October 2012 Family Advocate

A publication of Sheridan House Family Ministries 1 7 0 0 S o u t h F l a m i n g o R o a d • D a v i e , F L 3 3 3 2 5 • ( 9 5 4 ) 5 8 3 - 1 5 5 2 • w w w. S h e r i d a n H o u s e . o r g

October 2012

Honoring Christ by serving the needs of children and families

A Note From Bob -

Making Your Child’s Vote Count!

Who taught you how to vote? Do you vote along the lines of your parents’ political party? Do you do your own research or do you allow the media to decide what information is vital?

A question all parents should be asking themselves is, “Who is teaching my child how to vote?”

The typical American makes his or her voting decisions according to the “M & M Process” - what does the Media say and what’s in it for Me? There are even numerous Christians that don’t choose to look to God for guidance for their voting decision or they simply don’t know how. Why? It is because they didn’t learn the process from their parents.

As we enter the final stages of this presidential election, begin the process of teaching responsible voting by the example you set. Tell your children how you are making the decisions about the upcoming vote. This will make for great discussions.

If your child disagrees with mom or dad’s reasoning, that’s okay. Let your child have an opinion; but force him/her to defend it. Remember, this is a learning process. The goal is not to try to make your child vote the way you vote. Your goal is to prepare your child to be a wise, God-honoring voter in the future.

Finally, encourage your child to vote. Whether it’s in a presidential mock trial, a student body campaign, or for local or national government; children need encouragement throughout the voting process. Children must understand that their vote is important…it matters…it counts.

Voting - informed, prayerful voting - is our right as US citizens, but it is our responsibility as Christians. Rather than having your children conform to the patterns of this world (Romans 12:2) or allowing talk show hosts or coworkers to influence, and essentially, make the decision for them; teach them how to vote. Parents must teach children how to process the information, make an informed decision, and seek God for guidance. This process is significant and vital for the future of America.

Serving Him,

When Brianna entered Sheridan House a year ago she battled authority, laziness, and being honest at both home and at school.

Despite her ability and natural gifting, her willingness to begin a task and follow it through to completion left much to be desired. Rather than taking responsibility for her actions, Brianna would either lie to cover it up or offer a lame excuse. Her family relationships suffered.

Her education suffered. Her social life suffered.

What a difference a year makes! At home, Brianna spends her weekends with her family on their farm. Not only does she take initiative to help work on the farm, but she also does it joyfully. At school, Brianna is now making four A’s and 2 B’s, which is very different than last year’s report card filled with D’s and F’s. Mrs. Routenburg, Brianna’s reading teacher, said, “Wow! I am so amazed by Brianna’s What a progress. She has matured so much since last year. She is an absolute difference a pleasure to have in class this year.” year makes!

We are so proud of Brianna. She is now a Team Captain in the girls’ home and is the most recent recipient of the Shining Star Award. Every day, Brianna is making strides to make wise choices and she is encouraging the girls in the home to do the same. Please join us in celebrating Brianna’s victories and praying for her as she continues on the path to graduation.

What comes to mind when you think of Thanksgiving?

Here’s What We Need!

10-14 Lb. Frozen Turkeys

Family? Friends? Food? Football?

How about helping another family so they can enjoy all of those things too?

This Thanksgiving, we would love for you and your family to join us in providing a traditional Thanksgiving meal to bless a family in need. Whether you all make a run to your local Publix and pick up all of the basic ingredients or have us do it for you, you can ease the financial stress of a hurting family and offer hope the beginning of this holiday season.

We know that Thanksgiving is about more than just a good meal; but if we can partner together to offer hope and meet needs in Jesus’ name, why not? We have the opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus this Thanksgiving by putting food on a table. Let’s do this! Let’s give families a special reason to be thankful.

“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people.” Galatians 6:10

Canned Goods: Green Beans, Corn, Yams, Cranberry Sauce Dry Goods: Instant Mashed Potatoes & Stuffing You can donate these items

by November 9th to: Sheridan House 1700 South Flamingo Road Davie, FL 33325 Or donate financially to this outreach online at: SheridanHouse.org/fooddrive Questions? Contact Miriam at: mduame@sheridanhouse.org or 954-414-3392

SheridanHouse

1700 S. Flamingo Road, Davie, FL 33325 (954) 583-1552 • sheridanhouse.org

YOUR PICTURE HERE Stu Weinstein

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Send your picture to: info@sheridanhouse.org The $25 specialty plate is tax-deductible and directly helps the children and families served daily by Sheridan House Family Ministries.

Your contributions are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling toll-free (1-800-435-7352) within the state. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the state. Sheridan House Family Ministries registration number is CH24786.

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Thursday, October 25 & Friday, October 26, 2012

Thursday, November 8, 2012 • WOODLANDS COUNTRY CLUB 4600 WOODLANDS BLVD. • TAMARAC, FL 33319