spring header new copy
 
April 2013
In This Issue
Ten Reasons Kids Leave the Church
Connecting the Dots
Great Idea for Mother's Day
Fun craft for Mother's Day
Learning from Mothers of the Bible
Ten Reasons Kids Leave the Church

Of all the hats I wear in life, the one I enjoy most may be that of "dad."

 

As much fun as Trent, Troy, and I have together, whether it's camping or just throwing the ball around, not a day goes by that I don't give serious thought to how my wife, Jean, and I are leading them spiritually. In the grand scheme of things, we only a have a short window to help them build a solid biblical foundation before they launch out on their own.

 

If you're a parent, I'm guessing you're well aware of how challenging that can be. Even the statistics bear out the struggle we face. The exact percentages are up for debate, but we know that a significant number of kids walk out the church doors after high school graduation and never return.

 

Continue reading...

Connecting the Dots

By Gwen Smith

 

"But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you." (John 14:26, NIV)

 

Ever since I was young, I've loved connecting dots. In my childhood it was dots with numbers on paper that stranded together to form an object. As I threw my attention to the page and followed the numbered steps, a picture developed. A new creation appeared that brought joy to my little-girl heart.

 

My grown-up dot-connecting challenges are far from a kid's fun sheet. There are daily life dots, like: family dots, faith dots, emotion dots, relationship dots, job dots, parenting dots and decision dots. I continually struggle to make sense of situations and circumstances and I long for a simply numbered life sheet to give me guidance and direction.

 

Do you ever feel that way? Do you ever wonder how to connect the practical instruction of God's Word to your daily choices, challenges and behaviors? Do you struggle to understand how to connect the dots between your questions and God's answers? Between the decisions you need to make and God's wisdom?

 
Continue
Great Idea for Mother's Day-Very Cute and Tasty Tulip Bouquets

 For recipes

Fun craft for Mother's Day- Family Handprint Tree
By naptimedecorator
Other things my change us,
but we start and end with family.


Learning from Mothers of the Bible
Ancient women still speak to us

By Tammy Darling

Despite the passage of time, despite the cultural differences, mothers of the Bible still speak profoundly to us today. All mothers need the timeless wisdom of moms who made a difference and can teach us to do the same.

 

The Bible is replete with narratives of mothers who grappled with many of the same issues we face today. Their stories help us navigate our own, creating a rich tapestry of faith that continues through each successive generation.

 

Eve

Eve, the mother of all, probably is best remembered as being duped by Satan. From Eve we can learn the importance of being aware of the enemy's schemes, his desire to ruin families.

 

When we have important decisions to make, are overwhelmed, or are facing a trial of some sort, that's when the enemy moves in as he did with Eve and says, "Did God really say ...?" When we are most vulnerable, Satan wants us to doubt God's character and his words to us. Don't ever question what God says in his Word. If you begin to doubt, doubt your doubt. Sounds confusing, but it works. Be discerning and stick close to God.

 

Satan approached Eve when she was alone and vulnerable; from this we can learn the importance of staying in community. Join a women's group at church or invite some Christian moms into your home for fellowship.

 

 Continue reading 

Quick Links

Join Our Mailing List