PAGE 20 • INTER-COUNTY LEADER - NORTHERN CURRENTS, SECTION B • MARCH 2, 2016
CHURCH NEWS Follow the leader
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very time we stopped for a break on our way home from Alaska, my grandson led our new, just-weaned, malamute pups out for a run. They followed him every time. He led them away from possible danger, he waited for them when they lingered, yet encouraged them to keep up the pace, and he showered them with attention. The pups trusted my grandson. They followed along in total confidence, usually keeping up, and they relished his special care. My grandson leading the pups reminds me of Jesus leading us, his sheep, down the trail of life. The 23rd Psalm offers us a perfect picture of Jesus, the good shepherd.
Executive wants to build leadership skills with family Q: I’ve built a pretty successful career in the corporate world, but I’ve recently recognized that I don’t interact with my wife and children nearly as well as I do my employees. I want to lead my family even better than I do my business, yet I feel stuck. Do you have any advice for taking what I do best and applying that at home? Jim: I applaud your motivation, and I think I can draw a parallel for you. When our organization’s board of directors meets, we take conversations about our budget, accomplishments and future endeavors very seriously. To make good choices about where we want to go, we have to have an accurate picture of where we’ve been and where we currently stand. As parents, it’s helpful to think of ourselves as CEOs of our own family business and to chart a course through life with the same diligence. This applies to practical decisions we face each day – we have to pay bills, keep gas in the car, buy groceries and get the laundry done. But we also need to be attentive to the larger strategic elements of our family, like the spiritual, emotional and relational aspects of life.
Eternal perspectives Sally Bair “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” This tells us of God’s close relationship with us and his willingness to supply all our needs. “He makes me to lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside the still waters.” Rest comes when we feel secure in him and allow him to lead us away from the streams of anxiety and fear. “He restores my soul; he leads me in the paths of righteousness for his
As a starting place, a husband and wife ought to have honest conversations with each other about the strengths and weaknesses of their marriage. If your children are old enough, I recommend you have regular household meetings as well. It’s important for each family member to have an opportunity to discuss everything from chores and homework and curfews to how well relationships within the family are doing. This allows your children to feel included in matters that impact them, and it teaches them to resolve conflict in a healthy manner. You’re still “the boss,” but you’re involving them in the decision-making process. For more suggestions and tips for helping your family thrive, see focusonthefamily.com. ••• Q: How can I help my young daughter develop healthy friendships? I know how easy it can be for kids to make the wrong kinds of friends or to establish connections with others for the wrong reasons. What can I do to provide some helpful guidance in this area? Greg Smalley, vice president, Family Ministries: Parents play a crucial role in teaching children how to develop and maintain healthy friendships. Often this happens unconsciously, but it helps if Mom and Dad can find ways to be intentional about it.
name’s sake.” God’s quiet voice and gentle touch give us soul refreshment. In fact, his loving actions proceed from his nature. “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Distress of any kind may make us think about our own mortality. We are blessed, knowing our Lord will protect us and lead us through our difficult valleys. We need not fear death’s power when we are in a right relationship with him. And the rod and staff, once used to help rescue and guide a shepherd’s sheep, will bring necessary discipline—with comfort—in the form of his spirit and word. “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my
Focus on the family Jim Daly The first step is to guide your child in the development of strong positive virtues. In other words, you have to begin by helping her become the kind of person who can be a good friend. By modeling and discussing these virtues, you can protect your daughter from many of the heartaches that result from unwise associations. Some of the most important qualities you can build into her character include honesty, loyalty, respect, compassion and acceptance. The second step is to build your child’s confidence. A healthy self-esteem increases the likelihood that she will make wise choices about the connections she forms with others. You can build her confidence by affirming her strengths and congratulating her when she does something well. Spending time with her on an individual basis communicates the message that you value her as a person and enjoy her company. You can also enhance the process of meeting new people by involving your child in socially interactive activities,
head with oil; my cup runs over.” God’s provision is as luxurious as a banquet table. As his honored guests, we are anointed with the oil of his spirit, not sparingly, but abundantly for health and healing of spirit, mind and body. “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Daily blessings and security are ours not only today but forever. Hallelujah! Thank you, Lord, for being our good shepherd. Cause us to follow you, as the pups followed my grandson and as the disciples followed Jesus, with total trust and love. In Jesus’ name, amen. Mrs. Bair may be reached at sallybair@ gmail.com.
such as sports or music. And you can encourage friendships by throwing parties or inviting her friends over for dinner – say, a different child over every other week. Making friends can be a challenge for any of us at any age, but it’s facilitated by remembering the classic Golden Rule: Treat others the way you want them to treat you.” ••• Jim Daly is a husband and father, an author, president of Focus on the Family and host of the “Focus on the Family” radio program. Catch up with him at jimdalyblog.com or at facebook.com/DalyFocus. Copyright 2014 Focus on the Family, Colorado Springs, CO 80995. International copyright secured. All rights reserved. Distributed by Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106; 816-581-7500. This feature may not be reproduced or distributed electronically, in print or otherwise, without written permission of Focus on the Family.
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Crosswalk Community Church (Formerly Frederic Evangelical Free Church)
Frederic
Church listings sponsored by the following area businesses: BASS LAKE LUMBER
INTER-COUNTY COOPERATIVE PUBLISHING ASSOC.
• Complete Line of Building Supplies & Lumber • Cabot’s Stains Grantsburg, Wis. 715-488-2471 or 715-327-8766
Printers & Publishers • Office Supplies
CUSHING
STATE FARM INSURANCE COMPANIES
CUSHING COOPERATIVE SOCIETY Feed Mill - Grain Dept. Cushing, Wis. 715-648-5215
FREDERIC BREMER BANK, N.A. Full-Service Banking Member FDIC Frederic - Danbury - Siren
DAEFFLER’S QUALITY MEATS, INC. Wholesale & Retail Meats Custom Butchering & Processing Phone 715-327-4456
Frederic, Wis. - 715-327-4236 Shell Lake, Wis. - 715-468-2314 Siren, Wis. - 715-349-2560 St. Croix Falls, Wis. - 715-483-9008
Corey T. Arnold, Agent Frederic, Wis. Phone 715-327-8076
BEAN’S COUNTRY GRIDDLE
LUCK
SIREN
WEBSTER
VAN METER’S MEATS
D & L FINANCIAL SERVICES
HOPKINS SAND & GRAVEL, INC.
Government Inspected Slaughtering and Processing, Sausage making • Ham & Bacon Cured & Smoked Sides and Quarters of Beef and Pork Available Old-fashioned Fresh Meat Counter Tim Van Meter and Ross Anderson, Owners Luck, WI 54853 Plant 715-472-2141
10022 Elbow Lake Road Siren, Wis. 54872 715-689-2539
Sand, Gravel, Ready-Mix, Concrete, Black Dirt, Dozer Work, Landscaping & Septic Tanks Installed Hwy. 35 North Webster, Wis. Phone 715-866-4157 M.P.R.S. #03059
SWEDBERG-TAYLOR FUNERAL HOME Webster, Wis. Phone 715-866-7131
Churches 8/10
ALPHA
Hwys. 35 & 48, Downtown Frederic Phone 715-327-5513
NORTHWESTERN WISCONSIN ELECTRIC CO.
“Your Electric Servant” Serving Polk & Burnett Counties “Use Energy Wisely”
CARLSON-ROWE FUNERAL HOME
Frederic, Wis. - 715-327-4475
Any area business wishing to help sponsor the church listings should contact the Leader at 715-327-4236.