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JoyKids Live

Back row: Virginia - Lazarus -Dale

Front: Shanarah

Shanarah

Shanarah with Wrinkels

Dale

Virginia

Joykids Live

Hi there!

Hope everyone is enjoying the warmer weather we are having :) I love spring, there is something about the leavings starting to appear, the flowers growing and the longer days.

This is also the time of year when our Joykids live show starts getting busy. We always enjoy this season when we get to go out again and bring our show to churches and events.

Through the winter, we've been talking about and working on new music for our puppets, working on new sing a long songs and gospel illusions.

Over the next couple of weeks, we'll be adding photos and video clips of our show so that you, the readers can get a peek into the Joykids Live experience.

If you would like more information on having us perform at your church for a kids program or family service or event, you can contact us at contactjoykids@aol.com. Also, you can send us prayer requests, jokes for the Joykids radio show or free community events that your church has through that e-mail address.

Have a wonderful blessed Spring! God Bless you :)

Virginia

Welcome 2009!

Welcome to 2009 everyone :)

I've been thinking about things we can do as a family to grow closer to God and act out a life more in tune to the Bible.  There are several things that we've been challenged with over the past year that we are trying to work through and others that are long habits which continue to strengthen us and keep us close.

First up should be obvious to anyone who has dedicated their lives to Christ and strive to follow Him.  It is to pray, not only ourselves, but as a family.  

I'm continually stunned by how many Christians leave all their growth to a Sunday church service and also  how few actually spend time together as a family in prayer.  

Children  learn by example so how are they to really grasp the importance of growing closer to Jesus and daily taking up the 'cross' if parents rarely do it themselves?  I know it's hard, especially when we are often running around from sun up to sun down, what between school, jobs, grocery shopping , after school activities, homework and housework there seems to be little time for anything else.  But truth be told, we will prioritize what is most important to us.  We can find the time!  Think of how often we are shuttling our children around in a car.   What about  writing down the names of a few people who we know need prayer (maybe a missionary from your church) and pray for them daily in the car while driving to school?  If the children are young, perfect!  It will help your child get into the habit of praying for others.  What about discussing topics from church around the dinner table?  I know for many people it is difficult because we are so busy, but the effort will be well worth it!

Also, when you pray together as a family, children are learning a habit that they will carry with them later in life.

Along the same vein about taking something with them in life is finances.  I have observed and learnt several things from my grandparents.  They save money and don't waste anything!  Such a difference from today's society.  We live in a throw away world and have really confused 'want' with 'need'.  We should be striving to give regularly to our church and brining our children into that process.  Do you sponsor a child?  If so,  make it a point for your children to write letters to him or her.  Through it all, you as a family will learn about how much we have here in Canada.

Remember that none of us has it all figured out!  Despite how it appears when we're on the radio, we don't have it 'together', there are many days when life gets us and all of our 'plans' go out the window.  I understand that every family is unique and we all have challenges.

 All I'm suggesting is that we do our best.  God understands us, but he also desires that we get to know Him, intimately!

So, work on it as a family, try to simplify your life, involve your kids in helping out a charity and pray!!!

God Bless you as we all embark on a New Year :)

Virginia

  

Interruptions

I've come to realize something in the past few days.  It's that I can't seen to get as much accomplished as I'd like in a day.  Let me explain.  I am a perfectionist, and for a perfectionist to not be able to scratch things off her to do list, well, let's just say it can get discouraging.

Before kids I used to be able to sit down and without being disturbed write in my prayer journal.  I could pick up the phone and catch up friends and even plan a visit spur of the moment.  Now, days are filled with disturbances, interruptions.  Everyday I am constantly juggling 3 or 4 things at once (yes, I know this is not a unique thing, many of us are wearing many hats).  

Two days ago, as I stopped doing the dishes to attend to my crying baby and help my daughter with her school work (she is homeschooled) I wondered (with great frustration)  if I would ever again be able to complete a task without having to stop repeatedly.

Then it hit me, how often I allow 'life' to interrupt my time with God.  How often do I pick up my Bible to read it and stop to answer the phone, how often do I start praying and then get sidetracked halfway through?  It was something that really struck me, that in our busy lives God can be and sometimes is pushed aside because we're running from thing to thing.  The reality is that Jesus took time out of a busy paced life to be alone with God.  He would withdraw from people to pray.

This is a lesson I need to take to heart.  We make an effort as a family to pray and read our Bible together everyday, but I must admit, it is 'interrupted' with 'daddy, I need a drink', a ringing phone and bathroom breaks.  

What simple changes can we make in our lives to give God our undivided, non-interrupted attention?  For starters, it could be as simple as spending 5 minutes in the morning when we normally pick up the paper to read our Bible instead, it could be listening to a sermon on our iphone while we're in line at the bank or sitting at the doctor's office and meditating on it while driving home.  Why not take 5 minutes together in the car/van as you're driving to school, hockey practice or church to pray as a family and share prayer needs and concerns?  Often, I find that if I am able to spend that time in prayer, I can focus on God easier through the day.  

I know in our multitasking society, that often it is hard to even think of adding one more thing to our day, or trying to rearrange things, but in the end, it will be worth it!

I'd love to hear your ideas on what you and your family has done or does to be un-interrupted with God :)

In Him

Virginia :)

I'm a Joy Kid!

My mane is Lazarus, You should write to us and say hello.  My Mom and Dad would love to hear from you. 

C ya L8ter!

Shanarah Boreland

Our helpful co-host both live on 

stage and with JoyKids Radio.