Pastor Al Paulauski, From Your Pal Pastor Al, Fair Haven Assembly of God Church

Pastor Al Paulauski

From Your Pal October 2006

     Have you ever attempted to do something for the first time because you thought that you would be good at it, only to find that you weren't? I remember one time after I had learned how to play the bass guitar, I thought that learning the guitar would be no problem. So I spent $250 on a new guitar only to find out after six months that there was no way that was going to happen. I remember as a kid thinking that I would be good at art only to find that my stick figure guys weren't exactly masterpieces. Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating a little, but it did not turn out to be one of my gifts. On the other hand, I also remember as a teenager believing that speaking in front of people was definitely not in the cards for me. I was petrified of speaking in front of people.
     I've learned lots of lessons over the years of what I am good at and what I'm not. Just like I'm sure that many of you have as well. But what about our children? They are just at the beginning of knowing what they may be gifted in or what may truly be a weakness in their lives. Recently, I read an article by Jim Burns entitled, 7 Tips for Helping Your Kids Discover Their Strengths and Weaknesses. I want to share with you some of the ways he suggests to help you, as a parent, help your child come to a better understanding of who God is creating them to be. Why? Because the earlier in life that we can help them understand their strengths and weakness, the more satisfied and productive they can become in life.
     1. Spend lots of time observing your kids in different areas. Watch them at work and at play. Ask yourself, "What kinds of tasks come easy for them? Which tasks seem difficult? Which kinds of activities do they enjoy and which ones do they dislike?"
     2. Affirm and/or challenge your kids. When you identify the strengths provide LOTS of affirmation and challenge them to develop these skills even more.
     3. Evaluate "WITH" your kids. Get your kids feedback regarding how they feel about various task-related areas of their lives. Tasks they enjoy may be signs of giftedness and vice versa. Help them to process these areas to help them recognize both strengths and weaknesses.
     4. Encourage experimentation. Kids should have many opportunities to experience and experiment. Kids often stumble onto both hidden strengths and weaknesses through new experiences. So make sure your kids don't get into a rut of always doing the same old things. If I could suggest something to help in this area I would highly recommend that every student gets involved with Fine Arts.
     5. Don't force improvement of weaknesses in areas that aren't important. Some parents want their kids to succeed in everything. This parental desire can have kids spending too much time fixing weakness - or in areas they are just not gifted in. Be aware that focusing your child's time and energy on fixing weaknesses can take time and energy away from developing their strengths.
     6. Don't "button hole" your kids early in life. Your kids will excel in some areas and falter in others. The wise parent, however, will allow their kids interest and abilities to change over time, rather than "buttonholing" kids in any specific area. Affirm what they may be currently succeeding in and at the same time encourage them to experiment in other areas.
     7. Encourage dreaming, creativity and passion. Strengths and weaknesses are not only matters of being able to perform a task well or poorly. A big part of the meaning of strengths and weaknesses has to do with the context of where those tasks are carried out.
October Highlights
     Grocery Store Gift Cards.
     Gift cards for Kroger & Farmer Jack will again be available for purchase on Sunday, Oct. 8th after service. By you participating in a program like this we can earn 5% of your purchases towards missions. Remember, it's free money. Please make sure (if you have a Kroger card) that you are recharging your card before your purchase. Fair Haven is also now enrolled in "Meijer Community Rewards." If you will simply sign up with Meijer for a "rewards card" (it's not a credit card) through us, they will give a percentage of your monthly spendings to us. So far you have helped us earn over $600 for missions this year. Come by the table and see us for details.
     "Launch" a ministry to 6th-9th grade students.
     We will again be conducting special Sunday morning services for students in grades 6-9 in the gym during morning worship service @ 10 am. October's "Launch" services will be on October 1st & 29th. These services are designed to give some extra attention and space to Jr. High students while at the same time attempting to help them exercise their gifts in music, drama, and more. If you would like more information as to what "Launch" is, please see Pastor Al.
     Ministry project:
     "Rake and Run"
Saturday October 7th
10-3 pm.
In an attempt to be a blessing to our community (specifically those in our neighborhood around the church), we will be walking through the community raking leaves free of charge. This is our opportunity to let the community know that 876 Student Ministries cares about them.
     Youth Convention:
     Nov. 3rd & 4th in Grand Rapids
Yes, youth convention is almost here. Youth convention is one of the single most strategic events that we have on our calendar each year. Youth convention is a gathering of 2000 students from A/G churches across the state that get together for a weekend of experiencing God and having fun. Last year we took 19 Jr/Sr high students. This year we would like to take 40 with us. Youth convention really does create life-changing moments for lots of kids. I would like to encourage you to get your student involved. The cost for this years convention is $65 per student (includes registration, hotel, gas, & breakfast on Saturday). A $40 non-refundable deposit is due on Wednesday October 11th. If you wish to go after that, the cost goes up to $75 per student plus we won't be able to guarantee a spot because of hotel accommodations. For more info see Pastor Al and pick up an information packet.