Once upon a time, a man punished his 3 year old daughter for wasting a roll of gold wrapping paper. Money was tight and he became infuriated when the child tried to decorate a box to put under the Christmas tree. Nevertheless, the little girl brought the gift to her father the next morning and said, "This is for you, Daddy."
He was embarrassed by his earlier over reaction, but his anger flared again when he found the box was empty. He yelled at her, "Don't you know when you give someone a present, there's supposed to be something inside it?" The little girl looked up at him with tears in her eyes and said, "Oh Daddy, it's not empty. I blew kisses into the box...all for you Daddy." The father was crushed. He put his arms around his little girl, and he begged for her forgiveness.
It is told that the man kept that gold box by his bed for years and whenever he was discouraged, he would take out an imaginary kiss and remember the love of the child who put it there. In a very real sense, each of us humans, have been given a gold container filled with unconditional love and kisses from our family, friends and God. There is no more precious possession anyone could hold
This week at Bridge Kids, we continued our month of learning about the Bridge Core Value, Giving. We talked about how Giving of ourselves and/or our resources to others is a reflection of God’s Love Language of Gifts, which can take many forms, just like our own Love Languages – through worship to God, material provision, stewardship/trust, or loving inclusion of others.We started out reviewing the Core Values – what does that mean? It means it’s the center (core) of what we build everything we do on. We also briefly discussed our weeks of Giving and what it means to be greedy and what it means to be giving.
Today, we focused on what giving at Christmastime means to us, specifically time spent, and giving of our talents. Laura talked about how time spent on a gift is important to her, and that time with others really makes Christmastime special. Geoff told the story of the little drummer boy who drummed because he didn’t have a present to give Jesus at his birthday party. He gave his talent. This Christmas two ways you can show your love for God and others is spending time with them, and doing the things you are good at for them.
Before beginning our activity today, we asked the BKs “What do you give someone when you really can’t give them anything material?” Like the drummer boy you give them your talent. As an art project today, we drew what we might give Jesus.
We challenged them to find time and do things they are good at to make this Christmas special.
December – Bridge Core Values -- Giving
Dine and Dish:
Talk – Talk to your kids about giving their talents at Christmastime. What does that mean to you?
Tell your child what you think they are good at. How can you translate that into a Christmas gift?
Talk about what your talents are. Ask what your kid thinks you are good at.
Do an activity together:The great thing about Giving is that anyone can give, regardless of social or economic standing. Be resourceful and talk to your kids about what they are doing and why.
Spend time on a found ornament – Give your family 10 minutes to run around the house finding items that they can make into an ornament. Then spend time decorating, drawing, pasting, and creating an original ’07 ornament. A memory that you can do every year (and a way to clean out your junk drawer).
Do a family talent show– If you have family around. Gather everyone and act as MC for a family talent show. You might never have known that Uncle Bob had pipes like that!
Create – Create art/bracelets/scarves/etc. together to be sold for $1-$5 at the Bridge Kids Merch Table, downstairs, before and after church, the month of December. Your kids will get $0.50 from each dollar that they sell. The other $0.50 will go toward HOMEPDX.
Socks – Go to Wal-Mart (or whatever store you would like) and buy a $7 bag of men’s white crew socks and bring them to church for the sock drawer. Let your kids pay for the socks at the counter. Talk with them about what you are doing and why. Discuss what it would be like to have to wear the same pair of socks every day. Let your kids fill the sock drawer at church.
Clean Out – Clean out your kids’ toy boxes and closets with things they don’t play with or use anymore. Things that are in really good condition. Clean them up and donate them to a local free porch or let your kids choose who they would like to give their items to – family, friends, or heck, even strangers.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Saturday, December 22, 2007
The Bridge Core Values – Week 7 – Giving
Matthew 10:5-8 “Jesus sent his twelve harvest hands out with this charge: ‘Don't begin by traveling to some far-off place to convert unbelievers. And don't try to be dramatic by tackling some public enemy. Go to the lost, confused people right here in the neighborhood. Tell them that the kingdom is here. Bring health to the sick. Raise the dead. Touch the untouchables. Kick out the demons. You have been treated generously, so live generously.’” II Corinthians 9:6-7 “Remember: A stingy planter gets a stingy crop; a lavish planter gets a lavish crop. I want each of you to take plenty of time to think it over, and make up your own mind what you will give. That will protect you against sob stories and arm-twisting. God loves it when the giver delights in the giving.”
This week at Bridge Kids, we continued our month of learning about the Bridge Core Value, Giving. We talked about how Giving of ourselves and/or our resources to others is a reflection of God’s Love Language of Gifts, which can take many forms, just like our own Love Languages – through worship to God, material provision, stewardship/trust, or loving inclusion of others.We started out reviewing the previous Sunday -- Core Values – what does that mean? It means it’s the center (core) of what we build everything we do on. We also briefly discussed our time from last week, our 2nd week of Giving – “The Giving Tree” – What it means to be greedy and what it means to be giving.
Today, we focused on Giving encouragement to those around us. We talked about how Giving encouragement to others, is a way we can show our love for God and for others. Love God, Love Others as Ourselves.
Before beginning our activity today, we asked the BKs “What do you give someone when you really can’t give them anything material?” You can give them encouragement and prayer. As an activity today, we wrote words of encouragement to a Grandma who is friends with Geoff and Crystal Neill. She was recently diagnosed with a very aggressive form of cancer. The BKs will have a very positive impact on this Grandma’s life, by giving her words of encouragement. We discussed how we can have a positive impact in other peoples’ lives, just by giving encouragement.
We challenged them to find time and creative ways this week of giving encouragement to others.
Dine and Dish:
Talk – Talk to your kids about giving encouragement. What does that mean to you?
What can you give someone when a material thing or money won’t help or fix what they are going through?
Talk about what encourages you. Ask what encourages your kids.
Do an activity together:The great thing about Giving is that anyone can give, regardless of social or economic standing. Be resourceful and talk to your kids about what they are doing and why.
Encourage – Talk to your kids this week – ask them if there is anyone in their life (at school, church, family, etc.) that they think needs encouragement or prayer. Come up with creative ways to encourage that person (cards, a fun phone call, drop by their work to say hi, send an email, etc.) and pray with your kids for that person.
Create – Create art/bracelets/scarves/etc. together to be sold for $1-$5 at the Bridge Kids Merch Table, downstairs, before and after church, the month of December. Your kids will get $0.50 from each dollar that they sell. The other $0.50 will go toward HOMEPDX.
Socks – Go to Wal-Mart (or whatever store you would like) and buy a $7 bag of men’s white crew socks and bring them to church for the sock drawer. Let your kids pay for the socks at the counter. Talk with them about what you are doing and why. Discuss what it would be like to have to wear the same pair of socks every day. Let your kids fill the sock drawer at church.
In-Home Change Drive – Decorate a jar or box together that you will put all your spare change into for a month. At the end of the month, count all the change you have collected and donate it to a non-profit, help someone buy groceries, provide dinner for a friend or family member, or think of something you know another person needs and “donate” to their cause.
Clean Out – Clean out your kids’ toy boxes and closets with things they don’t play with or use anymore. Things that are in really good condition. Clean them up and donate them to a local free porch or let your kids choose who they would like to give their items to – family, friends, or heck, even strangers.
This week at Bridge Kids, we continued our month of learning about the Bridge Core Value, Giving. We talked about how Giving of ourselves and/or our resources to others is a reflection of God’s Love Language of Gifts, which can take many forms, just like our own Love Languages – through worship to God, material provision, stewardship/trust, or loving inclusion of others.We started out reviewing the previous Sunday -- Core Values – what does that mean? It means it’s the center (core) of what we build everything we do on. We also briefly discussed our time from last week, our 2nd week of Giving – “The Giving Tree” – What it means to be greedy and what it means to be giving.
Today, we focused on Giving encouragement to those around us. We talked about how Giving encouragement to others, is a way we can show our love for God and for others. Love God, Love Others as Ourselves.
Before beginning our activity today, we asked the BKs “What do you give someone when you really can’t give them anything material?” You can give them encouragement and prayer. As an activity today, we wrote words of encouragement to a Grandma who is friends with Geoff and Crystal Neill. She was recently diagnosed with a very aggressive form of cancer. The BKs will have a very positive impact on this Grandma’s life, by giving her words of encouragement. We discussed how we can have a positive impact in other peoples’ lives, just by giving encouragement.
We challenged them to find time and creative ways this week of giving encouragement to others.
Dine and Dish:
Talk – Talk to your kids about giving encouragement. What does that mean to you?
What can you give someone when a material thing or money won’t help or fix what they are going through?
Talk about what encourages you. Ask what encourages your kids.
Do an activity together:The great thing about Giving is that anyone can give, regardless of social or economic standing. Be resourceful and talk to your kids about what they are doing and why.
Encourage – Talk to your kids this week – ask them if there is anyone in their life (at school, church, family, etc.) that they think needs encouragement or prayer. Come up with creative ways to encourage that person (cards, a fun phone call, drop by their work to say hi, send an email, etc.) and pray with your kids for that person.
Create – Create art/bracelets/scarves/etc. together to be sold for $1-$5 at the Bridge Kids Merch Table, downstairs, before and after church, the month of December. Your kids will get $0.50 from each dollar that they sell. The other $0.50 will go toward HOMEPDX.
Socks – Go to Wal-Mart (or whatever store you would like) and buy a $7 bag of men’s white crew socks and bring them to church for the sock drawer. Let your kids pay for the socks at the counter. Talk with them about what you are doing and why. Discuss what it would be like to have to wear the same pair of socks every day. Let your kids fill the sock drawer at church.
In-Home Change Drive – Decorate a jar or box together that you will put all your spare change into for a month. At the end of the month, count all the change you have collected and donate it to a non-profit, help someone buy groceries, provide dinner for a friend or family member, or think of something you know another person needs and “donate” to their cause.
Clean Out – Clean out your kids’ toy boxes and closets with things they don’t play with or use anymore. Things that are in really good condition. Clean them up and donate them to a local free porch or let your kids choose who they would like to give their items to – family, friends, or heck, even strangers.
The Bridge Core Values – Week 6 – Giving
Matthew 10:5-8 “Jesus sent his twelve harvest hands out with this charge: ‘Don't begin by traveling to some far-off place to convert unbelievers. And don't try to be dramatic by tackling some public enemy. Go to the lost, confused people right here in the neighborhood. Tell them that the kingdom is here. Bring health to the sick. Raise the dead. Touch the untouchables. Kick out the demons. You have been treated generously, so live generously.’” II Corinthians 9:6-7 “Remember: A stingy planter gets a stingy crop; a lavish planter gets a lavish crop. I want each of you to take plenty of time to think it over, and make up your own mind what you will give. That will protect you against sob stories and arm-twisting. God loves it when the giver delights in the giving.”
This week at Bridge Kids, we continued our month of learning about the Bridge Core Value, Giving. We talked about how Giving of ourselves and/or our resources to others is a reflection of God’s Love Language of Gifts, which can take many forms, just like our own Love Languages – through worship to God, material provision, stewardship/trust, or loving inclusion of others.We started out reviewing the previous Sunday -- Core Values – what does that mean? It means it’s the center (core) of what we build everything we do on. We also briefly discussed our time from last week, our 1st week of Giving – which can encompass all 5 Love Languages – Gifts, Time, Acts of Service, Physical Touch and Words of Affirmation.
Today, we focused on Giving of Time. We talked about how Giving our time to others, is a way we can show our love for God and for others. Love God, Love Others as Ourselves.
As an activity today, we read the book, “The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein. After reading the book we asked the BKs the following questions: Why is the tree lonely when the boy grows up? How do you think the tree would feel if the boy didn’t take all it offered? How do you feel when you give something to someone? How do you feel when you receive something? What does it mean to be greedy? What does it mean to be generous? How do you feel when someone is greedy toward you? Do you need to have money in order to give?
We challenged them to find time and creative ways this week of giving to others.
Dine and Dish:
Talk – Talk to your kids about giving of your Time. What does that mean to you?
Ask your kids about the book, The Giving Tree. What did they think of the story? Did they learn anything? Review the questions we asked them during our time together this Sunday.
Do an activity together:The great thing about Giving is that anyone can give, regardless of social or economic standing. Be resourceful and talk to your kids about what they are doing and why.
Time – Give of your time this week with your kids. Volunteer somewhere: Church (Set Up/Tear Down, Help fill grocery bags, etc.), Dove Lewis Animal Hospital, Friends of the Children (in NE Portland, near The Bridge), HOMEPDX (help sort and collect socks), Retirement Homes, Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, etc.
Create – Create art/bracelets/scarves/etc. together to be sold for $1-$5 at the Bridge Kids Merch Table, downstairs, before and after church, the month of December. Your kids will get $0.50 from each dollar that they sell. The other $0.50 will go toward HOMEPDX.
Socks – Go to Wal-Mart (or whatever store you would like) and buy a $7 bag of men’s white crew socks and bring them to church for the sock drawer. Let your kids pay for the socks at the counter. Talk with them about what you are doing and why. Discuss what it would be like to have to wear the same pair of socks every day. Let your kids fill the sock drawer at church.
In-Home Change Drive – Decorate a jar or box together that you will put all your spare change into for a month. At the end of the month, count all the change you have collected and donate it to a non-profit, help someone buy groceries, provide dinner for a friend or family member, or think of something you know another person needs and “donate” to their cause.
Clean Out – Clean out your kids’ toy boxes and closets with things they don’t play with or use anymore. Things that are in really good condition. Clean them up and donate them to a local free porch or let your kids choose who they would like to give their items to – family, friends, or heck, even strangers.
This week at Bridge Kids, we continued our month of learning about the Bridge Core Value, Giving. We talked about how Giving of ourselves and/or our resources to others is a reflection of God’s Love Language of Gifts, which can take many forms, just like our own Love Languages – through worship to God, material provision, stewardship/trust, or loving inclusion of others.We started out reviewing the previous Sunday -- Core Values – what does that mean? It means it’s the center (core) of what we build everything we do on. We also briefly discussed our time from last week, our 1st week of Giving – which can encompass all 5 Love Languages – Gifts, Time, Acts of Service, Physical Touch and Words of Affirmation.
Today, we focused on Giving of Time. We talked about how Giving our time to others, is a way we can show our love for God and for others. Love God, Love Others as Ourselves.
As an activity today, we read the book, “The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein. After reading the book we asked the BKs the following questions: Why is the tree lonely when the boy grows up? How do you think the tree would feel if the boy didn’t take all it offered? How do you feel when you give something to someone? How do you feel when you receive something? What does it mean to be greedy? What does it mean to be generous? How do you feel when someone is greedy toward you? Do you need to have money in order to give?
We challenged them to find time and creative ways this week of giving to others.
Dine and Dish:
Talk – Talk to your kids about giving of your Time. What does that mean to you?
Ask your kids about the book, The Giving Tree. What did they think of the story? Did they learn anything? Review the questions we asked them during our time together this Sunday.
Do an activity together:The great thing about Giving is that anyone can give, regardless of social or economic standing. Be resourceful and talk to your kids about what they are doing and why.
Time – Give of your time this week with your kids. Volunteer somewhere: Church (Set Up/Tear Down, Help fill grocery bags, etc.), Dove Lewis Animal Hospital, Friends of the Children (in NE Portland, near The Bridge), HOMEPDX (help sort and collect socks), Retirement Homes, Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, etc.
Create – Create art/bracelets/scarves/etc. together to be sold for $1-$5 at the Bridge Kids Merch Table, downstairs, before and after church, the month of December. Your kids will get $0.50 from each dollar that they sell. The other $0.50 will go toward HOMEPDX.
Socks – Go to Wal-Mart (or whatever store you would like) and buy a $7 bag of men’s white crew socks and bring them to church for the sock drawer. Let your kids pay for the socks at the counter. Talk with them about what you are doing and why. Discuss what it would be like to have to wear the same pair of socks every day. Let your kids fill the sock drawer at church.
In-Home Change Drive – Decorate a jar or box together that you will put all your spare change into for a month. At the end of the month, count all the change you have collected and donate it to a non-profit, help someone buy groceries, provide dinner for a friend or family member, or think of something you know another person needs and “donate” to their cause.
Clean Out – Clean out your kids’ toy boxes and closets with things they don’t play with or use anymore. Things that are in really good condition. Clean them up and donate them to a local free porch or let your kids choose who they would like to give their items to – family, friends, or heck, even strangers.
The Bridge Core Values – Week 5 – Giving.
Matthew 10:8 “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. Freely you received, freely give.” II Corinthians 9:6 “Now I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.”
This week at Bridge Kids, we began our new month of The Bridge Core Value, Giving, by talking about how Giving to others, of ourselves and/or our resources is a reflection of God’s Love Language of Giving, which can take many forms, just like our own Love Languages – through worship to God, material provision, or loving inclusion of others. We started out reviewing the previous Sunday -- Core Values – what does that mean? It means it’s the center (core) of what we build everything we do on. We also briefly discussed Worship through Songwriting – the Love Language of Quality Time, Gifts and Words of Affirmation.
Today, we focused on giving of material provisions. We talked about how giving of the things we have, in order to help provide for others is a way we can show our love for God and for others. Love God, Love Others as Ourselves.
Dave taught us about how people can manipulate gifts out of people, and it is important to have a pure heart when giving. Not out of obligation, but out of your true self.
As an activity today, the Bridge Kids designed buttons (round pins) to be sold the week of December 9th, at The Bridge, for $1. The proceeds will then go to HomePDX for socks! We talked about how we can use the materials we have either individually, or as a community, to provide material provisions for others. And, that giving can come in many forms and many creative ways. With the sale of the buttons, and the purchase of socks, the kids will be able to see immediate effects of their giving.
We challenged them to find time this week to find creative ways of giving to others.
December – Bridge Core Values -- Giving
Dine and Dish:
Talk – Talk to your kids about giving of material provisions. What does it mean to you?
Discuss a time (or times) in your life when you have been the recipient of someone’s generosity. What type of impact did it have on you? What type of connection to God did you feel?
Discuss a time (or times) when you have given to others, resourcefully. What did you do? Why? How did it make you feel? What type of connection to God did you feel?
Do an activity together: The great thing about Giving is that anyone can give, regardless of social or economic standing. Be resourceful and talk to your kids about what they are doing and why.
Create – Create art/bracelets/scarves/etc. together to be sold for $1-$5 at the Bridge Kids Merch Table, downstairs, before and after church, the month of December. The funds will go toward socks for HOMEPDX. Your kids will get $0.50 from each dollar that they sell. The other $0.50 will go toward HOMEPDX.
Socks – Go to Wal-Mart (or whatever store you would like) and buy a $7 bag of men’s white crew socks and bring them to church for the sock drawer. Let your kids pay for the socks at the counter. Talk with them about what you are doing and why. Discuss what it would be like to have to wear the same pair of socks every day. Let your kids fill the sock drawer at church.
In-Home Change Drive – Decorate a jar or box together that you will put all your spare change into for a month. At the end of the month, count all the change you have collected and donate it to a non-profit, help someone buy groceries, provide dinner for a friend or family member, or think of something you know another person needs and “donate” to their cause.
Clean Out – Clean out your kids’ toy boxes and closets with things they don’t play with or use anymore. Things that are in really good condition. Clean them up and donate them to a local free porch or let your kids choose who they would like to give their items to – family, friends, strangers.
The Bridge Core Values – Week 4 – Worship through Songwriting
John 4: 23-24 Jesus says, It’s who you are and the way you live that count before God. Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth. That’s the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly themselves before Him in their worship. God is sheer being itself – Spirit. Those who worship Him must do it out of their very being, their spirits, their true selves, in adoration.
This week at Bridge Kids, we finished our month focusing on The Bridge Core Value, Worship by talking about how Worship is one of God’s Love Languages, which can take many forms, just like our own Love Languages. Our main focus this week was Worship through Songwriting. Songwriting, in an act of worship to God, is like the Love Languages, Words of Affirmation, Gifts and Quality Time.
We started out reviewing the previous Sunday -- Core Values – what does that mean? It means it’s the center (core) of what we build everything we do on. We also briefly discussed Worship through Dancing – the Love Language of Quality Time. We then took a minute to sit in our circle, quietly thinking about things we are thankful for – whether it is people in our lives, our homes, school, or our life. This gave us time to reflect and prepare ourselves for the act of worship.
Today, had a special guest, Todd Fadel, come teach us about songwriting as an act of worship! Todd created a songwriting game that he played with the Bridge Kids to teach them how to write their own songs, at home. Todd and the Bridge Kids wrote a worship song together that will be sung at church in the upcoming weeks.
We challenged them to find time this week to listen to teach YOU Todd’s songwriting game and write together, with you in the next week. – whether they are happy or sad, angry of joyful.
November – Bridge Core Values -- Worship
Dine and Dish:
Talk – Talk to your kids about worship. What does it mean to you? How do you like to worship God? Ask them how they think they might like to worship.
Ask your kids what they are thankful for in their lives.
Discuss the things you are thankful for in your life.
Do an activity together: If you are a parent who is timid about music – that’s ok. Before you begin, be sure to take time to reflect – even if it’s 2 minutes – on God, things to be thankful for and make sure it’s a quiet time, or a brief discussion.
Play the Game – Have your kids teach you Todd’s Songwriting game and sing it together, write it out, frame it and place it on the wall.
Music – Listen to different types of worshipful/prayerful music together and talk about what you think the songwriter was feeling or trying to say to God.
Create Instruments – Using regular household items (ie pots, pans, blocks, etc.) create musical instruments together and play them while listening to music or singing together. Bring them to church to play during the music time upstairs.
Keep a Notebook Handy – Take a simple notebook with you where ever you go, so if the mood strikes or you are on a road trip together, you can bring it out and start writing together. Start being aware of all the things that surround you to be thankful to God for – nature, laughter, family, friends, love, etc.
Share – If you write a song, as an act of worship together, bring it to church – share it with the community. We would LOVE to hear what you create together and have the opportunity to connect to God, along with you.
This week at Bridge Kids, we finished our month focusing on The Bridge Core Value, Worship by talking about how Worship is one of God’s Love Languages, which can take many forms, just like our own Love Languages. Our main focus this week was Worship through Songwriting. Songwriting, in an act of worship to God, is like the Love Languages, Words of Affirmation, Gifts and Quality Time.
We started out reviewing the previous Sunday -- Core Values – what does that mean? It means it’s the center (core) of what we build everything we do on. We also briefly discussed Worship through Dancing – the Love Language of Quality Time. We then took a minute to sit in our circle, quietly thinking about things we are thankful for – whether it is people in our lives, our homes, school, or our life. This gave us time to reflect and prepare ourselves for the act of worship.
Today, had a special guest, Todd Fadel, come teach us about songwriting as an act of worship! Todd created a songwriting game that he played with the Bridge Kids to teach them how to write their own songs, at home. Todd and the Bridge Kids wrote a worship song together that will be sung at church in the upcoming weeks.
We challenged them to find time this week to listen to teach YOU Todd’s songwriting game and write together, with you in the next week. – whether they are happy or sad, angry of joyful.
November – Bridge Core Values -- Worship
Dine and Dish:
Talk – Talk to your kids about worship. What does it mean to you? How do you like to worship God? Ask them how they think they might like to worship.
Ask your kids what they are thankful for in their lives.
Discuss the things you are thankful for in your life.
Do an activity together: If you are a parent who is timid about music – that’s ok. Before you begin, be sure to take time to reflect – even if it’s 2 minutes – on God, things to be thankful for and make sure it’s a quiet time, or a brief discussion.
Play the Game – Have your kids teach you Todd’s Songwriting game and sing it together, write it out, frame it and place it on the wall.
Music – Listen to different types of worshipful/prayerful music together and talk about what you think the songwriter was feeling or trying to say to God.
Create Instruments – Using regular household items (ie pots, pans, blocks, etc.) create musical instruments together and play them while listening to music or singing together. Bring them to church to play during the music time upstairs.
Keep a Notebook Handy – Take a simple notebook with you where ever you go, so if the mood strikes or you are on a road trip together, you can bring it out and start writing together. Start being aware of all the things that surround you to be thankful to God for – nature, laughter, family, friends, love, etc.
Share – If you write a song, as an act of worship together, bring it to church – share it with the community. We would LOVE to hear what you create together and have the opportunity to connect to God, along with you.
The Bridge Core Values – Week 3 – Worship through Dancing
John 4: 23-24 Jesus says, It’s who you are and the way you live that count before God. Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth. That’s the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly themselves before Him in their worship. God is sheer being itself – Spirit. Those who worship Him must do it out of their very being, their spirits, their true selves, in adoration.
This week at Bridge Kids, we talked about how Worship is one of God’s Love Languages, which can take many forms, just like our own Love Languages. Our main focus this week was Worship through Dancing. Dancing, in worship to God, is like the Love Language, Quality Time. We talked about how David, in the Bible danced before God– in thanksgiving and as a cry for help….David was not afraid to be his true self in front of God and we should not be afraid, either.
We started out reviewing the previous Sunday -- Core Values – what does that mean? It means it’s the center (core) of what we build everything we do on. We also briefly discussed Worship through Poetry – the Love Languages of Words of Affirmation and Quality Time. We then took a minute to sit in our circle, quietly thinking about things we are thankful for – whether it is people in our lives, our homes, school, or our life. This gave us time to reflect and prepare ourselves for the act of worship.
Today, had a special guest, Deborah Loyd, come teach us about dancing as an act of worship! We then began the process of being aware of our surroundings, the people around us and being respectful of others’ personal space of worship. Deborah taught us about using the movements in our body to worship God. We can dance and be silly as an act of worship, but we can also move in a prayerful way that reflects how we are feeling toward God.
We challenged them to find time this week to listen to music and dance – whether they are happy or sad, angry of joyful.
November – Bridge Core Values -- Worship
Dine and Dish:
Talk – Talk to your kids about worship. What does it mean to you? How do you like to worship God? Ask them how they think they might like to worship.
Ask your kids what they are thankful for in their lives.
Discuss the things you are thankful for in your life.
Do an activity together: If you are a parent who is timid about dancing – that’s ok. Before you begin, be sure to take time to reflect – even if it’s 2 minutes – on God, things to be thankful for and make sure it’s a quiet time, or a brief discussion.
Ring Around the Rosie Style – Do a Ring Around the Rosie type of dance with your kids, to specific music, or as you are holding hands and skipping in a circle pray a prayer of thanksgiving to God – each of you saying one thing you are thankful for. Once it’s time to “All fall down!” Sit in your circle and talk about the things you are thankful for. Try it again, only slower, with things you want prayer for or how you need God’s help.
Swing – If your kids are small enough to pick up, pick them up, hold them and slowly swing back and forth, praying out loud in thankfulness or prayerfulness.
Read Psalms and Dance – Pick a Psalm and make up funny or serious dance moves to the specific psalm.
Dance without Music – It might seem awkward at first, but move around, mindful of your surroundings and dance with your kids, either silently or while saying things to God, together.
Dance with Music – Try different styles of music from hip hop to classical, being mindful this is an act of worship and experiment how the different style of music changes your thoughts and movements toward God.
This week at Bridge Kids, we talked about how Worship is one of God’s Love Languages, which can take many forms, just like our own Love Languages. Our main focus this week was Worship through Dancing. Dancing, in worship to God, is like the Love Language, Quality Time. We talked about how David, in the Bible danced before God– in thanksgiving and as a cry for help….David was not afraid to be his true self in front of God and we should not be afraid, either.
We started out reviewing the previous Sunday -- Core Values – what does that mean? It means it’s the center (core) of what we build everything we do on. We also briefly discussed Worship through Poetry – the Love Languages of Words of Affirmation and Quality Time. We then took a minute to sit in our circle, quietly thinking about things we are thankful for – whether it is people in our lives, our homes, school, or our life. This gave us time to reflect and prepare ourselves for the act of worship.
Today, had a special guest, Deborah Loyd, come teach us about dancing as an act of worship! We then began the process of being aware of our surroundings, the people around us and being respectful of others’ personal space of worship. Deborah taught us about using the movements in our body to worship God. We can dance and be silly as an act of worship, but we can also move in a prayerful way that reflects how we are feeling toward God.
We challenged them to find time this week to listen to music and dance – whether they are happy or sad, angry of joyful.
November – Bridge Core Values -- Worship
Dine and Dish:
Talk – Talk to your kids about worship. What does it mean to you? How do you like to worship God? Ask them how they think they might like to worship.
Ask your kids what they are thankful for in their lives.
Discuss the things you are thankful for in your life.
Do an activity together: If you are a parent who is timid about dancing – that’s ok. Before you begin, be sure to take time to reflect – even if it’s 2 minutes – on God, things to be thankful for and make sure it’s a quiet time, or a brief discussion.
Ring Around the Rosie Style – Do a Ring Around the Rosie type of dance with your kids, to specific music, or as you are holding hands and skipping in a circle pray a prayer of thanksgiving to God – each of you saying one thing you are thankful for. Once it’s time to “All fall down!” Sit in your circle and talk about the things you are thankful for. Try it again, only slower, with things you want prayer for or how you need God’s help.
Swing – If your kids are small enough to pick up, pick them up, hold them and slowly swing back and forth, praying out loud in thankfulness or prayerfulness.
Read Psalms and Dance – Pick a Psalm and make up funny or serious dance moves to the specific psalm.
Dance without Music – It might seem awkward at first, but move around, mindful of your surroundings and dance with your kids, either silently or while saying things to God, together.
Dance with Music – Try different styles of music from hip hop to classical, being mindful this is an act of worship and experiment how the different style of music changes your thoughts and movements toward God.
Monday, November 12, 2007
The Bridge Core Values – Week 2 – Worship through Writing
John 4: 23-24 Jesus says, It’s who you are and the way you live that count before God. Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth. That’s the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly themselves before Him in their worship. God is sheer being itself – Spirit. Those who worship Him must do it out of their very being, their spirits, their true selves, in adoration.
This week at Bridge Kids, we talked about how Worship is one of God’s Love Languages, which can take many forms, just like our own Love Languages. Our main focus this week was Worship through Writing Poetry. We discussed asking for help and giving thanks to God through writing poems. Writing, in worship to God, is like the Love Language, Words of Affirmation and Quality Time. We talked about how David, in the Bible wrote poems to God – some of thanksgiving and some a cry for help….David was not afraid to be his true self when communicating with God.
We started out reviewing the previous Sunday -- Core Values – what does that mean? It means it’s the center (core) of what we build everything we do on. We also briefly discussed Worship through Art – the Love Language of Gifts to God. We then took a minute to sit in our circle, quietly thinking about things we are thankful for – whether it is people in our lives, our homes, school, or our life. This gave us time to reflect and prepare ourselves for the act of worship.
Today, we broke the group into 4 groups, pairing each group with a BK Volunteer. We then began the process of Flash Poetry with each of the groups. At the top of each flipchart sheet we wrote a different word – Thankful, Help, Laugh, Cry and had the kids give us words they thought of when we said the word at the top of their page. The BK Volunteer then transcribed the words the BK group gave them onto the flipchart paper and helped their group create a poem, as an act of worship to God. We then shared our poems with the entire group. We challenged them to find time this week to write their thoughts to God – whether they are happy or sad, angry of joyful. If they are unable to write, just yet, we challenged them to have their parents help them write a poem of worship to God.
Listen to the kids Poems
THANKFUL!
I am Happy and feel Warm on Thanksgiving.
Parties and Food make me smell Fishy.
Doggies are cute & the Family of the Gnarwhale are my Friends.
The Panda enjoys the PandaExpress, before he eats Candy.
you don't want Clothes on Christmas or to Fart in God's presence.
I can be mySelf in Love with Decorations of Candles on Halloween.
Bill Cosby eats jello Lions and is an Artist.
HELP
Dear God,
We love you,
Please help Kelli breathe
I feel like I'm going to Scream and I feel Sick.
God, we are a Team, we want to stop people from dying & Running away.
Help us Now.
I'm sitting in this Tired Car and I need to Call 9-1-1.
My Hair is on fire.
The Family of BridgeKids is Thankful but we're Scared & Distressed.
The Adults have turned into Apples.
Firefighters, Ambulance, & Hospitals are good for the environment.
AMEN!
Dine and Dish:
Talk – Talk to your kids about worship. What does it mean to you? How do you like to worship God? Ask them how they think they might like to worship.
Ask your kids what they are thankful for in their lives.
Discuss the things you are thankful for in your life.
Do an activity together: If you are a parent who is timid about writing – that’s ok. Before you begin, be sure to take time to reflect – even if it’s 2 minutes – on God, things to be thankful for and make sure it’s a quiet time, or a brief discussion.
Flash Poetry – Todd & Angie Fadel taught us, as a church, last year, that we can ALL be poets! This is a great way to worship God through writing. Have your child pick one word (it can be anything, even if they say, “Spiderman” – that is TOTALLY OK!) then, together, brain dump words that come to your mind, while thinking of the initial word chosen. Only do this for about a minute or two. Once you are finished, use connecting words or fragments to create a poem from your brain dump. Once you are finished, read the poem together as a prayer of help or thanksgiving to God.
Share – If you are someone who writes on a regular basis, share some of your work with your kids (make sure it’s age appropriate) and talk about why you wrote what you did – how you were feeling, how you felt after writing it, how, or if, it affected your relationship with God and with others.
Read Psalms or Proverbs – Pick a Psalm or Proverb to read to your child(ren) before bedtime each night. Talk with your kids about what they think of the writing, what you think about the writing and what you think the author was feeling when writing.
Re-Write a Psalm or Proverb – Choosing a favorite Psalm or Proverb, read it, line by line, with your kids and with their help, re-write it, in your own words.
Journal – Encourage your kids to write or draw in their journals, how they are feeling. If your kids aren’t at a stage of writing, help them write in their journal. Go somewhere private, where you won’t be disturbed by outside sources and write with your kids.
This week at Bridge Kids, we talked about how Worship is one of God’s Love Languages, which can take many forms, just like our own Love Languages. Our main focus this week was Worship through Writing Poetry. We discussed asking for help and giving thanks to God through writing poems. Writing, in worship to God, is like the Love Language, Words of Affirmation and Quality Time. We talked about how David, in the Bible wrote poems to God – some of thanksgiving and some a cry for help….David was not afraid to be his true self when communicating with God.
We started out reviewing the previous Sunday -- Core Values – what does that mean? It means it’s the center (core) of what we build everything we do on. We also briefly discussed Worship through Art – the Love Language of Gifts to God. We then took a minute to sit in our circle, quietly thinking about things we are thankful for – whether it is people in our lives, our homes, school, or our life. This gave us time to reflect and prepare ourselves for the act of worship.
Today, we broke the group into 4 groups, pairing each group with a BK Volunteer. We then began the process of Flash Poetry with each of the groups. At the top of each flipchart sheet we wrote a different word – Thankful, Help, Laugh, Cry and had the kids give us words they thought of when we said the word at the top of their page. The BK Volunteer then transcribed the words the BK group gave them onto the flipchart paper and helped their group create a poem, as an act of worship to God. We then shared our poems with the entire group. We challenged them to find time this week to write their thoughts to God – whether they are happy or sad, angry of joyful. If they are unable to write, just yet, we challenged them to have their parents help them write a poem of worship to God.
Listen to the kids Poems
THANKFUL!
I am Happy and feel Warm on Thanksgiving.
Parties and Food make me smell Fishy.
Doggies are cute & the Family of the Gnarwhale are my Friends.
The Panda enjoys the PandaExpress, before he eats Candy.
you don't want Clothes on Christmas or to Fart in God's presence.
I can be mySelf in Love with Decorations of Candles on Halloween.
Bill Cosby eats jello Lions and is an Artist.
HELP
Dear God,
We love you,
Please help Kelli breathe
I feel like I'm going to Scream and I feel Sick.
God, we are a Team, we want to stop people from dying & Running away.
Help us Now.
I'm sitting in this Tired Car and I need to Call 9-1-1.
My Hair is on fire.
The Family of BridgeKids is Thankful but we're Scared & Distressed.
The Adults have turned into Apples.
Firefighters, Ambulance, & Hospitals are good for the environment.
AMEN!
Dine and Dish:
Talk – Talk to your kids about worship. What does it mean to you? How do you like to worship God? Ask them how they think they might like to worship.
Ask your kids what they are thankful for in their lives.
Discuss the things you are thankful for in your life.
Do an activity together: If you are a parent who is timid about writing – that’s ok. Before you begin, be sure to take time to reflect – even if it’s 2 minutes – on God, things to be thankful for and make sure it’s a quiet time, or a brief discussion.
Flash Poetry – Todd & Angie Fadel taught us, as a church, last year, that we can ALL be poets! This is a great way to worship God through writing. Have your child pick one word (it can be anything, even if they say, “Spiderman” – that is TOTALLY OK!) then, together, brain dump words that come to your mind, while thinking of the initial word chosen. Only do this for about a minute or two. Once you are finished, use connecting words or fragments to create a poem from your brain dump. Once you are finished, read the poem together as a prayer of help or thanksgiving to God.
Share – If you are someone who writes on a regular basis, share some of your work with your kids (make sure it’s age appropriate) and talk about why you wrote what you did – how you were feeling, how you felt after writing it, how, or if, it affected your relationship with God and with others.
Read Psalms or Proverbs – Pick a Psalm or Proverb to read to your child(ren) before bedtime each night. Talk with your kids about what they think of the writing, what you think about the writing and what you think the author was feeling when writing.
Re-Write a Psalm or Proverb – Choosing a favorite Psalm or Proverb, read it, line by line, with your kids and with their help, re-write it, in your own words.
Journal – Encourage your kids to write or draw in their journals, how they are feeling. If your kids aren’t at a stage of writing, help them write in their journal. Go somewhere private, where you won’t be disturbed by outside sources and write with your kids.
Monday, November 5, 2007
The Bridge Core Values – Week 1 – Worship through Art
John 4: 23-24 Jesus says, It’s who you are and the way you live that count before God. Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth. That’s the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly themselves before Him in their worship. God is sheer being itself – Spirit. Those who worship Him must do it out of their very being, their spirits, their true selves, in adoration.
This week at Bridge Kids, we talked about how Worship is one of God’s Love Languages, which can take many forms, just like our own Love Languages. Our main focus this week was Worship through Artistic Expression. We discussed showing love and thankfulness to God by creating art. Creating a work of art, in worship to God, is like the Love Language, Gifts.
We started out, talking about Core Values – what does that mean? It means it’s the center (core) of what we build everything we do on. We then took a minute to sit in our circle, quietly thinking about things we are thankful for – whether it is people in our lives, our homes, school, or our life. This gave us time to reflect and prepare ourselves for the act of worship.
Today, we set up stations so the kids could express themselves through different types of art and experience what it’s like to worship God through art. We challenged them to find time this week to do an art project, simple or complex, which reflects their thankfulness to God.
We will be discussing and exercising different ways to Worship God through the month of November – Art, Dancing, Songwriting, etc. We encourage you to talk with your kids about the different ways you like to Worship – what works for you, what doesn’t, what works for them, what doesn’t. And, ask you be open to trying new things.
Dine and Dish:
Talk –
Talk to your kids about worship. What does it mean to you? How do you like to worship God? Ask them how they think they might like to worship.
Ask your kids what they are thankful for in their lives.
Discuss the things you are thankful for in your life.
Do an activity together: If you are a parent who is timid about art – that’s ok. Let your kids guide you on this one. Be sure to take time to reflect – even if it’s 2 minutes – on God, things to be thankful for and make sure it’s a quiet time, or a brief discussion. See if having different types of music playing in the background inspires you in different ways.
Drawing/Painting – Get out paper and pens, pencils, crayons, paint etc. and draw or paint things you are thankful for with your kids. Take time before you do to be quiet together and reflect on the things you are thankful for. Mat or frame the art if you want.
Collage – This is a great way to get reuse your old magazines or newspapers….maybe even certain books. Cut, tear, glue, imagine.
Photography – Walk around your house or outside with your kids – if it’s raining, grab an umbrella. Let your kids take photos with your camera. If they are too little to handle a camera, let them direct the photography session. Get prints of the pics and frame them – even if the photos aren’t “centered” or what you might think are “good”. Be sure to remind them to be thoughtful of what they are photographing – ask why they are choosing a particular subject.
Play Dough/Sculpting – Yes, Play Dough can be used for Worship! Sculpt, twist, smash together, but be thoughtful and genuine in what you are doing.
Found Art – Walk around the neighborhood with your kids, go to the Goodwill and find things that wouldn’t normally be picked up and create a sculpture or picture with what you have found. This is a good way to talk about how things may get ugly in life, you can find the beauty in it, if you seek it.
Patches – Create clothing/backpack patches with your kids using old clothing. Rip or cut into squares and using fabric paint, Sharpie markers, embroidery, create designs and attach by sewing or using safety pins.
This week at Bridge Kids, we talked about how Worship is one of God’s Love Languages, which can take many forms, just like our own Love Languages. Our main focus this week was Worship through Artistic Expression. We discussed showing love and thankfulness to God by creating art. Creating a work of art, in worship to God, is like the Love Language, Gifts.
We started out, talking about Core Values – what does that mean? It means it’s the center (core) of what we build everything we do on. We then took a minute to sit in our circle, quietly thinking about things we are thankful for – whether it is people in our lives, our homes, school, or our life. This gave us time to reflect and prepare ourselves for the act of worship.
Today, we set up stations so the kids could express themselves through different types of art and experience what it’s like to worship God through art. We challenged them to find time this week to do an art project, simple or complex, which reflects their thankfulness to God.
We will be discussing and exercising different ways to Worship God through the month of November – Art, Dancing, Songwriting, etc. We encourage you to talk with your kids about the different ways you like to Worship – what works for you, what doesn’t, what works for them, what doesn’t. And, ask you be open to trying new things.
Dine and Dish:
Talk –
Talk to your kids about worship. What does it mean to you? How do you like to worship God? Ask them how they think they might like to worship.
Ask your kids what they are thankful for in their lives.
Discuss the things you are thankful for in your life.
Do an activity together: If you are a parent who is timid about art – that’s ok. Let your kids guide you on this one. Be sure to take time to reflect – even if it’s 2 minutes – on God, things to be thankful for and make sure it’s a quiet time, or a brief discussion. See if having different types of music playing in the background inspires you in different ways.
Drawing/Painting – Get out paper and pens, pencils, crayons, paint etc. and draw or paint things you are thankful for with your kids. Take time before you do to be quiet together and reflect on the things you are thankful for. Mat or frame the art if you want.
Collage – This is a great way to get reuse your old magazines or newspapers….maybe even certain books. Cut, tear, glue, imagine.
Photography – Walk around your house or outside with your kids – if it’s raining, grab an umbrella. Let your kids take photos with your camera. If they are too little to handle a camera, let them direct the photography session. Get prints of the pics and frame them – even if the photos aren’t “centered” or what you might think are “good”. Be sure to remind them to be thoughtful of what they are photographing – ask why they are choosing a particular subject.
Play Dough/Sculpting – Yes, Play Dough can be used for Worship! Sculpt, twist, smash together, but be thoughtful and genuine in what you are doing.
Found Art – Walk around the neighborhood with your kids, go to the Goodwill and find things that wouldn’t normally be picked up and create a sculpture or picture with what you have found. This is a good way to talk about how things may get ugly in life, you can find the beauty in it, if you seek it.
Patches – Create clothing/backpack patches with your kids using old clothing. Rip or cut into squares and using fabric paint, Sharpie markers, embroidery, create designs and attach by sewing or using safety pins.
Friday, November 2, 2007
Bridge Kids Sunday
Well... It was pretty remarkable
We had nearly 80% of the church dancing, the Kids GOT IT. The Adults added their peice to the puzzle. and there was lots of candy.
Thank you so everyone who made Bridge Kids Sunday happen!
Check out these incredible pictures of the Fun we Had!
Thank you to everyone that showed up and participated in one way or another -- we had so much fun...hope you did too! :)
Love you guys!
G&C
We had nearly 80% of the church dancing, the Kids GOT IT. The Adults added their peice to the puzzle. and there was lots of candy.
Thank you so everyone who made Bridge Kids Sunday happen!
Check out these incredible pictures of the Fun we Had!
Thank you to everyone that showed up and participated in one way or another -- we had so much fun...hope you did too! :)
Love you guys!
G&C
Sunday, October 21, 2007
The Five Love Languages – Week 6 – Review
This week at Bridge Kids, we reviewed each of the Love Languages.
We started out reviewing unconditional love and God’s unconditional love for us and how we don’t have to do anything to win God’s love for us – we just have it….always. Love God, Love Others as Self. God has given us an emotional fuel tank that uses the fuel of love to run smoothly. We talked about what happens when our love tank is empty, we feel sad, we might be grouchy, we may even be out of control. Or what happens when the love tank is full?
With each love language we reviewed what that language looks like, and how it fills our tanks.
We started out with Words of Affirmation, or Saying Nice Things to people, without expecting something in return. Saying something genuine is one way we can express our love for one another. We should never use words of affirmation to manipulate others into doing something for us.
Next was Giving a Gift to someone, without expecting something in return. This is one way we can express our love for one another. We should never use gifts to bribe others into doing something for us.
After that we discussed Time Spent With. We discussed showing love to others by spending QUALITY time with the people you love. Spending un-rushed time with someone we love, can show the other person, "You’re important. I like being with you."
Next we talked about Acts of service; how doing something for another person tells them "You’re needs are important to me." We said that it does not necessarily mean you are doing a courageous act or something huge – doing little things adds up!
Finally we wrapped up with Physical Touch. We discussed showing love to others by providing loving touch. We discussed appropriate hugs, high-fives, dancing (of course), fun snuggle times with parents while reading or watching a movie, holding hands, shoulder rides, being pushed on the swing, etc are all things we can do to show our love through touch.
We presented the kids with a specific love language challenge. We had the kids choose their favorite love language, and asked them how they will be speaking it this week?
Dine and Dish:
Talk – Ask you kids what their favorite love language is and why. Discuss the various activities that you have done in the past five weeks (whether at church or at home) and see if you discover what your child’s primary love language. Note: if your child is under five, they probably don’t have any preferences, or a primary love language. Ask them what doesn’t make them feel loved, and notice how that is related to a specific love language.
Do an activity together:
Challenge yourself to try to express a love language that you or your child doesn’t speak naturally. Read through the past materials given at Bridge Kids and see if you can learn any new tricks. Below is a quick review.
Kind Words
Say: Complements, Affimation, Kind Words
Do: Sending notes, Sending Cards.
No Criticism
Gifts
Say: positive, giving the facts
Do: Giving gifts on special (& not so special) occasions.
No forgetting special days
Time Spent
Say: One on one time, Not interrupting, Face to face conversation.
Do: Taking long walks, Doing things together, Taking trips.
No long periods being apart, or more time with friends than with significant other.
Acts of Service
Say: Action words like "I can" "I will" "what else can I do".
Do: Helping with the chores, repair/maintenance, Acts of kindness.
No ignoring significant other’s requests while helping someone else.
Loving Touch
Say: A lot of nonverbals, Verbals need to be word pictures.
Do: Touches, hugs, pats, kisses.
No physical neglect or abuse.
We started out reviewing unconditional love and God’s unconditional love for us and how we don’t have to do anything to win God’s love for us – we just have it….always. Love God, Love Others as Self. God has given us an emotional fuel tank that uses the fuel of love to run smoothly. We talked about what happens when our love tank is empty, we feel sad, we might be grouchy, we may even be out of control. Or what happens when the love tank is full?
With each love language we reviewed what that language looks like, and how it fills our tanks.
We started out with Words of Affirmation, or Saying Nice Things to people, without expecting something in return. Saying something genuine is one way we can express our love for one another. We should never use words of affirmation to manipulate others into doing something for us.
Next was Giving a Gift to someone, without expecting something in return. This is one way we can express our love for one another. We should never use gifts to bribe others into doing something for us.
After that we discussed Time Spent With. We discussed showing love to others by spending QUALITY time with the people you love. Spending un-rushed time with someone we love, can show the other person, "You’re important. I like being with you."
Next we talked about Acts of service; how doing something for another person tells them "You’re needs are important to me." We said that it does not necessarily mean you are doing a courageous act or something huge – doing little things adds up!
Finally we wrapped up with Physical Touch. We discussed showing love to others by providing loving touch. We discussed appropriate hugs, high-fives, dancing (of course), fun snuggle times with parents while reading or watching a movie, holding hands, shoulder rides, being pushed on the swing, etc are all things we can do to show our love through touch.
We presented the kids with a specific love language challenge. We had the kids choose their favorite love language, and asked them how they will be speaking it this week?
Dine and Dish:
Talk – Ask you kids what their favorite love language is and why. Discuss the various activities that you have done in the past five weeks (whether at church or at home) and see if you discover what your child’s primary love language. Note: if your child is under five, they probably don’t have any preferences, or a primary love language. Ask them what doesn’t make them feel loved, and notice how that is related to a specific love language.
Do an activity together:
Challenge yourself to try to express a love language that you or your child doesn’t speak naturally. Read through the past materials given at Bridge Kids and see if you can learn any new tricks. Below is a quick review.
Kind Words
Say: Complements, Affimation, Kind Words
Do: Sending notes, Sending Cards.
No Criticism
Gifts
Say: positive, giving the facts
Do: Giving gifts on special (& not so special) occasions.
No forgetting special days
Time Spent
Say: One on one time, Not interrupting, Face to face conversation.
Do: Taking long walks, Doing things together, Taking trips.
No long periods being apart, or more time with friends than with significant other.
Acts of Service
Say: Action words like "I can" "I will" "what else can I do".
Do: Helping with the chores, repair/maintenance, Acts of kindness.
No ignoring significant other’s requests while helping someone else.
Loving Touch
Say: A lot of nonverbals, Verbals need to be word pictures.
Do: Touches, hugs, pats, kisses.
No physical neglect or abuse.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
The Five Love Languages – Week 5 – Physical Touch
Mark 10:16 "He [Jesus] took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them."
This week at Bridge Kids, we reviewed each Love Language and our language focus last week, Acts of Service. Our main focus this week was Physical Touch. We discussed showing love to others by providing loving touch. We also discussed ways God has shown us Physical Touch – Jesus healing lepers (the grossest people on the planet at that time), Physical Healing, Giving us positive people in our lives that provide hugs and kisses.
We started out reviewing unconditional love and God’s unconditional love for us and how we don’t have to do anything to win God’s love for us – we just have it….always. Love God, Love Others as Self.
Today, we began with everyone giving each other a high-five. And discussed how high-fiving made them feel. Then, we talked about our emotional fuel tanks and how a friendly pat on the back or hug can show someone you care about them. We discussed when a person’s primary Love Language is Physical Touch, holding their hand or snuggling while reading a book are expressions of love that helps fill up their “love-tank”. We discussed appropriate hugs, high-fives, dancing (of course), fun snuggle times with parents while reading or watching a movie, holding hands, shoulder rides, being pushed on the swing, etc are all things we can do to show our love through touch. We also briefly discussed if someone’s touch makes them embarrassed, uncomfortable or feel wrong, they have the right to express how that touch makes them feel. They should also tell someone they trust, immediately, if someone is misusing the Love Language of Physical Touch and expressions of love should never make you feel yucky.
Today, each Bridge Kid traced their hands on paper, cut them out and decorated them. We then created a tree out of all the hands to show how positive loving touch makes us grow stronger emotionally. We discussed how positive loving touch is a way of filling the love tank of the other person, as well as their very own love tank.
We challenged them to find small ways of showing love through Physical Touch to their parents this week – so look out for those fun hugs and high-fives!!
Dine and Dish:
The Love Language of Physical Touch should be done appropriate to age. For example, your 11 year old son may not want to be hugged or kissed in public. If that is embarrassing to him, don’t do it. But if your 4 year old loves it, go for it. Physical touch should never be used inappropriately. It can and will skew your child’s view of love in a very negative way. If used appropriately, it can and will prepare them for a healthy adult life.
Talk – Talk to your kids about safety in physical touch. Empower your children to speak up if someone tries to be inappropriate or makes them feel embarrassed. Make sure your kids know they can tell you about instances where they feel uncomfortable. Even if it’s something as simple and harmless as, “Mom, it’s embarrassing to me when you kiss me on the cheek in front of my friends.” Let your kids know there is an open line of communication between you and them and you respect your child’s boundaries.
Do an activity together: If you are a parent who is timid about giving loving touch to your kids, start with something brief and simple, like a pat on the back for doing a good job, or placing your hand on your child’s shoulder while they are standing next to you.
Wheel Barrel Races – Did you ever do wheel barrel races when you were a kid? Try it out with your own! If you only have one child, set up an obstacle course around the living room or in the backyard.
Duck, Duck, Goose – Play Duck, Duck, Goose with your kids. Not only do you tap them on the head when they are chosen, if you catch them (or they catch you) it’s a fun hug, which can represent loving touch.
Everybody CONGA!! – When it’s bedtime, line up the family, put on some night time music and Conga your way to bed. It will get out last minute energy before bedtime and it’s fun!
Snuggle Times – Read a book or watch a movie together. Let your kids sit on your lap or close enough to you that you are touching. You can also place your hand on your child’s head during this time, indicating you want them close to you.
Swing – Play on the swings together. Push your child while they are swinging and let them try to push you. This is the perfect time for “Under Dogs”.
Belly Laughs – Everyone lay on the floor with your head on another person’s stomach. Once person let’s out a loud, “HA!” which will make your stomach expand and retract quickly, which in turn will bounce the person’s head…which then causes everyone to laugh and giggle.
This week at Bridge Kids, we reviewed each Love Language and our language focus last week, Acts of Service. Our main focus this week was Physical Touch. We discussed showing love to others by providing loving touch. We also discussed ways God has shown us Physical Touch – Jesus healing lepers (the grossest people on the planet at that time), Physical Healing, Giving us positive people in our lives that provide hugs and kisses.
We started out reviewing unconditional love and God’s unconditional love for us and how we don’t have to do anything to win God’s love for us – we just have it….always. Love God, Love Others as Self.
Today, we began with everyone giving each other a high-five. And discussed how high-fiving made them feel. Then, we talked about our emotional fuel tanks and how a friendly pat on the back or hug can show someone you care about them. We discussed when a person’s primary Love Language is Physical Touch, holding their hand or snuggling while reading a book are expressions of love that helps fill up their “love-tank”. We discussed appropriate hugs, high-fives, dancing (of course), fun snuggle times with parents while reading or watching a movie, holding hands, shoulder rides, being pushed on the swing, etc are all things we can do to show our love through touch. We also briefly discussed if someone’s touch makes them embarrassed, uncomfortable or feel wrong, they have the right to express how that touch makes them feel. They should also tell someone they trust, immediately, if someone is misusing the Love Language of Physical Touch and expressions of love should never make you feel yucky.
Today, each Bridge Kid traced their hands on paper, cut them out and decorated them. We then created a tree out of all the hands to show how positive loving touch makes us grow stronger emotionally. We discussed how positive loving touch is a way of filling the love tank of the other person, as well as their very own love tank.
We challenged them to find small ways of showing love through Physical Touch to their parents this week – so look out for those fun hugs and high-fives!!
Dine and Dish:
The Love Language of Physical Touch should be done appropriate to age. For example, your 11 year old son may not want to be hugged or kissed in public. If that is embarrassing to him, don’t do it. But if your 4 year old loves it, go for it. Physical touch should never be used inappropriately. It can and will skew your child’s view of love in a very negative way. If used appropriately, it can and will prepare them for a healthy adult life.
Talk – Talk to your kids about safety in physical touch. Empower your children to speak up if someone tries to be inappropriate or makes them feel embarrassed. Make sure your kids know they can tell you about instances where they feel uncomfortable. Even if it’s something as simple and harmless as, “Mom, it’s embarrassing to me when you kiss me on the cheek in front of my friends.” Let your kids know there is an open line of communication between you and them and you respect your child’s boundaries.
Do an activity together: If you are a parent who is timid about giving loving touch to your kids, start with something brief and simple, like a pat on the back for doing a good job, or placing your hand on your child’s shoulder while they are standing next to you.
Wheel Barrel Races – Did you ever do wheel barrel races when you were a kid? Try it out with your own! If you only have one child, set up an obstacle course around the living room or in the backyard.
Duck, Duck, Goose – Play Duck, Duck, Goose with your kids. Not only do you tap them on the head when they are chosen, if you catch them (or they catch you) it’s a fun hug, which can represent loving touch.
Everybody CONGA!! – When it’s bedtime, line up the family, put on some night time music and Conga your way to bed. It will get out last minute energy before bedtime and it’s fun!
Snuggle Times – Read a book or watch a movie together. Let your kids sit on your lap or close enough to you that you are touching. You can also place your hand on your child’s head during this time, indicating you want them close to you.
Swing – Play on the swings together. Push your child while they are swinging and let them try to push you. This is the perfect time for “Under Dogs”.
Belly Laughs – Everyone lay on the floor with your head on another person’s stomach. Once person let’s out a loud, “HA!” which will make your stomach expand and retract quickly, which in turn will bounce the person’s head…which then causes everyone to laugh and giggle.
The Five Love Languages – Week 4 – Acts of Service
Galatians 5:13 "Serve one another in love."
This week at Bridge Kids, we reviewed each Love Language and our language focus last week, Time Spent With (Quality Time). Our main focus this week was Acts of Service. We discussed showing love to others by helping or doing something for another person, as an act of love. We also discussed ways God has shown us Acts of Service – Jesus (in human form), Asking for help/needs via Prayer, Finding help through others, etc.
We started out reviewing unconditional love and God’s unconditional love for us and how we don’t have to do anything to win God’s love for us – we just have it….always. Love God, Love Others as Self.
We talked about our emotional fuel tanks and how doing something for another person tells them “You’re needs are important to me.” We discussed when a person’s primary Love Language is Acts of Service, doing a simple task or giving a helping hand is an expression of love that helps fill up their “love-tank”. It doesn’t matter if you help with dishes, clean their bedroom, do yard work, help buy groceries, wash their car, or even provide dinner for them while they are sick, these all help fuel the tank. We also talked about how Acts of Service does not necessarily mean you are doing a courageous act or something huge – doing little things adds up! We also discussed Acts of Service should never be used to get someone to do something for you, in return. We should also never say, “I will love you, if you do this thing for me.” Manipulation is not love and it squelches the fun and love a person experiences if their love language is Acts of Service.
Today, each Bridge Kid helped set up the groceries for distribution. We discussed how doing things for other people, even people you don’t necessarily know, is a way of filling the love tank of the other person, as well as their very own love tank.
We challenged them to find small ways of providing Acts of Service for one person in their life this week – whether it’s their parent, sibling, teacher or friend!
Dine and Dish:
All our service should be done appropriate to age. For example, we make beds for four-year-olds but not for ten-year-olds. When they are ready, we teach them how to serve themselves and then others. Loving service is a gift, not a necessity, not under coercion. Even for the best parents, it’s wise to have an attitude check now and then.
Ask your kids about helping out at church – How did they feel or what did they think about providing their Act of Service? Did they meet anyone new? How did they feel when they were finished? Did they like helping out?
Do an activity together: Be sure to use encouraging words during this time. Thank your kids for helping you—be specific. Let them know they are doing a good job! Don’t expect your kids to be at the same level as you when doing an Act of Service. And, if they don’t do things perfectly, remember, they’re kids – use gentle guidance.
Dishes – Allow your kids to help you do the dishes or clear the table this week. Make it fun! Turn on the music or dance together while cleaning. Remember, your kids aren’t your indentured servants – give them some slack!
Laundry – Let your kids help you fold laundry. Even if it doesn’t turn out perfectly or if it’s not folded the way you like it, it’s ok. The world won’t fall apart if the towels are not folded symmetrically! The purpose is to let them help.
Take an All Family Nap – To speak the love language of Acts of Service, you need physical and emotional energy. Pay attention to your own physical and emotional health. Talk to your kids about taking care of themselves – consuming healthy food and beverages, getting enough sleep/rest, allowing for alone time and how we need to love ourselves, in order for us to be healthy enough to love other people.
Make Dinner/Lunch/Breakfast for Someone Else – As a family, think of someone you love and make them a meal together, but don’t stay to eat. Deliver the meal together and on the drive or walk home, talk about how they felt delivering the meal.
Special Talent – Do your kids have a special talent? Do you? Show them how to use their special talent to provide an Act of Service. Do you know someone who needs their car fixed and you know cars? Do you know how to do carpentry/yard work/sew/play an instrument/create a budget? Do you know someone who needs help with those things? Take one child with you to help – even if all they do is hand you items you need. They will love being included. Afterward, talk with your child about what you did, how they felt and thank them for helping you. Don’t be false in your gratitude or praise – kids know when you are being sincere and when you are not!
The Five Love Languages – Week 3 – Time Spent With
Psalm 139:1-2 (The Message) God, investigate my life; get all the facts firsthand. I’m an open book to you; even from a distance you know what I’m thinking.
This week at Bridge Kids, we reviewed each Love Language and our language focus last week, Gifts. Our main focus this week was Time Spent With. We discussed showing love to others by spending QUALITY time with the people you love. We also discussed ways God spends time with us and ways we can spend time with God – Jesus (in human form), Nature, Worship (through music, writing, dance, appreciation of creation, etc.), Prayer, Bible, People, etc.
We started out reviewing unconditional love and God’s unconditional love for us and how we don’t have to do anything to win God’s love for us – we just have it….always. Love God, Love Others as Self.
We talked about our emotional fuel tanks and how spending un-rushed time with someone we love, can show the other person, “You’re important. I like being with you.” We discussed when a person’s primary Love Language is spending quality time with another person, hanging out with them is an expression of love that helps fill up their “love-tank”. It doesn’t matter if you go on a walk, put a puzzle together, go on a road trip or even talking on the phone – as long as it’s QUALITY time, it helps fuel the tank. We also talked about how QUALITY time does not mean flipping through the channels on the television or doing something where you can’t have good eye contact and conversation – because neither person is actually learning something new from the other person. Seeking out another person, for the sole purpose of hanging out, is one way we can express our love for one another.
Today, each Bridge Kid decorated a jumbo puzzle piece and then we assembled the puzzle together. We discussed how time together allows people to understand you, and helps you understand how you "fit" with them. Every time you are "with" someone it’s a chance to show that you love them. We challenged them to spend quality time with someone they love this week and come up with fun ideas of how to spend time with the people they love!
Dine and Dish:
Ask your kids what “unconditional love” means to them. Discuss what it means to you.
Ask your kids about the jumbo puzzle we put together – How did they feel or what did they think about having their own piece of the puzzle? What did the puzzle symbolize/represent to them?
Do an activity together: Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to spend with your child – don’t rush your quality time with them….make eye contact and ask specific questions.
Puzzle – Choose a fun puzzle that will take a while to assemble and put it together with your family. During your time, be sure to talk to your kids, ask them questions about the things they like/don’t like, love/don’t love.
Go for a Walk – Get bundled up and go for a walk! If it’s around your neighborhood, talk about the neighborhood (not neighborhood gossip, but the culture of your neighborhood, why you chose to live there, what they like/dislike about where you live).
Saturday Market – Visit Portland Saturday Market together. Talk about all the different smells, colors, textures, different people and art you will experience. Ask your kids what they think about each thing. Ask if they could make something and sell it, for a living, what would they do?
Music Store – Visit a music store where you can listen to music together. Try different genres of music, even stuff you may not like and talk about how different types of music can evoke different emotions or feelings. Dance and be silly together (unless, of course, it would be embarrassing to your child).
Backyard/Basement/Living Room Camping – Go on a “camping trip” with your kids at your own home. Build a “tent” in the living room together….create a fake campfire out of construction paper and paper towel spools, get your flashlights and tell stories to one another….make S’mores in the stove (Graham Crackers, Chocolate Bar, Marshmallows – assemble the S’mores and place on a cookie sheet. Set under the broiler for about 30 seconds. Check and see if the marshmallows have begun to get poufy– they’re done!)
This week at Bridge Kids, we reviewed each Love Language and our language focus last week, Gifts. Our main focus this week was Time Spent With. We discussed showing love to others by spending QUALITY time with the people you love. We also discussed ways God spends time with us and ways we can spend time with God – Jesus (in human form), Nature, Worship (through music, writing, dance, appreciation of creation, etc.), Prayer, Bible, People, etc.
We started out reviewing unconditional love and God’s unconditional love for us and how we don’t have to do anything to win God’s love for us – we just have it….always. Love God, Love Others as Self.
We talked about our emotional fuel tanks and how spending un-rushed time with someone we love, can show the other person, “You’re important. I like being with you.” We discussed when a person’s primary Love Language is spending quality time with another person, hanging out with them is an expression of love that helps fill up their “love-tank”. It doesn’t matter if you go on a walk, put a puzzle together, go on a road trip or even talking on the phone – as long as it’s QUALITY time, it helps fuel the tank. We also talked about how QUALITY time does not mean flipping through the channels on the television or doing something where you can’t have good eye contact and conversation – because neither person is actually learning something new from the other person. Seeking out another person, for the sole purpose of hanging out, is one way we can express our love for one another.
Today, each Bridge Kid decorated a jumbo puzzle piece and then we assembled the puzzle together. We discussed how time together allows people to understand you, and helps you understand how you "fit" with them. Every time you are "with" someone it’s a chance to show that you love them. We challenged them to spend quality time with someone they love this week and come up with fun ideas of how to spend time with the people they love!
Dine and Dish:
Ask your kids what “unconditional love” means to them. Discuss what it means to you.
Ask your kids about the jumbo puzzle we put together – How did they feel or what did they think about having their own piece of the puzzle? What did the puzzle symbolize/represent to them?
Do an activity together: Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to spend with your child – don’t rush your quality time with them….make eye contact and ask specific questions.
Puzzle – Choose a fun puzzle that will take a while to assemble and put it together with your family. During your time, be sure to talk to your kids, ask them questions about the things they like/don’t like, love/don’t love.
Go for a Walk – Get bundled up and go for a walk! If it’s around your neighborhood, talk about the neighborhood (not neighborhood gossip, but the culture of your neighborhood, why you chose to live there, what they like/dislike about where you live).
Saturday Market – Visit Portland Saturday Market together. Talk about all the different smells, colors, textures, different people and art you will experience. Ask your kids what they think about each thing. Ask if they could make something and sell it, for a living, what would they do?
Music Store – Visit a music store where you can listen to music together. Try different genres of music, even stuff you may not like and talk about how different types of music can evoke different emotions or feelings. Dance and be silly together (unless, of course, it would be embarrassing to your child).
Backyard/Basement/Living Room Camping – Go on a “camping trip” with your kids at your own home. Build a “tent” in the living room together….create a fake campfire out of construction paper and paper towel spools, get your flashlights and tell stories to one another….make S’mores in the stove (Graham Crackers, Chocolate Bar, Marshmallows – assemble the S’mores and place on a cookie sheet. Set under the broiler for about 30 seconds. Check and see if the marshmallows have begun to get poufy– they’re done!)
The Five Love Languages – Week 2 – Gifts
This week at Bridge Kids, we began with a brief review of each Love Language (Words of Affirmation, Gifts, Acts of Service, Time Spent With and Physical Touch) and what we talked about last week, Words of Affirmation.
Our main focus this week was Gifts. We discussed showing love to others by giving thoughtful gifts (hand-made gifts, cards, flowers, etc.). Gifts that show you are thinking of the other person and not of yourself. We discussed God’s gifts to us – Jesus, Life, Nature, Laughter, Music, People, etc.
We started out reviewing unconditional love and God’s unconditional love for us and how we don’t have to do anything to win God’s love for us – we just have it….always.
We talked about our emotional fuel tanks and how giving a thoughtful gift to someone we love, can show the other person, “he or she was thinking of me’. We discussed when a person’s primary Love Language is ‘receiving gifts’- those expressions of love are what helps fills up their “love-tank”. A gift is a symbol of thought. It says – “I was thinking of you.” It doesn’t matter whether it costs money or not – the cost is immaterial, mostly! It’s what it conveys that is important. A card, a small home made object, a book, each conveys love – the thoughts of the heart and mind, and what’s cool is, cost isn’t all that relevant! Gifts are visual symbols of love, and for some people it is those symbols which fill up their “love-tank”. A flower picked from the garden, a special surprise visit from a friend or loved one, paint for an artist – all mean incredible amounts to the person whose primary love language is receiving gifts. Don’t wait for a special occasion to give gifts! If you are thinking about someone and have an idea of something that would make them feel loved, do it!
Giving a gift to someone, without expecting something in return, is one way we can express our love for one another. We should never use gifts to bribe others into doing something for us.
Each Bridge Kid received a gift from us today and created a gift for someone they love. We challenged them to give the gift to someone they love this week! We also challenged them to be thoughtful of the people they love this week with hand made or “found” gifts and give or send them to three different people in a genuine way to see how it makes other people feel and to see how it makes them feel, as well.
Dine and Dish:
Ask your kids how they felt when they un-wrapped their gifts today.
Create home made gifts together, for another person or family you love and leave the gifts on their doorstep! Be thoughtful in the gifts you make, with that specific person or family in mind.
Ideas for gifts** – Mixed CDs or Tapes, Framed pictures of your kids with that person/family, Framed pictures of drawings your kids have created for that person/family, Hand picked flowers, T-Shirt with a home-made iron-on, Bake cookies/cupcakes, Make Dinner
Do an activity together:
In-home Scavenger Hunt – place small gifts (bouncy ball, flowers, small stuffed animal, coloring books, etc.) around your home that reflect who your kids are and be sure to wrap them! Once your kids have found all the gifts, sit in a small circle together and watch your kids unwrap their gifts. Talk with them about why you chose the gifts you gave them and ask them their thoughts about each item.
Talk about how gifts have either encouraged or discouraged you when you were growing up – ask your kids about times people have given them thoughtful things and how it made them feel.
Music – if your kids love music, create a mixed CD or tape with them and have a dance party or hang out time together listening to the music. Create one for other people you love and write a note as to why you chose those specific songs!
Rent a movie – Let your kids pick out which one(s) you get!
Keep a journal. Write down the things you are learning from your kids and the things you do together. Keep track of their reactions to your questions or to the fun things you do together. See if your relationship changes or stays the same.
**Make sure you express your love verbally or in writing with the gift. This can be overdone and then, become meaningless; but remembering his or her love language with occasional and personal gifts will create good, loving experiences.
Our main focus this week was Gifts. We discussed showing love to others by giving thoughtful gifts (hand-made gifts, cards, flowers, etc.). Gifts that show you are thinking of the other person and not of yourself. We discussed God’s gifts to us – Jesus, Life, Nature, Laughter, Music, People, etc.
We started out reviewing unconditional love and God’s unconditional love for us and how we don’t have to do anything to win God’s love for us – we just have it….always.
We talked about our emotional fuel tanks and how giving a thoughtful gift to someone we love, can show the other person, “he or she was thinking of me’. We discussed when a person’s primary Love Language is ‘receiving gifts’- those expressions of love are what helps fills up their “love-tank”. A gift is a symbol of thought. It says – “I was thinking of you.” It doesn’t matter whether it costs money or not – the cost is immaterial, mostly! It’s what it conveys that is important. A card, a small home made object, a book, each conveys love – the thoughts of the heart and mind, and what’s cool is, cost isn’t all that relevant! Gifts are visual symbols of love, and for some people it is those symbols which fill up their “love-tank”. A flower picked from the garden, a special surprise visit from a friend or loved one, paint for an artist – all mean incredible amounts to the person whose primary love language is receiving gifts. Don’t wait for a special occasion to give gifts! If you are thinking about someone and have an idea of something that would make them feel loved, do it!
Giving a gift to someone, without expecting something in return, is one way we can express our love for one another. We should never use gifts to bribe others into doing something for us.
Each Bridge Kid received a gift from us today and created a gift for someone they love. We challenged them to give the gift to someone they love this week! We also challenged them to be thoughtful of the people they love this week with hand made or “found” gifts and give or send them to three different people in a genuine way to see how it makes other people feel and to see how it makes them feel, as well.
Dine and Dish:
Ask your kids how they felt when they un-wrapped their gifts today.
Create home made gifts together, for another person or family you love and leave the gifts on their doorstep! Be thoughtful in the gifts you make, with that specific person or family in mind.
Ideas for gifts** – Mixed CDs or Tapes, Framed pictures of your kids with that person/family, Framed pictures of drawings your kids have created for that person/family, Hand picked flowers, T-Shirt with a home-made iron-on, Bake cookies/cupcakes, Make Dinner
Do an activity together:
In-home Scavenger Hunt – place small gifts (bouncy ball, flowers, small stuffed animal, coloring books, etc.) around your home that reflect who your kids are and be sure to wrap them! Once your kids have found all the gifts, sit in a small circle together and watch your kids unwrap their gifts. Talk with them about why you chose the gifts you gave them and ask them their thoughts about each item.
Talk about how gifts have either encouraged or discouraged you when you were growing up – ask your kids about times people have given them thoughtful things and how it made them feel.
Music – if your kids love music, create a mixed CD or tape with them and have a dance party or hang out time together listening to the music. Create one for other people you love and write a note as to why you chose those specific songs!
Rent a movie – Let your kids pick out which one(s) you get!
Keep a journal. Write down the things you are learning from your kids and the things you do together. Keep track of their reactions to your questions or to the fun things you do together. See if your relationship changes or stays the same.
**Make sure you express your love verbally or in writing with the gift. This can be overdone and then, become meaningless; but remembering his or her love language with occasional and personal gifts will create good, loving experiences.
The Five Love Languages – Week 1 – Words of Affirmation (Saying Kind Things)
This week at Bridge Kids, we began with a brief overview of each Love Language (Words of Affirmation, Gifts, Acts of Service, Time Spent With and Physical Touch). Our main focus this week was Words of Affirmation. We discussed showing love to others by saying kind things (verbal, notes, cards, etc) that are both true and authentic.
We started out talking about unconditional love and God’s unconditional love for us and how we don’t have to do anything to win God’s love for us – we just have it….always.
We talked about our emotional fuel tanks and set up Fuel Stations labeled with each Love Language. Each kid had a sheet of stickers with the first letter of their name on them. We asked specific questions such as, “Which do you like best: When someone gives you hugs or when someone gives you a present?” or “Which do you like better: When someone says something nice to you or when someone reads you a book?” Which ever “fuel” they answered, they placed a sticker at that particular fueling station. This helped us get a high-level overview of what each kids’ love language might be. Words of Affirmation, or Saying Nice Things to people, without expecting something in return, and saying something genuine is one way we can express our love for one another. We should never use words of affirmation to manipulate others into doing something for us.
Each Bridge Kid created a card with words of affirmation written on the inside, or a picture showing how/who they love. We challenged them to give the card to someone that they love this week, whether it’s a parent, sibling, grandparent, or friend. We also challenged them to use words of affirmation to three different people this week in a genuine way to see how it makes other people feel and to see how it makes them feel, as well.
Proverbs 18:21 “The tongue has the power of life and death.”
Dine and Dish:
Ask your kids about the Unconditional Love Army Chant we marched to during our time together.
Create a fun chant together at home about your love for one another using specific things you love about each other.
Go through the “Work Book Pages” behind this page. They are taken directly out of “The Five Love Languages for Children” workbook.
Do an activity together:
Create a List of all the things you love about one another in your family and read it out loud to one another before bed time.
Talk about how words have either encouraged or discouraged you when you were growing up – ask your kids about times people have said nice things/not-so-nice things to them and how it made them feel.
Create a collage with one another using positive words about your family.
Buy fun postcards write notes to 3 different people telling them why you are glad they are in your life and either hand-deliver them or mail them.
Call someone together and sing “I just called to say I love you” and tell that person why you love them and don’t call for any other reason.
Keep a journal. Write down the things you are learning from your kids and the things you do together. Keep track of their reactions to your questions or to the fun things you do together. See if your relationship changes or stays the same.
We started out talking about unconditional love and God’s unconditional love for us and how we don’t have to do anything to win God’s love for us – we just have it….always.
We talked about our emotional fuel tanks and set up Fuel Stations labeled with each Love Language. Each kid had a sheet of stickers with the first letter of their name on them. We asked specific questions such as, “Which do you like best: When someone gives you hugs or when someone gives you a present?” or “Which do you like better: When someone says something nice to you or when someone reads you a book?” Which ever “fuel” they answered, they placed a sticker at that particular fueling station. This helped us get a high-level overview of what each kids’ love language might be. Words of Affirmation, or Saying Nice Things to people, without expecting something in return, and saying something genuine is one way we can express our love for one another. We should never use words of affirmation to manipulate others into doing something for us.
Each Bridge Kid created a card with words of affirmation written on the inside, or a picture showing how/who they love. We challenged them to give the card to someone that they love this week, whether it’s a parent, sibling, grandparent, or friend. We also challenged them to use words of affirmation to three different people this week in a genuine way to see how it makes other people feel and to see how it makes them feel, as well.
Proverbs 18:21 “The tongue has the power of life and death.”
Dine and Dish:
Ask your kids about the Unconditional Love Army Chant we marched to during our time together.
Create a fun chant together at home about your love for one another using specific things you love about each other.
Go through the “Work Book Pages” behind this page. They are taken directly out of “The Five Love Languages for Children” workbook.
Do an activity together:
Create a List of all the things you love about one another in your family and read it out loud to one another before bed time.
Talk about how words have either encouraged or discouraged you when you were growing up – ask your kids about times people have said nice things/not-so-nice things to them and how it made them feel.
Create a collage with one another using positive words about your family.
Buy fun postcards write notes to 3 different people telling them why you are glad they are in your life and either hand-deliver them or mail them.
Call someone together and sing “I just called to say I love you” and tell that person why you love them and don’t call for any other reason.
Keep a journal. Write down the things you are learning from your kids and the things you do together. Keep track of their reactions to your questions or to the fun things you do together. See if your relationship changes or stays the same.
Week One - Kick Off
Get-To-Know You Dance Party Celebration!
This week @ Bridge Kids we got to know one another through an M&M game and had intervals of Dance Party!
Each person received a cup with three M&Ms in it. Each color of M&M represented a question.
Green: What makes you happy? Red: What makes you feel loved? Yellow: Where is your favorite place?
Blue: What is your favorite cartoon?
Brown: What is your favorite song/music? Orange: What is your favorite Animal?
They answered the questions according to what color(s) of M&Ms were in their cups. Once everyone had a turn, we poured all of our M&Ms into a large bowl to signify the diversity of thought each person has and how each individual thought makes up a very colorful and fun bowl that everyone can enjoy, especially, if we all participate and listen to one another…and respect each other in our sameness and in our differences. And, yes, we ate some of the M&Ms, too! We also introduced the Talking Stick (taken from Native American tribal meetings – See attached page for more details). The person holding the Talking Stick is the person who gets to “have the floor”. We will use this method going forward, to help ensure everyone gets a chance to have a voice and be heard. We hope it will help develop communication and listening skills in ALL of us! J After our time getting to know each other, we each decorated a giant puzzle piece, representing our individuality. Once each piece was finished we put the puzzle pieces together to show that even though we are all individuals, we all have our own place in the Big Picture and all belong together. The puzzle can always be added to, which means, as volunteers and other kids join our group, they can have a place in the Big Picture, just like everyone else.
Dine and Dish:
You can ask your kids the same questions as the M&M questions, and answer them yourself. Talk about why they answer the way(s) that they do and talk about why YOU answer the way(s) you do. For instance, “Why is the giraffe your favorite animal?” Or, “What makes purple your favorite color?” Remember, only one person talks at a time!
Do an activity together:
Create a Cartoon Strip – using your family members as “super heroes” and include the answers to your M&M questions in the storyline. It doesn’t matter if drawing is your forte, if you are spending time with your kids, they’ll eat it up!
Write a “love note” to a friend or family member and mail it!
Write a song together, using the style of your kids’ favorite music. Or, create a mixed CD/Tape with their favorite songs and listen to it in the car.
Go to the zoo and spend the majority of time at their favorite animals’ site.
Hang out with them in their favorite place and read a book together or just talk and have snacks.
Take 10 minutes out of your busy day to be silly – turn the music up and dance! See who can make the worst faces at the table. Who can make up the funniest walk, dance moves or noises. Embrace the silliness!! You might feel stupid to begin with, but seriously, who cares!?!
Keep a journal. Write down the things you are learning from your kids and the things you do together. Keep track of their reactions to your questions or to the fun things you do together. See if your relationship changes or stays the same.
Ask your child about the Talking Stick. What happens when you have it?
Try the Talking Stick method of communication at home and to help aid in disagreements or if someone is sharing something important.
Create a Talking Stick for your family. http://www.geocities.com/rainforest/9637/pg000014.htm
The Talking Stick
The talking stick was used in Native North American tribes at council meetings. It was used as courtesy not to interrupt a chief when he was speaking. The talking stick was then passed to the next council member who wished to speak. The stick was a ceremonial item and was decorated with eagle feathers and crystals to show its significance.
These tribes used a talking stick to ensure that each party was able to express themselves and feel listened to, without interruption. Here is how the talking stick is used: “Sarah” has the talking stick. Sarah shares her point and perspective. When she is finished speaking, she can pass the stick to the next person who would like to speak, but not until Sarah has been heard and that person understands what she has said, she will then hand the talking stick to the next person (and not until). That next person will not interject his opinions or point of view until he is holding the stick and only after he can re-tell what Sarah has just said. This goes on until both/all parties have said what they need to say and feel heard. The Indian Talking Stick produces bonding, and a new idea - not yours, not mine, but a third alternative to communicating with one another, whether during a disagreement or during a time of sharing.
If you would like further information on The Talking Stick, you can talk to Geoff or Crystal, and/or check out these websites: Here is a link to Steven Covey explaining it http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUxi-Zc45tA
http://www.geocities.com/rainforest/9637/pg000014.htm
Our hope, in using the Talking Stick, is to ensure everyone feels heard and everyone knows they have an important and valuable voice. It will help us all learn to listen better and have more meaningful conversations!
This week @ Bridge Kids we got to know one another through an M&M game and had intervals of Dance Party!
Each person received a cup with three M&Ms in it. Each color of M&M represented a question.
Green: What makes you happy? Red: What makes you feel loved? Yellow: Where is your favorite place?
Blue: What is your favorite cartoon?
Brown: What is your favorite song/music? Orange: What is your favorite Animal?
They answered the questions according to what color(s) of M&Ms were in their cups. Once everyone had a turn, we poured all of our M&Ms into a large bowl to signify the diversity of thought each person has and how each individual thought makes up a very colorful and fun bowl that everyone can enjoy, especially, if we all participate and listen to one another…and respect each other in our sameness and in our differences. And, yes, we ate some of the M&Ms, too! We also introduced the Talking Stick (taken from Native American tribal meetings – See attached page for more details). The person holding the Talking Stick is the person who gets to “have the floor”. We will use this method going forward, to help ensure everyone gets a chance to have a voice and be heard. We hope it will help develop communication and listening skills in ALL of us! J After our time getting to know each other, we each decorated a giant puzzle piece, representing our individuality. Once each piece was finished we put the puzzle pieces together to show that even though we are all individuals, we all have our own place in the Big Picture and all belong together. The puzzle can always be added to, which means, as volunteers and other kids join our group, they can have a place in the Big Picture, just like everyone else.
Dine and Dish:
You can ask your kids the same questions as the M&M questions, and answer them yourself. Talk about why they answer the way(s) that they do and talk about why YOU answer the way(s) you do. For instance, “Why is the giraffe your favorite animal?” Or, “What makes purple your favorite color?” Remember, only one person talks at a time!
Do an activity together:
Create a Cartoon Strip – using your family members as “super heroes” and include the answers to your M&M questions in the storyline. It doesn’t matter if drawing is your forte, if you are spending time with your kids, they’ll eat it up!
Write a “love note” to a friend or family member and mail it!
Write a song together, using the style of your kids’ favorite music. Or, create a mixed CD/Tape with their favorite songs and listen to it in the car.
Go to the zoo and spend the majority of time at their favorite animals’ site.
Hang out with them in their favorite place and read a book together or just talk and have snacks.
Take 10 minutes out of your busy day to be silly – turn the music up and dance! See who can make the worst faces at the table. Who can make up the funniest walk, dance moves or noises. Embrace the silliness!! You might feel stupid to begin with, but seriously, who cares!?!
Keep a journal. Write down the things you are learning from your kids and the things you do together. Keep track of their reactions to your questions or to the fun things you do together. See if your relationship changes or stays the same.
Ask your child about the Talking Stick. What happens when you have it?
Try the Talking Stick method of communication at home and to help aid in disagreements or if someone is sharing something important.
Create a Talking Stick for your family. http://www.geocities.com/rainforest/9637/pg000014.htm
The Talking Stick
The talking stick was used in Native North American tribes at council meetings. It was used as courtesy not to interrupt a chief when he was speaking. The talking stick was then passed to the next council member who wished to speak. The stick was a ceremonial item and was decorated with eagle feathers and crystals to show its significance.
These tribes used a talking stick to ensure that each party was able to express themselves and feel listened to, without interruption. Here is how the talking stick is used: “Sarah” has the talking stick. Sarah shares her point and perspective. When she is finished speaking, she can pass the stick to the next person who would like to speak, but not until Sarah has been heard and that person understands what she has said, she will then hand the talking stick to the next person (and not until). That next person will not interject his opinions or point of view until he is holding the stick and only after he can re-tell what Sarah has just said. This goes on until both/all parties have said what they need to say and feel heard. The Indian Talking Stick produces bonding, and a new idea - not yours, not mine, but a third alternative to communicating with one another, whether during a disagreement or during a time of sharing.
If you would like further information on The Talking Stick, you can talk to Geoff or Crystal, and/or check out these websites: Here is a link to Steven Covey explaining it http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUxi-Zc45tA
http://www.geocities.com/rainforest/9637/pg000014.htm
Our hope, in using the Talking Stick, is to ensure everyone feels heard and everyone knows they have an important and valuable voice. It will help us all learn to listen better and have more meaningful conversations!
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