Category: Complementary Studies to KidMin
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Seeing God in the the Giggles of Your Summer Binge Watches
While some watch sports or cooking shows, I am slightly obsessed with well-written comedies. So much so, that my friends threw me a shower that was themed Saturday Night Live. There was a “Mom Jeans” skit and more Chris Farley impersonations than one could imagine. My utmost respect & admiration is given to comedic writers.…
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One-Year Anniversary of the Bluebonnet Child Book
A year ago today, the Bluebonnet Child book was printed for publication by Wipf and Stock. I viewed this as an omen of sorts since July 7th is my best friend’s birthday. While seeing one’s idea printed on paper is exhilarating, hearing folks share of how this lil’ book has enhanced their serve to kids…
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Top 6 Takeaways of My Hometown Conference
A beloved tradition of mine is to venture to my hometown each summer and help at my mom’s conference. Know Your Impact is a cost-efficient and highly-equipping opportunity for educators of all settings. In the above pic, the keynote speaker is presenting my mom with a gift of appreciation. What fun! 😁 From “Mrs. Beautiful…
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Tomato, Banana: The Differences Between Children’s and Youth Ministry
“Tomato, toma(h)to?” It’s more like, “Tomato, banana” when it comes to comparing Children’s ministry (KidMin) to Youth Ministry (YouthMin). Yes, they both coexist in the figurative fruit bowl of careers, but these two callings are vastly different. It makes sense that one is often confused/enmeshed with the other, for there are some similarities. They both…
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What Needs Our Kid’s Prayers Reveal
Conversational tools can be helpful in assuring functional discussions with Bluebonnet kids. Such tools encourage proper listening, while also meeting the needs of more tactile learners. For almost a decade now I have used the same, palm-size painted stone as a talk-rock for varying ages during prayer time. (Yes-I hear ya, if it were smaller,…
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Mindfulness in KidMin; Help Your Students Carry Their Emotional Baggage Properly
Not only can we do our best to assure their safety while they are within our care, but we can also fight for their needs by equipping them to care for their own needs. ‘Mindfulness’ is a huge buzzword right now in both the secular and spiritual teaching arenas. Although this practice is far from…
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Advocate for Your Students with a Safety Policy
While there may be varying levels of concern for children’s safety (depending on the parent), I am convinced that ‘safe’ is nearly synonymous to ‘successful’ in our Children and Family Ministry Programs. The value of security is a top priority for most parents. One step in assuring the welfare of all is to create a…
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The Power of Awareness in Serving Troubled Kids Part II
(Read Part I first 😀 .) Another external factor that should be considered is a child’s socio-economic class. This paints a different worldview for each person. While we might be more aware of it in lower class families, poor soil can be found in any class. I was once guilty of judging the impoverished families…
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The Power of Awareness in Serving Troubled Kids
To be truly aware is a treasure worth seeking; awareness of self, of the present moment and of others. Know that every minute is valuable and full of potential when it comes to reaching out to the Bluebonnet Child. Before growing in our awareness of another, we must first know and love ourselves well. This…
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You’re In Their Circle; The Psychological Perks of Your Church to a Troubled Child Part II
Vvgotsky’s View of Child Development (Be sure to read part one first.)Another theory that points to hope outside of a child’s home is by Russian psychologist, Lev Vygotsky. It’s known as the sociocultural theory. In this theory, he states that a child’s cultural context has a much greater shaping effect than the child’s natural wiring.…