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ShareThe Problem with Labels
Have you ever been tempted to describe or label someone you don’t know based on how he or she looks? You might see a girl wearing glasses and think she’s a nerd, or a boy who’s really tall and think he’s an athlete. Some people even define those with disabilities as not very smart or less important than others. These labels are often wrong, hurtful, and only focus on one small part of who that person is. God sees each one of us as perfect images of Him, with special personalities, talents, and likes and dislikes. Only God’s labels should matter to us. He made no mistakes when creating us! (Take a look at Psalm 139:13-16) So the next time you are tempted to define someone based on how they look or act, keep in mind each of us is one of a kind and created to fulfill a specific purpose in God’s master plan.
May Wheels for the World Activities
Have you ever wondered what is the capitol of Cuba? How good are you at unscrambling words? Would you like to make your very own Chinese drum? Well, you should check out this month’s fun Wheels for the World activities! During the month of May, our Wheels for the World teams will be on outreaches to four different countries – China, Guatemala, Cuba, and Brazil. Click each country’s name for fun activities like word searches and instructions to make your own Chinese drum. You’ll also read important prayer requests for each outreach that you can pray for!
Bible Reading Update
If you’re reading through the Bible with Joni, you’ve passed the halfway mark! CONGRATULATIONS! Can you believe we’re already halfway through the Bible? This month you’ll read through the book of Proverbs. King Solomon wrote Proverbs. It's full of good advice that you can use in your everyday life. You’ll read all about how God wants you to treat your friends and family, deal with money, and be patient and humble. If you haven’t been reading through the Bible with Joni, now is the perfect time to join in! Or, you can keep up with the schedule by learning the Key Verses each week!
Why Bad Things Happen
Has anything bad ever happened to you or someone you know, and you couldn’t understand why God would allow that bad thing to happen? Maybe your dad lost his job, or your parents are going through a divorce. Maybe your friend’s sister got in a horrible accident, or your new baby brother was born with a disability. All of these things are terrible and cause you hurt. Do you ever wonder, “Why, God? Why are you picking on me and letting these awful things happen? Do you even care?” But God does care and He loves you very much. Everyone goes through times of suffering in his or her life. But it’s ok to ask God questions. In fact, your questions are very important to God. Click here to read a booklet written by Joni that will help answer some of those tough unanswered questions. Or ask your parents for permission to email us at kidscorner@joniandfriends.org with your name and address, and we’ll send you your own booklet! It’s also available in Spanish!
Mother's Day
Close your eyes and think of a woman in your life who loves you and spends more time helping you than any other person. Who did you think of? I bet a lot of you thought of your mom. Maybe you thought of your grandma or foster mom? God puts special people like moms, grandmas, and foster moms in our lives to love and take care of us. This Sunday is Mother’s Day, and it’s the perfect chance to tell that important person how much you love her and are thankful for her! And we have the perfect activity to help you do that! Follow these instructions to make a special Mother’s Day gift.
Sticks and Stones
Have you ever heard the rhyme, “sticks and stones can break my bones, but words will never hurt me?” Well... the end should be re-written because words really can hurt! This month, the Kids’ Corner is focusing on “People First” language. People First language helps us focus on the person rather than their disability. The way we talk to and about people with disabilities is very important. Click here to download a fun activity where you can practice using People First language.
Seven Ways to Pray on the National Day of Prayer
Tomorrow is the National Day of Prayer! Are you planning to join other Christians all around the United States to pray for our country? If you are, check out the seven different ways you can pray below!
1. Government – Pray for leaders of the United States and also those in your city and state. Ask God to give them good ideas about how to protect kids with disabilities.
2. Military – Pray for moms and dads who care for kids with special needs and also serve in the military. Ask God to give them extra strength for the times when their family is separated.
3. Media – Pray actors, authors, and news reporters will share views about people with disabilities in a way that will show that every person is valuable.
4. Businesses – Pray for businesses to think of good ways to make life easier for kids who have a disability.
5. Schools – Pray that kids with disabilities won’t be teased or bullied at school. Ask God to help kids not be afraid of making friends with someone who is different.
6. Churches – Pray churches will look for ways to make kids with disabilities feel welcome in Sunday school and other ...
Continue to Full Post →How To Be An Awesome Friend
Since we’re nearing the end of Autism Awareness Month, we wanted to share this great video about autism and how to be a better friend to someone with autism. It’s so important to remember that God has made each of us unique and in His image! We may have different ways of communicating or interacting with friends, but it’s what’s on the inside that counts. 1 Samuel 16:7 says that, “…Man looks at how someone appears on the outside. But God looks at what is in the heart.” So there you have it! Just like God, we need to love people for who they are on the inside. Check out the video to learn more on how to be an awesome friend to someone with autism. You’ll also meet Anthony who has autism and is really great at telling jokes!
Wheels for the World Activities
How fast can you find Ghana on a map of Africa? Do you love to do word searches? Have you ever wanted to have your very own jam session? Well, you should check out this month’s fun Wheels for the World activities before it’s too late! This April, our Wheels for the World teams went on three outreaches to three different countries – Ghana, Mexico, and Haiti. Click on each country’s name for fun activities like word searches and instructions to make your own Haitian instruments. You’ll also learn fun facts about each place and read important prayer requests for each outreach that you can pray for!
We Are All Special in God's Eyes
Have you ever been made fun of or made fun of someone else for having freckles or wearing glasses? Do you know someone who’s been made fun of for liking to sing or play an instrument? Maybe you know someone who’s been teased for acting differently than you or having to use a wheelchair. Well, it’s never nice to make fun of someone just because they enjoy different activities or look or act differently than you. No two people are exactly the same, but we are all loved and cared for equally by God. He has made each and every one of us unique and in His image! There is no one else in the world like you! Watch the video to learn more about how special each of us is in God’s eyes.