Equipping couples and parents, in partnership with churches, to build connected families.
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 →
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:Â [Screams]Â You gave me a heart attack! Baymax:Â [Rubs his hands together]Â 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?"
There is nothing more deflating to a soul than consistent negativity. We need courage to face the simple and complicated decisions of the day. An environment and habit of giving courage and hope fills us up for good. Make the adjustments needed to change your deflating habits. Check out the "Try this" below. How do... Continue Reading →
Enough with the big and complicated words to describe God! Don't get me wrong. We are ever growing into a greater awareness of the "sovereign, omnipotent, omnipresent, transcendent, incarnate, sanctifying God..." Wait, did I just lose you? Jesus told us to become like children. I take that to mean we continually return to what's most... Continue Reading →
Words matter. Meaningful words echoed remain. You want your words to last and to leave an impression. As you engage children, take the time to craft key words you want to remain in their hearts and repeat them.
Watching your child become anxious when he is left with "strangers" is difficult for both you and your child. Yet doing so (as described below) matters for helping your child navigate the difficult world filled with anxiety at every turn. God doesn't want us to be anxious and he wants parents to provide opportunities to trust. Trust... Continue Reading →
My post last week on love is an important foundation to provide for children who make many messes. A loving relationship is crucial for any rules or boundaries put in place. Enforcing rules outside the context of deep caring can lead to deep resentment. Â But rules, nonetheless, matter and are important to understanding how to... Continue Reading →
Pastor Steve is a Children's and Family Pastor. He communicates about parenting, family and children's ministry.
StevenBourque.com 