This week as I told three parables about lost things (lost sheep, lost coin, and lost son), I was reminded that we have much to be thankful for. We have a God who never gives up.
As those who have found Jesus- or better yet, been found by Him- we can be thankful that we are adopted sons and daughters in the family of our King. All of us at some point or another were the one sheep that He went after. We were all like a lost coin. God did not give up the search. Some of us may have been like the son who ran away, but then after turning to return home, found our Father ready to greet us with open arms.
Luke 19:10- “The Son of Man came to look for the lost and save them.” (NIrV)
My own parable of sorts goes like this…
My sweet grandmother (who passed away a year ago at the age of 96) was my Spiritual mentor. She loved Jesus like no one else I’ve ever known. I watched and listened to her pray. I learned from how she trusted God in the face of tragedy and great heartbreak. As a little girl- probably without being aware of it- I wished and prayed to be like her one day.
That same grandmother did something special for all seven of her grandchildren. On each of our 5th birthdays, she would give us a Bible. The Bibles were leather with gold edged pages, and our names embossed in gold lettering. Every one of us received one- all different colors to match our personalities. (Mine was red and it still resides safely in my nightstand) With the gift of the Bible, she also gave all the girls a gold ring with our birthstone. This was my first piece of real jewelry and I loved it. I wore it every single day without fail. The only time I took it off was at bath and bedtime. This ring was cherished because of who gave it me, not because of any monetary value.
One day when I was around 10 years old, my mom told me to wash my hair. It was long, it was curly, and it was dirty. I decided to wash my hair in the sink instead of getting in the shower. What I didn’t think to do was take off my beloved ring. Two minutes into my wet and soapy hair, the ring slipped off and went down the drain. I immediately turned off the water, and started screaming.
I was a dramatic child, so screaming was not unusual. Even so, the screaming and crying was so intense my daddy came running to see if I had indeed cut off my arm. Between the sobbing and the high pitched storytelling, I’m surprised my dad ever understood what I was saying to him. Once he did, he calmly told me to put a towel on my dripping hair and that he would take care of everything else.
My dad proceeded to take the drain, sink- and even part of the cabinet in the process- apart piece by piece. He was not going to give up looking for my lost ring until he knew without a doubt that it was indeed lost forever. He wouldn’t give up until all hope was lost. I truly believe if my dad could’ve hammered into concrete, he would have done it. Eventually hope was lost and the ring was gone forever.
My dad did not stop looking for a ring until it was clear that all was lost- literally. If my earthly father would do that, then how much more will our heavenly Father keep seeking what is lost? God will not give up on even one sheep until it is clear that all is lost…forever.
If you have family members, friends, co-workers, other soccer parents, or the guy who runs the bar down the street that you’re praying for, keep on praying. If there is someone you’re asking the Lord to keep pursuing, don’t give up. God doesn’t.
This Week’s Announcements:
Mom/Son Game Night: Moms, this is your chance to let that hidden tom-boy come out - or at least show your competitive edge- as you enjoy a night of fun with your son. Come join us for this year’s Mom/Son Game Night- Friday, March 20th, 6:30-8:30pm. Registration is required for planning, and the cost is only $5 per family. Moms of all ages, and boys aged 4years old-5th grade may attend. Register by visiting www.signupgenius.com and searching under penny@stonebridgemarietta.org.
What God is Teaching Us:
This section will have links to the previous Sunday’s lessons. Feel free (I encourage it!) to open, read, and review with your children. Click on the links below to view February lessons.
This link is no longer available
Amazing Things Kids Do and Say…
A picture and note from a child: Ur buttfull an i lov u.
(Buttfull- is that like the song “All About the Bass?”)
I’m hoping they meant beautiful instead!
Monday, February 23, 2015
Monday, February 16, 2015
Teaching our Kids about Sacrifice
This Wednesday is Ash Wednesday and marks the beginning of Lent. Traditionally the 40+ days of Lent is seen as a time of fasting and sacrifice to ready our hearts for Easter. As David has pointed out, fasting is not a magic bullet to get what we want from the Lord, but there is biblical evidence that something positive happens in our prayer lives when we incorporate fasting.
Matthew 6:16-18 says “when you fast…” This is not an “if” but a “when.” It’s not a command, but certainly seems to be an assumption that we will practice this discipline. In an effort to teach our children more and more about what it means to follow Jesus, we should also teach them about the disciplines of our faith.
Sacrifice is not easy for any of us- including kids. Sacrifice simply for the sake of sacrifice may illicit a sense of suffering, but will not necessarily produce fruit in our faith walk. So, how do we teach our kids about sacrifice as it relates to fasting in a way that helps them move forward spiritually?
First- talk about why we fast. Secondly, talk about how time with the Lord in prayer, in the Word, etc. will take the place of what we’ve given up. Third, talk openly with your kids about your own fasting experience. And lastly, encourage each other as a family. As with anything, being “in it” together will only reap more benefit.
As a side note, I stressed a few things to the kids yesterday on this topic:
1. Kids giving up food for a fast is not a great idea. They need food for fuel. They can give up one type of food they crave (like sweets) but not the good stuff like vegetables, etc.
2. Giving up something you spend a lot of time doing/thinking about is an easy way to start the discipline of fasting. (Playing video games, watching TV)
3. Use the time you would normally do that activity to spend time with the Lord (pray, read your Bible, listen and write in a journal)
4. If giving up a sweet, etc. – every time you ‘crave’ that thing, pray instead.
The Lenten season is a special time in our faith. As a church we will focus on Hunger- hunger for the Lord and hunger to see the lost come to know Jesus. I’m praying that practicing the discipline of fasting will be a blessing to your family, and that you’ll see the Lord move in the hearts of your kids in amazing ways.
Our small sacrifices are more than worth the benefits. Good luck and bless you!
This Week’s Announcements:
Baby Dedication Orientation – Monday, February 23rd
If you have (or will have) a child aged 3months-2 years old between now and August, 2015, and would like to publically dedicate him/her to the Lord, this orientation is for you. Parents wishing to participate in a baby dedication for their child at StoneBridge should attend one of our Baby Dedication Orientation sessions. These sessions will be held twice a year. February’s orientation is open to parents who wish to dedicate their baby before our next session in August. Please sign up by emailing me at penny@stonebridgemarietta.org Childcare during the orientation will be provided with reservations. Please reserve your spot by Thursday, February 19th.
What God is Teaching Us:
This section will have links to the previous Sunday’s lessons. Feel free (I encourage it!) to open, read, and review with your children. Click on the links below to view February lessons.
This link is no longer available
Amazing Things Kids Do and Say…
Although I don’t have a funny story this week, I certainly have some amazing ones about our kids.
I’ve heard story after story in the last few weeks about kids having dreams from the Lord, kids sharing testimonies about God talking to them, and kids asking ‘hard’ Spiritual questions. (“How do I know God is talking to me- instead of it just being my thoughts?” “If God loves everyone, does He love Satan too?” “Does everyone go to heaven?”)
Let me encourage you as parents in this way… if your child asks a hard Spiritual question, don’t worry about whether or not they are ready for the answer. If they are asking, then they are ready for the answers. The Lord is stirring something in their hearts, and you don’t want to miss any opportunity to speak Truth into them. The Lord is doing something big in the hearts of our kids. I’m praying for them and for you as their Spiritual leaders.
Matthew 6:16-18 says “when you fast…” This is not an “if” but a “when.” It’s not a command, but certainly seems to be an assumption that we will practice this discipline. In an effort to teach our children more and more about what it means to follow Jesus, we should also teach them about the disciplines of our faith.
Sacrifice is not easy for any of us- including kids. Sacrifice simply for the sake of sacrifice may illicit a sense of suffering, but will not necessarily produce fruit in our faith walk. So, how do we teach our kids about sacrifice as it relates to fasting in a way that helps them move forward spiritually?
First- talk about why we fast. Secondly, talk about how time with the Lord in prayer, in the Word, etc. will take the place of what we’ve given up. Third, talk openly with your kids about your own fasting experience. And lastly, encourage each other as a family. As with anything, being “in it” together will only reap more benefit.
As a side note, I stressed a few things to the kids yesterday on this topic:
1. Kids giving up food for a fast is not a great idea. They need food for fuel. They can give up one type of food they crave (like sweets) but not the good stuff like vegetables, etc.
2. Giving up something you spend a lot of time doing/thinking about is an easy way to start the discipline of fasting. (Playing video games, watching TV)
3. Use the time you would normally do that activity to spend time with the Lord (pray, read your Bible, listen and write in a journal)
4. If giving up a sweet, etc. – every time you ‘crave’ that thing, pray instead.
The Lenten season is a special time in our faith. As a church we will focus on Hunger- hunger for the Lord and hunger to see the lost come to know Jesus. I’m praying that practicing the discipline of fasting will be a blessing to your family, and that you’ll see the Lord move in the hearts of your kids in amazing ways.
Our small sacrifices are more than worth the benefits. Good luck and bless you!
This Week’s Announcements:
Baby Dedication Orientation – Monday, February 23rd
If you have (or will have) a child aged 3months-2 years old between now and August, 2015, and would like to publically dedicate him/her to the Lord, this orientation is for you. Parents wishing to participate in a baby dedication for their child at StoneBridge should attend one of our Baby Dedication Orientation sessions. These sessions will be held twice a year. February’s orientation is open to parents who wish to dedicate their baby before our next session in August. Please sign up by emailing me at penny@stonebridgemarietta.org Childcare during the orientation will be provided with reservations. Please reserve your spot by Thursday, February 19th.
What God is Teaching Us:
This section will have links to the previous Sunday’s lessons. Feel free (I encourage it!) to open, read, and review with your children. Click on the links below to view February lessons.
This link is no longer available
Amazing Things Kids Do and Say…
Although I don’t have a funny story this week, I certainly have some amazing ones about our kids.
I’ve heard story after story in the last few weeks about kids having dreams from the Lord, kids sharing testimonies about God talking to them, and kids asking ‘hard’ Spiritual questions. (“How do I know God is talking to me- instead of it just being my thoughts?” “If God loves everyone, does He love Satan too?” “Does everyone go to heaven?”)
Let me encourage you as parents in this way… if your child asks a hard Spiritual question, don’t worry about whether or not they are ready for the answer. If they are asking, then they are ready for the answers. The Lord is stirring something in their hearts, and you don’t want to miss any opportunity to speak Truth into them. The Lord is doing something big in the hearts of our kids. I’m praying for them and for you as their Spiritual leaders.
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
When Courage is Scary
When asked if they’ve ever been scared, every kid will raise their hand. Some will be so bold as to say that they are scared often, and will name that thing which makes them afraid. As adults- let’s be honest- we believe some of those fears are not only unwarranted, but downright irrational…monkeys under beds, monsters in the closet, dogs that may chase or jump, spiders in the shower. (Okay…that last one is mine and it really happened once- creepy!)
The reality is that whether something seems rational or not, it is real to that person. Who are we to judge what is rational and what is not?
As adults we have fears too…will my kids be “good” kids, will my kids be smart, will by kids have friends, will my kids stay healthy- with or without that debated vaccine…? The list could go on and on, but do you see a pattern? As parents most of our fears are related to things we cannot control.
God calls us to be courageous, but courage is scary. It’s scary to let go of control. It’s scary to trust that someone other than us is looking out for our kids. It’s scary to think about what is best for our kids, all while realizing that the “world” has no interest in doing anything that is best… or even good for them.
So how do we learn to be courageous? I think we look at our kids. Yes, they are afraid of monsters under beds and shadows in their closets, but who do they call on when they are afraid- you, their parents. They call on the one(s) who can comfort their fears and who can show them the truth- that the thing that scares them is nothing to worry about.
I’ve also noticed that kids are much more courageous than we adults when it comes to things they can’t control. Think about it…what can kids REALLY control for themselves? Very little. But do they spend all of their time in fear because of that. No. Why? They trust the one(s) who loves them- who is in control- to take care of everything.
So…how do we become courageous? We call on the One Who can comfort our fears and will show us the Truth. We trust the One Who is in control to take care of everything.
Courage can be scary, but we have a Father who looks under the bed and into our hearts to assure us there is nothing to be afraid of.
Isaiah 41:13 – “For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”
This Week’s Announcements:
Baby Dedication Orientation – Monday, February 23rd
If you have (or will have) a child aged 3months-2 years old between now and August, 2015, and would like to publically dedicate him/her to the Lord, this orientation is for you. Parents wishing to participate in a baby dedication for their child at StoneBridge should attend one of our Baby Dedication Orientation sessions. These sessions will be held twice a year. February’s orientation is open to parents who wish to dedicate their baby before our next session in August. Please sign up by emailing me at penny@stonebridgemarietta.org Childcare during the orientation will be provided with reservations. Please reserve your spot by Thursday, February 19th.
What God is Teaching Us:
This section will have links to the previous Sunday’s lessons. Feel free (I encourage it!) to open, read, and review with your children. Click on the links below to view lessons from this winter’s series on parables.
January lessons: This link is no longer available
February lessons:
This link is no longer available
Funny Things Kids Do and Say…
There are so many great things kids say on any given day. Here is a recent favorite…
Leader: What will you be when you're grown up?
Child: I'm going to be 13.
Leader: What will you do when you're grown-up?
Child: I am going to cut with scissors.
The reality is that whether something seems rational or not, it is real to that person. Who are we to judge what is rational and what is not?
As adults we have fears too…will my kids be “good” kids, will my kids be smart, will by kids have friends, will my kids stay healthy- with or without that debated vaccine…? The list could go on and on, but do you see a pattern? As parents most of our fears are related to things we cannot control.
God calls us to be courageous, but courage is scary. It’s scary to let go of control. It’s scary to trust that someone other than us is looking out for our kids. It’s scary to think about what is best for our kids, all while realizing that the “world” has no interest in doing anything that is best… or even good for them.
So how do we learn to be courageous? I think we look at our kids. Yes, they are afraid of monsters under beds and shadows in their closets, but who do they call on when they are afraid- you, their parents. They call on the one(s) who can comfort their fears and who can show them the truth- that the thing that scares them is nothing to worry about.
I’ve also noticed that kids are much more courageous than we adults when it comes to things they can’t control. Think about it…what can kids REALLY control for themselves? Very little. But do they spend all of their time in fear because of that. No. Why? They trust the one(s) who loves them- who is in control- to take care of everything.
So…how do we become courageous? We call on the One Who can comfort our fears and will show us the Truth. We trust the One Who is in control to take care of everything.
Courage can be scary, but we have a Father who looks under the bed and into our hearts to assure us there is nothing to be afraid of.
Isaiah 41:13 – “For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”
This Week’s Announcements:
Baby Dedication Orientation – Monday, February 23rd
If you have (or will have) a child aged 3months-2 years old between now and August, 2015, and would like to publically dedicate him/her to the Lord, this orientation is for you. Parents wishing to participate in a baby dedication for their child at StoneBridge should attend one of our Baby Dedication Orientation sessions. These sessions will be held twice a year. February’s orientation is open to parents who wish to dedicate their baby before our next session in August. Please sign up by emailing me at penny@stonebridgemarietta.org Childcare during the orientation will be provided with reservations. Please reserve your spot by Thursday, February 19th.
What God is Teaching Us:
This section will have links to the previous Sunday’s lessons. Feel free (I encourage it!) to open, read, and review with your children. Click on the links below to view lessons from this winter’s series on parables.
January lessons: This link is no longer available
February lessons:
This link is no longer available
Funny Things Kids Do and Say…
There are so many great things kids say on any given day. Here is a recent favorite…
Leader: What will you be when you're grown up?
Child: I'm going to be 13.
Leader: What will you do when you're grown-up?
Child: I am going to cut with scissors.
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