Yesterday my youngest daughter and I watched as the school bus pulled up to the bus stop in our housing development and all of the elementary school kids spilled off of the bus running in the direction of their parents. I waited eagerly for my oldest daughter to come off of the school bus and run into my arms and tell me all of the exciting things that happened on her second day of First Grade. I watched in horror as the last kid walked off the bus, the doors closed, and the bus pulled away and my daughter was nowhere to be seen. My heart dropped and I immediately began to process what I should do. I continued to wait at the bus stop thinking maybe there was another bus coming or maybe somehow she was overlooked on the bus and the bus would pull back around any minute and my daughter would run safely into my arms. I prayed as I waited. Ten minutes went by and there was no sign of another bus. I called the school to see if she was there. She wasn’t. The school said they would begin to search for her and call me immediately if they had any news. I began to drive frantically around my neighborhood searching for any sign of my daughter knowing that time was important in finding a lost child. All these thoughts began to float through my mind and none of them were pleasant thoughts. I was wondering where she was, if she was ok, and if I’d ever get to see her again. My prayers became more frantic. “God, please protect my daughter. Please give her courage and wisdom and keep her safe. Please help me to find her. Please bring her home safely to me.” As I turned the corner to drive down the street that we live on for the third time I saw a bus slowly driving down the street in front of me. My heart began to race as I began to hope and pray that this bus had my daughter on it. Slowly the bus crept to a stop in front of my house and my hopes began to raise. I put my car in park and jumped out of the car and raced up to the school bus as the doors began to open. Suddenly, out jumped my daughter! She ran towards me with a pale face and watery eyes. “I’m so glad I found you mom!” she told me as she squeezed me so tightly, “I thought I lost you! I was so worried about you!” I giggled at her as my eyes began to fill with tears of joy! I wasn’t the one who was lost, she was, but I was soooo grateful that God had brought her back home safely to me! That was possibly the longest 45 minutes of my life! What happened was a sobering reminder to me about the importance of having serious talks with my two girls about what to do in these sort of situations. We’ve had these talks before, but now was a good time to go over it again. I think it’s important as parents to talk to your kids about what to do if they’re ever lost. Teaching them what their full name is, what your full name is, what your address and phone number are, and who they should go to for help. Telling them about not going home with somebody they don’t know and what to do if a stranger offers them a ride home or tries to take them. It’s never too early to start teaching and talking with your kids about these things and there are plenty of great resources out there that can help you navigate these sorts of conversations with your child and I encourage you to take advantage of them. So maybe if you haven’t already, take the time to sit down with you child and have a talk with them today.

Bridget Beach
Central Kidz – Summerlin

Back to School season is a staple in every family home. Your kids are getting older and moving one to bigger and better things, whether it’s 2^nd grade or their Senior Year of High School. Summer is over, which means no more sleeping in until 2pm.

To celebrate such an annually momentous occasion, we’re hosting an event called BLOCK PARTY. It’s for students from 6^th-12^th grade and is being held at all of our campuses across the Las Vegas Valley on Sept 10/11 weekend. If you’ve never been to BLOCK PARTY, the only other thing I can compare it to is a huge carnival. There will be food, games, inflatables, ping-pong, ice cream, and even a crew of professional BMX bikers at the Henderson campus.

It’s a great thing to come to for students. But more importantly, it’s a great thing to invite their friends to. See one of the big reasons we do these huge, cool, fun events is not only that your student will have something cool to be a part of, but we like to create an opportunity for them to invite their friends.

It’s hard to invite your friends to Church, regardless of age. But BLOCK PARTY makes it easier for an average JH/HS kid to walk up to a friend and say, “Hey- I’m going to this huge outside party this weekend. There’ll be food and games and pro BMX guys. It’s at my Church. You should come.”

That’s why we do what we do.

Brad Brittain

Fuse Junior High- Henderson

Today was one of “those” days in our house. Our two youngest have started school this week and we are in the process of figuring out the routine to get two under the age of two out of the house by 7:30! Of course, the first day of school everyone was ready to go well before it was actually time to leave…even the second day. Now, today, the third day I had that moment that no mom wants to admit or confess to.

7:29: Neither one of the boys are dressed and my two year old has decided it’s more important to count and dissect his cheerios rather than eat them.
7:31: (officially past the time to leave the house) One child is dressed and the other is wandering…yes, the two year old again.
7:33: Two year old is dressed but can’t find his shoes…okay, let’s brush his teeth.
7:35: Still no shoes and his happy go lucky spirit was just squashed…by ME, his mom!

From talking to hundreds of mom (and dads) I’m not the only one that gets to this point. I’m certainly not proud but embarrassed that I let me sweet and cheerful two year old get the best of me. I’m also not happy to admit that this will probably not be the last time that it happens.

So, what can I do about it? I pray, A LOT! I pray for patience, to have a sweet spirit with my kids and to give them the best of me. I also am a to-do list loving and routine based mom. I can be proactive to make sure that those shoes are set out the night before (yeah, makes too much since).

Parents, say your prayers this week. For your kids as they venture into yet another grade and for you…whatever that may be, let God intervene.

Andrea Kessler
CentralKidz

This past week while thinking of what to write for this blog it kept coming up on my heart to encourage and challenge you as a parent in what you teach your children. I am on the journey of being a young adult. And now looking back over the years, back when I was directly under the guidance of my parents I think of how much I thank them for the things I thought were unnecessary at the time. I also think about all the times I wish I listened more closely to what they said.

In our world today there is so much out to warp your children’s minds. Call me old fashion but there are many times I wish we could turn off the TV, take away the Facebook, and just have real conversation. I’m sure for any parent there is the constant struggle of what is a good balance between giving them too much freedom or taking away too much. But with grace and the guidance of the Holy Spirit we can have confidence in knowing we can look to the word of God for help. Our world wants to tell us to give in. That sin isn’t as bad as God makes it out to be. That it’s okay to be living in sin… umm wrong! We know as Christ followers we were made for so much more then what the world offers. We were made in the image of God. He knows better then anyone what is good and bad for our spirit. It goes against what the flesh wants but to be fully who God created and intended us to be, we do have to say no to some things.

You as a parent are setting the spiritual tone for your children. Teach them to pray and why it is important. Teach them about what is appropriate to put on the Internet and what’s not. Teach them why it’s important to be reading their bibles how much joy comes from it. But please, if you take only one thing away from this blog, let it be this… Show them! Keep yourself accountable in your own life with what you teach your children. It is far from easy but it is so important and worth it for your children to see you model Christ-likeness. It is huge for the youth to see you acting like the same Christ follower at home as you are at church. Working with the youth I hear so many stories of why they act the way they act and it all starts from what they witnessed inside the home. God has blessed you with a family and with today for a reason. He wouldn’t have given you today if there weren’t a reason for it. My question for you to ask yourself is a difficult one, but I believe if you are to be honest and allow God to grow you it will only benefit you and your family. “Is the way I’m living my life helping bring my children closer to God or further away?”

I am not a parent myself… This is coming from a daughter. And as a daughter I did look to my parents for the foundation of what I began setting my beliefs on. My prayer for you as a parent is that you would take advantage of today and begin if you haven’t already showing your children what God has intended for their lives. How beautiful the world can be if we truly believe God has a purpose. And I pray you would be encourage in knowing you are laying down the foundation for your children’s spiritual lives.

Sarah Gant

Fuse High School Henderson

When I was in elementary school, I loved the idea of going back to school. I loved getting the new backpack, markers, pencils, glue sticks, and everything else that comes with the the “what you should buy” check list provided from the school. However, when I actually received everything, the reality of starting school would sink into me. The hesitations would focus around my new teachers, new classrooms, and new people. In some cases it was a new school. The thought of new situations was a scary thought, especially for an elementary kid.

You may have a child who is ready for school and is excited for the new changes and the opportunities. In other cases, others may be dragging their feet to slow down the process as much as possible. As a parent, encourage your kid during this next week before school. Talk with them about what they are feeling, so you get an idea of what is running around inside their head.

Isaiah 41:13 says “For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, do not fear; I will help you.” Even when your hand is not holding onto your child’s during times of change, uncertainty, and anxiety, God takes over in your place. Remind your kids’ that God is with them, and God is with you as you prepare to send off your kid to their new grade.

Tony Caniglia
Central Kidz

The first time it happened in our house; my husband and I were terrified. We knew that it would be hard but we weren’t prepared for the screaming…. the loud slams of things hitting the floor…. the lack of sleep…. and at some moments, tears.

What could cause such chaos in our home? It was my step-daughter’s first sleepover.

To say that I had an idealistic view of how it would go would be a serious understatement. I had visions in my head of baking cookies, doing crafts, fixing hair and watching Disney movies. What I got was “We’re bored,” “So-and-so won’t share!” and the (very serious) negotiations of why I wouldn’t let them watch Twilight or any scary movies.

The next day came and overall my girl had a fun time with her friends and I got an opportunity to reflect on this time last year while I was a part of Celebrate Recovery (a topic I’ve blogged about before).

This time last year, I couldn’t have handled four busy girls in my house! This time last year, the loud play of the girls would have sent me over the edge. This time last year I would have likely had the same ideals on how the night should have gone and would have reacted really poorly when those expectations weren’t met. This time last year, I probably would have told my girl NO based on my own past hurts and hang-ups.

I am far from knowing it all but to be able to sit and know that God and His work on me through Celebrate Recovery made it possible for my girl to have friends over and it happened without my baggage getting a hold of the event (or of my heart) is an incredible feeling!

What has changed in your heart and home since last year? How has God worked in your life since last summer?

I’m excited to hear your stories!

Melissa Millwee
Central Kidz – Preschool
Henderson Campus

It’s here. The last full day of camp. We had a great night last night as our camp speaker, Reggie Rice, challenged the kids to take a Leap of Faith in their walk with God. We followed up in Church Group Time by taking the kids through our First Step for Kids class.  The kids were full of questions and it was awesome to see our leaders connecting with them.

The kids have been great and I know they are going to be full of stories for you. Here’s my challenge to you, as their parents…now that camp is coming to a close, don’t let camp be their only involvement with Central Kidz. Get them plugged in on the weekends in their environments. Many of the leaders that went with us to camp serve with our 4th and 5th grade kids on the weekend and are hoping to see them there.

We’ll be seeing you soon!

Your Central Kidz Staff
Laura Murphy
Tony Caniglia
“Heidi Sandifer
Daniel Carnahan

Hey parents,

We are in the middle of our third day at camp, and the kids are having a blast. Between swimming, competitions, rock walls, ziplines, paintball, archery, and hikes, there is hardly a minute to rest. It’s been so much fun hanging out with your kids during this time, and we are so blessed to have them at camp. Thank you for allowing them to be a part of this amazing experience!

Keep on checking back to see more photos, as we are consistently taking new ones as the days progress.

Tony Caniglia

Hey Parents!
Day Three has started off with a blast! Kids are currently in their “siesta” time before heading out to afternoon rotations. It’s been fun to see kids stepping out of their comfort zones to try things like the Zipline and Screamer. We’ve gotten some great pictures of some of the kids on both, so hopefully we will get some of them uploaded later today.
Tonight we will be taking the kids through our First Step for Kids curriculum. We are really excited about this as kids will learn what it means to be in a friendship with God…to call Jesus their Leader, Forgiver and Friend. They will be bringing home their First Step placemat, so make sure to look for it in their luggage and talk with them about what they learned. It will be in a baggie!
Thanks for letting us hang with your kids this week. There will be lots of stories to share…new friends to talk about…and great memories!

I had a great revelation last night! I was in the VERY long drink line, waiting, super excited to fill my cup with Gatorade! Lemon-Lime Gatorade, it’s like this camp treat for me. I crave it. I drink it at every meal and as I stood and waited, I turned to someone and said, “You know what? I only drink Gatorade at camp.” It’s true, I pretty much avoid the stuff outside of camp, but here, in the mountains, in the heat, chasing over a hundred 10 year-olds around, it’s what keeps me going.

And suddenly I was struck with a thought…camp has a way of bringing out the unexpected, the uncommon, the extraordinary things that we don’t always appreciate. While I’m lapping up Gatorade like air, your kids are doing the same thing in different ways. Your boys haven’t asked once for video games. Your girls haven’t so much as twitched their fingers over the inability to text their friends. Together they jump up and down and sing at the top of their lungs during worship. They listen and laugh at our speaker as he acts out stories about the Isrealites and their journeys following God? Excitement over an Old Testament story??? Unheard of! But it’s happening. Your kids our running, jumping, zip-lining, swimming, and most importantly opening up their minds and hearts to God and His Word, in ways they often don’t back at home.

Everyone is doing great, having a blast, and never slowing down for a minute! They are loving “mustache Monday” where they earn points for their color team by sporting a mustache all day. Take a look at the pictures to see for yourself and pray that like camp Gatorade is to me, Gods’ presence will be a unique and extraordinary experience for your child this week!

Heidi Sandifer