SkyMoms

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Lisa Life Lesson ~"GET OFF THE PHONE!!!!!"

GET OFF THE PHONE!!!!!

Cell phones are such a controversial subject for parents aren't they? When to buy one, which one to buy, how many text messages to allow, data plan, no data plan, blah, blah, blah. Don't you just wish for simpler times some days? Like when we were teenagers? No cell phones, no computers, no cable, no Chick Fil A...oh wait.

Don't forget, when making decisions for your kids such as a cell phone, remember YOU'RE THE PARENT!!! You make these decisions for your children because they aren't ready nor are they able to make such decisions for themselves. Too much of a good thing is usually a bad thing. Handing an 11 year old an iphone is probably not a good idea.

Start slow and easy. Just the basics. Then move into texting, data, etc. as they grow older and deserve the "promotion." And let me encourage you to not cave in to peer pressure. When a mom told me she "had to buy her 6 year old a cell phone so that they could stay connected" I wanted to fall out laughing. If you need a cell phone to stay connected to your 6 year old, then you've got greater problems than a connection.

Handing a preteen/teen an iphone is handing them a computer. We should limit computer time, placement and availability. Please know what you are doing by researching thoroughly your decision. It is worth your time to make an informed decision.

With regards to texting, I realize this is a generational thing. It's their, um, note passing? Sort of? It is what it is. And it's probably not going away anytime soon. I love to text. Fast, easy, no drama. However, as I said earlier, too much of a good thing is probably a bad thing. If you have a non-stop texter on your hands...1) discuss the "problem" with addicted texter 2) pray they see their "problem" immediately and understand your reasoning for removing the source of their addiction 3) remove source of addiction 4) pray they see that life goes on without source of addiction ie. they're still breathing 5) enjoy time with non-texting recovering addict. In other words, DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!!! You're the parent!

~Lisa Clark

Sky Ranch SkyMoms Parenting Mentor

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Teach Intentionally..."Family Time…God versus vain things", with Stacy Davis ~ Bible Teacher and Sky Ranch Board Member

Family Time…God versus vain things

I admit that throughout my life, I have wasted time by focusing on vain things. Biblically, vain things were usually related to idols. Today, vain things can be anything that you regard as more important than God. It is normal as a kid to focus on all the toys advertised on TV or coveting the newest gadget that your best friend had. When you were young, did you ever call your friend at Christmas to tell them what you got or hear what they got? I did. Materialism often catches hold of us at a young age. I am not saying all materials are bad because God bless us with them. But I am saying that they become bad the minute that you put trust in them to make you happy or solve problems more than trusting in God. It is the minute that you start to worship them that they become vain and a waste. As I aged and became a Christian, God started to show me that all those materials won’t go with me to heaven, but my relationship with Jesus will. Your relationship with God matters. People matter to God. I also realized that even though materialism is one of the major struggles in America, there are other vain things. They can show up in many forms, so stay aware and keep Jesus first.

As a Mom, I struggled with successfully teaching my kids that a relationship with Jesus was more important than the newest fad toy. It was tough to compete with a toy that when advertized on TV looked as though it made your life complete. How many times have your kids yelled from the other room…”Hurry Mom… come see this on TV! I want this!”? My explanations on trusting in Jesus just couldn’t compete with all the fun my kids thought they would have with those special toys. It was only until year after year of disappointment and the emptiness of trusting in materials that the kids finally started to listen. I was grateful that after consistently praying for my kids and repeating the same message of turn to Jesus… that they finally did. Some kids or adults never listen and live a lifetime in vain pursuit of material things or some other item in hopes of fulfillment.

This week in your family time, I would encourage you to prepare by praying for your family. Ask God to prepare their hearts for the message this week. Ask Him to reveal to each family member if there are any vain things that they place above Him. Ask your family to think about what is going on in their hearts that causes them to trust in these worldly or vain things? Sometimes fear can cause it…fear of not being liked or accepted can cause a lot of problems. If you spend time being truthful with yourself, you can usually get to the root of the problem. Pray for God to help your family be sensitive to how their fears are directing their lives. Pray Psalm 139:23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; 24 And see if there be any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way. Then counter the fear of doubting acceptance with scripture such as God loves us (1 John 4:19). He loves you and accepts you so turn to Him.

Do you need help or prayer for your family time? Email me at SkyMoms@skyranch.org.

I will be praying for you!

Stacy

Stacy A. Davis

Teach Intentionally

Click the link below for your free copy of the Sky Ranch “Open your Eyes” Family Devotional …

https://app.etapestry.com/hosted/SkyRanch/EventRegistration.html

This week we are in the 5^th Month Topic and 4^th Family Time (or page 48 ) of the Sky Ranch Family Devotional “Open Your Eyes”…

Family Time 4:

Month 5 Topic: There is only one God…Vain things

Talk with God: Read…Daniel 6:26, Acts 14:15

~ Daniel 6:26 For He is the living God and enduring forever, and His Kingdom is one which will not be destroyed, and His dominion [will be] forever.

In Dan 6:26, what kind of God is our God?

~ Acts 14:15 And saying, "Men, why are you doing these things? We are also men of the same nature as you, and preach the gospel to you in order that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, Who made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and all that is in them.”

In Acts 14:15, what are we to turn from?

Walk with God: Discuss…The problem of trusting in “vain” things? What kinds of things are “vain” things? Vain things are anything that makes us excessively proud or puts the focus on us, rather than God. Are there vain things in your life? How do you turn away from them and turn back to the living God?

Prayer suggestion… Pray that the Lord will fill you up with so much of Him that there is no room left for “vain things”!

Family Time 4:

Leader Answers:

Living, enduring
Vain things
Discussion ideas: Vain things can be anything we place above God such as clothes, precious items, a car, jewelry, money or a hobby, other people, TV, celebrities or vices, alcohol, gambling, or working too much at our job. It can be anything more important to you than God. If we are caught by these things, surrender back to God as Lord of your life and repent. Apologize.

Monday, January 23, 2012

Ronda from~ The Family Table, brings us "Cooking Salmon!"

Good Morning SkyMoms,

Do you want an easy tip for a meal idea this week to get you out of a rut of cooking the same things over and over?....Well,....Here is my super quick, go to meal when I have no time to cook. I can have it on the table in about fifteen minutes flat, even faster if I prep everything before I leave for school. Salmon, full of those wonderful omega-3 fats, is a powerhouse food that is tasty and quick to make. I always make an extra fillet or two so that we can have a quick lunch the next day. I have two ways that I like to make it; both are good for picky non-fish eaters!

Roasted Salmon Fillet with BBQ Sauce

1 or more pieces of salmon, roughly the same size (with skin or without)

Lemon pepper

BBQ sauce

Cooking spray

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Line a small baking sheet with tin foil. Spray sheet generously with cooking spray. Add salmon and sprinkle with lemon pepper. Give another small spray of cooking spray. Roast for about 5 minutes and remove from oven and drizzle with bbq sauce. Return to oven until roast until fish cooked to desired level (usually just a few more minutes). Refrigerate left over fillets and serve cold over mixed green salad the next day.

Serve over brown rice (either cooked in the rice maker or frozen from whole foods) with simmered bok choy on the side. Have more time? This is also great served with a nice garlic mashed potato and roasted brussel sprouts! Yum!!!

Bok Choy

1 small Bok Choy per person, washed and cut in half

Pan to fit Bok Choy, cut side down

Chicken broth to cover bottom of pan.

Simmer until just tender, watch closely so they don’t over-cook.

Roasted Lemon Salmon

1 or more pieces of salmon, roughly the same size (with skin or without)

Fresh lemon slices

Salt and freshly ground pepper

Honey

Cooking spray

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Line a small baking sheet with tin foil. Spray sheet generously with cooking spray. Add salmon, squeeze lemon and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Drizzle just a bit of honey. Give fillets another quick spray and roast until fish cooked to desired level, about 10 minutes depending on size.

Serve with brown rice and roasted veggie of choice.

While this dinner is nothing fancy, it sure tastes GREAT!

Happy Cooking SkyMoms!!!

Ronda from… The Family Table 

Friday, January 20, 2012

Sky Ranch Sky Mom Gathering at Prestonwood for our Dallas Area Moms!

A special thanks to our hostesses:

Diane, Kristy, Emily and Tammy

who sponsored tables and invited their friends to enjoy food, fun, fellowship, and spiritual encouragement!

Catering done by Festive Kitchen...it was delicious! Thank you so much!

A special thanks to Lisa Clark,

Sky Ranch SkyMoms Parenting Mentor,

who gave us great encouragement on how to start our 2012 with our Family!

"Goal Setting – A New Approach to Family"

This message was about spending intentional time of setting family goals with each person in your family in 4 areas according to the Luke 2:52 Scripture.

"And Jesus grew in wisdom, in stature, and in favor with God and man."

wisdom (intellectually, academically),

stature (physically, healthy living),

in favor with God (spiritual growth areas)

in favor with man (service, community, giving back).

Oh, this talk topic is always so good! And so good to start the year with each family member! For our family I will share some of our goals:

wisdom: Limiting technology time.

stature: My daughters both gave up drinking sodas and carbonated drinks for this year of 2012...we are on day 20 :)! And for the rest of the family, we have chosen to eat healthier... and as my husband stated a few nights ago..."Lets spice up this chicken and salad routine a little bit more!"..hahaha!!

In favor with God: One of our daughters picked out a new devotional with her Sky Ranch counselor over the Christmas Break, while the

other started another new devo as well for the 2012 year. This is a very special time of our morning together around our table as we start our day with each other hearing from the Lord.

Lisa shared that she has started reading through the Bible in a year...this has challenged me..with something I would like to FINISH in one year! Lisa recommended...

the Daily Walk Bible (NLT).

In favor with man: Our girls are preparing prayerfully for going on upcoming Mission trips.... they have come up with ways to raise money by selling items they are making. We are together as a family are praying for lives to be touched and changed on these trips across the Nations and within our own community.

Upcoming other Super-Sized Gatherings are:

Maggianos for TCA Moms -Plano, TX ~ February 3, 2012

Ricks Chophouse -McKinney, TX ~ February 8, 2012

Stonebriar Country Club- Frisco, Texas ~ April 19, 2012
Wichita Falls~ TBA
Shreveport, LA ~ TBA

Blessings,

Tori Miller

Sky Ranch SkyMom Ministry Director

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Prayer Request~ Caleb Jentsch, Phoebe Fair and Lauren Scruggs CaringBridge Sites

Dear SkyMoms~

Thanks for standing in the gap as prayer warriors for these sweet families ....
As a mom, we can relate to how having our precious children sick, in pain, or struggling must be...please join Sky Ranch SkyMoms in praying for these families!

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/calebjentsch

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/phoebefair/journal

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/laurenscruggs/journal

Jeremiah 29:11

Blessings,

Tori

Sky Ranch SkyMoms Ministry Director

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Prayer Encouragement: "On the Lookout- Waiting for the Answer!" by SkyMom, Terrie Chevaillier

On the Lookout- Waiting for the Answer!

What’s God going to say to my questions?

I’m braced for the worst. I‘ll climb to the lookout tower

and scan the horizon. I’ll wait to see what

God says, how he’ll answer my complaint.

Habakkuk 2:1

Building on the last Prayer Encouragement from Jeremiah 33:3,

we prayed that the Lord would show Sky Moms in 2012

those things that we have been wanting to know regarding our children

but just could not figure out on our own.

Maybe you have seen answers….I certainly have as I have

prayed that verse instead of worry, fret, or trying to dig.

Love it when I have victory in that and great and marvelous

things that I could not figure out on my own are answered.

One I would like to share that I could not figure out on my own

is in regards to an allergy issue we have been dealing with in my family.

After doctor visits ( I love and appreciate our doctors…they are awesome)

and food avoidances and lots of other attempts at a solution….this reaction would just not go

away. I decided to pray Jeremiah 33:3 regarding the issue and it became VERY

clear what was causing it. I could have worn myself out in my greatest mom attempts and endeavors

to get to the bottom of what even the professionals weren’t even able to answer.

However, after surrender and faithfully praying this verse, we had our answer!

Well…maybe you haven’t had your answer or answers yet.

After praying, you just still don’t know and are getting wearied

and discouraged thinking that “fill in the blank” might always be this way.

In Habakkuk, we are told that he decided to look out for the answer…

This passage tells me that even though he did not know yet…he was EXPECTANT!

Even it is was bad news and something he would rather not hear,

he positioned himself for answers to what God would say.

Let’s pray:

Dear Father, I thank You that You love my child even more than

I can even imagine. And, you know there are some things

that I have worried over, had anxiety regarding, and even

bouts of anger about. I confess these things as sin and

desire to trust You instead of my own attempts to figure things out.

Please help me to position myself on the watchtower of faith.

Help me to praise You and thank You for the answer that is coming.

And Lord, quicken my heart…prepare my heart, and soften my heart

to be able to hear the Holy Spirit speak to me through time in Your

Word, and more listening than talking in my prayer time with You.

I pray if it is something that I would rather not hear,

that instead of writing it off as “no way”, or “not my child”,

that I would take it as truth and guidance and act on Your answers.

I’m climbing to the lookout towers and scanning Your vast horizon

For God answers instead of people or world answers.

Thank you that I can trust You, as You Father, are faithful!
Amen

~Terrie Chevaillier, SkyMom Prayer Encourager

Monday, January 16, 2012

Teach Intentionally..."Family Time…God & Prophecy", with Stacy Davis ~ Bible Teacher and Sky Ranch Board Member

Family Time…God & Prophecy

Seeing into the future captured my attention as a child. I liked the idea of knowing about something before it happened. It was fascinating to think about! It took me awhile though to understand why God is able to tell the future. I would hear in church at Christmas that Jesus came to earth just like God said He would and as a child I wondered…how did God know that ahead of time? As I grew older and studied the bible, I began to understand “how” God knows the future. He planned all of it ahead of time and since He planned it, He can tell us what is coming next. I realized that I had to accept that God is the only True God and is sovereign and in control of all things. Once I grasped that truth, I was able to understand how prophecy works. Now, studying God’s prophecy is one of my favorite things to do. It still is fascinating!

As a Mom, I found that my son loved to talk about prophecy in the bible even at a young age and my daughter was scared of it! So, I had to tread carefully. When our family discussed Revelation in the early years, my daughter did not like discussing that life would change and bad things would happen right before Jesus returns. Now, she is fine with discussing it. But it took time and understanding that God loves you and desires good for you. Her perception of God mattered. Her trust in God also mattered. It also helped her to understand the “why” God tells you ahead about the future. In scripture, you learn that God gives you prophecy and then fulfills it to help you know that He is fully in charge. He also tells you to help you know that you are listening to the right God and He knows it will cause you to seek Him more. Learning all of that helped my daughter realize that God’s prophecy really is there to help her.

This week in your family time, I would encourage you to prepare by praying for your family and asking God to reveal to you…if anyone in your family struggles with believing God’s prophecy. Ask Him to help you teach your family about His sovereignty and His plan for each of you. God tells you in Jeremiah 29:11 that He has plans for hope and a future for His people. The key to staying calm as you study about the future today and not becoming fearful is in trusting God. In 1 John 4:18, fear is cast out by perfect love…meaning fear is cast out when you trust that God really does love you and desires the best for you. Then, spend a little time looking up prophecy that has been fulfilled in the Old Testament where Jesus was suppose to be born and in the new testament where it shows He was born. Then, look up the same about His death. The scripture references are in the leader answers. There are hundreds of prophecies regarding Jesus in the Old Testament discussing both the first and second time that Jesus comes to earth. Since Jesus is both, some prophecies show He will come as a Servant and others as a King. Many of the prophecies tell what He will do and how He will behave so each time He arrives on earth people will recognize Him. And remember some of the Old Testament passages were written thousands of years before Jesus arrived on earth. For older kids, prophecy about the future still to come or the end times and Jesus’ return can be very interesting and really keep their attention. Ask your family to share how seeing evidence of fulfilled prophecy builds their trust in God. Encourage them to continue to search God’s Word and prove to themselves that scripture and God are true.

Do you need help or prayer for your family time? Email me at SkyMoms@skyranch.org.

I will be praying for you!

Stacy Davis

Click the link below for your free copy of the Sky Ranch “Open your Eyes” Family Devotional …
https://app.etapestry.com/hosted/SkyRanch/EventRegistration.html

This week we are in the 5^th Month Topic and 3^rd Family Time (or page 47 ) of the Sky Ranch Devotional “Open Your Eyes”…

Family Time 3:

Month 5 Topic: There is only one God…Prophecy

Talk with God: Read…Jeremiah 10:10, Daniel 2:21-22, Acts 15:16

~ Jeremiah 10:10 But the Lord is the true God; He is the living God and the everlasting King. At His wrath the earth quakes and the nations cannot endure His indignation.

In Jer 10:10, what kind of God is our God?

~ Daniel 2:21, 22 And it is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings; He gives wisdom to wise men, and knowledge to men of understanding. (22) It is He who reveals the profound and hidden things; He knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with Him.

In Dan 2:21, what does God change, establish, and give?

~ Acts 15:16-18 “After these things I will return, and I will rebuild the tabernacle of David which has fallen, and I will rebuild its ruins, and I will restore it, (17) in order that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles who are called by My name,” (18) says the Lord, Who makes these things known from of old.

In Acts 15:18, when does God make things known from?

Walk with God: Discuss… God tells us that He is the only God by telling us things before they happen. This special knowledge is called prophecy. When we see prophecy like in Acts 15:16-18 actually happen, it is proof that God is Who He says He is. Discuss other prophecies that have been fulfilled. What prophecies can you think of that have been fulfilled?

Prayer suggestion… Pray that the Lord would help you understand His prophecy.