Equipping couples and parents, in partnership with churches, to build connected families.
Real life-change doesn't happen by accident. Take some time this week to really prepare yourself for your interactions with children. Spend time alone praying "God search my heart and know my thoughts. Read Scripture and consider the age-appropriate words you can use to speak it to children. Get beyond the bare minimum or the accepted... Continue Reading →
Whether you're a parent or a children's ministry volunteer, we all need the joy of community.
For me, I get overwhelmed sometimes when there are too many choices. We have a phrase in our culture when we have a question: “Just Google it.” For wise and discerning people, that can be somewhat helpful. But I need more than a quick tip or a rabbit trail of opinions, I want a guiding... Continue Reading →
Below are five simple action steps for each part of the Family Rhythm cycle. Right relationship: establish core family values. Relationship broken: acknowledge realities and eliminate "sap suckers!"Repercussions: understand life-stage development, then discover and apply relevant and effective training methods.Repentance: model and expect authentic transformation more than just the flippant, "I'm sorry." Restoration: keep a constant view... Continue Reading →
In the Forest of Traps, a boy named Struggle was wandering. The deeper into the forest he went, the darker it became. The vines were thick. The tree trunks were black. The leaves on the trees were dark, broad and menacing. Wet, oozing moss grew up around just about everything. Sunlight was difficult to find.... Continue Reading →
Some honest reality checks for the difficulties of parenting. I can identify. Can you? Wins and Losses | The Actual Pastor.
God spoke to Cain: “Why this tantrum? Why the sulking? If you do well, won’t you be accepted? And if you don’t do well, sin is lying in wait for you, ready to pounce; it’s out to get you, you’ve got to master it.” Genesis 4:7 Our children have many thoughts and feelings that lead to many... Continue Reading →
I've been privileged to get a preview of this brand new book by Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, known for great parenting books based on Biblical and heart-based approaches. Their website is http://www.biblicalparenting.org. You can pre-order the new book anywhere, but here is a link to it at the Canadian Amazon site. Below is my review.... Continue Reading →
Bibles Manga series from Tyndale: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manga_Bible_(series) The Gospel Story Bible: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12988459-the-gospel-story-bible The Jesus Storybook Bible: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/165068.The_Jesus_Storybook_Bible The Beginner's Bible: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/70293.The_Beginner_s_Bible Hands-On Bible (for preschoolers and elementary): http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10543799-my-first-hands-on-bible; http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9804888-hands-on-bible-nlt-children Devotional Books Gather Round the Dinner Fable (by Steven James): http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/580113.Gather_Round_the_Dinner_Fable Thoughts to Make Your Heart Sing: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13700632-thoughts-to-make-your-heart-sing Other Books Videos and stories of famous Christians: https://www.persecution.net/catalogue/index.php?cPath=32&osCsid=8e23c3f4da5e2fa6fdfd996cf9ec298f Dangerous Journey (Pilgrim's Progress): http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29822.Dangerous_Journey Chronicles of Narnia: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11127.The_Chronicles_of_Narnia
Making Faith Part of Everyday Life, Part 1. This article is a thoughtful look at building faith conversations into your daily rhythms and routines. Worth a click!
Pastor Steve is a Children's and Family Pastor. He communicates about parenting, family and children's ministry.
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