tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-188093142024-03-14T06:12:04.531-05:00Escaping This World1 Chronicles 16:11 - Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his presence continually!
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Psalms 105:4 - Seek the LORD, and his strength: seek his face evermore.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09439390284919491140noreply@blogger.comBlogger142125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18809314.post-25695392097456122262015-01-01T00:30:00.000-06:002015-01-01T00:30:00.048-06:00Regroup and focus, persevere.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgxvlI9cUvDkgytya7YTzE_V_qyuB7lcyeTSFlapt8wY2EBh53QzZlSETOL-ozkGQwVFn9_KwFf8UGMy_Ugxf3tKW9XkEP3eyzJkRLu5RQUsuzT6V1pR1r1NNu7svSTZ-MKcQIDw/s1600/PHILIPPIANS+3-13-14.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgxvlI9cUvDkgytya7YTzE_V_qyuB7lcyeTSFlapt8wY2EBh53QzZlSETOL-ozkGQwVFn9_KwFf8UGMy_Ugxf3tKW9XkEP3eyzJkRLu5RQUsuzT6V1pR1r1NNu7svSTZ-MKcQIDw/s1600/PHILIPPIANS+3-13-14.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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As we ring in the New Year, so many people have resolutions
and goals and the like. There is nothing wrong with that. <o:p></o:p></div>
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We are seeking the Lord in the New Year and putting our past
behind us. Reaching for a better
relationship with the Lord and persevering to better understanding.<o:p></o:p></div>
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As parents, we seek to grow closer to the Lord than ever so
that our children see God when they look at us. The need feels overwhelming now
more than ever. It has always been our intention to raise our family for Christ
but there are those moments when we have been lax and not as focused as we
should have been. <o:p></o:p></div>
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It is time to focus.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It is time to but the past behind us.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It is time to persevere.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Will you join us as we focus to BE parents for Christ?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Oh Father,<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>Forgive us for not
giving all of us to you.<br />Forgive us for not always seeking your heart Lord.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>Teach us Father to
train our children and focus on you.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>Thank you Lord for
your new mercies every morning.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>Guard our minds and
our hearts Lord.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>In Jesus name, Amen.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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What is your family's resolution or goal for the new year?</div>
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Does your family have a traditions or intentional things that they do to encourage spiritual growth in your home?</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09439390284919491140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18809314.post-31632076225632537672014-01-13T11:37:00.003-06:002014-01-13T11:37:53.320-06:00Focus on what is importantOften as a family it is easy to get distracted from the main goal. The same is true as an individual.<br />
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Our kids like to imitate the dogs from UP and cry out "Squirrel!" when something has caught their attention and taken it away from that which they are suppose to be focused on. (Of course, they also do it when they see squirrels.)<br />
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Thinking about how our children joke around about attention span and intentionally distract themselves, I started thinking about what we do in regard to God. Typically, one of the New Year resolutions or goals in a church going home is to get closer to God or to read the Bible everyday. How often do we fail those goals?<br />
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It generally takes 21 days to create a habit. In my personal journey, I have noticed this is true except for in one area. The area that the habit is not created is my walk with God. Our relationship requires daily work or it will decay and become weak. We can read the Bible and study everyday for three months but then miss it one day and it is very difficult to get back in the habit.<br />
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So we have to refocus. Do everything we can to prevent that one day from happening.<br />
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<u>Set a schedule.</u> Everyday at <i>X</i> time, the family will sit down together and read the Bible. Go ahead now and plan what to do if Johnny or Jenny is not home for whatever reason. We have decided that no matter what, we will read with whoever is home.<br />
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<u>Focus on what is important.</u> Is your goal to read through the Bible in a year, or is it to have a family devotion where there is discussion and interaction. Devotions can be tricky for families with little ones, but getting into the habit now is beneficial.<br />
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<u>Choices.</u><i> </i>Ultimately, as the parent you are responsible for leading your family to a Christ-centered life. This is a huge responsibility, but not an impossible one. In your prayer time be honest with God and ask for help in drawing your family to Him. Make the choice to trust in God and not rely on yourself.<br />
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It is not the end of the world if you miss a few days, just start back where you left off and hold each other accountable. Focus on God and draw near to Him.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09439390284919491140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18809314.post-38007268289560129712014-01-01T18:57:00.000-06:002014-01-01T18:57:36.444-06:00New Year, New Goals<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">The
common tradition on January 1 is to set resolutions that may or may not be
possible for individuals and families. We invite you to rethink your resolutions,
goals, and aspirations.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">Who
says that your goals have to be year-long? Have you thought about having
month-long goals?</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Often
the reason we fail when it comes to our long-range goals is because they are
too big. The way to correct that problem is to make the goal smaller. If the
goal is smaller it is more manageable and easier to complete, making you more
likely to succeed and go on to the next goal.</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">If
your goal is to get your family to read the bible every night together, then
perhaps reading a chapter in the book of Proverbs everyday would be a good
starting point. The accountability is there since there are 31 chapters and the
book of Proverbs is a wealth of information when it comes to the pressures of
life. Once the habit of sitting down and reading together is established, more
can be added.</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">If
your goal is for your family to be healthier in the New Year, start one day at
a time. Decide how you are going to address getting healthy in your eating
habits and take one step at a time. Then also introduce exercise. Family walks
in the evening after dinner is great bonding time.</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">By
having monthly goals they are more attainable, but there is an additional
advantage of the family staying on the same page throughout the year and
staying focused.</span><i><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></i></span><br />
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<i style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I can do all
things through Christ who strengthens me.</span></i></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">Philippians</span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;"> 4:13 </span></div>
</span><br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09439390284919491140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18809314.post-39237942419710350272013-06-13T10:30:00.000-05:002013-06-13T10:34:12.002-05:00Superbook: Once was old is now new<br />
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Back in the early 80s there was this animated show called
Superbook that CBN had that was about two kids and a robot going back in time
to the Bible era and living through the moment to learn the biblical truth. The
biblical truth would be tied into what the children were doing in everyday life
as to emphasize the message.</div>
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I remember making sure to watch Superbook every week, I
loved it so. That and I was also fascinated in the aspects of time travel.</div>
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Well, the folks at CBN have realized that after 30 years
there is still, and perhaps more of, a market for families that like this type
of show. So, they have had Superbook redone. The stories have been updated to
include more detail and the graphics are modernized to the CGI.</div>
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Our family was introduced to the new series because Nana
started buying them and sharing them with us a couple of months ago. The kids
love the show and they really are drawn in. We appreciate that we have an extra
outlet for the kids to get biblical truths in their daily diet.</div>
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Your family can get introduced this coming Saturday, June 15<sup>th</sup>
in select markets in the United States. Please check <a href="http://www.cbn.com/superbook/broadcast/?cpid=sbcbs201306community1" target="_blank">HERE</a> for your<a href="http://www.cbn.com/superbook/broadcast/?cpid=sbcbs201306community1" target="_blank"> local listings</a>.</div>
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<i>I have in no way been compensated for this article by CBN or it's affiliates in order to post this. I have written this post simply as a resource for Christian parents knowledge of an available tool to use for their children.</i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09439390284919491140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18809314.post-42294960108485264292013-05-03T13:22:00.000-05:002013-05-03T13:30:25.213-05:00Why Trying Too Hard to Lead Your Family Doesn't Work … and what Jesus says about it<i style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Guest Post from Tricia Goyer, co-author of <a href="http://amzn.to/VlR4pQ" target="_blank">Lead Your Family Like Jesus</a></span></i><br />
<i style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">.</span></i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFEVhHvq5iQbk1HNtWfcMUe6ZD48L9gakYuRUJOeHMSOVRkS3qj0g1bsr5pLZK77QxrntTxQ8pLIoiSpl6kSgulBltDbJZym6lbVap82q4K4yrilsbAp21FsQBxmVY5WRycUqr3g/s1600/Trying+Too+Hard+Photo+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFEVhHvq5iQbk1HNtWfcMUe6ZD48L9gakYuRUJOeHMSOVRkS3qj0g1bsr5pLZK77QxrntTxQ8pLIoiSpl6kSgulBltDbJZym6lbVap82q4K4yrilsbAp21FsQBxmVY5WRycUqr3g/s400/Trying+Too+Hard+Photo+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i style="line-height: 200%;">Other things may
change us, but we start and end with the family.</i></div>
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<i>~Anthony Brandt<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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Even though
John and I had no guide for leadership in our home, we tried different things
during different seasons. There was one season when we had family worship every
morning with our toddlers. We’d set up small chairs in the living room and we
sang kids’ worship songs together before John went to work. There were seasons
of family devotions around the table. Seasons when we'd focus on character
development—attempting to teach our kids about kindness and gentleness and
love-your-brother-and-sister-ness. And, sadly, there were many seasons that we
felt more desperate than dedicated. It got to the place where we were more
focused on being dedicated than focusing on Jesus.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Where we came
from,<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Where we can go
...</b></div>
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It's not a surprise that most families are in desperate need of a different leadership role model. In their (our!) growing up years, many parents today grew up in homes where there was single parenting, divorce, or a misunderstanding of family roles. We were the latch key children who spent the weekend at dad’s house. Some of our parents were too lenient, others too strict. Some of our parents didn’t give us a good example of what faithfulness and commitment was all about. For many of us, our parents’ quest for happiness led us wondering where we fit into the mix.<br />
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But we have to try, don't we? If we don't know something to lead our kids to God than the kids will happily step forward to lead. Go to any park, or to Wal-mart, or even look around the church and you might see that sometimes the big people aren’t the ones calling the shots. The same is true in the home. Kids have their own televisions and computers so they can pick their entertainment. They have their own schedule of school and activities that keeps the family on the run. And in some homes meals are ordered up to each person's liking. No wonder parents feel they have very little influence. No wonder they're fearful of the teen years when kids can talk back and walk out.<br />
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What parents need to understand is WE are an influence and leadership is something we need to embrace. We just need to make sure we're doing it with the right focus. I struggled with what to do and how to do it, and still focus on Jesus. That's when I came upon a verse that caused my heart to sing:<br />
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<i>“[God] tends his flock like a shepherd:</i></div>
<i></i><br />
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<i><br /></i></div>
<i>
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<i>He gathers the lambs in his arms</i></div>
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<i>and carries them close to his heart;</i></div>
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<i>he gently leads those that have young.”</i></div>
</i><br />
I loved that verse because God was talking about us—John and I. The Lord was our shepherd, and this verse reminded us that He was leading us while we led our little ones. <br />
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When it comes to leading in the home we don't have to do it alone. There are things we may try, but God knows what our family needs most … and when. When we turn to Him, He will carry us. He will place a song on our heart. He will remind us of a Scripture to read. And as Jesus leads us, we can share His goodness with our kids. We tell them what Jesus says about it, “Look to me, focus on me, and I will never disappoint.”</div>
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<o:p></o:p><br />
________________________________________________<br />
<a href="http://amzn.to/VlR4pQ" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiaIv6-6XbX0PjJi9IfAaXlLnKutFkSFz8tVMU46BMv99vfH-CDwvIWVAb_TPLWjCmjc4Exk6TojvWcaSEQGqzmbS3PBqb4zFNWz7IAT69ABKAGKmzJMDB_k409ozTWi9oBoJAWg/s200/LeadYourFamily_1.99.jpg" width="120" /></a><br />
Tricia Goyer is a co-author of <i style="line-height: 32px;"><a href="http://amzn.to/VlR4pQ" target="_blank">Lead Your Family Like Jesus</a>. </i><br />
Tricia Goyer has written more than thirty-five books, including both novels that delight and entertain readers and non- fiction titles that offer encouragement and hope. She has also published more than 500 articles in national publications such as Guideposts,Thriving Family, Proverbs 31, and HomeLife Magazine.<br />
To learn more about Tricia please visit her website at <a href="http://www.triciagoyer.com/">www.triciagoyer.com</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09439390284919491140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18809314.post-83301283707600596812013-03-16T06:00:00.000-05:002013-03-16T06:00:10.264-05:00Encouraging DadIt can sometimes be difficult to just let your husband take care of leading the devotions or taking care of separating squabbling children, especially if you have been a single mom or if dad works on the road or long hours. Even so, that does not mean it is impossible.<br />
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The husband is to be the priest of the home, and the family is protected by his priesthood. Being cautious with the word <i>priest</i>, I am using it synonymous with spiritual leader here.<br />
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"<span style="font-family: inherit;">And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." - </span>Ephesians 6:4 (KJV)<br />
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As wives, we are not to take the authority away from our husbands but to support and encourage them.<br />
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"Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord:<br />
And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.." - Deuteronomy 6:4-7 (KJV)<br />
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It is the duty of both parents to raise up the family in the way of the Lord.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
A word from Tricia Goyer on Encouraging Husbands.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/7dbMUXiwCf8?list=UUEabDoYUo_Rf0I1yk236l_A" width="560"></iframe></div>
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<br />
<i>P.S. Order </i><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?event=AFF&p=1014871&item_no=977204">Lead Your Family Like Jesus</a> <i>before March 20 and then you are eligible to receive a free bundle of downloadable resources! See the link in the sidebar for more information.</i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09439390284919491140noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18809314.post-70590829940761260092013-03-14T12:00:00.000-05:002013-03-14T12:00:00.176-05:00Keeping it Fun! Play timeOne of the things that we have discovered with our family and you may have learned with your own is that most kids love to play games.<br />
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One of the most recent games that we added last year was the<a href="http://amzn.to/ZjjjlO" target="_blank"> family edition of Apples to Apples</a> and the kids, all six of them 8-18, enjoyed playing it once they figured it out. So, for Easter we are hoping to wrangle the Bible Edition for the family. (ssshhh! The kids don't know yet.)<br />
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<td valign="top"><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?event=AFF&p=1014871&item_no=05547X" target="new"><img align="" alt="05547X: Apples to Apples, Bible Edition Game" border="0" height="180" hspace="" src="http://ag.christianbook.com/g/product/0/05547x.gif" title="05547X: Apples to Apples, Bible Edition Game" valign="" vspace="" width="180" /></a></td>
<td valign="top"><b><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?event=AFF&p=1014871&item_no=05547X" target="new">Apples to Apples, Bible Edition Game</a></b><br />
By Cactus Game Design<br />
<br />
<!-- Apples to Apples, Bible Edition Game 1889055476 05547X -->Expand your "core" knowledge of Christian history with this hilarious, award-winning game! <i>Apples to Apples, Bible Edition</i> brings the award winning card and party game, <i>Apples to Apples</i>, to the Christian community. Players will delight in the clever comparisons while expanding their knowledge of the Bible. Comparing people, places, things, and events, players match their cards with the judge's. The closest match wins the round. But you've got to be fast, because if your card is the last one on the table, you lose! Inside you'll find 432 Red Apple cards, 144 Green Apple cards, 2 card trays and quick play rules. Games are fast--about 20 to 30 minutes per game, and it's an easy game to learn. Recommended for 4 to 10 players, ages 9 and up.
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>above links will take you to an outside site from <a href="http://parentsforchrist.com/">ParentsForChrist.com</a> that are affiliate links.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div>
With our family as large as it is, we try to have a special gift at Easter but we do not typically get all of the kids an Easter basket, we do live frugally. With our desire to live for the Lord and to raise our family in a God centered home this game looks to be a welcome addition.<br />
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This is of course in addition to focusing on why we celebrate Easter, or better suited Resurrection Sunday.<br />
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How do you have fun with your family? Do you have special traditions?<br />
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Do you have a varying ages that you like to include together when looking for a family game? What works for you?<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09439390284919491140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18809314.post-40424855397170196592013-03-13T14:30:00.000-05:002013-03-14T11:05:13.947-05:00Does your family have an EGO problem?<a href="http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?event=AFF&p=1014871&item_no=977204" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img align="" alt="977204: Lead Your Family Like Jesus: Powerful Parenting Principles from the Creator of Families" border="0" height="200" hspace="" src="http://ag.christianbook.com/g/product/9/977204.gif" title="977204: Lead Your Family Like Jesus: Powerful Parenting Principles from the Creator of Families" valign="" vspace="" width="200" /></a>
In the new book by Ken Blanchard, Phil Hodges & Tricia Goyer, <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?event=AFF&p=1014871&item_no=977204">Lead Your Family Like Jesus: Powerful Parenting Principles from the Creator of Families</a>, EGO is addressed. EGO as in "edging God out."<br />
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It can be very easy to get caught up in what I as an individual can do when facing the daily grind, let alone the struggles that can become worrisome.<br />
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In the following excerpt from the book, we can see how important it is to skip the pride and "exalt God only" by finding peace.<br />
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<a href="http://parentsforchrist.com/media/Lead%20Your%20Family%20Like%20Jesus%20Booklet.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">LEAD YOUR FAMILY LIKE JESUS excerpt HERE</a></div>
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<i>P.S. Order </i><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?event=AFF&p=1014871&item_no=977204">Lead Your Family Like Jesus</a> <i>before March 20 and then you are eligible to receive a free bundle of downloadable resources!</i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09439390284919491140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18809314.post-48530188027466323252013-03-12T11:24:00.000-05:002013-03-14T11:05:13.949-05:00Being the Example<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It is truly amazing how things can get away from us. As a friend posted the other day,</div>
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"Time is free, but it is priceless. You can't own it, but you can use it. You can't keep it, but you can spend it. Once you've lost it, you can never get it back." </blockquote>
This is very true. Time if not well spent gets away from us and then we are often times left with the regret of wasting it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjARdfF-4c8u2ISTEjdYRnA6nTvYpfXtgdf3PbuUOlmo9gXWsfx57wL1OtKwlLqCWG0q5X2sHriv87GWEWFCB2ed2_bacu3CNxNyNA7ZUBET24xD6r3frLL-nWUq0PAGfg_zMivw/s1600/32583_396831197996_3253870_n-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjARdfF-4c8u2ISTEjdYRnA6nTvYpfXtgdf3PbuUOlmo9gXWsfx57wL1OtKwlLqCWG0q5X2sHriv87GWEWFCB2ed2_bacu3CNxNyNA7ZUBET24xD6r3frLL-nWUq0PAGfg_zMivw/s320/32583_396831197996_3253870_n-001.jpg" width="272" /></a>While I regret leaving out site off to the side and not a priority for the last few months and not being the best at up keep. I know that I had my priorities right because our family comes first. We do hope to be able to be a lot more frequent with updates and postings.<br />
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As always our goal has been to lead by example. Sometimes that is difficult to show online. When our children need to be shown how to put God before video games and television, we have to show them by being the example.<br />
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It is similar to when Jesus taught about the good Samaritan (Luke 10: 30-37), he used the parable to show the example of how we are to act towards our neighbor. This was also enforced by Jesus' own actions multiple times through out the new testament when He would associate with tax collectors, vagabonds, and other people that were looked at with disgrace.<br />
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If Jesus taught the disciples and other followers by examples, then shouldn't we?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09439390284919491140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18809314.post-85684361291745635772012-11-27T10:49:00.000-06:002012-11-27T10:49:29.967-06:00Christmas Season is Upon UsI 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 <a href="http://parentsforchrist.com/content/Holidays/Christmas/">Holidays -> Christmas</a>.<br />
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In addition to the section on our site, we have joined with <a href="http://www.iwillrejoice.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.IWillRejoice.net</a> 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.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ADZRHTE/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00ADZRHTE&linkCode=as2&tag=pfceb-20" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="eBook link for A Journey Through Advent" border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00ADZRHTE&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=pfceb-20" title="A Journey Through Advent" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ADZRHTE/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00ADZRHTE&linkCode=as2&tag=pfceb-20" target="_blank">A Journey Through Advent</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=pfceb-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00ADZRHTE" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=pfceb-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00ADZRHTE" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />- 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.<br />
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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.)<br />
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We pray Thanksgiving was a blessed one and that the Christmas Spirit has overtaken you!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09439390284919491140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18809314.post-55464389217201995482012-09-28T10:08:00.000-05:002012-09-28T10:08:11.755-05:00To Kill A Mocking Bird<div>
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. <br />
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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.<br />
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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?<br />
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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.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09439390284919491140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18809314.post-11153638593572618502012-09-18T10:00:00.000-05:002012-09-20T10:59:06.712-05:00God's Timing, Waiting on the Lord<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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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.<br />
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It can be hard to wait.<br />
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Take to heart the promise given to us in Isaiah 40:31, "They that wait upon the Lord shall <b>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.</b>" Wow! what a promise.<br />
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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.<br />
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Be Blessed!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09439390284919491140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18809314.post-19786075456708690952012-08-07T10:36:00.000-05:002012-08-07T10:36:32.324-05:00Back To School: Pt 1<i>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.</i>~ Daniel 1:17 (KJV)<br />
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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.<br />
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Our obligation as a parent does not stop there. Praying is a start. Then we have to provide a proper environment for our children.<br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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Does your family cling to a bible verse when it comes to education?<br />
What are some nutritious but fast breakfasts that your family use?<br />
What is special about your homework zone?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09439390284919491140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18809314.post-65425226100821173222012-08-02T10:59:00.002-05:002012-08-02T10:59:58.325-05:00Back To School Series: IntroductionAugust 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?<br />
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It is not to suggest that the summer months have created a lax atmosphere completely. The suggestion is to take a new focus.<br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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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?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09439390284919491140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18809314.post-40723882510620791022012-06-02T11:41:00.002-05:002012-06-02T11:41:47.320-05:00We 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.<br />
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With that said.<br />
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I am asking you, our readers, our friends, to help us out. It is our utmost desire to relaunch the <a href="http://parentsforchrist.com/">ParentsForChrist.com</a> 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.<br />
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If you are led by God to help us, please email <i>parentforchrist(at)gmail(dot)com</i> and in the subject line <i>We Have A Dream</i>. I am putting a filter on my emails for this subject line to alert me.<br />
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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.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09439390284919491140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18809314.post-6670399416204280022011-11-05T04:00:00.000-05:002011-11-05T04:00:02.556-05:00The House is Saved by the ParentMany parents can take heart to know that the family is saved because of the deeds of the parent. I imagine there are others that worry about it too.<br />
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In Genesis 7:1 it says, “Then the LORD said to Noah, “Come into the ark, you and all your household, because I have seen <i>that </i>you <i>are</i> righteous before Me in this generation.”<br />
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Noah’s family was saved because <em>he</em> was righteous. It was not because his sons were righteous or his daughter in laws. The family was saved because Noah stayed faithful to God.<br />
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As a parent we can take heart in knowing that as long as we are staying faithful to the Lord’s teachings, our family has that protection. This gives parents all the more reason to live as Christ and be true Christ followers.<br />
Just as Cain inherited the nature of sin from Adam, so do our children inherit sin. This is why we <em>have</em> to teach our children God’s love, God’s grace, and God’s mercy. God overcomes the sinful nature of man, but that can only happen if we allow it.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09439390284919491140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18809314.post-75425197941156615592011-10-29T15:18:00.001-05:002011-10-29T15:18:27.623-05:00Resembling the Father<p>Is it not a wonderful feeling when somebody says, “Oh you must be ___’s mom/dad! They look just like you!” </p> <p>God enjoys that too. </p> <p>"but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, 'Be holy, for I am holy'." - 1 Peter 1:15-16</p> <p>God wants His children (us) to resemble Him. It’s not always a physical appearance that gives away who our parent is. In the case with God, it would be our soul-ful appearance. </p> <p>Do you show Godly mercy?</p> <p>Do you show Godly compassion?</p> <p>As a parent, do your children see that loving side as much or more than the discipline side? God lovingly leads us to Him. He does not force us, we have our own will. It is noted, however, that in order to get to Heaven and to be with Him, we are to follow His commands. The best way to do that is to live according to His example.</p> <p>The best way for your children to see God, is through you.</p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09439390284919491140noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18809314.post-15037467458832230612011-09-05T01:34:00.000-05:002011-09-05T01:34:00.485-05:00Taking Care of Mom…<p>It is very easy to focus all of your attention on the kids. Wanting the kids to have the best and most opportunities happens in all homes, it doesn’t matter if the focus is on God or football. </p> <p>As a mom I have reached burnout a few times in this 17 year career. It is not pleasant feeling hopeless and having anxiety attacks when things do not go “just so”.</p> <p>It was not until I finally was in a healthy relationship that I realized I have to take care of myself in order to be able to be the parent that my children deserved. It is not a matter of putting yourself first, but it is a matter of taking care of your needs. </p> <p>The most loved way I was able to do that when my children were little was by attending a moms group that is faith based and with the goal of being there for moms that may not have anyone else. A marvelous organization for Mothers of Preschoolers is <a title="Mothers of Preschoolers" href="http://mops.org" target="_blank">MOPS</a>. Our local group was a God send for me. I met ladies that were close to my age and had children the same age as my young ones. The mentor moms brought messages of hope and it centers on God.</p> <p>Mom needs a sweet treat eaten during a few minutes of quiet, that doesn’t involve locking herself in the bathroom and crouching in the shower. Ha-ha! </p> <p>Check <a title="Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPs)" href="http://mops.org" target="_blank">MOPs.org</a> for a group near you! And even if your children are older than kindergarten, MOPs groups always can use volunteers to help with the kids of the moms that go to the meetings.</p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09439390284919491140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18809314.post-60347285876513068812011-08-22T12:49:00.000-05:002011-08-22T12:49:23.406-05:00Waving The White Flag<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>We are very glad to feature this guest post from Brooke over at the <a href="http://www.themobsociety.com/">M.O.B. Society</a>. As parents of boys (and girls) we find this a very valuable resource. We hope you enjoy.</i></span></span><br />
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</span></span></div><h2 style="text-align: center;"><em>Are you the mother of boys who often finds herself ready to waive the white flag in defeat?</em></h2>Do they drain you, overwhelm you, steal your heart, break your heart and cause you more anxiety than you ever dreamed possible?<br />
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Maybe you only have one boy amongst a sea of estrogen and you just can’t figure out how to respond to him in a way that affirms all that is good about his masculinity.<br />
<h3><em>You're not alone.</em></h3><a href="http://www.brookemcglothlin.com/warriorprayers/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/21-Days-Fall-250.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-276" height="250" src="http://www.brookemcglothlin.com/warriorprayers/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/21-Days-Fall-250.png" title="21 Days Fall 250" width="250" /></a>Last May, over 1300 women and a few dads in SEVEN different countries joined together to pray purposefully and passionately for the hearts of their sons in a challenge called <strong>21 Days of Prayer for Sons</strong>. 21 Days is based on the best-selling eBook <a href="http://www.brookemcglothlin.com/warriorprayers/the-ebook/"><em>Warrior Prayers: Praying the Word for Boys in the Areas They Need it Most</em></a>.<br />
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Even our best parenting efforts <a href="http://www.thebettermom.com/2011/08/one-sure-thing-and-giveaways/">don't come with a guarantee</a>. As much as we might wish we could change their hearts of stone to hearts of flesh (Ezekiel 36:26), we can't. But we serve a God who can. Knowing this, it becomes quite clear that there is only one thing we can do…<br />
<h3><em>Plead with God.</em></h3>Pray.<br />
<blockquote><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>“The fervent prayers of a righteous man avails much.” James 5:17. </em></strong></div></blockquote>It’s our hope.<br />
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The next <strong>21 Days of Prayer for Sons</strong> challenge starts September 6 and ends September 26, 2011. How can you participate? Easy!<br />
<ol><li>Purchase your own copy of <a href="http://www.brookemcglothlin.com/warriorprayers/the-ebook/"><em>Warrior Prayers: Praying the Word for Boys in the Areas They Need it Most</em></a> (just $5.97 as a <a href="http://www.brookemcglothlin.com/warriorprayers/the-ebook/">PDF download</a> or on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Warrior-Prayers-Praying-Areas-ebook/dp/B004Z2DZYC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=books&qid=1309717140&sr=8-1">Amazon Kindle</a>!) You could, in theory, participate in the challenge without a personal copy, but your experience will be much deeper and richer with it.</li>
<li>Commit to praying for your son(s) or grandsons 10 times a day for 21 days straight. This is a huge commitment, so if you feel God leading you to participate, pray and ask Him to give you the strength and endurance you need.</li>
<li>Consider <a href="http://www.brookemcglothlin.com/warriorprayers/leaders-guide/">leading your own group</a> on your blog or in your community!</li>
<li>Sign-up <a href="http://www.brookemcglothlin.com/warriorprayers/2011/07/official-sign-up-for-fall-21-days-of-prayer-for-sons/">HERE</a>!</li>
</ol><h3><em> Get inspired by recent participants!</em></h3><em>“This challenge…has given me my joy back in mothering” ~LaToya</em><br />
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<em>“Thank you for giving me a tangible method for transformation in my family!!” ~Anne</em><br />
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<em>“Thanks, Brooke for your help. I’ve always known that God was listening; I just didn’t know what to say!” ~Laurel</em><br />
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<em>“So many heart changes are going on in our home and I’m just so thankful…” ~Ashley</em><br />
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<a href="http://www.brookemcglothlin.com/warriorprayers/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/newbw-profile1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-288" height="150" src="http://www.brookemcglothlin.com/warriorprayers/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/newbw-profile1-150x150.jpg" title="newbw profile1" width="150" /></a> Brooke is a mom of two young boys who leave her desperate for God’s grace. Her pursuit of being a better mom has left her at the foot of the cross, knowing that if God doesn’t show up … nothing happens. This dependence upon God to turn hearts of stone to hearts of flesh leads her to her knees in prayer. She’s the author of the best-selling eBook <a href="http://www.blogger.com/the-ebook/" target="_blank"><em>Warrior Prayers: Praying the Word for Boys in the Areas They Need it Most</em></a>, creator of the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/21-days-of-prayer-for-sons/" target="_blank"><em>21 Days of Prayer for Sons</em></a> challenge and co-founder of the well-loved online community for mothers of boys, the <a href="http://www.themobsociety.com/" target="_blank">M.O.B. Society</a>. She offers hope for change to the hearts of women at her main blog, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/a-life-in-need-of-change/" target="_blank">A Life in Need of Change</a>.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09439390284919491140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18809314.post-30401159189744024632011-06-07T15:05:00.000-05:002011-06-07T15:05:44.545-05:00Casting Cares<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:DocumentProperties> <o:Version>12.00</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/> <w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> <w:Word11KerningPairs/> <w:CachedColBalance/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<div class="MsoNormal">“Momma!! Bubba busted his head open! And it’s bleeding ALL over the place!”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Now think, what is the first thing you do? Seriously. The first thing when you hear that?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Remarkably, I was able to pray. Before I moved I prayed to God and asked him to give me the strength and the wisdom to be able to handle what I was about to see. (I have a VERY squeamish tummy and do not do very well with bodily fluids.) </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Bubba had blood everywhere, on his face, hands and in his hair. Figuring out where the wound was appeared to be a tricky proposition. Thankfully I had the stomach for it, thank you Jesus! Washing Bubba’s face off and seeing no abrasion or wound worried me, this meant it was in his hair. We rinsed his hair out in the sink with the sprayer and found a three inch abrasion. Again, thanking God it was an abrasion instead of a gouge. It was bleeding enough as is. Once we got Bubba calm it stopped and we were able to get him set up with some ice on his head. He’s good and he is extremely happy that we did not have to go to the emergency room.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">While dealing with the situation, I realized that many times we react before taking a breath. As Christians and, more importantly, as parents we need to take a breath. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Psalms 94: 19 When I am filled with cares, Your comfort brings me joy. (HCSB)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I honestly believe that God comforted my troubled mother’s heart and equipped me in this situation. This matters because God cares about us and wants the best for us.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care on Him, because He cares about you. (HCSB)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"> </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09439390284919491140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18809314.post-25356014345924802702010-12-14T14:30:00.000-06:002010-12-14T14:30:54.057-06:00Little Star : Book Review<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAfHffCVU-pu6HS35LRhj50Q28_lJbyMwzT3-o0Z2qYd6gBinyTir75ckKnRDGkTAel5l6ifvFsAMOPQRvM2qwSWpNb-MAjzAFnFGHLgNGX5-MKm0CabgCAhHdHoGWQGYdNB0tEg/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAfHffCVU-pu6HS35LRhj50Q28_lJbyMwzT3-o0Z2qYd6gBinyTir75ckKnRDGkTAel5l6ifvFsAMOPQRvM2qwSWpNb-MAjzAFnFGHLgNGX5-MKm0CabgCAhHdHoGWQGYdNB0tEg/s320/022.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying the "Little Star" by Anthony DeSefano</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Near the beginning of November, Anthony DeStefano sent us an email to inquire if we would be interested in review his newest book <i>Litte Star</i> to see if our readers would enjoy it. My only regret is that we have not gotten the review up sooner.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Product</b> <b>Description</b></u><br />
<br />
<b><i>“I think I understand!”</i> Little Star cried out. <i>“The baby Jesus is a king! He’s just little!”</i></b><br />
<br />
A king is about to be born! The stars in the heavens are competing to shine the brightest to celebrate his birth. But when they see the poor family, the donkey, the shabby stable, the stars all think, <i>That can’t possibly be a king. We’ve been fooled</i>.<br />
<br />
All except one. The smallest, loneliest star in the sky, Little Star, is the only one to understand what the king was about to bring to the world. But what can Little Star do for him?<br />
<br />
Certain to become a Christmas classic, this delightful tale connects the star atop our Christmas trees to the true meaning of Christmas, the birth of Jesus, in the hearts and minds of young children. <br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<u><b>In House Review</b></u><b></b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
There are not very many books that our youngest child will sit through, he just doesn't have the interest typically to listen all the way through. This book however is different. All through reading the story he was interacting and pointing out things in the pictures that the story described and even better was the relation to reality when he pointed to the star on our Christmas tree and asked "is that little star".<br />
<br />
This book is a hit that all of the kids enjoyed and will be treasured among our Christmas and Advent Traditions for years to come!<br />
<br />
<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0"><tbody>
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<td valign="top"><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?event=AFF&p=1014871&item_no=458056"><img align="" alt="458056: Little Star" border="0" height="108" hspace="" src="http://ag.christianbook.com/g/thumbnail/4/458056t.gif" title="458056: Little Star" valign="" vspace="" width="108" /></a></td>
<td valign="top"><b><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?event=AFF&p=1014871&item_no=458056">Little Star</a></b></td ><td><object height="205" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/kweS2CoBCNM?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/kweS2CoBCNM?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0x402061&color2=0x9461ca" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="320" height="205"></embed></object><br />
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</b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09439390284919491140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18809314.post-67667424066993686322010-11-24T21:54:00.000-06:002010-11-24T21:54:52.363-06:00Thanksgiving<div style="text-align: center;"> I will praise <i>You,</i> O LORD, with my whole heart;<br />
I will tell of all Your marvelous works.<br />
I will be glad and rejoice in You;<br />
I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High. </div><div style="text-align: center;">- Psalm 9:1-2 (NKJV) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">We encourage you on this day of Thanksgiving here in the United States to remind yourself of things that your family should be thankful for. Take a moment to remember how God has provided for your family with His perfect provision.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">In our family, although there have been ups and downs, God has been faithful every step of the way. Our youngest child has a lot of medical stuff that could be a focus of negativity, except that in the past year he has been VERY healthy and doing quite well with his development.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">How has the Lord blessed you?</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09439390284919491140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18809314.post-32544219465258316902010-09-07T15:18:00.000-05:002010-09-07T15:18:55.701-05:00Looking for a Few Good PeopleAs fall has struck, so has Back to School. Thus, time has become limited.<br />
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Here at ParentsForChrist.com we are looking for a few people that would be interested in sharing with us God-inspired posts about family, parenting, or marriage. <br />
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If you would like more information please, comment below or email webmaster(at)parentsforchrist(dot)com with the subject of Guest Blogger.<br />
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Thank you!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09439390284919491140noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18809314.post-3788863248520612272010-08-27T07:00:00.000-05:002010-08-27T07:00:07.086-05:00Responsibility<span class="parttext"><i>And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.</i> Mark 16:15<br />
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We are to go and tell everybody and everything about God and our Savior Jesus Christ. The only question is how we go about it, my personal suggestion is that "you catch more flies with honey". If you want others to know the love of God, you have to allow God's love to come through you. </span><br />
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The same goes with your children. If your desire is that your family grows to love God, they have to see the example of God's love in you.</span><br />
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<i>Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.</i> Matthew 5:13-16<br />
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We as Christians if we are doing what we are supposed to cannot be hidden we are to make the difference. This means that the way we talk, the things we involve ourselves in, EVERYTHING about us points back to who we serve. If we serve God, then the love we show goes back to God. </span><br />
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<span class="parttext">When the salvation of Christ is within you, you can't help but be a light shining before others.</span><br />
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<i>Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it.</i> Proverbs 22:6<br />
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Our children are to be taught of God and the Bible. If parents instill the love of God into their children when they are young; they are likely to follow the Lord as adults. Just as parents teach their children to be independent by learning how to take care of themselves, children should be taught of God.<br />
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<i>Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.<br />
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But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?<br />
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My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.</i> 1 John 3:16-18<br />
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Simply put, walk the talk. Parents can not expect their children to live godly lives and be obedient, if they themselves do not do the same. As a parent, your authority is God.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09439390284919491140noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18809314.post-31427513126542503062010-08-25T07:00:00.000-05:002010-08-25T07:00:07.492-05:00All About Survival...After checking some of the blogs we follow, we found this wonderful idea! It's Back to School Survival Kit with Scripture. (http://www.executivehomemaker.com/back-to-school-survival-kit-scripture/)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.executivehomemaker.com/back-to-school-survival-kit-scripture/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6p517fmhs29tM0pei96oceQ8NCG70mOFE6vKuZI5-YAfYqI3_nvVw_tTryXOHMiUD-yesK8hb9Umt8EreQpiIghaeqPAIiJuzWBZ9QB7OSNQxcGULECm00BhlwlUQu-absxNZoA/s320/backtoschoolsurvival.jpg" /></a></div><br />
It's really cute and through the eleven years we have had a child in school we have seen secular variations. This is the first time we have seen it with scripture! Our family wishes we saw this about a month ago since the kids have been in school for three weeks now. The awesome thing about these though is that it doesn't have to be just for back to school. You can do them whenever you want!<br />
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Enjoy surprising your children with the goodies and bless them with the scripture!<br />
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(We saw the link over at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/ModSquadMoms">ModSquadMoms</a>. The link for this is at <a href="http://www.executivehomemaker.com/back-to-school-survival-kit-scripture/">Executive Homemaker</a>)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09439390284919491140noreply@blogger.com0