Christmas Season is Upon Us

I would like to remind everybody that we do have a section on the site that has many articles, devotions, and activities surrounding the Christmas season. There sure to be something for everyone. You can find this section under Holidays -> Christmas.

In addition to the section on our site, we have joined with www.IWillRejoice.net and collaborated on a mini eBook for Advent. We would love to be able to just give the eBook away for free, but we can only do that for five days.

A Journey Through Advent  - It is a brief eBook with four devotions for the four Sundays of Advent plus Christmas. There are a couple activities and resources within it also. The eBook will be FREE November 28 - December 2 on Amazon. Otherwise it will be $.99.

We do ask, if you get the eBook and you like it to please write a review. We know the eBook is short and we would love to extend it so we are looking for lots of feedback for next year! (Also if perhaps our audience would like mini eBooks for other holidays.)

We pray Thanksgiving was a blessed one and that the Christmas Spirit has overtaken you!

To Kill A Mocking Bird

As I was driving along this morning, seemingly fully aware of my surroundings-driving 2 blocks ahead as I have learned, out of nowhere I see this projectile coming at me faster than the speed of light. I had no time to react. There smacked against my windshield as I was driving 55mph on the highway was a mocking bird. Once I got over the initial shock, I started thinking.

What happened was a time capsule reference to a typical Christian walk. We think we are prayed up and have everything in order and then something unexpected and out of the blue happens. How do we react then?  That reaction is the one that is the revealing one. That reaction is the reaction that is the window to our soul, so to speak.

When the unexpected happens do we spin out of control and total our vehicle? Do we remain calm after a brief gasp and keep going know that God has everything in control? Do we pull off on the side of the road freaked out but safe checking everything out and then pray?

Your reaction is being watched by those around you. You are being watched by your spouse, your children, friends, neighbors, and strangers. To many... you are the only Bible they may ever read.

God's Timing, Waiting on the Lord

 It is not always easy to wait. Its like being a kid when your birthday is coming and you know you are going to get presents and you just can not wait to find out what they are. Or maybe, its like being an adult going through a time where you know the Lord has a plan and you are doing everything you know to do but the light at the end of the tunnel seems to still be far away.

It can be hard to wait.

Take to heart the promise given to us in Isaiah 40:31, "They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint." Wow! what a promise.

With a promise like that, it is worth waiting on God's timing. I know when I do not wait on God I feel run down and wore out. And let me tell you, it is hard to be mom when you are wore out. I do not know the trials that you are going through, but I do know that God is always faithful. Get up and do what is required of you and He will meet you.

Be Blessed!

Back To School: Pt 1

As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.~ Daniel 1:17 (KJV)

As we prepare for the new school year we pray that our children are able to be successful in their academic endeavors. We pray that the Lord bless them in knowledge and skill so that learning comes natural for them and that they have wisdom about their choices.

Our obligation as a parent does not stop there. Praying is a start. Then we have to provide a proper environment for our children.

Before school do they receive proper nutrition? Not everybody is Suzy Homemaker, but a nutritious breakfast can be fairly easy. Oatmeal, eggs and toast, low sugar cereal... there is plenty out there. Do what works for your family, just know that breakfast is the meal that wakes up your brain.

After school do they have a homework zone? Some kids need absolutely no distractions when doing their homework while others like to be in the kitchen while mom is preparing dinner. Other kids need to be able to get their energy ran out for about 30-60 minutes before focusing on homework. Every child is different, and that is okay. Set rules for each child and make sure expectations are understood and held to.

This back to school post is focused mostly for those that go to school, but it can also work for homeschoolers also. Nutrition is vital to the child being taught and to the teacher that is teaching. You can not run on an empty stomach. Schooling zones need to be dedicated for boundaries. During class or school time, it is time for education not play even if it is fun and enjoyable.

Does your family cling to a bible verse when it comes to education?
What are some nutritious but fast breakfasts that your family use?
What is special about your homework zone?

Back To School Series: Introduction

August is when we prepare or, for some, when we send our children back to the halls of academia. As our we prepare our children by realigning their sleep schedules and purchasing school supplies and new clothes, do we also take a new focus on their spiritual education?

It is not to suggest that the summer months have created a lax atmosphere completely. The suggestion is to take a new focus.

When kids are in school, from kindergarten all the way through college, they are not only handling the pressures of academics but the pressures of their peers too. For a child raised in a Christian home with Biblical values, there is almost a guarantee that they will experience some bullying. They will be questioned about their beliefs, they will be told they are wrong.

As parents, it is our responsibility not only to teach the Bible to our children, but also to teach the apologetics along with. That is we are to explain the whys and hows. Our children need to understand why we believe what we believe so that they know where we stand. That is one of the greatest gifts that you can give your child is to discuss God and the Bible with them. Our family has enjoyed our discussions because it brings us all closer to God. Even the adults learn in the discussions.

The most important thing that I am teaching my children right now is that regardless what my beliefs are, Jesus has said that the greatest command is to LOVE. We are to LOVE are neighbors. He did not say we had to agree with them. He did not say we had to do the same things as them. Just that we are to Love them. Something to think about isn't it?

We have a dream... are you in it?

There are times in our lives when we get overwhelmed and we think we can do everything on our own and quickly discover that in fact, we can not. Then there are times in our lives that for what ever reason different things take priority regardless if we understand the reason.

With that said.

I am asking you, our readers, our friends, to help us out. It is our utmost desire to relaunch the ParentsForChrist.com website mid-July. We would love to have fresh content in many areas, scheduled columns, giveaways, sponsors, you name it, perhaps even a redesign. The catch is that right this moment we are down to a laptop and a cell phone to work from. We need help from strong Christians that God is directing to us.

If you are led by God to help us, please email parentforchrist(at)gmail(dot)com and in the subject line We Have A Dream. I am putting a filter on my emails for this subject line to alert me.

If you can't help but know of somebody that can, please, send them this way. I have learned that God can bring things about, all we have to do is ask. I am asking. And I am trusting that His people will allow Him to work through them.