Our three oldest children have been extremely busy lately. The oldest, Lauren, is involved in FFA and 4-H, and the two middle boys, Zachary (left) and Jacob (right) are also in 4-H. The biggest project for all three of them is showing goats. I've written about the goats before here (Special goat update: Crazy did have a baby goat and she's being a very good mother....who woulda thunk it?!!)Lauren has also been doing speech contests, ag-science projects, and land judging. In fact, she leaves at 5:00 a.m. Wednesday for a contest...glad it's her and not me! The boys have a "Dress Review" contest tomorrow for our county, which is teaching the members about dressing appropriately (matching) and taking care of garments (washing, drying, ironing). I can't say the boys are excited about it, but they are willing to participate without too much complaining! And, since I'm their 4-H leader and mom, it's not like they really have a choice :).
Although the activities may seem a little overwhelming at times, I'm convinced that 4-H and FFA are two of the best organizations available for our youth today. Why? Because, although the two are not Bible-based organizations, they teach Biblical principles. The 4-H Motto states: "To Make the Best Better." The pledge is:
My head to clearer thinking,
My heart to greater loyalty,
My hands to larger service, and
My health to better living,
For my club, my community, my country, and my world.
The FFA Motto states: "Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve."
Wow! Making things better, clearer thinking, greater loyalty, greater service, better living, doing for others, learning more by doing, working to survive, a life of service. Sounds like it's straight from God's Holy Word, doesn't it?
It's great for our youth to be involved in extra-curricular activites, whether they are going to public schools or being home-schooled. Too many of our youth today spend the majority their time in front of the television and/or playing video games. While a little of that is okay, it's not teaching Biblical principles, such as leadership, responsibility, team work, and hard work. That's what organizations such as 4-H and FFA instill in youth. Being a part of these types of organizations is also a great way for families to be together more, from working on projects together or serving others together.
Of course, even better than 4-H and FFA, is for youth today to be involved in the church and the youth group, if there is one in your congregation. Being a part of a group is important to children, and for some peer pressure is really strong. Having a support system around who share the same morals, beliefs and principles will help youth resist temptations that surround them daily.
Proverbs 4:26
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