Monday, January 31, 2011

Lisa Life Lesson~“Teaching a New Dog, Old Tricks”


“Teaching a New Dog, Old Tricks”


I decided to try to start the treacherous and scary process of teaching my chocolate lab how to walk on the leash today.  He’s 100 pounds of excitement.  When I open the door, it’s every man and woman for him/herself. 

I figured if Cesar can teach normal people to walk dogs on the Dog Whisperer, then I could learn, too.  I watch the show.  I’m a believer. 

The choke collar is the key.  When he takes off, I pull up on the collar.  It really is the only way to keep him submissive, and not dragging me down the sidewalk. 

Although it’s hard and tiresome, the benefit is a well-disciplined dog.  The first half of the walk is harder than the last half because he is tired of pulling.  He has learned it’s better to walk with me than to pull me, and be choked.

The comparisons to parenting are numerous.  When disciplining our children, it’s harder at the beginning because there is no frame of reference or “past.”  But once they learn that it “hurts” not to obey, then they seem to settle in.  It’s worth the pain and suffering on our part to maintain love and discipline.  It hurts and it’s painful, but it is worth it. 

“A youngster’s heart is filled with foolishness, but physical discipline will drive it far away.”  Proverbs 22:15

~Lisa Clark

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Sky Ranch Sky-Fi's are back for 2011!

Sky Ranch Sky-Fi's are back for 2011! The Summer Camp Team is coming to a location near you for a FREE event featuring the summer camp team, your favorite camp songs and skits, as well as information about Sky Ranch Christian Summer Camp. Two campers will win a $50 iTunes gift card, and everyone has a chance to receive $100 off camp tuition.

Campers - everyone is invited! Come get a taste of the awesome summer the Sky Ranch team has planned and bring your friends to join the fun!

Parents - this is a great way to experience what your camper will be doing their week of camp, reunite wit h camp friends and the summer camp team, and get all of your questions answered!

Monday, January 31
7:00 PM
Legacy Christian Academy
5000 Academy Dr
Frisco, TX 75034
Cafeteria

Tuesday, February 1
7:00 PM
White’s Chapel UMC
The Bridge
185 South White Chapel Boulevard
Southlake, TX 76092

Thursday, February 3
7:00 PM
Highland Park United Methodist Church
3300 Mockingbird Lane
Dallas, TX 75205
Room 386

Monday, February 7
7:00 PM
Highland Park Presbyterian Church
Elliot Hall
3821 University Boulevard
Dallas, TX 75205

Tuesday, February 8
7:00 PM
Allen
Cottonwood Creek Baptist Church
1015 Texas 121
Room A23

Thursday, February 10
7:00 PM
Fort Worth
Christ Chapel Bible Church
3740 Birchman Avenue
Fellowship Hall

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Monday, January 24, 2011

Encouragement just for you...from Linda Paulk

Over the last several weeks it seems like of have come in contact with an overabundance of moms that are facing what seems to be a trend of challenging “opportunities” in their lives.   As Mom’s we feel the pressure of constantly being strong for our children no matter how helpless we are feeling.  It’s tough to do, particularly because we tend to always try and do it on our own.  Whatever your situation is today, let me encourage you to call upon the Lord for your help…He longs to hear our cry for help.

Psalm 121:1-2

  1I will lift up my eyes to the mountains;
         From where shall my help come?
    2My help comes from the LORD,
         Who made heaven and earth.

Throughout this life we will see good times and bad.  Our lives are filled with moments of bliss, sadness, challenges, and opportunities.   It is easy to get wrapped up in the attitude that with Christ everything is guaranteed to be happy, and shiny, and wonderful.  Jesus, said himself in John 16:33, These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world."  Jesus himself tells us that we will in fact face trials, tribulations, and trouble in this world.

It is not easy at times to understand why we have to go through certain things but God does have a plan.  Romans 8:28 says, And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.  Hebrews 11:1-2 says, Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the men of old gained approval.  We have to walk by faith.  Our journey of faith begins where we are and ends when we are absent from our bodies and present with the Lord.  We need to constantly be looking up.  This is why the Psalmist says, I will lift up my eyes to the mountains from where shall my help come from?  My help comes from the Lord, who made the heaven and earth.

When we are faced with trials, when we are faced with struggles, when we don’t know where to turn, look up.  The Lord knows your situation.  He knows your heart.  He knows your thoughts and intentions.  Lift your eyes to the Lord, He is your strength and your salvation.  He knows what is best for you.  Follow Him, for He will never leave you or forsake you.  Your help comes from the Lord.


Linda S. PaulkPresident and CEOSky Ranch

Friday, January 14, 2011

Lisa Life Lesson


Luke 6:40 “Disciples are not greater than their teacher.  But the disciple who is fully trained will become like the teacher.”

Hmmm…I read this verse with a fresh, new perspective this week and it dawned on me, WOW!  Moms need to see this!!!

As we teach our kids, we are the teacher/parent and they are the disciple/child.  I am reminded that I have a responsibility to teach, train and disciple my child, but along the way I have to stay ahead of the game or my child won’t benefit from my teaching.  If I’m learning and growing, so will my child.  If I’m headed down the path of destruction, then the likelihood is my child will, too. 

You might be saying, well, I know plenty of children who have escaped the destructive lifestyle of their parents, and who are serving and loving the Lord today.  I know those children, too.  And most had someone in their lives investing and disciplining them. 

Who has your child’s ear?  Their peers, teachers, coaches, mass media?  “But the disciple who is fully trained will become like the teacher.” 

It’s important for us to realize that we are training, teaching and disciplining on a daily basis.  We can’t lead our children where we have not been or where we are unwilling to go.   As moms, we should be motivated to be in God’s word, ready to hear from Him, ready to grow and ready to teach our children what God is teaching us. 

God bless you as you teach your little disciples.  I have two disciples depending on me to teach them the ways of the Lord.  One disciple is 21 years old.  One disciple is 17.  They will have their own disciples one day.  Until then, my prayer is I will lead them in the “way they should go.”

~Lisa Clark

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Cowboys and Cowboys Tickets are On Sale NOW!!!


COWBOYS & COWBOYS TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW!!!
Valarie Merchant Kerby6:58pm Jan 12
COWBOYS & COWBOYS TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW!!!
Registration
skyranch.ejoinme.org
Registration Page Registration
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Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Southwestern Beef

This cooler weather just calls for a good'ole Crock pot meal!

Southwestern Beef (crock pot)
1 onion chopped
2 1/2 lb or so of beef roast ( I've used rump and shoulder and both turned out great!), trimmed of fat but left whole ( I've also used larger cuts of beef to make it last the weekend- I multiplied everything below to go with the added meat)
1 heaping tsp. of chili powder
1 heaping tsp. of garlic powder
1 heaping tsp. of cumin
1 heaping tsp of salt
2 bell peppers ( you can mix it up with 1 green and 1 red or yellow) ( I usually use the frozen bag of seasonings which has frozen chopped onion, green pepper and some red...frozen section)
1 14 ounce can of Mexican style diced tomatoes or 1 can of Rotel
Small flour tortillas and desired toppings: salsa or pico-de-gallo, sour cream, cheese, lettuce
Place onion in bottom of slow cooker ( Crock Pot) ( This is where I use the frozen chopped onion seasoning mix)
Combine seasonings in a small bowl and then rub the seasoning mixture all over the roast.  Place roast over onions and top with chopped peppers ( don't always do the peppers here)
Pour the canned tomatoes on top of everything.  Cook on high for 5-6 hours or low for 8-9 then shred the meat with two forks.  Serve with desired topping in the tortillas- we make them  like soft tacos;)
This can last for a good weekend!  I make on Friday- we eat for supper and lunch on Saturday.  On Sunday, I put the leftovers in the crock pot with a can of each of the following:  corn, green beans, tomato sauce and then I add 2 cups of water with beef bullion cubes dissolved in it.  Cook on low while we are at church and then serve it as veggie beef soup with cornbread:)  
Enjoy!

Monday, January 10, 2011

1 Thessalonians 5:14

with lots of snow in North Texas...enjoy what God has blanketed the ground with and be .....


Friday, January 7, 2011

SkyMoms Gathering Topics 2011

You do not want to miss out on having Sky Ranch Parenting Mentor
Lisa Clark
Speak one of her new one of her new SkyMom Gathering Talk Topics for 2011.
Don't Hesitate to Schedule your Gathering today!

SkyMoms Gathering Topics 2011


"It's 2011 - Do you know where your children are?"

Christian parents are fighting a battle everyday against the trends of today.  We have to remember that life is so much easier than it was 20 years ago with regards to transportation, technology, education, and more!  But with this ease of life comes confusion and fear.  How do we raise our kids to keep FIRST THINGS FIRST?  To "love the Lord with all their heart, soul and mind...and their neighbor as themself?"  Is it possible to raise our families in a bubble?  Just temporarily until they get it?  That's a joke!!!

Where are your kids?  Where are their hearts?  How can you know they love the Lord and want to honor Him?  We will discuss teaching, discipling and mentoring our children the way God called us to train our kids.  It is our responsibility according to the Bible (even in 2011).  This is a fun, interactive discussion that will provide you with immediate tips and ideas to use in your household to help insure your children are growing in their faith and growing up to be the loving, responsible, God-fearing young adults you desire them to be.  


“Fighting Fair”

Have you ever heard the saying, “Pick your battles?”  Raising children takes that phrase to a whole new level, doesn’t it?  We can maintain a constant  “battleground” stance in our homes if we’re not careful, due to daily quarrels, situations that arise and sibling issues.  Asking the right questions, prayer and examination of the heart help to prepare you ahead of time for the problem du jour.  During this discussion, you will be equipped to look through the lens of grace and peace, while standing your ground. 

“Who’s in Charge?  Me or My Child?”

 Come on now, can you admit it?  Who’s in charge?  You THINK you are, but in your heart of hearts you know those precious little ones are running the whole show!!! How did this happen? The truth is it happens overnight.  They grow up, go to school, start extra-curricular activities and lo and behold we’re all running around like crazy people! Dinnertime isn’t around the table anymore, it’s in the SUV! Something’s gotta change.   Setting boundaries, goals and establishing family are all part of the points of discussion for this topic.  A favorite, this reality check has helped moms for the past few years simplify her family life for the better.


“Is Average Okay – Goal Setting According to Luke 2:52”

It’s been said that 80% of what we write down, we complete.  Are you a list maker?  Isn’t the best part of making a list marking through the completed item?  YES!!! When we set goals and write them down, we have a vision.  God reminds us in His word that without vision, people perish.  Goals keep us stretching and moving forward.  As a family, it’s important to sit down once or twice a year and look at the areas of growth in your family, collectively and individually.  During this discussion, we look at 4 areas of growth according to the scripture, “And Jesus grew in wisdom, stature, and in favor with God and in favor with man.”  Luke 2:52.  We will show you how to complete a goal setting board for your family to use in your home.  In a world of over-achievers, sometimes it’s important to reward success in our homes that the world might not notice. 


“Parenting from the Inside Out”
(It’s all about the heart)

As moms, what do we spend more time on, the inside or outside of our children?  The answer is simple, outside! It’s normal.  The outside is what we see with our eyes.  However, God’s word is clear…the inside controls everything we see on the outside.  So why wouldn’t we invest at least an equal amount of time on both?  This discussion helps us to look at parenting in reverse.  But WE have to be willing to make the changes in our own lives necessary to teach our children how to love God with their whole lives.  Everything we do is about the heart. 

“Loving Your Child Too Much – Is it Possible?”

We know we can’t love our children too much, but we can over-parent them.  In our attempt to “love” them, we sometimes take God out of the picture and keep Him at arms length while we take care of a problem, or fix their situation until it’s “mommy perfect.”  How do we do this?  By controlling them, over-committing them and planning their future.  During this interactive and fun discussion (yes it’s fun!), we take a look at 8 strategies to immediately equip and enable us to give control back to God, and love our children the way He meant for us to love them.  They’re His children anyway, right?


“Enough with the Drama, Mama!”

A fun, fast, interactive discussion, this topic keeps the focus on staying out of the drama that seems to loom over us as we parent our children.  There’s always drama, isn’t there? Are you the Drama Queen or do you just get stuck in the middle, not knowing how you got there?  Many times, the drama is in our heads and not real at all.  Many times, it’s real and in our face! But God calls us to live our lives in such a way that leads others to Him.  We will take a step back, look at the facts and realize our part in this theatrical performance.  God’s way is so much better.  Let’s keep to His script.  

Cowboys and Cowboys!! 2011

http://www.cowboysandcowboys.com/

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

January SkyMom Gatherings!!!!

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Friday, January 28, 2011 at 9:30am
Preston Ridge Baptist Church
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Thursday, January 27, 2011 at 7:00pm
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Tuesday, January 25, 2011 at 7:00pm
Allen, Texas
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Sunday, January 23, 2011 at 3:00pm
Irving, Texas
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Frisco, Texas
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Lanata Texas
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Mansfield, Texas
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Monday, January 3, 2011

Lisa Life Lesson ~"You can provide special "gifts" to those in your lives"



As we look toward the New Year, allow us to encourage you with some ways you can provide special "gifts" to those in your lives:

Mend a quarrel.
Seek out a forgotten friend.
Dismiss suspicion.
Write a long overdue note of love.
Hug someone.
Forgive one who has offended you.
Be gentle and patient with an ornery person.
Express your appreciation quickly.
Do something to put a smile on a child's face.
Keep a promise.
Make or bake something for someone else...anonymously.
Release a grudge.
Listen...with full attention.
Give an encouraging word to a stranger.
Enter into another one's pain and sorrow.
Smile and laugh more.
Take a walk with someone special.
Share a good book with someone else.
Read a poem to a child.
Lessen your demands on those around you.
Sit and do nothing.
Play some beautiful music during a meal.
Share a candlelight dinner with your mate.
Apologize.
Treat someone to aice cream cone.
Do the dishes for your family.
Fix breakfast for a group on a Saturday Morning.
Give a soft answer even when you feel strongly.
Offer to baby-sit for a weary mother.
Pray for someone who has helped you.

~Lisa Clark