For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. Psalm 91:11
It has been 2 weeks since I have been in the office. I missed sending this letter last week, but due to travel and classes I was not able to finish it. Prayers always continue even if I am not at my desk.
Fall has definitely made an appearance. (everywhere except Florida) Hurricane Matthew is making its mark and may be headed your way. I know your Heavenly Father will be your guide thru all the storms.
This past weekend we (the team) did programming for the North Area Adventurer Camp Out at Camp Kulaqua. We have many dedicated families and leaders that took time to make a memorable weekend for their children. The weather was perfect and I trust all arrived home safely too. Time spent in service to Our Father’s children will not go unrewarded. Keep up the great work you have started.
Jesus won’t let you down:
When life spins out of control, children need reminders of Jesus’ complete trustworthiness. They also may need skills to cope with anxiety or uncertainties. Use these tips to offer kids a much-needed B.R.E.A.K.:
Be an example. Minimize any unnecessary stresses and cast all of your own cares on Jesus (see 1 Peter 5:7).
Relate. Spend time together, share interests, listen, and cheer kids on.
Educate yourself. Learn what stressors your kids face each day. What goes on at school, at daycare, or with their friends?
Ask questions. Inquiries show you care—and help you understand.
Keep praying. Talk to Jesus regularly about what your kids are facing.
Trust Fall Have one partner stand behind the other and catch the standing partner as he or she falls back.
Ask: “How did it feel to trust someone? How did it feel to be trusted—or not trusted?” Read (or summarize) Genesis 22:1-14. Ask: “Why did Abraham trust God? How did God reward Abraham? When is it easy or difficult for you to trust God? What does this Bible passage reveal about God that will help you trust him?”
Always Found With younger kids, unwind with a fun family game of Hide and Seek. After playing for a while, talk about how God looks out for and watches over us—at all times and in all circumstances.
Create a Smile File Not only is stress exhausting, but it removes our focus from life’s many joys. Make a file, box, or journal where family members can put pictures or notes about God’s blessings. Look through it together when you feel discouraged or overwhelmed.
Lick Life’s Problems When life gets messy, spending one-on-one time with your children is crucial. If possible, take each child on a simple outing (for example, to an ice cream shop). Let your child air
what’s on his or her mind. Then share ways you can stick together, trust God, and address any issues.
It’s Stickin’ Place an index card on each person’s shoulder, and see if they can shake it off. Next, clip a clothespin on each person’s shoulder, and see if they can shake it off (no hands allowed!). Ask: “Which was easier to lose, the card or clothespin? Why?” Read aloud Hebrews 13:5b-6. Say: “God is always with us. He’s like the clothespin, not the card. We can trust God to stay with us wherever we go.” Ask: “How does it feel to know that God never leaves you? When is a good time to trust that God is with you?”
Synchronized Skating “Skate” around a room, either with socked feet on a carpet-less floor or by placing paper plates under your feet. Then have pairs skate together, trying to do the same moves without talking. Change partners every two minutes. Afterward ask: “As you skated, how did you get to know your partners?” Read aloud 1 Corinthians 8:3. Ask: “How does it feel to hear that God knows you? How can you stay synchronized with God and always trust him?”
Other Ideas for Fall:
Write acorn prayers: Cover a bulletin board with paper and decorate it with a paper tree that has no leaves. Print acorn shapes, about the size of your fist and have them ready for kids. Ask kids to write their prayer requests on the acorns, then staple them to the base of the tree. Your prayer tree will remind kids to pray for others.
Sorting word leaves: Print this fall’s scripture verses on construction paper, each in a leaf shape. Laminate the leaves to prevent them from tearing. Let kids sort the word leaves, putting them in the right order. It’s a good idea to review the scripture verses first though, just to jog their memory.
Calendar Updates:
October 15 Creative Ministry Workshop Cooper City SDA Church
**October 21-23 Couples Retreat @ Camp Kulaqua (just clink on website below to register)
http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=94pzbosab&oeidk=a07ecyt65h3fc5a0cb3
November 5 Creative Ministry Workshop @ North Miami SDA Church
November 18-20 Blaze @ Lake Yale Baptist Convention Center (Creative Ministry Advanced Certification opportunity)
As you can see the 2016 calendar is getting shorter, but the 2017 calendar is already off to a great start. I know the Lord is going to bless us all with many opportunities.
We have a few dates left and would love to come to your church to partner with you in your ministry.
Be safe until next time. Please help me pray for those in direct contact with the hurricane Matthew.