INFO for Families

Get a Free E-Book! "40 Unforgettable Dates with Your Mate"

This is a great book by an amazing couple. And it's free!

Just in time for Valentine's Day, Tyndale is offering a free download of Gary and Barb Rosberg's "40 Unforgettable Dates with Your Mate." This is a wonderful book with all sorts of meaningful ideas to breathe some life into your dating life. It's an incredible cure for the "dinner and a movie" blues.

A recent study flagged by USA Today suggests that couples who date regularly have greater marital satisfaction and better sex lives.

Did I mention that the book is free? It could serve as a great resource for you to pull up ideas on a date-by-date basis.

For another quick plug, Gary Rosberg will be joining us for our Johnson Ferry Couples Retreat in mid-March. He's a good friend and one of my heroes in the ministry.

Here's the link for the free download: 40 Unforgettable Dates with Your Mate.

Defining Marriage in a Kardashian World

If a "man on the street" interviewer put a microphone in your face and asked you to tell you what the meaning of marriage was, what would you answer? No time to think....what would you say?

If you don't have a good answer, then it is unlikely that you will live your married life with much purpose. You will probably expect your spouse to fulfill some unidentified and unverbalized expectation you have. And you will likely be disappointed...in your spouse and in your marriage.

In Chuck Colson's Breakpoint Commentary from October 27 of last year, Colson asked about the meaning of marriage and then gave a recommended resource that effectively answers the question. Here's an excerpt...

Study after study shows the beneficial effects of marriage and the self-inflicted harm that people experience when they ignore this evidence. Marriage is good for us in so many ways.

Here is a tiny sampling: People who have been continuously married have 75 percent more wealth at retirement than those who have divorced or were never married. Children in married, two-parent families experience two to three times more positive life outcomes than those who do not. Married people even enjoy better and more frequent sex!

Yet the statistics also show our culture heading in the opposite direction. In 1970, 89 percent of all births were to married parents. Today, unfortunately, it is only 60 percent. In 1960, 72 percent of adults in America were married. Care to guess the number in 2008? Fifty percent. How did we get here, when it makes no logical sense?

My friend Tim Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York and his wife, Kathy, have written a brilliant new book that explains why marriage is in such dire straits, and how to rescue it. Their book, The Meaning of Marriage: Facing the Complexities of Commitment with the Wisdom of God is now available at our online book store at BreakPoint.org. You need to get a copy!

An Excellent Advent Guide for Families

Thanksgiving is behind us and Christmas is just around the corner. Sadly, with Black Friday marking the official beginning of the Christmas season, it is easy for even the most spiritual of us to get caught up in the commercialism of it all.

Imperfect and Normal Families like ours must be very diligent to keep our hearts turned toward Christ during these days. If not, we run a huge risk of losing sight of the significance of His birth to our lives and to our world.

One way to keep both parents and kids focused upon our Savior is to utilize an Advent calendar of devotions and family worship times. The Village Church outside of Dallas, Texas (regularly podcast at the Johnson house) has produced an excellent Advent resource. For each of the five weeks leading up to Christmas, the guide contains a devotion for families AND a personal study guide that can be used by adults and teens. They also include an appendix with some great ideas for families with younger children.

You can find the document here: Download Advent-guide.

We pray that your family would draw closer to Christ and to one another as you work through these Advent worship times together. And we hope that your Christmas is filled with the hope and joy that can only come from the knowledge that our Redeemer has come into the world...and that He changes everything.

Family Devotion Idea: Added Value

*About twice a month, we try to post the outline of a family devotion that you and your kids can do together. Carve out some time with your kids for a fun and creative discussion this week!

Teaching Goal: God loves us for who we are, not what we do.

Scripture: Luke 15:11-32 Parable of the Lost Son

1 Peter 2:9 “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”

Materials:
Paper
$20 bill
Baseball or other trading cards

Lesson and Discussion:

*Words that are written in bold are when you, the parent, are speaking. Feel free to use your own words.

Tell the story of the Prodigal Son in your own words. If your children are familiar with the story then you may ask your children to tell you the story. Fill in the gaps. Emphasize the unwise decisions that the younger son made and how he ended up eating with the pigs. He finally decided to come home and his dad met him with open arms, hugs, and kisses.

Even though the younger son made some bad choices and did some really bad things, his father still loved him. I want you to know that when you make bad choices and do bad things, it makes me sad but it does not change my love for you.

Jesus tells us this story because in some ways each one of us is the lost son, and he wants us to know that God our Heavenly Father loves us no matter what bad things we have done. God loves to hear us say, “I’m sorry,” change our behavior, and come home.

ACTIVITY:
Give each person a piece of paper. Let’s say that this is paper that we purchased to write on. Follow me and do what I do. Go outside, in the garage or somewhere that you can get the paper really dirty. Rub it in the dirt. Flick a few drops of water on the paper and crumple it up. Crunch the paper into a small ball in your hand. Now, unfold it. Is this still good paper for writing? Would your teacher accept homework turned in on this paper? Should we use it or throw it away? Throw it away because it has lost its value as writing paper.

Take out the $20 bill. Now, I’m going to do the same thing with this $20 bill. Rub it in dirt, flick some water on it, crumple it up and then unfold it. Should I throw it away? NO! Why not? Because it is still worth $20. We had two pieces of paper but one did not lose its value. The paper that is used to make a $20 bill is still valuable because the U.S. Government has added value to the piece of paper. The U.S. Government has said that even if it is dirty, wet, or crumpled, the bill is worth $20.

Just like the U.S. Government has added value to the $20 bill, God has added value to you. When you become a Christian and ask Jesus to live in your heart, he makes you clean and new again. Jesus is the added value in our lives. So even if you make sinful choices, Jesus still lives in you. When God looks at you he sees past all of the dirty sin to the beautiful heart Jesus is at work creating in you.

You can use baseball cards or other trading cards that are popular with the kids. If your kids are collectors you can ask them why certain cards have more value than others. This example uses baseball cards.

In general, two things tend to add value to baseball cards: how rare the card is and how unique the player on the card is. Here are two baseball cards. They are made out of the same kind of paper. Both have a picture on the front of a baseball player. If I tried to sell them, I would get a lot more for this one. Why? Let the children guess and share their answers. This card has a picture of one of the best players in baseball. This card has a picture of a very average player. The card of the good player is worth more because he hits more home runs, steals bases, pitches better, etc. The picture of a better player adds value to the piece of cardboard and people are willing to pay more for it. You can compare a variety of cards and even share stories behind why you might have collected the cards. If they are cards that belong to your children, listen to them talk about the cards and learn why they value them.

As Christians, believers in Jesus, we have added value. In the same way that the good player adds value to the card, Jesus adds value to us. Listen to what the Bible says about us, “You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God.” We are royal priests. When God looks at us he sees Jesus in our lives. We have added value.

If you liked this devotion idea, there are hundreds more available from Family Time Training. See the link on the right side of this page for more information.

Family Devotion Idea: Image of God

*About twice a month, we try to post the outline of a family devotion that you and your kids can do together. Carve out some time with your kids for a fun and creative discussion this week!

Teaching Goal: We have Godly attributes because we are made in God’s image.

Scripture: Genesis 1:27 "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them."

Materials: Quarter
Photograph of someone you know
Option 1: Sidewalk chalk
Option 2: Large paper and markers
Bright light

Lesson and Discussion:

*Words that are written in bold are when you, the parent, are speaking. Feel free to use your
own words.

ACTIVITY #1: Invite a volunteer to read Genesis 1:27. In this very first chapter of the Bible we learn how God created the heavens, the earth, light, darkness, animals and finally, in this verse, God creates men and women, males and females. The verse tells us that we are created in the image of God. What does the word “image” mean? Listen to answers. To look like. A person strikingly like another. A tangible or visible representation. What do you see on the front of this quarter? Answer or guess. This is the image of our first president, George Washington. Is it really George Washington? No. Its just his image. What about this image is probably accurate and what isn’t accurate? The sloping forehead, long hair, nose and mouth are probably accurate. Silver skin, small size, flat shape are not accurate.

Show the photograph. Who is in this picture? Listen to answers. This is not the actual person. It is an image of the person. Have you ever had your picture taken and because of the angle or the lighting you didn’t think it looked very much like you? How is this picture accurate and how is it not an accurate image? Listen to answers.

ACTIVITY #2: Let’s make our own image! Option 1: Trace each person on the sidewalk/driveway using sidewalk chalk. Option 2: Use the bright light to create a shadow and trace each person on a large piece of paper. In the same way the drawing represents an image of us, we each represent an image of God! Inside our image let’s write down characteristics we have that are like God.

Creative, Helpful, Honest, Compassionate, Loving, Caring, Hopeful, Generous, Friendly, Giving, Unique, Loyal

Outside of our image let’s write down characteristics that are a part of our lives that are not accurate images of God.

Sinful, Dishonest, Stealing, Careless, Mean, Disobedient, Grumpy, Greedy, Selfish, Hurtful

We can learn more about what God is like by reading the Bible. God wants us to act and be more like Him and less like those characteristics that don’t accurately reflect His image.

If you liked this devotion idea, there are hundreds more available from Family Time Training. See the link on the right side of this page for more information.

Family Devotion Idea: Rocks Cry Out

*About twice a month, we try to post the outline of a family devotion that you and your kids can do together. Carve out some time with your kids for a fun and creative discussion this week!

Teaching Goal:
All creation praises God.

Scripture:
Luke 19:40 “I tell you," Jesus replied, "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out."

Hebrews 13:15 “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise--the fruit of lips that confess His name.”

Materials:
24 round, flat stones approximately 2 inches in diameter
Sharpie permanent marker

Lesson and Discussion:

*Words that are written in bold are when you, the parent, are speaking. Feel free to use your own words.

ACTIVITY #1: As a family, go to a river bed or rock pile and find 24 round, flat stones. The flatter the stones the better.

"The Triumphant Entry" is a phrase used to describe the day that Jesus came back to Jerusalem. He rode into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey while a crowd of people yelled "Hosanna" and "Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!" There were some people in the crowd that didn't like Jesus. They didn't believe that Jesus was the Son of God. They told Jesus to make the people stop shouting praises. Listen to what Jesus said, Read Luke 19:40. He said that if the people kept quiet then the rocks would cry out.

Family Devotion Idea: Ark of the Covenant

*About twice a month, we try to post the outline of a family devotion that you and your kids can do together. Carve out some time with your kids for a fun and creative discussion this week!

Teaching Goal:
God is with us.

Scriptures:
Exodus 5:10-22
Deuteronomy 10:1-5
Joshua 3:14-17
1 Samuel 6:12-15
1 Kings 8
Revelation 11:19

Materials:
Large cardboard box (refrigerator or wardrobe)
Two broom handles
Utility knife or strong tape
Gold spray paint

Lesson and Discussion:

*Words that are written in bold are when you, the parent, are speaking. Feel free to use your own
words.

Describe the Ark of the Covenant by reading a few of the scriptures so that your family can hear about the ark. Exodus contains the directions for building the ark. Then you may choose to tell your children this summary: God gave Moses directions to build an ark—but this ark wasn’t a boat, it was aspecial treasure box. The Ark of the Covenant was a symbol of God’s presence and theIsraelites carried it with them for many years, and even put it in a special place of honor.

ACTIVITY: Parents use the utility knife to cut holes in the cardboard box for the broom handles to fit through. The holes should be about a third of the way from the top and two or three inches from the sides on each of the long ends of the box. Allow the children to paint the box (this may need to be done outside) and decorate it to look like a fancy gold treasure box.

While building the ark, ask your children what it might have been like for the Israelites to build their ark. What do you think the Israelites were thinking about when they built the ark? It cost a lot of money. God liked nice things. This box must be very special. How heavy might the arkhave been if it was made of gold? Very. How might the people feel who had to carry itaround? Important. Special. Tired.

When the box is complete and dry, sit around it and discuss the following questions: Why do youthink God wanted Moses to build the Ark of the Covenant? To remind the Israelites of God’s presence. So people wouldn’t forget God. What are ways we are reminded of God’s presencetoday? We learn about God at church. When we read the Bible we remember God. We talk to God when we pray.

The Israelites were easily fooled into following false gods during the time Moses was leadingthem. But the Ark of the Covenant became a visible reminder that God was with them, evenwhen they felt alone or separated from God. When Jesus came to earth many years later, Heopened up the door to a personal relationship with God—so now we know God is nearbecause He is in our hearts.

If you liked this devotion idea, there are hundreds more available from Family Time Training. See the link on the right side of this page for more information.

Family Devotion Idea: Adversity

*About twice a month, we try to post the outline of a family devotion that you and your kids can do together. Carve out some time with your kids for a fun and creative discussion this week!

Teaching Goal:
Hard times can make us stronger and give us more faith depending on how we choose to handle the situation.

Scripture:
Genesis 37 and 39-45 Story of Joseph

Genesis 50:20 “You intended to harm me but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”

Psalm 34:18-19 “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all.”

I Peter 5:10 “And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”

Materials:
Stove
3 sauce pans half full with water
2 raw carrots
Egg
Enough coffee beans to cover the bottom of the pan
3 empty bowls or cups
Optional: Joseph video

Lesson and Discussion:

*Words that are written in bold are when you, the parent, are speaking. Feel free to use your own words.

ACTIVITY: Before starting our discussion, we are going to put 3 different food items in hot water to see how they react. The hot water is going to represent tough times. Fill three regular size saucepans half full of water. Put the carrot in one pan of water, the egg in another pan and the coffee beans in the third pan. Turn each burner on high and let the water boil about 20 minutes.

Do you know what “adversity” means? It means misfortune, distress, misery or suffering. Have youever faced adversity? Has anyone ever treated you unfairly or said things about you that hurt your feelings or weren’t true? Allow children to tell you about their own hurts. You may want to mention one of your own to help get them started.

Family Devotion Idea: A Room in Heaven

*About twice a month, we try to post the outline of a family devotion that you and your kids can do together. Carve out some time with your kids for a fun and creative discussion this week!

Teaching Goal:

Jesus went to heaven to prepare a place for you.

Scripture:

John 14: 2-4 “In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.”

Materials:

Clothes Line, Strong String or Thin Rope

Sheets and clothespins

(optional) Steve Green video Hide Them in Your Heart Volume 2. Song “In My Father’s House Are Many Mansions.”

In Advance:

This will take some time but it is worth it! If possible pick a space (basement, guest room, kid’s room) where the created “mansion” can stay up for a couple days. Kids will enjoy hours of playing in the “mansion” after Family Time.

Turn a room in the house into a maze leading to several spaces called “rooms.” To begin: run the string, cord or rope back and forth across the room about chest high. Attach the rope to closet rods, bed posts, doors, etc. Safety First! Do not attach it to anything that can be pulled down onto kids playing below.

Create a web with lines running in all directions across the room. Next, take as many sheets as you can find and start clothes pinning them to the lines in such a way that you create passages that lead to several spaces called “rooms.” If you have extra sheets you can lay them across the top of the rope-web creating a sheet-ceiling. Be creative. Boxes can be used as tunnels. What you are creating is an elaborate fort made from sheets.

If possible, keep the “mansion” a secret.

Family Devotion Idea: Mustard Seed

*About twice a month, we try to post the outline of a family devotion that you and your kids can do together. Carve out some time with your kids for a fun and creative discussion this week!

Teaching Goal:
In God's Kingdom, small is big and weak is powerful.

Scripture:
Mark 4:30 - {Jesus said,} “What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest seed you plant in the ground. Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds of the air can perch in its shade.”

Materials:
• Water
• Vase or large mason jar
• Measuring cups: 1 cup; ¼ cup and teaspoon
• Food color, dark

Lesson and Discussion:
*Words that are written in bold are when you, the parent, are speaking.  Feel free to use your own words.

The Kingdom of God is different from the kind of kingdoms we read about in stories and see in movies.  Leading characters in earthly kingdoms are often the most powerful, rich, strong, brave, pretty and popular.

In the Book of Mark, Jesus compares the Kingdom of God to a mustard seed!  Invite a volunteer to read Mark 4:30.  Although a mustard seed is very small it can grow into a huge plant.  God is using this example to illustrate how He uses small things to build his kingdom on earth.  

Family Devotion Idea: Answers to Prayer

*About twice a month, we try to post the outline of a family devotion that you and your kids can do together. Carve out some time with your kids for a fun and creative discussion this week!

Teaching Goal:
God always answers our prayers, though not always as we expect.

Scripture:
YES: Acts 12:1-10 (story of Peter being released from jail while friends prayed)

NO: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 (the story of Paul asking God to remove his thorn in the flesh but God didn’t)

WAIT: Daniel 10:1-14 (story of Daniel praying for help and it was delayed)

CHANGE: Job 13:21, 42:10,12 (Job asks God to withdraw His hand far from Him, later God blesses him far more than ever before)

Materials:
A family favorite dessert mix, such as a cake or brownies (box mix that will need to be prepared and baked)
Package of Lifesavers or similar candy
Ice cream
 
In Advance: Several times during the day, mention how you are craving whatever dessert you plan to make. Say this enough times that the kids are having the same craving. As they ask you to make it throughout the day, keep telling them "no," or "You will have to wait."

Just before you meet, put the dessert ingredients in a container but do not mix. It should be unappetizing with an egg sitting on top of the dry ingredients and liquid spread over it.

Family Devotion Idea: Holy Spirit and the Glove

*About twice a month, we try to post the outline of a family devotion that you and your kids can do together. Carve out some time with your kids for a fun and creative discussion this week!

Teaching Goal:

The Holy Spirit in our lives gives our actions meaning.

Scripture:

Acts 1:8 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Philippians 2:12-13 “Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.”

Hebrews 13:20-21 “May the God of peace…equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ.”

Materials:

One pair of gloves per team (form 1 team to race against the clock or two teams to race against each other)

Watch or timer

One glass of water per team, ¾ full

Lesson and Discussion:

*Words that are written in bold are when you, the parent, are speaking. Feel free to use your own words.

Lay a glove on the table. What shape is the glove? A hand. I agree. It looks like a hand so it can probably do everything a hand can. “Glove. Get me a glass of water.” Wait for a few seconds. Nothing happens. In order to get something with that glove, I’m going to have to use a part of my body, most likely my hand. Have a volunteer put his or her hand into the glove and go get a glass of water.

Our life is like the glove and the Holy Spirit is like our hand. It is the Holy Spirit that gives our actions purpose and meaning. We can “do” things all day long, things we think are important, but unless the Holy Spirit is directing us, we will not be accomplishing God’s good will and purpose. Read Philippians 2:12 and Hebrews 13:20-21.

ACTIVITY:

The Goal: Work as a team to transfer the glass of water from person to person using the gloves. If you spill water or touch the glass with anything other than a gloved hand then the team is disqualified from the race.

Directions: Each person completes the relay course and transfers the glass of water by following these directions:

--Person #1 puts on the gloves, picks up the glass of water and runs or walks through the relay course.

--Person #1 and Person #2 work together to take off the glove from the free hand and put it on Person #2’s hand.

--Pass the glass of water from Person #1’s gloved hand to Person #2’s gloved hand.

--Person #1 and Person #2 work together to get the second glove onto Person #2’s free hand.

--Person #2 runs or walks through the relay course, being careful not to spill any water.

--Repeat until the final person crosses the starting line.

Remember, the hand in the glove represents the Holy Spirit working in our lives. In the same way you needed to have your hand in a glove to complete the relay successfully, we need to have the Holy Spirit in our lives to be successful in accomplishing God’s will and good purposes.

If you liked this devotion idea, there are hundreds more available from Family Time Training. See the link on the right side of this page for more information.

Family Devotion Idea: Good and Bad Words

*About twice a month, we try to post the outline of a family devotion that you and your kids can do together. Carve out some time with your kids for a fun and creative discussion this week!

Teaching Goal:

God wants us to use good words.

Scripture:

Proverbs 12:18 “Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”

Proverbs 25:18 “Like a club or a sword or a sharp arrow is the man who gives false testimony against his neighbor.”

Proverbs 15:4 “The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.”

I Thessalonians 5:11 “Encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”

A Helpful (and Free!) Resource for Parents of Teens

I love the Center for Parent/Youth Understanding. The Big Kahuna there, Walt Mueller, does a great job of keeping parents and youth workers abreast of youth culture issues. He searches the web for articles of interest in the areas of trends, behaviors, family, media, education, and just about everything else that intersects youth culture.

You can get a free copy of their Simply Youth Culture newsletter by simply going to their site and asking for it. It's just that simple! Even a simpleton can do it.

Sorry for that. It's been a long day.

 

 

These Clips Get Me Thinking

Why am I such a zealot about guiding my teenage kids through the issues of dating, sex, and other unmentionables? It's because the stakes are so high. The trajectory they get on and the choices they make now have the power to impact them throughout their adult lives.

Biblical principles declare it.

Current scientific studies confirm it.

The troubled marriages I encounter prove it.

And some stuff below that I found on YouTube illustrates it.

We used some of these videos in our presentation at Johnson Ferry over the past weeks. And we referred to some of the others. They all get me thinking.

Mark Gungor gives a great presentation about why these issues matter in marriage...and how the foundations are laid when we are teens.

   

 

This Gnarls Barkley music video illustrates powerfully the connections that happen when we give our heart and lives to someone who isn't our spouse. But be aware: in addition to being truthful, it's a bit funky and a lot bloody...in an "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom" sort of way. Don't say I didn't warn you.

 

 

Including this video after the Gnarls Barkley one enables me to channel my inner Osmond. I have included both "a little bit country and a little bit rock-n-roll." (If you were born before 1972, you will probably need to ask somebody what that means.) Taylor Swift's song "Fifteen" beautifully and tragically captures the choices that many of our teens make as well as the regrets they are left with.

 

 

Mark Driscoll is very conservative in his theology but something of a "shock jock" in his delivery. Think A.W. Tozer mixed with Howard Stern. I love this brief clip in that it encourages us to consider WHY our kids want to have a girlfriend/boyfriend. Driscoll is rather extreme in his perspective, but I think he's on to something.

 

Are there any other videos you have encountered that get you thinking deep thoughts about these issues? Please feel free to share them with the rest of us!

 

 

Family Devotion Idea: Traveling Nativity

*About twice a month, we try to post the outline of a family devotion that you and your kids can do together. Carve out some time with your kids for a fun and creative discussion this week!

Teaching Goal:

We can celebrate Christmas by acting out the story of Jesus’ birth.

Scripture:

Luke 2 and Matthew 2

Materials:

Pre-made unbreakable nativity set

Lesson and Discussion:

*Words that are written in bold are when you, the parent, are speaking. Feel free to use your own words.

Read the story of Jesus’ birth from a children’s Bible or regular Bible.

Talk about the different characters and where they came from to see baby Jesus. Talk about who came to the stable first, second, third, fourth, etc.

ACTIVITY:

Have the children pick different rooms in the house (or areas in a room) to represent the different character locations (Nazareth, the fields, the East, heaven, Bethlehem). Make signs to place over the doorways to identify the different locations.

Introducing an Awesome New Online Magazine

 
Are you looking for a quick and easy resource to challenge you in your married life? The people at AMFM (The Association of Marriage and Family Ministries) has created an excellent tool to do just that. It is a concise yet content-rich online magazine called "Walk Together."  

I have been in ministry for over 20 years. In that time, I have interacted with many different para-church organizations, each of whom desires to do good things for the Kingdom. My observation is that some do things very effectively and some, even with the best of intentions, do not. AMFM is one ministry who does things right. Their conferences, resources, and ability to strategically network different ministries together is outstanding. And "Walk Together" is another home run from them.

Take a few minutes to browse through the articles and videos found in their first edition online. And then pass it on to a friend or two. It's well worth your time. 

Family Devotion Idea: We're Thankful for Food

*About twice a month, we try to post the outline of a family devotion that you and your kids can do together. Carve out some time with your kids for a fun and creative discussion this week!

Teaching Goal:

The food we eat is from God, and we should show our appreciation for the food He provides.

Scripture:

Numbers 11:4-10 – God provided the Israelites with manna from heaven as they traveled away from Egypt. The Israelites were not grateful for the food and started to complain, wanting meat. God became angry.

I Thessalonians 5:16-18 “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances.”

Materials:

Paper and crayons

Sticks

Plastic laundry baskets

Money to buy food

Lesson and Discussion:

*Words that are written in bold are when you, the parent, are speaking. Feel free to use your own words.

November is the month when we celebrate “Thanksgiving!” Thanksgiving is a special day that we set aside to thank God for giving us life and everything life brings. God is the source of all food. It is important that we thank God and show appreciation for the food He gives us.

Family Devotion Idea: Cain

*About twice a month, we try to post the outline of a family devotion that you and your kids can do together. Carve out some time with your kids for a fun and creative discussion this week!

Teaching Goal:
Stop sin early before it leads to more sin.

Scripture:
Genesis 4:1-15 – story of Cain and the progression of his sin

James 4:7-8a “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you.”

Materials:
Ballon
Marker
Safety pin

In Advance:
Write the word “SIN” in big letters with a marker on a deflated balloon.

Lesson and Discussion:
*Words that are written in bold are when you, the parent, are speaking. Feel free to use your own words.

Tell the story of Cain and Abel and discuss how Cain started out with one sin—not giving his best—and let it grow to anger, and then jealousy, and then hurting his brother. How did Cain’s sin continue to grow? What did he do to make it worse? What warning did God give him regarding his sin(s)? Genesis 4:7 “If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it.”

Family Devotion Idea: New Friendships

*About twice a month, we try to post the outline of a family devotion that you and your kids can do together. Carve out some time with your kids for a fun and creative discussion this week!

 

Teaching Goal:

Make an effort to build new friendships

 

Scripture:

Hebrews 13:2 “Keep on loving each other as brothers. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by doing so some people have entertained angels without knowing it.

 

Matthew 25:38-40 “When did we see you a stranger and invite you in? …Whatever you did for the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”

 

Materials:
Ice cube tray

Small flowers (dime size)

Plate

 

Lesson and Discussion:

*Words that are written in bold are when you, the parent, are speaking. Feel free to use your own words.

 

Who are your two best friends? At some point in your life you didn’t even know these kids and now they are your best friends. How did that happen? Listen to answers. We met playing sports. She moved into the neighborhood. I met him at church. We were in class together. PARENTS: be sure to answer the questions too. What is the first conversation you remember and what was the first activity you remember doing together?

 

Family Devotion Idea: Fact or Opinion?

*About twice a month, we try to post the outline of a family devotion that you and your kids can do together. Carve out some time with your kids for a fun and creative discussion this week!

 

Teaching Goal:

The resurrection of Christ is a fact that each person must accept or reject, not an opinion that can be true for one person and not another.

 

Scripture:

Matthew 27:32-55 – Roman soldiers, disciples, religious leaders, and family members saw Jesus crucified on the cross.

 

John 20:1-9 – Mary Magdalene, Peter and another disciple see the empty tomb.

 

I Corinthians 15:4-8 “…he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time…Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me {Paul} also.”

 

Materials:

Multi-flavored candy like assorted Life Savers or Starburst

Jar full of marbles or beans (count the marbles/beans in advance)

Bible, paper and pen

 

Man Jailed for Facebook "Friend Request"

Be careful who you "friend request" on Facebook.

Most people are okay.

With some high school friends, you should really think about it. 

Old girlfriends/boyfriends, I would stay away from.

But soon-to-be ex-wives who have a restraining order against you: my advice is that you don't friend request them. Lest you end up in jail.

A man in central Florida did just that and is now behind bars. You can read the story here. I don't mean to judge, but, based on his picture alone, I don't think he's too bright. He obviously didn't think this one through.

What is most interesting, though, is that contact via Facebook is now being deemed by the court as something that violates someone's personal space. Given what I have seen in many of the relationships I am observing up close, a person's Facebook profile is personal space, indeed. But some of us have not realized that yet.

I am amazed at how much people air the dirty laundry of their personal lives on Facebook: the fight they had with their spouse, for example.

Or they post some vague update that loudly begs people to ask questions. Something like: "I can't believe he said that!" If we don't ask questions, we only assume the worst.

Perhaps the most troubling foolish use of Facebook is when someone changes their marital status from "married" to "it's complicated." Couples in strife need to seek help from God, who offers direction for rebuilding bad relationships. And they need to seek responsible, mature people who can walk them through troubled times. But broad statements on Facebook that stir the pot without looking for help is a sign of foolishness.

Couples who have found Facebook to be a source of tension in their marriage may need to get some help. And you need to know you are not alone. In the past few months, I have encountered couples dealing with old flames, arguing about time spent on Facebook, even fighting about things like Farmville. This is an issue that cannot be ignored.

My friends Jason and Kelli Krafsky have written a book called Facebook and Your Marriage. It is an easy, fun read that addresses practical guidelines for making Facebook a source of joy in your marriage, not something to fight about. If this is an issue for you, then start by ordering the book. Then read and discuss it together.

You can order the book at the Facebook and Your Marriage website.

Where Recovering Veggie Tales Addicts Can Get Their Fix

The late 90's found me deep in the throes of raising my kids. And because every American kid seems to have a pre-disposed bent toward watching TV, we found ourselves constantly looking for videos (this was pre-DVD) that entertained AND taught some worthwhile values in our home.

Enter Veggie Tales.

Phil Vischer and company did an excellent job of creatively conveying Biblical truth in a way that both parents and children (and even teenagers) could enjoy. If you're not familiar with Bob and Larry, then there is a small but significant hole in your Christian experience. Just imagine taking two parts Sunday School and mixing it with one part Disney, one part Monty Python, and one part vegetable. It has to be experienced. This is one of my favorite "Silly Songs with Larry."

After some complicated business arrangements in the early 2000's, Vischer had to give control of Veggie Tales to others. I'm not sure of all the details, but I know that the quality and freshness of the product suffered during this season.

Now Vischer has formed Jellyfish Labs and has a vision to create video projects that teach children about the power of God's Word. They are just as fun and fresh as the old Veggie Tales, but the content is even more directed at teaching Biblical truth. There are a variety of media on the videos, including live action, animation, and puppets (puppetry was Vischer's original skill...long before digital animation came along).

You can find a review of "What's in the Bible" on the MovieGuide website here. You can also see a promo video featuring Phil Vischer and his vision below.

This just might be the perfect fix for all the struggling Veggie Tales addicts out there.

 

 

Family Devotion Idea: The Hall of Faith

*About twice a month, we try to post the outline of a family devotion that you and your kids can do together. Carve out some time with your kids for a fun and creative discussion this week!

 

Teaching Goal:

Believing in God requires faith, and this is pleasing to God.

 

Scripture:

Hebrews 11:6 “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”

 

Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”

 

Hebrews 11 – This chapter is the Hall of Faith in the Bible.

 

Materials:

Paper and markers

Sports cards (your own, borrow or buy)

 

Lesson and Discussion:

*Words that are written in bold are when you, the parent, are speaking. Feel free to use your own words.

 

Start by saying, “Name the best professional sports athlete you know.” Stick with the sport of the athlete named first. So, if the first child to answer says, “John Elway,” then say, “Okay, let’s stick with football and everyone gets a chance to name a great football player.”

 

Comparing Twenty Years of At Risk Behavior in Teens

If you have ever wondered if kids today are more or less likely to participate in at risk behaviors than kids from 15 or 20 years ago, then have we got the study for you!

The Youth Risk Behavior Survey has tracked a number of risky (AKA stupid) behaviors in teenagers for the past two decades. Their findings, which compare behaviors ranging from seat belt use to sexual activity, are quite interesting.

You can see a copy of the report in simple chart form here.

Some of it surprised me. But while there were a few trends in both the positive and negative directions, most of the shifts were slight. The reality is that teenagers have a tendency to do foolish things. They always have and they always will. Our job is parents is to coach them to have a moral compass based upon God's nature and His Truth, not on the tendencies of their peers or the values of culture.

With most at risk behaviors, our tendency is to think "not my kids." But these statistics represent somebody. So we must continue to have the conversations that matter with our teenagers and give them the clear and sometimes harsh guidance they so desperately need. 

A Few Excellent Audiobooks - One for Free

This month on ChristianAudio.com, you can download two great audio books at great prices (one is even free!).

 

To download Forgotten God by Francis Chan for FREE, use code JUN2010. This is Chan's second book that challenges the church to know and experience the power of God. Most of us have missed all that God can be in and through the presence of his Holy Spirit.

To download Radical by David Platt for $2.50, use code RADICAL610. We have recommended this book here at INFO in the past. Now it can be yours for the listening for a very reasonable price. I think these deals are only good through June, so move fast!

Family Devotion Idea: Builders

*About twice a month, we try to post the outline of a family devotion that you and your kids can do together. Carve out some time with your kids for a fun and creative discussion this week!

 

Teaching Goal:

Our motive for doing anything and everything needs to be from God.

 

Scripture:

Genesis 11:3-4 “They said to each other, ‘Come, let’s make bricks and bake them thoroughly.’ They used brick instead of stone, and tar for mortar. Then they said, ‘Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves and not be scattered over the face of the whole earth.’”

 

Nehemiah 2:12 – God put in Nehemiah’s heart the desire to rebuild the wall for Jerusalem.

 

Nehemiah 2:20 “The God of heaven will give us success. We his servants will start rebuilding.”

 

Nehemiah 4:6 “So we rebuilt the wall till all of it reached half its height, for the people worked with all their heart.”

 

Nehemiah 6:15-16 “So the wall was completed on the twenty-fifth of Elul, in fifty-two days. When all our enemies heard about this, all the surrounding nations were afraid and lost their self-confidence, because they realized that this work had been done with the help of our God.”

 

Family Devotion Idea: The Expanding Egg

*About twice a month, we try to post the outline of a family devotion that you and your kids can do together. Carve out some time with your kids for a fun and creative discussion this week!

 

Teaching Goal:

A heart that is soft and open toward God will grow.

 

Scripture:

Acts 7:58, 8:1-3, 9:1-22 – the story of Paul from when his heart was hardened to when he grew in the Lord.

 

Materials:

Uncooked egg (in its shell)

Large clear glass (allows room for the egg to grow)

Distilled white vinegar – enough to cover the egg while in the glass

 

In Advance:

One full day before the activity, have your child place the egg in the glass. Draw attention to the size and hardness of the shell. Cover the egg with vinegar and let the glass sit.

 

Family Devotion Idea: Excess Baggage

*About twice a month, we try to post the outline of a family devotion that you and your kids can do together. Carve out some time with your kids for a fun and creative discussion this week!

 

Teaching Goal:
Satan wants to keep us from living a godly life.

 

Scripture:

Hebrews 12:1-2 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.”

 

Colossians 3:8 “But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.”

 

I Peter 2:1 “Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.”

 

Materials:

Large coat

Adult-size pair of pants

Adult-size shoes

Creating an Environment for Family Bible Study

Valuing the Bible in your family is one thing. Actually integrating the Word into the daily operation of your home is a bit harder. If you're a normal parent like me, you know first-hand the tension between wanting your entire family to embrace the Word BUT knowing your kids would rather watch TV in their free time. If I'm completely honest, I would admit that my kids get that from their father. (But I don't think I'll be honest...it's much easier to blame it on the Disney Channel.)

I have a great deal of respect for pastor Mark Driscoll from up in the Seattle area. I don't agree with every single thing that comes out of his mouth, but I love his no-nonsense approach to many issues of faith, church, and family.

On his blog this week, he posted some of the things that he does with his family to foster a love of the scriptures. He opens the door of his home to show what things each of his kids (at different ages) are involved in. It served as a great reminder and an idea resource for me and I pray that it does for you, as well.  Enjoy!

Mark Driscoll on Family Bible Study

A few questions for all of us:

What do you do to encourage your kids to get into the Word?

How do you and your spouse foster discussion about and application of the Scriptures?

We would love to hear your thoughts on this issue. Please comment below and sharpen the rest of us with what God is doing in YOUR home.

Facebook and Your Marriage

I have been pretty delinquent in posting on the INFO for Families Blog for the past few weeks. A busy family camp over spring break drew my attention away, but I'm back in the office and recommitted to pushing content your way. It's good to be back.

I just placed my order for the new book "Facebook and Your Marriage" by Jason and Kelli Krafsky. These are great folks who I met at a conference a few years ago. They have seen first-hand the impact that Facebook can have on marriage...both for good and for bad. They suggest that the social network trend is perhaps the most significant threat to marriage today. I tend to agree with them. 

You can read a great interview with them here. They talk about some of the significant dangers of Facebook as it relates to married life. The brief interview also includes some powerful "do's and don'ts" that every couple should agree to. 

If you (or your spouse) finds yourself spending many hours on Facebook every day, it might serve you well to honestly consider what the Krafskys have to say. I think they're on to something.

Family Devotion Idea: Cross and Tomb

*About twice a month, we try to post the outline of a family devotion that you and your kids can do together. Carve out some time with your kids for a fun and creative discussion this week!

 

Teaching Goal:

Jesus suffered for our sin, died, and rose again, conquering death so that we might join him in heaven.

 

Scripture:

Matthew 27-28; Luke 24

 

Materials:

Wood to make 3 crosses: three 3’ pieces, three 2’ pieces

Six large and six small nails

Hammer

Duct tape

1 box with lid, the size a case of paper comes in

Paper, pens, crayons

White handkerchief or washcloth

 

Lesson and Discussion:

*Words that are written in bold are when you, the parent, are speaking. Feel free to use your own words.

 

In your own words, tell the story of Easter from Matthew 27-28 while you are making the crosses. Help your children understand the schedule of events. Jesus had the Passover meal with his friends, the disciples, on Thursday. He was arrested Thursday night while praying in the Garden of Gethsemane. He was tried on Friday and crucified on Friday. On Sunday he rose from the grave. Everything happened so quickly. It was just five days earlier that he rode into Jerusalem on a donkey with people praising him and calling him “King.”

 

The Destructive Power of Criticism

John Gottman is THE MAN. He is a marriage expert, therapist, lecturer, and the author of a life-changing book called "The Seven Keys to Making Marriage Work." As far as I know, he is not a Christ-follower. But if all truth is God's truth, I think that God has used him as a messenger of some truly foundational principles for marriage. Check out his credentials (stolen from his website):

"Dr. Gottman was the co-founder of the Gottman Institute™ with his wife, Dr. Julie Schwartz Gottman.  He is executive director of the nonprofit Relationship Research Institute, currently evaluating interventions for the transition to parenthood.  Dr. Gottman is an emeritus professor of psychology at the University of Washington and founded what the media termed, "The Love Lab", where much of his research on couples' interactions was conducted."

How about that? He's got a "love lab." And while it sounds funny, it's actually something of an apartment that he observes couples in so that he can analyze their relationships. The wild thing is that he has been able to successfully identify the key predictors of divorce...with about a 93% success rate. That means that he can observe a couple for a bit and, in more than 9 out of 10 cases, correctly determine whether the marriage will survive or not.  Like I said, John Gottman is THE MAN.

I saw a post today by Jimmy Evans of Marriage Today. In it, he referenced Gottman's work on the subject of criticism in marriage. I am intrigued by Gottman's research and I am challenged by Evans' observations. If you ever find yourself taking on a critical attitude with your spouse, it might be worth reading. So here ya go...

Read Cut the Criticism.

Thriving Family Magazine Special

The good people at Focus on the Family are rolling out a special on their new bi-monthly magazine for families: "Thriving Family." New Focus President Jim Daly has been revamping many of the traditional resources that many have come to know and love, and this magazine seems to be a big part of his thumbprint.

Anyway, it's a pretty good deal on the subscription, so take advantage of it!

Special on Thriving Family Magazine

Do You Need Help Jump-starting a Conversation?

If you have ever tried to carve out some meaningful connection time with your spouse or kids, you know that nothing can be more frustrating than a dry conversation. You end up having that awkward moment that happens when you know you should be talking, but all that comes up is the typical "what happened in your life today?" stuff.

This past weekend, we had a great Celebration of Marriage retreat at a nice hotel downtown with about 100 people from Johnson Ferry. On Friday night, we had something of a "dance" at the hotel. To spur interesting conversations, I put cards with discussion starters on each of the tables. (A few were original but most were plagiarized from various sources on the internet.) It made for some fun talks between spouses and small groups.

So I thought I would post those questions here.

Print out the following list and keep it someplace handy: by your bed, near the dinner table or in the car for your next date night. Pick a few at random and throw them out there as discussion starters. You never know where the talk will take you.

Here are the questions:

What is the one book you think everyone should be required to read?

If you had to write an autobiography in only six words, what would it be?

Which historical event would you have most liked to attend?

If you could quit your job today and devote your life to a single cause, what would it be?

 

If you were president, name three things that you would change about the country right away.

 

If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would buy?

Family Devotion Idea: Doubting Thomas

*About twice a month, we try to post the outline of a family devotion that you and your kids can do together.  Carve out some time with your kids for a fun and creative discussion this week!

 

Teaching Goal:

Believe in Jesus even when you can’t see him.

 

Scripture:

John 20:24-29  “Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came.  So the other disciples told him, ‘We have seen the Lord!’  But he said to them, ‘Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it.’  A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them.  Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you!’  Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here; see my hands.  Reach out your hand and put it into my side.  Stop doubting and believe.’  Thomas said to him, ‘My Lord and my God!’  Then Jesus told him, ‘Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.’”

 

Materials:

Quarter

 

Lesson and Discussion:

*Words that are written in bold are when you, the parent, are speaking.  Feel free to use your own words.

 

(Right before Family Time starts let everyone see you asking someone to let you borrow a quarter, or announce that you are picking up a quarter from the table.  Stick the quarter in your pocket.)  Reach in your pocket, make a fist around the quarter, and pull out your hand so that everyone can see your fist but not the quarter inside.  Ask each person, Do you believe I have a quarter in my hand?  Why or why not?  Listen to answers.  Do you believe I have a million dollars in my hand?  Why or why not?  Listen to answers.  Is there any evidence that I might have a million dollars in my hand?  Listen.  Is there any evidence that I might have a quarter in my hand?  Listen.  Put your hand back in your pocket without showing the quarter.  Leave the quarter in your pocket.

 

New Survey Tool on www.infoforfamiliesblog.com

If you look at the left-hand column of the INFO For Families blog, you can see that I added a survey widget to the layout.  Ooh, la, la. The first question I posted is pretty benign: "What are the life stages of the kids in your home?" I'm curious to see what types of people are visiting the blog. If you frequent the site, you are officially invited to go and complete the survey.

I promise to make a few more interesting questions in the future. Here are some possibilities...

*What is your greatest parenting challenge?

*What do you fear most as a parent?

*What do you and your spouse argue about the most?

*How often do you have sex in the average month? 

Don't worry; you don't have to register your name to respond so nobody will know how you answer. But I am curious as to what's going on out there in your "Imperfect and Normal Families."

If you have other suggestions for possible questions, please let me know. We'll post them and see what happens!

The Radical Experiment - A Challenge to Families

Nothing brings more guilt to "good Christian parents" than the area of family devotions. Leading our families to study, pray and worship together at home falls into the category of things that we feel we should do but don't.

Whether it's a busy schedule or the memories of awkwardness from our past experiences, sitting the family down together for intentional discipleship can be a huge challenge. Certainly, the enemy wants to keep it from happening.

Our friends at the Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham, AL have put together an excellent resource for families to use. Called "The Radical Experiment," they are challenging their church members to several key initiatives:

1. 1. To pray for the entire world
2. 2. To read through the entire Word
3. 3. To commit our lives to multiplying community
4. 4. To sacrifice our money for a specific purpose
5. 5. To give our time in another context

One key component in the challenge is a weekly family devotion guide, designed to get families with children of all ages talking about these issues, considering the scriptures, and praying for the world.

Let me encourage you to go to the main Radical Experiment site to explore what they're up to. But also, I would love to challenge your family to take advantage of the weekly family devotions they have created. There are ideas for preschoolers on up to teenagers, so we can all find some creative tools to get our families talking about the Truth.

For a quick glimpse, click here to see the archive of the Family Worship guides. Then print the first one (it's okay if you're behind on the date) and find a night after dinner when you can walk through it together as a family.

This could be a great tool to get your family talking about what God is up to in our world and in your home.   

Family Devotion Idea: Valentine's Day

*About twice a month, we try to post the outline of a family devotion that you and your kids can do together.  Carve out some time with your kids for a fun and creative discussion this week!

 

Teaching Goal:

Tell Jesus that we love Him

 

Scripture:

Love your Neighbor, Matthew 19:19

Love the Lord Your God, Mark 12:30

Love One Another, John 13:34

If You Love Me, Feed My Sheep, John 21:17

Love Builds Up, I Cor. 8:1

Love is Patient, I Cor. 13:4

Love is Kind, I Cor. 13:4

Love your Wife, Ephesians 5:28

Love the Brotherhood of Believers, I Peter 2:17

 

Materials:

Paper and markers

Magazines

 

Lesson and Discussion:

*Words that are written in bold are when you, the parent, are speaking.  Feel free to use your own words.

 

Valentine’s Day is a day when we say, “I love you” to those people we love.  We say, “I love you” to Mom, Dad, Grammy, etc.  We give and receive Valentine’s Day cards.  Let’s make a Valentine card for Jesus to say, “I love you.”

 

ACTIVITY:

Card for Jesus.  Draw a big heart on a large piece of flip chart paper.  Above the heart write WE LOVE YOU JESUS.  Below the heart write HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY.  Cut out photos or pictures from magazines which symbolize scriptures about love (examples of scriptures listed above).  It is a good idea to check the magazines in advance to make sure there will be pictures to match the scriptures.  Also, use extra photos of family and friends to add to the valentine.  Paste the magazine pictures and photographs inside the big heart.  Write the scriptures next to the appropriate pictures.  Display the valentine on a wall or the back of a door.

 

If you like this devotion idea, there are hundreds more available from Family Time Training.  See the link on the left side of this page for more information.

The Love Dare Journal - Online

The guys who made the Fireproof movie a few years ago have also created a great online journal designed to help people to restore their troubled marriages. If you or someone you know desires to see significant change in your relationship, it will require taking some sigificant steps. Even if your spouse is not willing to do their part, the Love Dare Journal gives clear direction for what you can do to change things.

You can find the site here or you can click on the link to the left in the "Helpful Links for Families" section. It might make a great new year's resolution for someone you know who is struggling at home. It takes a 40 day commitment to do some pretty hard and very sacrificial things. But my thinking is that you can do ANYTHING for 40 days.

Give it a try! God might just show up and prove that He is true to His word and faithful to those who trust in Him, in spite of the pain.

Family Devotion Idea: Singing Angels - Christmas

*About twice a month, we try to post the outline of a family devotion that you and your kids can do together.  Carve out some time with your kids for a fun and creative discussion this week!

 

Teaching Goal:

Sing Christmas carols like the heavenly host singing in the sky to announce Jesus’ birth.

 

Scripture:

Luke 2:13  “Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying: ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.’”

 

Materials:

Portable CD or tape player

Familiar Christmas music

Elevated place to lay the music: roof, 2^nd floor, balcony, etc.

Appropriate clothing, blankets, etc. for the weather

Hot chocolate

 

In Advance:

(Note: This activity works best in the evening after dark.)  Set up the music player in an elevated location.  For example: put the player in a partially open second floor window overlooking the backyard or set the player on top of a ladder.

 

The most memorable Family Times are those that involve the senses.  The colder the better!  In colder climates, consider doing this activity when it is snowing.  Lay tarps on the cold ground and wrap up in blankets and/or sleeping bags.

 

Lesson and Discussion:

*Words that are written in bold are when you, the parent, are speaking.  Feel free to use your own words.

 

ACTIVITY:

We’re going outside for Family Time!  Turn on the Christmas music and go outside to the tarp and/or blankets.  I’m going to read part of the Christmas story in the Bible and then we’ll have some hot chocolate and sing along with the music.  Read Luke 2:13.

 

Sitting under the stars, listening to music coming out of the sky makes me think about the shepherds in the field listening to the angels.  Sing along with the songs and talk about the Christmas story.  Ask questions like: How many people can you name who were part of the birth of Jesus?  Jesus. Mary. Joseph. Shepherd. Wise men. Inn keeper. Herod.  Name the locations and sequence of events included in the Bible story about the birth of Jesus.

 

If you like this devotion idea, there are hundreds more available from Family Time Training.  See the link on the left side of this page for more information.

New on INFO for Families: Date with a Purpose

I am pleased to announce the addition of a new component on the INFO for Families Blog. We have subscribed to Dr. Gary and Barb Rosberg's resource called "Date with a Purpose." It is just one piece of their "Great Marriage Experience," a strategy to strengthen marriages everywhere.

The Rosbergs are old friends and I love their passion to coach couples toward experiencing all that God wants them to experience in their married lives. Every month, we will add a new "date" to the tab on the right side of the blog. The link will take you directly to the topic of the month, which includes an audio message to get you thinking. You could listen to it online, but I recommend downloading it onto your iPod and listening to it in the car on the way to dinner. (On a date....without the kids...so you can talk about it over a meal...it's a "Date with a Purpose." Get it?) 

Give it a try! Don't just date...date on purpose. We pray that God enriches your marriage through it!

Family Devotion Idea: Birthday Cake for Jesus

*About twice a month, we try to post the outline of a family devotion that you and your kids can do together.  Carve out some time with your kids for a fun and creative discussion this week!

 

Teaching Goal:

On Christmas we celebrate Jesus’ birthday.

 

Scripture:

Luke 2:11 “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.”

 

Materials:

Undecorated cake and assorted colors of icing

Candles

Nativity set

 

In Advance:

Bake or buy a cake and cover it with a thin layer of white icing.  Draw a picture to be copied onto the cake, such as a star or a manger (the kids enjoy helping).

 

Lesson and Discussion:

Tell the Christmas story using the nativity set, emphasizing that Christmas is Jesus’ birthday.  Compare the balloons, presents, and cakes that kids have at their parties to the lights, trees, and decorations used for Jesus’ birthday celebrations today.

 

ACTIVITY:

Decorate Jesus’ birthday cake.  With younger children, the parent may want to outline the picture onto the cake, and then hold the child’s hand while he or she fills in the outline with the other colors.  Write “Happy Birthday Jesus” on the cake.  Light candles and sing “Happy Birthday” to Jesus.  Eat the birthday cake.

 

Application:

The real meaning of Christmas is about the gift of Jesus Christ.  Although many kids can answer that question, the dominant theme of materialism often crowds out the truth.  Look for many ways this Christmas to remind yourself and your children about the true meaning of Christmas.  It’s a great season that provides many opportunities to teach spiritual truths to children.

 

If you like this devotion idea, there are hundreds more available from Family Time Training.  See the link on the left side of this page for more information.

Family Devotion Idea: Fishers of Men

*About twice a month, we try to post the outline of a family devotion that you and your kids can do together.  Carve out some time with your kids for a fun and creative discussion this week!

 

Teaching Goal:

God wants us to share the Good News about Jesus with others.

 

Scripture:

Matthew 4:18-22  “As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew.  They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen.  ‘Come, follow me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will make you fishers of men.’  At once they left their nets and followed him.  Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John.  They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets.  Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.”

 

Acts 3:11-26  Peter speaks to the onlookers.  He tells others the good news: repent and believe in Jesus, the Son of God, so that you will be raised up like Jesus.

 

Matthew 28:16-20  “Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go.  When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.  Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.  And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’”

Family Devotion Idea: Salt Adds Support

*About once a week, we try to post the outline of a family devotion that you and your kids can do together.  Carve out some time with your kids for a fun and creative discussion this week!

 

Teaching Goal:

Jesus calls us to be “salt” in this world.  Like salt in water we are to provide support for friends and others.

 

Scripture:

Matthew 5:13  “You are the salt of the earth.”

Mark 9:50  “Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again?  Have salt in yourselves and be at peace with each other.”

 

Materials:

1/2 cup salt

1 cup water

Marker

2 clear glasses

2 eggs (raw or hard boiled)

 

Lesson and Discussion:

*Words that are written in bold are when you, the parent, are speaking.  Feel free to use your own words.

 

ACTIVITY A:

Several times in the Bible Jesus compares Christians to salt.  In the book of Matthew, Jesus says to his followers, “You are the salt of the world.”  Salt has more than 14,000 known uses (according to the Salt Institute).  Let’s make a list of some of the uses for salt.  Adds flavor, preserves, deicing roads, helps things to float.  In the past, salt was so valuable it was used as money and wars were even fought over salt.

 

Family Devotion Idea: Friends

*About once a week, we try to post the outline of a family devotion that you and your kids can do together.  Carve out some time with your kids for a fun and creative discussion this week!

 

Teaching Goal:

Friends provide support.

 

Scripture:

Exodus 17:8-13 (verse 12) “When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it.  Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other.”

 

Materials:

2 heavy books

 

Lesson and Discussion:

*Words that are written in bold are when you, the parent, are speaking.  Feel free to use your own words.

 

It’s important to choose good friends.  Friends encourage and support us when we are feeling sad and alone.  Friends can also help us make good choices, and we can do the same for our friends.

 

Family Devotion Idea: Tassels

*About once a week, we try to post the outline of a family devotion that you and your kids can do together.  Carve out some time with your kids for a fun and creative discussion this week!

 

Teaching Goal:

Remember you belong to God.

 

Scripture:

Numbers 15:37-41  “The Lord said to Moses, ‘Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘Throughout the generations to come you are to make tassels on the corners of your garments, with a blue cord on each tassel.  You will have these tassels to look at and so you will remember all the commands of the Lord, that you may obey them and not prostitute yourselves by going after the lusts of your own hearts and eyes.  Then you will remember to obey all my commands and will be consecrated to your God.  I am the Lord your God who brought you out of Egypt to be your God.  I am the Lord your God.'"

 

Materials:

3 skeins of colored yarn (one should be blue)

Safety pin or masking tape

Scissors

Optional: beads or charms like fish, crosses, etc.

 

Lesson and Discussion:

*Words that are written in bold are when you, the parent, are speaking.  Feel free to use your own words.

 

God gave us His Word, the Bible, as a constant reminder of His love and faithfulness.  Let’s look at some of the ways God says we can remember Him.  Invite a volunteer to read Numbers 15:37-41.  Why do you think God tells us how to remember?  We get busy, distracted.  Are there things you hear or see in life that make you think of God?  Creation, crosses, churches, music.  The example we just read in the Bible shows us that remembering is active.

 

Family Devotion Idea: David and Goliath

*About once a week, we try to post the outline of a family devotion that you and your kids can do together.  Carve out some time with your kids for a fun and creative discussion this week!

 

Teaching Goal:

The story of David teaches us that God can protect us against big challenges.

 

Scripture:

I Samuel 17 – David and Goliath

 

Materials:

Tape measure

Masking tape

3” x 3” piece of cloth

2 pieces of string 3’ each

Small ball or wad of paper

 

Lesson and Discussion:

*Words that are written in bold are when you, the parent, are speaking.  Feel free to use your own words.

 

Read the story of David and Goliath and tell it in your own words.  Include how David was a shepherd boy and Goliath was a big man nine feet tall.  David had a sling and five stones as his weapon.  Goliath had a sword, spear, and shield.  Goliath did not believe in God.  David believed that God would protect him and give him the victory.

 

Family Devotion Idea: Pour Out

*About once a week, we try to post the outline of a family devotion that you and your kids can do together.  Carve out some time with your kids for a fun and creative discussion this week!

 

Teaching Goal:

God pours out His love on us so we can love others.

 

Scripture:

I John 4:7 “Let us love one another, for love comes from God.”

 

Matthew 5:43-44 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”

 

Romans 5:5 “God has poured out his love into our hearts.”

 

Materials:

1 disposable container per family member (Ex: butter tub or plastic cup.  You will be putting a hole in the bottom of this container.)

1 container lid

1 large water pitcher

Access to water faucet

1 nail

1 hammer

Scissors

Pen or marker

Masking tape

 

Family Devotion Idea: The Apple Core

*About once a week, we try to post the outline of a family devotion that you and your kids can do together.  Carve out some time with your kids for a fun and creative discussion this week!

Teaching Goal:

Teaching stewardship of money.

Scripture:

Proverbs 3:9-10a  “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing.”

Materials:

Apples

Sharp knife

Optional: caramel or other fruit dip

Lesson and Discussion:

*Words that are written in bold are when you, the parent, are speaking.  Feel free to use your own words.

ACTIVITY:

Doesn’t this apple look good?  We’re going to eat it later, but first I’m going to cut it into pieces as we talk about stewardship.  What does stewardship mean?  Listen as they guess.  Stewardship is how we use our money, time and skills.  Right now we’re going to talk about how we use our money, but this lesson can also be used to talk about how we use our time and skills.