Looking for a "Kid-Friendly" Holiday Movie?

Not sure if the movie your kids want to go see is going to be worth the bucks you are about to pay? Check out this site before you head out to the theaters this holiday season. . .

Click Here

A Big Christmas Buying "No No"

Read this article if you have already purchased AquaDots for your kids. Believe it or not, they contain BHG ("date rape" drug). We had to throw ours away this morning and I thought I should pass the info along.

Amy

The Golden Compass

PARENTS READ THIS before you let your kids go to see or read The Golden Compass!!!

ELEVATE Week of October 21

This week in ELEVATE, the kids learned that because Jesus is God they should worship Him, listen to and obey Him and tell others about Him.

* Main Point: Jesus showed us that He is the Son of God.

* Bible Story: Jesus healing the blind man (John 9:1-11); Jesus calming the storm (Mark 4:35-41), Raising of Lazarus (John 11:1-44)

* Memory Verse: Acts 2:22
"People of Israel, listen! God publicly endorsed Jesus of Nazareth by doing wonderful miracles, wonders, and signs through him, as you well know." (NLT)

Below is a great video to watch with your kids. It will get them excited about Operation Christmas Child that is coming up on November 11 and will also open up the doors of conversation about telling others about Jesus - just as they talked about this week.

Video Click on "Christmas in Ecuador"

ELEVATE Week of October 14

This Week your kids learned that selfish things are not things they should seek. Instead, Jesus teaches that we should seek to serve other people.

Main Point: Jesus Teaches Me That I Should Not be Selfish.

Bible Story: Rich Young Ruler (Mark 10:17; Luke 18:18-23); Two disciples asking Jesus to sit at His right and left (Mark 10:35); Jesus' teaching on selfishness (Mark 10:42-45)

Memory Verse: Mark 10:45a
"For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others..." (NLT)

Now is the time to begin talking with your kids about the upcoming Operation Christmas Child Event that we will be having after church on November 11. Start saving shoeboxes and keep your eyes open at the stores for items to fill a box and send to a child who won't otherwise get a Christmas present.

Below are recommended items to purchase to fill your boxes. Let you child dig into their piggy banks and help to pay for some of the items themselves - use this as a teachable moment about service to follow up their lesson from this week.

All items should be brought to church on November 11. We will wrap and pack the boxes as a church family after the service.


Operation Christmas Child brings joy and hope to children in desperate situations around the world through gift-filled shoe boxes and the Good News of God's love. This program of Samaritan's Purse provides an opportunity for people of all ages to be involved in a simple, hands—on missions project while focusing on the true meaning of Christmas—Jesus Christ.

#1 Choose the age and sex of the child you want to prepare a box.
2-4 years
5-9 years
10-14 years

#2 Purchase items
school supplies, toys, small instruments, balls, hygiene items, hard candy, gum, jewelry, t-shirts, hair accessories, cars, dolls, etc.

#3 Be prepared to include a $7 donation with your box to cover shipping.

DO NOT include used or damaged items, war-related items, chocolate or food, liquids or lotions, medications, breakable items, aerosol cans

You will be able to find more information at church on the information table.

Have a terrific week!
Amy

Get Ready for a FABULOUS laugh!

You may have never before heard of Anita Renfroe, but after this, you will never forget her. . .
You've Gotta Watch This!!!

ELEVATE Week of October 7

This week our kids learned that God Will Help Them Stand Up Against Temptation.

Lesson Goal: The children will discovered that the more they know about God and the Bible, the more easily they will be able to resist temptation.


The memory verse for the week is found in 1 Corinthians 10:13. . .
"The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure." (NLT)

As a follow up to this week's lesson, here is a fun video that you can watch with your kids. Begin by asking them to tell you what they think temptation is. Then, remind them that God is "Super Strong" enough to help them face any temptation. As always, please supervise your kids while watching YouTube.

Don't forget to bring God and Jesus into the conversation every day this week - whether you are on the go, in the car or enjoying a peaceful evening at home, remember to invite him into the discussion.

2 Great Websites for Books and Resources

Great Books for Your Kids with Great Values. . .books that you don't have to think twice about purchasing for your kids. . .


BetterWorld Books
You can find some of the Mom's Notes books cheaper here. Fund worldwide literacy and environment and the same time.

ELEVATE Music CD

Click Here to Purchase this CD for your kiddos!!!! It's a great way to let the truths of God sink into their hearts during the week.

ELEVATE Week of September 16

"Church is where I learn about God" is the lesson of the week. Yes, it definitely is. But at Cool River we also believe that church should not be the primary place of teaching about God and the faith. Those truths should first and foremost be taught at home and on the road by the family. Still, this week our kids learned about the beginning of Jesus' ministry as he talked with the Jewish leaders in the Temple. It was a really good lesson and the kids are learning a lot about Jesus's life.


As an extra activity for this week on the life of Jesus. . .you might consider letting your child watch this MOVIE. (Obviously, click on the English version) It is about an hour in length and worth every minute. Some of you have heard of the Jesus Film. It is a movie about Jesus' life and the Christian faith that has been translated into MANY languages. It is used around the world to share the gospel. This movie is the kid version. It's good, good stuff.

Check back for more next week!!!!
And please leave comments to let us know how these weekly helps are working for your family.

ELEVATE - Week of September 9

"God gave His best - I should give my best."

This week our kids continued their journey towards discovering the greatest treasure ever by uncovering the BIRTH stone. The birth that they learned about was the birth of Jesus - God's greatest gift.

The verse of the week is: "For God loved the world so much that he gave his only son. . .John 3:16a" Please help them to memorize the verse so they can get a prize next Sunday.

This week as you discuss with your kids, encourage them to always go above and beyond what is asked of them. God gave his best and because we love God we want to give our best to others no matter what.

Below is a link and ideas to help you out this week.

Give Your Very Best
Sit down with your child at the computer and watch this YouTube video together. (of course, this is clean, but always monitor your child closely when on YouTube) It should spark great conversation about giving God your very best.

Notice all of the things that your child is doing well this week. Praise them.. Encourage them. Don't fuss because they aren't doing the best job they can when you ask them to clean their room. Actually go alongside them and train them all over again. This time, talk to them about how God gave his best (Jesus) to us and because we love God we want to always try to do our very best in everything that we do - even cleaning our room.

Have fun!!

Until next week. . . .

ELEVATE - Week of September 2

"Sin Separates Us From God"

This week the kids began a journey through the life of Jesus. They learned how through Adam and Eve, sin entered the world. Because of this sin we are no longer perfect and therefore separated from God (Genesis 2-3).

Their verse for the week: "For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard Romans 3:23."

Below is a link that will help you as parents to continue to dialogue. Please set aside some time over dinner this week or as you drive along in the car to talk with your kids about sin and how it separates us from the Father. The first link will help you through that conversation. Print it out! Really do it!

Click here

At Cool River we value the next generation. We also believe that it is the primary responsibility of the parents to pass along the faith to their kids. We are going to do our best to equip you in the journey. Please continue to make efforts every single day to talk about God with you kids. Read them Bible stories. Heck, make them read the stories to you! Listen to Christian music in your car. Pray before bedtime. Talk! Open up the lines of communication and invite Jesus into the conversation. You are gonna be amazed!!!!

AFTER you spend time helping your child understand this week about what sin is, watch this video together (note:this is a clean YouTube video - please monitor your child closely while using YouTube)
Video

Ask the question. . ."Why do you think God sent his son to Earth?" Follow this with conversation depending upon their answer.

Next Sunday's lesson topic is "God gave His best - I should give my best." It is basically the Christmas story and John 3:16. They will learn how God decided to provide a way for us to be with him even though we have sin in our life - the birth of Jesus as our Savior from our sins.

Check back for more next week!

Z Graphic Novels

CHECK THIS OUT!!!

Very Cool! Watch the trailer on the website.

The Bible ... larger than life! Kids will love reading its stories told through the graphic storytelling of Korean manga. Readers will enjoy learning the Bible’s characters and landscapes portrayed through this cutting-edge Japanese style of art now popular around the world...

Living Without Regrets

Looking back on your life, is there anything you'd do differently? On this FamilyLife broadcast, Mark DeMoss, founder of The DeMoss Group, tells Dennis Rainey about the tremendous impact his father had on him. Mark shares with Dennis why he's resolved to live his life on purpose and how that resolution affects all areas of his life.
Link to Broadcast

Modeling Values

Quick read with good insight. . .

Click Here for the Article Link

Before the Hormones Hit

Click Here for the Article Link

Fun Ideas for Making Up Stories

Click Here for the Article Link

The Legacy You Want to Give

Click Here for the Article Link

Terrific Preschool and Early Ages Story Bible

Amy's Favorite Pick - Good stories -better detail than most -

attention grabbing for 3 years - at least 3rd grade

Purchase Here

Just For Fun

How Much Money is Mom Worth? You Could Never Afford Her!!

Are you wondering what mom should be paid for her work as mom? Salary.com has valuated the "mom job" of both the Working and Stay-at-Home Moms! Based on a survey of more than 40,000 mothers, Salary.com determined that the time mothers spend performing 10 typical job functions would equate to an annual salary of $138,095 for a stay-at-home mom. Working moms ‘at-home’ salary is $85,939 in 2007; this is in addition to the salary they earn in the workplace.

www.mom.salary.com

Great for Summer Vacation

Are you driving somewhere this summer for vacation? Do you have a dvd player for your school age kids to watch along the journey? Why not give them a different type of movie to pass the time? Discipleship and Bible learning on the go. . .


Purchase Here

Teachable Moments Made Easy

This is one of my top picks! You've got to check it out! And if you think you might like it - don't wait. . .get it!!!!
Amy

Click Here

Preparing for a Moments Notice

Click here to read article

Answering Tough Questions from Kids about God

“Hey, Mom?” my son said one day. “If killing is wrong, then why did God help David kill Goliath?” Whoa! My child was only 3 years old! I was not expecting questions like this for at least seven more years. Over the next few weeks, he asked even more questions, such as “If Jesus is God’s Son, then who is God’s wife?” and “So Jesus and God are kind of the same but kind of different. How does that work?”

Children are curious. Like it or not, you are going to be faced with tough questions from little seekers. At times, it can be overwhelming. After all, theologians and scholars have been debating the answers to some of these questions for centuries, so how can you be expected to know the answers and communicate them to children in a way that makes sense? The next time you find yourself stumped by a child’s question, keep the following guidelines in mind.

• Encourage children to ask questions. When you feel you do not have the time or energy to get into difficult questions, it is tempting to reply with a quick, “That’s just the way it is” or “Because God said so.” But resist the temptation to be flippant or to blurt out responses that ultimately discourage children from asking questions. Children are genuinely curious about their world, and we need to create an environment that encourages them to seek the truth. When you do, you foster a lifelong desire to continue learning more about God.
  
• Communicate at the child’s level. When answering a child’s tough questions about God, always take into consideration his age and maturity level. Use words and concepts that he can understand and that do not cause additional confusion. This may mean that at times you simplify an issue, such as the Trinity or Christ’s incarnation, to its most basic facts.
  
• Do not be afraid to say you do not know the answer. Instead, join the child in discovering the answer to his questions. Feel free to say: “I’ll have to look that up and get back to you” or “I’m not sure how to answer that. Let’s find the answer together.” It is beneficial for children to see that you are not a supreme know-it-all but that you, too, are still learning about God and growing in your understanding of spiritual concepts.
  
• Help an older child look up answers himself. Pointing children to resources available to them lays the foundation for a lifetime of seeking answers to the hard questions. Stock your bookshelf with a good Bible dictionary and commentary. Show the child how to look up the answer and discuss it with him.
  
• Pray for spiritual understanding. A child’s understanding of spiritual matters is primarily influenced by the Holy Spirit. The Bible makes it clear that the concepts relating to God and His ways are not always easy to understand. Pray that the child’s spiritual eyes, as well as your own, will be opened to God’s truths.

My son is now 7 years old and the questions keep coming! But rather than feel frustrated, I look forward to hearing what he asks next, and I am excited to watch him learn even more about God.

$$$$$$

The Web site that’s all about introducing good money habits in a fun, memorable way to kids from kindergarten to 12th grade.
It’s never too early – or too late – to develop good money sense! From small change to big money, it starts with Common Cents.

http://www.statefarm.com/learning/kid_stuff/commoncents/

Brad Hughes

Cool River Parent

State Fram Representative

Web Based Way to Disciple Your Kids Ages 4-12

Take your kids on an adventure tour of the fundamentals of the Christian faith. FaithLaunch is a practical, six-month study of biblical basics designed to help you guide your kids down the path toward discovering and walking with God.

Each week, they provide what you need to lead your family in a study of one primary truth or principle. All lessons are delivered via the website below.

http://www.focusonyourchild.com/faith/faithlaunch/

A Date With Dad

Link to Article

Teaching Your Child to Pray

Ignite your child's heart to pray with the practical suggestions in this book by Rick Osborne. It offers great suggestions on how to teach prayer to your kids in a way they can understand and inspires parents to become prayer mentors for their children. It's a great way to pass on your faith to your family!


Purchase Here

Article to Read

Sweet Book for Moms

Do you desire to change your child's heart--and actions? One of the key ways to raise godly children is to pray often and specifically for their character. While They Were Sleeping shows moms how they can pray God's promises for their children in just a few minutes each day. Weekly activities will help you connect you with your child and have fun doing these practical applications. It's message can transform a young life ... and last a lifetime.

Purchase Book Here

For Families with Boys

Boys are different! But with pressure to be "gender neutral," many try to mold children into a one-size-fits-all model. Dr. Dobson explains why boys are the way they are, how to understand their emotional and physical development, and the best way to motivate them to become godly men.






Click here to purchase the audiobook

It comes in book form, too.

Broadcast CDs

FYI - Free Food in February

Load up the mini van, tell the neighborhood. . .it's time for their 3D Kids Eat Free in February! From the 1st all the way to the 28th. . .Kids 12 and under eat free from the kids menu with the purchase of an adult entree. It's the best kids deal in town and it's going on all month long! Every day in February from open to close. . .Kids Eat Free! They have 3D glasses for all kids and some fun 3D surprises, too!

Buttered Popcorn and a Movie

Spend time with your kids.
Laugh with you kids.
Talk with your kids.
Take time to teach them well.

Here's a fun idea. . .


Get Your Kids Talking About Life’s Choices And Consequences In A Fun, Easy Way.

Discover 25 entertaining films that you can use to teach powerful lessons to your children. Each selection includes engaging activities, a plot summary, and objectionable elements and discussion points.

Films highlighted: Anne of Green Gables, Babe, Black Stallion, Charlotte's Web, Chicken Run, Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Finding Nemo, Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey, Ice Age, Iron Will, Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius, Little Secrets, Miracle on 34th Street, National Velvet, Old Yeller, The Rookie, Sarah, Plain and Tall, The Sound of Music, Spy Kids, Stuart Little 2, Swiss Family Robinson, Tarzan, Toy Story 2, Treasure Planet, The Wizard of Oz.

Buy Book Here

Chapter Books for Boys and Girls

Just for Boys

More for Boys





Just for Girls

More for Girls














Also, look here to find specific books cheaper

Day Trip Idea

If you have never been to visit Focus on the Family in Colorado Springs, it is a terrific day drip idea for young kids. It would probably be the most appropriate for ages 3-10, although I have seen older kids there having a great time as well. The drive from Superior is only about 1 1/2 hours. Remember not to get stuck in Denver rush hour traffic!

Directions


When you enter the welcome center you will find a great bookstore, coffee shop, free magazines and movies to watch, a tour of Focus on the Family and Whit's End. Whit's End is the big attraction for the kids. It is in the basement of the welcome center. There is a 3 story tunnel slide, movies, an indoor play place, a huge fighter jet to play in, a Narnia discovery room, a puppet theater and stage on which to perform, a reading area and a soda shop. It's a fairly inexpensive lunch of hotdogs, pizza, ice cream, etc., or just bring your lunch and eat outside on a pretty day. You can easily spend hours here and your kids will probably be begging to come back.



Download an episode of Adventures in Odyssey (Dec. 26, 2006 post) to listen to during the drive. Adventures in Odyssey stories take place in Whit's End, so the kids would be able to listen to an adventure, become familiar with the characters and then actually arrive at Whit's End afterwards. Plus, it will entertain them for the drive.

Let me know if you plan to give it a try! Maybe I'll join you!

Amy

Recommended Read - Amy's Review

Launching Your Kids For Life - Bob and Cheryl Reccord
I rarely read "how-to"parenting books. I have always found them to be repetitive or only suited to one type of child or ideal situation. But, this book surprisingly scores 5 stars on my list. It was full of helpful info and admirable insights on raising kids intentionally to be "on mission" and always seeking God's big picture and plan for their lives. Way to go Bob and Cheryl Reccord! It's a Christian parenting book that is very different from all the others. It's not another book about how to discipline, but a book about how to open your kids eyes to the world that God has placed around them - how to be intentional about guiding a child's heart towards the Father.

Amy

Find Book Here