SiZ (Test): Children

Is Cinderella a Christian?

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4qzskrx58froA4k0Nd4h3ZPziUMi23NlJKgZ8QKEqcPOwlZXmIMBfyzvxxfh5Ze7TjChA93QjzzZMeXAAnVA8fGvZJi5iOvX40DQB3M-EFSZgcpdOOAsbH3rL-MkUTYoIXtj7_m9T-EY/s1600/cinerella2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4qzskrx58froA4k0Nd4h3ZPziUMi23NlJKgZ8QKEqcPOwlZXmIMBfyzvxxfh5Ze7TjChA93QjzzZMeXAAnVA8fGvZJi5iOvX40DQB3M-EFSZgcpdOOAsbH3rL-MkUTYoIXtj7_m9T-EY/s1600/cinerella2.jpg" /></a></div>As a kid I asked way to many questions for Sista Sheen (nope, that's not her real name), the youth Sunday school teacher at Greater Victory Church of God & Christ. My Uncle (who adored me) was the pastor of the church, and thanks to my questioning ways, I usually ended up in his office or as the only child in adult Sunday school. I remember being very frustrated with Sista Sheen because she couldn't tell me whether or not Cinderella was a Christian. I don't know why it was so important to me at the time, but it was, and in my mind, the fact that Sista Sheen couldn't tell me Cinderella's religious preference meant that she wasn't at all as spiritual as she professed to be. My obsession with fictional characters didn't stop at Cinderella, nor did I have the good sense to stop trying to create conversations that would prove that my Sunday school leader was either kicked or had flunked out of divinity school. I was convinced it was the latter. One Sunday evening during youth group Sista Sheen asked, "Is Cinderella a Christian?" If it were possible, my head would have done the full on exorcist spin! Everyone looked right at me, and I nearly froze. This was my chance, my chance to make everybody see right through Sista Sheen. Me: Yes, Cinderella is a Christian. Other Kids: How do you know? Me: Because she was a servant and Jesus was a servant. Other Kids: That doesn't mean she was a Christian. Me: Yes it does. She served with a humble, but happy heart and sang uplifting songs. Other Kids: That's stupid and doesn't prove anything! Gargamel sings songs that are uplifting to him, but he's still evil to the Smurfs. Me: It's not stupid! Plus we believe that cleanliness is next to Godliness and she was very clean and is therefore a Christian! Sista Sheen having heard enough, brought it all to an end. "Cinderella isn't a Christian and Gargamel isn't evil! They are both figments of a creators imagination, they are drawn pieces of art, they don't exist! They aren't real! I wanted to have this discussion so that Sista Beehive would stop these nonsense questions, but it seems that you are all CRAZY! You all need to focus more on the individuals in the Bible and how you can avoid becoming like the ones who are evil, and be more like those who followed Christ our Lord and Savior!" Years later, I feel that Sista Sheen missed an opportunity to engage her Sunday school class in a deeper conversation. Back then our young brains hadn't yet made a connection with the people in the Bible. We didn't see them as actual people, the weren't our everyday heroes, we didn't watch them on tv on Saturday mornings, and they sure didn't come as prizes in our favorite boxes of cereal. Now that I am a volunteer Sunday educator (ya'll know what I mean), I have much more appreciation for Sista Sheen. And because I had so many experiences as a youth where my questions went unanswered or my very active imagination was treated with disdain, I also have an appreciation for my students who are of a more inquisitive and creative nature. Go With God, Sista Beehive

Is Cinderella a Christian?

As a kid I asked way to many questions for Sista Sheen (nope, that's not her real name), the youth Sunday school teacher at Greater Vic...

Primary the Mormon TMZ

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Bh-aRUQphXHLlNBJfqogs2SKbDbzGyAOgW9NVEruCNsoxStzikBSBWxlx4a77i4RjkiD8tYvGNDXCddhqmyzrH7msoBUQGitITv12VLmwAWZjbtttbUIsJFTQDKckBfZaT4u8Y_Evwc/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Bh-aRUQphXHLlNBJfqogs2SKbDbzGyAOgW9NVEruCNsoxStzikBSBWxlx4a77i4RjkiD8tYvGNDXCddhqmyzrH7msoBUQGitITv12VLmwAWZjbtttbUIsJFTQDKckBfZaT4u8Y_Evwc/s320/3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>We have both had callings in <a href="http://lds.org/pa/display/0,17884,4695-1,00.html">Primary</a> (<a href="http://www.lds.org/">LDS</a> Children's Sunday school.) Every church <a href="http://lds.about.com/od/organizationsauxiliaries/p/church_callings.htm">calling</a> allows you the opportunity to learn and grow. Here's a lesson we've learned through serving in Primary. If you are walking down the hall on a fine Sunday morning and somebody deliberately trips you causing you to fall on your face and break your nose. If you look up and the person that tripped you is your child's Primary teacher, just get up and keep walking. Don't even look em in the eye, you might even want to apologize to them. Look, here's the thing...even if you are known in your ward as the Grinch who stole Sunday, have some sense and at least be nice to your ward's Primary leaders and teachers. You may think you know why we are offering this crucial piece of advice. It's not because they are the poor souls who take your kids off your hands for two hours on a Sunday. It's not because they are the ones entrusted with your most prized possessions each week. It's not even because Jesus said love everyone, treat them kindly too, when your heart is filled with love, others will love you. The bottom line is this, be nice to the adults who serve in Primary because: THEY KNOW ALL YOUR BUSINESS! Yup, brothas and sistas, that's it. All of the information that you don't want to leave the house and all of the stuff that is supposed to stay in the family, forget about it, cause ya kids are spilling the beans in Primary. You may be thinking to yourself, not my children, my children are well trained, they know better than that. Nope, they don't. You see it's not intentional, and it usually happens quite innocently. A poor unsuspecting Primary teacher could ask a question as simple as: Can anyone tell me of a time when you have prayed and received an answer to your prayer? The next thing you know your son raises his hand and says: Once my Dad forgot his and my Mom's anniversary and my Mom was really mad and was slamming all the doors in the house. The teacher at this point might try to keep the child on topic and say: So you prayed that your Mommy would feel better and she did. Then your son says: Nope. Then the teacher says: You prayed that your Dad wouldn't forget their anniversary next year. And your son says: No, I prayed that she wouldn't slam the doors anymore because it was making my ears hurt. And it worked because she went outside and ran over Dad's golf clubs instead, and that didn't hurt my ears. A leader might ask, what did you do this past week? BAM! That's all the invitation your little <a href="http://www.sistasinzion.com/2011/04/lions-and-tigers-and-bedlamites-oh-my.html">bedlamite</a> needs to explain how Daddy grounded her older brother for life because Mommy and Daddy had to go get him from the jail, and Mommy says he's irr-ray-possible and can't drive the car anymore. TMZ, The National Enquirer, Google, they can all take a back seat, they can't get the scoop like these Primary <strike>reporters</strike> children can. Channel 8 news is probably lying when they say breaking news, we're bringing it to you first, cause chances are somebody in Primary told that headline weeks ago. So now we are all on notice. The next time you see your ward's Primary presidency and teachers, smile, say hi, shake their hand, give em a peice of chocolate, some hush money, do something, cause brothas and sistas...THEY KNOW ALL YOUR BUSINESS! Jesus is the reason, Sista Beehive & Sista Laurel

Primary the Mormon TMZ

We have both had callings in Primary ( LDS Children's Sunday school.) Every church calling allows you the opportunity to learn and gr...

Proverbs or Proverb?

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7l2cGpfaQbG2xI3tGxTS3Pzz6CBs0ZxWO0SO-Rr44gH4JK0z7RZhDVS3S2PtGupO0xIKJUm3dy7O0bQtwpP7twKAZn6wP5mniQxynadltAig5NFuP_DOxW293uMWHcR5MfiNiQGDym-M/s1600/2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467881006888481026" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7l2cGpfaQbG2xI3tGxTS3Pzz6CBs0ZxWO0SO-Rr44gH4JK0z7RZhDVS3S2PtGupO0xIKJUm3dy7O0bQtwpP7twKAZn6wP5mniQxynadltAig5NFuP_DOxW293uMWHcR5MfiNiQGDym-M/s320/2.jpg" style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" /></a>I come from one of those families where scripture is used to scare you straight. I used to wonder how parents ever expected kids to like reading the scriptures if they were always associated with punishment. I mean, no wonder my siblings and I didn't want to wake up for early morning scripture study. Go stand in the corner, Go sit in the corner, Go kneel in the corner, Go to your room (ok, so I was a bit of a trouble maker, but that's not the point) and take your scriptures with you. *Side note: I don't know how I ended up loving to read, but it's one of my favorite things to do, even though I had to do it when I was in trouble at home. Even at school I had to read the dictionary for punishment...hmmm well I guess that explains my excellent vocabulary. Anyway, there was one verse in the Bible that I couldn't stand when I was younger. I had never read it, but I had heard it quoted by numerous parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, neighbors, teachers, and random old ladies watching me make mischief. It's one of the scariest scriptures known to children-kind, yes, that's the one. If I've heard it once, I've heard it a thousand times: "the Bible says; spare the rod, spoil the child." To me it seemed like every adult I knew, had this scripture memorized. I naturally assumed that while we children were being told to memorize the Articles of Faith in Primary, grown-ups we're being told to memorize "Spare the rod, spoil the child," in adult Sunday school. Even my school Principal had a big paddle nailed above his door. The Principal loved mallard ducks, he had wooden ducks on his desk and one Christmas my mother found fabric with mallards on it and she made him hand towels out of it. Well, even that giant wooden paddle above his door had a mallard duck in flight on it. I never wanted to be sent to his office, because I figured that a paddle with a duck on it meant he liked paddling kids just as much as he liked ducks, and if that were the case...well, you get the picture. After hearing this scripture for the thousandth time, I decided to do a little research. The first thing I did was search high and low for the scripture, and after searching every Bible nook and cranny, I couldn't find it anywhere! I did however find this: Proverbs 10:13 In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding. Proverbs 13:24 He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes. Proverbs 19:18 Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying. Proverbs 22:15 Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him. Proverbs 23:13 Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die. Proverbs 23:14 Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell. Proverbs 26:3 A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool’s back. Proverbs 29:15 The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame. Yikes! I had a million questions. Who was this Mr. Proverbs? What had I ever done to him? Why doesn't he like children and what could I do about getting his advice removed from the Holy Bible? It took some time, but I finally I found out that the book of Proverbs was actually written by King Solomon. Well you must know how I felt about dear old King Solomon. Turns out that King Solomon was well known for his wisdom, and while I had to admit that with 700 wives and 300 concubines he probably did know a thing or two about raising children, I still wasn't happy about his scary scripture verses. Then another thing happened, I learned the definition of the word proverb (probably while I was in a corner at school reading the dictionary). A proverb is a short, popular, wise or profound saying. So get this, around the year 1662 a man by the name of Samuel Butler had a poem published that had some lines in it that went a little something like this: Love is a Boy, by Poets styl'd, Then Spare the Rod, and spill the Child. Also written as: Love is a Boy, by Poets styl'd, Then Spare the Rod, and spoil the Child. Apparently spill in this context means spoil. Well, well, well, didn’t I feel smug and what did you think I did with my new found knowledge the next time some grown-up said “Spare the rod and spoil the child” to me…. that’s right brothas and sistas…. I did absolutely nothing! Why, you ask? Well, do I look crazy to you? I just sat in the corner with my Bible thinking, ain’t that a shame, grown folks don’t even know the difference between a proverb and the book of Proverbs…. um, um, um…so sad, think they quotin Bible, but they quotin Butler! Hallelujah Holla Back, Sista Laurel <a href="http://www.myfreecopyright.com/registered_mcn/BT8QW_3GY41_YKT8E" title="MyFreeCopyright.com Registered & Protected"><img alt="MyFreeCopyright.com Registered & Protected" border="0" height="38" src="http://storage.myfreecopyright.com/mfc_protected.png" title="MyFreeCopyright.com Registered & Protected" width="145" /></a>

Proverbs or Proverb?

I come from one of those families where scripture is used to scare you straight. I used to wonder how parents ever expected kids to like rea...

It's Not My Turn To Pray

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNR_f0giUnMTxH4wGiuKWmcc4VZxdhxAiTm8p6UTDynxw_I2vG0mrayBMPYS1X605wi78uOTRnsnTrMAHw7aMPmksTY3dhdj71-V94ljxN6W_q4eW44vjVxKuZ5KB7w7DESIWbnzCuJL9a/s1600-h/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" sr="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNR_f0giUnMTxH4wGiuKWmcc4VZxdhxAiTm8p6UTDynxw_I2vG0mrayBMPYS1X605wi78uOTRnsnTrMAHw7aMPmksTY3dhdj71-V94ljxN6W_q4eW44vjVxKuZ5KB7w7DESIWbnzCuJL9a/s320/2.jpg" /></a>While there are some people who fail to recognize the Lord's hand in our lives, other people seem to see his hand in everything that they do. I'm not talking about those people that stand up monthly and bear their testimony. You know the testimonies that make everyone feel uncomfortable, even the children; I'm talking about those people who have the faith of Brotha Job. </div> As I survey the lives of my families last four generations, as well as the families of my peers, it seems to me that the younger generations lack gratitude. While there are several reasons for the lack of gratitude in our lives and the lives of our youth, I attribute the main reason for lack of gratitude being we (parents) lack the ability to communicate to our children what we are grateful for and in turn what they are grateful for. Yes brothas and sistas, the nature of this story has taken a slight turn, just bare with me as I relay this short story that will tie into teaching gratitude. Sometimes my parents had to flip the script in order for me to learn the lessons they tried to teach me. I think last night I would have received an A+ in "T Family Teachings 101". Story: Last night I called my children down for family prayer. My two youngest girls ages 12 and 10 were being rambunctious, playful, but rambunctious with one another. Even though they both started off playful and teasing I knew they were a giggle away from a full on war. In trying to calm the two of them down I asked one of my daughters to lead us in family prayer. She groaned and said that she had said the prayer the night before and that it was someone else’s turn to say prayer. Some parents would have apologized and differed the responsibility to say family prayer to a younger sibling. Me: So you only expect the Lord to bless you a little? Her: No, I just don't think I should have to say all the prayers in this house. Me: Oh, I'm sorry, you must be the one that keeps telling Heavenly Father that he's blessed you way too much and it's time for him to pass those blessings on to someone else. I understand you have expressed your gratitude for the family this week, so if we need you to pray for the family, we have to catch you in the morning or in the mid-day. Her: Mom, your being dramatic... (smile). Yes, I want blessings. Me: (Am I seeing a smile)? Oh, well is there something your trying to take care of? Are you not worthy to pray? Are you working on your issue? Or you just don't have anything to say to Heavenly Father? Are you and Heavenly Father in a fight? Her: (Her and the rest of the family, full out laughter)... O.K. I'll say prayer. I would just like to report that she said a full, healthy prayer. It was thoughtful and she expressed gratitude for our family and the blessings in our lives. Back on track: If we are noticing a lack of gratitude in our lives and the lives of our children we need to focus on the basics. When was the last time you took public transportation? When was the last time (if ever) you went and ate at a homeless shelter, without doing service there? Just going there and exposing yourself and your children to those less fortunate, placing yourself on their level. When was the last time you said "No" to your child? Just "No", I'm not spending that kind of money or we simply can't afford that. Being a parent I understand how difficult it is to say "No" to your child especially when so many other parents are saying yes. It's not our responsibility to provide our children with all the latest fashions and/or gadgets. We have become an entitled generation; it is this attitude that we are passing on to our children. Many of us want to have the same quality of life as we start our adult lives, that we had living with our parents. It's natural for parents to have a desire to help their children achieve success, however we might be keeping our children from learning the lesson of gratitude. Where entitlement exists, there is no room for gratitude. Where entitlement is, resentment is usually around the corner. I know that I am one of the most blessed children of our Heavenly Father. As I look at my life and my family (even extended), I know that Heavenly Father has had a watchful eye on me and has placed Angels in my path. I'm especially grateful for parents that knew how to simply say "no", without giving me an excuse. I'm grateful for parents that taught me the value of life. I'm most grateful for the people in my life and their willingness to patiently teach me. Sista Beehive   <a href="http://www.myfreecopyright.com/registered_mcn/BT8QW_3GY41_YKT8E" title="MyFreeCopyright.com Registered & Protected"><img alt="MyFreeCopyright.com Registered & Protected" border="0" height="38" src="http://storage.myfreecopyright.com/mfc_protected.png" title="MyFreeCopyright.com Registered & Protected" width="145" /></a>

It's Not My Turn To Pray

While there are some people who fail to recognize the Lord's hand in our lives, other people seem to see his hand in everything that the...

Saturday's War

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGUaePQKyKaLIGwGVgiH8qL8UBWzx8qgZr_nDiJI1BwfUpk_TQpIh4XUtKzgzIy2Z61-wXQ9jJOX8tlhyphenhyphenM1Wb5jYAJbU7M1JJDXR81sPl3OIUP3JCoDnI_DAgH8511eghPWXal21Wfb4s/s1600-h/3.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397358167513566338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGUaePQKyKaLIGwGVgiH8qL8UBWzx8qgZr_nDiJI1BwfUpk_TQpIh4XUtKzgzIy2Z61-wXQ9jJOX8tlhyphenhyphenM1Wb5jYAJbU7M1JJDXR81sPl3OIUP3JCoDnI_DAgH8511eghPWXal21Wfb4s/s200/3.jpg" style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 133px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> Saturday is a special day, it's the day we get ready for Sunday.... For years we've all been striving (or should have been striving) to use our Saturdays to prepare for Sunday. I must admit that I haven't always felt eager to prepare for anything except Christmas and maybe a few birthdays... maybe. However, as I've taken on this particular challenge I find it extremely difficult to remain patient. My boys have a way of sneaking odd objects into our home without me finding out until it's time for me to do the laundry. In the boys room, I found a home made shank... I would like to think it's a B.O.M. weapon, and that my son was thinking like a "strippling warrior", however, I know it's just a product of our watching too much "Gangland" on the History Channel (T.M.I.). Anyways, I've become my mother... No Saturday morning cartoons until your room is cleaned, and you have what you're wearing to church out on your bed. With all the moaning and groaning I find it difficult not to take it to the next level of insanity. "What are you complaining for when I was your age we didn't have TiVo. When I missed a show I had to wait for a rerun!!" Don't get me started with the many memories of how things used to be... Remember when kids were afraid to talk back? Wow, I just had to save myself, I almost gave a shout out to "the good old days" which would have officially made me and my mother the same person. I'm not really there yet. I don't know if the suggestion to use Saturday to prepare for Sunday was to encourage family togetherness, or just really to be prepared for Sunday. I don't know if the Brothern realize that families all across the world are at war on Saturdays and on most Sundays some mothers shouldn't even look at the Sacrament tray lest they should catch fire and turn into ashes. I don't know how many more Saturdays I can keep my cool without having a "Drop Kick Me Jesus" moment! Brothas and sistas, the warring has got to stop, I'm in need of a treaty - any suggestions? Help keep a sista outta jail... Sista Beehive <a href="http://www.myfreecopyright.com/registered_mcn/BT8QW_3GY41_YKT8E" title="MyFreeCopyright.com Registered & Protected"><img alt="MyFreeCopyright.com Registered & Protected" border="0" height="38" src="http://storage.myfreecopyright.com/mfc_protected.png" title="MyFreeCopyright.com Registered & Protected" width="145" /></a>

Saturday's War

Saturday is a special day, it's the day we get ready for Sunday.... For years we've all been striving (or should have been striving...

Is Cinderella a Christian?

Primary the Mormon TMZ

Proverbs or Proverb?

It's Not My Turn To Pray

Saturday's War

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