Tim Ewell's blog

The Ewell (B)Log - Effective Parental Discipline

One of the toughest tasks for a parent is that of applying discipline to one's children. Children truly desire discipline in their lives and it can be done with a proper balance of Law and Gospel. The following five reminders may be helpful when it comes to disciplining a child:

1. Never discipline in anger, as tough as that is to do.
2. Pick your battles, not everything is worth going to war over.
3. Realize that even children need to express anger from time to time.
4. Choose the best time and place to discipline. Discipline in private.

The Ewell (B)Log - Strong Families

Parents are the primary shapers of faith and life in their children and family. Healthy, effective and Christ-centered practices are a key aspect of a strong Christian home. In the studies I have read on healthy, Christian homes, the following are the key, common strengths:

* Nurture Spiritual Well-Being (prayer, worship, devotions, faith talks, teaching)
* Commitment to One's Family
* Express Appreciation and Affection on a Regular Basis
* Share and Practice Positive Communication
* Spend Time Together Consistently
* Learn to Effectively Cope with Stress and Crises

The Ewell (B)Log - Family Ministry Moment

I recently read the following in Kurt Senske's "The Calling: Live a Life of Significance" regarding Family Life Ministry:

Goal 1: Integrate more fully my God and Family Circles

Rituals to help Accomplish This Goal:

* Pray every night with my spouse.
* Ask my children to lead the family prayer at meals.
* Attend church as a family each week.
* Begin family devotions.
* Pray with my child when he or she comes to me with a problem or question of
concern.
* Seek to develop friendships with other Christians.

The Ewell (B)Log - 2013 NYG

The theme for the 2013 National LCMS Youth Gathering has been set, "Live Love(d)" based on 1 John 4:9. The next NYG will be July 1-5, 2013 in San Antonio, Texas. Registration opens in October 2012 ... believe it or not! The English District is once again planning for a major role in this triennial youth event. In the months to come, watch for more information from district and Synod plus the naming of our 2013 ED NYG Coordinator.

The Ewell (B)Log - Did You Know?

A great deal has been written about the recent National LCMS Youth Gathering and related English District Youth Events in recent Synod and district publications. Some other interesting facts from the recent Gathering that maybe have received less attention:

The Ewell (B) Log - More Best Practices

For our pastors with early childhood centers and to some extent elementary schools as well ... Much of parenting in an early childhood center takes place in the hallways, corridors and parking lots of the school during drop-off and pick-up. Parents talk, question, share, vent, etc. This is a great time for a pastor and other church staff to be visible (as able) to be there to greet, listen, help, share, It is a great way to connect, try to establish a relationship. This is a best practice of congregations where there is a close school/church connection and a fruitful feeder relationship.

The Ewell (B) Log - Best Practices

I was just reading some research today that states great teachers do not:
1) Yell
2) Argue
3) Use Sarcasm

Might the same be said of great parents? Some food for thought as we work with children.

In Christ,

Tim

The Ewell (B)Log - The Spiritual Dimension of Youth Ministry

The following suggestions are taken from the new "Lutheran Youth Fellowship Handbook: A Guide for Building Better Youth Groups" HOW TO ENCOURAGE THE SPIRITUAL DIMENSION IN YOUTH MINISTRY

The Ewell (B)Log - Lincoln's Secrets of Leadership

Recently while reading some articles at www.achievementdigest.com, I ran across a piece by Gene Griessman titled, "Top 7 Secrets of Communication that Abraham Lincoln Used for Effective Leadership." I believe that there can be some real applications here for leaders in our churches and schools as well.

The seven simple, timeless principles of good communication and leadership that Abraham Lincoln utilized were as follows:

1) IF YOU WANT TO COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY, YOU MUST HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY.

2) USE STORIES, ANALOGIES AND IMAGERY (not "jokes").

3) ASK QUESTIONS.

The Ewell (B)Log - Educational Gleanings

Dear Fellow Educators Serving the Master Teacher,

If you are a member of ASCD (Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development) or have access to their publications, please check out the September 2007 issue of EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP titled "Teachers as Leaders." I read this issue on a plane this past Sunday afternoon and many insightful suggestions and examples are provided as to how principals can help equip and value teachers as leaders within the school. Do check it out!
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