Politically-Correct Greetings!

Isn't this a strange day in which we live? People can't even wish each other a simple "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year" without getting into trouble with somebody! In the spirit of fun, the following tongue-in-cheek greeting was written in the most careful, politically-correct language possible. Enjoy!

Please accept, with no obligation implied or implicit, our best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low stress, non-addictive, gender neutral, celebration of the winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasions and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all and a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling, and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of the generally accepted calendar year 2008, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions to society have helped make America great, (not to imply that America is necessarily greater than any other country or is the only "AMERICA" in the western hemisphere), and without regard to the race, creed, color, age, physical ability, religious faith, or choice of computer platform of the wishee.

(By accepting this greeting, you are accepting these terms. This greeting is subject to clarification or withdrawal. It is freely transferable with no alteration to the original greeting. It implies no promise by the wisher to actually implement any of the wishes for her/himself or others, and is void where prohibited by law, and is revocable at the sole discretion of the wisher. This wish is warranted to perform as expected within the usual application of good tidings for a period of one year, or until the issuance of a subsequent holiday greeting, whichever comes first, and
warranty is limited to replacement of this wish or issuance of a new wish at the sole discretion of the wisher.)

Whew! Well, politically correct or not, your friends here at CMI wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Blessed New Year!

True Christmas

Christmas is coming and once again the battles are raging in our country over the “political correctness” of this special celebration.

The secular world never seems to stop trying to remove all aspects of God from our culture. Christianity seems to be under attack now more than ever.

As believers, we refuse to cave in to the cultural downsizing of Christmas. We love and want to share its true meaning. So, in the spirit of political INcorrectness, we offer you this original poem:

True Christmas
by Lynda Pongracz

We’ve reached that special time of year
When all the world takes pause
To think about our Savior dear,
Or revel in Santa Claus.

Each year the battle rages on
Between two different views;
To celebrate God’s only Son,
Or bow to this world’s ruse.

The atheists would love to see
A festive celebration
Of secular and worldly things
Across our diverse nation.

But we know well without a doubt
No matter what may be,
That Christ is what it’s all about;
He came to set us free.

When we believe God sent His Son
To pay our debt past due,
We can rejoice that it’s been done
And celebrate Christmas true!

So, as you celebrate that day,
Don’t bow to worldly views;
Be bold to tell of Christ, the way,
Proclaiming the Good News!

CEF workers all around the world are proclaiming that Good News to children in Christmas party clubs. Let’s pray for much fruit this month as many children hear about the true meaning of Christmas.

Sometimes You Just Have to Smile!

Well, the Christmas rush has officially begun and maybe your nerves are already a little frayed around the edges. So, this week at the Café, we’d like you to just sit back and smile as you enjoy some of these gems from the minds and mouths of the little ones. You might see ways you can use some of these as illustrations for TCE classes—but really, we just want you to relax and enjoy!

Ancient Artifact

A little boy opened the big, old family Bible with fascination, looking at the old pages as he turned them. Then something fell out of the Bible and he picked up and looked at it closely. It was an old leaf that had been pressed between the pages.

"Momma, look what I found," the boy called out with astonishment. "It's Adam's suit!"

Animal Crackers
When a mother returned from the grocery store, her small son pulled out the box of animal crackers he had begged for, and then he spread the animal-shaped crackers all over the kitchen counter.

"What are you doing?" his mom asked.

"The box says you can't eat them if the seal is broken," the boy explained. "I'm looking for the seal."


Feeding Shamu
At Sea World, our grandson absolutely refused to see the show featuring Shamu the killer whale, but he wouldn't tell us why. No amount of discussion could get him to change his mind.

Later, when we got home, we discovered the reason for his reluctance. It seems his Aunt had told him how exciting the show would be because, "They choose children from the audience to feed Shamu."


Rough Boys
A little girl asked her mother, "Can I go outside and play with the boys?"

Her mother replied, "No, you can't play with the boys; they're too rough."

The little girl thought about it for a few moments and asked, "If I can find a smooth one, can I play with him?"

Gabie-isms
Following are some interesting insights from a five-year-old boy named Gabriel (Gabie):

Gabie’s observation upon walking into Walgreens drugstore:
"Man, when are they ever going to get around to painting this place? The walls are still white -- not green!"

Gabie the mathematician:
I invented a new number. I call it “ten-ty” It's another word for a hundred. Ten-ty is a little more than ninety.

Gabie, after getting a cactus needle in his ankle:
"Mom, this injury is pretty serious. I think I'm going to need a cast and a handicapped parking pass."

Gabie the Gourmet:

Gabie: “I'm going to make your sandwich today Mom. I have a new recipe you're really going to like. It's called a peanut butter, honey, bologna, tuna sandwich.”

Mom: “Uh, sounds great Gabie, but I think I'm already making my own sandwich, so I’ll pass.”

Gabie: “But Mom it's not a pain to make at all. And it's my yummiest sandwich ever. You might even get addicted to it. That means you want it all the time.

Mom: (thinking there's little chance of developing a peanut butter, honey, bologna, tuna addiction, but you never can be too careful) “No thanks Gabie.”

Gabie (persistent as ever): “If you like it you can make it on your own. But you might need a little bit of help, so I'll help you with it. I'm the only one who knows how much to put in it. And which side to put the peanut butter on. It has to go on a certain side.”

Mom (half annoyed, half amused): “Listen Gabriel, I don't think I would like those ingredients together. Thanks for offering, but I really truly do not want a peanut butter, honey, bologna, tuna sandwich.”

Gabie: “But how do you KNOW you won't like it if you've never tried it?!?”

Mom’s thoughts: Help! He's using my own logic against me. It's hopeless. Do I give in like a coward and let him make the sandwich, take a few nibbles off the edges while he glows with pride and then dispose of the rest when he trots off to watch Sesame Street, or do I hold my ground??.

Mom’s reply: “You betcha!”

Gabie the con-man:
Gabie: “Hey, lets all have some pudding.”

Mom: “Sorry buddy. We can't have pudding right now, it's lunchtime.”

Gabie: “But I want some pudding. We could each have a different flavor.”

Mom: “No Gabie. It's lunchtime.”

Gabie: “Oh, alright... then can I choose what we have for lunch?”

Mom: “Sure. What should we have for lunch?”

Gabie: “Pudding!”

Mom: **sigh**

So, are you smiling yet?? We hope so! Do you have a favorite kid’s quote, goofy observation or words of wisdom? Click the “comment” link below and share it with us. We all need to take some time to smile once in a while!

Give Thanks

We’ve arrived at that wonderful time of year here in the states called Thanksgiving. It’s supposed to be a special time when we celebrate the first settlers to our nation and give thanks for all our God has provided for us.

Of course, like many other aspects of our culture, things have become a bit twisted. The focus has shifted to food, football and shopping, doubt has been cast on the true motives of the Pilgrims and it’s not even politically correct to call the holiday Thanksgiving anymore! Some public schools are now calling it “Diversity Day” – oh brother!

Eric Reed, the managing editor of Leadership, put it very well when he said, “Santa is seizing November. And Pilgrims, once champions of religious freedom, are being sacrificed as bigots on the altar of political correctness. So who's calling us all to give thanks now?”

Good question! We have become a nation of ungrateful people. We’d often rather complain about things we don’t like, don’t have, can’t do or wish we were, instead of giving thanks to God for all He has provided and all He does and continues to do for us.

Consider these thought-provoking words from theologian Patrick Henry Reardon:

“Suppose for a moment that God began taking from us the many things for which we have failed to give thanks. Which of our limbs and faculties would be left? Would I still have my hands and my mind? And what about loved ones? If God were to take from me all those persons and things for which I have not given thanks, who or what would be left of me?”

Indeed, if God took from us all for which we failed to give Him thanks, we’d surely be in big trouble! One thing we can be thankful for is that we have a God of abundant grace and mercy. Psalm 103 reminds us to praise God and not forget “all His benefits.” This is a great time to do as the old Gospel song suggests: “Count your blessings, name them one by one. Count your many blessings, see what God hath done!”

When we count our blessings here at CMI, we count all of you, our instrucctors of teachers! We are so grateful for each of you and the time and energy you give to equip teachers to reach and disciple the children. Thank you for your labor of love.

May you and your family have a blessing-filled Thanksgiving!

An Instructor's Influence

A while back, we received a wonderful testimony from CEF instructor Alice Smith in Corpus Christi, Texas. Alice (who has served with CEF 51 years!) wrote to tell us about an amazing lady named Mary Gates and her daughter Mary Fayne. We thought you'd enjoy reading this testimony.

Alice writes:

I had another call today from Mary Gates, 91 years old, asking for more Wonder Books and devotional books. Those calls come about every two weeks, and I usually send her from 4 to 6 Wonder Books, which at the first opportunity, she passes on to the mom's and children who need Jesus. She knows the mothers will read the books to the children, and will hear about Jesus too.

Recently, she told me the story of her daughter, Mary Fayne, and how she came to Jesus. I was so touched by the story, that I asked her to write down the information for me. For those who might be interested in CEF history from way back, the Navy couple she mentions in the article are Lowell and Betty Eason. Betty Eason was the daughter of Shirley Wisner (a long-time CEF instructor of teachers). The saddest part is that Mary Fayne is now very ill with Alzheimer's. Her 91 year old Mom, who is incredibly sharp, always tears up as she tells that.

CEF has a rich history in Corpus Christi and we want to make it available for folks to enjoy, especially as we celebrate together the 70th anniversary of CEF.

Not Too Young!! by Mary Gates

In 1945, my neighbor and I went to a CEF teacher training class in Corpus Christi, Texas. We took along my 4 year, 8 month old daughter, and her 6 year old nephew. The teacher was a young Navy wife, whose husband was with her that day.

She presented the message of salvation so well, that when the invitation was given, two little hands went up! She took the little boy aside and her husband took my daughter, Mary Fayne, over by an open window, which had no screen on it. He took her on his knees, reviewing the plan of salvation. She told me later she knew if she had fallen out of that window, she wouldn't have been ready to meet God! She prayed to receive Jesus as her Savior that night.

The next Sunday, as I went to my Sunday-school class, I told the pastor that Mary Fayne wanted to talk with him. He was a tall man, so when he saw her coming, he knelt down so he could understand her. Later, when she was baptized, the pastor told the congregation, "If you don't think she knows what she is doing, just come up and ask her questions."

Mary Fayne was a witness to the children in our neighborhood. She would bring little friends home and ask me to tell them about Jesus. One day a little boy knocked on my door. He said, "Mrs. Gates, will you tell me about Jesus? I want a clean white heart like Mary Fayne has."

She witnessed in grade school and high school and encouraged her friends to memorize Bible verses. Many of them joined her in Bible Memory Association, an organization that rewarded people of all ages for memorizing Scripture.

Mary Fayne taught first grade for 21 years in Bryan, Texas, mostly at Allen Academy Christian School. She always prayed in the classroom and encouraged the children to pray. She later said, "I am thankful for a loving God who loves little children, and for a pastor who understood a little child's heart."

I'm sure there will be many in heaven whose lives were touched by her loving, caring ways! And it all began at a CEF teacher training class!

Isn't that a powerful testimony of the long-term influence an instructor of teachers can have? As you teach those TCE courses, remember God may be working in ways you can't see. Generations from now, someone may testify that their fruitful life and ministry began in YOUR TCE class! What a legacy to leave behind!

If you have a testimony of a teacher or child touched through your training ministry, e-mail it to Lynda.Pongracz@cefonline.com. Include a picture if possible. We'd love to feature your testimony here in the Cafe! It might be just the encouragment some other IOT out there needs.

Important Stuff You Should Know

Every now and then here at the Café, we want to give you updates and reminders of important details that pertain to your ministry as an IOT. Please take note of these items and pass this information along to other instructors who may not have access to this blog.

IOT Credentials
The renewed IOT, LTI and Preschool credentials have been mailed. Along with the credential are a new Update CD and a letter. Please read the letter carefully as it refers to requirements for maintaining active status as an instructor.

If you do not receive a credential and think you should have, please e-mail Cheryl Oetting at Cheryl.Oetting@cefonline.com or phone her at 636-456-4321 ext. 291.

Teaching in Teaching Children Effectively™ Overseas
Several of our IOTs on occasion have taught in a TCE™ course overseas. This is great that you are able to do so. Remember though in order to teach a TCE course overseas you will need permission from your state director, the USA department, international ministries department and the national CEF office of the country that you wish to teach in.

Overseas courses are not registered with the CMI office; therefore, if you want the overseas TCE course to count towards your one a year required course, then you need to e-mail Cheryl Oetting at Cheryl.Oetting@cefonline.com giving her the name of the country, dates of the course and list the subjects and practicums you will be participating in.

Advertise Your TCE Courses in Teach Kids
Remember you can have your TCE courses listed in Teach Kids magazine. The deadline for sending in your course information for the January/February issue is November 1. Send in the beginning date, location (city, state) and a contact telephone number to Cheryl.Oetting@cefonline.com and we will send the information to the magazine.

CMI Online
We are hard at work preparing for the launch of CMI Online! The first phase will involve individual seminar subjects presented with audio and PowerPoint.

The second phase will be a three week course called The Romans Road for Children. That course will give students a taste of what online learning is like. It will involve streaming video presentations, downloadable student notes, interactive discussion boards, live chats, quizzing and assignments.

Later in 2008, we will be launching TCE Level 1 online. Right now CMI staff members are busy taping class sessions and writing instructional materials to guide students through the online process. A new CMI Web site is under construction. Keep watching for the new site. It will contain a link to CMI Online.

CMI Online Instructors
Are you ready to be an instructor in cyberspace? When we launch CMI Online, we are going to need lots of online instructors to facilitate the courses. We are hoping to provide training for online instructors early in 2008. If you think you might be interested in becoming an online instructor, please send an e-mail to Carol.Nolen@cefonline.com. You will not be obligated, but Carol will keep your name on file so we can send you further information as it becomes available. This will be a great opportunity for you to discover your “virtual” self! :-)

That’s the latest IOT news from headquarters! Thanks to all of you who stop in regularly at the Café. We appreciate your interest and hope this blog is a help and encouragement to you. If there is something particular you’d like to see on the blog, please let us know. Drop a note to Lynda.Pongracz@cefonline.com and share your suggestions and ideas with us. Also, let your fellow instructors know about the blog. We’re still meeting IOTs who don’t know about the Café and they’re missing out on all the fun!

What Kind of Teacher Are You?

Your blog team apologizes for the delay in updating the posts. Here at CMI, we've just completed a very crazy couple of weeks with a large group of students. Weeks six and seven at Institute are always very busy. We run three modules simultaneously: IOT Level 1, IOT Level 2 and Dynamics of Teacher Training. Extra students always come in for those modules.

We had an added challenge this time around. Just before week six began, we learned that Grace Swensen fell and broke her hip. That meant she and Joanne Anderson would not be here to teach the IOT Level 2 course. The rest of us scrambled to cover all the bases. Many of us taught classes we don't usually teach--or had not taught for a long time. We also had to bring in some outside staff to help with practicums.It was quite a challenge, but God provided the needed strength and wisdom.

Please join us in praying for Grace's recovery. She is home from the hospital, but is dealing with uncomfortable side effects from her medication. If you want to encourage Grace and Joanne, you can send a card to them at: 225 Hialeah Lane, Grayslake, IL 60030, or e-mail them at gswensen@sbcglobal.net.

Now to today's post! Stan Toler is a motivational speaker and writer. In a recent publication he listed qualities of a good teacher. We thought this list was very appropriate for those of us who are IOTs. See how you rate in these five important areas:

1. Teach sincerely
People are not only affected by your skills, they are influenced by the way you live. The greatest lessons you will ever teach will come from your own experience. Your transparency will be a greater source of inspiration than your facts or theories.

2. Teach purposefully
Vibrant teaching focuses on building productivity and responsibility. It observes weaknesses and teaches strengthening. It recognizes possibilities and offers plans. It estimates damages and offers reconstruction.

3. Teach methodically
Methods must fit the occasion and lessons must be aimed at the learning level of your students. And don’t forget, steady doses are better than overdoses.

4. Teach sacrificially
Every teacher is given a moment—a window of opportunity--that may never open again to influence a life. You may have to subtract time or energy in order to add the resources for someone’s development.

5. Teach sympathetically
The best teaching comes from the heart. Your students not only need your experience, they also need your attention. Teach them by not only respecting who they are, but also by what they will become.

Someone has said, "We should be in the business of building people up. There are too many people in the demolition business."

Our prayer for you, as an IOT, is that you are building up your students through your compassionate teaching.

Comment on this post? Click the comment link below and tell us what you think!