Trusting God

So many individuals and families from UBC have stepped up to help in the recovery process as we deal with the effects of Hurricane Ike. Many people are in situations out of the ordinary for them as they search for ice, water and electricity. Although we will return to a life of normalcy, schools will re-open, grocery stores will have milk and bread, and traffic lights will function again, the memory of the storm will not soon go away.



Yesterday our preschoolers learned about how Jesus Fed the People, John 6:1-13. As I listened in the hallways yesterday and visited with the preshcoolers they had stories to tell about the evacuation and Hurricane Ike. They see remnants of the storm at their playgrounds in their yards and covering the streets of Clear Lake. The people listening to Jesus on the mountainside that day were hungry, but they trusted that Jesus could care for their needs. I pray that during this time we trust God to care for our needs and be ready to help care for the needs of others.



Although our children are probably not going without food or water, there are still many children without electricity standing in line for hours in search of nourishment. Families lost their homes, their clothes, their toys and their lives. This is a time we can teach our preschoolers about serving. We are going to postpone our scheduled Preschool Family Mission Project and work with hurricane relief.

Preschool Families Hurricane Relief Project

Wednesday, September 24

6:30-7:30

UBC - LC 226-227

We will be packaging Pinto Beans and Rice for Interfaith Caring Ministries.

Parents please plan to stay with your preschoolers and participate as a family.

*They are also accepting used toys, personal hygiene items and other household items.

Interfaith Caring Ministries Hurricane Relief Center

231 W. Main

League City, Texas

Check out this link from the National Association for the Education of Young Children: http://www.naeyc.org/families/disaster.asp

The Rainbow

Last Thursday morning I left for Livingston to "hunker down" with my family during Hurricane Ike. This was my very first hurricane experience ever. As I sat there with family and friends I had an overwhelming array of emotions to deal with. I had good moments and freak out moments. I am sure you and your families experienced the same feelings.

Your preschool children may be having problems understanding what happened during the past week. Sharing the story of Noah with your child could provide a sense of comfort. God promised to never flood the earth again. We may have rain and storms, we may lose some things we have at our house, but we know that God will protect us. Talk to your child about what the rainbow means. God sent us the rainbow as a reminder of his promise to us.

Make a rainbow with your child and write down some things you are thankful for during the hurricane. Maybe they are thankful their favorite toy was not hurt or their pet or bike. Pray with your children about their feelings. Use words they understand and allow them to pray what they are feeling. Be sure that prayer time with your children is not a time to add stress to their lives. Your children are probably not thinking or feeling the same emotions you are. If you pray about those things in front of your child it may had stress to their lives.

If your family is going to help friends and neighbors with food, clothing or yard work you can have your preschooler make some rainbows to include. They could also make cards with rainbow pictures. You can explain what the rainbow means to people as you share with others around you.

UBC is sending out crews of people to help those people affected by Hurricane Ike. They have crews of people helping with yard work and helping serve and prepare food. If your family would like to help call UBC and get on the volunteer list.

This Sunday, September 21, UBC will only be having a 11:00 service. The 9:30 service and Sunday evening activities have been canceled. We will be providing Preschool WBS during our 11:00 service.

If your family has any needs please be in contact with UBC staff members. We want to help you during this time.

Differences

Last week I had the opportunity to take some vacation time. I enjoyed a nice visit to College Station. For two years I worked as a Nanny in College Station for a family with 4 girls. Even though there was a set of triplets in the mix each girl has her own personality. I got to enjoy watching one dance, while another showed me her artwork, and yet another wanted to show me everything she had learned since she last saw me. Each girl has her own strength and own personality that makes her an individual.

Yesterday our preschoolers learned about two special sisters, Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-42). Martha wanted to make sure the house was perfect for their special guest, Jesus. Her priority was the food and the appearance of the house. Mary just wanted to spend time with Jesus. She wanted to learn more about who He was and strengthen her relationship with Him. Jesus encouraged each personality trait in the sisters. He knew Martha's "hostess" role was important, but did not want to squelch Mary's love of learning.

This week spend some time thinking about your child's personality. What activities do they enjoy? What makes them tick? How can you encourage them to use their personalities as you seek to build their relationship with Jesus.

For example:
If you have a child with a "Mary" personality spend time reading a Bible story with them during the day. Ask him questions about what the story means. Make a part of the story applicable to your child's life.
If you have a child with a "Martha" personality go shopping for some canned goods for the Clear Lake Food Pantry or make some food for a sick neighbor or friend.

God created each child for a purpose. Don't make their time learning about Jesus a time that is not enjoyable for them. Create opportunities they enjoy and show them how to make Jesus a part of that time. This will help them learn to make God a part of their everyday lives and not just for Sunday mornings.

DID YOU KNOW:
Did you know that Lakeshore Learning has free crafts for children 3 years old and up every Saturday? Check their website for more information. www.lakeshorelearning.com