Category Archives: Kids Parenting Class

Building Intentional Rhythms

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Do you ever feel like your family calendar is a little out of control? For your kids, there’s school, sports, dance, drama, friends, church, homework, practice, rehearsal, games, events, and so much more. For you, there’s work, home, family, friends, church, plus all of the things I listed for your kids. It can be exhausting for sure!

There has to be a way to help your family develop a healthy pace of life and rhythm that will breathe life into your days instead of draining the life out of you. We have some tips for you. Check out this month’s parent video to hopefully find a few ways to lead your family into a good place as we start the fall.

Email 2

Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still and know that I am God.” It’s an encouragement for us to step away from the craziness of life and take some time to just rest in who God is. As parents, you have the opportunity to lead the way in taking time for God and maybe, just maybe, scaling back on all that you and your family are involved with. You can model to your kids and teens what it means to slow down and rest.

This month’s Ministry to Parents articles and parent video give you some great ideas on how you can lean into a healthier pace of life for yourself and how to encourage your kids to do the same. Click here to see the video and click here to read the articles.

To view the video, click on the link below.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE VIDEO

Don’t forget that we’re here to support you and your family. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Thank you,

[INSERT LEADER’S SIGNATURE HERE]

Video Script

If I asked you, “Are you too busy?” what would you say? Well, I think I know. When I talk to parents and ask “How are you guys doing?” the response I get most often is “Well, we’re busy.” It’s interesting, when people say they’re busy, there is rarely a qualifier on it. It’s not, “Well, we’re good busy” or “We’re bad busy” … although there is sometime a “we’re crazy busy” …

The question I think we need to ask is this: “How busy is too busy?” When it comes to you, personally, how busy is too busy? I went through a season recently where I was way too busy. I got into a spot where I had said “yes” to way too many things, and I could feel it. Now, probably like you, I usually feel like I’m too busy, but this was to another level.

As I found myself in that situation, I could sense that overwhelmed feeling that kind of hovers around you. It was with me all the time. There wasn’t much space to think because I just had to keep doing. There wasn’t much time to breath and just be because I had to keep things going and I had to be productive. I bet you can relate.

I noticed that the overwhelming feeling I had could easily bleed out into my family, into my wife and my kids. The way I was treating and dealing with them could easily drift to a place I didn’t want it to be.

And then, as our kids have grown up, THEY have gotten busier too. The demands on their time go up as they get older, and the activities they are involved with get more serious. There are more and longer practices, there is more and harder homework, there are more social opportunities and, if we’re not careful, our kids will drift into a pace of life that they simply cannot mentally and emotionally sustain. They may be able to put on a mask and get through it for a while, but a crazy busy, unsustainable pace is simply not good for kids and teenagers.

So, when it comes to both you and your kids, when you think about your family, what can you do to maybe slow it down a little bit and build a more sustainable, intentional rhythm to life? Hopefully you have some family traditions that are important, things that both you and your kids look forward to doing together, things that can stay on your calendar. But, I bet there are some things that you can, and maybe you should, say “no” to,

I know it may sound crazy, but what if you, as their parents, helped your kids scale back the things they are involved in? What if, instead of pushing them to do and be involved in more, you led them to do and be involved in less? What would it look like for you to lead them to make wise choices with their time and create some space to rest and just be a kid or a teenager? If they weren’t so busy, would they maybe not feel so much pressure and have some time to just be and grow? Because you know what, that’s what they need.

Psalm 46:10 says this, “Be still and know that I am God.” Do you have time to actually do that? More than just going to church services and events, do you have the space to just mediate and reflect on God and your relationship with him? Do your kids have the time and space to just breath and spend time with God growing in their faith, or are they just way too scheduled and are they crowded to the point that have no time for God?

As you step into a new season this fall, think about, are there some things you can do for yourself as a parent to slow down and just be? Are there things that you can say “no” to in order to say “yes” to some better things? Can you develop an intentional, healthy rhythm for yourself and for your family that will lead you to a more peaceful home, to better relationships, and to a more healthy heart? Can you maybe sit down with your family and make some decisions not just about what you will be involved with, but maybe decide that there are some things you won’t be involved with in the coming months? Will you miss some things … yes. Will you maybe at home a little more … yes. Will you maybe have a little more “down time” than you are uses to … yes? Will it be worth it? That’s a big ole yes! It will be worth it to develop a healthy, sustainable family rhythm that gives you a sense of peace that you maybe haven’t experienced in years. It’ll help your pace. It’ll help your heart. It’ll help your faith. It’ll help your kids. And overall, it will just help your family. Which I know is what you want.

Help Your Kids Connect

Help Your Kids Connect

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Subject Line: Where are you investing?

Dear Parents,

As we begin to see the end of summer and head into a new fall, have you thought much about the importance of being invested in the life of your church? You’ll soon be headed into a new season and how you engage yourself and how you lead your kids to be invested is really important. Check out this short video that we hope will give you some encouragement as you consider some next steps.

To watch the brief video, click the link below.

Thank you for giving us the privilege of partnering with you as you lead your family. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

[INSERT LEADER’S SIGNATURE HERE]

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Subject Line: Help them connect!

Dear Parents,

One of the best things you can do for your kids is to help them make healthy relational connections, and where better to do that than at church? Check out this month’s parent video that will encourage you to encourage your kids to be involved and make the connections they need to grow.

To view the video, click on the link below.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE VIDEO

Don’t forget that we’re here to support you and your family. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Thank you,

[INSERT LEADER’S SIGNATURE HERE]

Video Script

So it’s hot, it’s summer, but hopefully you are having a great season with your kids and your family. Now, I know, most of us still have to work and our responsibilities don’t necessarily go away just because it’s summer. For some of you, the pressure actually goes up because your kids aren’t in school every day and you have to figure out where are they going and how to pay for childcare or summer camp. So, even though summer can be a different schedule and somewhat of a break, it’s still busy for all of us.

For some of you, summer means a decrease in your church involvement – there’s more travel, and there’s rest, and there’s relaxation – you’re just not at church as much as you maybe are during the school year. Maybe your kids are still involved with summer camp and the mission trips, and VBS, but not you so much.

For all of us, fall will be soon approaching, and we have to begin thinking about our rhythm and our level of involvement in church and honestly … our faith in this next season.

Well, as a parent, let me encourage you in a few directions …

I would encourage you to take time this summer to not just rest and recharge, but to maybe reset in YOUR faith. Again, your kids might have a few opportunities through camp or VBS or the mission trip to grow in their faith, so make sure you are doing some things to grow in your faith as well.

Think about the importance of being invested in the ministries that are happening at your church, both for your kids and your teenagers, and for you.

There are so many potential benefits to your kids being involved, and you know many of them hopefully your kids can make connections and build relationships with a few adults who really care about them and will encourage them in their faith. Maybe they are going to build some solid relationships with friends who will be walking in their same direction in their faith. Hopefully your kids and teens are learning more about God and how to walk with him every day, gaining the tools and building the skills that will help them for a lifetime.

So, as you think about being more invested in both your personal faith and in the faith of your kids, remember that you have people at your church who want to partner with you. There are staff and volunteers who have given their life to helping you and your kids. Support them and encourage them as they seek to support and encourage your family.

Be involved – make participating in the life of your church a top priority in YOUR life and your kids’ lives as you head to the fall. Be thinking about how you can build your family schedule and your rhythm around making your faith development and the faith development of your kids a top priority – not just something you give time to on the occasional Sunday.

Begin to talk to your kids about their involvement in the church as the school year approaches, almost making it kind of a given that they are going to be there. And, if that might be a hard sell for your kids, encourage them to give it a try for at least a season

There are so many ways for you to be invested in this life of faith that your family gets to live, and I would encourage you, as you finish out summer and as you head towards the fall, to begin to develop a plan for how you are going to continue to grow in your own faith and how you’re going to lead your kids to where you want them to be.

Raising Sons

Raising Sons: Helping Your Son Find His Pack

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Subject Line: Boys Travel in Packs

Dear Parents,

Did you know that developmentally young boys are more likely to be in a group of friends rather than just focus on one or two friends?

Young boys typically find a group of five to ten friends that share the same interests like sports or video games. When they have the affinity group in common, the boys are able to build friendships that they enjoy for years.

That’s what we’re discussing in this month’s parent video!

To watch the brief video, click the link below.

https://vimeo.com/parentministry/review/663402381/97c0e14989

Thank you for the privilege of partnering with your family. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

[INSERT LEADER’S SIGNATURE HERE]

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Subject Line: You Son Needs His Pack

Dear Parents,

There are generally two paths that boys follow in regards to building friendships. They either find a pack of friends based on a shared affinity or they are more of a loner that doesn’t build significant friendships.

That’s why one of the most important things you can do as a parent is help your son find their pack of friends!

We give some thoughts on how to do that in this month’s parent video.

To view the full video, click on the link below.

https://vimeo.com/parentministry/review/663402381/97c0e14989

As always, I enjoy partnering with your family. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Thank you,

[INSERT LEADER’S SIGNATURE HERE]

VIDEO

SOCIAL MEDIA SWAG

New Parent Video!

Teenage boys typically find their friends through a shared affinity group. This is an important developmental process for the way they build friendships. We discuss this more in this month’s video.

We’re talking in this month’s parent video about how teenage boys find their friends and why it might be important for them to find their pack.

In this month’s video we’re talking about the way boy develop friendships during the teenage years. We think it will help you understand how to support them.

Video Script

Shout out to all the boy parents out there. I hope you’re doing well. Parenting boys is no joke. There’s a lot of unique things about parenting a boy. In this video, we’re going to talk about how to help boys boys develop healthy relationships as they’re heading towards middle

Middle school can sneak up on you if you let it. You can get into all of the cool things that your child is doing for the first time. And as they have that sweet time of parties at school and play Little League sports, you may not really realize that the middle school years are coming. It’s easy to get yourself so stuck in the elementary years you don’t prepare well for the middle school years.

In this video, I want to tell you about those relationships that are going to be coming in the middle school and high school years. Why am I picking on the boys?

Because boys developmentally build friendships and relationships differently than girls. Now I am speaking in general. Your boy may be different. A girl may have these issues as well, but in general, we’re talking about boys developing relationships.

The key point here is we want your son to find a pack of friends. Boys move in packs in middle school. And it’s actually been proven that if we don’t get them in a group or a pack, then what happens is they tend to stay out by themselves. Girls, in contrast, they will get in groups of two or three and are comfortable as they develop relationships. But boys in general will either have a pack or be by themselves. So one of the most strategic things you can do is help your son find a pack before middle school.

Because if they can’t find that pack in middle school, many times, their relational pattern continues through high school. So how do you help your son find a pack? Well, statistics tell us that the best way to help your son find a pack is through shared affinity groups. That means do they like chess? We’ll get them in with a group of boys that like chess.

Do they like video games? Help them find a group of friends and host parties where they can play those video games. Are they an athlete? Get them on a sports team and make sure they’re connected. Whatever it is their affinity, whatever their hobby, whatever they enjoy doing outside of school, help them find connections with other boys in a group before middle school.

It’s so strategic, and obviously it’s not something you can fully control, but it might you something you can influence. And it is a great way to help them find a healthy group of friends as they head into those middle and high school years.

Stress

Stress: Helping Your Kids Deal with Adult Subjects

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Subject Line: Too Soon!

Dear Parents,

Most of us have had the experience of our child asking to see something or do something that they weren’t ready to do. One of our main jobs as parents is to help our kids understand when it’s the right time to experience certain things. A lot of the time, though, your child will want to see or do something before they are ready.

So how do you communicate to them that they’re not ready in a way they can understand?

That’s what we’re discussing in this month’s parent video!

To watch the brief video, click the link below.

https://vimeo.com/parentministry/review/663397692/f704ecebc7

Thank you for the privilege of partnering with your family. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

[INSERT LEADER’S SIGNATURE HERE]

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Subject Line: “Can I Please???”

Dear Parents,

Part of earning your parenting stripes is hearing your child regularly ask to see or do something that they aren’t old enough to do.

This is common and there is a great way to help them understand why it’s not time for them to have that experience.

We give some thoughts on how to navigate that in this month’s parent video.

To view the full video, click on the link below.

https://vimeo.com/parentministry/review/663397692/f704ecebc7

As always, I enjoy partnering with your family. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Thank you,

[INSERT LEADER’S SIGNATURE HERE]

VIDEO

SOCIAL MEDIA SWAG

Your kids often want to watch or do something that they aren’t old enough to do yet. Communicating that to them can sometimes be stressful. We discuss that in this month’s parent video.

How should you communicate to your child that they aren’t ready to see or do something that they really want to do? We’ve got you covered with a quick communication tip in this month’s parent video.

This month’s parent video gives a creative way to communicate to your kid that they aren’t ready to have an adult experience.

Helping your kid understand why they aren’t yet ready for an adult situation is the subject of this month’s parent video.

VIDEO SCRIPT

I love a good quote. And the quote that I’m going to give you in this video is from two of my friends, Dr. Tim and Dr. Tasha LeVert. Yeah, they’re both doctors. That means what they say is smart,

So here we go. This is what they told me. When I talk to them about my boys wanting to do things too soon, like if they’re in third grade and they want to watch a horror movie or if they’re in fourth grade and they’re ready to get on Instagram and they’re asking for all these things too soon. Here’s a way that you can share with them. It’s what they taught me, and I’ll teach it to you today.

You can tell them, “Hey, being a kid is awesome. There’s so many benefits to being a kid. And you don’t have to worry about all the things an adult has to worry about.” See, this is that time, you know, how we all have to do the adulting things that we don’t really love. This is the time to go into detail with your kid about it.

Teach them about mortgages and how much milk costs and gas and all those things that we complain about all the time and let them know one day you’re going to have to deal with this and you’ll be ready. I think you’re going to be a fabulous adult. But for now, enjoy being a kid as long as you can. There’s so many benefits to just being a kid. Enjoy your life as long as you can.

That opportunity for you starts to shorten when you start doing things that adults do. We don’t want to do that. So let’s hold off. In fact, if I were to treat this like a suitcase, I would tell you that right now, the things you’re wanting to do, they’re too heavy for you to carry. “One day you’ll be strong enough to carry them if you want to might not want to, but when you’re ready, you can carry them.

But for now, I’ll carry them for you and you just enjoy being a kid.” This is one way, maybe to redirect that conversation and help them understand that the position they are in life is a good position and they want to enjoy it as long as they can. And it helps. You have to maybe stop hearing from them all the time about all the things that they’re wanting to try when they get older. I hope this helps, and I hope you learn that you are the ones who carry their suitcases.

So carry them well.

Communication

Communication: Helping Kids Navigate Tough Situations

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Subject Line: How does your child let you know they are in trouble?

Dear Parents,

It’s the moments when our children are away from us that we might worry about the most. When they are at school or hanging out at a friend’s house can be fun experiences for them, but stressful for a parent. It’s easy to let your mind get anxious about whether or not they are safe when they aren’t physically around you.

One way to help this situation is to teach your child a way to communicate with you if you need you to come and get them.

We give you a helpful communication tip in this month’s parent video. We hope you enjoy it!

To watch the brief video, click the link below.

https://vimeo.com/parentministry/review/663404185/92b7cc598c

Thank you for the privilege of partnering with your family. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

[INSERT LEADER’S SIGNATURE HERE]

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Subject Line: Helping Your Child Communicate that they are in Trouble

Dear Parents,

Ever since your child was a baby they’ve most likely been calling out for you when they need help.

When they get a little older they will find themselves in environments where you’re not around. So how do they ask for help in the middle of a spend the night party or sports practice?

We give some thoughts on how to navigate that in this month’s parent video.

To view the full video, click on the link below.

https://vimeo.com/parentministry/review/663404185/92b7cc598c

As always, I enjoy partnering with your family. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Thank you,

[INSERT LEADER’S SIGNATURE HERE]

VIDEO

SOCIAL MEDIA SWAG

Your kids might find themselves in trouble but they aren’t sure how to ask you for help. They may need some ideas on how to navigate tough situations. We discuss that in this month’s parent video.

How does your child ask for help in the middle of a spend the night party or sports practice? We’ve got a tip for you in this month’s parent video that will help your child cue you that they need you.

This month’s parent video is out and it’s all about helping your child navigate tough situations.

Helping your child navigate awkward situations and ask for your help when they’re not with you is the subject of this month’s parent video.

VIDEO SCRIPT

Have you ever been in one of those situations when you were a kid where you didn’t know what to do? Maybe somebody puts a video in the recorder and plays something that’s very inappropriate. And as a child, you’re like, I’m not supposed to be here. I’m going to get in so much trouble, but I don’t know how to get out of this situation. Or maybe you’re in the hotel pool and everybody’s acting crazy and all the parents are about to call security and you know, as a kid that you don’t need to be

You need to get out of here, but you don’t know how to get out of the situation. How do we help our kids avoid getting in trouble when they’re in a tough situation ? Well, I’ve got some suggestions for you here’s. Two things.

First of all, give them permission to make you the bad guy. Let them say, “Hey, you know what? If I do this, I’m going to get in a huge amount of trouble with my parents. Aren’t my parents, so blah, blah, blah. I know, right?

But I know they will get on to me. So I need to check on out of here.”

Here’s the second thing, and this has been a really cool hack for us and our family, and I want to share it with you. Give them a secret code that they can use either by text or phone and be able to call you and say, “Hey, did I leave the lights on in my room?” That’s random, but what does that mean? Well, if you hear them say, did I leave the lights on in my room? That means get in the car and come get me now.

You can come up with something that they could text or call that would make no sense to anybody else, but it’s a code between you and them that says I’m in trouble. Help me. I’m in a situation that I don’t know how to get out of. This is past what I can handle. Please, please come and help.

And that is your call. It helps your child so much when they start getting into more social situations apart from you to know that they have not lost their ability to call on you for help. And it will help build trust. When you show up in those moments. So now when you’re in those teenage years and you’re advising them on how to live life, there’s even more trust you see how this all goes together.

Allow them to make you the bad guy to a certain level and then give them a code. These are some tips that can help your child get out of some really tough situations.

Timeline

Timeline: Understanding God’s Story

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Subject Line: Experience God’s Story

Dear Parents,

This month we have a treat for you. In our parent video we’ve laid out God’s story in a creative way. Our hope is that you might share this with your family and enjoy it together. Sometimes it just helps to get the big picture of a story so that the little details can come to life. That’s what we hope will happen for you and your family through this resource.

To watch the brief video, click the link below.

https://vimeo.com/parentministry/review/669241383/518dd9ae7d

Thank you for the privilege of partnering with your family. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

[INSERT LEADER’S SIGNATURE HERE]

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Subject Line: Did you catch the Timeline video?

Dear Parents,

This month we’re sharing a resource for your family that gives them a big picture of God’s story through the timeline. We hope that it’s meaningful to your family and helps all of you grow in your relationship with God.

To view the full video, click on the link below.

https://vimeo.com/parentministry/review/669241383/518dd9ae7d

As always, I enjoy partnering with your family. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Thank you,

[INSERT LEADER’S SIGNATURE HERE]

VIDEO

SOCIAL MEDIA SWAG

We’ve got a treat for you in this month’s parent video. It’s called “Timeline” and it gives you the big picture of God’s story.

We just released the parent video for the month. It’s all about God’s beautiful story. We can’t wait for your family to experience the “Timeline”.

You have a very place in God’s story. We discuss that in this month’s parent video.

This month’s parent video is called the “Timeline”. It lays out God’s story to help you understand where you fit in God’s Story.. Check your inbox for more information.

VIDEO SCRIPT

You might have heard many people refer to the Bible as a number of things. It’s a collection of true stories or It’s God guide for how to live. Yes, it is all those things, but first and foremost, it is a love story. Let me share it with you in story form…

God imagined a world that was bright and blue. He dreamed of green- avocado green, fern green, moss green. Using His creativity, He spoke into existence the skies, the seas, and two souls. He chose to give them each a personal name. The boy is named Adam and the girl, Eve. Although God has many names, He wanted to introduce Himself with His personal name: LORD. He created a safe world for them, where they felt loved and accepted. They never felt pain or sadness.

Their safe place was called the Garden of Eden. It was special here because Adam and Eve did not know about fear, comparison, competition, loneliness, doubt, or death. No one got sick. Ever. They could enjoy Him. He could adore them. They laughed, played, worked, and created together. It was God + Adam + Eve = Greatest Love Story Ever Told.

This world, this God-created, perfect garden of goodness, was their Home. But did you know?!? This world was our Home, too? God created the world for us to enjoy and experience pleasure. But, one day…

…God’s enemy visited Adam and Eve and invited them to a different kind of experience. God’s enemy tried to influence them to focus on what they didn’t have instead of on the good gifts of God. God loved Adam and Eve from the tops of their heads to the bottoms of their toes. They were accepted just as they are, never-ever thirsting or hunting to find love. But when they thought about what they were missing instead of what they had in front of them, they were not happy or content. Was it true, what God’s enemy said? Are we missing out, lacking, and incomplete? If so, what must be done?

Doubt replaced confidence, and it caused them to see the world in a whole new way. They decided something must be done- even if it meant forgetting about all the goodness and pleasure of Home, forgetting about God’s love, and, even if it meant going against God, the kind Creator of their souls.

But did you know?!? They had all they needed. Adam and Eve didn’t see, couldn’t see, or perhaps forgot that the LORD had given them all they will ever need. In the end, the very thing they thought they needed was the thing that caused them to lose it all. They chose to listen to God’s enemy. And so, a break up occurred. Adam and Eve had to leave their home, our home, the garden of goodness.

When they sinned, also known as “going against God’s goodness,” pain, hurt, evil, shame, blame, illness, betrayal, fear, loneliness, comparison, competition, racism, injustice, and much more entered the world. (So much yuk!) As days turned to months and then years, Adam and Eve grew a family so large that people were everywhere! But this new world was filled with evil, so people hurt each other – over and over. The LORD saw this pain and made a decision.

The LORD decided to rescue them with love, so they could experience goodness again. He put a rescue plan in place to chase after them because they were not meant to live under this cloud of darkness. The world was now filled with bullying, shame, blame, illness, and fear.

God started His plan with a man named Abraham, who was called a friend of God. God promised Abraham he would have lots of children, and they would grow into a LARGE family called the Israelites (or Jews). The promise said Abraham would have a family so big that it would be like the stars in the sky. This promise was a BIG promise to give Abraham because he could not have kids- yet. But God kept His promise, and it came true.

He is a Promise-Keeper.

God promised to always be friends with the Israelites- just like He did with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Goodness. His loyalty was on point. He never went back and forth or was two-faced. A little Israelite girl would grow up to become a grandmother, and she saw God keep His promises. Then her granddaughter would grow up to become a grandmother, and she saw God do the same thing. God is not a confusing God, so He gave them directions on how to be in a friendship with Him and each other. When the people made mistakes in that friendship (Everyone does! Whew!), He told them what to do about it, and He called it “the Law.” Then, God told them He was bringing a hero to save them from the evil. This protector would be a part of the Israelite family (just like them!), and they grew excited with hope.

The time finally came when God’s Hero arrived on earth. The hero was God’s own Son, and His name was Jesus. But did you know?!? Jesus was also God! Do you know how ice is just water in a different form? Jesus is God in human form! The Israelites had waited years and years for this Hero, so people were expecting a BIG, GRAND, SUPER-DUPER, HUGE party. But instead, God chose to come down to earth as a human being. He was born in a manger, which is a big box where animals eat! (Ewww!)

God became the very thing He created in the good garden: human. But why? He wanted to show humans that He understood what it was like to be human and live in a world full of hurt, evil, loneliness, betrayal, comparison, and competition. God wants us to know we are not alone because Jesus understands what it’s like to be human. Jesus spent time healing people’s physical pain and hurts of the heart. Like a good doctor, God wants us to know He can care for our wounds from this world.

Jesus lived on earth, keeping all of God’s guidelines (remember “the Law?”) with zero mistakes! No other human has or will be able to do this. It was a miracle! God wants us to know that Jesus met all the “expectations” for friendship with God, so we don’t have to earn it. Jesus taught people how God wants His people to live so they can experience peace, security, laughter, creativity, fun work, and more. God wants us to know His instructions are how we experience the goodness (from the garden) today, right now! (Yay!) But WAIT! You haven’t heard the best part of the rescue plan…

…The most important part of the rescue is that God asked Jesus to pay the cost of Israelites’ mistakes made in their friendship with God. When they went against God’s good and safe instructions, they broke the “law,” so a price needed to be paid. God asked Jesus to cover it, even though Jesus never made a mistake or broke one of God’s guidelines. Jesus chose to pay the price so people could have the choice to be friends with God forever.

This choice wasn’t just for the Israelites, but for everyone, including you and me. He did this so we could be in friendship with God forever- without having to work for it. The cost to pay for sin was very high. It cost Jesus His life. He died in a terrible and painful way to pay the price for sin in the world. He faced death because He wanted us to experience the goodness of God forever. The goodness that existed in the garden with Adam and Eve. The goodness that will exist forever in Heaven.

Three days later, women went to the place where He was buried, but He was not there! (What?!?) Jesus had beaten death and was alive again! He did it! Jesus fought against all the bad, dark, evil stuff in this world, and HE WON! This win gave people an opportunity to enjoy the goodness that was in the garden. Right now. Today. Because of Jesus’ life, death, and return, we have an opportunity to be in a kind, healing, loving relationship, and God gives each of us a choice. He does not force anyone to choose His love. If He did, it would not be real love.

God’s greatest gift is giving people a choice to accept His friend request.

Guess what? People chose! They wanted to experience the same love Adam and Eve had experienced in the Garden, so they put their trust in Jesus. They wanted to know of the good world where God heals ALL, loves BIG and accepts ANYONE. When Adam and Eve doubted God’s love instead of trusting it, they made way for other people to have the same struggle. Boys and girls are all born with the question, Does God love me? And because of what Jesus did, people can answer the question! Does God love me? Yes, Yes, and Yes!!!

People of different skin colors and ages can choose to believe in Jesus and His power- not just the Israelites. It doesn’t matter what they have done or not done. God wants to be with friends with everyone. Once people choose Jesus, He lives inside He gives His new friends help. God sent another form of Himself, called the Holy Spirit, to live within them. Just like water can turn to ice, water can also turn to steam- three different forms of the same thing. God is the Creator, Jesus is the Hero, and the Holy Spirit is the Helper.

Because Jesus pleased God and followed the rules of the “Law,” followers of Jesus enjoy a friendship with God like Adam and Eve! Remember the goodness of the garden? It is now theirs! Yours! (What a love story!) So when we feel hurt, we have instant access to our best friend. We can talk with Him and tell Him how it feels. We can share every thought. We can ask Him to heal our heart’s aches and pains because healing is His special superpower.

When people put their trust in Jesus, they become friends with God. They join a big family called the Church. A long time ago, God asked a few people to write down some of His spoken words. They hand-made copies and sent them to Churches around the world who read it out loud to other Christians. As the Word was read, the Holy Spirit spoke to each individual and the group. He still does this today!

With the invention of the printing press, the Bible was recorded on paper, and copies of the Bible grew fast and wide. With cell phones and apps, people now get the Spoken Word with the swipe of a finger.

For the Church to know how to live this new, good life on earth with Him and others, God gave His Spoken Word, the Bible. Even though He spoke it aloud long ago, He stills speaks it today too! When we trust His love, His instructions become an important guide to understand and live in this world. They become a way to enjoy God’s goodness from the garden today. We can enjoy Him. He can adore us. We can laugh, play, work, and create together. We can ask Him to heal our hurts.

And this is the part of the story where you come in! Did you know God created every human being? Not one person is a mistake! You are a part of God’s Love Story. He thought up the idea of you. Why?!? The same reason He made Adam and Eve. He wants to experience friendship with you where you enjoy Him, and He adores you. You are like two peas in a pod- made for each other. He is sad that pain exists in your world, but He put a plan in place to help and, because of love, you have a choice. You can choose to believe the love story of God and in the power of Jesus to connect you with God forever.

When you do, Jesus is the Hero, and He ties you into a friendship that cannot ever end. Best. Friends. Forever.God wants you to know you are not alone because Jesus understands what it’s like to be human.

Like a good doctor, God wants you to know He can care for your wounds from this world. God wants you to know that Jesus met all the “expectations” for friendship with God, so you don’t have to earn it.

God wants you to know His instructions are how you experience the goodness (from the garden) today, right now!

The final part of God’s rescue plan is so exciting!

Jesus still has one mission left, and it is the final battle with evil.

Like any good love story, there is always an exciting, dramatic end!

Thankfully, we know the ending!

Jesus returns and crushes evil (and the bad guys) once and for all.

He gathers together His Church (the Christians) and sets up God’s Kingdom once and for all.

God creates a new heaven and a new earth. Jesus’ followers will live with peace, safety, joy, and love. There will be no more pain, hurt, illness, shame, blame, bullying, and more.

People who have rejected God and His Love Story will not be able to enjoy this life of safety and security.

Christians who have died will come back to this new life God promised.

Because Jesus beat death, no one will experience death again.

God created the world for us to enjoy and created us to experience friendship with Him. What His enemy stole, God will restore.

The Love Story will be complete.

God + You = Greatest Love Story Ever Told.

Understanding

Confused about the Bible: Understanding Bible’s Big Terms

EMAIL 1

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Subject Line: Big Words in the Bible

Dear Parents,

For little kids that start to read the Bible it can get confusing pretty quickly. The Bible is not laid out like a children’s book, and there are some words that have as many as five syllables that kids just can’t understand without help. In this month’s parent video we’re going to cover two of those words, so you can help your child understand.

To watch the brief video, click the link below.

https://vimeo.com/parentministry/review/651416312/faf287c17d

Thank you for the privilege of partnering with your family. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

[INSERT LEADER’S SIGNATURE HERE]

EMAIL 2

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Subject Line: What is “Justification” and “Sanctification”

Dear Parents,

Have you heard these big words in the Bible, “Justification” and “Sanctification”?

They each have five syllables and they are easy to just gloss over and ignore because they’re hard to understand. If you’re having trouble understanding these words then imagine how your kids must feel!

In this month’s video we’re giving you an easy and understandable definition of these words that you can share with your child.

To view the full video, click on the link below.

https://vimeo.com/parentministry/review/651416312/faf287c17d

As always, I enjoy partnering with your family. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Thank you,

[INSERT LEADER’S SIGNATURE HERE]

VIDEO

SOCIAL MEDIA SWAG

In this month’s parent video we’re helping you break down the big words of the Bible for your child. Justification is one of those five-syllable words that we define for you.

In this month’s parent video we’re helping you break down the big words of the Bible for your child. Sanctification is one of those five-syllable words that we define for you.

If your child is used to reading children’s books, then how are they going to understand the five syllable words that are used in the Bible? We discuss that in this month’s parent video.

This month’s parent video helps you teach your child the meaning of “Justification” and “Sanctification”. Check your inbox for more information.

VIDEO SCRIPT

Confused about the Bible: Understanding Bible’s Big Terms

Sometimes, the Bible can feel like it’s hard to understand. Because God’s word was recorded over a thousand years ago and written in the original languages of Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic, it helps when we have a little study help. Remember the days of Cliff Notes? Your teacher assigns Macbeth, and you’re like, “What in the world is this saying?” Then they hand out the study guide with the summary, and you have this epiphany, “Ah-Ha!”. In today’s video, we’re going to give you a basic “cliff notes” version of two big, 5-syllable words.

The first word is Justification. This 5-syllable word comes from a word meaning “to render innocent, free, to declare one to be just.” It applies to every person who gives their life to Jesus Christ. This term is a legal term and is used by God to bestow, speak, and name the state or condition of his sons and daughters.

The state or condition He declares is that they have met His standards for life.

So, how can this be? How can we have this truth spoken over us when we know we’re flawed, human, and have parts of ourselves covered in shame or guilt? Romans 5:1 states, “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Imagine yourself in a courtroom where God is Judge, you are the defendant, and Jesus is your lawyer. Accusers come to the judge stating lies about you. You’re this or that…but you’re able to stand tall because Jesus represents you, and God looks at them and says, “They’re enough. They’ve met my high and holy standards. They are innocent and not subject to condemnation.” She or he is justified. Powerful.

The second word is Sanctification. This 5-syllable word comes from a word meaning “to make holy, purify, consecrate, set apart.” It applies to every person who has given their life to Jesus Christ. This ongoing process is how the Holy Spirit influences the heart of God’s people as He is making them holy.

In I Thessalonians 5:23-23, it states, “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will do it.” This is why, as the author of The Message paraphrases… roll up your sleeves, get your head in the game, be totally ready to receive the gift that’s coming when Jesus arrives. Don’t lazily slip back into those old grooves of evil, doing just what you feel like doing. You didn’t know any better then; you do now. As obedient children, let yourselves be pulled into a way of life shaped by God’s life, a life energetic and blazing with holiness. God said, “I am holy; you be holy.” The God of peace is sanctifying you day in and day out.

These two words, albeit long with lots of syllables, bring encouragement and hope to those walking in a relationship with Jesus. And I hope this video has brought a little clarity in understanding them better, so you can share this good news with your child, too.

Bible Study

Confused about the Bible: Understanding Bible’s Big Terms

EMAIL 1

Copy/ Paste this email into a browser and send it to parents.

Subject Line: Big Words in the Bible

Dear Parents,

To watch the brief video, click the link below.

https://vimeo.com/parentministry/review/651416312/faf287c17d

Thank you for the privilege of partnering with your family. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

[INSERT LEADER’S SIGNATURE HERE]

EMAIL 2

Copy/ Paste this email into a browser and send it to parents.

Subject Line: What is “Justification” and “Sanctification”

Dear Parents,

Have you heard these big words in the Bible, “Justification” and “Sanctification”?

In this month’s video we’re giving you an easy and understandable definition of these words that you can share with your child.

To view the full video, click on the link below.

https://vimeo.com/parentministry/review/651416312/faf287c17d

As always, I enjoy partnering with your family. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Thank you,

[INSERT LEADER’S SIGNATURE HERE]

VIDEO

SOCIAL MEDIA SWAG

In this month’s parent video we’re helping you break down the big words of the Bible for your child. Justification is one of those five-syllable words that we define for you.

In this month’s parent video we’re helping you break down the big words of the Bible for your child. Sanctification is one of those five-syllable words that we define for you.

If your child is used to reading children’s books, then how are they going to understand the five syllable words that are used in the Bible? We discuss that in this month’s parent video.

This month’s parent video helps you teach your child the meaning of “Justification” and “Sanctification”. Check your inbox for more information.

VIDEO SCRIPT

Confused about the Bible: Understanding Bible’s Big Terms

The state or condition He declares is that they have met His standards for life.

Encouragement

Encouragement: How Can I Encourage My Kids When I’m Tired and Stressed?

EMAIL 1

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Subject Line: Feeling Discouraged?

Dear Parents,

Parenting is not for the faint of heart. It can get busy and overwhelming so fast that it will make your head spin. It’s easy to get discouraged as a parent. On top of all that, we still need to offer words of encouragement to our kids. So how do we encourage our children when we’re feeling discouraged?

In today’s video we’ll learn some ways to build courage into our kids, and maybe in the process we’ll begin to feel encouraged ourselves.

To watch the brief video, click the link below.

https://vimeo.com/parentministry/review/651416087/280c4a91b4

Thank you for the privilege of partnering with your family. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

[INSERT LEADER’S SIGNATURE HERE]

EMAIL 2

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Subject Line: Words Have Power

Dear Parents,

Have you heard the saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.”

That’s simply not true.

Our words can hurt and heal. When it comes to our children, our words weigh more in their hearts than any other human on the planet!

That means we have an incredible opportunity.

Here’s an excerpt from our parenting video this month:

Kindness shows them that even in the midst of their mistakes, you are still delighted with them. The verbal and non-verbal communicates a very powerful message. It sets a beautiful example for them to understand their relationship with God, who delights in them always. For Zephaniah 3:17 states, “The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” So when you use delightful words, even in the midst of disappointment, you mimic the love of God in their life.

To view the full video, click on the link below.

https://vimeo.com/parentministry/review/651416087/280c4a91b4

As always, I enjoy partnering with your family. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Thank you,

[INSERT LEADER’S SIGNATURE HERE]

VIDEO

SOCIAL MEDIA SWAG

Proverbs 16:24 states, “Kind words are like honey — sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.” The word “kind” in this verse means delightful, pleasant. As simple as it may seem, pleasant, kind, and delightful words literally care for the soul of your child.

We just released the parent video for the month. It’s all about how to encourage your child through the words you use with them.

How do we encourage our children when we’re feeling discouraged? We discuss that in this month’s parent video.

This month’s parent video is all about ways to encourage your child. Check your inbox for more information.

VIDEO SCRIPT

Power of Words: How to Use Kind Words to Bless Your Child

 There’s nothing like coming home after a long day’s work to settle in your favorite cozy chair and take a minute for yourself. Or even two. But if you have kids in elementary school, you laugh at the thought of this idea because you know that’s the furthermost thing from the truth. You come home tired to kids who are tired. You had work. They had school, and then there are practices and games. Then there is managing dinner, finalizing the school project, bath, and bedtime routines.

 And while you’re in the thick of parenting night after night, it becomes really easy to bark out commands, keep to routines, and not pay attention to how and what we say. We are amiss to the non-verbal and verbal cues and the messages they send, night after night. So in this video, we give you two tips on the power of words and how they can bless your child.

 First, kind words really do matter. Proverbs 16:24 states, “Kind words are like honey — sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.” The word “kind” in this verse means delightful, pleasant.

 As simple as it may seem, pleasant, kind, and delightful words literally care for the soul of your child. It’s the Please and Thank you’s with a kind tone. “Will you please take your plate to the sink? Thank you, son.” It’s the intentional focus to connect to their world along with correcting and teaching. “I’ve been wondering how your game is going on Minecraft. Built anything lately, because if so, I would sure love to hear about it when you have time.” Sometimes, we think caring for the soul may be expensive, such as buying them the perfect gift, but in actuality, it is the little gift of kind words that feeds their soul.

 When we are running through our nightly routines, the smallest gestures of kindness go a long way in offering gentleness to our children. Your blessing of kindness through words is sweet to the soul and healthy for them.

 Second, kind words, especially after moments of failure, are powerful. Do you know how doctors give the child a sticker or a lollipop after a shot? They are hurting, and a little “happy” seems to help for a brief moment.

 When your child makes a mistake, they can feel sadness, guilt, embarrassment, shame, guilt, and more. They are hurting, and in that vulnerable moment, words, and the non-verbal cues that come with them, are powerful.

 Although kind words may seem to be an insignificant influence, they are actually a very powerful parenting tool.

 You can bless your child’s soul with what and how you speak over them. For kind words are like honey — sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.

Disappointment

Disappointment: How Do I Respond When My Kid Disappoints Me?

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Subject Line: Dealing with Disappointment

Dear Parents,

It’s a subject that we might be afraid to talk about, but when our kids aren’t perfect we sometimes can feel disappointed. As soon as we feel it, we can be tempted to feel shame. How could we ever feel that way about our child?

In today’s video we learn that feeling disappointment is natural, and it says way more about our need to adjust our expectations than our parenting skills.

To watch the brief video, click the link below.

https://vimeo.com/parentministry/review/649305902/344718ef4b

Thank you for the privilege of partnering with your family. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

[INSERT LEADER’S SIGNATURE HERE]

EMAIL 2

Copy/ Paste this email into a browser and send it to parents.

Subject Line: Disappointment is a Call to Action

Dear Parents,

When our child makes a decision that disappoints us, we can quickly feel anger and frustration. That feeling is our heart simply telling us that something needs to change. God uses this to lead us to a positive plan of action if we allow Him to do His work in us.

In our parent video this month, we talk through how to respond to disappointment in a healthy way.

To get started, click on the link below.

https://vimeo.com/parentministry/review/649305902/344718ef4b

As always, I enjoy partnering with your family. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Thank you,

[INSERT LEADER’S SIGNATURE HERE]

VIDEO

SOCIAL MEDIA SWAG

One of the hidden shames that a parent can feel is when they experience disappointment in their kids. It’s not wrong to feel disappointment, and there is a healthy way to respond. We discuss that in this month’s parent video.

We just released the parent video for the month. It’s all about how to respond when we feel disappointed in our kids.

How do we respond when our child makes a decision that we’re not proud of? We discuss that in this month’s parent video.

We offer 3 ways to respond when you feel disappointed in a decision your kid has made. Check your inbox for more information.

VIDEO SCRIPT

Do you know that moment when you see your child make a decision that disappoints you? Maybe you find out they bullied someone or talked back to a teacher. Maybe they failed their first project or used harsh words with their siblings.

Every parent on the planet experiences the feeling of disappointment in their child, one way or another. It’s normal and developmentally appropriate within the parent-child relationship. And when it happens, it’s like that moment when you expected to get a bike for Christmas and got socks. So, the question is: What do you do with disappointment?

First, admit it. As simple as that sounds, sometimes, it is hard to admit we are disappointed in our child for one reason or another. But it’s an important step to take before we interact with our child to give the appropriate consequences needed because if we don’t, we can react rather respond.

Second, acknowledge to yourself that your child is human. Here’s what I mean. When they come into this world, they are adorable little creatures with their cute outfits and smell good lavender lotions. Then they grow out of the diapers, and now they have cute little sayings and give lots of cuddles. How can there be any human error in this precious, little, perfect angel? Well, it only takes a few days on an elementary playground to see the not-so-perfect side come out. And it’s during the elementary years where we see they are human, just like us, and we see our kids aren’t perfect and are in need, too. So when an incident occurs, and you’re disappointed, it’s healthy to acknowledge they are human.

Third, when the time is right, grieve what is needed. This moment is an important part of the process of being able to let go, so you don’t continue to bring it back up. Depending upon the level of disappointment, it may take minutes or months to work through the sadness of what happened. Acceptance looks different for each person, from a solo run on the trail to a quiet afternoon on the golf course to a five-page journal exercise. The goal is to let your mind wrap around the fact that it’s happened, and it’s time to accept it and take the next step.

These three tips: admit, acknowledge, and grieve, may be awkward for the first few times you try it, but over time, it can become a habit that you practice within the relationship to your child. Keeping your heart emotionally healthy will give you the freedom to continue parenting your child spiritually and emotionally AND get you ready as they transition into the teenage years.