Newsletter 10-12-16
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. James 1:2-3 NIV
*We have much to be joyful about. This past week we were pleasantly surprised that the hurricane did not bring the punch we thought it would be. My heart and prayers still go to those who are in need or lost everything due to the hurricane. This is the time of the year that changes and votes are made that could have an impact on our future in the church or in our government. It would be well for us to focus on the promise of Our Lord’s quick return finding joy in the little things that make us SMILE.
Jesus Joy: Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning! I used to think this promise only applied to eternity: yes, there is sorrow on this earth, but we will have to wait for joy until Jesus returns.
While I still believe we will be joyful in heaven, I believe this promise also applies to us on this earth, in the here and now. As we choose the way of the Lord in dealing with loss, He will bring peace and joy back into our hearts. His joy is not dependent on circumstances. Jesus joy is constant, no matter what we are experiencing! Oct 04, 2016 06:00 pm “Devoted from Pacific Press”
Ideas to keep JOY in our Hearts:
HAPPY FACE HUNT: The teacher can place HAPPY faces around the room and children can HUNT for those faces and the parts of today’s Bible verse that are on each face. Then the children can enjoy putting the HAPPY faces in order for our Bible verse. If time allows, the HAPPY faces can be mixed up once again and children can recite the verse and place in correct order again.
HAPPY FACE TREE: (for Fall) Provide children with construction paper, markers, glitter, sequins, etc to make HAPPY FACE leaves and put into a tree form on the classroom wall – with green cut grass made from construction paper.
Parenting Insight You Can Use Now:
As children get older, parents gradually release control of decision-making and allow their kids greater freedom to make choices for themselves. Too much freedom too early can be disastrous but too much control and then instant freedom can be dangerous as well.
The key to making good decisions has a lot to do with values, but children don’t get to hear about values as often. Children hear rules. If, when your kids are growing up, you talk about the values behind the rules then when they have the freedom to make their own decisions, they’ll be able to do so with wisdom.
Children outgrow rules, but they don’t outgrow values. When kids are young you may not allow them to go down the street without an adult. When they get a little older they’ll have to check in and be home at a certain time. Those are rules but they come out of very important values of safety and accountability. When a college student is invited to stay out late with her friends, those values from childhood will still ring true, and will help guide her to wise decisions.
Prepare now for your child’s future decision-making. What are the values behind the rules you’ve created? Share those values regularly as opportunities to teach your kids. Your children will carry the values on for the rest of their lives. This idea was taken from the book Home Improvement, The Parenting Book You Can Read to Your Kids by Dr Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN BSN.
Singles Calendar Update:
Greetings, my friends…..I hope everyone weathered Hurricane Matthew with nothing more than small tree branches and leaves in your yard. It’s been a while since we got together so you will be glad to know what’s happening this Sabbath.
Sabbath, October 15
Kress Memorial Singles Potluck – 1:30pm. It’s the third Sabbath of the month and time for our potluck at Kress SDA church. Make sure to bring lots of good food to share.
Partytime – It’s been a while since we had a party and so I think it’s time. Instead of having a Hurricane party, I think we should have an After Hurricane party. So let’s all get together at my place for a party. The fun starts at 7:00pm. Make sure that you bring something to share and get ready for a fun time. 966 Welch Hill Circle, Apopka Fl. Please spread the word about these activities to those in our group that do not have e-mail. Thanks……See everyone on Sabbath!!!
Other Calendar Updates:
October 15 Creative Ministry Workshop @ Cooper City SDA Church, Come join us. We would love to meet you and share with you.
October 21-23, 2016 Couple’s Retreat
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
Keep Smiling and your day will grow brighter…at least that’s what my mom told me. Pray to see the joy and positive side of the impossible.
Have a joyful week. Looking forward to seeing some of you this coming week or in the near future.