Peanut Butter Suet to Attract a Variety of Birds

by Lois Breneman - Heart to Heart - 2018

This recipe attracts a wide variety of birds to our sundeck and provides entertainment and opportunities to capture birds in action via photographs as well.

Birds that love this suet recipe are:
Cardinals
Bluebirds
Carolina Wrens
House Wrens
Nuthatches
Red-bellied Woodpeckers
Downy Woodpeckers
Tufted titmice
Black-capped Chickadees
Mockingbirds
Bluejays
Catbirds
Goldfinches
House Finches
Sparrows

We've also had starlings and crows from time to time, but not often.  When they come, I just bring the suet inside for a day or so and the problem is gone. 

I never found the need to measure when I made this suet until several people asked for the recipe.  Basically, it should be the consistency of playdough.  I use the least inexpensive ingredients and figured the cost of this recipe to be about $10, which is certainly well worth the enjoyment it brings!

Peanut Butter Suet
1 large can of shortening (2 lb, 10 oz.)
1 large container of peanut butter (4 lb.)
1 bag of all-purpose flour (5 lb.) plus at least 6 more cups
   (Cornmeal or other flour may be used - even buggy flour but no salt or other ingredients)

Directions:
1.  In a large basin, cream the shortening and peanut butter with a hand mixer. 
2.  Gradually add in the flour, mixing well before adding more.  If you can mix in a little more flour than a 5 lb. bag and 6 cups, go ahead.  You may need to use a large metal spoon toward the end of mixing.
3.  The birds like it either way but it's less sticky if you can incorporate a little more flour.

I used to form the suet into cakes, but find it's easier to store it in empty shortening cans and scoop it out onto small dishes as needed.  I serve it on small Pfaltzgraff snack trays that I got for 29 cents each at an outlet, but saucers would work as well.  Press the suet onto the dish.

Because of squirrels and raccoons, I bring in the suet each evening and set it out every morning.  So far we have seen no bears on our deck, and we'd like to keep it that way.  When I set it out in the morning the birds hear the kitchen door and sometimes they are at the feeders before I get inside the house.  I hope I'm not turning them into "welfare birds" as my husband sometimes jokingly calls them, but he enjoys watching them and learning the different varieties and their antics.

As far as beautiful songbirds though, if you make this suet, they will come!  They much prefer this over suet on which I've wasted my money.

Below are just a few photos I've taken from inside my kitchen as the suet attracts a good variety of birds to our sundeck, trees, and backyard! 

Another fun hobby has developed from making this suet and photography.  I enjoy making handmade cards from some of the photos, although I make too many cards to send so I package one or more in cellophane envelopes to use as little unexpected gifts.
Happy Birdwatching!

22 Ideas to Help Your Children Study And Love the Bible

http://www.as4me.net/22-ideas-to-help-your-children-study-and-love-the-bible/
by Michelle Brock
Used by permission

(Note from Lois: This is an excellent article and grandparents, we can do our part by making a Bible verse booklet for each of our grandchildren, consisting for scriptures to memorize.  For me, this is a work in progress.)

Download the 22 Ideas as a PDF

The first time I became aware of my mom’s love for God’s Word, my brother and I were racing around the living room playing hockey. At some point, I noticed my mom calmly reading her Bible on our bright orange couch, and I ran to get my little Gideon New Testament to “read” next to her. I probably sat 20 seconds before getting up and running somewhere else.

Today I laugh with understanding, thinking of my mama reading the Bible with noisy children running around, and I have a strong desire to pass on the love of God’s Word that she shared with me that day.

As an educator and mother, I have noticed that children learn to love God’s Word differently than adults. They’re still learning to read, and lack many higher-level thinking skills adults use as they study the Bible.

Children learn to love God’s Word
differently than adults. 

Children can also respond in surprising ways when parents teach them about spiritual things. They may get bored quickly. If you ask them if they want to hear what God taught you that morning, they might say no. They don’t pick up the Bible with the combination of discipline and joy that we parents have developed. Instead, we may see periods of interest and delight, followed by apparent disinterest.

If we confuse their developmental limitations with a lack of interest, we may miss the very real ways that children are responding to the work of the Holy Spirit within them.

For the last few years, I’ve been gathering the ideas we’ve found helpful for nurturing our children’s interest and skill in reading the Bible. My children don’t yet read the Bible voraciously, and I’m still asking God for wisdom, but perhaps some of our approaches may encourage you to try some new ideas with your own family.

Here are 22 ideas to help children study and love the Bible:

(1) Help children write out favorite verses in a handmade book, or on index cards to tape on their wall next to their beds. They may enjoy making and printing “business cards” with verses and clip art. These also make good gifts!

(2) Consider allowing children to stay up later than normal if they are reading or listening to their Bible in their rooms. This reward is highly motivating to my night owl, although not as motivating for my child who goes to sleep within two minutes of laying his head on the pillow.
(3) Download an audio Bible (here’s one free resource) and give children the means of listening to it in their rooms. I used to think that my son was not interested in the Bible, but when he could listen to it, I got a better sense of his actual interest level. Listening also enables children to understand more of the Bible than reading alone, because of pronunciation and dramatic/auditory cues.
(4) Teach them that a child doesn’t have to be a good reader to love and obey the Bible! Ask them how the foolish man who built his house on the sand was different than the wise man who built his house on the rock (Matthew 7:24-27). Hint: It isn’t “build your life on the Lord Jesus Christ”!
(5) Show children how to search for verses on a topic online (such as BibleGateway.com), or with a concordance. Teach them the Bible study tools and apps that you use. Some of my best Bible memories as a child were of my dad helping me use the Bible reference works in his library.
(6) If children use an electronic Bible, help them use it more effectively. Show them how to use the search function, or pronunciation/dictionary features, and so on. I grew up loving the center margin cross references in my Bible, and I look for a Bible with cross references for my children. I’ve shown them how cross references help them find an original prophecy, similar verses, or the  harmony of the gospels.
(7) Help children make a chain of verses in their Bibles by writing another reference on the same topic in the margin. Making connections is one way children (and parents) learn to be active and happy students of God’s Word.
(8) Encourage your children to memorize the books of the Bible. Sword drills are a simple and enjoyable way for children to practice locating verses in a print Bible and grow in confidence as they increase skill.
(9) Teach them to use the maps in their Bibles. I spent one day helping them find places in the maps at the back of their Bibles when we were reading through Acts. Helping children locate the exact location communicates that the Bible is reliable and true, and is especially helpful for spatial learners.
(10) Help children identify Bible synonyms for everyday concepts. For example, if they want to know what the Bible has to say about “fighting,” show them how the Bible includes other words like strife, wars, contention, and so on.
(11) Help children identify Bible opposites as they study. Ask, “What is the opposite of love? What is the opposite of pride?” Show them the Bible opposites in Ephesians 4:25-32.
(12) Talk about the process of actively reading: “After I read a passage, I wonder how…” and pause to see if they can finish the sentence. If not, you can supply your own ideas. For example, if I’m reading where Jesus tells me to take up my cross and follow him, I am going to ask myself (and my children), “When I read this verse, I wonder how to obey it. What does that mean, to take up my cross? Is there something else in the passage that gives me a clue?” Then we can turn these questions into prayers or further discussions.
(13) When I want to guide children into applying Scripture, I’m more successful when I share three or four possible responses and ask them to pick one to pray about, or apply in some specific way. Children also do well if we supply a scenario and ask them how to apply a particular verse. If I ask how they might apply God’s Word when someone yells at them on the soccer field, or when a sibling is mean to them, they can usually take the next step. Children need to know good doctrine, but they also need to see how they can actively read and respond to the text on their own.
(14) Help young children find and highlight verses they have memorized, even if they haven’t yet become fluent readers. Show them how highlighting these verses makes it easy to scan the Bible and find them again quickly. Verses that are already memorized are the easiest verses for new and struggling readers to find in the Bible and actually read. Yes, they may highlight strange verses, or highlight too many, but I have always enjoyed having a glimpse into my children’s independent spiritual life when they proudly show me what they’ve marked. My youngest daughter, Laurel, was especially delighted when I helped her find her favorite verses and showed her how to use a card to highlight in a straight line. Then she could read her Bible just like her older siblings.

(15) Teach them verses that correspond to their interests. My son loves bird verses. On the other hand, my daughter Bethel likes horse verses, and I don’t yet have a good sense of the verses that my youngest daughter likes. Every once in awhile, I tell one of them, “I have a verse for you.” and then I read it to them, or give them a paper with the reference on it.
(16) Teach them verses that can help them in their specific circumstance. When Bethel told me she was having a hard time being afraid at night, I showed her some Psalms about going to sleep. I discovered later that she highlighted those verses and learned them well. Another time, I helped David label some Psalms—“when I am discouraged,” “when others are being mean,” “when I can’t sleep,” and so on. Like my children, I am excited when I see the relevance of God’s Word to my life, when I see that God has given me everything I need for life and godliness. However, I’m learning children don’t always get the connection without someone specifically teaching it.
(17) One of the motivations I had growing up for reading God’s Word was watching my mom and dad love and study God’s Word. It challenges me to remember that I am teaching my children to love, by what I love.
(18) I have been especially challenged to remember that  I can nurture a love for God’s Word, but I cannot create it. Only the Holy Spirit can do that. Remembering the work of the Holy Spirit drives me to pray more fervently for my children, and also to rest in his provision for the results of my labor.

Remembering the Holy Spirit’s work
drives me to pray more. 

(19) If you like to read, check out I Read It, But I Don’t Get It by Chris Tovani, and How to Read a Book by Mortimer Adler (I’m partial to the old, out-of-print edition). Neither of these books is about reading the Bible specifically, but they both address the process of becoming an active reader. You may find them inspiring as I did. One important idea from these books is that good readers aren’t terribly concerned about gaps in their understanding as they read. In fact, those gaps actually cause them to be more alert and more active as they read. Help your children not to fear how much they don’t understand. Teach them that good readers have lots of questions as they read, and encourage them to keep going and to keep asking questions when they don’t understand.

(20) When it comes to choosing a translation, remember it’s not just about the reading level. Children who grow up in Christian homes learn at some point not to worry about what is too difficult. Some verses will be difficult regardless of the translation; likewise, even a more difficult to read translation will have passages that most young readers can read. For any translation, parents can help the child by finding places that he can read and understand.
(21) Consider purchasing for your children the translation your church uses. New readers have great difficulty following along with public reading of God’s Word when their Bible is different than the one being read. In fact, our ability as adults to read and listen to two different texts is quite complex.
(22) One of the projects our family worked on together was compiling Scripture verses on topics we were interested in. When the children discussed certain problems, we would add a new topic. Talking about Bible topics and collecting verses was a rewarding and happy time for our family. Gradually, the topics grew into a book that we decided to share with others.

Learn more about the Topical Bible for Kids below. And if you’d like a PDF version of this article to take with you or share with others, download it now: 

Download the 22 Ideas (PDF)

Michelle Brock is the author of the Topical Bible for Kids. She comes from a family of Bible lovers, and is passionate about sharing that love with her husband and three children. She also loves the coffee her husband roasts weekly, the poetry of TS Eliot, rocks, and seashells. Send Michelle a note at brockme@gmail.com or on Twitter @michelleebrock.

Empathy and Sensitivity in Problem-Solving

For more ideas about emotionally connecting with children and helping to soften their hearts, consider the book Parenting is Heart Work by Dr Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN.
www.biblicalparenting.org 
Used by permission

Sometimes a parent is ready to offer a solution to a child before that child is ready to receive it. In fact, many times children share problems with parents because they want sympathy, not solutions.  If you move into a problem-solving mode too quickly, you may get resistance from your child.

Try to discern whether your child is ready to hear some possible solutions. Asking permission is an excellent way to do that. "Would you like an idea?" "Would you like to hear how other people might solve that problem?" If you launch into solutions before your child is ready, you’ll find yourself getting frustrated at the child's lack of responsiveness to your suggestions. A simple question can open the door for permission to offer solutions.

By the way dads, you might try this with your wife, as well. Those who are problem-solvers need to recognize that sometimes people present a problem just because they want to be cared for, not because they don't have answers. Your wife or child may be fully capable of solving the problem. But first she just wants a listening ear, someone to stand beside her in the problem.

It's not enough to have answers to people's problems. We also must be sensitive enough to know what is needed in the situation. Resist the temptation to offer solutions until you sense your child is ready to hear them. Empathy goes a long way in building emotional bonds with those we love.

For more ideas about emotionally connecting with children and helping to soften their hearts, consider the book Parenting is Heart Work by Dr Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN. 

The Funny Side of Parenting

National Center for Biblical Parenting
www.biblicalparenting.org
Used by permission

Never Having Kids!
We live in a fast-paced world with microwave ovens, drive through restaurants, and quick-serve everything.  It does something to the way kids think.
A little girl said to her friend, "I'm never having kids!  I hear they take nine months to download!"

On His Deathbed
Mr Jenkins, on his deathbed, knew the end was near. His nurse, his wife, his daughter, and his two sons were with him. He asked for two witnesses to be present and a camcorder be in place to record his last wishes, and when all was ready he began to speak:
    "My son, Bernie, I want you to take the Mayfair houses."
    "My daughter, Sybil, you take the apartments over in the east end."
    "My son, Jamie, I want you to take the offices over in the City Centre."
    "Sarah, my dear wife, please take all the residential buildings on the banks of the river."
    The nurse and witnesses are blown away as they didn't realize his extensive holdings, and as Bill slipped away, the nurse said, "Mrs. Jenkins, your husband must have been such a hard-working man to have accumulated all this property."
    The wife replied, "He had a paper route."


Taking a Walk with Newborn Daughter
One afternoon I was walking on a trail with my newborn daughter in the stroller. I chatted to her about the scenery and the weather as we went along. When a man and his dog approached, I leaned over and half whispered, "See the doggy?"
Suddenly I felt a little silly talking to a baby as if she understood me. But just as the man passed, I noticed he reached down, patted his dog and said, "See the baby?"

Mom Makes Periodic Table Battleships To Teach Her Kids Chemistry

https://pulptastic.com/explosive-chemistry/

The classic game of Battleships has been given an educational, but still great fun, update by a homeschooling mom to teach her kids basic chemistry (and military strategy).

Teaching Children How to Face Life's Challenges

This idea comes from Chapter 37 in the book The Christian Parenting Handbook by Dr Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN.
Used by permission
 
Problems make great opportunities to teach children how to face life’s challenges. There are two kinds of people in the world: solvers and whiners. Whiners complain about life, feel like victims, and believe that others cause their problems. If others would just change, then they’d be happy.

Solvers, on the other hand, look for solutions, recognize that they can impact others, and feel empowered to change life. If they can’t solve the problem themselves, they know where to go to get solutions.

Helping children move from being whiners to being solvers starts in the way they talk about problems or bring them to their parents. The very words they use are important. When Johnny comes into the kitchen and says, “I’m hungry,” try saying, “Johnny, that’s focusing on the problem. Tell me the solution.”

Johnny’s response can be, “Mom, could I please have a snack?” That’s using words to focus on the solution. Don’t wait for the whiny voice to indicate a complaining heart. Look for word cues and you’ll be able to bring about change more quickly and effectively.

When Lori yells, “I can’t find my boots!” that’s focusing on the problem. It would be better for her to say, “Dad, would you please help me find my boots?”

Maybe you think this is only semantics. But the words children use to bring problems to their parents can mean all the difference in the way they view themselves and the world. Whining is often the sign of a victim mentality. Children who believe they’re victims are often angry and resentful because everyone else is the cause of their problems. They don’t believe they can change anything, so they may as well just complain about it.

Remember that frustration can be a great teacher and provides internal motivation to find a solution. When parents solve too many problems, children come to rely on parental solutions because it’s the easy way out.

Philippians 2:14 talks about having a good attitude with tasks when it says, “Do everything without complaining or arguing.” That’s great advice for the family.

 

Sibling Rivalry

This idea comes from Chapter 39 in the book The Christian Parenting Handbook by Dr Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN. Click here to see the Table of Contents.

Used by permission

Competition between siblings is often demonstrated by the statement, "That's not fair" or "What about him?" Competition stems from comparison and often creates conflict in relationships between brothers and sisters.

Here's an idea that will go a long way to reduce the comparison and competition between your children. Treat each child uniquely and don't even try to treat all your kids the same. Intentionally give them different privileges, assignments, and responsibilities. Avoid grouping the children by saying things like, "Kids, it's time to eat" or "Boys, let's get in the car." Instead, use each child’s name and give separate instructions. "Bill, please wash your hands and come to dinner." "Karen, come join us now for dinner?"

When children compare themselves to each other they say they want equality, but that's not really true. What each child wants is to feel special. When you treat them uniquely and focus on each child individually, you'll be surprised how much comparison and competition are reduced in your family.

After all, God doesn't treat us all the same. He treats us each uniquely. John 21:15-23 contains a fascinating story that often happens in families today. Jesus is telling Peter how he is going to die. Peter turns and looks at another disciple and says, "What about him?" Jesus answers, "What is that to you? You follow me." In essence, Jesus was saying, "I treat each person uniquely. You worry about yourself." What a great lesson to apply to our families. Treat people uniquely and special instead of trying to treat them all equally or the same.

How to Improve Your Memory With 11 Great Mind Tricks

https://www.livestrong.com/article/1011893-improve-memory-11-great-mind-tricks/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=0502_1st_ed_f#slide=1

by  Michelle Vartan 
 April 03, 2018

Motivating Kids to Be Active

https://www.connecticutchildrens.org/health-library/en/parents/active-kids/
Permission granted by Paige Johnson at LearnFit

Keeping Kids Active

Anyone who’s seen kids on a playground knows that most are naturally physically active and love to move around. But what might not be apparent is that climbing to the top of a slide or swinging from the monkey bars can help lead kids to a lifetime of being active.

As they get older, it can be a challenge for kids to get enough daily activity. Reasons include increasing demands of school, a feeling among some kids that they aren’t good at sports, a lack of active role models, and busy working families.
And even if kids have the time and the desire to be active, parents may not feel comfortable letting them freely roam the neighborhood as kids did generations ago. So their opportunities might be limited.
In spite of these barriers, parents can instill a love of activity and help kids fit it into their everyday lives. Doing so can set healthy patterns that will last into adulthood.

Benefits of Being Active

When kids are active, their bodies can do the things they want and need them to do. Why? Because regular exercise provides these benefits:

• strong muscles and bones
• weight control
• decreased risk of developing type 2 diabetes
• better sleep
• a better outlook on life

Healthy, physically active kids also are more likely to be academically motivated, alert, and successful. And physical competence builds self-esteem at every age.

What Motivates Kids?

So there’s a lot to gain from regular physical activity, but how do you encourage kids to do it? The three keys are:

1. Choosing the right activities for a child’s age: If you don’t, the child may be bored or frustrated.
2. Giving kids plenty of opportunity to be active: Kids need parents to make activity easy by providing equipment and taking them to playgrounds and other active spots.
3. Keeping the focus on fun: Kids won’t do something they don’t enjoy.

When kids enjoy an activity, they want to do more of it. Practicing a skill — whether it’s swimming or riding a tricycle — improves their abilities and helps them feel accomplished, especially when the effort is noticed and praised. These good feelings often make kids want to continue the activity and even try others.

Age-Appropriate Activities

The best way for kids to get physical activity is by incorporating physical activity into their daily routine. Toddlers and preschoolers should play actively several times a day. Children 6 to 17 years should do 60 minutes or more physical activity daily. This can include free play at home, active time at school, and participation in classes or organized sports.

Here’s Some Age-Based Advice:

Preschoolers: Preschoolers need play and exercise that helps them continue to develop important motor skills — kicking or throwing a ball, playing tag or follow the leader, hopping on one foot, riding a trike or bike with training wheels, freeze dancing, or running obstacle courses.
Although some sports leagues may be open to kids as young as 4, organized and team sports are not recommended until they’re a little older. Preschoolers can’t understand complex rules and often lack the attention span, skills, and coordination needed to play sports. Instead of learning to play a sport, they should work on fundamental skills.
School-age: With school-age kids spending more time on sedentary pursuits like watching TV and playing computer games, the challenge for parents is to help them find physical activities they enjoy and feel successful doing. These can range from traditional sports like baseball and basketball to martial arts, biking, hiking, and playing outside.
As kids learn basic skills and simple rules in the early school-age years, there might only be a few athletic standouts. As kids get older, differences in ability and personality become more apparent. Commitment and interest level often go along with ability, which is why it’s important to find an activity that’s right for your child. Schedules start getting busy during these years, but don’t forget to set aside some time for free play.
Teenagers: Teens have many choices when it comes to being active — from school sports to after-school interests, such as yoga or skateboarding. It’s important to remember that physical activity must be planned and often has to be sandwiched between various responsibilities and commitments.
Do what you can to make it easy for your teen to exercise by providing transportation and the necessary gear or equipment (including workout clothes). In some cases, the right clothes and shoes might help a shy teen feel comfortable biking or going to the gym.

Kids’ Fitness Personalities

In addition to a child’s age, it’s important to consider his or her fitness personality. Personality traits, genetics, and athletic ability combine to influence kids’ attitudes toward participation in sports and other physical activities, particularly as they get older.
Which of these three types best describes your child?
1. The nonathlete: This child may lack athletic ability, interest in physical activity, or both.
2. The casual athlete: This child is interested in being active but isn’t a star player and is at risk of getting discouraged in a competitive athletic environment.
3. The athlete: This child has athletic ability, is committed to a sport or activity, and likely to ramp up practice time and intensity of competition.
If you understand the concepts of temperament and fitness types, you’ll be better able to help your kids find the right activities and get enough exercise — and find enjoyment in physical activity. Some kids want to pursue excellence in a sport, while others may be perfectly happy and fit as casual participants.
The athlete, for instance, will want to be on the basketball team, while the casual athlete may just enjoy shooting hoops in the playground or on the driveway. The nonathlete is likely to need a parent’s help and encouragement to get and stay physically active. That’s why it’s important to encourage kids to remain active even through they aren’t top performers.
Whatever their fitness personality, all kids can be physically fit. A parent’s positive attitude will help a child who’s reluctant to exercise.
Be active yourself and support your kids’ interests. If you start this early enough, they’ll come to regard activity as a normal — and fun — part of your family’s everyday routine.

Medical Review

• Last Reviewed: October 14th, 2014
• Reviewed By: Mary L. Gavin, MD

Resources

• The Y

  The Y also offers camps, computer classes, and community service opportunities in addition to fitness classes.
  

• Let’s Move!

  Let’s Move! is dedicated to solving the problem of childhood obesity within a generation.
  

• American Council on Exercise (ACE)

  ACE promotes active, healthy lifestyles by setting certification and education standards for fitness instructors and through ongoing public education about the importance of exercise.
  

• BAM! Body and Mind

  This CDC website is designed for 9- to 13-year-olds and addresses health, nutrition, fitness, and stress. It also offers games for kids.
  

Related Article

• Home and Away: How to Keep Toddlers Active

  Toddlers naturally enjoy doing what is healthiest for them – being as active as possible. Here are tips to help keep them moving.
  

• How Can I Get My Kids to Be Active Outdoors?

  Kids parked on the couch watching TV or glued to a computer/smartphone/gaming system are missing out on the great outdoors. It’s important for all kids to get outside – here are some ideas.
  

• Nutrition & Fitness Center

  You know the importance of exercising and eating nutritious foods, but do you know how to raise a healthy and active child? Get practical advice and tips.
  

• Nutrition & Fitness Center

  Visit our nutrition and fitness center for teens to get information and advice on food, exercise, and sports.
  

• What If I Don’t Like Sports?

  Sports can be challenging when you’re new to them, but they also can be really fun. Take a second look at sports – and learn other ways to be active – in this article for kids.
  

• How Can I Get Motivated to Exercise?

  Find out what the experts have to say.
  

• What Girls Say About: Sports

  Girls who like sports really like them – even more than texting or the mall. And most girls who say they don’t like sports want to get better at them.
  

• Active Vacations

  If an active family vacation sounds appealing, find out how to plan a trip that will be fun without being exhausting, especially for young travelers.
  

• Motivating Preschoolers to Be Active

  A preschooler’s desire to move, move, move makes this a great time to encourage fitness habits that can last a lifetime.
  

• Motivating School-Age Kids to Be Active

  Being active is a key component of good health for all school-age kids. So how do you get kids motivated to be active, especially those who aren’t gifted athletes?
  

• Should Your Preschooler Play Sports?

  Team sports can be too complicated for the average preschooler. Here are some fun and easy ways to keep them active.
  

• Raising a Fit Preschooler

  Preschoolers have a lot of energy, and the physical skills and coordination to ride a tricycle or chase a butterfly.
  

• Kids and Exercise

  Besides enjoying the health benefits of regular exercise, kids who are physically fit are better able to handle physical and emotional challenges.
  

• Be a Fit Kid

  A lot of people talk about fit kids, but how do you become one? Here are five rules to live by, if you want to eat right, be active, and maintain a healthy weight.
  

• Easy Exercises for Teens

  Finding it hard to fit in fitness? Try these easy exercises for teens.
  

• Choosing the Right Sport for You

  If you’re having trouble choosing a sport, this article can help!
  

• Fitness for Kids Who Don’t Like Sports

  Some kids aren’t natural athletes and they may say they just don’t like sports. What then?
  

Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.

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Images provided by iStock, Getty Images, Corbis, Veer, Science Photo Library, Science Source Images, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com

Let's Pretend We're Moms

http://www.littlemeems.com/2009/05/lets-pretend-were-moms.html

2010
by Jennifer Gurley
Used by permission

My daughter has an active imagination. She's lost in the world of pretend as often as she's present in reality. So much so that frequently she will clarify "for real" when she's talking about something that happened/is going to happen, so that I know that she's not making it up.

We've watched her, with fascination, as she crosses back and forth over the line between the two as easily as most of us blink. While at dinner, watching TV, in the car...one minute you're talking about school, and the next she's waving her hand around saying, "I know, I know, my kids do the same thing," in a tone I can only guess she thinks commiserating moms use. Or she'll swing her hair down into her face, saying "I just can't find the time to get it cut" to her imaginary commiserating friend-who's-also-a-mom.

The theme here is moms. That's her passion. She loves all "mom" things. How many times have I walked outside to find her pushing her little brother around in a stroller and asked her, "whatcha doing?" to have her answer "Well, my son's sick, and so I think I might have to take him to the hospital. Can you give me directions? Oh, and I LOVE your shoes!"

I remember playing with my dolls and playing moms. I guess if I really think about it, it had an allure to me. The "mom" world -- a world of grown-up ladies who drank coffee and had meetings and wore Dr. Scholl's sandals (it was the 70s).

So it should come as no surprise that my own little girl enjoys it. But I really think she enjoys it much more than I ever did. I notice her watching me sometimes, and later I can usually find her in front of a mirror doing the same thing. She talks to her imaginary mom friends with her hands, the way I do. She throws her head back and slaps her thigh the way I do when I laugh. She puts a lot of cream in her coffee, like me. She reads home decorating magazines in the chair, her legs crossed, giving her index finger a little lick each time she turns the pages. She scolds her children for their sassy mouths and for not listening, just like I do. Using the same words, the exact tone and with just the right amount of exasperation in her voice.

I've always thought it a little funny. What a funny little girl she is. But as I write this I'm touched.

Because good or bad, she's emulating me. She's pretending she's me. She's fascinated by ME.

And it hits me what a cycle we little girls live. Generation to generation, our moms are our greatest influences. Our first ambitions. Our nurturers. Our style icons.

As Mother's Day approaches, I realize in writing about my daughter that she's giving me, every single day, the best present a mother could ever ask for.

Happy Mother's Day to all you ladies who are moms, who have moms, who've played moms. You are truly blessed. 

An update from Jennifer:
Mary Catherine would have been 6 when this was published, although I think I actually wrote it about a year earlier. She just turned 15 and is starting high school in a few weeks. She plays volleyball, runs cross country and is helping to coach a cheer squad of 8 and 9-year-olds.  She's spunky and sweet (although not always to me but she is a teenager), loving and lovely. Of course, she's mine and I am undoubtedly biased, but I bet if you asked her grandparents, they'd agree!

Psalms “ GOD IS”

The source of who compiled these scriptures is unknow, but of course, the original source is God's Holy Word, the Bible.

 

(Psa 7:11) God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the 

wicked every day.

(Psa 10:4) The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not 

seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts.

(Psa 14:5) There were they in great fear: for God is in the generation 

of the righteous.

(Psa 33:12) Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the 

people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.

(Psa 37:31) The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall 

slide.

(Psa 45:6) Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the scepter of thy kingdom is a right scepter.

(Psa 46:1) To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Alamoth. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in 

trouble.

(Psa 46:5) God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God 

shall help her, and that right early.

(Psa 47:5) God is gone up with a shout, the LORD with the sound of a trumpet.

(Psa 47:7) For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding.

(Psa 48:3) God is known in her palaces for a refuge.

(Psa 48:14) For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our 

guide even unto death.

(Psa 50:6) And the heavens shall declare his righteousness: for God is judge himself. Selah.

(Psa 54:4) Behold, God is mine helper: the Lord is with them that 

uphold my soul.

(Psa 56:9) When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: 

this I know; for God is for me.

(Psa 59:9) Because of his strength will I wait upon thee: for God is my defense.

(Psa 59:17) Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing: for God is my 

defense and the God of my mercy.

(Psa 62:7) In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my 

strength and my refuge is in God.

(Psa 62:8) Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart 

before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.

(Psa 68:15) The hill of God is as the hill of Bashan; an high 

hill as the hill of Bashan.

(Psa 68:20) He that is our God is the God of salvation; and unto GOD 

the Lord belong the issues from death.

(Psa 71:19) Thy righteousness also, O God, is very high, who hast done great things: O God, who is like unto thee!

(Psa 73:1) A Psalm of Asaph. Truly God is good to Israel, even to such 

as are of a clean heart.

(Psa 73:26) My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of 

my heart and my portion forever.

(Psa 74:12) For God is my King of old, working salvation in the midst 

of the earth.

(Psa 75:7) But God is the judge: he putteth down one and setteth up another.

(Psa 77:13) Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary: who is so great a God 

as our God?

(Psa 84:11) For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.

(Psa 89:7) God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, 

and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him.

(Psa 94:22) But the LORD is my defense and my God is the rock of 

my refuge.

(Psa 99:9) Exalt the LORD our God, and worship at his holy hill; for 

the LORD our God is holy.

(Psa 115:3) But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.

(Psa 116:5) Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; yea, our God is 

merciful.

(Psa 118:27) God is the LORD, which hath shewed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar.

(Psa 144:15) Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is 

that people, whose God is the LORD.

Faith Amid Sleepless Nights

by Ron Susek
Used by permission

Sleepless nights are well known to people who seek to walk close to 

God. Discover what this means by reading today's edition of Faith

Walk: Courage for the Journey.

 

FAITH AMID SLEEPLESS NIGHTS
by Ron Susek
@Golden Quill Publications

You have kept count of my tossings: put my tears in your bottle. Are 

they not in your book? Then my enemies will turn back in the day 

when I call. This I know, that God is for me. (Psalm 56:8-10)

Do not be surprised when you seek to walk closer to God and discover unusual turbulence in your spirit, the kind that causes sleepless nights.

Why would this be? Because the closer you walk with God, the more

 you enter the real war zone in the heavenly realms. This is where 

spiritual wrestling takes place, and often spills onto earth, affecting families, societies and nations.

Contending with these tossings of the spirit is some of what Paul must have had in mind when he spoke about sharing in the sufferings of 

Christ. Although Satan was defeated when Jesus went to the cross, he 

still rages in a futile attempt to reverse the outcome of a war he has already lost. His thrashings can and will be felt by those who walk 

closely with God.

There are other times when a traumatic event sets the soul on alert 

and sleep is hard to find. Other times, there may not be a known event 

in your life, but you are experiencing a spiritual war in the heavenly realms. Thus, you pray in faith, knowing that you are guarded on high.

David endured the "tossings of the soul" because, by faith, he knew 

that his enemies, both in the heavenly realms and on earth, would be 

turned back. The discomfort of his spiritual wrestlings did not 

discourage his faith. Despite the pressure, he was able to say, "This I know, that 

God is for me."

Indeed, the world will witness the evil one silenced at the coming of 

the Prince of Peace. The tossings are like waves in a storm. When the threatening winds end, the boiling waves settle into peaceful quietude. 

In this light, despite the fury of the storm, faith knows to rest in the Almighty plan and purpose of God.

Your victory comes when every part of you can rest in the truth of 

David's words, "I know that God is for me.."

Always remember, Immanuel: God is with you!
Your friend,
Ron

Competition Between Siblings

 by Dr Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN
www.biblicalparenting.org
Used by permission


Competition between siblings is often demonstrated by the statement, "That's not fair" or "What about him?" Competition stems from comparison and often creates conflict in relationships between brothers and sisters.

Here's an idea that will go a long way to reduce the comparison and competition between your children. Treat each child uniquely and don't even try to treat all your kids the same. Intentionally give them different privileges, assignments, and responsibilities. Avoid grouping the children by saying things like, "Kids, it's time to eat" or "Boys, let's get in the car." Instead, use each child’s name and give separate instructions. "Bill, please wash your hands and come to dinner." "Karen, come join us now for dinner?"

When children compare themselves to each other they say they want equality, but that's not really true. What each child wants is to feel special. When you treat them uniquely and focus on each child individually, you'll be surprised how much comparison and competition are reduced in your family.

After all, God doesn't treat us all the same. He treats us each uniquely. John 21:15-23 contains a fascinating story that often happens in families today. Jesus is telling Peter how he is going to die. Peter turns and looks at another disciple and says, "What about him?" Jesus answers, "What is that to you? You follow me." In essence, Jesus was saying, "I treat each person uniquely. You worry about yourself." What a great lesson to apply to our families. Treat people uniquely and special instead of trying to treat them all equally or the same.

This idea comes from Chapter 39 in the book The Christian Parenting Handbook by Dr Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN. Click here to see the Table of Contents.

Anger Is a Problem in Many Families

by Dr Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN

www.biblicalparenting.org
Used by permission

Anger is a problem in many families. One of the ways you can address it is by having some honest and even fun conversations about anger in family life. Here's an activity that can launch your family into an interesting discussion. Who knows where the interaction will lead you. You might have this discussion around the dinner table or part of an evening devotion time.

Begin with this statement:  Let's all share some pet peeves that we each have. A pet peeve is something that others do that makes you mad or easily irritated. Other people may not be bothered at all but you have a hard time whenever this thing happens.

One mom said, "Here are some of mine. I don't like to see towels on the floor in the bathroom or bedrooms. I get angry when I lose my keys, or when the car gas tank is on E after Dad drives it."

Dad said, "That's interesting. I didn't know that was one of your pet peeves. You know, one of mine is when my tools aren't returned to the toolbox or when you drive my car and don't put the seat back in place."

The kids smiled as they saw their parents expressing pet peeves and were able to think of some themselves, borrowed toys, irritating noises or touching, and being interrupted while on the computer.

Then you might talk about being tolerant and thoughtful of each other. This discussion can be very practical and lead to many helpful thoughts and ideas about anger in daily family life.

For more heart-based strategies for your family, consider the book The Christian Parenting Handbook by Dr Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN. A great reference book for every home.

Etching Glass Windows

by Nina

I put up my little windows above the door of the screened-in porch off our bedroom yesterday.  They are not perfect....but they are homemade and represent my three little birds who flew out of the nest.  A fun and easy project!

         Etching on the two small windows above the door

                                          A close-up view

Directions:

Place contact paper over the top of the glass with your pattern taped underneath.  

Trace it out with a razor knife.  

The etching cream is put on and left to sit for 5 minutes....then rinsed off in a sink. (Using rubber gloves.)  I didn't quite get it thick enough in all spots...but it's ok!

Now.... if I had a Cricut machine, that stencil cutting would be done so easily!  It's on my 'maybe' bucket list. We'll see.