{Happy New Year!}

GET READY FOR THE

ADVENTURE!

“For I know the plans I have for you, “declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”  -Jeremiah 29:11

It’s a new year, and I have a great adventure planned for you.  Come to Me with you a heart that is willing to be changed.  Don’t make the same mistakes you made last year.  This year, try doing this My way.

I know that trying something new can be frightening.  But I also know you, and I understand you completely.  You can trust Me to wrap you up in My Love –a love that never ends.

Whether you are at home or at school, talking with your friends or doing homework, keep Me in your thoughts.  Let Me guide you.  I will take you on a journey that will change who you are and how you see the world and the people around you.  Yes, I have great plans for you, and I will be with you every step of they way! 

Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

 

{Merry Christmas}

I hope you all had a wonderful day! Jesus Birthday! What did you think of the snow! I just know all the little ones loved this special White Christmas!
Love, Tonia

See you Sunday!

{God promises us a special dinner. . .}

Parenting Tip



Make Mealtimes Fun

In many homes, dinnertime is the only time when the family actually gets together. This becomes more pronounced as children get older and schedules become more complicated. It's unfortunate that many parents overemphasize manners or food choices or even use the table talk as a time to go over the offenses of the day or to further discipline children.



All of these things may be necessary or helpful at times but be careful not to develop a negative pattern. We say that more meals are ruined at the dinner table than at the stove. Instead, use mealtimes to share about the day. Talk about things you've learned and ask children to talk about their experiences. Children will learn valuable relationship skills like listening, asking questions, talking, and telling stories. Gentle reminders about listening, not interrupting, or letting someone else speak, can go a long way to teach children how to carry on conversations and enjoy others in the process.



Children learn from stories. As you share ways you're growing or incidents that made an impression on your day, children apply them to their own lives. Laughing and being silly can add to a positive sense of family life. When appropriate, share how you have applied God's Word in practical situations by the way you think or act. This helps children see that spirituality is not just a technique; it’s a lifestyle.



Some children make mealtimes a challenge. Hyperactivity or overly talkative youngsters can make civilized conversations difficult. Sibling conflict issues spill over into what might otherwise be pleasant conversations. Try to gently move things back on track. Redirect conversation and distract children by your enthusiasm and energy.



God promises us a special dinner at the end of this world. It's called the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. It will be a feast to celebrate our relationship with Christ. You can be sure that that meal will be special time of enjoying relationships.



To learn more about building positive relationships and closeness in family life, read chapters 6 and 8 in the book, Parenting is Heart Work, by Dr Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN.

{How about NO DATE. . .??}

Dear Parents, Caregivers, & Friends of 2nd Street,


Hello! We are very excited to report that we are coming along great preparing 2nd Street for our 2’s, but we have two very important things that will take a bit longer. . . Paint & Check-in Desk!

Our cabinet maker expressed he would be complete on the 15th, but to avoid any more confusion I don't want to announce another “move date” just yet. We will continue to work hard and will announce a date when all the projects are complete.

I apologize for any confusion and appreciate your patience!

If you were scheduled to work 2nd Street in September please disregard at this time. We do have some needs the last Sunday of the month in the nursery. Please volunteer to help if you are able! Thank you!

Love,
Tonia Hobbs Director of Nursery & 2nd Street Ministries
Lyndi Bracamontes 2nd Street Coordinator

{2nd Street!}

2nd Street for 2's will open Sunday, Sept 9!!

{A Parenting Tip}

Connecting Emotionally


Making a heart connection with a child is a special part of parenting. One reason connecting emotionally is so important is that the heart is a person’s spiritual center; that’s why God chooses to live there. It’s also where parents can impact their kids spiritually. When you connect with your children on an emotional level, they’re more willing to listen to spiritual truth and less resistant to your leadership.



When we ask children to whom they talk when they’re upset, answers vary greatly. Some children talk to their friends, their parents, other family members, youth leaders, or teachers. And some children don’t feel comfortable talking about their problems with anyone.



Most children lack emotional coordination and are awkward about their feelings. It takes a patient parent to work with a child who’s inexperienced in the emotion department. These kids need a parent willing to draw them out and pursue greater understanding.



In 1 Peter 1:22, Peter tells believers how to have closer relationships, “Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart.” That’s a helpful command for parents, too. Moms and dads tend to want to keep things moving with the day organized and on track. Parents must continually evaluate their choices and decide what issues are most important in family life.



As you make those tough trade-offs, be careful not to minimize the value of time well spent on relationship with your kids. Connecting emotionally takes time, but the reward of closer family relationships is great.

This parenting tip comes from the book Parenting is Heart Work by Dr Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN.

{Our 2 Year OLD Ministry}

I couldnt be more excited about our upcoming promotion of our 2 year olds!  They are going to have an exciting new space to worship and learn in!!  We are working really hard to be ready on AUGUST 5.  I am excited for all of you to meet Lyndi! She will be leading our 2's! She loves the Lord and is so excited to partner with you to teach your little one about Jesus!

Have a great day!

Love, Tonia