February: RESILIENCE

What does it mean to you to be resilient?

What "self-talk" can help when faced with a challenging skill or situation?

Who or what helps you to ‘bounce back’ from difficulty?

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Pre-K - Grade 5

Grade 6-8

Parents

Wonder

Jesus told the Parable of the Widow and the Judge (Luke 18:1–8 ) to teach us that we should always pray and never become discouraged. In this parable a corrupt judge ignores a widow's plea for help over and over again. Yet the widow never gives up and keeps on asking. Finally, the corrupt judge gives in for he is tired of her asking. Jesus says that God is not like the judge. God will listen when we pray. But what do we pray for?

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When we make a mistake or when something does not go as we had hoped, we may feel discouraged and down. We may even want to give up. In those times we can talk to God in prayer - sharing our feelings, our fears, and our dreams. Jesus reminds us that God loves us, listens to us, and will help us get back up and try again. All God asks of us is to be open to God's presence and talk to God like we would with a good friend.

Children of God Storybook Bible:
The Disciples Learn to Pray (p. 84)

Jesus Storybook Bible: How to Pray (p. 222)

Good News Bible or the Message: Luke 11:1-13

Pray

Use the EXAMEN prayer to reflect on resilience.

It has 5 steps, so you might like to count them on your fingers:

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1. GIVE THANKS for something that was good today.

2. ASK FOR HELP with something you need resilience for.

3. REFLECT on your day and think about the things that helped you to overcome difficulties and the things that made you feel like giving up.

4. SAY SORRY for the times you gave up or didn’t take the opportunity to encourage someone else.

5. DECIDE how you will build resilience in yourself tomorrow.

Go and Bless others

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Think about someone who is going through a tough time right now.

Could you let them know you are praying for them?

Could you write an encouraging message in a card to remind them to keep trying?

Could you call or text them to let them know that you believe in them and not to give up?