Foundational to our understanding of God is his direct communication with us. God spoke to Adam. He spoke to Abraham. He spoke to Moses. He spoke through the prophets. He loudly speaks through his Son, the Lord, Jesus Christ. He still speaks through his Spirit. Teaching this to children through these real-life stories reminds us... Continue Reading →
Knowing God: 2 Steps and a Metaphor
God takes the first step in making himself known. He creates. He relates. He reveals. He writes. He speaks. He reminds. He loves. We respond to him. We listen. We look. We speak. We receive. We love. Connect this truth to a child’s heart this week. The God of the universe wants to be known... Continue Reading →
God Talk: Awakening Curiosity
Dive into any topic far enough and you’ll get overwhelming feelings. Dive into technical discussions about God and your head will spin! Let’s keep this simple. GOD IS GOD and we are not. When talking about God in your family or with the family of God, don’t turn it into a competition of who knows... Continue Reading →
Kid Talk: Four Ideas for Increased Connection
Speaking with children is a bit of an art. As adults, we spend a lot of time thinking and speaking with our adult vocabulary. Children need simple words, shorter sentences, essential truth and vivid examples. This isn’t too difficult to accomplish, but takes some conscious thought and consistent effort. Just talk. Keep it simple. No... Continue Reading →
Life: Longing for the Way it is Meant to Be
Life is a wonderful gift. From birth to death, every unique individual is on a journey of discovery and a search for meaning and significance. Yet death is a stark reminder that life is all too short…unless…there is an alternate ending. This is the Gospel: Christ came to bring us life. Real life. Forever life.... Continue Reading →
Late Adulthood: Fulfilling Reflection
Late adults (65+) are those who’ve been blessed to live a full life. They’ve entered a time of harvest from all they’ve experienced. They are to be highly honoured and not forgotten. They have much wisdom to offer. But here, despair can set in if regret overwhelms. Before you enter this stage, ask yourself, “Will... Continue Reading →
Middle Adulthood: Leaving Your Mark
Middle adults (40-65) are at a critical juncture. They are realizing the brevity of life and their unique opportunity to build a nurturing and equipping legacy filled with deep meaning. This is not the time to fade out or burn out! You have life experience to share! Fan your desire to contribute to the next... Continue Reading →
Early Adulthood: Avoiding Loneliness
Early adults (18-40) are craving a life enriched with intimate and committed relationships. Yet many are experiencing perpetual loneliness. More than many realize, loneliness contributes to many illnesses and depressive tendencies. This week make a concerted effort to extend friendship to someone in your community. Authentic friendships will do more to change the world than... Continue Reading →
Adolescence: Who Am I?
Teenagers, more than anything, need to grasp firmly who they really are. They are branching out into scary times of increasing independence. A solid family life can provide the reassurance of stable and intimate relationships. How much more does believing, with strong conviction, that they are a loved child of God help them navigate their... Continue Reading →
Middle Childhood: Developing Skills
When adults praise a kid’s…efforts, kids broaden competence. -Reggie Joiner and Kristen Ivy I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. -Paul (Philippians 1:9) Elementary aged children want to master skills. They can be easily crushed with too much harsh criticism, but... Continue Reading →