It's Monday morning, which means it's time to sit down and visit a bit with you, filling you in on all the news you need to know about, at least as far as WOW is concerned. I also have a good article from Today's Christian Woman for all the moms out there. So pour yourself a steaming cup of coffee or tea and take a look at the different activities available for you to participate in.
Saturday evening at 6 PM is our WOW Christmas party. This year our theme is a Peppermint Pound Party--just bring a pound of something, wrapped, that we'll use in our White Elephant gift exchange. Also bring appetizers and/or dessert to share as our meal. And have fun dressing in red and/or white as we meet at Amy Rusaw's. Call her at 503-913-2682 if you need directions. (Carpooling is encouraged.) This would be a wonderful opportunity to bring your friends with you, as long as they're women. We'd really like to see some new faces, as I'm sure you're all tired of seeing my old one! So come enjoy a low-key evening of fun, food, and friends.
Wednesday noon at Jake's Deli in McMinnville the December meeting of the Christian Women's Fellowship will be meeting for a no-host lunch. You may feel like Mac is a long way away, but it's really not. Plus you could plan to do some Christmas shopping after the lunch and speaker, as there's a Winco, Safeway, Walmart, Penney's, etc. that would just love to get some of your hard-earned money! And as a heads up, on the second Wednesday of February my daughter, Christina Tarabochia, whom many of you know, will be the speaker. I'd love for us to all show up and support her, plus she's a great speaker! So put it on your 2013 calendar now.
This week both our women's Bible studies will meet--Common Grounds on Wed. at 6:30 PM, and The Perk on Thursday morning at 9:30. Our study in the book of Luke continues to challenge and convict us. We'll see what Luke 5:12 through the end of the chapter has to say to us this week. I know it takes an effort to fit this into your schedule, but I'm quite sure the fellowship with other women and the time spent in the Word of God will make it worth your while.
Are you feeling like you need to be a little more involved in caring for our women? Well, have I got an opportunity for you! We are in dire need of someone to step up to be in charge of planning showers to celebrate the major life events among our women--wedding and baby showers. Nathalie has done a great job, but needs to put her energy in other areas. So we're looking for a few good women to step up and say, "Pick me! Pick me!" as they wildly wave their hands to get my attention. And I will! Please, if you're the least bit interested in this, let me know. We have some women that we want to bless in January, but someone needs to head things up. It would be great to have a team of 3 or 4 gals that could work together to do this. So make my phone ring off the hook (boy, is that ever an old-fashioned term!) and tell me you'll be glad to serve!
Next week is our annual Christmas cookie (or candy) exchange, and that will occur during each of our Bible studies. I've had a hard time making up my mind as to the quantity you need to bring, but my final answer is 3 dozen! So bring that many cookies on a tray, plus an empty tray to load your goodies on to take home. We'll munch on our stash during our studies, and it's up to you as to how many you want to take home for the rest of your family!
And now for the article I promised you, by Heather Rigglma. I hope you find it helpful.
2 Holiday Tips for Parents
'Tis the season for family gatherings, church plays,
school concerts, running errands, and finding that perfect gift for
everyone on your list with your children in tow. I don't know about you,
but the idea of adding all this to my already busy schedule makes me
cringe because it's the perfect storm for meltdowns and tantrums galore.
Fortunately, I picked up a couple of tips when I began
juggling the busy shopping season with two preschoolers for company. The
acronyms S.T.O.P. and H.A.L.T. will be your go-to tools this holiday
season.
S.T.O.P.
When you hear bickering and squabbling erupt for the
millionth time, instead of blowing your top or becoming frustrated, try
this:
Step away from the situation: When
you're in the middle of a crowded department store, take a deep breath
and count to 10. Look for a non-crowded area to take your kids. Deep
breaths and moving away from the aisle where chaos broke out helps you
and your children regain some clarity. This allows you to clear your
heads and calms your emotions. You can see the big picture and gain
insight into how you should parent your children in that particular
moment.
Here are some simple phrases to add to your parenting toolbox for when you need to "step away":
"I'm taking a deep breath; what are you going to do?"
"It's too bad you feel this way; we are going to stand here until we are all ready to tackle our shopping list."
These phrases give you a moment in your mind to step
away and calm your emotions. At the same time, you will empower your
children to make better choices.
Think: Ask yourself what it is about
the situation that is driving you batty. Are you tired or stressed? What
is the best way to discipline your child? Allowing yourself to think
about the situation gives you an opportunity to respond in a calm, cool,
and collected manner. It also demonstrates a bit of wisdom in front of
your children about choosing wise words (see Proverbs 14:1).
Objective: Identify what your objective
is before diving back to parent. What is the most important thing at
this moment? Depending on what's on your to-do list, is it better to
teach a lesson or allow some grace to get your shopping done? You can
decide to discuss the problem or behavior or put it off until later. If
you do decide the best objective is to address the behavior, what is
your main focus? Are you going to discuss kind hands, sharing, or
respect?
I gauge how I handle the objective depending on my
child's attitude. Nine times out of ten, I say something like, "Elijah, I
know you're bored, but this needs to get done right now. If you can
make it through the store without touching your sister, we can get done
faster."
Pray: Praying allows us to be the hands
and feet of Christ to our children. It is the most beneficial action we
can do in any situation. Praying also gives us a chance to respond in a
manner that gives our children something to model.
I often pray prayers like these:
"Father God, help me to be Jesus to my kids right now.
Show me how to give them grace because I want to raise children full of
integrity; before I open my mouth, help me be ready to show them your
heart."
"Father, what is it that I can teach my children in this
moment? Is it kindness to others and patience? Lord, show me how I can
give them these examples."
Granted, these steps might seem long and drawn out, but
all can be completed within minutes to help you form a game plan while
navigating the waters of behavior, holidays, and endless errands. The
next time world war three breaks out in the minivan, remember to
S.T.O.P.
H.A.L.T.
Some friends and I were discussing the terrible threes
when my friend Karla advised us of what she has been doing with her
kids. I loved the idea so much, I've been doing it with my own. I'm less
stressed and much calmer, and so are my kids.
The next time your child is driving you bonkers, stop
and try to identify what her issue is. Instead of exasperating your
kiddo (see Ephesians 6:4) and making her feel as if her needs are not important, ask yourself: Is she Hungry, Agitated, Lonely, or Tired?
These are the basic needs our little ones have. When we
identify and address the issues plaguing them, they will turn back into
our sweet little angels that we know and love. Plus, they'll add life to
our holiday season. Addressing their needs allows us to become better
parents and accomplish what we need to get done. It's sometimes
difficult to gauge what is plaguing our children, so don't be afraid to
ask them questions like these:
"Tori, I'll bet you're feeling a little lonely because I
haven't spent any time with you today. What would you like to do with
Mommy after we get done shopping?"
"Elijah, you seem cranky. Do you need something to snack
on? It's close to dinnertime and we aren't finished with our list; what
would you like?"
As Thanksgiving and Christmas come at us full-speed, we
need to be mindful of our limits and our kids' limits. So when you're
attempting just one more trip to the mall to find that perfect gift or
you're attempting to visit loved ones, remember to S.T.O.P. and H.A.L.T.
I guess that means it's time for me to stop writing this week!
Sherrie Ashcraft, Women's Ministry Director
sherrieashcraft@yahoo.com 971-285-6699
