Lewis, a 5 years old boy, misbehaved himself. Teacher was there to correct him and told him that he had to stand for a few minutes. Like everyone else, nobody likes to be disciplined. He, however, complied but with anger and burst out to Teacher saying, "I don't like you!"
But Teacher calmly replied, "But I love you. I want to train you to be a good boy."
Lewis had a birthday celebration in school the next morning. The Teacher who disciplined him came in the afternoon. Upon seeing her, Lewis excitedly requested to go to the kitchen. What a pleasant surprise for Teacher when Lewis brought to her a piece of his birthday cake specially reserved for her. Teacher was so glad and thanked Lewis for his thoughtfulness in remembering her.
A child receiving correction with love is capable of understanding and in turn response correctly.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Monday, December 1, 2008
From Defiance to Submission
Ivan, a gifted child, who has the ability to read since the age of three, joined the kindergarten. He, however, did not comply to school rules often wanting to do things according to his own way and time.
The discipline action adopted by the Kindergarten was time out or standing for a few minutes. Ivan was asked to stand for a few minutes when he did something wrong. It was never easy to get him to comply. Each time he refused to accept it, protesting loudly, "I don't want to!" Teacher had to be firmed with him explaining and insisting that he abide by the rules. It was a trying time but slowly with much love and Bible teaching, explaining what's right and wrong, he began to understand why he had to comply to rules or subject himself to discipline.
It amazed the teacher one day when on his own accord informed that he had done something wrong and asked, "How long must I stand?" There was no longer the argument. He was told to stand for five minutes. Teacher was very busy that she forgotten to time Ivan. He was calmly standing there, with no animosity at all.
Then he asked, "How long more do I have to stand?"
"Oh no!" replied teacher, "You have stood longer than you should. I am so sorry. You may go now. Remember to behave yourself and you don't have to do stand at all."
Ivan happily ran along.
The discipline action adopted by the Kindergarten was time out or standing for a few minutes. Ivan was asked to stand for a few minutes when he did something wrong. It was never easy to get him to comply. Each time he refused to accept it, protesting loudly, "I don't want to!" Teacher had to be firmed with him explaining and insisting that he abide by the rules. It was a trying time but slowly with much love and Bible teaching, explaining what's right and wrong, he began to understand why he had to comply to rules or subject himself to discipline.
It amazed the teacher one day when on his own accord informed that he had done something wrong and asked, "How long must I stand?" There was no longer the argument. He was told to stand for five minutes. Teacher was very busy that she forgotten to time Ivan. He was calmly standing there, with no animosity at all.
Then he asked, "How long more do I have to stand?"
"Oh no!" replied teacher, "You have stood longer than you should. I am so sorry. You may go now. Remember to behave yourself and you don't have to do stand at all."
Ivan happily ran along.
Monday, October 13, 2008
How Would You Spend A Holiday?
It is a public holiday, if you were to ask a child, "What would you like to do today?" I am sure they will have many interesting suggestions. Let me tell you a true incident that happened. The name of the child has been changed.
A special child, was turned away by many mainstream kindergartens, found a place in the Kindergarten where I used to worked. Darren has speech impediment. He stammered in his speaking. He was with our kindergarten for 3 years. This happened when he was in K2 (K5 for US).
With the upcoming Good Friday holiday ahead, his mother asked him what would he like to do. She suggested a family picnic, an outing together, doing some fun things, etc.
But Darren said, "I I I... w w want to oo oo t t t ell p p peo ple a a a ... " .
He wanted to tell people that Jesus died for them as it was a Good Friday holiday. A boy, who could not speak properly, who struggled to talk, wanted to tell others about what the Lord has done for them. This spoke very loudly to my heart. It shamed and challenged me. Guess what they did that day? They went passing out tracts to people.
When the family was relocating to another country, they had a yard sale. With the money obtained from selling his personal belongings and toys, Darren thought of others. He bought towels for the children living in the mountains of Thailand and story books for children in Philippines.
A small boy with a big heart!
A special child, was turned away by many mainstream kindergartens, found a place in the Kindergarten where I used to worked. Darren has speech impediment. He stammered in his speaking. He was with our kindergarten for 3 years. This happened when he was in K2 (K5 for US).
With the upcoming Good Friday holiday ahead, his mother asked him what would he like to do. She suggested a family picnic, an outing together, doing some fun things, etc.
But Darren said, "I I I... w w want to oo oo t t t ell p p peo ple a a a ... " .
He wanted to tell people that Jesus died for them as it was a Good Friday holiday. A boy, who could not speak properly, who struggled to talk, wanted to tell others about what the Lord has done for them. This spoke very loudly to my heart. It shamed and challenged me. Guess what they did that day? They went passing out tracts to people.
When the family was relocating to another country, they had a yard sale. With the money obtained from selling his personal belongings and toys, Darren thought of others. He bought towels for the children living in the mountains of Thailand and story books for children in Philippines.
A small boy with a big heart!
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Are young children spiritually sensitive?
Can young children have a burden for others? Are they serious in spiritual matter? The answer is: Yes, they certainly are, they are tenderhearted.
The episodes to follow are true stories, only their names have been changed. I had the privilege of knowing them and being touched by their young lives. Hope you too would be challenged and encouraged as you read along.
A long time ago, in Greenville, South Carolina, there was a little 5-year old girl named Rhonda. There was a day when she had to stay at the church together with a group of children and the care-givers. Her mother had joined the ladies' group doing visitation around the neighborhood.
Mother informed Rhonda that they would be calling on one of her Sunday School classmates. Sean had been absent for a while and they hope to share the good news of the Gospel with his parents.
They lived in a little house with many cats and dogs. It was amazing to see so many of these creatures living together in harmony. They were all over the yard, in the house and even on the roof top. Mother was amazed at the sight and was feeling a little nervous, being surrounded with these animals.
Upon returning from the visit, Mother immediately shared with Rhonda what she thought might interest her little daughter most. The excitement of seeing so many cats and dogs that her friend had. She politely let Mother finished relating the encounter with the animals without interrupting.
She then calmly asked, "Did Sean's parents get saved?"
Mother was taken aback as she thought that her young daughter would be more interested in the animals than the souls of men. A child of five, sharing concern on spiritual matters and salvation of others.
The episodes to follow are true stories, only their names have been changed. I had the privilege of knowing them and being touched by their young lives. Hope you too would be challenged and encouraged as you read along.
A long time ago, in Greenville, South Carolina, there was a little 5-year old girl named Rhonda. There was a day when she had to stay at the church together with a group of children and the care-givers. Her mother had joined the ladies' group doing visitation around the neighborhood.
Mother informed Rhonda that they would be calling on one of her Sunday School classmates. Sean had been absent for a while and they hope to share the good news of the Gospel with his parents.
They lived in a little house with many cats and dogs. It was amazing to see so many of these creatures living together in harmony. They were all over the yard, in the house and even on the roof top. Mother was amazed at the sight and was feeling a little nervous, being surrounded with these animals.
Upon returning from the visit, Mother immediately shared with Rhonda what she thought might interest her little daughter most. The excitement of seeing so many cats and dogs that her friend had. She politely let Mother finished relating the encounter with the animals without interrupting.
She then calmly asked, "Did Sean's parents get saved?"
Mother was taken aback as she thought that her young daughter would be more interested in the animals than the souls of men. A child of five, sharing concern on spiritual matters and salvation of others.
A Little Child Shall Them... learning humility.
A true story with change of names.
Ryan, an 8-year old, a Primary 2 (2nd grade) student, was absent from school one day as he was unwell. That day their class teacher returned their marked Mathematics Examination Paper to the students. Teacher went through all the questions together with the class.
After school that day, Annabelle, Ryan's classmate called him on the phone. After their short talk has ended, Ryan was still standing quietly by the phone. His mother noticed and asked him what he was doing.
"I'm praying" was the reply.
"Is there any problem?" Mother asked again sounding anxious.
Ryan calmly said, "No, I am thanking God for helping me to get a perfect score of 100 marks for my Mathematics Exam." A quiet and simple statement by Ryan.
At this point it was Mother who learned a lesson on humility and gratefulness. Thank God for a humble heart and one who acknowledges God's enablement in his doings. Mother would have expected a shout, a jump, a sense of pride (which are normal reactions) or for a scheming child a bargain. There are some who would ask their parents, "What would you give me if I get perfect score for my test paper." But not this child. Thanks be to God!
Ryan, an 8-year old, a Primary 2 (2nd grade) student, was absent from school one day as he was unwell. That day their class teacher returned their marked Mathematics Examination Paper to the students. Teacher went through all the questions together with the class.
After school that day, Annabelle, Ryan's classmate called him on the phone. After their short talk has ended, Ryan was still standing quietly by the phone. His mother noticed and asked him what he was doing.
"I'm praying" was the reply.
"Is there any problem?" Mother asked again sounding anxious.
Ryan calmly said, "No, I am thanking God for helping me to get a perfect score of 100 marks for my Mathematics Exam." A quiet and simple statement by Ryan.
At this point it was Mother who learned a lesson on humility and gratefulness. Thank God for a humble heart and one who acknowledges God's enablement in his doings. Mother would have expected a shout, a jump, a sense of pride (which are normal reactions) or for a scheming child a bargain. There are some who would ask their parents, "What would you give me if I get perfect score for my test paper." But not this child. Thanks be to God!
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Wise Reminder - "Life is fragile, handle with Prayer"
Three years ago, 25 September 2005, our son was undergoing training in Australia while my husband and I were in China. We received a phone call around 5:30pm informing us that our son was involved in an automobile accident. Thankfully it was my husband who picked up the phone. He was pretty calm but there was a tone of seriousness as he asked, "Is he the one who was driving? Is he conscious?..." When I heard him asking, my heart straightaway prayed, "Oh Lord, please help. Go to his rescue, he is so far away from us."
It was a great relief when my husband was able to speak to our son on the phone. He said he was alright, not in any life-threatening situation. He was in hospital waiting for minor surgery of his face.
The Lord indeed was a very present help in trouble. A few days later he sent us the pictures of himself and the car. The car was in a very bad shape, a wreck, and it was a miracle that no one was killed.
It is a reminder of how fragile life is and indeed to be handled with prayer. Each day is a gift from God, as we depend on Him to live for His glory!
It was a great relief when my husband was able to speak to our son on the phone. He said he was alright, not in any life-threatening situation. He was in hospital waiting for minor surgery of his face.
The Lord indeed was a very present help in trouble. A few days later he sent us the pictures of himself and the car. The car was in a very bad shape, a wreck, and it was a miracle that no one was killed.
It is a reminder of how fragile life is and indeed to be handled with prayer. Each day is a gift from God, as we depend on Him to live for His glory!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Wonderful Reunion
Oh what joy it was to have the family members all under one roof for seven days. Though short it may be, it certainly was sweet. My daughter, son-in-law, grandson and grand-daughter flew across the Pacific Ocean to visit us. It was a very happy reunion, although it was just nine months ago when my husband, my son and I were over at their home for Christmas 2007. Both the grand-children have grown especially our grand-daughter who was only a wee little one of two months old back then. She is now eleven months and has won and captured many hearts by her winsome smile and her friendly and charming disposition. Certainly we have much to be grateful to God for His mercy, grace and love.
Seven days passed by so swiftly and it was time for the guys to leave. Our son-in-law and grandson took their leave while our daughter and grand-daughter got to spend another seven days with us. That was a blessing indeed! We visited relatives and friends and did some shopping.
The days went by too quickly and it was time to say "Good-bye". We entrusted mother and daughter to the Lord as traveling was not easy, alone and with an infant in arms, on a long, long journey. But the Lord was good, He provided the strength and saw them safely home to be reunited with their loved ones. The Lord truly is good!
Seven days passed by so swiftly and it was time for the guys to leave. Our son-in-law and grandson took their leave while our daughter and grand-daughter got to spend another seven days with us. That was a blessing indeed! We visited relatives and friends and did some shopping.
The days went by too quickly and it was time to say "Good-bye". We entrusted mother and daughter to the Lord as traveling was not easy, alone and with an infant in arms, on a long, long journey. But the Lord was good, He provided the strength and saw them safely home to be reunited with their loved ones. The Lord truly is good!
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