Pockets

 

January/February 2012 — Think about These Things

One of the most common theme suggestions made by members of our Kids’ Advisory Board members was “being positive” or “staying positive.” Our culture seems to value mean-spirited sarcasm over kindness, shouting over listening, and bullying over cooperation. But children are hungry for a different way of being in the world. The words of Philippians 4:8 offer this guidance: “Whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable…think about these things.”  This is not a matter of ignoring or glossing over problems in our own lives or the world. This issue is about viewing the world, even with all its problems, through the lens of the hope that our faith in a loving God offers. How might this viewpoint impact our lives, our relationships with others, and our communities?

Stories: In “Chloe’s Snapshots,” Chloe’s family is busy and a bit cranky. She uses her gift of taking photos to help them see things in a different light.

In “Marco Polo Shirt,” Tyler and Keith are surprised when Marco, the school “loser” suddenly seems different. Keith wants to give Marco a chance to change, but it’s harder for Tyler.

In “Brambleberry Island,” Carson adopts his older friends’ habit of playfully putting friends down. But after a while, he realizes that he’s actually looking for his friends’ faults in order to find things to make fun of.

In “The Secret Valentine,” Sarah can’t believe it when she draws Jake Trout’s name in the class secret valentine exchange. Everyone’s supposed to write positive notes to their secret valentine all week. Sarah can’t think of one positive thing to say about Jake—until she tries a little harder.

In “The Boots,” Tytan is upset that his mom has made him wear a pair of big, old-fashioned snow boots. The bullies he’s always trying to avoid make fun of him, but the boots turn out to be important to him and to one of the bullies.

 

Pocketsful of Scripture includes readings from Jonah and the Gospels.

Where In God’s World? looks at The Philippines.

Our Faith Hero this month is Timothy.

 

March 2012  — Making Choices       

 

During the Lenten season, the Gospel stories of Jesus’ temptations in the wilderness are a powerful guide as we contemplate our own choices. Just as it is for us, life for children is full of choices and temptations. To do homework or spend an extra hour playing a favorite video game? To ignore a shy newcomer or go out of your way to include him or her? To cheat on a test or risk being grounded for getting a bad grade? To experiment, just this once, with alcohol to impress daring friends or risk being ostracized? To speak up for what you believe or remain silent and let others assume you agree with them? So how do we choose? And how do our choices impact our lives and our relationships with others? How do we find the strength to avoid temptations and make the right choices? And where do we find grace and forgiveness when we’ve made the wrong choice?

 

April 2012  —  Listening        

 

We live in a noisy world, so we can’t help hearing a lot. But is anyone listening? Do we genuinely listen to family and friends, or are we busy thinking about what we’re going to say next, texting, or checking email? Do we make the time and space to listen to God, or are we too busy telling God what we need or want (or too busy to pray at all!)? Are we able to hear the sounds of God’s creation—the song of katydids on a summer night, the rustle of leaves on an autumn day? We’re under no illusion about turning back the clock here. But we want to help children begin to appreciate the value of truly listening to the world around them, to the people they’re with each day, and most importantly to God. In this Easter season, the theme of listening reminds us that the Resurrection is God’s ultimate message to us: My love for you is stronger than anything! How do our lives show that we are listening to that message?