children Archives - Page 2 of 2

Empty Nest

December 30, 2014 Diana Derringer Comments 0 Comment

This empty nest was once a happy home for a mama bird and her babies. They lived in the gutter on one corner of our front porch.

We first saw the nest after the mama bird had laid her eggs. We left the nest until the eggs hatched and the baby birds flew away. Mama bird also left once her nest was empty.

That’s the way nature works. Before birth and soon after, children need extra care. As they grow stronger, they do more on our own. They learn how to survive without their parents.

How to work
How to get along with others
How to take care of their daily needs
How to have fun

Eventually most children fly away – they leave home to begin a new life.

When children leave home, parents have an empty nest. They must also begin a new stage in life. While everyone may enjoy visits, they know life moves forward. To be most effective, parents must move forward too.

Each life stage is different. Each life stage is good.

“Even the birds find a home there, and the swallow builds a nest, where she can protect her young near your altars, O LORD who rules over all, my king and my God” (Psalm 84:3 NET).

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My Hat’s Off to You

July 29, 2014 Diana Derringer Comments 1 comment

To show honor, respect, or admiration, I might say, “My hat’s off to you.” Years ago, men would often remove their hats and bow in a lady’s presence. They would also remove their hats before people in authority.

These ladies were part of a volunteer team that worked in our church’s recent Vacation Bible School.

The work was tiring.
The children were active.
The workers could have spent their week doing much easier tasks.

Yet, they love children and understand the value of that time.

The children sang, played games, made crafts, ate snacks, heard stories, and more. In the process, they learned eternal life lessons.

After their week’s work, this group selected a day for fun. Their destination: Martha’s Tearoom at Emerald Acres in Glendale, Kentucky.

Martha told everyone to choose a hat before the tea. Once seated, the workers feasted. They laughed. They told stories. They shared concerns.

We need more people like these wonderful women who make our world a better place. Ladies, my hat’s off to you.

How can we thank God enough for you, for all the joy we feel because of you before our God? (1 Thessalonians 3:9 NET).

Who has influenced your life? Please comment.

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Don’t Toot Your Own Horn

May 20, 2014 Diana Derringer Comments 4 comments

We want children to develop good self-esteem. At the same time, we don’t want them to boast—to toot their own horn.. Finding the right balance between the two takes work.

Children naturally desire attention. That’s okay up to a point. However, they should not seek recognition every time they do well. They need to share attention just like they need to share toys.

Telling children (or anyone), “Don’t toot your own horn,” or “Don’t blow your own trumpet,” means they should not praise themselves. In other words, don’t brag.

No one wants to hear their endless boasting:

“I’m the fastest.”
“I’m the smartest.”
“I’m the prettiest.”
“I’m the best.”

If those statements are true, let people see it for themselves. If untrue, bragging only makes them look sad or silly.

We hurt children if we allow them to grow up with an inflated sense of their importance. Instead, let’s teach them that we all have strengths, and we all have needs. By supporting one another instead of focusing on ourselves, everyone wins.

“Don’t praise yourself; let others do it!” (Proverbs 27:2 TLB).

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