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Welcome to week two of "For Our Kids". Today, we have an encouraging reminder from Melissa on peace in these stressful times, as well as some really good (new!) resources for you to check out.

Devotion

from Melissa

Calm in the Chaos

This week I have been reminded of the calm that only comes from Christ. "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:7

My kids are a little stir crazy with the quarantine at home, and I have felt somewhat overwhelmed, scrambling to create digital lessons for my high school classes (Sp 9-12) and homeschooling lessons for my own elementary aged kids. Homeschooling started out really well, with lots of baking, gardening and life skills, but as I've had to focus more on my job and designing lessons for my students, I have not been as patient with my own kids as I wanted to be.

This is a stressful time for everyone. Many people are out of work or on a reduced salary. Students are trying to learn online, but many don't have their own devices, and are sharing with parents who are working from home. Parents are feeling pressure to be expert homeschoolers. What their kids actually need is calm. I recognize how important it is to be a calm presence for my children, my students and others, at an unprecedented and unpredictable time. 
 
And I can't do it on my own - I fall short, I feel stressed, I lack calm. I need Him. 
I am reminded of the lyrics of the Scott Krippayne song:
"Sometimes He calms the storm, With a whispered peace be still, He can settle any sea, But it doesn't mean He will;
Sometimes He holds us close, And lets the wind and waves go wild, Sometimes He calms the storm, And other times He calms His child."
 
We are in a storm, but we can weather it, by trusting Him and remembering who holds us in the palm of His hand.
 
Prayer
O God, my Rock and Refuge, I humble myself before You. I commit these situations to You: ______________. Help me to put my confidence on your sure foundation, to trust in you and find your peace. Father, Thank You that you are with me through all this uncertainty. In Jesus’ name. Amen

Resources of the Week

Lisa's pick

Focus on the Family's parent resource page is an amazing tool to help parents not only survive, but thrive. There are articles and audios on a large variety of topics. You can also subscribe to an E-newsletter for marriage and parenting if you go to this link and scroll towards the bottom of the page (it's a big blue box that you can put your email in:)

Melissa's pick

On Sunday, while the adults were watching Pastor Danny's sermon in one room, I set up my kids in the other room with NCC Kids Sunday School class, complete with an instructional video, activities and upbeat songs. I occasionally paused the sermon to check on the kids or help them find another link, and found that they were engaged and having fun. They learned about forgiveness and the Prodigal's son, and then were excited to throw a "forgiveness party" as the video suggested. They decorated and everything! It was great!

New resource alert!!

At home learning template: Melissa has created a wonderful sample schedule for parents who are moving to home schooling now. Edit it to suit your children's needs and interests!

Audio-books! A fun way to listen to story and a great educational tool to keep up on Language Arts! Check out some good apps below:

  • Hoopla app (requires library card)
  • Libby app (requires library card) Find it on the App Store!
  • Audible- you can get it as an app, or go to the website on the link. Free trial for thirty days!

Reminder that you can check out Adventures in Odyssey for four weeks for free! For that and other kids resources from Focus on the Family, check out this link: https://www.focusonthefamily.ca/covid-19#activities-for-kids

Resources
For Our Kids