Equipping couples and parents, in partnership with churches, to build connected families.
Wisdom begins in wonder. -Socrates What do you think about this? -Jesus (Matthew 21:28) A good, well-timed, thoughtful question can turn drab into fab! Here are some qualities of a great, relationship-building question. Open-ended not closed allows for more than one word answers. After asking, allow silence to process. Follow it up with, “Tell... Continue Reading →
I tend to over-plan. Planning is important because running around recklessly is madness. But over-planning or over-thinking can lead to stagnation; it questions, but doesn't move. It can lead to waiting for perfect conditions and parameters and problem-solutions that will never fully form. So today's post is for those of you who feel stuck. I... Continue Reading →
There is nothing like a good story. In children's ministry, stories are king not only for capturing attention, but also for capturing the heart. In parenting, stories will do more to shape character than any lecture you can give. Stories can be personal, made up, read, told, acted out, shared in conversation or rehearsed for... Continue Reading →
In Scripture, children are described as a heritage, a reward, a blessing from God, and lots of kids in the family means lots of blessing! (Psalm 127:3-5, Prov. 23:24) This is the ideal, but what’s real is that children are not always perceived as a blessing. For numerous reasons, parents often struggle to connect with... Continue Reading →
You keep on making me see it’s way beyond me. -Toby Mac Was there no one found to return and to give thanks and praise to God, except this foreigner? -Luke 17:18 Outsiders gain great appreciation when they are accepted to become insiders. In reality, we are all outsiders until God shows grace and we... Continue Reading →
We were created to love. We were created to give. We were created to care. -Sue Miller and Adam Duckworth You will never know fulfillment, deep satisfaction and gratifying joy until you serve. The more you strive to feed your greed, the more you’ll feel your gut in a rut. You’ll remain empty until you... Continue Reading →
The girl ran into the room, met with friends, began to play and the adult was right down there with her. This is the story of great children's ministry volunteers and parents the world over! Teaching children about God's great love doesn't require Disney-esque storytelling prowess. It requires a simple act: get down. Step into their world... Continue Reading →
The other day, I was talking with my kids about the movie Big Hero 6. In it Hiro and Baymax, his mechanical nurse, have the following interaction: [Hiro and Baymax are inside a creepy abandoned warehouse. Baymax sneaks up behind Hiro.] Baymax: Hiro? Hiro: [Screams] You gave me a heart attack! Baymax: [Rubs his hands together] My hands are... Continue Reading →
God gives and gives and gives. Out of gratitude and from a heart of justice, we give. Giving is an act of defiance against depravity. It rises up and says, "I will not tolerate disgrace. I will restore with grace-filled goodness."
Saying you're devoted to something and being devoted to that thing are vastly different things. Deep down, you know the difference. Deep down, I know the difference. The real question is, "Will we care enough to move from saying we're devoted to really being devoted?"
Pastor Steve is a Children's and Family Pastor. He communicates about parenting, family and children's ministry.
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