Fostering fun on the family car trip

Fostering fun on the family car trip
By: Creative Play Muse
Spending a long time in the car with kids? Make it fun:
Despite the high price of gas, many American families will be taking roadtrips this summer.
Some parents dread this extended “car time” and use electronic entertainment to ward off children’s boredom.
Yet, many experts caution that nonstop use of electronic media reduces valuable time that can be better used to foster relationships and stimulate learning, particularly in the first six years.
In her book, “Everyday Creative Play,” Lisa R. Church suggests a few ways to engage kids on car trips that help them learn, teach them life skills and engage them with other family members.
Her list includes:
Tell a story: Someone starts out with the first line of a story and each person adds a line. This can be silly or scary (or not) and can last as long as the trip or as short as to the next rest stop.
Count cars: This game has many varieties. Look for and count cars by make, color or any other category you decide. You can also count dogs, cows, churches, nests on power poles, etc.
Measurement games: Which is bigger, an elephant or a hippo? Whose house is farthest away, Grammy’s or Uncle Paul’s? Talk about all the things we use measurement for and why.
What sort of games do play in the car with your kids (or grandkids)?
Bradenton.com 07/07/2008 Car trips can foster learning, fun

Peace When We Don't Get It

Philippians 4:6-8 (New International Version)
6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

I am so grateful to our Father for the peace He brings. I have found myself this week missing my husband more then I have felt before since this deployment began in January. And struggling with the thoughts of knowing that God is in control and He has the plan and purpose for Wayne being in Kuwait. So I get frustrated with myself for being lonely and questioning God.

It is totally amazing to me that in the midst of all of this inner turmoil is a peace that can't be described. How do people who do not know our Savior ever make it through?

I have been given the blessing this week of watching the Bukowski family go through an incredibly difficult time with the loss of their father and yet they have a peace and a strength.
It only comes from above.

Our God is a covenant keeping God and if you will come to Him "6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. He will give you the peace you so desperately need.

He really will!