Note form Chaplain Jeanne 1/30/2010

It is nice to be home after a long oncall at the hospital and relax some. I still have to do some cleaning, and spend some time looking over my notes for a quiz on Tuesday evening.

Had a very busy Friday evening oncall last night. Talked with a large family who had a loved one passing on to another life. Quite interesting converstation there.

Had another patient who was having anxiety and in distress over her recent diagnosis of cancer. She had not been married long and felt really sorry for her husband. He lost his first wife to death and childbirth, and the second to drugs. She felt she had not done the things she wanted to do with her new husband. I sang a couple songs to her, which she appreciated; she asked to hold my hand. She told me I had a gift to give to others and a beautiful voice. It is so nice to be confirmed in what you are doing.

I was kept rather busy. This morning and today was much lighter. Made a few calls and followups. Watched some TV and ate.

On my way home, I stopped at a different hospital to see a patient whom I found had been discharged. Oh well, I made it home.

Larry brought in bags of groceries which I had better go put away right now. So long until next time.

Note From Chaplain Jeanne 1/27/2010

Today was a very busy day for me. I visited close to 50 patients, taught 2 piano lessons, came home to eat and change clothes, and then went to church. I just got home, and now must study for my quiz upcoming next week. I don’t want to get to bed too late for I have to be up early to sub for a music teacher tomorrow.

It is puzzling when people tell you they have a need and then will not allow you to pray for them. You would think after being in the hospital repeatedly, you would get the message that God might be speaking to you. I had a more difficult day today with patients. Normally, things go so well. There were many that did not want any prayers said for them or with them.

One guest, who was in a patient’s room, was quite rude and kept interrupting when I was talking with the patient. They were trying to think and speak for them. Then they try to tell me I need to get a paid job. It does make me angry when a male is disrespectful to women.

We had a good church service this evening – a bible study. The pastor is going through the bible highlighting the main stories. I felt it was well prepared and presented some good truth. What does it mean to be a light? If you stop and think about it, there are so many ways to be a light? If the church was busy being that light and showing kindness, more people would want to be a Christian. It would be such a pleasant world. I think we get so wrapped up in things and stuff, and things and stuff that we do not take the time to be the light that would be most affective to a world around us.

Today, at the hospital I had the opportunity to attend the worship service at a retirement center in which they are responsible. We sang many of the old hymns and heard a sermon on Solomon. So this makes me hearing two sermons today. Both were interesting! I will be taking over in for the month of February due to the boss going out of the country.
So long until another time. Chaplain Jeanne

Note From Chaplain Jeanne 1/26/2010

Today was a relaxing day in our classes for Chaplains. We laughed more as the tension had melted down. When you are looking into a mirror, it is not always pleasant. When a light is shinned upon you, revealing things that may hinder your personal development, it can be discouraging. Chaplains hold each other accountable for those little areas in our personality that may be a hindrance to others. We hold each other accountable to examine our inward self as to what emotions we feel during various aspects of duties and life in general. We gain greater insight into who we are, how we function, and why we function the way we do as individuals. When you are in the hot seat, as we all take this seat, it is important to be open-minded to what your peers think of you. There are things they see, that we do not. What I am finding out is that what may be trivial to one may not be to another. Our past will effect out present behavior and the decisions that we make.

However, it ended on a good note today as we closed our class. We will be having a FUN DAY next Tuesday. Wait and see what that will be about. Tell you later! So long for now,

Chaplain Jeanne

Are You a Teacher? You Are Invited...

You are welcome to my website for all children workers. You may find this site helpful in your endeavors as you work with God's precious children. In your commitment to serve these little ones, remember that it takes lot of patience, love, and kindness. You do not have to have a degree, lots of education, or titles in order to do this. Be yourself, and love them through Christ. Of course, there is so much to learn, and I have not accomplished it all yet either in all my years of experience. There are always new circumstances that will arise, new problems, new techniques and methods that we will never know it all. However, teach them to love God and show them that love. Many come from homes that are broken without that love, or from a single parent home that does not have the energy and time that you may have to give. We live in difficult times; however, God is able and will use your efforts that are done with pure motives in love. God bless you.

Pastor Jeanne
kidzministry.net

Note From Chaplain Jeanne 1/25/2010

Since I have been working at the hospital, I have discovered new things about myself. Maybe, I should say a greater awareness. I have found that pain is transferred from patient to chaplain. That has been a new experience to me. When I first began visiting patients, I was very cool and collected in about all that I saw (which was a whole lot). Death, dying, suicide, drugs, legs sawed off, black feet, respirators, families in great pain, you name it. I dealt with it all on a professional basis not allowing things to get to me emotionally. It was only when I faced pain myself that I found it more real regarding the pain they were facing. I walked out of rooms and including coming home praying for patients that struck a chord in my heart. At least, to a greater entent than I had before. Patients are victims to death, cancer, body parts removed, and much more all because of sin. I am glad that one day they will see another side of life – a better side.

Recently, I walked into a room and found a patient lying there not speaking (she was unable to). For some odd reason I was stirred to talk about heaven, and then sang “Amazing Grace” to her, closing with prayer. I left so glad that I had went back to minister to her, I was actually making preparation to leave.

It is times like these when the Spirit witnesses to my heart that I am doing a great work for the kingdom. When you see so many patients, you can become hardened and uncaring, but a true Chaplain will not allow this kind of attitude to filtrate their emotions. See you another time.

Chaplain Jeanne

Alphabet Prayers for Kids

Alphabet Prayers for all Ages
Alphabet prayers are simple prayers that address a specific topic from A-Z. These prayers give children and their parent’s opportunity to give request and praises to God through a simplified style.

Dear God,
Thank you for angels, who watch over us,
Who keep us at night and all through the day.
We love you and praise you for this blessed day,
Now help us today in every way we pray. Amen.

Dear God,
Thank you for your Word the Bible,
That is our road map that we are to follow,
We need your help in every way,
To be more like you all of our days. Amen.

Dear God
God, we thank you for our church,
Where we worship and adore your name,
We love you and want to sing your praises,
And know you in a better way. Amen.

Dear God,
God, we thank you for darkness,
Where we can go to sleep,
We know that you are with us,
And will watch us through the night. Amen.

Dear God,
We thank you for friends at school,
Let us be a light to evangelize the world
To show them the way to you,
In all the things we say and do. Amen.

Dear God
We thank you for our family today,
We ask you to keep us healthy and safe,
Help us as we pray and read your Word together
And place you first in our home each day. Amen.

Dear God
We thank you that you are our friend,
We thank you for creating us and giving us life,
Help us to live and obey you
And see you in heaven some day. Amen.

Dear God,
God, we thank you for a place called heaven,
That you are preparing for us,
Help us to live and be ready,
To see you in heaven someday. Amen.

Dear God,
We thank you for the strength we have,
To go to school and work and rest,
For parents who are not idle but willing to work,
And provide what we need best, Amen.

Dear God,
Thank you the joy we have in You,
We pray for our family, church, and friends,
Give them happiness this day,
And help us in all we do and say, Amen.

Dear God,
God, we are thankful your kindness to us,
We pray that you will help us portray that kindness,
And helps us show compassion toward others,
May we be gentle and kind in all we do and say, Amen.

Dear God,
We are glad that you are our loving, heavenly Father,
We love and worship you for all your care toward us,
Thank you for how you watch over us, and tend to our needs,
May we care for others and show forth your love, Amen.

Dear God,
We are glad that you are our loving, heavenly Father,
We love you, and thank you for your great kindness,
Help us to show your meekness by our words and actions,
May you give us your peace throughout this day, Amen.

Dear God,
We are glad for all those people near,
Our brothers, sisters, family and neighbors, too,
Help them to grow more like you we pray,
And may we show them your love in a special way, Amen.
Dear God,
We are thankful for your Holy Word, the Bible,
Help us to read it and obey it,
May we memorize verses to hide in our hearts,
That we may live our lives pleasing to You, Amen.

Dear God,
Thank you for the courage that you give,
As we depend on you to face each day with boldness,
For it is not within ourselves and stubborn pride,
That we can accomplish our work for this day, Amen.

Dear God,
Thank you for good words that encourage others,
Help us to open our hearts and minds to listen to others,
And use out tongues wisely refraining from quick answers,
That we can deliberately measure our words, Amen. I James 1:19 niv


Dear God,
Thank you, God, for our parents whom you gave to us,
Help us to listen and obey their instructions.
May we please you as we respect their opinions,
And do those things that are pleasing to you and them, Amen.
Colossians 3:20 NIV

Dear God,
Thank you, God, for Sunday, a special day which you gave to us,
Help us to set apart this day in our service and love to you,
May we please you in our worship and praises,
And be a blessing to someone on this special day, Amen. Ex 20:8

Dear God,
We want to express our gratitude for your creation,
We are grateful for all the provisions that you provide us,
Your blessings are many and we can never name them all
You have done some much for us and we just want to thank you,
Amen.

Dear God,
Thank you, God, for the unity we have in friendships,
May we seek peace and avoid conflicts that would be harmful,
Help us to agree to disagree and work to keep harmony,
May your peace be a rest within our quiet hearts as we are silent before you, Amen.

Dear God,
We want to renew our vows to You today,
We will endeavor to read Your Word and follow its commands,
We will seek to love others as you love us,
We commit to behaving in such a way that we will reflect You. Amen.

Dear God,
Thank you, God, for the beauty of worship. Help us to read your
Word and pray every day. Give us an opportunity to tell others
about your love, Help our voices to sing always for You. Use our
hands and feet for your glory. May we worship you this day in
every way, Amen.

Dear God,
Thank you for the opportunity to Xplore your creation,
You have created such beauty in giving us flowers and trees,
Thank you for the sun so bright and the moon at night,
Thank you for creating our family, too. We love You, Amen.

Dear God,
We yield our lives to you this day in every way,
Take our hands and feet and use them as we do our work,
Keep our hearts and thoughts pure and clean,
May our ears and eyes see and hear good things. Amen.

Dear God,
We eagerly look forward to this day in our service to You,
May our zeal be channeled in ways that are good and honest,
In all our eager efforts, help us to accomplish Your will,
May we not be impatient with others or hasty in what we say,
Amen.
© Kidzministry.net January 2010 Jeanne McIntosh. All rights reserved.

Family Sunday for Church

FAMILY SUNDAY

Props/Materials
Puppets: mom, dad, girl, boy; art supplies, and supplies for pizza. Invite kids to bring in a family album or heirloom for show-n-tell.

Prayer
God, we thank you for our family today,
We ask you to keep us healthy and safe,
Help us as we pray and read your Word together
And place you first in our home each day. Amen.

Snack (Invite parents for this lesson)
Family Muffin Pizza. Provide a variety of toppings in small bowls, and allow each child to pick as many toppings for each member in their family. Toast in oven or microwave. (sauage, pepproni, cheese, sauce, onion, olives, extra cheese, chicken) They will enjoy creating their own pizza.

Art (Family Ideas)
Create a Family Tree (add pictures of each member and provide a large brown tree pre cut out for kids), Scrapbook page (add activities of family such as vacation, birthday) Scrape book card (I love my family. Provide materials paper, cardstock, stickers, markers.

Music (Tune: If You’re Happy and You Know It)
Letter F, letter F, letter F (shrug, shrug 2x)
Letter F, letter F, letter F (stomp stomp 2x)
God gave us a family to love and serve the Lord,
Letter F, letter F, letter F (shake hips 2x)

Additional Song: He Knows My Name (Shout Praises Kids DVD), Let the Children Come (Hillsong: Super Strong God DVD)




Bible Memory Verse
Joshua said… “But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." (NIV)

Skit
Jenna: Mom!
Mom: Yes, Jenna. What is all that yelling about?
Jenna: Terry has my game boy. He won’t give it back to me.
Mom: Terry, could you please give Jenna her Game Boy back?
Terry: She said I could play with it.
Jenna: I did not!
Terry: Yes, you did!
Mom: Stop this arguing!
Jenna: He still did not give it back to me.
Mom: Oh, Jenna, can’t he play with it a little bit. It will not hurt you?
Jenna: No. I want it back.
Mom: Terry, give it back to her…..this minute.
Terry: All right (Gives it back) You big baby….tattletale.
Jenna: He called me a name.
Mom: Terry, apologize right now.
Terry: I'm sorry (sticks his tongue out at her)
Jenna: Mom, he stuck his tongue out at me.
Mom: Jenna! That is enough, If you two can’t get along then off you go to your room – both of you!

Message
Does this scenario sound like something in your home?
The most important people in our lives will be our family. God has given us a father or mother or both, and sisters and brothers, aunts, and uncles, and grandparents to be a support system in our lives. He wants us to love each other and to get along.
Joshua was a great leader who put God first in his life. His family was the children of Israel. He took his responsibility very serious and wanted the best for them. Joshua made decisions that may not have been popular or liked, but his purpose was to please God in his decisions not the people. Sometimes, it may have been painful for him to make certain decision that involved the people, but He did it for their good.
Our parents will give us rules, and rules, and rules that we may feel are unfair at times. They may make decisions for us that we think are unfair and mean. However, God has placed them over us, and he expects our obedience. If we refuse to obey them, we are making their job more difficult for God to help them do it.
God is interested in your family. He knows what needs you have and is here to help you through them. Sometimes, family face things that are sad such as a death of a member in the family, or maybe bad news that someone has cancer. God does not take away all our pain, but will help us to endure it. He is there and can feel our pain with us. He will help us though it because He is our Shepherd. Sometimes families face financial difficulty where they must change their lifestyle of living. Moms or dads may lose a job and that makes it really tough. God does not give us all we want, but will supply for our needs according to his riches in heaven. He is in control and will give wisdom to help us make good decisions in life.
God loves your family and wants you to serve Him, go to church, and pray and read his Word together as a family. Serve him and put His first, and he will bless your home.

Discussion Questions
1. How is your family important to you?
2. What ways can you get along better with the members in your family?
3. How does God want family members to treat each other?
4. How will God help families to get along?
5. What should family do together to please God?
Game
Let’s review our memory verse. Say together a couple times. Next, have the kids stand and say the verse all together each time you name one of these below if it applies to them this past week.
1. Make you bed.
2. Brush your teeth.
3. Complete your homework.
4. Practice you lesson, instruments, ect.
5. Help do the dishes.
6. Clear the table.
7. Eat your vegetables.
8. Use kind words to you brother or sister.
9. Obey you mom or dad.
10. Did not grumble.

© Kidzministry.net January 2010 Jeanne McIntosh. All rights reserved.

Forgiveness Is Essential

I have discovered that to forgive is not always easy. Sometimes, it takes time to forgive someone who has wronged you unjustly. In order for God to forgive us, we must forgive others. This can be a choice that we must make. Even though we make this choice, there will still be the emotional aspect involved. If we will meditate on Scripture regarding forgiveness, and change our thought pattern from negative to positive thoughts this will help. If a person who has wronged us will ask for forgiveness this will help, but that will not always happen. Sometimes, a wrong may have been made unintentional. In these cases, we may need to go prayerfully go to the person and tell them how we feel. We could be listening to Satan who is feeding our mind things that are untrue about the other person.

I read here recently about how holding a rock can hinder us. Imagine holding a rock in your hand tightly. Even though this rock is heavy, yet you carry it around all day. You refuse to let it go. You manage to eat, sleep, go to work while you hold onto this rock. It gets heavier each day that you hold on to it. Your hand may even become sore and then produce some bleeding. You will not let it go! You continue to carry it 24/7. One day, someone suggests that you let it go and see what happens. You do it! The relief was so immense that you cried. You laughed, you smiled, and you realized what a waste of time you had done in carrying around the rock.

This rock is like our pain that we carry around every day. Sometimes, we may not have answers as to why we do it. We just feel so bad, so miserable, and so painful, that we have probably allowed the pain to become a part of our identity. It belongs to us so we live a miserable life of unforgiveness.

God will help us lay down the rocks that are causing us to hold unforgivenss in our lives. It may begin with a conscience choice that we WILL forgive the individual. We then turn them over to God. He will take care of them; we do not need to. As we meditate on Scripture and refuse to allow our thoughts to overwhelm us with all the negative things that transpired, our negative emotions will subside slowly day by day.

Forgiveness is not easy: I will not tell you that. But with the grace of God, we CAN. It is our choice. God tells us in Isaiah 43:18-19: "Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old, Behold I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth. Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the dessert."

We may feel like we are in the dessert, like there is no hope we will ever feel normal again. We may feel like the road we are traveling is dark and hopeless, but God will provide a way. He will travel with us. We are not alone.

When Peter asked God how many times we should forgive someone, God told him 70 times 70. Does that mean 149 times? It means we are to live in a state of forgiveness, and become forgiving people. God will help us learn to let go of many things on an everyday basis. The big things that are the most difficult, he will fight for us. He will protect us; He will be our shield and help us reach forward toward things that are ahead - good things. We can only do this as we forgive others and practice living in a state of being a forgiving person.

I am learning more myself daily about forgiveness and desire that God will help me forgive those who harm not only in the big ways, but the small ways as well. I am still a student who by the grace of God will learn to forgive more easily than I have in the past. By Jeanne McIntosh