ENI | Featured Articles

posted on September 29, 2011 in Called to Wonder

You are different from anyone else in the world.Your mother is a unique individual. Your father is not like anybody else. It is because all people are different that your family is different from any other family in the entire world.

Why Do We Live In Families?

Family Life

posted on September 22, 2011 in Called to Wonder

The people of our family take care of us and teach us about the world as we grow up. Our parents, brothers, sisters, and other relatives love us, watch over us, give us shelter, and protect us from harm. They offer us security, comfort, physical contact and care. Family provides a constant in any child’s life.

Families Theme

September 2011

posted on September 22, 2011 in Called to Wonder

To my friends,
September is an exciting time of year with the start-up of school. I have a young neighbour who started school last year. He is really excited to see his old friends again. He loves to learn and one important thing he learned in Junior Kindergarten was about families.

Saying Sorry

posted on August 21, 2011 in Called to Wonder

Have you ever taken a toy away from your brother or sister that made them cry, only to be forced by your mom to say “I’m sorry” to them? If so, were you sorry? How can you tell if you’re really sorry, or just sorry you got caught?
Earlier this summer we saw how conflict arose among some biblical siblings. What we may not know, is when there was a true, honest apology, things did work out. In the story of Jacob and Esau, Jacob tricked Esau into giving him his birthright and then stole his father’s blessing. Later on, in chapters 32 and 33, we see Jacob offering Esau a sincere apology along with many gifts. Esau forgave his brother and did not kill him like he had said he would earlier. Jacob received forgiveness from both Esau and God, and got to keep his life because he apologized.
We also read about a boy named Joseph and his eleven jealous brothers. The brothers sold Joseph in to slavery. Joseph ended up becoming the highest ranking official under the King. Because of a drought, Joseph’s brothers came to him (not knowing who he was) to ask for food. By the end of the story, the brothers apologize for what they had done to Joseph and their relationship with Joseph is restored.

Finish off by reading Ephesians 4:26. Write this out in your own words to better understand it, or click here for some ideas.

So,next time you have an opportunity to apologize, do it. But mean it.

How to avoid conflict

posted on August 7, 2011 in Called to Wonder

We know it’s okay to experience emotions, even anger. And now we have some ways to deal with anger when it happens. But how can we avoid making other people angry? Most of the time, we don’t do it on purpose. Knowing what actions or attitudes of our own that cause anger in others is the first step. These are called “button pushers”. Next time someone gets angry with you, ask them what you did to “push their anger button”. Jot down in a journal or notebook, each time this happens. Soon, you’ll have a list of things to avoid – but remember, these will be different for everyone. The good news is you’re not alone! God has gifted us with the fruit of the spirit to help us: show kindness towards others to avoid angering them, and practice self-control in yourself to avoid getting angry.

Be the boss of your anger

posted on July 21, 2011 in Called to Wonder

It’s okay to get angry. God gave us emotions so we could share them with others and experience life together. It’s not good to let your anger take over and make you behave badly or hurt others. Look what happened to Cain! For some great tips on how to be the boss of your own anger, check out Noelle and Krista in their hilarious “how to do stuff” video.

Bullying Theme

June 2011

posted on June 27, 2011 in Called to Wonder

Hello friends!

I have heard that some of you have been teasing other children at the playground—not just once in a while—but every day. Others have been telling tall tales at school about certain kids and persuading other kids not to hang out with them. I would call these things BULLYING.

Kids have Feelings too!

posted on June 22, 2011 in Called to Wonder

Do you sometimes feel like no one acknowledges that you have feelings, or cares that they are? The way a person feels inside is very important. It’s just as important to talk about them. If you don’t talk about your feelings they can become bottled up and create anxiety, conflict or even illness.
Look at what happened with Cain and Abel. Cain felt angry that the Lord accepted Abel’s offering and not his. This led to Cain committing the ultimate sin. Jacob and Esau were in a similar boat – this time Esau’s jealousy caused potentially fatal conflict. Joseph’s brothers turned on him out of resentment and sold him into slavery.
Instead of letting your feelings get the better of you and letting conflict arise, try talking to someone about them. Start with a parent, friend or school counsellor. A great way to initiate this is to suggest a walk, or to throw (or kick) a ball around. Think about someone you might talk to, and what you might say. It’s always better to have someone to share your load with and perhaps even lighten it.

Bullying: Who, What, Where, When, Why?

The Five Ws

posted on June 20, 2011 in Called to Wonder

Bullying Information for You

WHO?
* I believe that everyone is vulnerable to bullying.
* I believe that anyone can be a bully at one time or another.

Fairness and Faith

Bullying is only one inequality

posted on June 20, 2011 in Called to Wonder

Being faithful to God while living in a world of inequalities is what is required of us. Fairness and faith are linked together and not able to be separated from each other. That’s just how it is. Recall the words of Micah 6:8. “The Lord God has told us what is right and what is demanded—see that justice is done, let mercy be your first concern, and humbly obey your God.”

Bullying and You

Think about it

posted on June 3, 2011 in Called to Wonder

You probably know about Binky Barnes who is Arthur’s classmate in the Arthur cartoon TV show. He starts out early in the stories as part of a group (known as “The Tough Customers”) who bully others. But later, Arthur gets to know Binky and he becomes good friends with him.

On the SpongeBob SquarePants show, there’s Flatts the Flounder who really just wants to be a friend—but he always says that he wants to “kick SpongeBob’s butt” and scares SpongeBob into thinking that Flatts wants to hurt him. It takes some time but each one comes to a better understanding of the other.

Bullies in the Bible

posted on June 3, 2011 in Called to Wonder

Who is the bully in each of these Bible stories?

I just want to get along!

posted on May 14, 2011 in Called to Wonder

Fighting with your brothers and sisters is no fun. Wouldn’t it be nice if everyone could just get along? I found a great website (check it out) that has some helpful tips for getting along and other topics including:

Taming your Temper
Getting along with your parents
Talking about your Feelings

What Causes Sibling Rivalry?

A lesson with the Simpsons.