Just in case you want to know whether or not you should allow your child to see the Simpson's movie, here is a website I trust with a review from a Christian perspective.

If they have already seen it, take advantage of the discussion questions so you can bring truth and clarity back into their minds!

http://www.kidology.org/zones/zone_post.asp?post_id=3144

I recently read a weekly devotion via email entitled Frustrations.  I could not help but think about parents and parenting.  My thoughts quickly ran to how frustrating it is at times trying to parent our children. (Although the devotion is directed to Pastor's in ministry)

Here is an excerpt from that email that I believe is an EXCELLENT reminder to us as parents. 

"We often find ourselves in a time of frustration. The plans we have made, the dreams we have dreamed, seem to take forever to come to fruition. When we are making progress, it just does not seem to come as quickly as we would like. In short, we really do lack patience and patience is a fruit of the spirit (Gal. 5:23).

Consider some related admonitions — "Suffering produces patience" (Rom. 5:2); we pray that you may "have endurance and patience" (Col. 1:11); "but you, man of God, pursue ... patience" (1 Tim. 6:11); "run with patience the race marked out for you" (Heb. 12:1); "the testing of your faith develops patience" (James 1:3).

 We cannot live frustrated and rushed. There is a time to slow down and let patience win the day. I know — easier said than done. We can pray for patience, you know."

I think the key in all of this is for us to slow down and let patience with our kids win the day!  How ofen is our lack of patience a result of us being rushed?  Keep dreaming for yourself and for your kids. Be persistant in working on the things with your kids that you know God wants to work in and through them.  Progress is happening you may just need to be patient!

I realize sometimes I'm a little slow on the "uptake," but it dawned on me that this blog page can be a great way for me to share resources and links to you as parents.  As I come across resources or websites that I think may help you in your parenting, or just as a normal human being, trying to do this thing called "LIFE," I will begin to share them with you.  I'll try to only give a few at a time, so that you don't feel overwhlemed. 

Let me know if they are helpful and how they have affected you and your family.  If I'm reading a good book, I'll also pass that along with a review.

Enjoy!

Focus on the Family: Club house Jr.  It is a monthly magazine for your children ages 4 years old through 5th grade(maybe 4th grade).  You can subscribe to it through the website: www.clubhousejr.com

Today while sitting in planning meeting for 2008 with our Pastors and leaders an old quote was spoke.  " Our actions speak louder than words!"  How many of us remember hearning that from our parents growing up?  I am sure without exaggeration that I heard that  no less than 100 times as a kid and young adult.  I am sure I spoke that as many times to my now grown up children myself.

It struck me in such a way today, that I felt it was important to pass those words to you as parents.  Simple, but true, do our actions speak "louder" to our kids?  than the words that we say to them?  Are we choosing community at the Sanctuary?  Have we chosen to be accountable to others so that we will grow in our relationship with the Father and with others?

In just a few short weeks we will kick off discipleship for Champs, 4 year olds through those enterin 6th grade.  Is your child registered?  Have you considered leading a small group and sowing into the lives of the next generation?  Will your actions of what we "tell" our kids to do, be modeled by you?

Just a thought!

Pastor Julie

I had wanted to send blogs from my recent vacation to Victoria, Canada and Alaska, but found out the internet connection was not as available to me as I had thought.  So I'm catching up now.

I have traveled to many places around the world and seen the beauty of God's creation first hand.  Alaska quickly moved up on my list of "must see" places.  It is true that being in the outdoors and seeing the handy work of God, is one of the things that I love most.  This recent trip is no exception; giving me some wonderful experiences viewing glaciers, marine life, wildlife and landscape that has me pretty convinced that IF God took a vacation (He doesn't really you know?!) this may very well be the place He would go!

Enjoy the pictures and when you see them, ask yourself what scriptures come to mind immediately when you see them.

Pastor Julie

I know you are all asking: "Did I really take these pictures?"  The answer is YES!  And it was sooooo fun!