I have a little exercise I do at times with my two daughters.  I sit them both down and start asking them a series of questions such as, “Why do I love you?  Do I love you because you’re pretty?  Do I love you because you’re a good singer?  Do I love you because you’re smart?”  When I first started doing this with them, they always responded with a “yes” to each question.  Then I would say, “No, that’s not why I love you.”  Finally, I would remind them that I love them because of one reason and one reason alone…they are my daughters. 

I am convinced that all of us need to have this conversation more often with our kids for two reasons.  One, it will give them confidence to know they are valued by us, even in the moments when they are in trouble (which happens every other second in my house).  Second, and even more importantly, it will give them glimpses of the unchangeable love their Heavenly Father has for them.  “And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love” (Romans 8:38).  Knowing they are loved by God simply because they belong to Him is the greatest treasure you could ever give your children.

Kurt Pflegl

            Sunday was the first official day of summer. That means: 120 degree Vegas weather, no school, summer camps, ice cream, summer blockbuster movies, no real sports going on (baseball? You must be joking), and vacations. I think of the vacations that my family would take when I was in junior high. Spending hours in the car, having no other entertainment than games like iSpy or the license plate game. Then we would finally arrive at our destination and spend time together as a family. I look back at those vacations now, and see how much it meant to me, and how it helped make our family stronger.

           However taking a vacation is something that isn’t easy for all of us to do. It’s hard to get away from work, we can’t afford it, there are just too many things going on this summer. If that’s the case than find a creative way to spend time with your family this time of year. There are plenty of places around Vegas that you can go for free or cheap. You could go hiking, or to the adventure dome, go to the movies, skymania, the possibilities are endless. It really doesn’t matter what you do, the important thing is to take advantage of this time of year and spend time with your family.

Guy Johnson

Element Worship Leader

My three-year-old daughter has a new obsession.  It’s a penny. She found it one day on the ground and wanted to keep it.  I fought back the urge to sanitize the penny, hearing my husband’s words resonate in the back of my mind, “How in the world did people in the Bible live to be hundreds of years old without Purrell?”  Even though it sent cleaning chills all down my spine, I let her keep the penny.

She carries the penny everywhere in her pant’s pocket. She shows it off with a look of excitement beaming all over her face. She treasures her penny.  That coin worth only one cent is priceless in her eyes.

The penny obsession has caused many more pennies to join her collection.  I have found that giving her a penny while waiting in line has granted her a little more patience! If my girls are bickering, I can use the penny as leverage to help end the fight.  The penny has become my friend again!  I no longer toss them to the side and question their value. I now have a deep appreciation for the simple copper coin.

The new-shed penny light has made me think about the simple things in life. What am I dismissing because I no longer see the worth of them?  What exciting little things go by because I am looking for bigger exciting things?  Where can I find simple joy in the menial acts of life? Is there a penny in my pocket?

Kim Trethewey

Central Kidz

About a week ago my wife Courtney and I went to the local Redbox to rent a movie.  Both being the dog lovers that we are (we have two Chinese Shar-pei’s), we rented the movie Marley and Me thinking it would be a great movie about dogs. About two hours laters, I realized this movie was so much more than just a dog lovers flick. It was about the life of this family and the memories that were created between husband, wife, sons, daughter, and dog. 

Hopefully this doesn’t ruin it for you, but there is a part in the movie where it shows little snapshots from “moments” in this family’s life. And I’m secure in my manhood enough to admit that this part of the movie got to me.  Maybe its because we own two dogs or maybe its because my wife and I are about 4 weeks from having our first baby, but this movie motivated me to create those “moments” with my family.  It challenged me to not get caught up in the day-to-day tasks I have to finish and instead look for moments to create and remember together.

My challenge for you and your family is to look for those moments you can create this summer.  Maybe you are going on a little vacation. Instead of just trying to get to the next destination, stop.  Take that moment in. Let them know that they are the most important thing. Create a “moment” with your family this summer. 

Or, go rent Marley & Me and watch it as a family.  I will warn you, adoption of a dog might be mandatory afterwards:)

Derek Bareman

Central Students-Summerlin

I lead a very busy life; as most parents do.  If we accomplish a sit down
dinner at home three consecutive nights in a row we’ve accomplished
something.  My husband and I are also committed to raising our kids with a
faith and passion for God.  However, a sit down bible study may not be most
practical or relational for a 4 and 6 year old.

What we do look for is teachable moments.

For example, my son recently became the proud new owner of glasses.  He was
thrilled and of course we reminded him over and over how handsome he looked.
We did this because he was going to school the next day and first graders
may not be so generous with their compliments.  Sure enough, for every 1
compliment he received it seemed 3 not so nice things were said to him in
return.

This gave us a chance to sit down with our six year old to not only ask some
questions but encourage him to make wise choices when others may not. 

Andrea Kessler

Preschool Ministry

In the student world, summer is all about taking time off school, going on vacation with family, and hanging out with friends. Here at Central we offer a cool thing during the summer time called Camp.  We are taking Junior High students to UCYC in Prescott, Arizona for a week and High School students will be going to various parts of California to do a big service project called Noise Projects.  Camp is an excellent tool and experience in the lives of students. It is an entire week dedicated to learning more about God and growing deeper in relationship with Him.  It’s a great time for them to spend time with friends, get to know some of our leaders a little better, and learn some really good concepts and wisdom that they can take with them for the rest of their lives.  Camp is one of the highlights of our year and will create memories that will be talked about all next year and the years after.

I still remember all the camps I went to when I was a student, and going to camp was probably the best way I could have ever spent my time during the summer. So, I strongly encourage you too look into summer Camps and even ask your students what they think about it.

Brad Brittain

Junior High Intern