Pumpkin Harvest

It's pumpkin carving time!

Classic Larson squint.

I'm lovin' it!

Learning To Communicate

Children are trained by the patterns they see and live.  When our pattern for communicating with our kids is often through arguing back and forth, or through yelling, they will probably learn to communicate this way as they grow up.  If a parent is abusive in their language or their physical behavior, the children repeat this pattern as they grow up and relate to others.  Change is possible through God, though.  We are not stuck in a way of relating.  We can change by God's grace.  Parents can change how they relate to their kids, and children can change too.

I have been reading a good book about parenting that has some very practical advice on relating to children, especially as they are getting a little bit older.  It has helped me to stop and evaluate my own behavior.  For example, today my three-year-old was unhappy with the food she was given for lunch.  I began to notice what she was saying and doing.  She started to complain, which turned into demanding something else, then repeating herself.  Each time I calmly told her "no,"  I corrected her attitude and explained that this is what is for lunch.  This diffused the situation.  She never finished her lunch, and her attitude began to turn into some other problems for which she was disciplined for.  Eventually, she was just put down for a nap early as it was evident that she was very tired.  God gave me grace not to become frustrated or give in, but to be controlled by the Holy Spirit in my attitude and actions.  As I went through this experience, I realized how when I was  a younger parent, I would either try to soften my instructions or would sometimes give in to their demands.  This led to a real pattern of whining and arguing in my kids.  My husband noticed this early on, and helped me to see that I needed to not react to their whining because it only encouraged more whining.  I was such a softy!  I have learned to correct them, teach them the respectful way to ask for things, and be strong in following through with my original instructions or answers.  Ethan has been a great help in this.  This book has some great advice on learning to communicate effectively with your kids without anger or other negative patterns.  Pick it up and read it if you need help in your parenting!  Even if you are not an "angry" parent...I rarely become angry, but I do realize my weaknesses in communication.  This book has helped.  The website for the authors is:  www.biblicalparenting.org

Here are two other books that I have really loved and appreciated in my parenting journey:

Shepherding a Child's Heart by Tedd Tripp, go to www.shepherdpress.com for more information.  This book has been a foundational book in learning the biblical view of raising children.

Focus on The Family Complete Guide to Baby & Child Care by Dobson, go to www.family.org for more information.  A good guide to medical and psychological issues.

Lefty?

Amy takes after her father in many respects, especially her facial features.  Lately, we have noticed a tendency to use her left hand for eating and other things.  Maybe she will follow the Larson family lefties.

Procedure

My stent procedure has been scheduled for November 10th.  Please pray for that.  Thanks.

--Elysia

Not much News

So far we are still waiting for answers to my pain.  The doctors want to see if surgery is necessary by doing a temporary procedure.  But, unfortunately, that has not been scheduled yet because of the waiting period for financial assistance at the hospital.  I am still having pain, and the past couple of weeks it has been pretty bad.

Ethan's Sunday at the Ukrainian church was a great experience--it was very cultural in that you never know what to expect when in another culture's church service.  He preached along with three other guys.  Some Ukrainian churches have three or four elders or pastors get up and share the Word every week instead of the typical sermon by one pastor in American churches.  He met some great people, and learned more about Christians from Ukraine.  There were no "takers" on his request for a Ukrainian language tutor, so that is on hold as well until we can find someone.  There is another big Ukrainian church in town that meets at an A of G church, so maybe there are some resources there.  We will see what happens.

In the mean time, we are living life here.  Ethan has opportunities to serve at the church by helping with missions and through teaching in the School of Ministry, and in the college-age fellowship.  We are also mentoring some students in Ethan's class at the SOM.  We are really being blessed by the abundance of relationships here.  We are getting to know some wonderful people better, and are really enjoying the blessings and benefits of the Body of Christ.  I had the privilege of attending a church women's retreat last weekend, and am enjoying some awesome times of Bible study, prayer, and fellowship with others.  God always works things for good for His kids.