Marriage God's Way

My wife, Christin, and I were blessed to celebrate our tenth anniversary on June 6th of this year.  Marriage is the best relationship on this side of heaven outside our relationship with Christ. The purpose of marriage is simply for it to be a reflection of how Christ loved the church and gave himself up for it. In saying this, one of the best things you can give your kids is a biblical, loving marriage. I grew up in a broken home, and I understand first-hand that our God is a God of restoration and relational healing. As a disclaimer, I would say for those struggling marriage is hard, but if it’s destructive hard, seek wise counsel.

Here are a few lessons I have learned in the past ten years:

1.    Marriage Is a Classroom for Unselfishness

We are made to serve, not to be served. God uses marriage for us to become more like Him. Marriage is not intended for our happiness but for Holiness. Anytime I feel frustrated or impatient, I am reminded I cannot do this in my own strength. We have discovered that when we draw closer to God individually, Christin and I actually get closer to each other. Imagine a triangle with your spouse on one side and you on the other and God at the top. The only way to close the distance is moving closer to God.

2.    Marriage Is Mission-Minded

Christin and I made a commitment to “go and make disciples” for a lifetime together. We don’t believe God put us together to sit and soak. Don’t get me wrong. We have a ton of room to grow, but it has been a blast seeing what the Lord has done through a couple of unschooled ordinaries. My first disciples are my wife and children (1 Timothy 5:8), and then we invest our time in other couples and individuals through small group. If you are not in a small group, you need to be! You need others to care and pray for you as you walk your marriage journey.

3.    Joyful Always, Pray Continually,  Give Thanks in All Circumstances

These words are engraved on both of our original wedding rings. 1 Thessalonians 5:8 spoke loudly to us as we were writing our marriage vows. We live in a culture that says marriage is not a commitment. We have an enemy that is waiting to tear our marriage and family apart. God has used this verse to remind us to be joyful always. True joy is found in the Lord, and life is too short to walk through it miserably.

Pray continually - Always depend upon the Lord not our own strength.

Giving thanks in all circumstances - Being grateful is a weapon against entitlement and discontentment.

To close, I will share some practical application. This advice comes from Marriage in Motion, a book written by Dr. John Hobbs, a colleague and friend.

• Pray every day together – pray about your problems.

• Talk for 30 uninterrupted minutes a day - talk through your problems.

• Go on a date twice a month - get away from your problems. 

26 Inexpensive Things to Do with Your Kids this Summer

When the kids are out of school, it can be a bittersweet time for parents. Lots of fun comes with summer, but the kids' boredom can set in quickly. Parents have a great opportunity during the summer to make lasting memories with their kids while keeping the kids entertained at the same time!

We put together some inexpensive ideas for you and your kids to have some fun together this summer!

1. Local Parks & Playgrounds

    Pack a picnic and head out to a local park!

• Carl Miller Park

• Neighborhood Playgrounds

2. Dollar Movies

Did you know that many movie theaters have dollar movie days/mornings?

Regal Cinemas offers $1 movies on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings throughout the summer. Check their website for specific details. Sit back and enjoy a kids' feature in the air conditioning!

3. Hiking

Put on comfy shoes and head out to explore nature. Make sure you pack extra water and snacks!

• Line Creek Nature Area

• Kennesaw Mountain (Civil War history may interest older kids!)

• Chattahoochee Bend State Park

4. Library

Libraries have lots of resources and fun for kids other than just books. Head over to your local library to find out what they have going on during the week. Sometimes they give free classes and read books to the kids!

5. Go Swimming

Find a friend with a pool or visit your neighborhood pool. Maybe there's a lake that you love to go to as well. Make sure to jump in and enjoying splashing and playing with your kids!

• Lake Lanier - There are many areas within Lake Lanier, so don't feel like you just have to go to the main section!

• Lake Martin

• West Point Lake

6. Make Slime

Find out how to make slime and where to buy materials HERE!

7. Sprinklers or Slip n’ Slide

Sprinklers may not sound thrilling to us as adults, but for kids, it’s the best! Running around with the water falling is great and having a slip n’ slide is even better!

8. Ride Bikes

Riding bikes around the neighborhood is fun, but there are also plenty of places to ride bikes in Peachtree City and at Callaway Gardens!

9. Catch Bugs

Buy a little bug catcher or use a jar and let your kids find crickets, ladybugs, caterpillars, and other fun bugs to watch. Magnifying glasses are available at dollar stores to get a really close view!

10. Play Sports

Playing sports is always a fun time during the summer. Grab a ball or frisbee and get outside! Use stools, hula hoops, or other items to make an obstacle course in your yard. Time each other to see who makes it through the fastest!

11. Make S’mores

S’mores by the fire are so yummy, but did you know that you can also make s’mores in the microwave on those rainy days? Click HERE to find out how!

12. Build a Fort - Blankets or Cardboard Boxes

Building a fort is a classic! If you don't have boxes, place a large blanket over the kitchen table, and everyone can crawl inside. Use flashlights and tell stories or read. Don’t miss out on indoor "camping!"

13. Bake Cookies

Baking and decorating cookies is not only fun for the kids, it’s also beneficial for you! 

14. Pick Berries at a Farm

Head over to a local farm and pick some blueberries or strawberries!

• Whitley Farms

• Adams Farms

15. Water Balloons

Let your kids get outside and fill up some water balloons. Have a water balloon war and see who wins! For older kids, use sidewalk chalk to draw targets with points on the driveway and play water balloon "darts."

16. Finger Painting

The good thing about summer is that you can do so much outside. Grab some paint and old clothes and let the kids use their hands to create art. Let your kids paint with inexpensive household items for cool textures (i.e. toothbrushes, hairbrushes, small brooms, or combs).

17. Sidewalk Chalk

The awesome part about sidewalk chalk is that you can draw over and over again. As soon as that chalk washes away, the kids can draw again! Trace each other on the pavement and create your own chalk "selfies!"

18. Bowling

Bowling alleys often provide special discount offers. Check out your local bowling alley’s website to find a day to go!

19. Music

Turn on some music, play dress up, and get to dancing! Everyone loves a good beat.

20. Sno Cones or Popsicles

Buy a shaved ice maker or just some ice trays with popsicle sticks. Put some soda or juice in the ice trays, put in the popsicle sticks, and in just a few hours, you’ll have refreshing popsicles!

21. Bubbles

Who doesn't love bubbles? Head over to Walmart or the Dollar Store to get a couple of different sizes of bubbles and wands!    

22. Water Color Painting

Get outside or set up a painting table for water color painting. A spray bottle filled with water color paint is also a fun way to paint an old bed sheet or tablecloth. 

23. Picnic

Enjoy an outdoor picnic at a local park or even in your backyard! Let the kids make the sandwiches and help pack up the snacks. Have them take their favorite beach towel or blanket to sit on.

24. Make Tie-Dye Clothes

Learn how to make tie-dye clothes HERE!

25. Decorate Cookies or Cupcakes

Pop some cookie dough or cupcake batter into the oven and get the icing ready! Give each child a container of icing and let them spread it on. Get creative with fun toppings such as brownie pieces, sprinkles, Reese's, M&M's, Skittles, or other small candies.

26. Marble Painting

Get an old or cheap container (foil baking pans work great!), some marbles, a piece of blank paper, and paint. Give one to each kid and have them rock the containers back and forth to make the marbles roll through the paint and create art! Click HERE to see how.

Whatever you choose to do this summer, enjoy spending time together and make lots of sweet memories.

The Father's Table

THE TABLE

I grew up in a rather large family. By “rather large” I mean there were 11 kids. Yes, my parents were crazy enough to have 11 children. And yes, they know about birth control. Seriously though, you would think that by the time the fourth child came along (me) that they would have gotten the hint that we were a strong-willed, rowdy bunch of kids. My dad jokes about the fact that they kept going for the perfect child...He said it’s yet to happen.

As our family grew, our dining room table became more and more crowded. As you can imagine, it takes a large table to host 13 individuals every morning at breakfast. At some point my parents realized the need for a larger table. I guess the alternative was to stop having children, but they were still under the illusion that perfection could be achieved so a larger table it was.

It was October, and the plan for us to purchase the new table was to pick up walnuts as a family. So we packed up in the ole 15-passenger and went for it. We’d drive around and Mom would spot a walnut grove or a tree in someone's yard, so we’d stop and ask the property owners if we could pick up their walnuts. I was embarrassed as a kid because it seemed so desperate. But we did it. We picked up 20,000 lbs of hulled walnuts. We worked in the rain, in the heat, in the fun, in the exhaustion. We didn’t stop until walnut season was over. Our hands became stained, our backs hurt, and we never wanted to see another walnut tree again.

Post walnut season the new table was purchased. It was like Christmas morning at our house, excitement all around! The chairs and benches were newly stained, and the table large enough to host everyone with elbow room to spare. It was ours. The Kent family table. And we each had a place at our new table.

​THE NAME

I love going home to my parents’. The rush of childhood memories is imminent as we pull into the drive. Everything from the smell of pancakes and black Folger’s coffee to the crisp breeze in the air takes me back to early mornings, family devotionals, and movies on Sunday nights. It’s a fresh reminder of who I am: a Kent.

Names have the potential to carry weight with them. There’s power and identity in them. Sometimes we stand on the shoulders of the last generation and build. One generation builds into the next, all with the same identity found in the family name. My family name has meaning and purpose to it. It carries with it the identity of a large family, hard workers, creative individuals, and a commitment to others. We have little choice in the imposition others place on us due to our family name. I am a Kent and proud of it. My parents carried the name well.

Here’s the best part about being a Kent though: I belong at my parents’ table. Let that sink in. I always have a place at my parents’ table. I belong there simply because I am their son. They’ve never made me pay for a spot at their table. I naturally belong there because of who I am and knowing whose I am. I am the son of Bob and Jan Kent.

THE MEAL

My mom is an amazing cook! Growing up I never wondered if she was going to burn our dinner, if breakfast would be awful, or if lunch would be fast food. She always had food prepared for us.

Growing up our table hosted many meals; meals my mom would prepare for us and meals we kids would help prepare. Breakfast and dinner we would gather, as a family around the table, and share a meal together. We would talk about the activities of the day while eating what was before us. Some meals were rushed, others would linger on for hours. This was life. This was our family, sitting around the table, eating, talking, singing, reading, praying, crying, sharing news, and speaking of the future.

As an adult, I love what my parents instilled in me. Family is meant to gather and eat together. Sit. Be in the moment. Wait until everyone is finished. Be present and enjoy the food and the company of those around you.

THE FATHER’S TABLE

I believe our Heavenly Father has a table as well. At this table we, who bear His name, have a place. We gather and share a meal together, with the Father at the head sharing His goodness, mercy, grace, love, peace. There is laughter at the table as the dishes are passed. We share about our day, our brothers and sisters encourage us, and the Father wipes our tears. He invites us to gather around and share with Him all that He has prepared for us. We come together because He has invited us, and we are His.

There are no limits as to who is invited or how many may come. It was not built by us. We did nothing to earn a place. We didn’t pay for the table, the meal, or our name. Our Father made the table. Our Father prepared the meal. Our Father made us His children through His son Jesus. We simply accept the invitation and come.

I like to imagine that our corporate gatherings, “Church,” are His table moments for us here on Earth. We gather because He has invited us. “Hey, come share a meal with Me. Come. Sit. Enjoy what I have prepared for you.” He invites us into a conversation with Him.

“How’s life? What’s been going on? How is the job I gave you? How is the family I have placed around you?” You can almost hear Him saying, “Why didn’t you bring them? They have a place here too.”

We gather around the table, but we often sit there acting like there is nothing set before us worth having. We fail to feast on His goodness, mercy, love, and grace. We act like we already have all we need. We pretend He is not even there. We gather. We sit. We endure the hour and fifteen minutes gathered around the table, and we can’t wait to leave and get back to our lives. And the whole time our Father sits there, excited that His children have come to share in what He has prepared for us.

What would our table moments look like if we came with a proper perspective and healthy expectation? I imagine excitement, joy, laughter, wonder, amazement, and transformation. I imagine a heart of service toward our brother or sister in the row, an understanding that all belong here regardless of (insert whatever your bias is), and an excitement to bring anyone and everyone with us! We gather together, as brothers and sisters, and eagerly wait to see what our Father has prepared. Our expectation becomes one of constantly knowing He will show us more of who He is and who we are in His eyes.

Everything changes when we understand we are sitting at the table of our Father; a Father who prepares the absolute best for His children and desires for us to just sit with Him. He never leaves us hungry but always leaves us wanting more. And in the midst of our apathy, He continually says, “I love you. Are you listening? I love you. I love you for no other reason other than I just love you.”

Why Is Marriage So Tough?

Marriage is the most mysterious relationship two human beings will ever know. It can be the most wonderful, exciting, fulfilling, life-giving, meaningful experience a person could ever have. And, it can be the most painful, exhausting, miserable, draining, frustrating experience anyone could imagine. I once heard someone say, “Marriage is the most perfect picture of heaven and hell we will know this side of eternity.” Some might think this is a bit over dramatic, but I agree with it completely.

Why does this particular relationship have such awesome potential for heavenly ecstasy and hellish agony? The answer is at least partially found in the unique covenant that binds the two participants. No other human relationship is defined by the words “till death do us part.”

For instance, when two friends get tired of each other’s company, one or the other can leave. If the friendship continues to deteriorate, it can be dissolved immediately by one or both of the parties. When a person becomes frustrated with a boss or co-worker, he can always tender his resignation. A teacher and her pupil only have to endure each other’s company for so long before the semester mercifully ends. Good Christian people, who find themselves sitting on a pew every week with someone they believe even Jesus wouldn’t like, can always find a new congregation in which to worship. The home of origin is a little more difficult because it lasts longer, but even in family relationships there is a light at the end of the tunnel called high school graduation. Marriage is the only human relationship designed to last forever.       

The binding covenant is not the only factor that makes wedded bliss difficult. Usually the two individuals involved are as different as they can be. Take the two very different genders, male and female, and place them together. Already there is potential for disaster. In most cases this male and female have completely opposite personality types. Seldom have the couple been raised in similar families or taught compatible beliefs. Each person enters into this new relationship with unbelievable and unrealistic expectations that seem completely feasible in his/her own eyes. Neither of them may have had any training in anger management, communication skills or conflict resolution, and most have no experience or understanding when it comes to financial matters. To make it worse, probably in most cases neither of them had very good role models growing up. They may have a limited support system to turn to if things deteriorate. 

One would think that Christian couples, having a common bond in Christ, would find married life easier to navigate. However, most statistics don’t support that conclusion. Being a believer, and even being raised in the church, do not seem to be enough to create a happy, healthy marriage. These Christian couples face the same struggles as those who have not accepted Christ, and their belief system alone does not give them the marital direction that couples so desperately need to survive and thrive. The church, while all along insisting that divorce is wrong, has not done a very good job training couples to live a lifetime together.

Marriages are constantly changing. Like riding a bicycle, it is impossible to just sit still. People are either going forward, or they are going backward. Marriages are either getting better, or they are getting worse. They never remain the same. What are we doing to help our marriages move forward toward what God intends them to be?

A Sweet Celebration

The holiday season can be full of so much excitement, joy, and…food! Growing up my fondest Christmas memories were spent gathered in the kitchen with whisks in hand, the smell of fresh-baked cookies overflowing into every room of the house, and cousins catching up with one another over a cup of hot chocolate at my grandma’s house. No matter what happened from one year to the next, my cousins and I could always count on this tradition.

You see, the act of baking the cookies brought us all together, but it was much more than that. It was the laughs in between; it was the sharing of the baked goods with friends and neighbors; it was the passing of recipes between generations to generation, and it was the overall feeling of being united and at home no matter the distance that separated us throughout the year.

Being a baker and reflecting on Christmas I have always found it interesting that Jesus used bread, a simple and straightforward baked good, to describe Himself. He could have used anything, yet he used bread?!

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.” – John 6:35

It makes sense that Jesus would use something as simple as bread to describe Himself. You see, bread is full of leavening agents - ingredients used to make things rise. As Christ was raised, so are those that believe in Christ. Baked goods have a way of uplifting people’s spirits; they have a way of bringing people together; they have a way of making you feel full and at home. Jesus said, “I am the bread of life…” In Him we are raised to life, in Him we feel that joy, in Him we are complete, and in Him we find our home. THIS is WHO and WHY we celebrate Christmas. 

So whether you are a grade A baker or the best taste-tester, I encourage you to gather with your friends and family, invite your coworkers or neighbors, reach out to someone who may have difficulty finding the joy in the holidays, and partake in the sweet celebration of the birth of our Savior this Christmas! 

Here are some ideas this Christmas season as you gather at the table…

Host a Christmas Cookie Bake!

Invite your friends and family over and bake/decorate Christmas cookies. Even if people do not like to bake, I am sure they love to eat cookies! Plus if you have any extras, Crossroads Church will be collecting baked goods during the Christmas Eve Services.

Deliver Baked Goods!

You may not be too comfortable baking in the kitchen, but did you know Crossroads Church needs volunteers to deliver baked goods to Coweta’s First Responders during Christmas Eve. Who knew that a simple act could be so sweet?! (pun totally intended!)

Share Your Favorite Recipes!

I love seeing people share family recipes and traditions. Between personal preferences, cultural practices/techniques, to simple delights, we can learn so much just through the sharing of food.

From my kitchen to your table, Merry Christmas, my friends!

5 Traditions to Start This Christmas

As a parent, one of the best things about the holidays is the extra time you get to spend with your children. This is also an incredible opportunity for teaching, giving, and memory making. Maybe you already have some Christmas traditions. If not, think about starting some this year or adding some new ones. Below are a few holiday tradition recommendations.

Pick Out A Tree

Many families do this every year. It’s time to chop down a tree, pick one from the tree farm, or put up the artificial tree. Whatever the case, make sure you make it a family affair. Some of the best memories can be created during this time. Also, if you are choosing a live tree do not go for the perfect tree in your eyes, but maybe let the little ones have a say too. Sure they may choose a tree like Charlie Brown would, but that just may turn into the best memory. Those far outlast any tree.

Decorate Together

Now for the decorating. In the past, everything may have been pristine, precise, and looking like it came out of a catalog. However, you guys are parents and the little ones want to hang the ornament pictures they colored in preschool. Maybe you have two trees for this, but, if you can only choose one, choose the tree that tells a story. With each passing year the story of your Christmas tree unfolds with new and emotional pages.

Buy A Gift for Another Family

This is a great opportunity to teach children about giving and generosity. Break away from the commercialism that surrounds much of the holiday and show your children how much joy one can offer to another through selfless giving. There are some great organizations that can help facilitate this like Angel Tree and Operation Christmas Child.

Read The Christmas Story

This is something my family has done every year since I was young. We would gather together, and before unwrapping gifts we take a moment to read the Christmas Story from Luke 2. The reading was usually done by the patriarch of the family. This tradition was passed on to my father, and recently, I was asked to read the story to our family on Christmas morning. Some of my best Christmas memories usually come out of this time. Family members have cried together, shared together, and even broken into a Christmas carol or two.

Eat A Christmas Breakfast Around the Table

In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, especially life during the holiday season, it becomes increasingly difficult to eat a meal together around the table as a family. Why not enjoy some good eggs and bacon together? Add biscuits, sausage gravy, pancakes, and coffee and it becomes a good old southern style morning feast. Do this before or after opening gifts. This one thing I know: Good food has an amazing way of bringing a family together.

So, do something new this Christmas. Start a tradition. If you have Christmas traditions you love, then share them on our Facebook page. We would love to hear them.

12 Days of Serving Others

During the holiday season, we are reminded of what it means to give. Many times, we are encouraged to give financially, give to nonprofits, give gifts…all things that require giving material goods. But what about serving people? Both giving and serving are great ways to help others and make a huge impact, but I think that we forget to do both during this season.

In the midst of a material-focused society, sometimes we forget what it means to serve others in addition to giving to others. Giving to others is a great thing, but in some situations, people need to be served more than they need a gift. To serve someone shows the depth of how much we care for them.

What do you plan on giving to others this holiday season? If you plan on giving to the church, people in need, or even just gifts for the family, I would encourage you to also think of ways that you can serve those same people in addition to the gifts that you give.

A great way for you and your family to focus on serving others this month is to plan an advent calendar for serving during the 12 days leading up to Christmas! This is a great activity to do for everyone! Whether it’s just you, you and your friend or spouse, or you and the whole family, creating a plan for 12 days of serving will help you intentionally care for others this season.

Creating a “12 Days of Serving” Calendar

Brainstorm

Brainstorm and write down some ways that you could serve others. If you’re doing this with a friend, close family member, or your kids, include them in the brainstorming and see what they come up with as well. During this brainstorming process, don’t be too hard on yourself. Think small at first and then write down what you come up with.

Make a List

Try to make it your own, but if you’re having a hard time coming up with ideas, here are a few to help you start thinking:

• Do the dishes for a family member

• Rake the leaves for a neighbor

• Send a note of encouragement to a friend

• Offer to help carry someone’s groceries

• Invite a neighbor over for a meal

Once you’re finished with your list, condense it down to 12 (or however many days you choose to do). Now you can make your advent calendar!

Create Your Calendar

There are many ways that you can make your calendar of serving, so it’s up to you to decide what’s best and most fun for you!

Here are a few ways that I thought of:

• Write each day and serving activity on a notepad and tear the days off of the notepad as you go

• Write each day’s activity on a notecard and hang them in order on a string with a laundry clip

• Write each day’s activity in a notebook and journal about how each serving opportunity goes

• Write your list on a dry erase board and check them off as you go

• Buy or print a calendar to write down and mark off each day

I hope this is a fun and encouraging activity for you and your friends/family this Christmas! Sometimes serving others is scary and takes boldness, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself struggling to take that step. Just remember why you’re doing it and the positive outcome that it may bring in someone’s life. Be bold and share God’s love this holiday season by serving others!

Conversations in a Jar

School is back in session, and it would be difficult to find a family that’s not busy. Work, sports practices, games, rehearsals, lessons, homework, doctor’s appointments, and countless other activities keep our calendars full. Among all of the busyness, I would argue that it would also be difficult to find a family that doesn’t long for closer relationships and connection.

How can we build deeper relationships with our children and spouses in the midst of a hectic schedule? I believe one vital thing we can do is make our family members feel important and valued. We do that by prioritizing time to really listen to each other.

Everyone’s favorite neighbor, Mr. Rogers said, “There’s no person in the whole world like you, and I like you just the way you are.” Every single person wants to feel valued. Even the most introverted person you know needs to be noticed and acknowledged as a valuable creation of God. When I listen, really listen, to someone’s ideas and thoughts, I automatically show that person he or she has value to me.

You say, “All that sounds great, but who has time to listen? All my kids talk about are Fortnite and memes!” Again, I know we’re busy, so I’d like to make it simple. Keep in mind I hesitate to give parenting advice because I’m in the “deep weeds” of parenting myself. However, I found something that has worked to get us talking through the years.

First, we try to have dinner together as a family as many nights a week as possible. Sometimes that’s seven, and sometimes that’s two. Either way, we make an effort to sit down together around the table. Keep in mind, the average family dinner in America lasts 20 to 30 minutes, so we must be intentional about that time.

In order to give each person at the table their time to be heard, we ask a question, and everyone must answer. Other family members must be quiet and listen (no technology!), and no one is allowed to comment negatively on the response. Where do we get the questions? We started with a glass jar filled with strips of paper that I printed from the web. We have since graduated to joke books (take turns reading a few), Would You Rather books (gross but hilarious), and conversation starter cards I bought at a Christian book store. The other night, my youngest asked me to pull out the jar, so we’ve circled back to where we started.

To be honest, we haven’t done this every single time we sit around the dinner table, but we have created a habit to give each person a turn to share. Both of my children tend to “talk over” each other, so it’s been a great way to practice listening skills. By asking random questions, you may also learn things about your children or spouse that you didn’t know.

I encourage you to just give it a try. Grab a notepad, a plastic bowl, or a jar and write down the following questions (or print them). Fold the papers, stick them in the jar, and set it on your table. The next time you have dinner with your family, let someone pull out one question. It’s that easy! Have fun creating questions or searching the internet for new ones when your jar is empty. (I stick the used ones in another jar and “recycle” them for much later. My children’s answers have changed as they’ve gotten older!)

20 Questions to Start Conversations in a Jar

1. What was the worst/best part of your day?

2. If you could have one super power, what would you choose?

3. Who is someone you look up to?

4. If you could only eat one food for a year, what would you eat?

5. If you could be any character in a movie or TV show, who would you be?

6. Which do you like better, the mountains or the beach? Why?

7. Would you rather be really tall like a giant or tiny like a mouse? Why?

8. Would you rather travel to the bottom of the ocean or to space? Why?

9. Share a time you made a good choice with your actions.

10. If you could visit any imaginary place, where would you go? Who would you take with you?

11. Would you rather be really strong or really fast?

12. Do you think your name suits you? If you could change your name, what would you call yourself?

13. What is your favorite exercise?

14. What would you do if you could camp out in your favorite store for one night?

15. Share a time when you were kind to another person. How did it make you feel?

16. What do you think makes someone cool?

17. What three words describe our family?

18. What is your favorite type of weather?

19. What is your favorite toy or keepsake? Why?

20. What is the best vacation or activity we’ve done as a family?

Now go get those conversations started!

Come for a service during Family Weekend for more inspiration on how to connect with your family!

Quality Time During the Summer “Slow-down”

Summer. What does that mean for you?  For some it is a time to rest, getting caught up on that never ending list, and spending quality time with family. Well, at least that is what we all hope for. You know there is something about the summer season when people hope for time to slow down, allow for rest, and things to get reset. Before I became the Elementary Children’s Director at our church, I was a teacher for seven years, and summer was just that, a time for rest while the rest of the year was non-stop. 

Now, I have a glimpse of what working parents deal with during the summer. The pace doesn’t slow down, just the mindset of some people may shift. When I say mindset you know what I am talking about - the vacation mindset, beach mode, I am off. For my family this summer is bringing big changes. We are closing the chapter on being a family of three and starting our new chapter to becoming a family of four. Therefore, this summer I am trying to dedicate quality time with my daughter while I am still a working parent. I don’t have it all figured out, but I do have some key points that are working for us.

Set a Work Schedule and Stick to It

In order to have the quality time that you may want with your children during the summer, you will have to set a work schedule and plan accordingly. Do you have the ability in the summer to work from home on some days? If so, do it! Determine the hours needed to work throughout the week and plan ahead. 

For me, I have set office hours work and then work from home the remainder of the time. For those who may not be able to work from home, you may ask if you can adjust your hours each day for the summer in order to have a little more time at home. Think about this: if you got to work one hour earlier and stayed one hour later four days a week, you would have an extra day. Again if that is an option, try to make it happen. Planning out your schedule is going to ensure that your work will get completed but will also allow for you to focus on family time not during those scheduled hours.  

Be Intentional

Some of you read my first point and probably laughed out loud, “Must be nice to set your own schedule.” This would be where being intentional will come into play. Whether or not you have a schedule set for you or you have some flexibility, being intentional is key. Just like in any situation, being intentional is going to make the plan work for your benefit. Spending quality time with your children this summer must be intentional. Guess what? We all need to tell our time what to do, or it will tell us what to do. In a quick blink, our children are back at school, and we missed out. 

To be intentional means to get off of your phone, close out social media, and be present with your children. Spending intentional quality time with your children doesn’t mean that you need to spend money or be with them every second. Play a board game, play outside in a sprinkler or with water balloons, go to the park, play dress up, make cookies or fruit popsicles together. Allow your children to show you what being young again is like. Being young again brings me to my last point. 

Have Fun!

This is challenging for me. I like to be in control and not let go. I believe it's difficult for most of us adults to use our imaginations and simply have fun. When I think of having fun with my daughter I also think of the mess that will be made. I like order, and, in times of fun, I have to breathe through the mess and find the joy in the moment. 

Seeing my daughter smile and laugh provides me with joy that cannot be explained. Let your children see you smile, let loose, and have fun. Get involved with your children when they play this summer, be a kid again yourself, and truly have fun.  

8 Summer Recipes

One of the best ways to foster community is enjoying a meal together. What better time to come together than summer? Summer nights have a way of bringing people around the table for relaxed conversation and fun. We'd like to help you build community by providing some delicious recipes for your summertime menu.

Whether you're inviting people over, headed to a potluck dinner, or gathering with your small group, we've got some great summer recipes to share!

8 Summer Recipes

1. Pasta Salad

Ingredients: 1 lb. tri-colored spiral pasta, 6TBSP salad seasoning mix, 1 (16 oz) bottle Italian-style salad dressing, 2 cups cherry tomatoes (diced), 1 green bell pepper, 1 red bell pepper, 1/2 yellow bell pepper (all bell peppers diced), 1 (2.5 oz) can black olives (chopped)

"In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta until al dente, rinse under cold water and drain. Whisk together the salad spice mix and Italian dressing. In a salad bowl, combine the pasta, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers and olives. Pour dressing over salad; toss and refrigerate overnight."

2. Chicken Soup

Ingredients: Rotisserie Chicken (take off the bone and chop small), Jar of salsa verde, 2 cans Cannelloni beans drained, 1.5 cups tomatoes cut into bite-sized pieces, 8 cups fat free chicken stock

Put all ingredients into a crockpot and turn on low in the morning. Soup will be ready to serve for dinner. For a quicker option, cook on the stove top for 30 minutes. Squeeze one lime into the soup as it is cooking and slice lime to squeeze into each bowl. Season to taste.

(You may also add chopped avocado, chopped cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream to each bowl when served.)

3. Shrimp Salad Sandwich

Ingredients: 1 pound cooked shrimp (peeled and de-veined), 3 hard-boiled eggs, finely chopped, 3 celery stalks, minced, 1/2 cup mayonnaise, Dash onion salt, salt and pepper, seasoning salt, celery salt, 8 slices your choice bread, toasted, lettuce and tomato slices (optional)

Place shrimp in a food processor and pulse until finely minced. Transfer shrimp to a bowl and add eggs, celery, and mayonnaise; mix well. Add seasonings to taste and stir to combine. Spread additional mayonnaise on both sides of bread. Heap shrimp salad onto bread and then cut sandwiches in half. Serve with lettuce and tomato, if desired.

4. Bacon Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

Ingredients: 2 large chicken breasts, cut into 1 1/2″ – 2″ chunks, salted lightly, 1 1/2 cups of your favorite BBQ sauce, 1 lb bacon, cut into 1″- 1 1/2″ segments, fresh pineapple cut into 2″ chunks

"Combine chicken pieces with 1 cup of the BBQ sauce and marinate for 2-3 hours. (This step can be omitted if you’re pressed for time!) Microwave bacon for 2-5 minutes, depending on the thickness of your bacon and preferred crispiness. Let bacon cool slightly. Using kabob skewers, thread chicken, bacon pieces and pineapple in a pattern. The larger pieces of pineapple are easier to skewer. Fold thin bacon pieces over in half and arrange next to the chicken, being careful to not put the bacon pieces too close to anything else, so that they have space to heat up properly to cook. Grill kabobs until chicken reaches 155-160 degrees F. Slather remaining 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce on kabobs when they’re nearly cooked. Cover loosely with foil and let sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.

5. Grilled Hawaiian Chicken

Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness, 1 cup BBQ sauce (use your favorite!), 1 15-ounce can pineapple slices (including juice), 2 teaspoons soy sauce, 1 teaspoon garlic, ¼ cup oil, fresh cilantro, chopped

"In a bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, juice from the can of pineapple slices, soy sauce, and garlic. Pour half of the mixture into a large resealable bag. Add oil and chicken. Seal bag and chill for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight. Reserve remaining sauce mixture and chill until ready to use.

Grease and preheat grill to medium heat. Remove chicken from bag, discard bag and marinade, and grill chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side or until cooked through. Grill pineapple slices along with the chicken, 2-3 minutes on each side til heated through and just beginning to char.

When chicken is finished cooking, brush with reserved sauce, top with chopped cilantro and serve with grilled pineapple slices."

6. Low Country Boil

Ingredients: 1/2 cup concentrated Louisiana-style shrimp and crab boil seasoning (such as Zatarain's), 4 pounds medium red potatoes, 2 to 3 medium sweet onions, such as Vidalia, peeled and quartered if large, 2 1/2 pounds cured, smoked pork sausage links, cut into 3-inch pieces, 8 ears of corn, cut in half, 4 pounds medium shrimp

"Fill a 7-gallon stockpot halfway with water (or use 2 large pots and divide the ingredients between them). Add the seasoning and bring to a rolling boil. Add the whole potatoes to the pot. Allow the water to return to a boil and cook 5 minutes. Add the onions and sausage. Bring the water back to a boil and cook 15 minutes. Add the corn, bring the water back to a boil and cook 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are done.

Add the shrimp, bring the water back to a boil and cook until the shrimp turn pink, about 3 minutes. Drain through a colander; discard the liquid. Serve on newspaper or a platter."

7. Burgers & Brats

Ingredients: ground beef, salt and pepper, Tony Chacherie's seasoning, Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ sauce, brats (flavor of your choice), Hawaiian roll buns, veggies of your choice

Mix ground beef with Tony Chacherie's seasoning and salt and pepper. Form hamburger patties and put on the grill. Put the brats on the grill as well. When the burgers are almost done, put some BBQ sauce on the patties. While those are grilling, either grill veggies in foil or bake veggies in the oven at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes.

8. Orange Jello Salad

Ingredients: 20 oz crushed pineapple, 9 oz cool whip, 1 large orange jello (or any flavor), 1 cup of nuts, 2 cups of buttermilk

Mix pineapple with jello on stove until hot (don't boil). Let it cool, add in other ingredients, and place in fridge.

 

What are some of YOUR favorite summer recipes? Comment below!

Take advantage of the times that you have to join in community. Don't miss out on the opportunity for time with family, lifelong friendships, and connections. We hope you enjoy your summer! 

How the Church Partners with Parents

Did you know that from the day your child is born until high school graduation you have about 936 weeks? Every week counts. In fact, every day counts. Let's be real, parenting is not for the weak. I remember when my daughter was a few weeks old and wouldn't sleep, and I thought, “This is it?” Don't all parents go through that at some point?

The church is here to partner with you. I mean, not necessarily through the sleepless nights, but we are here to share this journey and help make your spiritual impact the most effective in your child's life. You may be thinking, "How does the church partner with parents?"

First and foremost, you must remember that God is for you. The church, as the bride of Christ, is for you too. The church is modeled after Christ, and we are called to love one another. In order for the church to love on parents, we must partner with parents. Here are a few ways you as a parent can ensure that you and the church are working together.

Be the Model

Jesus is our model. We need to use our model - Jesus, and be the model for our children. Our children are watching us. They see everything that we do, and it sticks with them. If we ask our children to do something that we ourselves are not willing to do, we are not being authentic models.  Jesus is an authentic model, so we need to strive for that too. 

There will be times where we will fail and fall short of the glory of God, but thankfully, we can model forgiveness in those moments. To be honest, modeling forgiveness for my child is humbling. Think about this. You do something wrong, and your child calls you out on it. Yep, that has happened to me more than once. In that moment, I took a deep breath and showed my daughter how to appropriately admit my mistake and asked her, as well as Jesus, for forgiveness.

Be Present

Times have changed since I was a kid. Technology is changing daily; our children can have friends that they have never even met in person! Although technology is allowing us to see the world through a whole new lens, it is also allowing our children to be vulnerable. Be present in the things your children are doing on social media. Know their friends and the people they are talking to.

Our children are also facing stress. I know everyone has stress; however, the stress that our children face is like nothing before. The stress of friends, the stress of fitting in, the stress of doing well at school or extra curricular activities, and the list goes on. The stress kids face needs an outlet. Allow your children to talk to you about what they are experiencing each day and provide them with a safe outlet to share honestly. 

When I say safe, I mean a "no judgement zone." Listen to what they are saying and provide them with the Truth to apply to their situation. You may be asking, "How do I know what to say or do?" The church is here to guide you through this process and help you grow in your knowledge of scripture. Knowing your child’s small group leader is also a great way to get guidance.  

Know Your Child's Small Group Leader

This is a huge part of a successful partnership between parents and the church. Your children’s small group leaders are here for them, but they are also here for you. They want to know you and for you to know them. Feel free to go into the group area and introduce yourself to your child's small group leader!

You may be thinking, “Why is it important to know their small group leader?” Depending on your child’s age, his/her small group leader may be an outlet when he/she is struggling with a situation. If the small group leader knows you, he/she is able to share this information with you to help your child in that time of need. In order for all of the suggestions to truly work together for the greater good of your child, you must be involved at a church.  

Be Involved at Your Church

To be involved doesn’t mean just attend on Sunday and be done after that. No, being involved means getting in a small group of other believers who are experiencing spiritual growth. Another way to be involved in the church is to serve in an area that allows you to use your spiritual gifts. Finding where your spiritual gifts fit is key. For example, personally, I would not be happy serving on our security team. Not because I don’t support it, but I would struggle with confronting others in a possibly negative situation. 

Don’t serve in an area that doesn’t fill your heart with joy. Find the place that fits you. Once you become involved in the church, you will model for your children what you want for them. Remember they are watching you, and it will stick!  

936 weeks will be gone in the blink of an eye. Why waste it? The church is here for you each week and will continue to be. Think about your children right now. What phase are you in? How many weeks are left until graduation? What are you going to do to ensure you have the right partnership to raise them to be a disciple of Jesus? We are here for you! Are you willing to let us partner with you on this journey? 

26 Inexpensive Things to Do with Your Kids This Summer

When the kids are out of school, it can be a bittersweet time for parents. Lots of fun comes with summer, but the kids' boredom can set in quickly. Parents have a great opportunity during the summer to make lasting memories with their kids while keeping the kids entertained at the same time!

We put together some inexpensive ideas for you and your kids to have some fun together this summer! At the bottom of the list, we’ve included a bonus activity so be sure to scroll all the way through!

1. Local Parks & Playgrounds

    Pack a picnic and head out to a local park!

• Carl Miller Park
• Neighborhood Playgrounds

2. Dollar Movies

Did you know that many movie theaters have dollar movie days/mornings?

Regal Cinemas offers $1 movies on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings throughout the summer. Check their website for specific details. Sit back and enjoy a kids' feature in the air conditioning!

3. Hiking

Put on comfy shoes and head out to explore nature. Make sure you pack extra water and snacks!

• Line Creek Nature Area
• Kennesaw Mountain (Civil War history may interest older kids!)
• Chattahoochee Bend State Park

4. Library

Libraries have lots of resources and fun for kids other than just books. Head over to your local library to find out what they have going on during the week. Sometimes they give free classes and read books to the kids!

5. Go Swimming

Find a friend with a pool or visit your neighborhood pool. Maybe there's a lake that you love to go to as well. Make sure to jump in and enjoying splashing and playing with your kids!

• Lake Lanier - There are many areas within Lake Lanier, so don't feel like you just have to go to the main section!
• Lake Martin
• West Point Lake

6. Make Slime

Find out how to make slime and where to buy materials HERE!

7. Sprinklers or Slip n’ Slide

Sprinklers may not sound thrilling to us as adults, but for kids, it’s the best! Running around with the water falling is great and having a slip n’ slide is even better!

8. Ride Bikes

Riding bikes around the neighborhood is fun, but there are also plenty of places to ride bikes in Peachtree City and at Callaway Gardens!

9. Catch Bugs

Buy a little bug catcher or use a jar and let your kids find crickets, ladybugs, caterpillars, and other fun bugs to watch. Magnifying glasses are available at dollar stores to get a really close view!

10. Play Sports

Playing sports is always a fun time during the summer. Grab a ball or frisbee and get outside! Use stools, hula hoops, or other items to make an obstacle course in your yard. Time each other to see who makes it through the fastest!

11. Make S’mores

S’mores by the fire are so yummy, but did you know that you can also make s’mores in the microwave on those rainy days? Click HERE to find out how!

12. Build a Fort - Blankets or Cardboard Boxes

Building a fort is a classic! If you don't have boxes, place a large blanket over the kitchen table, and everyone can crawl inside. Use flashlights and tell stories or read. Don’t miss out on indoor "camping!"

13. Bake Cookies

Baking and decorating cookies is not only fun for the kids, it’s also beneficial for you! 

14. Pick Berries at a Farm

Head over to a local farm and pick some blueberries or strawberries!

• Whitley Farms
• Adams Farms

15. Water Balloons

Let your kids get outside and fill up some water balloons. Have a water balloon war and see who wins! For older kids, use sidewalk chalk to draw targets with points on the driveway and play water balloon "darts."

16. Finger Painting

The good thing about summer is that you can do so much outside. Grab some paint and old clothes and let the kids use their hands to create art. Let your kids paint with inexpensive household items for cool textures (i.e. toothbrushes, hairbrushes, small brooms, or combs).

17. Sidewalk Chalk

The awesome part about sidewalk chalk is that you can draw over and over again. As soon as that chalk washes away, the kids can draw again! Trace each other on the pavement and create your own chalk "selfies!"

18. Bowling

Bowling alleys often provide special discount offers. Check out your local bowling alley’s website to find a day to go!

19. Music

Turn on some music, play dress up, and get to dancing! Everyone loves a good beat.

20. Sno Cones or Popsicles

Buy a shaved ice maker or just some ice trays with popsicle sticks. Put some soda or juice in the ice trays, put in the popsicle sticks, and in just a few hours, you’ll have refreshing popsicles!

21. Bubbles

Who doesn't love bubbles? Head over to Walmart or the Dollar Store to get a couple of different sizes of bubbles and wands!    

22. Water Color Painting

Get outside or set up a painting table for water color painting. A spray bottle filled with water color paint is also a fun way to paint an old bed sheet or tablecloth. 

23. Picnic

Enjoy an outdoor picnic at a local park or even in your backyard! Let the kids make the sandwiches and help pack up the snacks. Have them take their favorite beach towel or blanket to sit on.

24. Make Tie-Dye Clothes

Learn how to make tie-dye clothes HERE!

25. Decorate Cookies or Cupcakes

Pop some cookie dough or cupcake batter into the oven and get the icing ready! Give each child a container of icing and let them spread it on. Get creative with fun toppings such as brownie pieces, sprinkles, Reese's, M&M's, Skittles, or other small candies.

26. Marble Painting

Get an old or cheap container (foil baking pans work great!), some marbles, a piece of blank paper, and paint. Give one to each kid and have them rock the containers back and forth to make the marbles roll through the paint and create art! Click HERE to see how.

BONUS:

Sign up for Summer eXplosion! 

Join us for Summer eXplosion from June 13 - June 15 at our Thomas Crossroads Campus! Each day, we will have activities for rising Kindergarteners - rising 6th Grade from 9:00AM - 12:00PM. 

There will be skits during large group times to learn about the Bible, small group activities where the kids will learn more about Jesus, crafts, fun games outside, and a water day! Your kids will not want to miss out on all of the fun at Summer eXplosion!

Do you have more suggestions?

Let us know by commenting below!

FAMILY Part 2: Awareness

My 4 year old son started playing basketball for his first team sport experience. In the driveway playing by himself, he has pretty impressive shooting, defending, and dribbling skills for his age. However, get him on the court, and it's another story. He struggles to use his skills and pay attention to where the ball is at the same time. Most of the time, he is unaware of what's going on during the game.

Here's the point: Awareness of your role is just as important as having the skills to carry it out. I wonder how many parents are unaware that they are called to be the lead faith trainers in their children’s lives.  

If we are going to raise up a generation of children who transform the world by living out their faith in schools, neighborhoods, work and communities, we must be aware of our call as parents to be the lead faith trainers. It's our job to take the lead in communicating and living out our faith in Jesus Christ.

To start, our effectiveness in this role depends on our personal relationship with Jesus. This is not a job you can hand to your youth pastor or senior pastor. Being the lead faith trainer takes focus and time. Even though this is a huge calling, God will supply all your needs. You have what it takes to be the lead faith trainer of your family.   

Even the busiest parents can be effective by taking advantage of some key moments in each day. These key moments are found in Deuteronomy 6:4-9. In this passage, Moses is speaking to Hebrew families that are about to enter the Promised Land. He knows the land is full of provision, and it will be easy for families to be tempted to depend on their own effort and forget to depend upon The Lord. Below is what God has to say to families of the past, present and future. 

4 “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.[a] 5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. 6 And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. 8 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

Based on this passage, these are 5 practical ideas you as a parent can implement to make the most out of the time you have with your children.  

1. Be the Model

"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might."

As parents, we are to model a life of faith in Jesus Christ. We have all heard "more is taught than caught." It is impossible to give what you don’t have. We are to live in such a way that our children see us relying on the Lord, going to God in prayer, and opening up His Word every single day. This is the most powerful tool in your parenting tool kit. 

2. Take Advantage of Meal Times

"when you sit in your house"

Make mealtimes count. There are few times in a day when technology is off, and everyone is together around the table. Use this time wisely to invest in your children. There are a few things we do at each meal we share together. Try these or come up with your own:

1) We pray and give thanks to God.

2) We catch up on sports and/or school.

3) Everyone shares five things that they are grateful for.

Don’t beat yourself up if you miss meals together occasionally, but do try to gather the family together for a meal at least a couple times a week.

3. Make the Most of Travel Time

"when you walk by the way"

Not many of us walk to work, but most of us drive with our families to school, sports, or other events. I think drive time gives us a unique opportunity to build relationships. Challenge yourself to turn off the radio and listen to your children. Sometimes kids are more open in a car than they are at home. When given the opportunity, make sure to speak God’s Word into the situation or circumstance they may be going through.

4. Waking Up in the Morning

"when you rise"

I believe there is no greater time to instill purpose in your family than in the morning as they rise. Remind them that they are children of God, and He has an awesome plan and purpose for their lives. Remind them that God is bigger than anything they will face that day whether at school or other environments.

5. Before Going to Bed at Night

"when you lie down"

Ending the day well will help set up the next day for success. Each night, my wife, Christin, and I open God’s Word and pray with our children. We always try to relate what we read to their lives. 

Don’t get me wrong, Christin and I mess up at this parenting thing at least once a day, and we are still relatively new parents. My heart here is to encourage even the busiest parents. It is important to spend time with our kids. More than that though, we must understand the role we have as the lead faith trainers and use our time wisely to invest in our children.

Check out FAMILY Part 1 HERE

FAMILY Part 1: Family First or First God?

I have always had a heart to see families succeed. I am a believer that if we are to maximize our potential for Christ, we need to have a strong family that builds each other up and encourages each other in the Lord. I think, across the board, a breakdown in families results in other kinds of evils. To reach this next generation, we must have strong disciple-making families.

I have been blessed to see my grandparents married for over 65 years and other Godly mentors that make marriage and family a priority. I am writing this to share some of the things that my wife, Christin, and I do to that makes a difference in our family. My wife and I me up with an acrostic for FAMILY that will develop this concept.

F - First God

Today I will start with F- First God. This is nothing new. It comes from one of my favorite verses in the Bible: Matthew 6:33, “Seek first the kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well.” One of our common mistakes is to put family first. I believe God is telling us to seek Him first and do everything else, including family, out of the overflow of our relationship with Christ. 

Please don’t get me wrong. I am a firm believer in the importance of family. I stick by the scripture 1 Timothy 5:8, “If anyone doesn’t provide for his relatives and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” Those are strong words given to us by our Lord. Families and children have always been close to the heart of the Lord. If you have a chance, look at the words God gave Moses to tell Hebrew families before going into the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 6:4-9).  

Christin and I are busy a lot like the rest of you with jobs, four children, sports…and I could go on. So I don’t want to say this without leaving some practical steps that we do to make First God happen in our family.

Model the Life of Christ

We must be the ones that model God first in all that we do for it to stick with our kids. The first thing my wife and I do when we wake up every morning is set aside 30 minutes to an hour spending one-on-one time with God. We make Church and Small Group (environments of spiritual growth) a priority. Children see these things. A lot more is caught than taught, and children can spot a fake.  

Mission-Minded Family

If we are not involved in making disciples, we are missing our true calling in Christ. I view my wife and kids as my number one disciples. Christin and I both are the lead faith trainers of our children.     

Ask Tough Questions

We continuously ask ourselves tough questions. How is your time with God? How are we serving each other, our children, and others? Are we leading with zeal and enthusiasm? Am I putting anything before the Lord? Am I being spirit-controlled or self-controlled? These are just some of the questions. Often it is not the question itself, but the conversation that sharpens us.  

Pray

I ask the Lord if I put anything before Him. Some common things that compete with God are phones, money, kids, education, relationships and hobbies. Pray through these things. God is faithful. He will reveal if you are putting anything before Him if you humbly ask. 

Could you imagine what would happen if we became disciple-making families that put God first? I know neighborhoods and entire communities would be changed. Do not underestimate what God can do through your family if you put Him first. He used 12 to change the world.

To put Family First you have to put God First.

Check out Justin’s next post to read FAMILY (Part 2).

"It Takes a Village"...No, REALLY

Have you ever heard the saying, “It takes a village to raise a child?” Wow, how true is that statement? Let me ask you this: Where is your village? Who is in your village? Do you lean on your village for support? I believe that Jesus wants our villages to be the church!

Jesus wants our villages to be the church! 

Think about this, the church should be the place where you can go when you have parenting questions. The place with the door open with welcoming faces and willingness to pray for your children and, of course, you as a parent. How do we do this? Through a partnership. We don’t want you to walk the parenting journey alone. We want to join you as you guide your child to know Jesus and then continue to grow in his/her spiritual walk. 

You may be thinking, “Well ok, how do I accomplish this?” No worries, I have a few helpful steps. Oh and, of course, some ways I implement this with my daughter.

1. Attend Church

The first step is attending church. Seriously, go to church! Do you ever get into your car on Sunday morning, look at the clock and say, “Whew! We will actually be on time today!” Or for some that may be a rare occurrence, and they can count it a miracle if they get there before worship ends. In all seriousness, church has to be a priority. Allow your kids to attend Reel Kids or another growing children’s ministry and experience church on their level! At the same time, attend corporate worship for yourself.  Your spiritual growth and theirs depends on this.

2. Don't Stop After Sunday Afternoon

Secondly, don't stop after Sunday afternoon. A lot of us go to church on Sunday, then Sunday evening rolls around. We eat Sunday dinner as a family, pray as a family and may even do a devotional as a family. After Sunday, the rush comes in full force. We get busy with work, school, practices and performances, and we lose sight. Now, some of us may have a small group or mid-week church activities at some point during the week, so we get a little church during that time.

We tell ourselves, “Take a deep breath you made it to mid-week!” The struggle is real. There have been nights where my daughter will finally fall asleep...I mean the bedtime routine is something fierce!  And I will look at my husband, shocked and say, “We didn’t read a Bible story!” Defeated in that moment, I think, “Should I wake her?” and then laugh,“No! Are you crazy?” 

Yes, we should strive daily to do better guiding our child’s spiritual journey. But, we can’t forget that we are human, and we will fall short daily. God gives us grace and mercy every second, and sometimes we need to extend it to ourselves. This is not a free pass. If bedtime is rough like it is at my house, choose a better time for your family to do a Bible reading or devotional. Why not try a time that will work?

3. Be a Model

Thirdly, be a model! Your children need to see you grow! Invest in your personal time with the Lord! Prioritize your daily God time, worship and prayer. Personally, I think it is valuable for your children to see this growth being modeled. Allow them to hear you reading the Word, praying and worshiping our Lord. You may even occasionally invite them in to participate with you during your time with the Lord. At other times find a location with little to no distractions where you can dig into the Word, cry out in prayer and rejoice in song. Magnify the Lord every day, even if the only non-distracting location is your closet. In order to grow in your relationship with the Lord, you must seek Him daily. Make this time a daily priority. Mark it on your calendar if necessary.  

4. Pray!

Lastly, pray! Pray for your children, pray for your parenting, and pray for your family.  Scripture tells us to pray without ceasing. Jesus modeled prayer, privately and corporately. If Jesus took the time to model prayer to the disciples, He wants us to take the time to model this as well. 

Through prayer you are able to talk to the Lord. When I pray individually or with my family I use the PRAY acronym.

P - Praise the Lord, magnify Him. 

R - Repent if needed confess and gain wisdom to change.

A - Ask for needs to be met.

Y - Yield to God’s will.  

There will be days when you fail, and there will be days when you win. TAKE THE WIN!! Don’t focus on the struggle, focus on the WIN. Lean on the church as your village and allow us to help you grow.

Looking for more inspiration on

how to lead your family?

Check out Justin Goode's article, 

"Family First or First God?"