Tag: learning

Posted in Just Talkin'

A Call to Radical Love: Praying for Our Political Opponents

Posted on by dembysplayfulparables76

In these divisive times, it’s easy to feel the pull of anger, resentment, and even animosity towards those on the “other side” of the political spectrum. The news cycle, social media, and even everyday conversations can fuel a sense of “us vs. them.” But as followers of Christ, we are called to a higher standard, a more profound way of living that transcends earthly divisions.

Let’s turn to the challenging yet transformative words of Jesus in Luke 6:28-30 (English Standard Version):

“bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back.”

What is God trying to tell us here? This passage is a radical call to agape love – an unconditional, self-sacrificing love that extends far beyond natural human affection or reciprocity. It’s about responding to hostility with grace, to injustice with generosity, and to anger with prayer.

Consider the profound implications for our political landscape:

  • For Black Christians who feel the sting of injustice: Perhaps you feel that certain policies or rhetoric from Donald Trump and many Republicans have been unjust, harmful, or dismissive of your experiences. The natural human response might be anger, bitterness, or a desire for retribution. Yet, Jesus calls us to a different path: to “bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.” This doesn’t mean condoning injustice or ignoring wrongdoing. It means choosing to pray for wisdom, compassion, and a change of heart for those you perceive as your political adversaries. It means asking God to work in their lives, to guide them towards righteousness and empathy.
  • For Christian Trump supporters who feel maligned: Conversely, if you are a Christian who staunchly supports Donald Trump and finds yourself frustrated or offended by the words and actions of Democrats, the same scripture applies to you. You are called to “bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.” Instead of allowing resentment to fester, pray for Democratic leaders and their constituents. Pray for unity, for understanding, and for God’s will to be done in their lives and in their policies.

The core principle here is revolutionary: Love extends to all, even enemies: True love, as exemplified by God, is not limited to those who are easy to love or who reciprocate our affection. It encompasses those who oppose us, curse us, and harm us.

This isn’t about ignoring the very real issues and disagreements that exist. It’s about approaching them from a spiritual posture rooted in Christ’s teaching. When we pray for those we disagree with, we are not only obeying a direct command from Jesus, but we are also:

  1. Breaking the cycle of animosity: Prayer has the power to transform hearts – theirs and ours. It prevents us from being consumed by bitterness.
  2. Demonstrating God’s character: Our willingness to love and pray for our enemies is a powerful testimony to the transformative power of the Gospel. It shows a world consumed by division that there is another way.
  3. Trusting in God’s sovereignty: We acknowledge that ultimate justice and change belong to God. We release our need for immediate vindication and trust in His perfect timing and plan.

So, no matter where you stand on the political spectrum, and no matter how deeply you feel wronged or misunderstood by the “other side,” let us commit to the radical act of prayer. Let us choose to bless rather than curse, to pray rather than retaliate. In doing so, we not only honor Christ but also become instruments of healing and reconciliation in a world desperately in need of both.

Let’s begin today. Who will you pray for, even if it feels difficult, even if it feels counterintuitive?

Posted in All About Self Control

Consistency is Key: Nurturing Self-Control in Your Preschooler

Posted on by dembysplayfulparables76

Self-control is a cornerstone of success in all areas of life. It’s the ability to manage emotions, resist temptations, and persevere towards goals. While it may seem daunting to instill this vital skill in your energetic preschooler, the good news is that you have a powerful tool at your disposal: consistency.

Why Consistency Matters

Think of your child’s brain as a developing garden. Just as a gardener needs to consistently water and weed to cultivate healthy plants, you need to provide consistent boundaries and expectations for your child’s behavior.

  • Predictability Fosters Security: Consistent routines and expectations create a sense of predictability and security for young children. This predictability helps them understand what is expected of them, reducing anxiety and making it easier for them to cooperate.
  • Teaches Cause and Effect: When consequences for certain behaviors are consistently applied, children begin to understand the link between their actions and the outcomes. This helps them learn to make choices that lead to positive results.
  • Builds Trust: Consistent discipline, delivered with love and understanding, builds trust between parent and child. Children learn that their parents are reliable and will follow through on their words.

Tips for Maintaining Consistency

  • Establish Clear Rules: Clearly define and communicate your expectations for behavior. Keep the rules simple and age-appropriate.
  • Create Routines: Consistent routines provide a predictable structure for your child’s day, reducing anxiety and making it easier for them to cooperate.
  • Follow Through: It’s crucial to consistently follow through with the consequences of your child’s behavior. This doesn’t mean being harsh, but it does mean being firm and fair.
  • Be Patient and Persistent: Building self-control takes time and effort. There will be setbacks along the way. Stay patient and persistent in your approach.

Research Supports the Power of Consistency

Research consistently shows that consistent parenting practices are linked to better outcomes for children. For example, a study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry found that children of parents who were consistent in their discipline were more likely to develop strong self-control skills and better social-emotional functioning (Kochanska, G., & Murray, K. T. (2000). Effortful control in early childhood: Origins of individual differences. Child Development, 71(1), 109-127).

Remember: Consistency doesn’t mean being rigid or inflexible. It means providing a predictable and supportive environment where children can learn and grow. By consistently setting clear expectations, providing loving guidance, and celebrating their successes, you can help your child develop the essential life skill of self-control.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional medical or psychological advice.

I hope this blog post helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.

Posted in Positive Flow

The Wizard of Oz Complex

Posted on by dembysplayfulparables76

Hello Most Awesome and Wonderful World Changers! I was just sitting here thinking about the lessons I learned through the pandemic. I have learned that I really don’t have to be in the limelight. I’ve worked my entire life to have some type of notoriety and fortune. I’ve always wanted to live the lifestyles of the rich and famous. Now that I’ve had time to sit and reassess my life, I really enjoy staying in the background. I am most at peace when I’m sitting at home in the comfort of my home making changes that have the potential to help many people. While we’ve been stuck at home, I’ve written new books to help teachers create better classroom environments for their students. I’ve come up with several programs and projects the a variety of schools are willing to try. This makes me happy! So from here on out, I will sit back behind the curtain and help to make big changes! I now have the Wizard of Oz complex!

Daily Affirmations: Today is an amazing your day. I feel good about my life. I am content with where I am. My small changes have the potential to positively affect others greatly. I am healthy, wealthy, whole, and complete. ALL IS WELL IN MY CLASSROOM. ALL IS WELL IN MY SCHOOL. ALL IS WELL IN MY WORLD. ALL IS WELL AND I AM SAFE. #IBlessMyWorldWithLove

Posted in Good Stuff, Just Talkin', Positive Flow

Child! Just Stop 🛑

Posted on by dembysplayfulparables76

Good Morning Most Awesome and Wonderful World Changers! Today I was thinking about the many hours, days, months, and years that I’ve wasted begging my family, friends, and co-workers to buy my books, review my books, or subscribe to my YouTube channel. Then they don’t do it, and I end up being hurt and angry. Even though as soon as I hear one of my family members or friends starting a business, even if I don’t need it, I go out a purchase or subscribe. So I felt like everybody else should do the same. A voice came to me and said, “ Kyri just stop!” Stop calling on your friends and family to be your customers. Try developing a relationship with your customers which is separate from the relationship with your friends, family, and co-workers.

All I do now, is just pray that my books, music, and YouTube channel make it into the hands of people the need them and can use them. Doing this released a lot of pressure from me and my close relationships. Hopefully this helps somebody else. Just do what you do and it will make it’s way to the right people!

Daily Affirmations: Today is a magnificent day. I choose to feel good about myself. I rest in the joy of knowing things will work out just as the should. My creations will find their way into the hands of those who need them. I am healthy, wealthy, whole, and complete. ALL IS WELL IN MY CLASSROOM. ALL IS WELL IN MY SCHOOL. ALL IS WELL IN MY WORLD. ALL IS WELL AND I AM SAFE. #IBlessMyWorldWithLove

Posted in Good Stuff, Just Talkin', Positive Flow

Every Little Step I Take. . .

Posted on by dembysplayfulparables76

Good Morning Most Awesome and Wonderful World Changers! I remember a song we used to sing at church when I was little. It said, “ If I take just one step, then God will do the rest.” As a child, I truly believed that God actually comes to get involved in our daily lives. As I grew up and had many prayers unanswered, I started learning the laws of God and the universe. So it is a little true that God will do the rest. It’s the laws that God set in place in the universe that does the rest. The law of attraction says if you take a step there mentally, it will come to you. Take step toward joy and believe that you have joy; and it comes to you. If you’ve been there in your mind, you’re a step closer. Although it seems easy, it is not. Sometimes you go 2 steps forward and 3 steps back. It’s easy to settle into the fantasy of God that we learned when we were children; thinking that we can sit back and watch God do everything. It’s so freeing to realize that we can take action mentally, which will bring us steps closer. Every little step we take, gets us closer to our dreams!

Daily Affirmations: today is a magnificent day. I am taking steps closer to my dreams. I am growing and learning every day. I love myself. I love my life. Great things are flowing my way. I am one with God and God is everything. I am healthy, wealthy, whole, and complete. ALL IS WELL IN MY CLASSROOM. ALL IS WELL IN MY SCHOOL. ALL IS WELL IN MY WORLD. ALL IS WELL AND I AM SAFE. #IBlessMyWorldWithLove

Posted in Just Talkin', Positive Flow

Stop Dreaming – Wake Up and Live!

Posted on by dembysplayfulparables76

Good Morning Most Awesome and Wonderful World Changers! I was sitting here thinking of the time and money I have spent on making my dreams come true. Publishing, Marketing, Social Media Post, and other connections. I have spent years paying for my dreams. Sacrificing vacations, friendships, relationships, and other social interaction for the purposes of one day reaching my goals. I woke up this morning feeling like I have been so focused on dreams that I have not lived. I have not experienced the heart breaking of a relationship falling apart because I always distance myself. I have not experienced the joys of being excited because I accomplished something because I keep moving to the next thing. I don’t know the joys of sharing my life with another person because every connection is a stepping stone towards my dreams. My dreams have made me tired 😴….. it’s time to live. What if I am just meant to be a teacher and nothing more? What if I’m not the next Mr Rogers or Bill Cosby? What if I don’t reach any other goals than the ones I already reached? What if only the people I’m connected with are the only people I’m meant to connect with? I say…. Live anyway! Stop worrying about what might be or could be or could’ve been and just LIVE!

LOVE YOURSELF AND LIVE!

Posted in Just Talkin', Positive Flow

Child! It is What It Is!

Posted on by dembysplayfulparables76

Good Morning Most Awesome and Wonderful World Changers! I am learning to be content with whatever is going on in my life. There is no need of asking why things are happening I just kind of accept them and move on. I don’t know for sure that everything happens for a reason, that’s what people say all the time. However, I will say that there is a lesson in everything that happens. So the best thing we can do is just try to learn the lesson. So I ask what is the experience is you were going through today trying to teach you? That’s what I ask myself all the time, Kyri what is this trying to teach you?

Daily Affirmations: today is a great day. I love myself. Every experience is an opportunity to learn and grow. I am glad to be alive. I am healthy, wealthy, whole, and complete. ALL IS WELL IN MY CLASSROOM. ALL IS WELL IN MY SCHOOL. ALL IS WELL IN MY WORLD. ALL IS WELL AND I AM SAFE. #IBlessMyWorldWithLove

Posted in Good Stuff, Positive Flow, Promotional

Adding Music to Build a Positive Classroom Community!

Posted on by dembysplayfulparables76

My district asked me to present a 15 minute training that would help teachers build a positive classroom environment. Here is my presentation. I hope you can use some of these activities!

Posted in Just Talkin'

Mr Demby’s Teaching Philosophy!

Posted on by dembysplayfulparables76

Teachers. Don’t overlook teachable moments trying to teach! Many times we’re so busy trying to follow the curriculum, that we miss major life shaping lessons. Your teaching should inspire your students, so if they are asking questions; help them find the answers. Even if the question doesn’t pertain to to this particular lesson you’re teaching. If children are excited about something enough to ask about it, go with it. It is my belief that children don’t really learn from what you teach, but from how you teach. Case in point, we were doing a piano lesson in class. We were learning to play D-F-A. One of my students said, “ I wonder how pianos makes sounds”? I instantly took the top off the piano and call the students over and showed them the hammers and mechanisms. Then I allowed them to touch it. They were amazed. That wasn’t the lesson. The lesson came the next time someone had a question about something. “Let’s take it apart and see, just like we did the piano” ! That was the lesson!

Daily Affirmations: Today is an Awe-inspiring Day! I look forward to what every new hour brings. My life is divinely guided and I am always headed in the best direction. Every experience is an opportunity to learn and grow. I am healthy, wealthy, whole, and complete. ALL IS WELL IN MY CLASSROOM. ALL IS WELL IN MY SCHOOL. ALL IS WELL IN MY WORLD. ALL IS WELL AND I AM SAFE. #IBlessMyWorldWithLove

Posted in All About Self Control

Release the Peeves! Teach and Reteach. . .

Posted on by dembysplayfulparables76

Good Morning Most Awesome and Wonderful World Changers. I believe I’ve said this more than once, but as a teacher; you really can’t have “pet peeves”. That one thing that you just cannot tolerate will end up in your classroom every time. Most time it will show up in several students. It is a common fact that people in our lives are mirrors of ourselves. The people we like, exhibit the characteristics that we like about ourselves. The people we do not like, exhibit the characteristics that we do not like about ourselves. So this week we will focus on how to start releasing our pet peeves.

Step 1: Teach and Reteach When certain behaviors show up in your classroom, in order to not see it again; I stop whatever I’m doing and show the students what I expect. It’s best to do this when you’re not angry 😤. Doing this will save you from a great deal of days where you constantly focus on behavior.

1. Stop whatever you’re doing.

2. Think of ways to teach and Reteach the correct behaviors

3. Take a breath and don’t let the learner’s mistakes make you so angry that you can no longer teach.

4. Make the right choice by realizing that your pet peeve is totally your preference. Your way is not always the right way. You have no right to try and control others. Your job is to let them know of the others ways they can handle certain situations and be there to lead them as they choose.

Every person has to Stop, Think, and Breathe and Make the Right Choice for themselves.

Daily Affirmations: Today is an Awesome day. I choose to feel good about myself. I release the need to control others. I instead choose to love and approve of every part of myself. I am beautifully and wonderfully made. I am healthy, wealthy, whole, and complete. ALL IS WELL IN MY CLASSROOM. ALL IS WELL IN MY SCHOOL. ALL IS WELL IN MY WORLD. ALL IS WELL AND I AM SAFE. #IBlessMyWorldWithLove