Rule #2

Don’t you just adore it when your child asks you a profound statement. Then you have a chance to explain to them something unique that will have an impact in their life. Inevitably, upon explanation, your child has some perfect reply that sums it all up in a way that only a child could do it. Simple… Perfect.

Last night my 7 year old Matthew was watching the news with me. They were discussing the 630+ point drop in the DJIA yesterday and the problems it was creating. Matthew asked me why everyone was upset. So I did my best to explain the concept of economy and overspending to him. Then I brought it down to his level with Moola Monsters. I asked him what Rule #2 was. He replies, “If you don’t have any money then you can’t spend any money.” I said “That is right. Our country didn’t have any money, and instead of obeying rule number 2 they borrowed money from other people and now they do not have enough again. They keep breaking rule #2.” Matthew replies, “Drat… That’s not good! They need to stop spending money!”

There you have it, from the mouth of a 7 year old. We can teach our children to have a better understanding of fiscal responsibility. We can give them the tools to help them as adults. It takes us getting involved in their education. Whether you use Moola Monsters or another means to reach your children, being involved in their education is paramount for the future.

All the Best!

Grant Magers

CEO

Moola Monsters, LLC

gmagers@mac.com

CHARACTER BUILDING- LIGHT

Character Building ~ Shox McGiven
This week’s Moola Monster character is Shox McGiven. Shox’s gift is Light. I love the analogy of light and darkness God uses to explain our state with or without him. It is something we can physically experience. It is a great way to explain our relationship with God to our children.
He is the “light” of the world. We are called to be salt and “light”. He is a “lamp” unto our feet and a “light unto our path.” Light it simple, direct, and easy to explain to our children. Here is what I want you to do. Stand in a room with all the lights on. Now reach over and turn on the darkness. Go ahead, turn on the darkness. We can’t do it. Now stand in the room with all the lights off. Can you turn the light on? Of course you can. Darkness cannot penetrate the light and light will always penetrate the darkness. Even the smallest light reveals the truth around you.
Those who do not know Jesus are in the darkness. They are lost. They cannot see the truth around them. Those who know Jesus are in the light. All things are revealed by the “Light of the world” Jesus Christ. I always explain to my kids when they feel afraid of the dark that the truth is around them. When we turn on the lights everything is the same as it is in the dark. Just because we cannot see the truth does not mean the truth does not exist or that the reality of our situation is somehow changed. Jesus is the way the “truth” and the life. His light is the revelation of the Truth of God!
Here are some thoughts to help you explain Christ as the light.
• Have your child try to turn on the darkness. Then have your child turn on the light.

• Have them focus on an object with the light on. This object represents the truth of Jesus Christ. Turn the light off and then turn it back on. Show your child how the object is in the same place. It looks the same, feels the same, and is the same even after the darkness hid it from his/her eyes.

• Explain to your child that this is Just like Jesus. Some people cannot see Him. They are in the dark. But He is no less real. He is still the same. When people believe in Jesus they then have the lights on and can see Jesus in their life. This is why we tell people about Jesus resurrection. So they can believe and see the light and truth.
Jesus came to us as the Light of the world. We need to share that light with those in the darkness. As with everything regarding our children, this begins with us. Shine the light of Jesus Christ so that your children may also see.
Sincerely,

Grant Magers
CEO
Moola Monsters

Character Building- Victory!

Character Building ~ B. Weezy
This week’s Moola Monster character is B. Weezy. B’s gift is Victory. In our culture victory means a lot. We love to win and we love winners. We even have songs about being victorious… “We are the Champions.” We hold parties and parades celebrating victory. There is so much emphasis on being victorious in our culture that we have forgotten what real victory is all about.
The Bible has a lot to say about victory. As Christians we know that victory was achieved by Christ on the cross. The question though, that is often missed, is what did Christ do to achieve the victory? I only ask because He calls us to follow him and as parents we have to be able to communicate what victory looks like in the eyes of Christ to our children.
Christ was a servant. He fed the hungry. He healed the sick. Christ washed the feet of his disciples. He educated those who were being misled. He stood up for the abused without concern for his own well being. He loved those who no one else would love. Christ expressed that victory is only found in surrender. To be first we must become last. Teaching our children these principles at an early age should be our number one goal.
Here are some thoughts to help you explain Victory to your child.
• When teaching your kids about Christ, ask them to explain to you what He did during his life that made Him great. Let them explore Christ on their own so that they can begin to understand how He lived as an example for us. This will help them connect better to Christ in their own personal lives
• Teach your children that real victory comes from living in the way they just described Jesus living. If they want to be victorious they should try to live like Jesus lived.
• Give your children real opportunities to serve others. Help them take toys to shelters. Help them serve in a soup kitchen. Even more so teach them to be kind to others day in and day out.
• When you see your child do something kind, give them some recognition for being like Christ. This reinforces that Jesus is their model for victory and that you are proud of them for their love of others.
Christ’s idea of victory is so counter cultural it may seem unnatural at times. This is OK. Just keep your eyes on Him and you will find that there is more victory in Christ than there can ever be in the world. Even more so, so will your children.
Sincerely,

Grant Magers
CEO
Moola Monsters

Character Building ~ Tookoo Sumo
This week’s Moola Monster character is Tookoo Sumo. Tookoo’s gift is Wisdom. When I think of wisdom I generally conjure up images of “B” movies where a man climbs to the top of some temple in Tibet to learn the secrets of the universe. In this scene the over anxious hero is generally met by a monk who is going to teach him the art of slowing down and listening to the direction of the wind… and so on, and so on.
Well wisdom comes from a much higher place than the top of a Tibetan mountain. It comes from God Himself. The Bible is full of information on wisdom. The most common Biblical hero that comes to mind when discussing wisdom is Solomon. “Now God gave Solomon wisdom and very great discernment and breadth of mind, like the sand that is on the seashore.” 1 Kings 4:29. If you would like more wisdom, start here with this verse. Who is the giver of wisdom? Once you understand that then the rest is simple… Just ask Him.
So how do we teach this to our children? Wouldn’t it be great to get them started off in life seeking the wisdom of God? Here are some thoughts on how to teach your children the deep concept of wisdom in a manner that will direct them to God.
• Give your Children simple analogies to understand wisdom. Begin with a puzzle. Teach them to organize the pieces. Then find the corners and edges and put them together. Then use the picture to find similar colors and patterns. Eventually, they will have solved the problem. Life issues are often the same way. We need to organize our thoughts and feelings, begin working on the obvious edges, and then work on the bigger picture. By teaching them how to solve puzzles of all kinds they will develop critical thinking skills they will need for life.
• Teach them to seek out others for advice. Wisdom is gained through life experiences over time. Teachers, coaches, brothers and sisters and of course pastors and parents are great sources God uses for developing wisdom in others.
• Most importantly, teach them to pray. When they are confused about life or disappointed about their circumstances, teach them to ask God for understanding. God teaches us that we do not have, because we do not ask. Solomon was granted wisdom, because he asked.
The opportunity to gain God’s wisdom is around us all the time. Even nature provides us understanding about ourselves and God. When we do not have insight or understanding in our given circumstances it is hard to have peace. Teach your children to seek God’s wisdom so they will have His peace; the peace that passes all understanding in Jesus Christ (Philippians 4:7).
Sincerely,

Grant Magers
CEO
Moola Monsters

CLEANLINESS

Character Building ~ Cleanliness
This week’s Moola Monster character is Princess Fritzy Dawg. Princess Fritzy’s gift is Cleanliness. Don’t you love cleanliness? I have never heard a person who upon visitng a place came back and said “I love going there… it is so dirty,” or “quick lets mess up our house we have company coming over.” I believe the old adage says “Cleanliness is next to Godliness.”
There is a lot of truth to that statement. When we are discussing living in sin, do we describe it as clean living or dirty living? When we give up addictions do we not describe ourselves as being clean? Living clean is an important description of our moral state or condition. Of course the analogy to being clean is fairly obvious. With physical filthiness, come bad odor and even disease. Likewise, spiritual filthiness also comes with spiritual disease. So how do we get spiritually clean?
In our current state of sin we are dirty. We need to be washed. This washing comes from the blood of Jesus on the cross. As believers in Jesus Christ as our savior, we are clean from all unrighteousness. The Bible uses this description to help us understand what Jesus did for us on the cross over and over again throughout the scripture. It tells us we were once as filthy rags and now we have been made clean. This is a great analogy to help your children understand what God has done for them in Jesus Christ.
Here are some thoughts to help you explain salvation to your child.
• The next time your child is getting a bath, ask them why it is important to stay clean. Then use that opportunity to make the analogy that Jesus cleans their heart by forgiving them of their sins the same way that dirt is washed away by the water. For children, it is important for them to experience the analogy. So whether they are taking a bath, washing the family pet, or cleaning their room, by physically experiencing the analogy they will create a stronger connection to the spiritual lesson.
• Show them examples of this analogy in the Bible. Teach them about the woman who washed Christ’s feet with her hair. Teach them about the process of baptism as Christ demonstrated in the Bible. We go in dirty; we are baptized in the water; we come out clean. Physically and Spiritually.
• Lastly look at your life and make sure that it is an effective example of clean living for your children. If you are in need of forgiveness then go to God and ask Him so that you may be spiritually clean for both you and your children. Be a living example.
I love how God uses such simple analogies that resonate with a small child and carry the needed impact for us as adults in our lives. God is an amazing communicator, and He has given you the tools to be an amazing communicator to your children.

Sincerely,

Grant Magers
CEO
Moola Monsters

PROTECTION

Character Building ~ Protection
This week’s Moola Monster character is Hoki P. Gwen. Hoki’s gift is Protection. If you are like me the first think you think about when you hear the word protection is being safe from physical harm. We employ a lot of tools in our society to protect ourselves. We have our police, fire fighters, and paramedic teams. We have our military. We have crossing guards and who help ensure our children get to class safely. We have martial arts and personal protection devices like pepper spray. The list goes on and on.
What about the protection of our minds and hearts? Have you considered that we need to protect our minds every bit as much as we need to protect our physical bodies. How is it that we will lock our doors to keep intruders away, but we will allow intruders to enter our mind via music, TV, the Internet, magazines, and other sources? The Bible has a lot to say about protecting ourselves against these intruders.
Our children have minds that also need protecting. However, unlike you and me, they do not always know the warning signs. I am sure that you have taught your children to stay away from strangers and not to touch the hot stove. You probably have taught them what to do in case of a fire in the home. Have you taught them how to protect their mind and thus their hearts?
Here are some thoughts to help you protect your child’s mind and heart. Hopefully, these ideas will serve to protect your as well.
• Teach them that like the hot stove there are things in the world that can hurt their minds and hearts. By making the comparison to something tangible it will help them recognize the importance of protecting their minds.
• Remove items from your home that may hurt your children. Remove poor taste magazines. Remove inappropriate cable channels. Monitor all computer use and mobile device usage. Use Internet filters where you can. Be Diligent!
• Finally and most important, teach them to pray that God will put the full armor of His protection on them. Ephesians 6: 10-17. Prayer is their most effective defense against the enemy who looks to devour their walk with Christ.
Protecting our minds and our hearts is more important than protecting our physical bodies. God tells us not to fear the one who can destroy the body. Rather, fear the one who can destroy the body and the soul (Matthew 10:28). Our number one responsibility of protection for our children is the protection of the minds and hearts.
Sincerely,

Grant Magers
CEO
Moola Monsters
www.moolamonsters.com

PATIENCE

Character Building ~ Patience
This week’s Moola Monster character is Tig Tiki. Tig’s gift is patience. We all know that patience is a virtue and all good things come to those who wait. If only our kids could understand that concept, right? Well, the truth is that patience is becoming more and more difficult in a world of the here and right now.
We have all had good and bad experiences with patience as will our kids. Patience comes with understanding and experience in life. For instance, when we are stuck in traffic there is often little we can do, and the more we struggle the longer it seems to take to get through the ordeal. Have you ever noticed that when you are experiencing discomfort time seems to slow down? It is as if it takes twice as long to get your table at a crowded restaurant when you are hungry. If you are waiting 20 minutes for the doctor to see you while your child squirms and is sick, it seems like an hour.
Let’s face it, patience is not an easy virtue to attain, but we all know it is a virtue that makes our lives ultimately easier. So if patience comes to us through understanding and experience how do we teach our children patience when their understanding and experience are very limited?
Here are some thoughts to help you with your child and the importance of patience:
• First, when you have moments together that require patience teach your child to recognize their feelings. Ask them if they feel tired, bored or frustrated. Recognizing that we are becoming impatient and acknowledging it is half the battle.
• Once your child articulates that they are becoming impatient, tell them about a time that you felt impatient and how it benefited you to relax and wait a little while longer. Then ask them how it can benefit them to relax and wait a little while longer.
• When the wait is over for your child, reinforce the positive outcome associated with having patience that they experienced.
Clearly, this will not always produce 100% patience. That is not the goal. The goal is to begin giving your children tools. Remember we cannot accelerate the experience side of the equation, but we can help to accelerate the understanding portion. Help them to understand their feelings, circumstances, and outcomes and the experience portion will take care of itself for a more patient and happier future.
1″But the seed in the good soil, these are the ones who have heard the word in an honest and good heart, and hold it fast, and bear fruit with perseverance.” (Luke 8:15)
Sincerely,

Grant Magers
CEO
Moola Monsters

OBEDIENCE

Character Building ~ Obedience
This week’s Moola Monster character is Cady McShell. Cady’s gift is Obedience. I have yet to meet a parent who is not completely engaged in learning how to teach obedience to their children. Wouldn’t it be great to make a request as a parent, coach, or teacher and have our children respond “yes mam” or “yes sir” every time? Like all character traits if you want to teach your children to obey, we have to first look at ourselves.
Children will model behavior. Be honest with yourself about your obedience to your boss, to your parents, to God. Do you say “yes mam” and “yes sir” to those with whom you are accountable? Throughout the Bible we are called to obedience. While it is faith that saves us, our obedience in the Lord is no less required. In Colossians chapter 3, Paul specifically addresses our obedience as new creations in Christ and how it is pleasing to God.
We are designed to give God glory. It is what brings us true joy in our lives. Do you feel happy when you are in disobedience with the Lord? Do your children feel happy when they are disobedient with you? I am guessing probably not. There is a correlation with being happy and obedient to the model that God designed. This is because it makes God happy. Colossians 3:20 tell us, “Children be obedient to your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord.” (NASB).
Here are some thoughts to help you with your child and the importance of obedience:
• Talk to them about the Lord’s happiness. Read them Colossians 3:20. This will help them understand that God asks them to be obedient because it makes him happy.
• Speak to each other with proper language in front of your children. Use “yes mam” and “yes sir” with each other. Be proper models.
• When your child is disobedient and discipline is required, take the time at an appropriate moment to ask them what the appropriate response should have been. Discipline should be a healthy part of learning obedience, but always remember to reinforce what the expectations are for appropriate behavior in a positive gentle reinforcing way.
Godly obedience is something for all of us to consider in our lives. Jesus was obedient all the way through His death on the cross for our eternal life. If he valued obedience to God in love for us that much, how much more should we consider our obedience in love for Him? How much more should we take the time to encourage Godly obedience with our children? Obedience is often thought of with resentment in our culture. In the culture of the Heavenly Kingdom of God in Jesus Christ, obedience should be thought of as pure joy.
Sincerely,

Grant Magers
CEO
Moola Monsters

INNER BEAUTY

Character Building ~ Inner Beauty
This week’s Moola Monster character is Princess Brighten Coolez. Brighten Coolez character gift is “Inner Beauty”. It is easy as parent to see the inner beauty of our children. We see their potential and current gifts. However, communicating and developing the inner beauty of our children is not always an easy task. After all, they are influenced by teachers, coaches, peers, and others that can impact their self concept.
Self concept and self esteem are the clinical terms that we us to define how a child views their inner beauty. Far too often in the media today we are hearing stories of how the inner beauty of children is being robbed from them by bullies and abusers of all types. It has become an epidemic in our culture and it is up to us as parents to protect and develop our children’s inner beauty.
Let’s commit together as parents to protect and develop the inner beauty of our children. To start, I want to suggest a new way of looking at it. First let’s lose the language of “self” and replace that language with Christ.
“self-esteem now becomes Christ-Esteem” and “self-concept now becomes Christ-Concept”
When we place our worth in Christ no amount of bullying can destroy what God has created. This is because; when we focus on self we have the risk of being alone with only our self. When focus on God we are never alone. We are never without our best-friend. Our inner beauty comes from Christ.
Here are some thoughts to help you with your child:
• Talk to them about their worth in Christ. He loves them! Christ loves them even more than we do. I always ask my boys who loves you more than mom or dad. Their answer… God.
• Teach them to talk to God. Teach them to pray. He is their best friend. As long as they know they can talk to God, they are never alone.
• Like our last blog, remind them that God made them for His purpose, and help them define that purpose. To Love God and to love others.
God is the source of your child’s inner beauty. Trust in God to develop that inner beauty in your kids. Be a part of helping them learn about God’s desire for their lives. Our esteem our concept of ourselves needs to lie in Christ alone. Then when the darkness comes from the world through the bullies it cannot overpower the Light that is in them. The Light that is their inner beauty!
Sincerely,

Grant Magers
CEO
Moola Monsters

Character Building- PURPOSE

Character Building ~ Purpose
This week’s Moola Monster character is Lupai Dez Hort. Lupai’s character gift is purpose. How does a parent help a child understand the concept of purpose in their life. Just like last week’s message on integrity, purpose is one of those concepts that are often difficult for us as parents to articulate to a child on their level. However, purpose may be one of the single most important concepts for your child to understand.
Moola Monsters was originally created because purpose in a young child’s life has been all but stripped in how they see their role in the family. As a result our children are literally being raised with one real purpose… to be a consumer. The more I dig into the need for children to understand the concept of purpose the more I realize that a child’s value system, self esteem, self concept is subject to their understanding of purpose. Ask yourself if a child who has healthy concept of purpose in their life would grow up to bully others, or overeat, or get hooked on drugs?
Just like so many character traits a child’s concept of purpose in their life begins with their parents and their understanding of purpose in their own lives. Are you in touch with your purpose in the world? Have you really taken the time to consider yourself in relationship to purpose with your family, your friends/co-workers, or the strangers you meet? Your child’s understanding of purpose will begin with you.
Here are a couple of thoughts on how to help your child understand their purpose:
• Talk to your child about your purpose in the world. For instance, I view my purpose in this world to be a disciple of Jesus Christ, and this what that means…. OR I view my purpose as a parent to be ….
• Give your child a role in the family. Give them a purpose. This may be to lead the family in dinner time prayer, or read his/her brother or sisters a book each night. By giving them identifying roles they will begin to develop a natural sense of purpose.
• Finally, praise your children in their effort. It will not always be perfect, but by uplifting them in their effort they will feel good about their purpose in life. Tell them how God has given them a purpose in their life and you can see it when they do ….
To know that God has placed us right where we are for His divine purpose in our lives is more fulfilling then any material possession can ever provide. Keep reaching out to your children. Do not let the fatigue of this world prevent you from helping your children understand their God given purpose.
Sincerely,
Grant Magers
Moola Monsters
www.moolamonsters.com