I was all set to post about this month being Child Abuse Prevention Month.
But, you know what? To be perfectly honest, I just don't have it in me.
The topic is way too heavy and although part of my blog is to teach various topics related to parenting/child development, Christian lifestyle, I just couldn't do a post about this.
I think the main reason is because for 5 years (1999-2004) I was a parenting skills instructor and counselor in our former church's crisis pregnancy center. It was a volunteer ministry/teaching position (sometimes I would get a small stipend, which was very nice) and I just became too burned out from dealing with all those "mandated by the courts" people who walked through our doors. I also was burned out just working with the inner city population in general. I taught 2 classes out of 8 that dealt with physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. It was pathetic to see parenting clients return time and time again for the exact same reasons of why they lost their children to the foster care system. Usually because they just were choosing to either neglect or abuse their children or them selves. Sometimes we would have a praise report of a client who "got it together" but those times were fairly rare. So...I just don't have the energy any more to speak on the topic.
Of course I am still a mandated reporter as I am still teaching. Thank the Lord we haven't had to report any thing thus far this school year. When I was teaching full time as a special ed PreK teacher, 45% of my class would be students who were either physically or sexually abused. It is rampant, readers. In all walks of life. It crosses all races, socioeconomic groups and religions. It is sometimes even found in Christian families/churches. Those are the basic facts. For more detailed info, you can email me.
Last nite I attended the small group (women) I had joined in February. We are studying the book Cappaccino with Colossians. It is a pretty good study. I enjoy my time there. I am glad it is just a once a month Bible study because with my family's current lifestyle, I just wouldn't be able to fit in a small group that met more often. I like the fact that I am not hosting/leading it! My husband and I led a small group (home group) for 5 years in our home 2 friday nites per month during the school year....and we often did social events with the group during the summer months...it got to be too much. Before that, we were assistant leaders for 2 years. The nice thing about Grace Fellowship, is that, because of our size, there are many small groups to choose from. I like the variety of that. The church also has marriage small groups that typically meet once a week for 6 weeks. That is my favorite model to choose. Dave and I haven't joined one yet this school year though, due to his obligations of being a jr. high life::group leader and a co-coordinator over the middle school group. He is one busy guy at church!
Well, last nite, my teen daughter reported to me when I arrived home at 9: 45 that yes, her little sister was put to bed on time and no, Syesha was not voted off American Idol! WHAT??? Why in the world did voters push out Michael??? Are people nuts?? He has a fantastic voice...good grief....I was so annoyed!
Yesterday I accomplished more spring cleaning: finished up Claire's closet, began washing and putting away winter scarves, gloves, etc. I have a large tub of outgrown winter shoes, sneakers, boots, hiking boots, and a pair of gorgeous riding boots (equestrian) to donate to charity. They are in the bin, which is in my trunk, so tomorrow I will drive over there and donate the entire contents. I could probably sell the hiking and equestrian boots but this is much easier and less time consuming. I have never had a garage sale in our 13 years of living in this house. I usually give stuff away to friends/family or donate to charity. Some favorite things, that I want to pass down to any future grandchildren, are stored in our attic space above the garage.
Well, it is Friday Nite. Bibleman Live! will be at church tonite....my daughters are too old for that kind of thing so we are just staying in tonite and having family nite of either a movie or board game.
Sunday evening is the Lincoln Brewster concert at church....my husband and I have a date to go and are meeting some old friends there.....Kathy was my maid of honor and she married Wade just a few years ago! We still consider them newlyweds...my oldest will babysit as she is trying to earn some money for new summer stuff that she wants (I only buy the "needs" at this point...if she wants to keep downloading music off of i-Tunes, she has to pay for it her self!)
Hopefully the rain will stop by Monday (supposed to be rainy here all weekend) and if my husband can manage to get a boat carrier over the weekend at the new LLBean store that opened near us, then we will take the kayaks out next weekend! Meanwhile, I have spring cleaning to finish the first part of the week and a couple of day trips planned.....i cannot believe it is Spring Break already...the school year is flying by!
I hope to post a book review of "Your Girl" on Monday.
I would like to post some thoughts that the Lord has been putting on my heart about being good stewards of our earth as well.
And look for a short post about friendships and children.....I received some neat tips from Claire's Sunday School teacher who gives out monthly newsletters from the curriculum they use. It is solid, Biblical wisdom. So needed and appreciated!
Enjoy the start of the weekend...what are your plans??
But, you know what? To be perfectly honest, I just don't have it in me.
The topic is way too heavy and although part of my blog is to teach various topics related to parenting/child development, Christian lifestyle, I just couldn't do a post about this.
I think the main reason is because for 5 years (1999-2004) I was a parenting skills instructor and counselor in our former church's crisis pregnancy center. It was a volunteer ministry/teaching position (sometimes I would get a small stipend, which was very nice) and I just became too burned out from dealing with all those "mandated by the courts" people who walked through our doors. I also was burned out just working with the inner city population in general. I taught 2 classes out of 8 that dealt with physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. It was pathetic to see parenting clients return time and time again for the exact same reasons of why they lost their children to the foster care system. Usually because they just were choosing to either neglect or abuse their children or them selves. Sometimes we would have a praise report of a client who "got it together" but those times were fairly rare. So...I just don't have the energy any more to speak on the topic.
Of course I am still a mandated reporter as I am still teaching. Thank the Lord we haven't had to report any thing thus far this school year. When I was teaching full time as a special ed PreK teacher, 45% of my class would be students who were either physically or sexually abused. It is rampant, readers. In all walks of life. It crosses all races, socioeconomic groups and religions. It is sometimes even found in Christian families/churches. Those are the basic facts. For more detailed info, you can email me.
Last nite I attended the small group (women) I had joined in February. We are studying the book Cappaccino with Colossians. It is a pretty good study. I enjoy my time there. I am glad it is just a once a month Bible study because with my family's current lifestyle, I just wouldn't be able to fit in a small group that met more often. I like the fact that I am not hosting/leading it! My husband and I led a small group (home group) for 5 years in our home 2 friday nites per month during the school year....and we often did social events with the group during the summer months...it got to be too much. Before that, we were assistant leaders for 2 years. The nice thing about Grace Fellowship, is that, because of our size, there are many small groups to choose from. I like the variety of that. The church also has marriage small groups that typically meet once a week for 6 weeks. That is my favorite model to choose. Dave and I haven't joined one yet this school year though, due to his obligations of being a jr. high life::group leader and a co-coordinator over the middle school group. He is one busy guy at church!
Well, last nite, my teen daughter reported to me when I arrived home at 9: 45 that yes, her little sister was put to bed on time and no, Syesha was not voted off American Idol! WHAT??? Why in the world did voters push out Michael??? Are people nuts?? He has a fantastic voice...good grief....I was so annoyed!
Yesterday I accomplished more spring cleaning: finished up Claire's closet, began washing and putting away winter scarves, gloves, etc. I have a large tub of outgrown winter shoes, sneakers, boots, hiking boots, and a pair of gorgeous riding boots (equestrian) to donate to charity. They are in the bin, which is in my trunk, so tomorrow I will drive over there and donate the entire contents. I could probably sell the hiking and equestrian boots but this is much easier and less time consuming. I have never had a garage sale in our 13 years of living in this house. I usually give stuff away to friends/family or donate to charity. Some favorite things, that I want to pass down to any future grandchildren, are stored in our attic space above the garage.
Well, it is Friday Nite. Bibleman Live! will be at church tonite....my daughters are too old for that kind of thing so we are just staying in tonite and having family nite of either a movie or board game.
Sunday evening is the Lincoln Brewster concert at church....my husband and I have a date to go and are meeting some old friends there.....Kathy was my maid of honor and she married Wade just a few years ago! We still consider them newlyweds...my oldest will babysit as she is trying to earn some money for new summer stuff that she wants (I only buy the "needs" at this point...if she wants to keep downloading music off of i-Tunes, she has to pay for it her self!)
Hopefully the rain will stop by Monday (supposed to be rainy here all weekend) and if my husband can manage to get a boat carrier over the weekend at the new LLBean store that opened near us, then we will take the kayaks out next weekend! Meanwhile, I have spring cleaning to finish the first part of the week and a couple of day trips planned.....i cannot believe it is Spring Break already...the school year is flying by!
I hope to post a book review of "Your Girl" on Monday.
I would like to post some thoughts that the Lord has been putting on my heart about being good stewards of our earth as well.
And look for a short post about friendships and children.....I received some neat tips from Claire's Sunday School teacher who gives out monthly newsletters from the curriculum they use. It is solid, Biblical wisdom. So needed and appreciated!
Enjoy the start of the weekend...what are your plans??
5 comments:
I cannot imagine doing that work. I really admire those who do it and do it well.
I couldn't believe Michael Johns was voted off either. I thought for sure Carly would be going and I think she did too.
Have a lovely evening with your family. I'm hoping to score a couple tickets to a hockey but it's starting to look not likely.
Oh, I just noticed you're reading One Tuesday Morning. Great book. Read Beyond Tuesday Morning right after it.
Wow, do you have time to breathe? You're so busy. :~D
I don't blame you for being burned out on the issue of child abuse. Isn't it true that abusers were abused themselves? Ergo--unable to break the cycle.
But there must be a way to stop it. There just must. I'd love to hear your thoughts on what has been successful.
Have a great weekend! (We're just hanging.)
e-Mom
hi e-Mom: yes often people who abuse were abused although this is not always the case. Some parents who abuse can learn effective parenting techniques in the areas of discipline, getting kids to cooperate....we found that most of the parents who were physically abusive just didn't know what to do beyond physical punishments. As for sexual abuse, that is a whole other story! I could email you about it.
I cannot imagine doing that work. C.O.T.R. College of ministries & N.T.C of India.India focused mission engaged in church planting, pastor training, education, and humanitarian efforts. This organization is help for the poor people.if any body want to help for the poor people please visit http://www.christforindia.org
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