To this day, I can still remember events from my childhood that made me fearful. Whether it was experiencing a hurricane in first grade, moving to a different state and starting a new school in second grade, or performing in a talent show for the entire school in fifth grade, I still remember the feelings and thoughts of fear I experienced during those times. I am sure that you can recall times in your childhood that made you fearful at that time.
Today, our kids experience the same kinds of fears that we experienced as kids. The different fears of being alone, bullies, scary situations, and being laughed at are things we can all resonate with at some point in our lives. In Central Kidz, we are going to be addressing the feeling of fear as we look at those four topics that fear is associated with. We can’t escape fearful situations in our lives, but we do have a place of refuge and safety. During this series we will address these fears, but more importantly, show kids that we don’t need to fear because Jesus Christ is our Savior. Just as he helped different people in the Bible with fear, he too helps us with our own fear.
Make sure your kids join us during this series as they learn about God’s strength and who they can turn to when fear creeps up. I also encourage you to ask your kids what they learned and address the fears they might have in their own lives.
Tony Caniglia
Central Kidz
It’s been a little while since I last blogged on this site. Not a long while . . . just a short while. But it’s funny how much has gone on in the short while that it has been. So much in my life, and I’m sure all of your lives has happened in the past two months that it’s hard to believe it’s only been TWO MONTHS.
What gets me the most is how much has happened with my kid. He went from a little bump on a log that lays around and is happy all day to a crawling, screaming, hilarious chunk of a boy! In two months he learned to crawl at speeds I’m not even sure I could maintain . . . and he knows when to put those jets to the max (when I’m chasing him).
These two precious months with my child I will never get back. He will never go back to laying on the ground and being peaceful. Those are moments that have slipped away. My wife and I have made it a point to talk about these moments as often as possible so that we don’t miss them. We don’t want to look back at our son’s life and wish we would have appreciated those moments more.
Don’t let those moments fall through the cracks. There are so many things going on in our worlds that can easily distract us from what is most important. Our kids need us to be present in those moments, to be IN the moment so that we won’t look BACK at the moment and wonder how we missed it.
Josh Bollen
High School Worship Leader
Over the past few months I have reflected on the concept of character. Some nights have been difficult to sleep because I continually ask myself if I have the character Christ exemplified. I have come to realize that perhaps we never “arrive”; that maybe it is an ongoing process. I may not possess the character Christ lived throughout his entire life but if I desire to become the man God has called me to be, I must continually strive towards this goal.
It can get tricky though…we live in Vegas! Everywhere we look something is “off” and makes our city unique. From the billboards to casinos, arcades to topless shows, living a life of character can be challenging. The difference is those who accept the challenge and those who settle because “this is how it is”. What is it that trips you up? What are the temptations that cross your everyday thoughts?
Here is what I can say about myself. I am hardly an angel and I despise the transgressions that negate the Christ – like character I long to have. However I believe that we must continue to challenge ourselves and hang up the excuses. Anyone can live the ordinary life of sin. Fortunately that is not what I want to be about and I hope you feel the same way. Working with students has made me realize my everyday decisions do matter. Students want to know about my life, they are interested in my everyday activities, but what good am I if my lifestyle is not a reflection of who I claim to be.
If you have taken the time to read these few paragraphs I hope you question who you really are. A friend of mine told me this the other day and I wrote it down so I would never forget. He said if you choose to lead students, you better lead them towards Jesus. Easier said than done, but it begins with who I am outside of the church walls. It begins with character…gage yours!
Jeff Kiwanuka
Fuse Junior High
As you walk into my house, my lovely wife Erin has designed a wall of our family photos. Each picture, whether of the whole family or of our son or daughter has been organized into a creative masterpiece. Each picture is framed and each one distinctly spaced and hung in just the right spot. Although it looks wonderful, it took her quite a while to figure out what to frame and where to place it. Framing became an art to her and the placement of the frame the same.
My son Noah is four years old. He is a very smart little boy and easily picks up on the little things that go on around the house. Erin and I have learned that if we don’t “frame” situations at the right time and the right place, he will know. For example, when we have family or friends come stay the night or visit from out of town, typically they get to use his big boy bed in his room (it is probably the most comfortable bed in the house). Giving his bed over to our friends or family frequently, Noah has become fond of the floor. Here is where the framing comes into play. Although Noah LOVES his bed, he loves sleeping on a floor bed; but not just a typical floor bed, he LOVES sleeping on his “camping” bed. You see, we learned a long time ago, that Noah will be more than willing to give up his bed to Grandma and Grandpa or any of his aunts and uncles who come into town if he can sleep on a “camping” bed. We have no clue where the “camping” bed idea came from but it works. Basically the camping bed is a glorified spot on the floor in our office. If we told him he would be sleeping on the floor he wouldn’t understand and wouldn’t be happy. His new “camping” bed includes a comforter as the bottom, a pillow and a blanket and that is all he needs to be happy. He is so happy with it that he even wants to keep sleeping on it once the family and friends leave.
You see, we have learned as parents that it is vital for us to “frame” situations and life’s circumstances for our children whether four years old, nine years old, or sixteen years old. Its not just sleeping on the floor but it’s sleeping on the camping bed! It’s not just doing the dishes; it’s developing the art of cleaning! Have you learned what situations or circumstances would go over better if they were framed? Remember each child is different. Each needs a different “camping” bed! Have fun framing. It’s an art and takes time! Enjoy and be encouraged!
Blessings
Steve Petrauschke
Family Ministries- NE Campus
Remember a little over 10 years ago when we were all freaking out about the end of the world? Y2K… all of computers were going to freak out, rockets were going to fire off on their own and we were all going to die… unless you stocked up on toilet paper, bottled water, cat food, and batteries. Well my friends it’s happening again… everyone has their eyes on 2012, and there is a certain “buzz” about the end of the world.
It’s interesting to think that as a society we are all so focused on the “unknown”. Are there spiritual demons that haunt us? How is the world going to end? What is that thing that goes bump in the night? These questions have a certain buzz around them, which pretty much everyone wants to talk about. That is exactly why we are doing a series in Fuse called “Paranormal”. We are not just talking about these topics, but we are also showing what the bible has to say about these “unknowns”. It should be a great series for kids to get excited and invite their friends! Get your kids there!
Guy Johnson
Our current series, in Central Kidz has been about Family. When I think of my family I am reminded of one of the most important lessons I have learned and continue to learn daily which is communication. Many times in our life we get so busy with everyday life and get distracted from communicating with the ones with love. Some of my favorite childhood memories are when I sat around the dinner table with my family or having a conversation with somebody who cared about me. Most of my family has moved away from Las Vegas and it hard to communicate with them on a regular bases. It’s hard to let them know how much I care about them and love them. When was the last time you said, “I love you” to your kids, spouse, your parents or siblings? When was the last time you turned off the TV/computer and sat down with your family and talked over dinner? Communicating with my family might not be the easiest thing, but I know it’s one of the most important. As my husband and I prepare to start our own family I pray that God will help us to always communicate how much we love our child and how much God loves them.
Michelle McLemore
Central Kidz
School. Sports. Plays. Band Concerts. Rehearsals. Practices. Family Time. Friends. Homework. Our worlds are BUSY! I can only imagine what it must be like for most of the parents that have students- especially those in Junior High and High School. Kids can’t drive and you have to be taxi mom or dad making sure your student is where they need to be when they need to be there. Your schedules are crazy! I know that with so much going on it is easy to look at Sundays and Wednesdays and think that you just can’t make it this week. I want to encourage all of you to help your student be consistent with their attendance to their service and their Fuse Group. It is a vital piece of their lives! We have some great series coming up over this semester- including “Family Portrait”- helping your student discover their role (to honor and obey YOU!) in the family. Fuse Groups are also a huge piece of helping your student Grow in their relationship with Christ, and our leaders are committed to being there every week. Please don’t let business and crazy schedules get in the way of your student being consistent in their attendance at Fuse!
Frank Tappe
FuseWednesdays
I am a mother of a teenager and step-mother to a 2nd grader. They both, although very capable of entertaining themselves, still need attention and care. Add a husband and two kitty cats to the mix and we’ve got a busy household! One of my roles in the home is having meals ready when it’s dinner time. I plan, I shop, I prep and I cook. It’s not always great but it gets done.
Well last night, something happened that doesn’t normally happen. I was sick. Fever, chills, sore throat, the whole she-bang. I went upstairs and laid down and then remembered, I still need to cook the dinner! Oh no.. what to do? Well, I relied on my husband. He prepared dinner and it was fine.
So, yeah.. so what, right?
As I’m lying in bed, eating my dinner that he’s lovingly brought upstairs for me. I am thinking back to the days that it was just me and my son and there were no sick days. There was no lying in bed waiting for someone to bring my dinner – I was it and if I didn’t do it then no one ate.
How soon we forget….
I started to think about and pray for all of you single parents out there, working hard to make sure that your kids are taken care of…. without any sick days. Having been there and done that, I know how hard you’re working and as you read this blog – please know that you’re loved and prayed for.
Melissa Millwee
Central Kidz – Preschool