A Moment of Training8/22/09

Teaching children how to communicate is something that is not isolated to one household or one personality type! We have found wisdom in training our children in proper skills for communication. Here are two fun ideas we have used in our home throughout the years. Each idea was originally shared with us by precious friends and Sisters in Christ.

Here's an idea to teach children to keep an coversation going.

Teach children that when someone talks to them to pretend that what they are really wanting to do is play ball. If they only give one word answers then they are holding onto the ball. To demonstate this concept, get a ball and have the children sit on the floor. The person holding the ball is allowed to speak. You can't throw the ball unless you say something more than one word.

For example:

Bekah has ball and while tossing it to Elisha says: "Hi! My name is Bekah what's your's?"

Elisha now has the ball. He replies, "Elisha Wood, it's nice to meet you" (now he can throw it back to her)

Bekah then says: "Do you come to these dances often?" (she throws the ball back to Elisha)

Elisha has the ball and says: "Yes, we have come to a few. How about you?"

This may sound easy but for children who are use to giving short answers this takes some training. We have fun with this game and it is a good visual for them to remember when we are out in public.

What about those children that have LOTS to say. How do you keep them focused on caring about others and giving others an opportunity to share? Many years ago a friend shared this idea with me. Before you are allowed to talk about yourself you must ask the other person three questions of interst about themselves.

For example:

Bekah: "Hi Elisha! Do you enjoy art?" (question 1)

Elisha: "Yes, art is a favorite of mine."

Bekah: "Really? Who is your favorite artist?"
Elisha: "That would be hard for me to say. I enjoy several different artists"

Bekah: "I love to travel and see the vareity of artists displayed across the country. Have you been out of state?" (question 2)

Elisha: "Yes. I have visted several states"

Bekah: "Really, which ones?"

Elisha: "I use to live in CA so I visted each state that we crossed to get to KS. I am also taking a trip with my grandparents to Wash. D.C. next Spring."

Bekah: "WOW! I would love to go to Wash. D.C."

Bekah: "I really enjoyed my trip to TX. I took a tour and learned a great deal about John F. Kenndy and L.B.J. Do you enjoy studing government?" (question3)

Elisha: "I find some of it interesting."

After this point Bekah is now able to talk about whatever interest she has. She has asked her three questions. It use to make Joe and I giggle when we watched our oldest boy, Jed, talk with others. You could see on his face when he had reached his third question and he could finally tell them something that was so exciting to him.

I hope this has helped give you some ideas for your own family. I would love to hear how the Lord leads you so please feel free to share!

Have a wonderful weekend friends!

Mrs. Joseph Wood

A Moment in Proverbs 8/22/09

Hello Friends!

There is so much I want to tell you but let's start with our Moments in Proverbs. Later today, I will also be posting a few training moments on how we have trained our children in issues of communication. Lord willing, I will be able to share a few real moments as well. The house is busy today with celebration of Sammy's birthday as well as preparation for my Joe's return home. Life in the Wood's is blessed! I think I got through all the email questions earlier this week. If you sent me a note and didn't get a response try again. Our computer has a mind of it's own at times. Michelle, I did get your email last night and I will reply soon. You and your family are precious!

With that said, let's see if I can get these all posted and caught up on the blog while the house is quiet. Have a wonderful weekend friends!

Proverbs 22:1

A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.

I'll never forget the talk my Joe had with me before we were wed. It was all about his family name. He shared his heart about why his name was important to him and then asked me if I would take his last name as my own for the rest of my life. Joe has often talked with the children about their name. The Scriptures tell us that even a child is known by their ways. It is important to teach children while they are young that having a good name, working hard, being honest, having the character of Christ is more imporant than the finest riches on earth!

Don't wait to write this message on your child's heart... write it now!

Life in the Wood's- 8/20/09

Hello Friends!

I tried to come share with you last night however, the Lord just impressed upon my heart to be quiet. If the Lord doesn't impress upon my heart to share there is no purpose in writing. While I love to share the quiet moments, joyful episodes and growing events in our home I desire to be obedient to His leading. I want to share as He leads! Psalm 127: 1 Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it. Sound familiar? Oh how I pray that the Lord never lets me do things in vain! Life is too precious to waste on vain moments! I pray for so many of you. I take our time of correspondence seriously and treasure them as gifts from the Father. It is my prayer that we bring Him Glory as we grow in grace!

With that said, let me share what's been happening in the Wood household.

We have recovered from a yucky tummy virus. It was probably the sickest Joe and I have been in years. I am thankful that it was only my Joe and I that were really sick. The children only showed slight symptoms and recovered quickly, praise God! Healing is such a precious gift from the Lord and we thank Him for His mercy toward us!

Farm life has kept us busy. Processing our pasture raised chickens, preparing our does and bucks for breeding season with herbs and good nutrition, property improvements and so much more! Life on the farm is always busy-busy and blessed! I appreciated a verse in Hagai that I was reviewing this morning it says, "Be strong all ye people of the land, saith the Lord, and work; for I am with you." God wants us to be strong and work. He wants us to know that even in the most daunting task, the most impossible situation, He is with us- He will help us! For our family, there is much for us to consider before breeding. I think I will share those details at our Natural Farm Living site. If you are not yet a member you are invited to join us. You can visit: www.covenantranchonline.ning.com Please make mention of where you learned about us when registering.

As far as our home education, the Wood family schools year around. We are witnessing growth in all the children academically, physically and spiritually! Joe has been adding a few extra studies to the children's schedule. I have been blessed by witnessing the fruit of those changes. Beth-Joy and Elisha will begin cross country training with some friends tonight. This is not for competition. The children will only be practicing with them, learning skills they can bring back home for their own personal development. Josiah and Beth-Joy continue to develop their music skills with a wonderful instructor. We were blessed with a beautiful piano recently and Bekah will begin taking lessons soon. It is our family desire to please the Lord with song and instrument!

Well, that sums up "Life in the Wood's" at this moment. I would love to hear what the Lord is doing in each of your homes, share as you can! Joe and I are honored to pray for you and encourage you as the Lord leads.

May your homes be filled with His abundant blessings as you live in His presence!

With much love,

Mrs. Joseph Wood