Joshua 24:15b "...but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

The wind is changing today. The lazy days of summer sunshine have come to an end and I feel a cooler breeze blowing in the windows of my family room. I watch as my young-adult college student plops down into our big, comfy green chair. Her hair is pulled up tightly in a rubber binder, her hands are chapped from hours of work at her coffee shop job, and her face looks tired as she lets out a deep sigh. Today she begins another year at the University.

She begins by reciting some of the moments of her day, and I can see her frustration as she once again prepares to drive the thirty minutes to her work to begin an eight hour shift. "Mom, it was tough!" she exclaims. And I look at her and remember days from long ago. My siblings and I would push into the front hall, dropping our books and bags and groaning about the days' experiences. My mother always leaned down, kissed us and told us, "Well, your home now." Those familiar words started trickling out of my mouth before I knew what I was saying... "Well, honey, you're home now." I told my child trying to offer comfort as I poured her a big glass of fresh brewed ice tea.

Today's children are getting psyched up (or psyched out) for the start up of school days. Once again, you find yourself at Walmart or Target, throwing glue sticks, pencils, binders, and notebooks into your cart, while asking yourself... where did the summer go?

As a mother of three girls, I cannot emphasize enough that this world is changing, and we may have thought we had it tough, but it's more and more difficult with every passing day for our children.

Today's generation is bombarded with technology to make the world faster and better. They live in the whirlwind of "what next?" They are pushed into this fast pace that leaves their head swimming and their hearts wide open. Outside voices tell them they'll never measure up, they have to look like something to be someone, they have to have the latest greatest tools to keep up with everyone else, and there is no black and white... only gray. And the sad thing is... these pressures are trickling down to younger and younger children every day.

I remember a few years ago, before my father passed away, I asked him, "Daddy, what do you think was your favorite thing that you did in this life? Was it being a teacher? Was it preaching at church? Or was it the fact that you were an inventor for Honeywell?" I'll never forget his response for as long as I live. He said, "Oh, my no, honey. My favorite part of this life was being a dad. Being your dad. I believe I was put on this earth...to be a dad." Thinking about the fact that Dad lost his own father at age 15, I began to cry.

You see, I never thought my father would give me an answer like that. He was an incredible daddy that loved us passionately. If people criticized us, he stood up for us. If people didn't believe in us, he assured us. He told me every day of my life I could do anything....be anything... try harder... keep going... trust God... never stop believing... have faith... He never stopped building into me and he never stopped building into my siblings.

As I've gotten older, I realize that young girls and women tend to relate to God the way that they relate to their earthly daddies. If the earthly dad is Godly, and loves deeply, while believing in that child, that young girl develops a healthy self esteem. If that daddy is gentle and forgiving, but has a Godly discipline for her, she learns boundaries.

If that same child has a loving mom that welcomes them at the door with a "You're home now," bringing comfort, they are more settled.

How we pour into our kids every day into their cumulative years, plays a huge role in who they become. Proverbs 22:6 states, "Point your kids in the right direction and when they're old they won't be lost."

Just think how valuable our job is. Just think how much God must trust us to give us the children we have. Now, what are we going to do with the day-in, day-out routine? Will we love deeply? Will we encourage at all costs? Will we listen even when we're tired? Will we wash the gym suit at 11 p.m. at night, or drive to Cub Foods for 4 dozen chocolate cupcakes? Will we cry with them and laugh with them? Will we give them meaningful compliments? Will we build into them when the world is clawing at them and tearing them down?

This month, as you prepare to send your child(ren) to school, remember that your home needs to be a haven...a safe place. Remember that whatever it's like out there in the "real" world, it's okay because "they're home now."

My daddy told me every night of my life...all the way up until the day that he laid in his hospital bed and went to meet Jesus, that he loved me. He said these words night after night, "Night, Kathy...Daddy loves you." I can still hear his voice as he assured me of his love.

Today...this day...begin to build. Start fresh. Start on the first day of school and commit to yourself, your spouse and God, that you will begin a good work inside of your home...inside of the hearts of those you love. And make your home a place that feels safe and happy, so when your children grow up, they've become the very best that they can be...because you loved God...and you loved them.

Seven Tips on Keeping Your Child Safe

By Alice Wisner

For fifteen of the most terrifying minutes of my life, my two year old daughter disappeared. We were at Iowa State University to watch a parade. I had taken Mary out of the stroller, gotten a blanket and spread it out, and then taken my infant son out of the stroller. In those few seconds, Mary was gone. I could not see her anywhere and I can still feel the sick-to-my-stomach panic of searching through the crowd. My friends, although they hid it well, were also panicking, and one was in search of a police officer. Fortunately, Mary was found safe and sound, hundreds of yards away, by a family who realized she should not be where she was alone. She was unfazed by the experience, and after witnessing me crying with relief, then asked me, "Are you all right now Momma?"

I have many unanswered questions about that day, but I do know that those minutes were etched on my soul forever. Ever since then I have been particularly sensitive to missing children cases, and while I do not know the full extent of what those parents are feeling, I do empathize deeply with them. After having entered a career in law enforcement ten years ago as a Crime Analyst, I've had the opportunity to attend training sessions dealing with missing children. I am glad to be able to say that stranger abduction, one of a parent's greatest fears, actually represents a very small percentage of missing children cases.

We learn how to child-proof our homes from the day our babies arrive. Unfortunately, it's pretty much impossible to child-proof the world when they get older. And I think we would all agree that the world is a much different and more dangerous place than when we grew up. Some of the things that I suggest below are common sense. There are many resources available that go into more detail than I can here, my main advice would be to educate yourself and not be afraid of arming yourself against these dangers.

• For younger children, if your child is attending a day care or going to a babysitter, listen to your instincts. If something doesn't "feel" right, check it out. Too often we dismiss our feelings as not being reliable, when that little nagging thought that something just isn't right is a warning sign we shouldn't ignore. Listen to your child too. If you notice changes in attitude, appetite, sleep patterns or general outlook that doesn't seem right, check it out. Give your child the confidence to know and to speak out when either a peer or person in authority is coercing them into a situation that is not right or that they don't feel comfortable with.
   
• Try not to scare your child when discussing personal safety. Rather, educate them and give them the tools to make smart decisions and deal with situations as they arise such as fire, injury, weather events, or national disasters. I frequently quizzed my kids on different scenarios such as, "what should you do if a fire started in the kitchen while you are home?" or, "if someone drove up while you were walking and tried to get you into their car, what would you do?" Teaching kids that it is OK to yell and scream and kick and bite if there is a possible abduction occurring is a good thing. When my daughter started working at our local mall and would leave at night, I quizzed her on different scenarios on how to handle herself walking to her car.
   
• Have a code word to use in the case someone other than you or your child's usual contact has to pick them up from anywhere. This came in handy one day when I recruited a neighbor to transport one of my children to an activity while I was in the hospital with my Mother. Also, have a meeting place in your town other than your home, or an out of town family member/contact to call to coordinate meeting in the case of a man-made or natural disaster. What would your plan of action be if a tornado were to hit your neighborhood while your children were in school and you were at work?
   
• When your child is old enough to walk to/from school, church or a friend's house; try to ensure your child is walking with a sibling or friend if possible. Have them check in when they get to their destination. While I was reluctant to get my kids a cell phone until they reached Jr. High, I had to admit they were very useful tools in knowing where they were. As kids get older, it's harder to get them to do the "checking in," but if it's been a habit since they were young that helps.
   
• In looking at the website for the National Center for Missing and Exploited children, (www.missingkids.com) I was dismayed to see that one in seven youth who are online have received a sexual solicitation or approach over the Internet. Direct your child to only chat with or "friend" individuals online that they personally know. One of the most distressing TV news shows I have seen showed a law enforcement officer, using a fictitious name, posing as a local teenage boy and friending several local teen girls online. Within a short period of time he knew where they lived, what their interests/activities were, and what their regular schedules were. Of course, when interviewed before the ruse was explained, all of the girls explained how careful they were and how they would never give out information about themselves to a stranger.
   
• If the unthinkable does happen and you determine that your child is missing, do not hesitate to call local authorities. You know your child best, and if you think something is wrong, it is better to call sooner rather than later. Most missing children's cases involve smaller children who have curled up somewhere hidden and fallen asleep, have wandered off or are visiting a friend and forgot to tell you. In those cases law enforcement can provide the resources to search the obvious and not so obvious hiding places. Older children can sometimes run away for various reasons and will usually return home after a day or two, but having the resources of law enforcement to help look for them can be useful. If you have a teen going through a difficult time, the more eyes in the community looking out for them the better. In the rare event of a true stranger abduction, time is of the utmost essence, and if a stranger abduction is suspicioned or has been witnessed, law enforcement should be contacted immediately.
   
• As your children get older, continue to be involved in their lives. Meet the parents of friends they spend a lot of time with. Monitor computer usage. Check cell phone usage, including text messages. While a child has a right to privacy, I would advocate that for their personal safety these things need to be monitored. I would wager a bet that you as a parent are probably paying for that cell phone and internet connection. Don't feel silly or overprotective when checking up on your children. That's your job. Kids will be kids. Remember what you were doing at their age? Probably testing the boundaries in your own way. That being said, however, I would caution against becoming a jailer rather than a parent in your children's lives. It's a fine line to walk, and a conscious decision I had to make.

The bottom line is that you cannot be with your child or monitor them every minute of the day. We all have to have faith that we are educating them and arming them with the skills and spiritual tools they need to function in today's world.

I found this quote by Billy Graham that sums up how my ex-husband and I have tried to work together to raise our children: "A child needs both to be hugged and unhugged. The hug lets her know she is valuable. The unhug lets her know that she is viable. If you're always shoving your child away, they will cling to you for love. If you're always holding them closer, they will cling to you for fear."

Eventually, we have to let go and let them fly. That two year old who was lost that day in 1995 is now in her freshman year of college. I pray every day that she stays safe and that she remembers the lessons she has been taught.

Alice Wisner has worked as a Crime Analyst for the West Des Moines Police Department since 2001,but Alice claims her greatest accomplishment is her two children, Mary (a freshman at the Univ. of Northern Ia), and Andrew (Junior in High School). 

IPOY - plug into your kids

By Kandy Stevens

In a world full of ipads, ipods, instant chat, text messaging, and social networking, where does IPOY fit in? Actually, I know of its existence from an article I read about a journalist who had a rare encounter with one of my childhood "friends" - Mr. Rogers. The journalist shared about a time when he personally was disillusioned and disenchanted with his life's path. The humble television host, who also happened to be a Presbyterian minister, began a lifelong friendship with the young man which eventually took the form of letter correspondence. Mr. Rogers often ended his writing with the initials IPOY. Intrigued by the letters which didn't form any known acronym, but hesitant to ask what they meant, the journalist took several attempts before his curiosity crumbled. After hearing Mr. Rogers reply, the journalist's life was changed forever. IPOY was Fred Rogers' way of communicating - I am Proud Of You. Suddenly, the journalist's whole view of himself changed, and knowing that someone was proud of him, caused him to view his whole life through a different lens - one where someone was proud of him.

Where does IPOY fit in our lives with parenting our children and helping them to succeed this school year? We as parents have the opportunity to be purposeful in our parenting to encourage and leave a lasting impression on our children's hearts just like Mr. Rogers did. There are little steps that we can take to encourage our children that will help them to grow into the people God wants them to be.

1.  Unplug - this can mean literally or figuratively. Take the time to look into your child's face when they are sharing about their day at school. It takes only seconds to look away from the dishes or the stove, but the investment in your child's self-worth lasts a lifetime.  

2.  Share in their interests - Whether it's sports, music, art or collecting insects, learn from your child what they love about their passions. Attend events, classes, recitals, and activities, not with the eye of a critic, but with the heart of fan. While your child is developing interests that may last a short period or even a lifetime, sharing that time with a parent is invaluable.  

3.  Be present - Having someone available during homework time (even if that means somewhere in the house) really helps provide the security net. My oldest son used to say, "Mom, I don't really need your help on the homework, but will you just sit by me?" Those memories are some that I cherish today, because even though he didn't need help, my presence still mattered. 

4.  Develop some school time rituals or traditions - We have 2 silly traditions that my kids faithfully make sure that I adhere to. If the van thermometer registers over 80 F in the spring, we head to the local hamburger place for ICEES. In the winter our tradition is chocolate chip cookies on the first sticking snowfall. These traditions have kept us on our toes, not to mention our grocery lists over the years.  

5.  Make learning fun - We have a game that we play each morning where we estimate our time of arrival to school. The rules are simple - everyone has to make a guess. Since we have a 20 minute drive each day as well as dealing with a wee bit of traffic, the game gets to be a fierce but friendly competition. My kids have improved their estimation skills, especially when it comes to predicting times in inclement weather. In reality, almost everything we do as family is a learning opportunity that only serves to enhance what our children are learning in school.  

6.  Spread the seeds of love - this past week I have dutifully gotten up at 4:50 am to make a sack breakfast for my son before he heads off to 6 am football practice. While I am spreading cream cheese on a bagel, I am reinforcing that fact that I value his choice to play football (a game that he loves). On occasion, I have been known to also thrown in a love note in a lunch box, a post-it note in a gym bag, a card in a school locker, and a well-timed text message to simply say . . . I love you! I am so glad you are mine! And of course, IPOY!

7th Grade

 By Erin Stevens

Q: What were your feelings as you entered junior high?

As we approached the coming school year, the excitement and nervousness came over me. I was totally ready to see my friends again. But 7th grade is a big deal. See, we are now in junior high; we have 7 different teachers each day... 3 minute breaks and less free time. Most people think 7th grade is the year where you have to act "cool". After attending my youth group, I was once again reminded that this is the exact opposite, this time for some strange reason it hit me hard! Last week, my small group was 8th grade and 7th grade girls and our topic was priorities. The leader shared how the average junior high girl would wake up every morning and shower, do her hair and make-up, and make sure she was "pretty." During lunch when she saw a girl sitting all alone she would laugh at her, make fun of her, and just leave her there, while she went with other girls and did their hair and make-up. Now the true-hearted Christians would be the ones to sit down with her and take the time to talk to her. That story definitely stuck in my mind.

Q: What resources do you have to help you survive 7th grade?

My planner- if I had a million planners I could be Wonder Woman. Man, those planners make everything easier. And my favorite part of the day is reading off my planner to my mom! In a sense, the Bible is our ultimate planner. It tells what is right from wrong, or when we are to give somebody some kindness.

Teachers- well since my mom is a teacher and is friends with all my teachers, it's nice to know that I can always talk to them. (Just like I can talk to Jesus.)

Other Christians - I also know that when the week seems like its sooooo long and I have too much to do, that I am always cheered up by the thought of youth group on Wednesdays and God's Girlz on the weekend. I love the feeling that I am getting older and more responsible. The best part is that if I am having the worst day ever, I have my friends, but most importantly-

I have GOD.

Hit Pick List

Favorite Song:

Suitcases by Dara Maclean

Purchase on Itunes for $1.29

Lyrics: "How can you move when they're weighing you down
What can you do when you're tied to the ground, yeah
You carry your burdens, heavy like gravity
Just let them go now, there's freedom in release

You can't run when you're holding suitcases
It's a new day throw away your mistakes and open up your heart

Lay down your guard, you don't have to be afraid."

Favorite Devotional Books:  

My Utmost For His Highest: An Updated Version in Today's Language

by Oswald Chambers

$6.99 cbd.com

Jesus Calling: 365 Devotions for Kids

by Sarah Young

$7.99 cbd.com

Live Loved: Experiencing God's Presence in Everyday Life

by Max Lucado

$8.99 cbd.com

Living the God Life

by John Ortberg

$3.30 amazon.com

The Pros & Cons of Organic Foods

By Dr. Justin Hildebrand

Shopping and eating organic is one of the largest evolutions of our modern time.  More organic food items are showing up in grocery stores every day and farmers markets are popping up in cities everywhere. What is the real deal when it comes to organic food? Let's weigh some pros and cons on eating organic.

Pros:

• The food is pure, fresh, and in its most natural state.
• There are no harmful chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides used, so food and handling is safe for you and the farmer.
• Foods that are organic, claim to be more nutrient rich and contain higher levels of anti-oxidants and other vitamins and minerals.
• Organic meats, cheeses, eggs, and dairy products are supposed to be completely free range and void of antibiotics and added hormones

Cons:

• Organic foods tend to be quite expensive and on average cost almost 60%more for produce and almost 100% more for meat and dairy products.
• Recent studies have found that nutrient levels in organic produce equaled that of non-organic produce.
• Another recent study found that organic produce still contained pesticide residue although it did contain less than non-organic items. The study found that 25% of organic produce had at least trace amounts of pesticides, while 77% of non-organic produce had the same levels of pesticides.

Still confused? I know I am. The idea of buying healthy more nutrient-rich food for yourself and loved ones sounds great, but the price you pay for these "healthier" food can be ridiculous at times. The list below helps remedy this problem. I have listed the top 12 most contaminated, pesticide-rich foods that you can buy in the grocery store, along with the top 12 least contaminated foods.

Next time you go shopping take this list with you and weigh the pros and cons, so you can make the most educated choice for yourself and your family.

12 Most Contaminated Foods

  *  Peaches
  *  Apples
  *  Sweet Bell Peppers
  *  Celery
  *  Nectarines
  *  Strawberries
  *  Cherries
  *  Pears
  *  Grapes (Imported)
  *  Spinach
  *  Lettuce
  *  Potatoes

12 Least Contaminated Foods

  *  Onions
  *  Avocado
  *  Sweet Corn (Frozen)
  *  Pineapples
  *  Mango
  *  Asparagus
  *  Sweet Peas (Frozen)
  *  Kiwi Fruit
  *  Bananas
  *  Cabbage
  *  Broccoli
  *  Papaya 

Information from http://www.organic.org/articles/showarticle/article-214  and http://www.insideyourdiet.com/886/the-pros-and-cons-of-eating-organic-food  


Yours in health,

Dr. Justin Hildebrand

A graduate of Cleveland Chiropractic College and Northwest Missouri State University, Dr. Hildebrand is a Doctor of Chiropractics, and practices at his own clinic, KC North Spine & Joint Center in Kansas City, Missouri. Dr. Hildebrand is also a college professor at Highland Community College in Highland, Kansas, where he teaches nutrition.
 
 

1.  Cheez Its-Scrabble Jr. Baked Snack Crackers

2.  Snyders of Hanover Peanut Butter Pretzel Sandwiches

3.  Grandma Horner's Big Slice Cinnamon Applesauce

4.  Orville Redenbacher's Caramel Corn Popcorn

5.  Kraft Mozzerella String Cheese

6.  Archer Farms Salted Roasted Jumbo Cashews

7.  Gogurt

8.  Pepperidge Farm Goldfish Colors

9.  Laughing Cow Creamy Swiss Cheese, with

10.  Pepperidge Farm Cheese Crisps

11.  Absolute All-time Favorite~ Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies!

Q & A With

Here's a sneak peak of the interview with Rebecca St. James, which wil be featured in Best Life Ministries magazine this fall!!

Q: YOU ARE GOING TO BE PARTNERING WITH US ON OCTOBER 29TH IN ST. CLOUD MINNESOTA FOR BEST LIFE MINISTRIES "PURE CONFERENCE." WE WILL BE HOLDING CLASSES DURING THE DAY-ENCOURAGING WOMEN IN THE REALM OF PURITY ON ALL LEVELS ...WHAT DO YOU HOPE PEOPLE WILL COME AWAY WITH WHEN THEY ATTEND YOUR CONCERT THAT NIGHT?

RSJ:  "The thing I most hope is that they will get a vision for how beautiful God's mandate is for us to remain 'pure.'  It is such an amazing honor and blessing to save sex for your spouse.

It's the most romantic way-it's the way of protection for physical and emotional health-

When you're waiting there is true freedom.  To be drawn onto a lifestyle of immorality and pleasing the flesh brings a real bondage. When you can live a life that's holy and guilt free before God it's the road to true joy!  I pray that people will get the appreciation of the real value of the message and calling of purity in life -and be encouraged that they are not alone and that they can do it!"

Check out Rebecca's new album 'I Will Praise You' now available at http://rsjames.com

Simplify Your Life! Women's Conference

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Edgewood Family Fellowship, Cedar Rapids, IA

http://bestlifeministries.com/october-15-2011-cedar-rapids-ia

PURE Pre-Event Lunch (for St. Cloud area ministry leaders)

Thursday, September 15, 2011
11:30 to 1:00pm
Country Inn & Suites - St. Cloud, MN

http://bestlifeministries.com/2011-pure-pre-event

PURE Women's Conference (concert with Rebecca St. James)

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Calvary Community Church, St. Cloud, MN

http://bestlifeministries.com/pure-conference-2011

What Should I Do With My 401k?

Money Matters with Val

Delayed Answers

by Pam Mertz 

Chosen

by Kaylie Schmidt