Your Video Recorder with Legs

This morning I was listening to Angela Chrysler on a conference call. She commented on a quote by Joel Osteen that had impacted her: "Your kids are like a video recorder with legs."

Take a minute to let that sink in. Your kids pick up on your moods, your emotions, your motivations. You can't tell them to do one thing or be one way when you don't live that way yourself. Do you complain about little things? Don't expect them not to complain. Do you treat others without respect? Don't expect them to be respectful. Do you use ugly language? Don't expect them not to.

Your kids are like a video recorder with legs

However, the converse is also true. Do you model respect? They will, too. Do you use loving words? You will hear those same words coming out of their little mouths. Do you pray about your life's circumstances? They will surprise you with the depth and innocence of their faith-filled prayers.

Just a couple of hours after hearing Angela's call this morning, a precious mom came into the store. A couple of months ago we sat in the back of my store praying for her unborn baby whom the doctors had told her to abort because of his chromosomal defect. They had told her he wouldn't live. But they had underestimated the power of God in her life. They had underestimated how fervently she, her husband and her children would pray for her unborn baby.

Trials are best handled with prayer

You see her little video recorders with legs have grown up knowing that trials are best handled with prayer. They have grown up seeing mom and dad trust God in difficult situations. And that is exactly how they have approached the situation with their little brother. He did survive! Although he does have some challenges that will be with him for life, his siblings thank the Lord daily for their baby brother. He will need open heart surgery when he is a little bigger; for now his big sister prays that God will "hold his broken heart together" until he has the surgery.

What  are your little video recorders with legs taking in as they watch you every day?

Innovative Preschool Comes to Huntsville!

I had the privilege of meeting Caroline Bradford today when she dropped by the store to give me information about the Rise School of Huntsville that will open on January 9. As she described the concept to me, I was absolutely fascinated, and couldn't wait to share it with all of you!

The History

Thirty-seven years ago the first Rise School in the nation was started at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. It is a state-of-the-art preschool program that serves children with special needs alongside their peers who do not have special needs. The Rise teachers have a Master's degree, and the majority of the teacher assistants hold a Bachelor's degree.

Since the school's inception, seven other Rise School locations have formed, following the model set forth at the University of Alabama. There are currently Rise schools in Colorado, Oklahoma, and in four different locations in Texas. The Rise School of Huntsville is only the second school of its kind in Alabama.

The Difference

All children in the program spend time with a music therapist and and a speech therapist. The children with special needs also see a physical therapist and an occupational therapist. However, if faculty members identify an area where a non-special needs student needs extra help, they make certain that it is provided.

They use the Creative Curriculum, the most successfully researched curriculum designed to meet the needs of all children in an integrated environment. The ratio of special needs children to typical children  is 50:50. They make sure that there is one adult for every 2-4 children to ensure that each child receives as many learning opportunities as possible.

Getting Started

The Rise School of Huntsville is opening it's doors on January 9. Their current "home" is Trinity United Methodist Church on Airport Road. However, they hope to have a permanent home of their own before long. They are presently enrolling children from 24-36 months of age. Their goal is to add a classroom each year until they are able to care for children from birth - 6 yrs. of age.

If you are looking for an outstanding program for your child, email Caroline or call The Rise School of Huntsville at 256-489-7512.