November 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

November 2012

Thanksgiving Blessings &

THANKSGIVING

at t h e S h e r i d a n H o u s e C h i l d r e n ’s H o m e s

Honoring Christ by serving the needs of children and families

A Note From Bob Ephesians 5:20 says, to “give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” On November 22nd we’ll celebrate the American holiday Thanksgiving. This word “holiday” in the Hebrew Scripture represents the words “Holy-Day” [Exodus 35:2] … literally meaning this is a day to be set apart – for God, referring to the Sabbath. A day to reflect on what God has done for us. Although most of us enjoy the football and turkey, it’s really about God’s provision.

Without a doubt, we are all in the midst of some of the most challenging financial times ever. But through it all we must remember who is in charge.

Scripture tells us God causes ALL things to work together for the good of those who love Him. We need to take God at His word… and that is the very essence of faith and a lesson for all of us.

Over the next 45 days at Sheridan House we will be celebrating the Lord’s provision by serving children and families. The blessing is from God; we get the privilege of being used by God. • Thanksgiving Blessings: On November 17th over 300 single moms and their children will be provided with a Thanksgiving turkey and all the trimmings. Being a parent is a shared sacrifice; being a single parent can become an endless sea of lonely sacrifice with little opportunity to think of yourself. Therefore, we make sure the single mothers also receive something for themselves for a change - in the form of clothing and personal items. It’s a special day and often an emotional day at Sheridan House.

• Christmas Toy Shoppe: Living on the edge is a constant reality for single moms. They have a natural desire to provide joy for their children and Christmas morning looms large. Sheridan House helps to take the edge off.

On December 8th Sheridan House is transformed into a Christmas Toy Shoppe. Single moms registered in our training program get to pick out new toys for their children under 12 and our volunteers wrap the gifts. When they leave, the pressure is off and the smiles are wide.

Gift giving is not the focus of Christmas but it is certainly fun for children and it softens hearts to hear about the ultimate gift available to all, Christ Jesus.

It’s our desire that every child experiences Christmas with at least one gift on Christmas morning.

If you would like to make a child’s Christmas special, please donate: • A new, unwrapped toy for our Christmas toy drive (please see ad for a detailed list).

• A gift card to Target, Wal-Mart, etc.

For more information, visit www.sheridanhouse.org/toys Again, it’s not about toys, but together we can extend Christ’s love and celebrate God’s grace and perfect gift- His Son. At the end of the day, the support we give is often the bridge that gives us the opportunity to share why we do what we do - Jesus.

Thank you and God Bless,

Suggested Gift List: ~New, unwrapped toys (ages 1-12) ~Gift cards (any denomination)

Dolls • Barbies • Barbie accessories Stuffed animals/plush toys Wooden block sets • Lego sets Jewelry-making kits • Art and easel products • Board games • Musical toys Tea sets/dish sets • Kid cameras • iPods, electronic games • Cars/hot wheels/trucks Train sets/airplanes/boats • Building sets Balls for any sport (basketball, volleyball, football) • Sports equipment • Frisbees Tool sets • Bicycles • Tricycles

Kindly deliver your donations to: 1700 S. Flamingo Road Davie, FL 33325

ON OR BEFORE NOVEMBER 30

THANKSGIVING at the Sheridan House Children’s Homes

For the children in the residential program at Sheridan House, Thanksgiving is a time to develop and rediscover family traditions. We celebrate this holiday a week early with the children, their families and the house parents.

The house parents provide the turkey and dressing while the families bring their favorite side dish and dessert.

During our time together, we follow some traditions as well.

For example, everyone is encouraged to share what they are thankful for. Typically, the parents are grateful for what the program is doing for them. Some of the children even thank their parents for bringing them to Sheridan House.

Another tradition is when the house pop in each home reminds everyone Who we are to be thankful to: our heavenly Father.

At least one child or parent makes a comment such as, “This is what our family should do!” Maybe they don’t say it in quite those words, but the sentiment is there: Thanksgiving is a great time of the year because it’s an opportunity for us to return to, or start new family traditions.

SheridanHouse

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

YOUR PICTURE HERE Pastor Jon Elswick with wife Melissa and son Ethan

Get Tagged!

Send us a picture with your Family Values License Tag and we’ll highlight you too. Be creative.

Have fun. Spread the word!

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.

FamilyValuesTag.com

Parenting OnPurpose.org

Answers For Today’s Family “Parenting today is different than parenting yesterday. The world is different.

The issues are different. So, the approach to parenting needs to be different.”

- Dr. Bob Barnes Parenting On Purpose offers Biblical parenting foundations for today’s parent in today’s culture. Whether you are a single parent, a step-parent, or a co-parent Parenting On Purpose is for you. Get practical parenting tips on: • The Power of “No” • Discipline • What to do When Parents Disagree • Raising Responsible Children • Sibling Rivalry • Finances and Today’s Youth • Social Networking/Privacy Issues… and more!

Parenting On Purpose App now available for Android and iPhone.

Join the conversation! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter or subscribe to our ParentingOnPurpose.org blog.