Category: Family

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02.18.12 GPS for Families

By on Feb 18, 2012 in Daily Readings, Family

GPS for Families

In Galatians 5:22, we read about the fruits of the Spirit that God wants to grow in our lives. These fruits are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. These are characteristics we would all like to have, but it’s hard to always love or be good or self-controlled when things aren’t going our way or when we are tired or someone is giving us a hard time.

The good news is God doesn’t expect you to try to be these things all by yourself, in your own strength. He wants to grow these characteristics in you. He gave us the Holy Spirit to stay with us always. As we connect with the Spirit and draw closer to God, we allow the Spirit to work in us.

If you spend time around certain friends, you may begin to act, dress and talk like them. The same happens when you spend time with God. You will begin to be more like God as you get closer to him. You can spend time with God by reading the Bible, praying and journaling about your faith. You can also get closer to God when you go to classes at church with your friends or worship with your family. The more time you spend with God, the more fruit the Holy Spirit produces in your life.

Weekly Prayer

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time, enjoying one moment at a time; accepting hardship as a pathway to peace; taking, as Jesus did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; trusting that You will make all things right if I surrender to Your will; so that I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with You forever in the next. Amen.

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02.11.12 GPS for Families

By on Feb 11, 2012 in Daily Readings, Family

GPS for Families

Research links the lack of self-control to addiction, bad health, debt, procrastination, eating disorders, and more. The lack of self-control breaks down walls of protection, prevents the spirit from working in you, and exposes you to things that can destroy your future.

But don’t buy into the myth that you can’t teach self-control because it’s a part of how a child’s personality is wired. Most experts agree that anyone can learn self-control. It’s not easy…it has to be intentionally and continually developed. But just like you would use your skill to build a wall back in places that are broken, you can build more self-control into your home. You can help your kids learn self control by:

  • Implementing a consistent structure and schedule
  • Pursuing moderation in eating, playing video games, TV, and computer usage
  • Establishing a system for homework and chores
  • Instilling financial habits of giving and saving
  • Practicing delayed gratification when it comes to purchasing or acquiring items for your kids, and teaching them to actually “shop” instead of buy

It’s like mental gymnastics; practice helps. Ultimately though, a strong role model is key. Maybe you need to sit down as a family to develop new patterns for all of you. If you do not practice the habits above, you will have a tough time enforcing them with your kids. Then pray specifically for the fruit of the spirit to become evident in your life.

Weekly Prayer

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time, enjoying one moment at a time; accepting hardship as a pathway to peace; taking, as Jesus did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; trusting that You will make all things right if I surrender to Your will; so that I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with You forever in the next. Amen.

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02.04.12 GPS for Families

By on Feb 04, 2012 in Daily Readings, Family

GPS for Families

Learning self-control is not easy for any of us. Developmentally, one of the most important tasks of growing up is learning self-regulation. As infants and toddlers, children are completely dependent on adults for all of their needs and decisions. As they grow, it is our job to help them develop their own internal system for deciding what choices to make in every situation.

Show your child one of their favorite treats, like a cupcake or brownie or ice cream. Put it within their reach, but tell them they cannot have it. Tell them if they can resist the temptation to eat it, their reward will be great. Say a prayer with them asking for self-control, and encourage them that they can do it. Distract them for a while with a book or game. After an appropriate amount of time, tell the child they have done such a good job resisting the temptation that they have earned an even better reward. Allow them to have the treat, and give them a handmade coupon for another treat of their choice later in the week.

God rewards our self-control. And, we gain it through spending time with him and through practice. Ask your child if praying and your encouragement helped him or her to feel better about resisting the temptation. As we spend time talking to God, reading his word, asking for help from others, God helps us get stronger.

Weekly Prayer

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time, enjoying one moment at a time; accepting hardship as a pathway to peace; taking, as Jesus did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; trusting that You will make all things right if I surrender to Your will; so that I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with You forever in the next. Amen.

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01.28.12 GPS for Families

By on Jan 28, 2012 in Daily Readings, Family

GPS for Families

During times of stress, children sense our discomfort and anxiety. Even if you do not discuss it with them or you think you are hiding it from them, they know something is wrong. God created all of us with this intuition, or sixth sense, so we can become alert to situations that are bad for us.

If there is something going on that is causing you stress, talk about it with them in simple terms. Tell them you are worried about something, but you know God will help you through it. Ask them to pray with you about it. Then teach your kids and yourself to stop worrying.

Read Matthew 6:25-34. Read from a children’s Bible if you have young children. These verses remind us that it is pointless to worry. Instead we should pray and focus on God. He knows what we need and will provide for us, just as he provides for the birds. If God cares and provides for the birds, how much more will he care for us?

To remind yourselves about this, make some bird feeders to hang in your yard. Find pinecones on the ground or at a craft store. Cover them in peanut butter and roll them in birdseed. Tie or hot glue a string to the top and hang them in trees or shrubs outside. Pay attention to the birds that visit your feeders, and remind each other that God loves you even more than the birds.

Weekly Prayer

Lord, we live in your world. Your word reminds us that you have called us to be “the light” in this world and “the salt of the earth.” In spite of our differences and in the midst of our struggles, help us to be living witnesses of your grace and love. We pray today, Lord, for your kingdom to come into our lives that we may be used to bring your kingdom into the world. AMEN.

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01.21.12 GPS for Families

By on Jan 21, 2012 in Daily Readings, Family

GPS for Families

Create a wide path in your home or yard using string or tape. Ask your kids to walk down the path without touching the borders (string or tape). Then move one side of the path closer so that it is difficult to walk without touching the sides. Have the kids walk again with the same instructions. Afterwards, ask them which path was easier to maneuver (the wide path).

Read Matthew 7:13-14 with your children. Discuss: What is this scripture telling us, as Jesus’ followers, to do? Jesus is saying that everyone takes the easy, wide path, but we are to take the narrow road if we are his followers, even if it seems harder.

Why would Jesus want us to take the harder road? He knows when we go the more difficult way, we have to rely on him to help us through. And as we rely on him, our love for him grows. And, then people will see how we are different. They will want to know this Jesus who we follow even when it is hard.

Spend time talking about school and social environments and how other kids tend to behave. Discuss what behaviors are “wide path” and what we might do to take the “narrow path.” Ask how others might react when we choose the narrow path. Pray for strength and courage to take the narrow road. To remind them of their calling, use the “path” terminology when discussing situations that arise in the future.

Weekly Prayer

Lord, we live in your world. Your word reminds us that you have called us to be “the light” in this world and “the salt of the earth.” In spite of our differences and in the midst of our struggles, help us to be living witnesses of your grace and love. We pray today, Lord, for your kingdom to come into our lives that we may be used to bring your kingdom into the world. AMEN.

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.®. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

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01.14.12 GPS for Families

By on Jan 14, 2012 in Daily Readings, Family

GPS for Families

We should teach our children their responsibility as a citizen just as we should teach them math and how to read. Kids will see politics played out on TV and radio, and they will hear you discussing it with others. They will glean some from observations.

However, if you want to help children truly understand how our government is set up — what “conservative” and “liberal” mean and the power of our vote — include them in your conversations. This is not only a great way to help them understand the system but also a way to demonstrate how we should interact with others on these issues. Discuss your views on politicians, important issues and the workings of government. Allow them to ask questions, come up with their own solutions and offer ideas on how to vote. Study the founding fathers and documents such as the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights together. Research candidates and their views.

Teach them this is an area where they do not have to agree with you as their parents. This is hard for us sometimes, but it’s important that they understand they can have their own point of view.

Through all of your discussions, remind them that God calls us to love others whether we agree with them or not. Demonstrate how to have a loving conversation when there are differences of opinion. And pray as a family about your choices for elections.

Weekly Prayer

Lord, we live in your world. Your word reminds us that you have called us to be “the light” in this world and “the salt of the earth.” In spite of our differences and in the midst of our struggles, help us to be living witnesses of your grace and love. We pray today, Lord, for your kingdom to come into our lives that we may be used to bring your kingdom into the world. AMEN.

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01.07.12 GPS for Families

By on Jan 07, 2012 in Daily Readings, Family

GPS for Families

This new year, set some family goals with your kids. These do not have to be big, audacious goals that are sure to fail but rather a few simple ideas that will make your family stronger this year. Here are some ideas to get you started:

  • Pray each morning in the car or before you all leave for school, work, etc. You can create a poem prayer or a quick one-line prayer that is easy to remember. This will make it seem less formal and intimidating.
  • Plan one day/evening a week that will be for family stuff only. Games, movies, sports, whatever sounds fun to you.
  • Dedicate yourselves to a real Sabbath each week. Plan downtime as a family. Reading, napping, lounging around, whatever de-stresses your clan.
  • Keep the Christmas cards you received and plan to pray each week for one of the families.
  • Make health your theme this year. Talk about physical, mental, and spiritual health and ways to improve on all three. Don’t make a goal that you can’t achieve, but commit to reminding each other to be healthy in all of your choices.
  • Put a limit on time in front of a screen (computers, TV, video games, etc.). Screen time is not bad for you in small doses, but it takes away from relationships and physical health when used in excess.
  • Plan a mission project to work on all year long. Raise money, save your change, collect items or adopt an agency or family in need. Create a project your family will enjoy doing, and you will benefit from working together and loving others.

Weekly Prayer

God, I thank you for life in this new year. I know it is your gift to me. I don’t want to take it for granted. Help me to change what needs to change, to do what needs to be done and to be who you want me to be. May my new year not be defined by the past year but by your will and promises for my life. I ask for your blessings for 2012 and offer to return those blessings to you and the people you have given me to serve. Amen.

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12.31.11 GPS for Families

By on Dec 31, 2011 in Daily Readings, Family

GPS for Families

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” II Corinthians 12:9

At the end of this year, spend some time with your family reflecting on the ways God has been “big enough” for you. This scripture tells us that God’s grace is enough. We don’t have to be perfect because his power is made evident in our weakness. What a relief this is!

Discuss this with your family and list ways that God was strong when you were weak. Talk about the times you prayed for help and the times you doubted God. Remind everyone that God loves us even when we doubt him. And Paul says we can even brag about our weaknesses because that is when God can shine! You might even talk about all of your weaknesses — the areas you struggle, the issues that make you stumble. This is healthy to admit to others, especially your family. Ask everyone to pray for each other in these areas of imperfection.

Finally, pray a prayer of thanks for the ways in which God was big enough for your family this year. Make it part of your New Year’s celebration or have a special dinner to acknowledge our big God. He loves us deeply despite our weaknesses and imperfections, and that is a great reason to throw a party!

Weekly Prayer

You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power because you created all things. It is by your will that they exist and were created. I have learned and am learning that I can cast my cares on you and love you with a whole heart. As I give you thanks for this past year, I trust you with the year to come, for I believe you are big enough for the journey ahead as I celebrate your faithfulness in the last. You are my God! Amen.

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12.24.11 GPS for Families

By on Dec 24, 2011 in Daily Readings, Family

GPS for Families

This time of year is often planned, scheduled and hectic. Make this Christmas a special one by taking a planned time-out. You may have to schedule this time or wait for a spontaneous opportunity, but make it happen. You will create a memory more important than the food, the clothes and the gifts. Here are some suggested time-out ideas:

  • Turn on some upbeat music and dance with your family. There are some fun Christmas tunes that will make you want to dance, or pick some old favorite tunes that make you want to move. Let it all go while you dance your socks off!
  • Sit in front of the tree with your family and just stare at the lights. Talk about how pretty the tree is, how it reminds you of God’s beauty. Relive past Christmas stories and tell the kids about their first Christmases.
  • Snuggle on the couch while listening to soft Christmas music. Drink hot cocoa, talk about the true meaning of Christmas. Remind your kids of the gift we received when Jesus was born.
  • Read a good Christmas story with your children. There are many Christmas books for children that explain the meaning of Christmas. Or read straight out of the Bible from Luke 2. You can use a Children’s Bible if you have younger children.
  • Light a candle and sing Happy Birthday to Jesus. Talk about how you can give the gift of yourself to Jesus this year.

Weekly Prayer

Holy and loving God, I give you thanks for the gift of Christmas. As I celebrate the coming of our newborn King, I pray that you would forgive me of my sin, bind up my wounds and cast out all my worries and fear. May the life I live this day and every day testify to my belief that Jesus has come to save my life and redeem the entire world. Amen.

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12.17.11 GPS for Families

By on Dec 17, 2011 in Daily Readings, Family

GPS for Families

Christmas can be an overwhelming “me” fest for kids. Marketers are using every means possible to convince them that they cannot be happy unless they have one more thing. It’s our job as parents to take the focus off of them and put the focus on Christ and others. Christ came into the world as a helpless human baby, willing to give up all he had for us, even those of us who were not yet born, those who are less than perfect and those who have yet to acknowledge his gift. That is how great his love is for us. Teach your children that because of this enormous love, we have plenty to share. We should share that love all year long, but Christmas is an easy time to give to others.

Make a point of doing just one thing different this year to share God’s love with others. Start a new tradition of giving to people outside of your family and friends. Choose a budget of time, money or other resources that you want to share. Then let your children help you decide how to use or spend it. Give them several options, and let them think of a few as well, then decide as a family how to share the gift and how to make sure God gets the glory. This may mean doing something anonymously or in someone else’s name. If you need ideas, check out Gifts That Go Beyond on our website, www.giftsthatgobeyond.org.

Weekly Prayer

Holy and loving God, I give you thanks for the gift of Christmas. As I celebrate the coming of our newborn King, I pray that you would forgive me of my sin, bind up my wounds and cast out all my worries and fear. May the life I live this day and every day testify to my belief that Jesus has come to save my life and redeem the entire world. Amen.

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12.10.11 GPS for Families

By on Dec 10, 2011 in Daily Readings, Family

GPS for Families

This Christmas, focus on the gift of Jesus and how we can give gifts back to Him.
Ask: How do we know God loves us? How does God show us His love? Is it enough to say we love someone, or do we need to show it? How can we show love to our family and friends? How can we show love to strangers? Come up with ways to share God’s love with others. Remember, Jesus said, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” Start with these ideas:

  • Secret Angel Helpers — Make an effort to spread love by practicing random acts of kindness. Secretly do nice things for others without expecting recognition.
  • Christmas Lights — Invite a family or friend to drive around to look at Christmas lights. Talk about how Jesus is the light of the world. Share the joy of simple pleasures like family and friend time and beautiful lights.
  • Prayer — Each day or week take the Christmas cards you receive and pray over each family. You might send them a quick note or email to let them know you’ve done so.
  • Christmas All Year — Put holiday cards you receive in a basket. Make a commitment for the new year to weekly pull out one of the cards at random and do something nice for the sender: drop a note along with a child’s drawing, bake, send a flower, call, make a donation in their name. Keep the Christmas love alive!

Weekly Prayer

Holy and loving God, I give you thanks for the gift of Christmas. As I celebrate the coming of our newborn King, I pray that you would forgive me of my sin, bind up my wounds and cast out all my worries and fear. May the life I live this day and every day testify to my belief that Jesus has come to save my life and redeem the entire world. Amen.

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12.03.11 GPS for Families

By on Dec 03, 2011 in Daily Readings, Family

GPS for Families

Use this activity to focus on the true gift of Christmas.

Gather materials for a nativity scene. These can be bought in kits or individual pieces. Read the Christmas story found in Luke 2. Add figures in the scene piece by piece, weekly or daily. Start with the stable, then an empty manger. Add Joseph and Mary outside the stable, and gradually move them closer to symbolize their long journey to Bethlehem. Place the animals in the stable one by one as if all is normal, yet something wonderful is about to happen. Start the shepherds some distance away from the stable. Remember, the shepherds did not know what was happening until the angels told them. Keep the wise men separate and do not move them until Christmas. Their journey did not begin until the star announced Jesus’ birth.

Next, put the angel with Mary and Joseph. Slowly move them to the stable. You might add townspeople to represent the people of Bethlehem and discuss what they might have been thinking and doing. (If your nativity set did not come with townspeople, let the children add their own small dolls, action figures, etc.)

On Christmas morning, place the baby Jesus in the manger. Discuss the excitement of the birth! Place a star over the stable and move the three wise men in closer. Talk about what gifts you might bring to Jesus. End by reminding everyone that Jesus is the greatest gift of all.

Weekly Prayer

Holy and Loving God, I give you thanks for the gift of Christmas. As I celebrate the coming of our newborn King, I pray that you would forgive me of my sin, bind up my wounds, and cast out all my worries and fear. May the life I live this day and every day testify to my belief that Jesus has come to save my life and redeem the entire world. Amen.

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11.26.11 GPS for Families

By on Nov 26, 2011 in Daily Readings, Family

GPS for Families

This Thanksgiving, teach your family to be grateful every day, not just one day a year. Here’s why:

  • Gratitude reminds kids that they did not get here on their own. This reminds them that we all need others, and it helps keep their egos in check.
  • Gratitude helps kids learn to be content. When they are reminded that they do have things to be grateful for, they learn to want less and be content with what they have.
  • Gratitude strengthens relationships. When someone searches and finds reasons to show gratitude for others, it connects them in new ways. And others like to be around people who appreciate them.
  • Gratitude keeps us humble and able to submit to authority. Reminding kids what others have done for them, leads them to humility. When we have humble spirits, we can easily submit to God’s will for our lives.

The more we have, the more we take for granted. Scarcity leads to appreciation of the important things in our lives. Here’s how:

  • Talk to your kids regularly about the things you are grateful for. Start a gratitude journal. Pick a pretty book or journal to leave out on the table, and let all family members draw or write what they are thankful for at any time. You can even let guests add to it as well.
  • Remind your kids that everything comes from God. The air we breathe, the water we drink, the ability to work and play and live all comes from our creator. Not because we deserve them, but because He loves us so much.

Weekly Prayer

Lord, I celebrate your presence in my life and your grace at work in this world. Fill my heart with a sense of gratitude for the gifts you share with me each day. As I offer to you my thanks, enable me, Lord, to see myself as a living sacrifice, ready and willing to serve you and your kingdom in your world. As you have blessed me, Lord, help me this day and every day to be a blessing to others. AMEN.

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11.19.11 GPS for Families

By on Nov 19, 2011 in Daily Readings, Family

GPS for Families

If you have children you have most likely uttered the phrase, “You are supposed to share,” at some point in your parenting. We want them to be giving and kind adults, so we have to teach them to share as children, right? Yes, we do need to teach them the concept of sharing and being generous, but this does not necessarily mean forcing them to share.

Here’s how this works. First, when you share things with others, tell them. You might say, “Mommy loves sharing her ice cream with you,” or “Look how we share our money with others.” This will help them understand what it means to share, and more importantly, you will be modeling generosity. Then when the time comes that they do not want to share their toys with their playmate or sibling, tell them it is okay. The toy is theirs to decide what to do with it. Do not try to make them feel guilty by saying they “should” share or “God would want them to share.” Simply-tell them it is their choice to share or not. You might then find a toy to share yourself with the other child. Those times when they do decide to share, celebrate and let them feel the joy of giving. You might discuss the feelings they had about sharing or not sharing later. Help them understand that God calls us to be generous, and there is great joy in giving and sharing with others.

Weekly Prayer

Almighty God, we want to thank you for the many ways you are generous with us. You provide in great and faithful abundance. You forgive with amazing grace. You walk by our side in gentleness and power. You save us, help us, guide us and fill us with hope. We are grateful. May the spirit of generosity represented by your gift of Jesus Christ be reflected in us. All glory and honor is yours. Amen.

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11.12.11 GPS for Families

By on Nov 12, 2011 in Daily Readings, Family

GPS for Families

We live in a world full of covetousness and immediate gratification. The craze for more money and more stuff surrounds us and consumes most families.

Teach your children contentment by being contented. If you feel like you could use a new home or a new car or a new job and find yourself always looking at homes, cars and jobs that others have, stop yourself each time and thank God for what you do have, even if it seems inadequate. Share your thankfulness out loud with your family. Share with them that you sometimes wish you had more, but you know God will provide all that we need when we need it.

If your children long for more, bigger, better stuff, explain the difference between needs and wants. Tell your children that we already have what we need even though we may want more. Explain that when we look at what others have and wish we had the same, that is called coveting. When we covet something, it can consume all our thoughts and keep us from focusing on our work, school, family, etc. Coveting more can even cause people to steal and commit other crimes to get what they want. To remind ourselves not to covet, we should daily thank God for what we have. We also should give to others (our church, a family in need, a good cause). Remind your children that everything we have comes from God, so when we give to Him, we are only returning what He let us have in the first place.

Weekly Prayer

Almighty God, we want to thank you for the many ways you are generous with us. You provide in great and faithful abundance. You forgive with amazing grace. You walk by our side in gentleness and power. You save us, help us, guide us and fill us with hope. We are grateful. May the spirit of generosity represented by your gift of Jesus Christ be reflected in us. All glory and honor is yours. Amen.

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