enough to our young people. Hopefully as they mature, they will realise the truth of what they have been encouraged to adopt as they go through life. As Mr. Davis says to students "Your skills may get you a job, but your attitude could lose you that job."

Below is a great story -

A MILLION DOLLAR LESSON by Peter Parker

A cab driver taught me a million dollar lesson in customer satisfaction and expectation.

Motivational speakers charge thousands of dollars to impart his kind of training to corporate executives and staff. It cost me a $12 taxi ride.

I had flown into Dallas for the sole purpose of calling on a client. Time was of the essence and my plan included a quick turnaround trip from and back to the airport. A spotless cab pulled up.

The driver rused to open the passenger door for me and made sure I was comfortably seated before he closed the door. As he got in the driver's seat, he mentioned that the neatly folded Wall Street Journal next to me was for my use. He then showed me several tapes and asked me what type of music I would enjoy.

Well! I looked around for a "Candid Camera!", Wouldn't you?

I could not believe the service I was receiving!

I took the opportunity to say, "Obviously you take great pride in your work. You must have a story to tell".

"You bet," he replied, "I used to be in Corporate America. But I got tired of thinking my best would never be good enough. I decided to find my niche in life where I could feel proud of being the best I could be.

I knew I would never be a rocket scientist, but I love driving cars, being of service and feeling like I have done a full day's work and done it well. I evaluate my personal assets and...wham! I became a cab driver.

One thing I know for sure, to be good in my business I could simply just meet the expectations of my passengers. But, to be GREAT in my business, I have to EXCEED the customer's expectations! I like both the sound and the return of being "great" better than just getting by on "average""

Did I tip him bit time? You bet!

Corporate America's loss is the travelling folk's friend.

LESSONS:

* Go an extra mile when providing any service to others.

* There is no good or bad job. You can make any job good.

* Good service always brings good return.

ENCOURAGE A POSITIVE ATTITUDE!

Some day when my children are old enough to understand the logic that motivates a parent, I will tell them......

I love you enough to ask where you were going, with whom, and what time you would be home.

I loved you enough to insist that you save your money and buy a bike for yourself even though we could afford to buy one for you.

I loved you enough to be silent and let you discover that your new best friend was a creep.

I loved you enough to make you take a Milky Way back to the drugstore (with a bite out of it) and tell the clerk, "I stole this yesterday and want to pay for it."

I loved you enough to stand over you for two hours while you cleaned your room, a job that would have taken 15 minutes.

I loved you enough to let you se anger, disappointment, and tears in my eyes.

Children must learn that their parents aren't perfect.

I loved you enough to let you assume the responsibility for your actions even when the penalties were so harsh they almost broke my heart.

But most of all, I love you enough to say NO when I knew you would hate me for it.

Those were the most difficult battles of all.

I'm glad I won them, because in the end you won, too.

Life is wonderful - most of the time.

As Christians, because of our belief in The risen Lord, we know we have a hope And a future.

We can rejoice!!

However, We are still human and have our Short-comings.

There are times when We would love to blame others for the Way we behave.

We could say - "He was so rude, he caused Me to be rude back." Really - did "he", or did we allow Ourselves to respond negatively to this person?

We have a Choice in how we respond to situations.

The story below Caused me to stop and think about such things.

STOP BEING EVERYBODY'S VICTIM

(Adapted by Louis Lapides from John Powell, Why I am Afraid to Tell You Who I Am?, Argus Comm.)

The late US syndicated columnist Sydney J. Harris accompanied His friend George to his favorite newsstand.

George Greeted the man selling the newspapers courteously, but in Return he received gruff service.

He barely acknowledged His customer and never even looked up at him when he requested The late night edition.

Accepting the newspaper, Which was shoved rudely in his direction, George politely Smiled and wished the newsman a pleasant weekend.

The Proprietor grunted an indiscernible sound and seemed relieved That the two men had completed their transaction.

As the two friends walked down the street the columnist Asked, "Does he always treat you so rudely?"

"Yes, unfortunately, He does," George responded.

"And are you always So kind and friendly to him?"

"Yes, I am!" George continued As they turned a corner.

"Why are you so nice when he is So unfriendly to you?"

With a look of deep contemplation, George explained, "Because I don't want him to decide how I am going to act."

Who decides how you are going to act?

Is it your circumstances Or the difficult people in your life that determine Your responses?

When we allow our conflicts to control us, We behave as though getting rid of our predicaments is our Only priority.

Therefore, it doesn't really matter how we Treat one another.

For example, we say, "This person is causing me distress Right now so I don't care about exercising patience, selfcontrol, And loving kindness.

Instead, I want to let him know How angry I am because of his actions."

We forget our trials will eventually subside.

But the way We handle conflicts will influence our lives for a long time.

Will you only respond to the momentary crisis or will you Be more concerned about the enduring value of what kind Of person you are becoming?

Who decides how you will act When the pressure is on?

Author Unknown

It is good character we want to develop so that we can Govern our response to situations.

After all, human as we Are, are we not trying to be more Christ-like?

1. My hands are small; please don't expect perfection whenever I make a bed, draw a picture or throw a ball. My legs are short; please slow down so that I can keep up with you.

2. My eyes have not seen the world as yours have; please let me explore safely. Don't restrict me unnecessarily.

3. Housework will always be there. I'm only little for a short time, please take time to explain things to me about this wonderful world and do so willingly.

4. My feelings are tender; please be sensitive to my needs. Don't nag me all day long. (You wouldn't want to be nagged for your inquisitiveness). Treat me as you would like to be treated.

5. I am a special gift from God; please treasure me as God intended you to do, holding me accountable for my actions, giving me guidelines to live by and disciplining me in a loving manner.

6. I need your encouragement to grow. Please go easy on the criticism; remember, you can criticize the things I do without criticizing me.

7. Please give me the freedom to make decisions concerning myself. Permit me to fail, so that I can learn from my mistakes. Then someday I'll be prepared to make the kinds of decisions that life requires of me.

8. Please don't do things over for me. Somehow that makes me feel that my efforts didn't quite measure up to your expectations. I know it's hard, but please don't try to compare me to my brother or sister.

9. Please don't be afraid to leave for a weekend together. Kids need vacations from parents, just as parents need vacations from kids. Besides, it's a great way to show us kids that your marriage is very special.

10. Please take me to Sunday School and Church or Synagogue regularly, setting a good example for me to follow. I enjoy learning more about God.

I was sitting on a bench while in a nearby mall,
When I noticed a young mother with two children who were small.

The youngest one was whining, "Pic me up", I heard him beg
But the mother's face grew angry as the child clung to her leg.

"Don't hang on to me," she shouted as she pushed his hands away,
I wish I'd had the courage to go up to her and say.....

"The time will come too quickly when those little arms that tug,
Won't ask for you to hold them or won't freely give a hug.

"The day will sneak up subtly just as it did with me,
When you can't recall the last time that your child sat on your knee.

"Like those sacred, pre-dawn feedings when we cherised time alone
Our babies grow and leave behind those special times we've known.

"So when your child comes to you with a book that you can share,
Or asks that you would tuck him in and help him say his prayer.....

"When he comes to sit and chat or would like to take a walk,
Before you answer that you can't 'cause there's no time to talk.

"Remember what all parents learn so many times too late,
That years go by too quickly and that childhood doesn't wait.

"Take every opportunity, if one should slip away
Reach hard to get it back again, don't wait another day."

I watched that mother walk away her children followed near,
I hope she'll pick them up before her chances disappear....

Now I sit me down in school where praying is against the rule.

For this great nation under God finds mention of Him very odd.

If Scripture now the class recites, it violates the Bill of Rights.

And anytime my head I bow becomes a federal matter now.

Our hair can be purple or orange or green, that's no offense, it's the freedom scene.

The law is specific, the law is precise, prayers spoken aloud are a serious vice.

For praying in a public hall might offend someone with no faith at all.

In silence alone we must meditate, God's name is prohibitied by the State.

We're allowed to cuss and dress like freaks, and pierce our noses, tongues and cheeks.

They've outlawed guns; but FIRST the Bible, to quote the Good Book makes me liable.

We can elect a pregnant Senior Queen, and the unwed daddy, our Senior King.

It's "inappropriate" to teach right from wrong, we're taught that such "judgements" do not belong.

We can get our condoms, and birth controls, study witchcraft, vampires and totem poles.

But the Ten Commandments are not allowed, no Word of God must reach this crowd.

It's scary here I must confess, when chaos reigns, the school's a mess.

So, Lord, this silent plea I make:

Should I be shot, my soul please take.

One day a little girl was sitting and watching her mother do the dishes at the kitchen sink.

She suddenly noticed that her mother had several strands of white hair sticking out in contrast on her brunette head.

She looked at her mother and inquisitively asked, "Why are some of your hairs white, Mummy?"

Her mother replied, "Well, every time that you do something wrong and make me cry or unhappy, one of my hairs turns white".

The little girl thought about this revelation for a while and then said, "Mummy, how come ALL of grandma's hairs are white?"

"So do not fear, for I am with You. Do not be dismayed, for I am Your God. I will strengthen you and Help you. I will uphold you with my Righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

You are your child's first and best teacher! Be consistent!

Here are ten ways to help your child practice reading and Writing skills while having fun at the same time!

1. Look through magazines and newspapers with your Child, and cut out simple words that begin with l, r, and S blends. These are words like block, drop, or spoon.

Glue the words on separate sheets of paper labelled With the individual blends such as bl, cl, fl, pl, cr, Dr, gr, St, sm, sn, and so on.

2. Ask your child to write or tell you a story in which he Or she is the main character. Have your child include The following words the children are learning to read:

Could, have, need, then, was.

3. Before reading a story together, tell your child the Name of the story and have him or her look through the Illustrations. Ask your child to predict what the story Will be about.

4. Ask your child to say or write sentences about him or Herself and draw pictures to match the sentences.

5. Have your child tell you about something that he or She likes to do. Remind your child to use full sentences When speaking.

6. Write each letter of the alphabet on a slip of paper, Place the slips of paper in a paper bag and shake them Up. Invite your child to grab a letter from the bag and Name the letter.

7. Read a story to your child. Stop at the end of each page And ask your child to tell what will happen next. Then Read on and have your child make a new prediction.

8. Write the words red, yellow and blue on cards. Point to The word blue and ask your child to hunt for blue items (blue sock or blue pencil) and place them next to the Word blue. Give the same instructions for red and yellow Items.

9. Point to an item in the house and ask your child to "name it" (tell what it is). Start with easy items such as Book and add more difficult things.

10. Practice making rhyming words. Say the word hat and Help your child name rhyming words, giving clues for Words such as bat, cat, fat, pat, rat, and sat. Continue With can (fan, man, pan, ran, van) and cap (lap, map, Nap, rap, tap, zap).

Don't forget to read with your child EVERY DAY!

Maybe You can stick it on your Fridge to remind you of the many literacy activities you can Do to help your child achieve their best. Remember, consistency Is the key!

I thought you may like this article I found. Before we have children or work with them, we have all the answers to how children should be parented. It's a bit "olde-worlde" but I hope you enjoy it anyway.

Beatitudes For Parents

One man says he had a great speech for parents. It was called, "How to Raise Your Children." He went on speaking tours in the Midwestern United States and was paid a high honorarium for the talk. "This guy will wow you," people said.

Then they had their first child. His majestic speech lost its punch at 2:00 AM with the baby in full cry. But he kept trying. He renamed his new, modified speech "Some Suggestions for Parents" and charged bravely on.

They had two more children. The speech changed again. And again. Now it's called, "Feeble Hints for Fellow Strugglers" and he begins with the question: "Does anyone her have a few words of wisdom?"

Parents through the ages can identify. "Could someone, please, just give me the final answers to parenting?" we ask. "ALL of them? Could someone please tell me how to respond and what to do and what to say and when to say it and do it and tell me now?"

But, of course, we ask the impossible.

Maybe this will help. I have saved it for years, and I'm convinced it was written by one who has been there.... It is not the final answer to parenting, but cherish it as a dose of wisdom worth re-reading as often as possible.

Beatitudes For Parents

by Marion E. Kinneman (1895-1985) (used by permission)

* Blessed are those parents who make their peace with spilled milk and with mud, for of such is the kingdom of childhood.

* Blessed is the parent who engages not in the comparison of his child with others, for precious unto each is the rhythm of his own growth.

* Blessed are the fathers and mothers who have learned laughter, for it is the music of the child's world.

* Blessed and wise are those parents who understand the goodness of time, for they make it not a sword that kills growth but a shield to protect.

* Blessed and mature are they who without anger can say "no," for comforting to the child is the security of firm decisions.

* Blessed is the gift of consistency, for it is heart's-ease in childhood.

* Blessed are they who accept the awkwardness of growth, for they are aware of the choice between marred furnishings and damaged personalities.

* Blessed are the teachable, for knowledge brings understanding, and understanding brings love.

* Blessed are the men and women who in the midst of the unpromising mundane, give love, for they bestow the greatest of all gifts to each other, to their children, and -- in an ever-widening circle -- to their fellow men.

Blessed are those who read these words... but more blessed will be they who follow them!

What is resilience?

Resilience refers to the ability to successfully manage your life and adapt to change and stressful events in healthy and constructive ways. Insimnplistic terms, it is our survivability, our ability to "bounce back" from life's experiences; both those that are advantageous and the really challenging, traumatic one.

Why is resilience important in today's modern world?

Young people have always needed effective coping skills; however, the modern world is more challenging than ever before. It appears that many of our young people have fewer resources to deal with adversity than in previous generations. Our main concerns today involve the increasing numbers of young people who are aggressive, depressed and who engage in maladaptive coping strategies such as anti-social behaviours.

Today's world is also very different from that in which many parents were raised!

With enormous information explosion, technological advances, consumerism, and the rapid pace of life we seem to have created a unique disease called "modernism".

Parents are busier than ever before and family disharmony seems to be on the rise. All of these factors take their toll on our young people and parents.

The most tragic example of low resilience is suicide, when a person chooses to end his or her life because living has become too hard. That is why it is important to learn how we can build and enrich resilience in today's children and teenageres.

Building resilience is a vital ingredient in oujr parenting, a process that directs our interactions as we strengthen our children's ability to meet life's challenges and pressures with confidence and perseverance.

As parents we want the very best for our children and we want them to be happy in life. There can be a tendency to want to "rescue" our children from coping with adverse or pressure situations in life instead of teaching them how to cope or deal with them.

Resilience Checklist - Resilient children -

1. Find ways to solve their problems.

2. Exercise control over negative thoughts and take responsibility for choosing how to act and feel.

3. Have optimistic and flexible thinking skills.

4. Are more likely to have people to talk to and confide in when something worries them.

5. Have inner strength, social and inter-personal skills and skills in communicating effectively.

6. Require parents and carers to model resilient behaviours and help promote resilience through words, actions and the environment in which they are being raised.

7. Like to try new things, enjoy a chllenge.

8. Need supervision, support and boundaries.

9. Feel they can succeed. Have a "where there's a will there's a way" attitude.

10. Persit with a task and persevere.

11. Have a sense of optimism.

12. Learn from previous challenges and mistakes.

13. Believer their contribution can make a difference to an outcome.

14. Like helping people.

15. Possess a good sense of humour and a sense of fun.

Raising our children to become very capable adults if very demanding; it is the most important thing parents do in life.

Developing the characteristics of resilience begings at a very early age, however, it is never too late to start.

I would encourage parents to continue to work at building resilience in their children by developing the previously listed characteristics of resilient children.

Happy parenting.

And so it is.

Maintain good relationships.

Bring heaven to earth.

Fear prevents, faith prevails.

God bless.

True meaning of Easter.

Celebrate the risen Christ.

Happy Mother's Day to all our Mums.

Find the joy.

Defend the Australian way of life.

Encourage goal setting.

Be thankful.

Bloom where you are.

Develop resilience.

Recently at assembly, I encouraged students to set achievable goals and explained the importance of doing so.

Setting goals is like setting a road map for where you want to go. It gives direction and purpose instead of wafting in the breeze. When a goal is achieved one has a positive feeling of accomplishment and moving forward. This feeling of success encourages one to set new goals and to continue to move ahead with confidence.

Imagine this:

You head off on a walking holiday for a week. You are really excited because you will be hiking with your friends and a guide. You arrive at base camp,k begin organising your hike pack, then set off with your group for the three day trek. You begin walking through the glorious bush and admire the beautiful landscape.

After about five hours, however, you wonder how far you have got to go before you get to your destination for the day to set up for camp.

You call to the guide, "When will we get to where we're going?"

"I don't know", your guide replies. "I didn't bring a compass or a map. I just thought we'd keep walking until we stopped".

Right about now, you feel nervous. You get slightly anxious about where you are all headed. Right now, you're clearly lost!!

And there's probably no mobile phone coverage.....or battery life left in anyone's phone!

Life can be like a long hike. We can walk for what seems like an eternity and not really get anywhere important. That is exactly why setting goals in life is of major importance. We need to have a clear map that we can follow and revise along the way when needed.

Why people don't set goals -

1. They don't understgand the importance of setting goals.

2. They don't know how.

3. They are afraid of failing.

Goals need to be written down as it encourages commitment to what you want to work at and achieve next. Set achievable goals. Goals can be short-term and long-term. Regularly revise set goals and add new goals. Reward yourself when goals are attained.

Goal setting is one of the most important skills a teenager can learn. Setting goals helps one achieve great things in one's life and to give a sense of accomplishment. If goals are not set, one runs the risk of being a drifter.

Take the first step and set three goals to get started.

ENCOURAGE GOAL SETTING.

Each new day holds such promise and opportunities for all of us to learn and to grow. May I take this opportujnity to point out some ways to assist your child at school.

1. Have a positive attitude to school:

Displaying interest in what your child is doing at school shows that you value education. Speak positively about the school and staff and try to present the positive aspects of situations. Rather than expressing any concerns you may have to your child in a negative manner, please contact the school toclarify the underlying situation or circumstances - this will usually allay your concerns.

2. Provide a consistent daily routine:

Younger children in particular are more settled and confident if they have a routine. Older children too feel secure when life is more predictable.

3. Schedule time:

It is beneficial to teach your children to make the best use of their time. High school aged children need to establish an after school schedule where they write down commitments such as work, sport and activities, TV programs and time for social networking (if this is allowed). they should then insert where they will do homework, assignments and reading. This of course is only beneficial if they follow the schedule.

4. Have high but realistic expectations:

Encourage your children to always do the best work they can. It is their attitude and efforrt which is to be encouraged and admired.

5. Set goals for the year:

Without goals there is no focus or direction. Help your child set achievable goals. For younger children, it is necessary to work on shorter time periods - week, month, term, semester. Celebrate success.

6. Become involved with the school:

Support functions at the school.

Always attend Parent/Teacher interview eventing.

Speak with the teachers.

For high school parents, do not allow your child to discourage you from being involved.

Stay informed by reading the school blog, newsletter and other inforfmation on the school website and learning management systems.

Growing up in Australia, an ongoing study of 10,000 children, has found that parents play a major role in helping children be successful at school. Dr. Susan Walker, one of the study researchers from the Queensland University of Technology, says the level to which parents become involved i n their children 's schooling has been shown to be a major influence on their children's learning outcomes.

Sometimes our children can be a challenge, but we need to let them know, that while we do not condone their behaviour, we will always love them no matter what.....

After the divorce, her teenage daughter became increasingly rebellious. It culminated late one night when the police called to tell her that she had to come to the police station to pick up her daughter, who was arrested for drunk driving.

They didn't speak until the next afternoon. Mum broke the tension by giving her daughter a small giftwrapped box.

Her daughter nonchalantly opened it and found a small piece of a rock.

She rolled her eyes and said, "Cute Mum, what's this for?"

"Here's the card," Mum said.

Her daughter took the card out of the envelope and read it. Tears started to trickle down her cheeks. She got up and gave her mum a big hug as the card fell to the floor.

On the card were these words:

"This rock is more than 200 million years old. That's how long it will take before I give up on you."

"Pattern yourselves after me (follow my example), as I imitate and follow Christ (Messiah).
1 Corinthians 11:1

The only way to keep good will and high esteem is to be a person who can be trusted. People with integrity have nothing to hide or fear. Christ, our perfect example, is credible at all times. As His followers we need to walk in truth.

Are you living what you say? Are you living what the Word says? Many children see their parents steal, cheat and lie and then watch the same parents go to church on Sunday. This creates confusion and often rebellion. Allow your words and deeds to be in perfect union. Your word should be your bond.

I have heard it said that children learn in one of three ways:

By example
By example
or
By example

We teach what we know, but we reproduce what we are.

What a great lesson to learn early in life. This is certainly very sound advice. Hopefully these children remembered the lesson and carried it throughout life.

Hated Potatoes

A kindergarten teacher decided to let her class play a game. The teacher told each child in the class to bring along a plastic bag containing a few potatoes. Each potato will be given a name of a person that the child hates, so the number of potatoes that a child will put in his/her plastic bag will depend on the number of people he/she hates.

So when the day came, every child brought some potatoes with the name of the people he/she hated. Some had two potatoes, some three, while some had up to five potatoes.

The teacher then told the children to carry with them the potatoes in the plastic bag wherever they go (even to the toilet) for one week.

Day after day passed by, and the children started to complain due to the unpleasant smell let out by the rotten potatoes they were carrying. Those children having five potatoes really began to feel the weight of the heavier bags.

After one week, the children were relieved to hear that the teacher had finally ended the game.

The teacher asked: "How did you feel while carrying the potatoes with you for one week?"

The children let out their frustrations and started complaining of the trouble that they had to go through having to carry the heavy and smelly potatoes wherever they went.

Then the teacher told them the hidden meaning behind the game. The teacher said: "This is exactly the situation when you carry your hatred for somebody inside your heart. The stench of hatred will contaminate your heart and you will end up carrying an unnecessary burden with you wherever you go.

If you cannot tolerate the smell of rotten potatoes for just one week, can you imagine what a burden it would be to have the stench of hatred in your heart for your lifetime???"

Moral of the story:

Get rid of any hatred you might have for others in your heart, so that you won't have to carry around an unnecessary burden during your lifetime. Forgiving others is the best attitude to take! Love others, even if you don't like them...

Happy parenting.
Lifelong learning.
Encourage common sense.

We did not know what we were signing Up for when we became mothers, But I am sure none of us would change it Now.

I hope you would agree with me, That our children have taught us so much About ourselves, they have made us better People (well, hopefully) and they Have enriched our lives so much.

As for The challenges, well - the older you get, The more forgetful you become - were there so many?

My Mum speaks as if we were perfect children.

I remember Only too well that we had our moments.

Mother's Job Description

POSITION:

Mother, Mum, Mummy, Mumma, Mam

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Long term, team players needed, for Challenging permanent work, in an often chaotic environment.

Candidates must possess excellent communication And organisational skills and be willing to work variable Hours, which will include evenings, weekends and frequent 24 hour shifts on call.

Some overnight travel required -- including Trips to primitive camping sites on rainy weekends And endless sports tournaments in far away places.

Travel Expenses not reimbursed.

Extensive courier duties are also Required; frequently, on very short notice.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The rest of your life -

* Must be willing to bite your tongue repeatedly.

* Must possess the physical stamina of a pack horse and Be able to go from zero to 60 kph in three seconds flat -- in case, this time, the screams from the backyard are Not someone just crying wolf.

* Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges, Such as small gadget repairs, mysteriously sluggish Toilets, computers that will not send work to print, and Stuck zippers.

* Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and coordinate Production of multiple homework projects.

* Must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily, until Someone wants something.

* Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings For clients of all ages and mental outlooks.

* Must be willing to be indispensable one minute, and an Embarrassment the next.

* Must handle assembly and product safety testing of a Half million cheap, plastic toys, and battery operated Devices.

* Must always hope for the best, but be prepared for the Worst.

* Must assume final complete accountability for the quality Of the end product.

POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT & PROMOTION:

Virtually None.

Your job is to remain in the same position for years, Without complaining, constantly retraining and updating Your skills, so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass You.

You may be promoted to grandmother and thoroughly Enjoy it.

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE:

None required, unfortunately.

On the-Job training offered on a continually exhausting basis.

WAGES AND COMPENSATION:

Get this!

You pay them!

Offering Frequent raises and bonuses.

A balloon payment is due When they turn 18, because of the assumption that further Education will help them become financially independent.

When you die, you give them whatever is left.

The oddest Thing about this reverse-salary scheme is that you actually Enjoy it, and wish you could only do more.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:

Must be sourced yourself, Through lots of prayer, reading, seminars and seeking advice.

BENEFITS:
No health or dental insurance, no pension, no Tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays and no stock options Are offered -- however, this job supplies limitless opportunities For personal growth and free hugs for life, if you Play your cards right.

We are doing an awesome job - given no training, no Preparation and so many variables (each child is so different From the other).

Each mum is doing the best she can.

Happy Mother's Day to all the mums out there. I pray you Will have the opportunity to be with family and loved ones.

God has made it the privilege and the duty of parents to become co-workers with Himself in the education and training of their children. Parents are responsible, in a great degree, for the characters which their children develop. Would that every father and mother could see that in their own home is a missionary field in which they may work unitedly for the salvation of the precious souls committed to their care.

It is a sad fact, almost universally admitted and deplored, that the home-education and training of the youth of today have been neglected. The father, as the head of his own household, should understand how to train his children for usefulness and duty. This is his special work, above every other. During the first few years of a child's life, the molding of the disposition is committed principally to the mother; but she should ever feel that in her work she has the co-operation of the father. If he is engaged in business which almost wholly closes the door of usefulness to his family, he should seek other employment which will not prevent him from devoting some time to his children. If he neglects them, he is unfaithful to the trust committed to him of God.

The father may exert an influence over his children which shall be stronger than the allurements of the world. He should study the disposition and character of the members of his little circle, that he may understand their needs and their dangers, and thus be prepared to repress the wrong and encourage the right. Parents should remember that occupation is essential for children. If their hands are kept active in useful employment, a door will be closed against the temptations of Satan. Let children be taught, when quite young, to bear the smaller responsibili ties of life, and the faculties thus employed will strengthen by exercise. Thus the youth may become efficient helpers in the greater work which the Master shall afterward call them to do.

Children and youth who are allowed to devote much of their time to amusement and pleasure-seeking are never really happy; and in after-life they will be unprepared for positions of trust. Few have been trained to habits of industry, thoughtfulness, and care-taking. Indolence, inaction, is the greatest curse to children of this age. Wholesome, useful labor, will be a great blessing, by promoting the formation of good habits and a noble character.

As they consider their duties and their responsibility, parents will often be led to inquire, Who is sufficient for these things? At times the heart may be ready to faint; but a living sense of the dangers threatening the present and future happiness of their loved ones, should lead parents to seek more earnestly for help from the Source of strength and wisdom. It should make them more circumspect, more decided, more calm yet firm, while they watch for these souls, as they that must give account.

Parents should study the best and most successful manner of winning the love and confidence of their children, that they may lead them in the right path. They should reflect the sunshine of love upon the household. There are no influences so potent, no memories so enduring, as those of childhood. The parents' work must begin with the child in its infancy, that it may receive the right impress of character ere the world shall place its stamp on mind and heart.

While the spirit of love should pervade the household, it is the duty of parents not to be ruled, but to rule. All under the roof should respect the parental discipline. The law of the household should be held sacred. Parents should bring up their children in the nurture and admonition of the Master. By their own example they should lead the way to Heaven. The father, as priest of the household, should explain and enforce the word of God. Let the children be taught to honor and obey their parents, that they may also learn to honor and obey their Heavenly Father. Parents stand in God's place to their little ones. When fathers and mothers realize this, they will find at home a field wherein to exercise their powers for the accomplishment of great good.

There are two ways to deal with children,--ways that differ widely in principle and in results. Faithfulness and love, united with wisdom and firmness, in accordance with the teachings of God's word, will bring happiness in this life and in the next. Neglect of duty, injudicious indulgence, failure to restrain or correct the follies of youth, will result in unhappiness and final ruin to the children, and disappointment and anguish to the parents.

The history of Eli is a terrible example of the results of parental unfaithfulness. Through his neglect of duty, his sons became a snare to their fellow-men and an offense to God, forfeiting not only the present but the future life. Their evil example destroyed hundreds, and the influence of these hundreds corrupted the morals of thousands. This case should be a warning to all parents. While some err upon the side of undue severity, Eli went to the opposite extreme. He indulged his sons to their ruin. Their faults were overlooked in their childhood, and excused in their days of youth. The commands of the parents were disregarded, and the father did not enforce obedience. The children saw that they could hold the lines of control, and they improved the opportunity. As the sons advanced in years, they lost all respect for their faint-hearted father. They went on in sin without restraint. He remonstrated with them, but his words fell unheeded. Gross sins and revolting crimes were daily committed by them, until the Master himself visited with judgment the transgressors of his law.

We have seen the result of Eli's mistaken kindness,--death to the indulgent father, ruin and death to his wicked sons, and destruction to thousands in Israel. The Master himself decreed that for the sins of Eli's sons no atonement should be made by sacrifice or offering forever. How great, how lamentable, was their fall,--men upon whom rested sacred responsibilities, proscribed, outlawed from mercy, by a just and holy God!

Such is the fearful reaping of the harvest sown when parents neglect their God-given responsibilities, -- when they allow Satan to pre-occupy the field which they themselves should carefully have sown with precious seed of virtue, truth, and righteousness. If but one parent is neglectful of duty, the result will be seen in the character of the children; if both fail, how great will be their accountability before God! How can they escape the doom of those who destroy their children's souls?

It were well for parents to learn from the man of Uz a lesson of steadfastness and devotion. Job did not neglect his duty to those outside of his household; he was benevolent, kind, thoughtful of the interest of others; and at the same time he labored earnestly for the salvation of his own family. Amid the festivities of his sons and daughters, he trembled lest his children should displease God. As a faithful priest of the household, he offered sacrifices for them individually. He knew the offensive character of sin, and the thought that his children might forget the divine claims, led him to God as an intercessor in their behalf.

The will of God is the law of Heaven. As long as that law was the rule of life, all the family of God were holy and happy. But when the divine law was disobeyed, then envy, jealousy, and strife were introduced, and a part of the inhabitants of Heaven fell. As long as God's law is revered in our earthly homes, the family will be happy. The authority of the parents should be absolute; yet this power is not to be abused. In the control of his children, the father should not be governed by caprice, but by the Bible standard. When he permits his own harsh traits of character to bear sway, he becomes a despot. Imperfect man, not the all-wise and merciful Heavenly Father, then makes laws which become a crushing burden.

Prompt and continual obedience to wise parental rule, will promote the happiness of the children themselves, as well as the honor of God and the good society. Children should learn that in submission to the laws of the household is their perfect liberty. Followers of God will learn the same lesson, -- that in their obedience to God's law is their perfect freedom.

The parent who permits his rule to become a despotism, is making a terrible mistake. He wrongs not only his children but himself, quenching in their young hearts the love that would flow out in acts and words of affection. Kindness, forbearance, and love, manifested to children, will be reflected back upon the parents. That which they sow, they will also reap.

While educating and disciplining their children, parents are in a continual school. It is impossible for them to teach self-control, unless they first learn to govern themselves. Fathers and mothers may study their own character in their children. They may often read humiliating lessons, as they see their own imperfections reproduced in their sons and daughters. While seeking to repress and correct in their children hereditary tendencies to evil, parents should call to their aid double patience, perseverance, and love. God has apportioned them their work, and He will require it at their hands. No minister or friend can supply their place. The harder the battle, the greater their need of help from their Heavenly Father, and the more marked will be the victory gained.

There is no discharge in this work. Parents should labor with reference to the future harvest. While they sow in tears, amid many discouragements, it should be with earnest prayer. They may see the promise of but a late and scanty harvest, yet that should not prevent the sowing. They should sow beside all waters, embracing every opportunity both to improve themselves and to benefit their children.

Such seed-sowing will not be in vain. At the harvest time, many faithful parents will return with joy, bringing their sheaves with them.

Parents , if you would succeed in this great work, you must have God enthroned in the heart. As an honored guest, He must be earnestly invited to the home circle. It is not enough merely to speak to your children of spiritual things. They must see you exemplify the principles of God in your home. The power of divine grace should control all the regulations of the household. Let it be seen in your simplicity in dress and in the preparation of your food. All these things, as well as the society you choose, the amusements in which you indulge, and the whole round of duties of daily life, will have an abiding influence upon the characters of your children.

While you seek to administer justice, remember that she has a twin sister, which is mercy. The two stand side by side, and should not be separated.

Be careful not to alienate the affections of your children by undue severity.

Never correct them in anger.

Many parents who are professedly followers of God do this; but they make the case far worse than if they had administered no correction. They commit a greater sin than that of which the child has been guilty.

Take time to reflect calmly and candidly before you correct your children, and then bow with them in prayer, interceding with God in their behalf. In most cases this will soften the hardest heart, and the object will be gained without using the rod. Oh, if this course were pursued, how many precious children might be won to obedience and love, and thus find happiness in this life, and through God secure the future life!

I entreat parents, and ministers also, to devote more time and attention to the children. Bring them to God, as did the mothers of old, and intercede for His blessing upon them. God loves all children, and He has a special care for the children of those who have given themselves to Him in willing service. In His charge to Peter, the Saviour first bade him, "Feed my lambs." and afterward commanded him, "Feed my sheep." In addressing the apostle, God says to all his followers, "Feed my lambs."

When God admonished the disciples not to despise the little ones, he addressed all disciples, in all ages. His own love and care for children is a precious example for his followers. At every suitable opportunity, let the story of God's love be repeated to the children.

Tracey Hartman always wanted to be a teacher. She had been one of those students who actually enjoyed school, and after 8 years of grade school, 4 years of high school, and 4 years of college, she had looked forward to having a classroom of her own.

As life goes, she couldn't find a teaching job in the suburban neighbourhood where she grew up, but instead found herself teaching a third grade class at Washington Public School, which was in a poor, inner-city neighbourhood. It was quite a shock to her. This was not like Sprucewood Elementary, where Tracey went to school years ago.

These kids just could not sit still. They were always screaming and fighting! It was a day's work just to get them all seated and quiet, not to mention to teach them anything.

The other teachers had all become accumstomed to this behaviour, so they weren't much help. Mrs. Rice, the other third grade teacher, said that half of the kids had drug and alcohol problems even at a young age, and they all came from families on welfare. Some of them were physically abused by their parents.

Well, Mrs. Hartman decided to do the best with what she had. She was appalled that the average score on the State Standardised Test for Washington Public School was only 31%, while her own suburban Sprucewood Elementary scored 88%.

Mrs. Harman started talking to her kids personally. Her first thought was to find out which ones were being abused, and find help for them. She even tried to contact the parents, although most of them weren't interested in talking.

It took Mrs. Hartman 8 whole weeks to realise that she was heading in the wrong direction. None of the kids were physically abused by their parents. None of the kids themselves had any alcohol or drug problems, although some of the parents drank heavily. And even though they came from poorer families, the kids seemed every bit as bright as those in Sprucewood Elementary, but they just couldn't pay attention.

Did you ever hear the expression, "I couldn't see the forest because of the trees?" Well, that's how Tracey Hartman felt when she discovered the problem. You see, these kids lived in small apartments. They didn't have bicycles, or footballs, or skates, or any of the other toys that the suburban kids take for granted. But each family had a television set - some of them had two or three - and they were turned on all the time.

Now everyone had heard a lecture about television violence, but that is only part of the problem. It is not just the content of television that leads to such behaviour. It's the amount of television. These kids were watching 40 hours a week!

So, Mrs. Hartman's goal became to get these kids to do something better with their time.

She started a game of old fashioned show and tell. The other teachers criticised her for this, saying that show and tell was for kindergartners, but she did it anyway. She made a game out of it. One day she asked the children to catch some bugs; one day she asked them to bring in leaves from different kinds of trees. One of the most interesting days was when she made a contest to see who could talk to the oldest living person, and the winner found a man that was 103 years old. The teacher spent some of her own money to buy cheap used toys from the good will store, like footballs and roller skates, to give away as prizes.

By her own estimation, Mrs. Hartman's students spent 15 hours a week on these activities, reducing the amount of time in front of the screen by the same amount.

After several weeks, the kids started to show some improvement. They were not as aggressive, and could sit still a little longer, and paid more attention. They spent less time fighting and more time learning.

When the results of the State Stardardised Test came in, Mrs. Hartman's class scored 51%, a new school record! Even though it was still poor compared to the suburban schools, it was a big move in the right direction. Meanwhile, Mrs. Rice's class still scored 33%.

The principal of Sprucewood Elementary found out about this, and dug up Tracey Hartman's old job application from a year ago, and tried to hire her. At last, she could teach in a nice suburban school, with quality students! But guess what? Tracey didn't want to teach at Sprucewood anymore! Sprucewood was already scoring 88%, so there just wasn't as much room for improvement. It was a lot more rewarding to take these 30% kids and turn them into 50% kids - and the secret was so simple - start by getting the kids away from television!

Consider this:

The average American child watches 3 to 5 hours of television every day. That's 21 to 35 hours a week. By high school graduation most children have spent more time in front of the screen than in the class room. In fact, television viewing accounts for more of a child's time than any other activity except sleeping!

So parents, please, be kind to your kids, and turn off the TV once in a while!