Awana tools

Just a FYI of some pretty cool tools I found on the Awana site.  First you have to Log in on the ART (Awana Resources and tools) that is on the right side of the awana.org home page.  Note when log in you have to have your church’s ID number, just click on the link of where to find it and it is right there or it emails it to you very quickly.  Then once you are in you will see cool thing # one on the right side called Parent Pause.  This is for the 2-4yr olds.  It is a news letter of sorts that has a monthly idea.  For April it talked about the Sedar and for March it talked about sibling relationships and both had a craft and a few other interesting things.  Tips on scripture memory (I seem to be stuck here). 

The other really interesting thing I  noticed was under the tab of Leadership Resources, then cubbies and was called “Extra Credit” that has some neat “books” you could look at/print. Alphabet scripture, etc. 

All of that is now in what is called the ART portal that you have to log into.  It is on the right side of the awana.org home page.  If you have trouble getting in, contact Deidra of our staff at 630-540-4561 or Deidrap@awana.org .

Scripture Memory

So I love love love Awana.  But it is not enough.  Or I should say I am not as committed to it.  So I have been looking for more and need to be committed to it.  We have posted the verses Adeline is working on memorizing on the wall outside her bedroom.  Anytime when going to be she wants to slow things down we recite them.  Fine with me… she stays up 5 min more, but I hope to get a life of God’s word etched on her heart.  Better than buying her with candy right?!  Please don’t think that is beneath me though.  I was listening to a John Piper sermon the other day that talked about not making scripture memory a “trick” to perform.  It has to be authentic or else it won’t be a habit that sticks. 

So I found a blog that mentions the Simply Charlotte Mason Method.  It is a bit expensive in that it uses a box and index cards. ha! Sonya also supplies important verse lists.   I haven’t looked at this much, but want to do something soon.

I found also this blog, Graham Family Ministry(school4Jesus), that mentions the above and also created her own verses to print out on cards.  The cards are available to print right on your printer with a few clicks.

Out of control

That is what I have felt about parenting probably ever since the time I put Adeline in time out for the first time.  Who knew you had to discipline so young.  Taking away the peas after she spit them out was easy, but a defiant little angel is so perplexing.  So what does a girl do.  Pray, Pray, Pray. Talk with your hubby.  Read God’s Holy word.  Read other books.  So I guess I am apart of this cultures self help society and it hurts to semi admit that.  I don’t think I thought that before typing this.  I have bought or borrowed, emphasis on bought the following:

Grace Based Parenting by Dr. Tim Kimmel; My thoughts: We are children of a loving God that operated by grace so why shouldn’t we as parents.

Boundaries with Kids by Dr. Henry Could and Dr. John Townsend ;  My thoughts:  Kids love to have limits no matter the age, so why not allow them to have these in their life.  This was the first book I read that talked about consequences.

Making your child mind without loosing yours by Dr. Kevin Leman;  My thoughts:  A great book that probably combines the above two but by this point I needed very detailed examples.

Don’t make me count to three: A moms look at heart oriented discipline by Ginger Plowman (uses a lot of scripture);  My thoughts:  Love using the Bible in parenting.  I have to admitt I don’t know my scripture well enough to use it regularly in my discipline.  Maybe in a couple years. 

Raising a Modern Day Joseph by Larry Fowler;  My Thoughts:  I took interest in this as it is endorsed by Awana when Adeline started Awana.  It is AWESOME in keeping the end goal in mind.  Does your family have a mission statement?  What do you want your child to look like at age 30 and I don’t mean what profession (consider character and faith)?  It really makes sense to keep things in perspective and also makes it clear you have to have this long away goal in mind TODAY!  So start parenting with goals.  I want to read it’s companion:  How to Raise a Modern-Day Joseph: A Practical Guide for Growing Great Kids by Linda Massey Weddle

Love and Logic by Jim and Charles Fay (birth to 6yrs, though they have a sequel for older ages too);  My Thoughts: I do have to say that this has been the best help for me.  It could all be timing, but that is how God works too.  It gives real examples and uses consequences that make sense.  I am still learning the basics they teach and probably most importantly learning to use them consistently.

Children’s Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman; My thoughts:  I have only read a few pages, but as it states you really can’t apply it until they are a little older.  I believe the book said 5yrs old.  The adult version has been critical to my marriage and I will not miss reading this a little later.

Shepherding a Child’s Heart by Ted Tripp;   My thoughts:  Priceless, yet I can’t remember much from it.  I know I keep going back and rereading a couple chapters.  The heart is where we have to start to get the attitudes and all to line up with God.  If we only focus on behavior we very well could be missing the root of the problem and have children that behave out of fear and later rebel. 

Dare to Discipline by James Dobson My thoughts:  I hate to say I have only read a few chapters.  These chapters I have read several times.  I would like to reread this book.  Though using above Love and Logic right now seems to be working we have been shaped by this book and the Bible to know that disciplining is hard work that must be done.  This book is a tool in my tool belt for when it is needed in special circumstances.

Feathers from My Nest by Beth Moore  My thoughts:   Though not really a how to book it gives great insights into parenting in a very fun real life way.  Be ready to laugh and maybe cry a little too.  This is sort of Beth Moore’s reflections on raising her girls.

All this to say we have the sweetest girls: gifts from God that are full of love.  We love them dearly and only want to follow God’s direction in raising them.  Each child is different.  Every environment is different.  Praise God we rely on Him to raise these girls.  We only need to put forth our best effort to do so and leave the rest up to Him.

Children’s book – Passover

Passover: Celebrating Now, Remembering Then by Harriet Ziefert, painting by Karla Gudeon. Bryan and I really enjoyed this children’s book. It is really beautifully illustrated.  We like celebrating the Sedar each year.  This one does not celebrate Christ, but neither does the Old Testament. You just have to keep in mind that our hope is not in leaving the door open for Elijah, but in Christ who has come.

Happy Easter Everyone!!

Jesus is risen indeed!!!