Third Annual Climb-a-Tree Contest

by Sally Matheny

Climb-a-Tree (but not this one!)

For the past two years, I’ve hosted a Climb-a-Tree contest. It all began after reading a report that 1 out of 3 children have never climbed a tree. Are our children becoming too comfy on the couch? Or is it the parents? 

Maybe it's the fears of all the “what-ifs.” Don’t let worry keep you in a sanitized, cushioned bubble.   

Fun and adventure await you at the base of a tree—not to mention a slew of learning and confidence building opportunities.

I almost decided to forgo the contest this year until a friend’s child approached me and asked about the next tree-climbing contest. We don’t want to disappoint, so here’s the announcement for the third annual Climb-a-Tree contest!

Who: Parent-Supervised Children (ages 5 and up) and Parents

How to Enter:   Easy—send me a photo of your kids in a tree. List their first names only. They’ll be entered into the drawing for a prize.  The winner will be awarded a cool, outdoor toy based on the child’s age.

However, this year, I’m increasing the rewards.

For every teen and adult who is in a photo (in a tree!): Your name will be entered into a drawing for a $5.00 gift card from Starbucks. (Because I figure some of you want to get in on the fun, too.)

Deadline: Send me photos via this blog, or post them on my facebook page. All photos are due by 6:00 p.m. (EST) on Monday, October 27, 2014.

If you don’t want to post a photo, but would like to enter the contest, just private message me and I’ll add your name to the drawing.

We’ll announce the winners on this blog on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2014.

Here are things to remember:

Be safe!

Avoid this.

Posion Ivy

            

                                                       And this.

Poison Oak

Use good judgement and you won't need this.

Take this challenge at your own risk. Follow the safe Guidelines for Tree Climbing.

Angry Phone Calls

I don’t want any of these.

Or these.

Lawyers

Having fun outdoors!

This is what we want to see! 

Be adventurous! Get outside and have fun together!

Family’s Phenomenal Zip Line Adventure

by Sally Matheny

    

    

The Gorge Zip Line Canopy Tour

      Imagine viewing the beauty of 14,000 acres of protected forestland, at 30-35 miles per hour, while clutching two, small handlebars. 

     It’s not bike riding.

     It’s zip lining—the fastest and steepest zip line in America—and it is a phenomenal adventure for the family.

    

    
 The Gorge Zip Line Canopy Tour located in Saluda, North Carolina provides 1,100 vertical feet of zip line, 3 tree-mendous (easy and smooth) rappels, and one fun, swinging sky bridge.

     My husband, known for his fear of heights, zipped the Gorge several months earlier with his co-workers. He loved it so much he wanted to treat our son, two daughters, and son-in-law to a day of zip lining. He also thought it would be good for me.

     I spent the summer of 2014 learning physical therapy exercises for my feet, I’m thankful for the progress made, but zip lining still sounded like a stretch for me. My walking still compares to that of a chicken’s with a little less swag.

     Nonetheless, my husband had faith I could do it. Our girls were excited and eager for a fun challenge. However, our ten-year-old redhead and our sweet son-in-law were quiet, deep thinkers en route to the zip line.

     I don’t know if it was the unusually cool weather or our nerves that made our knees joggle as our guides cinched up our harnesses.

     The heights didn’t concern me. It’s knowing there would be no opportunity to go to the bathroom for four hours. No medical condition exists, it’s just knowing there will not be a bathroom that makes me think I have to go. After three trips, ensuring there was nothing left in the bladder, I was ready to zip.

    Harnessed in and triple-tethered with carabiners to a steel cable, one has to feel safe, because “a cord of three strands is not quickly broken,” right?

     Right. The guides said we could trust the zip line. Although the weight limit to zip was 250 pounds, they said the cords construction could hold thousands of pounds.

My Family's Phenomenal Zip Line Adventure

     Our kind and patient tour guides gave instructions. I understood what they were saying, but I wondered if I’d remember them when speeding across treetops faster than a hummingbird.

     The excitement escalated as we lined up at the first platform, which the guides called “The Fluffy Bunny.” Awww…who can be afraid of a fluffy bunny?

     

     Amazingly, the somewhat timid ten yr. old is instructed to go first. He climbs on top of a tree stump. His knees bend, straighten, and bend again. He leans forward to jump but leans back again. Still not off the stump, the family begins to cheer him on.

     “You got this. You can do it.”

     A second hesitation and suddenly he steps off the platform.

     A high pitched, whizzzzzzzzzzz….zip.

     We can't see the landing platform from where we stand. No screaming or crashing sounds are heard. The guide at the end radios the line is clear for the next person. Oh, good, he made it. What? It’s my turn? If the timid one can do it, surely this will be a breeze for me.

     You know that stump can be very deceiving. It appears to be 12-15 inches high but when you step up on it, it feels more like 12-15 feet!

    I’m clear to go. I bend my knees but my feet don’t move. Bend, straighten, bend, straighten. Oh, good grief. Why couldn’t they choose another adult to go first? I’m delaying everyone’s fun. Then, I hear the cheers.

     “You got this, Mom. You can do it.”

     Swaying for a moment, I finally just lean forward and step off. I am like that pig in the commercial who hangs his head out the window yelling, “Whee! Whee! Whee!” I love it!

     By the time the whole family reunites on the second platform our knees are still shaking but our eyes are brighter and our smiles bigger. That is until the guides tell us the next zip is named “The Hawk that Ate the Fluffy Bunny.”

Zip Lining is exhilarating!

     

     We continue to root for each other and hug every tree together. With each zip, our apprehensions fade into the cool, fall air. Zip lining is exhilarating!

     Before we know it, three and half hours fly by. After eleven, fabulous zips, we arrive at the end of the tour.

     I hope our family is able to do this again. Zip lining is fun! It's also empowering. We squashed doubts and fears. Together, we learned how to soar.

     The hardest part? Leaning out and taking that first step of faith.

     The coolest part?  Trusting the strong, narrow cable even though it may be eighty feet off the ground. And, even though I can’t see the next destination, I know it’s straight ahead. All I have to do is hold on, lean forward, and trust.

      Another amazing addition is the precious people I have encouraging me—those behind me, and those ahead of me in my journey.

     Now, because of my experience, I can encourage you. Be strong and courageous. Gather your family and inspire them to stretch beyond their comfort zones.  Don't just tell them, show them with God nothing is impossible.

*****

That's Me--Rappelling & Rejoicing!

Post Note: I highly recommend The Gorge Zip Line in Saluda, N.C. The staff are very friendly and well trained. The zipping did not aggravate my health issues. You’ll need to determine what works for you. I didn't think it was a jarring experience due to the self-braking system. You aren't on your feet for long periods. The only parts that were sore after the trip were my arms and hands from hanging on so tightly!

Congratulations to the Winner of Max Lucado's Children's Book!

Congratulations to the winner of Max Lucado's children's book, The Christmas Story for Children. 

Our winner is Melissa L. Williams! Melissa, I've contacted you by email requesting an address in order to mail you the book.

Thanks to all who entered. Check back for more book giveaways, soon!

"The Christmas Story for Children" Book Review and Book Giveaway

by Sally Matheny

The Christmas Story for Children

     This month’s book review includes a free giveaway of the book so be sure to enter in the Rafflecopter box below!

     The Christmas Story for Children, collaboratively written by Max Lucado, Randy Frazee, and Karen Davis Hill is a picture book published by Zonderkidz. 
     
     Immediately, the story draws readers into a journey. A journey of ordinary people God set aside for His extraordinary purposes.    

    This beautiful story begins with God’s chosen, the Jewish people, and ribbons its way to Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds. Typical Christmas storybooks end shortly after the miraculous birth of Jesus Christ. However, The Christmas Story for Children gives more.

     
     Midway through the book, it tells how God’s exceptional Son lived an ordinary life as a child. Then, one day he left his ordinary life to do “amazing and marvelous things…”

     The second half of the book reveals Jesus’ baptism experience at the Jordan River and how “the ordinary ended and the spectacular began.”

     This story stays true to the Holy Bible using the New International Reader’s Version and the New Century Version.

     Award-winning artist, Fausto Bianchi, provides exquisite full color illustrations for this 32-page picture book by Zonderkidz. The book is geared for children aged four to eight but older children and adults will find its beauty enthralling. Bianchi produces a fresh artistic perspective of the story. I found myself pondering a great deal over his illustrations, especially on the unusual facial expressions of his characters. 

     The only illustration I question is the angel Gabriel.  His upper body has the appearance of a male but the facial features appear feminine. I’m unsure what Bianchi is trying to express but I found an interesting and satisfying note about angels posted at http://www.compellingtruth.org/angels-male-female.html.

     I recommend this book. The Christmas Story for Children will make a great gift with its beautiful story of truth and distinctive illustrations. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. 

The book giveaway begins at 12:00 a.m. Oct. 7 and ends at 12:00 a.m. on Oct. 14.
If the Rafflecopter is not displaying correctly for you, there are two ways to enter. If you leave a comment about one way you help children focus on Christ, especially during the month of December, then your name goes in the "pot" one time. If you subscribe to this blog by entering your email under the "Follow by Email" button on the right, your name goes in THREE times for the drawing!
The winner will be announced on Oct. 15.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

10 Clues Your Family’s Faith is Like a Fairy Tale

    by Sally Matheny 

    

    
     Once upon a time, there were parents who wished upon every shooting star for their kids to turn out okay. Shiny pennies were tossed into fountains and wishbones pulled, in hopes that their children would grow up to be joyful and productive citizens of the land. Imagine the parents’ sorrow and dismay when they did not.

     Is this your family’s philosophy? Are you sure? Check out these 10 clues to see if your family’s faith is like a fairy tale:

First Lines Make Lasting Impressions

by Sally Matheny

    

“My name is Sally.” Remember that famous first line? No?

     “My name is Ishmael.” How about that one? Even if you’ve never read Moby Dick, you probably are familiar with that first sentence. 

        

       Over the next two months, a class of teens will have my full attention as we indulge in the delicacies of creative writing. Today, the teens discussed the importance of grabbing readers’ attention in the first line or shortly thereafter.

        I read the first lines from several books to them. First, they told me the book they thought the line came from and second, they told me if it intrigued them enough to keep reading.

        See if you recognize what books hold these first lines:

1.   “There is no lake at Camp Green Lake.”

2.   “When I was in elementary school, I packed my suitcase and told my mother I was going to run away from home.”

3.   “The sun did not shine. It was too wet to play. So we sat in the house. All that cold, cold wet day.”

4.   “Grandchildren, you asked me about this medal of mine. There is much to be said about it.”

5.   “That Sam-I-am! That Sam-I-am! I do not like that Sam-I-am!

        Did you guess correctly? 1. Holes  2. My Side of the Mountain 3. The Cat in the Hat 4. Code Talker 5. Green Eggs and Ham

Words quote by twowritingteachers

        

         This is a fun activity to do with children of any age. Just choose books of which they are familiar. I guarantee most teens will fondly remember those Dr. Seuss books even if it has been ten years since they last heard them read aloud.

        My son recently got into watching trivia game shows. He’s nine and almost all of the questions are out of his realm of comprehension. However, he loves the challenge aspect. Noticing this I now have greater results when I quiz him on school subjects if I do two things. I use my best game show announcer voice and use the words “challenge,” “advance to the next level,” and “you won!” If I cut out pictures of cars, dishwashers, and luggage to present as “prizes,” I wonder will he find that fun or cornball. It’s a fine line, you know.

     The first lines of a book can have a lasting impression. So too, adults have the potential to influence a young life, just by what they say to them:

first thing in the morning,

first thing after school,

first thing after not being successful.

     Make your first lines positive and they’ll definitely have a lasting effect.

Photo by JanusCastrane

(*And by the way, when I was a child, one of my favorite books is Try Again, Sally. I wonder why.)

       

        

Pet Rocks are Pointless—Survivors have Purpose

by Sally Matheny

  
   

Survivors have Purpose

     
     Today is Pet Rock Day. I didn’t want a pet rock composition but when I initially began writing about the Relay for Life’s cancer survivors, I felt incompetent.  I can’t do cancer survivors justice because I’m not one.  Hard as I try to express their ordeals, I can’t even go skin deep where cancer is concerned.

 

Pet Rocks are Pointless

  But, pet rocks are pointless. Cancer survivors have purpose. Who cares about pet rocks? They have hearts of stone. Cancer patients feel fear, anger, and pain. Hopefully that's followed by love, comfort, and peace.

 

   

      I’ve experienced fear, anger, and pain. I know love, comfort, and peace. However, for those diagnosed with cancer, they quarry a new level of emotions from a different part of the heart—somewhere deep and previously untouched. A place the good health civilians have yet to discover.

     My desire is to tell those with cancer, don’t give up. You can do this. Sometimes they need to hear our cheers. Other times it's best for us to just be there and listen.  So, as much as my encouraging spirit wants to give a rally cry, I’ll refrain.  At least today.

     Today, I’m reflecting on the Relay for Life event we recently attended.  This year, we went especially to honor my husband’s sister, Susan, a survivor of thyroid cancer and amyloidosis.  Love and pride welled up as we watched her march around the track with her purple-shirted comrades. Seeing so many familiar faces brought bittersweet joy.  Some showed more battle-fatigue than others. Each clutched a purple balloon, soon to be released, to victoriously mark another year. As Susan neared the finish line, we met her with hugs and more balloons. The Relay for Life coincided with her 49^th birthday this year. It was a wonderful evening for celebrating life.

   

Celebrating Another Year

      My family’s presence brought encouragement and support to Susan. We will continue to cheer her on in her journey the best way we know how. But all those, wearing shirts bearing the name SURVIVOR, will be the ones who understand best. Although each champion's path is unique, they’ve fought in that same valley called cancer.

     
      The bad news is 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women will suffer from cancer.

      The good news is of January 1, 2014, there were nearly 14.5 million children and adult cancer SURVIVORS.  There is hope. Thanks to medical research, physicians, volunteers, donations, and definitely to prayer. Ten years from now, it's estimated the number of cancer SURVIVORS will increase to almost 19 million. (www.cancer.org)

       The best news is declarations of "cancer-free" and the discoveries of cures.    

     
       Friday, September 12 is Stand Up to Cancer Day. That’s better than Pet Rock Day because we can ALL participate. We  can volunteer, donate, and pray.

         How will you stand up to cancer?

The Ripple Effect of Your Writing

     by Sally Matheny

     

Think of the all the things you wrote in the past few days. 

Grocery lists, work assignments, or perhaps even a complaint letter to a company. Without a doubt, many of us typed messages from our computers and cell phones. 

It’s rare a day goes by without us writing something. Quite a bit of that ends up in a trashcan or in a mysterious, technical hole known as the Cloud.

    
Today, why not compose something more enduring? Words so moving they don't melt into oblivion, but stir a tide of encouragement in another person’s soul. Inspiring words so powerful, they ignite action. 

Can you imagine the ripple effect of such writing?

My husband and I recently attended a Steven Curtis Chapman concert. While Chapman is the most awarded artist in Christian music with almost 11 million albums sold, he is not immune to the pains and heartaches of this world. Yet, he clings to the Truth, which is why hope and joy resonate in the words he writes and sings.

Chapman’s latest album, The Glorious Unfolding, is definitely touching many lives. We met a young woman named Cindy at the concert. She shared with me how Chapman’s music recently affected her life.

Cindy shared that just five days prior to the concert, she was on her way to the hospital to visit her ailing father. While in route, she heard Chapman’s song, The Glorious Unfolding play on the radio. During her visit at the hospital, her father left his earthly home to live forever in his heavenly one. I began to offer my sympathy but Cindy nodded quickly. She wanted to tell me more.

Steven Curtis Chapman
(compliments of Wikipedia)

Upon leaving her father’s deathbed in the hospital, Cindy returned to her car. Turning the key ignited The Glorious Unfolding, playing once again on the radio. God continued to comfort her throughout the week. On the day of her father’s funeral, Cindy heard once more, Steven Curtis Chapman singing his words of comfort and hope in The Glorious Unfolding.

    If I understood her correctly, she did not see the music video written for this song until after all the previous events had occurred. Imagine her joy-filled amazement as she watched the video’s storyline unfold. It's about a young woman’s journey following her father’s death.

There’s no way Steven Curtis Chapman can know the ripple effects his songs will have when he first writes them. He only knows to write what he knows to be true and to do it the best way he knows how.

I love when people use their talents to honor Christ and point others to Him. I’m thankful for song artists like Chapman and for the writers of movies such as Fireproof, Courageous, and God’s Not Dead. Authors’ words like those of C.S. Lewis and Charles Spurgeon continue to inspire generation after generation.

Perhaps you’re muttering to yourself that you’re not an award-winning wordsmith. My friend, you’re not thinking about the right kind of rewards. Just as the words in songs, movies and books make lasting impressions upon people, so can your words.

     
Do you have a special letter or card tucked safely away because you cherish the words written inside it? Unless you’re a pack rat, it’s not the card that simply says,

Thinking of you.

Love,

Joe

It’s the one that someone gave great care expressing his thoughts. He took time to share what’s in his heart with you.

If you want to write a song, a movie, or a book that will change the worldI’m rooting for you. The world needs more people writing and producing products with a Christian worldview.

      
But God did not create everyone to pen products like these.  However, He will use the words of all His people—the elderly man on the bench, the young teen standing in line, or even the little child in your lap to encourage others.

He wants each of us to use our words for building up, not tearing down. Negative and hurtful comments have a ripple effect as well. Malicious words aimed at a target audience will seep over onto innocent bystanders. 

The words we choose either represent God, or they don’t.

Sometimes it’s easy. Other times it’s difficult. That’s why we need God’s help. Like Steven Curtis Chapman, your words must be sincere. Work hard to encourage others when you write.

Express love.

Offer forgiveness.

Give hope.

Splash your words in such a way they bring joy as they skip across the page. What you write may create a ripple effect more beautiful than you ever imagined.