Lessons for 2009 and beyond

"The greatest good you can do for another is not just share your riches, but reveal to them their own." -- Benjamin Disraeli

I hope someday down the long, wonderful road of life my son will remember something he learned from me. I hope he will share and teach someone he loves as much as I love him. I hope I can teach him to love – and be loved better than I have. Of all the lessons he will undoubtedly encounter ( and hopefully learn ) I hope that love for himself and others will someday become so strongly imbued in him as to be second nature. I hope he does better than I have.

I hope he’ll learn to respect himself and others. I try to remind him often of the golden rule. I hope he is absorbing that just like he picks up on all the little nuances in Zach and Cody’s adventures.

I hope he will learn to love reading and will read often. Read some Mark Twain, some Zig, and much from the Bible. I hope he will learn from the masters just like we try to. I hope he’ll read more about the great Benjamin Disraeli and Ben Franklin than I have. I hope he’ll develop a life-long love of reading.

I hope he’ll learn to love nature and the great outdoors even more than I do. And learn to treat this great earth we inhabit better than I have. I hope he will treat the healthy little body God gave him like a temple and practice better restraint than his Dear Old Dad ever did.

I hope I can teach him the importance of saving for a rainy day. Of setting aside some of his earnings. I hope I can teach him some money saving tips that will actually stick with him! I hope I can teach him the art of frugal living. And to start saving money at an early age!

May all our beloved young loved ones learn to love themselves, each other, and this great land we are so fortunate to live in. I hope I can teach him how to love!

Merry Christmas

"Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."
Luke 2:5-14

Merry Christmas

Let the Christmas Buyer Beware

Boy number 2 loves cars! For his fourth birthday all he wanted were some cars! No expensive video games or electronics. No clothes ( who EVER wants clothes? ) or bikes or gadgets. Just cars! That makes shopping easy. almost...

Now, three weeks later I discover that around 80% of the toys on retailers shelves are made in China. And despite last year's warnings - we still get toys from our Chinese friends laden with too much lead in the paint.

Well - back in the Summer - our elected officials passed legislation aimed at making our childrens' toys safer. And President Bush promptly signed it into law! This new law is effective February 9, 2009. That's right - in 2009!!! This sad tale gets even worse. Recently published reports tell us that the Consumer Product Safety Commission - who enforces these newly enacted laws - has told the toy makers that if they still have any toys with the harmful amounts of lead or other dangerous chemical - not to worry. They can keep selling these potentially dangerous toys to the children in the USA until their stocks are depleted!!

Now, I'm all for the stockholders of Mattel and Disney making a good return on their investments. I just don't want my child having some toy with dangerous levels of ANY potentially harmful chemical. Toy company profits are far less important than our childrens health!

Are there any safe toys to give a child this Christmas?

Maybe this Christmas I'll just buy books ( hopefully books made in the states ) or DVDs or anything I can find that is free of the made in China stamp.

Maybe I'll get the boys the VeggieTales DVD Library - The Complete Collection

The Electronic Babysitter

On the drive into the city this morning I heard a disturbing statistic. The average child today is spending 45 hours each week playing video games or watching TV or sitting in front of a computer. I don’t know about your children – but mine aren’t exactly using their computer to learn! They like to play games on their PC – or watch cartoons on the cartoon channel web-site.

These same researchers are suggesting that all this time spent in front of video and TV screens is partially to blame for childhood obesity and behavior problems both in school and down the road. You THINK?

What happened to playing outside? Sometimes I wish I had never bought them that silly playstation. Or that other $125 babysitter – his Nintendo gameboy. Last night I had to threaten taking away his game time on his computer before the eldest son would sit down and read with me. I imagine I’m nowhere near the first parent to encounter some resistance when it comes to homework time.

This summer we picked up new bikes for both the older boys. They had outgrown last year’s models. Neither new bike saw much use this past Summer. The gameboys on the other hand… Well, you get the picture. What will their lives be like when they get into FaceBook or MySpace or wherever else youth spend their online time?

Maybe this Christmas I’ll buy them both basketballs – or soccer balls. Maybe I’ll get them a couple of fishing poles and tackle boxes. Or a good book to read!

Or, maybe I'll get them something good to watch while they do watch TV -
VeggieTales DVD Library - The Complete Collection

The Perfect Christmas Gift

Growing up in the pre- video game era, we had entirely different entertainment options than the youngsters of today. We actually went outside to play! We did watch the TV at night and some Saturday mornings we’d watch cartoons.

My little guys still enjoy cartoons on Saturday mornings – much like many of us did in our early years! I was happy to hear my son laughing last Saturday while he watched an early morning cartoon show. I looked over to see what had him so amused and found him laughing repeatedly at Tom and Jerry! I think I used to enjoy that same cartoon when I was his age.

Sometimes it seems like he only enjoys today’s ultra outrageous, overly violent cartoons. Cartoons like Ben 10, Bakugan, and Pokemon are just three of his favorites. It used to be Power Rangers until his mean old Dad decided that one was too violent. In recent years I‘ve tried to discourage that kind of violence based entertainment. Although at times I think we’ve only ended up trading one violent show for another. That Ben 10 kid is always fighting some unbelievable bad guy.

What happened to Scooby Doo? I can’t recall Anyone ever getting hurt in a Scooby Doo cartoon!

Wouldn’t it be nice if we could get our children interested in less violent entertainment diversions? I realize we might not sell as many Chinese made plastic toys covered in who knows what kind of undesirable substance! And heaven forbid if the big cereal makers have to advertise during more wholesome family shows.

Maybe this Christmas I’ll introduce them to an old childhood favorite of mine. A cartoon where nobody gets shot by a futuristic ray-gun. Maybe I’ll turn them onto a cartoon where no one gets in a fight or a battle! A show with a decided absence of violence.

Maybe I’ll introduce them to a harmless tale filled with lessons of love. A saga where happy children have fun with each other in a safe environment. There is sure to be some typical childrens taunting and teasing. And still, in the end, all is well. And love fills the air!

I think this Christmas I’ll introduce my children to that age old classic –A Charlie Brown Christmas (Remastered Deluxe Edition)

Teaching good habits - Exercise and eating healthy

Leading by example has been proven throughout history as the best way to teach. Children are kind of like sponges. They tend to absorb things - good or bad. Healthy or unhealthy. If I sit in front of the TV for hours on end each day - then guess what I'm telling my children? If I choose to smoke and drink excessively - they seem to learn that those habits aren't all that bad.

If I instead choose to get outside and get some exercise, they are exposed to a healthier lesson.

Childhood goes by so fast. In the grand scheme - our time with our children is so brief. I wonder if I might impress upon them a healthier lifestyle in this brief window of opportunity!

I wonder how much better their lives will be if they absorb the notion that exercise and sports are fun! If they naturally learn to enjoy sports and physical activities they will develop a habit of healthy fun. Our childrens' health is perhaps one of the greatest lessons we can share.

Teaching them that exercise and eating healthy are good habits will only help them lead healthier and hopefully longer lives!

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." Romans 12: 1-2

The Saddest Look I've ever seen

“Daddy. I don’t want to go to Summer School” he blurted out. And then came the look….

Every parent knows “the look”. The unmistakable look your child gets before the tears start flowing. You know – the look on their precious little face that makes your heart begin to melt and makes you want to say something comforting. Anything so they will feel better and stop crying.

Well, I’m sure you can guess the outcome of that negotiation – Of course he avoided Summer School. And now we are faced with the resulting struggles in even the most basic reading.

How do you get your child to sit down and read every day? I’ve been struggling with that recently. I hate to pull out the time-tested and trusty old “because I said so” line of reasoning. I’d much rather convince the boys of the merits and benefits of a little daily reading time.

I think it was Zig Ziglar who said – “If you’re tough on yourself now – life is a whole lot easier later”.


Maybe I should try a good old fashioned bribe. Threats of punishment or loss of privileges just seem to piss the little guys off and add to their disagreeable attitude.

Isn’t there a way to put a positive spin on this and get them to actually want to read? Maybe I just need to “cowboy up” and quit being a wimp. And start being a Father. A stern approach doesn’t mean I love him any less.

Found a few tips for helping children learn to read. I just wish I could find some tips for how to react when they get that sad little look on their perfectly precious faces.

Helping our Children Learn to Read

Some ideas for helping our children learn to read:

* teaching phonics--how sounds and letters are related.
* Giving children the opportunity to practice the letter-sound relationships they are learning. Children have the chance to practice sounds and letters by reading easy books that use words with the letter-sound relationships they are learning.
* Helping children write the letter-sound relationships they know by using them in words, sentences, messages, and their own stories.
* Showing children ways to think about and understand what they are reading. Ask children questions to show them how to think about the meaning of what they read.

* Pointing out the letter-sound relationships your child is learning on labels, boxes, newspapers, magazines and signs.
* Listening to your child read words and books from school. Be patient and listen as your child practices. Let your child know you are proud of his reading.

If your child is reading
At school you should see teachers...

* Continuing to teach letter-sound relationships for children who need more practice. On average, children need about two years of instruction in letter-sound relationships to become good spellers as well as readers.
* Teaching the meaning of words, especially words that are important to understanding a book.
* Teaching ways to learn the meaning of new words. Teachers cannot possibly teach students the meaning of every new word they see or read. Children should be taught how to use dictionaries to learn word meanings, how to use known words and word parts to figure out other words, and how to get clues about a word from the rest of the sentence.
* Helping children understand what they are reading. Good readers think as they read and they know whether what they are reading is making sense. Teachers help children to check their understanding. When children are having difficulty, teachers show them ways to figure out the meaning of what they are reading.

At home you can help your child by...

* Rereading familiar books. Children need practice in reading comfortably and with expression using books they know.
* Building reading accuracy. As your child is reading aloud, point out words he missed and help him read words correctly. If you stop to focus on a word, have your child reread the whole sentence to be sure he understands the meaning.
* Building reading comprehension. Talk with your child about what she is reading. Ask about new words. Talk about what happened in a story. Ask about the characters, places, and events that took place. Ask what new information she has learned from the book. Encourage her to read on her own.

Make reading a part of every day

* Share conversations with your child over meal times and other times you are together. Children learn words more easily when they hear them spoken often. Introduce new and interesting words at every opportunity.
* Read together every day. Spend time talking about stories, pictures, and words.
* Be your child's best advocate. Keep informed about your child's progress in reading and ask the teacher about ways you can help.
* Be a reader and a writer. Children learn habits from the people around them.
* Visit the library often. Story times, computers, homework help, and other exciting activities await the entire family.

More reading-tips.

Read, Read, and Read some more!

Our little friend from Church brought out her well used pocket notebook. She shared her list of prayers for the evening - people she wanted to pray for. After her Mom and Dad and Grandma, and brothers she happily told us she had prayed for her teacher. It seems her teacher had recently told her students she was planning to get married!

So many teachers earn the love and admiration of so many beautiful young children? Those few hours they share in the classroom each day are spent planting important seeds in the highly impressionable young minds of the students they lead. I can't help but admire those loving ladies and gentlemen who so unselfishly share the gift of learning with our youth.

They sure don't do it for the money. Many people make far more than any teacher I know. Teachers get something in addition to the money. They get perhaps the best fringe benefit of all - the love of so many children. Of all the gifts we enjoy throughout our lives - surely few can compare to the love we share with our children!

When I recently asked a teacher what might help my youngster do well in school this year she responded without hesitation - read with him. And then read some more! Help him learn to read. In these early years of school reading is an essential piece of his education. Learning to read - and read well will benefit him throughout his life. Maybe if we plant the seeds of learning to read, of loving to read at an early age, our children will enjoy greater success in school and in life!

Straight from the teacher's mouth - one of the best ways to better grades is reading, reading and more reading!

Learning to read

In the United States, the school year averages 180 days; in other nations, the school year can last up to 240 days and students are often in school more hours per day than American students. Clearly, the hours and days that a child is not in school are important for learning.

What we, as parents and mentors, do in those hours each day when our beloved children are not is school is critical to their success in the classroom - and in life! I recently asked my son's teacher ( 3rd grade ) what I might do in the evening to help improve his education. Her answer was simple and firm - "read, read, and read some more" she replied.

Helping your child become a reader is the single most important thing that you can do to help the child to succeed in school—and in life.

The importance of reading simply can't be overstated. Reading helps children in all school subjects. More important, it is the key to lifelong learning. Helping our children learn to read is one way to better grades!

Help your child learn to read!

The Balancing Act

"Daddy, will you help me?" Five wonderful little words every parent loves to hear.

He has another birthday soon. Too soon. They just keep rolling by. The candles from last year's cake have just cooled off - it seems. Wasn't it just last month when he used to watch out the window as I left for few days on the road.

I can't ever recover those days away. The best any parent can do, I suppose, is to make the most of whatever precious time we have with our loved ones. Each day brings a new beginning.

I heard a teacher speak yesterday about child development. He said we ought to do everything we possible can to nurture, love and teach our children. To keep them healthy. To love them every chance we get. To teach them to read. And laugh. To make them feel safe.

Simple, basic, parenting advice. Too easily taken for granted. I hope I can do a much better of job of showing my boys how much I love them. Give them daily time and teachings. Provide a safe and healthy home environment - filled with love and healthy foods and good books.

I hope I can teach the boys some of the many ways to better grades in school. To encourage them to keep learning - even when they're not in the classroom! To show them that life is a balancing act. Having fun adn keeping healthy habits are just part of the balance. Learning and loving too!

Found this little ditty in Ephesians this morning:

Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise;

That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.

And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Ephesians 6: 1-4

The Basic Way to Better Grades

One way to better grades is a disciplined focus on the basics - reading, writing, and arithmetic - practiced daily.

Reading for as little as 30 minutes a day has been shown to help many children improve their grades. If we teach our little ones the basics while they are still very young - they will have substantially greater success throughout their school years (and beyond)!

A few simple habits - practiced daily or at least five or six days each week will help insure much better grades in school for years to come. If we get them in the habit early of reading every day. "Plant the seeds while your children are young" one wise educator told me. Teach them the habit of practicing their basic math and spelling skills. If we impress upon their sponge-like little minds the habit of daily, focused study time - their ability to learn will come so much easier as they progress through their school years.

Success , in any endeavor, is almost always the product of massive effort in the direction of well defined goals. This new school year brings us parents another chance to teach our children how to succeed. We have the opportunity to help them learn a couple of life's most valuable lessons. Seeking and acquiring wisdom through consistent study.

The way to better grades is very basic - develop the disciplined daily habit - practice reading, writing and arithmetic.

A Healthy balance

The U.S. Open will be wrapping up this weekend. Summer’s last three day weekend is now just another ( hopefully pleasant ) memory. Much to the dismay of many a school-aged youngster School is back in session across the USA! Children sporting their back packs head off for another new day of learning and fun.
Encourage daily, focused study habits now and our little ones will have a much better chance of enjoying a successful school year.

Start with homework and bedtime rules. Last night while reading together I noticed that his attention was too easily distracted by the TV. Click! Off goes the TV. I probably should have nipped that little distraction in the bud before we even started reading. Instead we got several pages into our book before reality hit me in the face.

Healthy children require nine to ten hours of sleep a night. You have to sort of admire parents who are successful at getting their homework time and bath time wrapped up in time to get their little ones off to bed by 9:00PM. I frequently find myself letting bath time slide until the following morning. Which, of course, means more rushing around in the early morning!

We’ve all read that children who have a healthy breakfast tend to perform better in school. During the early morning scramble to get out the door we sometimes miss sitting down a healthy breakfast. I try to keep some easy foods on hand that we can share during the ride to school. Bananas and oranges are great. A bunch of grapes and some walnuts will help the little guy get a few nutrients before heading into the classroom. A carton of milk – or a little bottle of pedia-sure will surely bolster his morning!

We’ve all read that children who have a healthy breakfast tend to perform better in school. During the early morning scramble to get out the door we sometimes miss sitting down a healthy breakfast. I try to keep some easy foods on hand that we can share during the ride to school. Bananas and oranges are great. A bunch of grapes and some walnuts will help the little guy get a few nutrients before heading into the classroom. A carton of milk – or a little bottle of pedia-sure will surely bolster his morning!

Help your child get better grades this year - encourage a healthy balance of homework and healthy habits!

Where did our Summer go?

The line of hungry students and parents winded its way around the school gymnasium. It was the annual Back-to-School party at the local grade school. Parents catching up with each other while the children laughed and sang and just seemed to make the best of waiting in line. They were having fun - and about to enjoy a stack of pancakes served up by none other than the school principal!

All across this great country schools are preparing for the annual arrival of this years student body.

In some towns the children have already started their school year.

Parents rushing around in the morning getting little ones ready for another adventure-filled day at school. Trying to convince the children to eat something healthy. And still get dressed in time to rush off to another new day!

"I like my new teacher" my eldest son shared with me after giving her a hug. It seems to me that just perhaps what teachers are miss in their inadequate paychecks just might be made up for every time a student wants to give them a hug!

Here's hoping every child goes back to school this year with a big smile and healthy desire to learn! And a teacher who enjoys getting a hug or two - or ten every day. A teacher who cares and loves her students! And loving parents who feed their children a healthy breakfast before sending them off to school. Parents that stress the value and importance of a good education.

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How to get a child to do homework?

"But Dad, I don't want to be a Nerd" he cried out as i gently tried to get him to sit down and do some homework. The battle lasted for far too long. He employed every delay tactic I know of and then some. When his Mother, Step-Dad and I all tried to convince him of the importance of doing his homework he even burst into tears. Poor little guy - or was this simply yet another delay tactic.

" Not now, Dad - I'm watching this movie" Or, "Can't I please save this game first?" I wish I had never bought that silly little portable game player he spends way too much time with.

Does every parent experience these same challenges just getting their children to begin their homework? Maybe I've been too soft on him. Maybe I need to try a tougher approach.

God gives us a brief window - and a glorious one at that - to teach our children well. How we use this time is totally up to us. I know I need to do a better job of convincing him. To teach him discipline!

To teach him somehow how to fund a happy balance. Maybe these homework tips will be useful.

Lessons for our children

"My son! my law forget not, And my commands let thy heart keep,

For length of days and years, Life and peace they do add to thee.

Let not kindness and truth forsake thee, Bind them on thy neck, Write them on the tablet of thy heart,

And find grace and good understanding In the eyes of God and man.

Trust unto Jehovah with all thy heart, And unto thine own understanding lean not.

In all thy ways know thou Him, And He doth make straight thy paths.

Be not wise in thine own eyes, Fear Jehovah, and turn aside from evil.

Healing it is to thy navel, And moistening to thy bones.

onour Jehovah from thy substance, And from the beginning of all thine increase;

And filled are thy barns [with] plenty, And [with] new wine thy presses break forth.

Chastisement of Jehovah, my son, despise not, And be not vexed with His reproof,

For whom Jehovah loveth He reproveth, Even as a father the son He is pleased with.

O the happiness of a man [who] hath found wisdom, And of a man [who] bringeth forth understanding.

For better [is] her merchandise Than the merchandise of silver, And than gold -- her increase.

Precious she [is] above rubies, And all thy pleasures are not comparable to her.

Length of days [is] in her right hand, In her left [are] wealth and honour.

Her ways [are] ways of pleasantness, And all her paths [are] peace.

A tree of life she [is] to those laying hold on her, And whoso is retaining her [is] happy.

Jehovah by wisdom did found the earth, He prepared the heavens by understanding.

By His knowledge depths have been rent, And clouds do drop dew.

My son! let them not turn from thine eyes, Keep thou wisdom and thoughtfulness"

Proverbs 3:1-21

The wisdom found in the pages of the Bible has - for centuries - greatly improved the lives of countless readers. If there is any one, single thing we can pass on to our children I guess the wisdom found in the pages of the Bible may be the most useful.

The Lord blesses us with children to love. And teach! The opportunity is right there for us to teach our children good lessons.

From 3rd Grade to College

“I’m practically in college, you know - I’m in the 3rd grade now, Daddy!” he reminded me as we drove home last night. He wants to grow up so fast. Just 12 hours earlier I had dropped him off in front of the school for his 1st day of this new school year. And once again, I found myself fighting back tears as I offered a quick prayer of Thanks for the greatest gift the Good Lord has blessed me with – a son!

Slow down the bus – Didn’t I just last week watch his kindergarten graduation ceremony? Wasn’t I just filling a sippy-cup with his favorite orange drink the week before? I swear I picked up a diaper from a corner of his bedroom just last month!

Where did those years go? Why must his childhood fly by so quickly? Later, as we settled into a big chair together for some reading, he handed me the book he’d picked out for the evening. A book about dinosaurs and a magic bus. His fascination with dinosaurs has outlasted Barney ( Thank the Good Lord ), The Wiggles, and the Power Rangers ( a triple Thanks to the Big Guy upstairs ).

I know our reading time together will someday – far too soon for my liking – be yet another pleasant memory. Meanwhile, I hope I can instill in him a love of reading and a yearning for more. I hope he will always have a fascination with something! I hope we can sit down together and do his homework for the evening without even the slightest objection or complaint. I hope he will settle into a habit of studying a little each day. Of reading and writing a little each day.

I hope he will grow to accept daily homework as a normal part of growing up. I hope he will succeed at learning whatever sparks an interest in that wonderful little mind of his. If your little one is just embarking upon his or her journey in education you might enjoy some simple and easy homework tips!

Show Your Children the Ways to Better Grades

Give your child a head start before school starts up again. Encourage your little loved ones to read and practice their writing skills. Show them some of the many ways to better grades. Make it fun! They'll enjoy it more if you make a game of it!

Here are a few easy steps to help get you started:

1. Demonstrate the importance of writing. Do you write a list of groceries or write a check to pay for them? Do you write on birthday cards or take down messages from the answering machine? Show your child how strong writing ability can open doors by explaining the writing involved in various jobs.

2. Provide a good place to write. A quiet environment with stimulating books can inspire your child's writing muse. A desk or table with good lighting eases the mechanics of writing. Both lined and unlined paper is useful, as are writing tools like pens, pencils, markers, and crayons.

3. Allow time for writing. Set aside a certain time each day or week to write. Get your child in the mood to write to a pen pal with a regular Saturday bowl of popcorn. Encourage your child to record the day in a personal journal each night.

4. Follow what your child enjoys. If your child likes a special song, encourage him to write out the lyrics. Have children make lists of favorite possessions: books, dolls, baseball cards. Start a story about a favorite subject or character, and let her write the ending.

5. Play writing games together. Crossword puzzles, anagrams, and cryptograms for children can be found in newspapers or inexpensive booklets.

6. Bring a notebook on outings. Encourage your child to take notes on nature walks, bus or car trips, or special visits to a museum or zoo.

7. Develop advanced writing skills. Make up stories aloud and help your child decide: who are the main characters? What is the setting? What problems are faced and how are they resolved? Arrange for your child to interview someone special and write up what he learned.

8. Express feelings. Encourage children to draw and write about personal thoughts and feelings. Writing poems or songs gives children new ways to express themselves.

9. Write a book review. Ask your child to read a book and write a review.

Follow these steps for a smarter summer and you will see results when your child goes back to school. With practice, your child will learn to "write it right!

Check out even more homework tips!

Daddy, Can we read a verse together?

Half way through the Pastor’s message on that Sunday evening he tugged on my arm and whispered - “Daddy, Can we read a verse after Church is over?” I quietly nodded and smiled – assuring him that we would. In my simple and mostly uneducated experience I’m at a complete loss when attempting to understand that sometimes goes through his little head.

He has somehow acquired a thirst for learning more about the lessons in the Bible. He enjoys the Sunday morning and Wednesday evening lessons the youth leaders share. His excitement for learning about God is nothing less than amazing! This is the same 9 year old who usually shuns my efforts to read together at home.

What is it that those volunteer youth leaders teach these highly impressionable little ones we cherish so? How did this interest in the Bible happen? Whatever they do. Whatever happened – I’m very grateful and encouraged. Maybe these little lessons we are learning this year will help him develop into a loving, caring Christian who passes along his love to others.

There are many fine Churches in Haysville, Kansas. We just happened to stumble upon a wonderful little Bible-based church with an excellent team of youth leaders. West Haysville Baptist Church, one of the older Churches in Haysville has served the good people of Haysville and south Wichita for over five decades now.

Planting seeds

“Mommy, Can we come to this Church?” the little girl asked as they left Church that night. My job was to hold the door for the many people coming and going that Summer evening. We were in the midst of Vacation Bible School week and the front door to our little Church was constantly in motion. Excited little grade schoolers would run up the sidewalk. Parents trying their best to keep up. The children just couldn’t wait to get inside and join their little classmates in yet another night of fun.

Smiling little faces were plentiful – and a welcome sight after yet another day in the Corporate world! I later heard that for some of those wonderful little children Vacation Bible School was the highlight of their week! No wonder they were in such a hurry to get into the Church building. Let the fun begin!

Somewhere in the Bible there is a tale of a mustard seed. Last week, in those quick and fun-filled two hours each evening some very tiny seeds were planted. Seeds which will hopefully flourish and grow a little each day.

Vacation Bible School is but a fond memory now – at least at our little Church. And the seeds were sown into the fresh and open little minds of those beautiful little angels God so kindly blessed us with. Lessons reminding them to help and love one another. To Love God, and each other.

If you are looking for a Church in Haysville or south Wichita - you might like West Haysville Baptist Church - one of the leading Churches in Haysville, KS.

God's Love - Share some today at West Haysville Baptist Church

"O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endureth for ever.

O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever.

To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever.

To him that by wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy endureth for ever. " Psalm 136: 1-5

God's love endures forever. Share God's love with someone you love ( or just care about ). Perhaps, if we spread his love around a little more then this wonderful planet we inhabit might just become an even better place. We all stand to gain from giving more of his Love.

If you are looking for a good, Bible-based Church and you live in the Haysville or South Wichita area of Kansas - check out West Haysville Baptist Church. One of the leading Churches in Haysville, KS - with a lengthy history of excellent youth programs , West Haysville Baptist Church offers something for every age group.

A prayer for our country - and our youth

As we celebrate our great country and the independence we so often just take for granted, let us remember the many young men and women who have volunteered to place themselves in harm’s way in order to defend our freedoms. Please take just a moment to offer a little prayer for the courageous young women and men in our armed services.

And, while you're at it - a prayer for our youth – that their days may be healthy, and happy. That they may never have to go off to some strange, and unfriendly land in order to defend this great country of ours! May they all learn of God’s Love for us and hopefully share it with each other every day!

Introduce your child to the beauty and wonder of God’s Love. Enroll your little loved ones in a Vacation Bible School this Summer! They’ll have a fun and learn valuable lessons about Jesus Christ!

If you live in South Wichita or near the Haysville Kansas area we invite you to visit one of the leading Churches in Haysville – West Haysville Baptist Church. We offer a fun filled, Bible-based learning in our 2008 Vacation Bible School from July 7th thru the 11th.

West Haysville Baptist Church hosts Vacation Bible School

Right out of the gate he let us have it – “All men were NOT created equal” he informed us. Despite what we may have read in our history books – this Latin teacher ( yes, Latin ) was clueing us in on the real facts – at least according to him.

His point was that we were a privileged few. We had the opportunity before us to learn. We had access to a great store of knowledge. Of course, what we chose to do with that wealth of information was up to us. Just that fact that we were in those hallowed halls of learning made us different ( not better, mind you ) than ninety percent of the children on this planet.

We had an opportunity to learn. To benefit from the wealth of information our teachers were prepared to share. This Summer in many towns all over this great land of ours – Churches are offering learning opportunities. Vacation Bible School is a fun way to expose your children to God’s great love. In a safe, nurturing, and fun atmosphere!

This Summer, West Haysville Baptist Church is hosting a Vacation Bible School. From July 7 thru the 11th 6:30 PM until 8:30 PM. West Haysville Baptist Church is one of the many nice churches in Haysville, KS. Just few short minutes south of Wichita. One of the older Haysville churches, West Haysville Baptist has excellent youth groups!

This Summer – give your child the gift of learning. Learning from the countless valuable lessons found in the Bible.

2008 Vacation Bible School at West Haysville Baptist

West Haysville Baptist is hosting their annual Vacation Bible School for children ages 3 thru 11 ( through 5th grade ) from July 7 through July 11th. In the Summer of 2007 children from Haysville and South Wichita enjoyed a week filled with fun and learning. This year's Vacation Bible School promises to help our children discover the miraculous power of God's Love in a fun and exciting atmosphere!

West Haysville Baptist Church is one of the oldest Churches in Haysville, KS just a couple minutes south of Wichita, KS. A fun, loving and knowledgeable youth group leads our little loved ones on an exciting journey of discovery! Learning about God is fun. The kids have a blast! ( And the teachers do too! )

Get your children signed up soon for another free, fun filled and educational week of Vacation Bible School at West Haysville Baptist Church! Help your little ones discover the beauty of God's never ending love!

Wisdom - the lessons of the Bible in Vacation Bible School at West Haysville Baptist

From the Book of Mark - Chapter 9:

And he sat down, and called the twelve; and he saith unto them, If any man would be first, he shall be last of all, and servant of all.

And he took a little child, and set him in the midst of them: and taking him in his arms, he said unto them,

"Whosoever shall receive one of such little children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever receiveth me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me."

This Summer we have the opportunity to teach our children some of the lessons found in the Bible. Plant some seeds. Maybe watch them grow into happy and successful young teens and adults! All Across this great land of ours Churches everywhere are offering Vacation Bible Schools to teach our children some of God's greatest lessons.

In Haysville, KS - just south of Wichita - West Haysville Baptist Church is preparing to help youngsters from ages 3 thru the 5th grade learn more about Jesus Christ. West Haysville Baptist - a leading Church in the tiny community of Haysville - is once again offering a free, Scripture based Vacation Bible School! July 7 thru the 11th. For 2 short and fun-filled hours each evening from 6:30 to 8:30 the children will learn about Our Lord and Savior - Jesus Christ!

Free Vacation Bible School at West Haysville Baptist Church

Is there any greater joy in Life than watching our children smile and laugh? The incomparable good feeling one gets seeing their children have fun. We have but one chance to raise a child well. To help them learn and enjoy life. To teach them.

West Haysville Baptist is hosting a free Vacation Bible School for children ages 3 thru 11 ( up through 5th grade ) this Summer from July 7 thru the 11th. Last year we had children from all over Haysville and South Wichita who really enjoyed the fun and learning. This year's Vacation Bible School promises to help our beloved little ones learn about Jesus Christ in a fun and exciting atmosphere.

One night ( Thursday, July 10th ) the little VBS students will be able to enjoy an evening of fun at the Haysville pool! West Haysville Baptist Church is one of the leading Churches in Haysville, KS just a couple minutes south of Wichita, KS.

Get your children signed up soon for another free, fun filled and educational week of Vacation Bible School at West Haysville Baptist Church! Help your little ones discover the beauty of God's never ending love!

West Haysville Baptist Church hosts Vacation Bible School

Helping our precious youth discover and learn about Jesus Christ - Our Lord and Saviour is one of the core goals of the West Haysville Baptist Church Youth Ministry! The volunteer youth leaders serve up a healthy balance of learning and fun throughout the year.

This year - the week after the 4th of July - West Haysville Baptist Church, one of the leading Churches in Haysville, Kansas will host a week-long Vacation Bible School for children ages 3 through 11 ( thru 5th grade ).

Get your children signed up for a week full of fun and learning about Our Lord - In just a couple of hours each evening they will surely enjoy and remember. West Haysville Baptist Church proudly presents another Vacation Bible School July 7 thru the 11th from 6:30 till 8:30 every evening!

West Haysville Baptist Church - Vacation Bible School

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things Philippians 4:8

West Haysville Baptist Church - in Haysville, Ks is again hosting a fun-filled week of Vacation Bible School - July 7th thru the 11th. A couple of hours each evening spent with other children in a loving, and fun Bible based learning atmosphere!

Check out the West Haysville Baptist Church for more info about their annual Vacation Bible School!

Teach Your Children at West Haysville Baptist's VBS

Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.

Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. Psalm 37:4-6

Our greatest desires - for our children - are possible if we lead them to Jesus Christ and teach them about Christ's unending love for mankind. Summer gives us opportunities to gently lead our children to the Lord. The seeds we plant today will - if we nourish them - help our little loved ones grow into God-Loving young people. And with ongoing love and nourishment - into young adults who love the Lord!

Check out Vacation Bible School for your little loved ones this Summer!

And - if you live in or around Haysville or the South Wichita area - check out the West Haysville Baptist Church's Vacation Bible School!