Tag: christian parenting
How to Talk to Our Kids About Temptation
“…And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil…”
As we say the Lord’s Prayer, we are reminded that temptation is virtually everywhere in our society today! Whether it’s seen as benign and even “funny” in today’s media or if it comes on the heels of peer pressure, one thing is for sure: our kids are bombarded with opportunities that will tempt them! The weeks leading up to Easter are a great time to discuss the concept of temptation with our kids.
One of the best examples for us to use when teaching about temptation is Matthew 4:1-11. This is the story of how Jesus was tempted by Satan in the desert for 40 days. Jesus was hungry, tired, and in a state of physical weakness. Satan took advantage of this setting and tempted Jesus several times.
Temptation is the desire to do something–probably appealing– which we know we shouldn’t. What temptations do our kids face each day? Maybe wanting to watch inappropriate television, gossip, take something that doesn’t belong to them, lie, cheat, argue with parents or teachers?? As kids get older, the temptations they face also get more difficult to handle or ignore. Promiscuity, alcohol consumption, pornography, drugs, and other bad choices all start out as temptations. Matthew 26:41 “Watch and pray that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing but the body is weak.”
How do we teach our kids to fight against the temptations that they’ll encounter?
First, it’s important that we discuss our children’s personal temptations with them, so we can better address virtuous solutions as opposed to blanket statements like, “You shouldn’t …” If your child is faced or has been faced with a specific situation (even one that they have succumbed to the temptation) it’s a great starting point to teach them what some alternatives might be. Smaller children can learn well by giving them story examples of temptation and having them discuss what the character in the story might do instead of following through with the temptation.
Here’s an example taken from a Kids Sunday School activity: Julie was eight years old. Her mom told her to not watch scary movies at night because they could give her nightmares. But Julie thought she was old enough and mature enough to watch these movies anyway. Besides, she had already seen a few scary movies and nothing had happened! One night mom was busy helping Julie’s older brother with an art project. Julie knew that there was a scary movie on tv, and wanted to watch it. Mom wouldn’t know if Julie watched the movie. Julie is being tempted to watch this movie, what should she do?
When we read about Jesus’ temptation in the desert, we learn that He fought off Satan using Scripture! It’s so important for all of us, no matter what our age, to look to God’s Word for strength when we are battling temptation. 2 Thessalonians 3:3 “But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.”
Daily prayer, rooting ourselves in God’s Word, and assisting our children with the idea of accountability are all wonderful ways in which we can help them through the jungle of temptation which is all around them.
How have you taught your child to deal with temptation?
About the Author: Lisa Strnad is a freelance writer/blogger, who regularly contributes to What’s in the Bible? and Jelly Telly. She is a homeschooling mom of two, who works independently in Christian media in the areas of writing, promotions and marketing. She lives with her husband and children in Nashville, TN.
A Lent Craft for Kids: The Jellybean Prayer Jar
Whether or not your family partakes in Lent, the time leading up to the celebration of Jesus’ Resurrection can be filled with many kid-friendly activities that will teach them about God’s love in action. For those of us who do practice fasting, prayer and almsgiving during these 40 days before Easter, coming up with a feasible fast for a child in which a deeper meaning can be taught is tricky! The Jellybean Prayer, mentioned last week by one of our Facebook friends, is an activity which my family has absolutely LOVED doing this past week! It’s the perfect Lent craft for kids.
There are versions of this prayer found online; this particular version of the Jellybean Prayer Jar that we’ve chosen to do is found on Catholicmom.com, although this Lent craft is definitely one that’s inter-denominational!
Lent Craft for Kids: The Jellybean Prayer Jar
Click for Image Attribution
This Lent craft is usually started on Ash Wednesday… but don’t let this stop you!–There’s still plenty of time to fill that jellybean prayer jar!
You’ll need a small jar for each child in the house who’ll be participating in the Jellybean Jar Prayer. Paste a copy of the prayer on each jar after you determine what behavior each color of jellybean represents. White jellybeans cannot be earned! They signify God’s grace and will be used later… Here is an example of what some of the colors could represent. (Feel free to personalize this part of the prayer based on your own children, their ages and their specific understanding of Biblical concepts.)
Jellybean Prayer Jar
Red is for the blood Jesus gave for us. Each morning choose something that can be sacrificed to earn the red jellybean. It must be something that the child would have had the opportunity to have or do that day.
Green is for the palm’s cool shade. Green jellybeans can be earned for good deeds. Example: It was a good deed to provide shade for Jesus with the palm.
Yellow is for God’s light so bright! Yellow jellybeans can be earned by sharing God’s light through showing kindness to others.
Orange is for prayers at twilight or bedtime. Orange jellybeans can be earned for attentive behavior during bedtime prayers / Bible reading.
Black (or Blue if kids don’t like black flavor) is for sweet rest at night. Black jellybeans can be earned for going to bed without fuss.
Purple is for Jesus’ days of sorrow (or His Passion). Purple jellybeans can be earned by apologizing to anyone we hurt with our words or actions.
Pink is for forgiveness and each new tomorrow. Pink jellybeans can be earned when we forgive those who hurt us, whether or not they apologize to us
White is for the Grace of Christ. It is a gift, and can not be earned.
On Easter morning, mom and dad fill up the remaining space in the jellybean jar with white jellybeans, to symbolize God’s grace.
I hope your kids enjoy this Lent craft and perhaps make it a new tradition to look forward to as they prepare for Easter Sunday.
Do you have any suggestions for family activities that can be enjoyed during Lent or which may have a special significance in our preparation for Easter? If so, we’d love to hear about them!
Lisa Strnad is a freelance writer/blogger, who regularly contributes to What’s in the Bible? and Jelly Telly. She is a homeschooling mom of two, who works independently in Christian media in the areas of writing, promotions and marketing. She lives with her husband and children in Nashville,TN.
How To Talk To Kids About Lent
During most of my childhood, growing up in a liturgical denomination meant that Lent was about “giving up candy or sweets”. I was taught that Lent is the season of self-denial and giving something up made sense, but it wasn’t something I necessarily looked forward to. Lent didn’t have the outward beauty of Advent, with its evergreen wreath, Christmas hymns and weekly candle lighting. It was somber. It was almost too reflective for a kid. What is Lent all about, anyway?…this season of self denial, penance and meditation? How do we teach our kids it’s more than just giving up candy for 40 days?
As a young adult, I explored the deeper meaning of Lent and how very important this season can be in preparation to celebrate the joy of the Resurrection! As with any BIG event in our lives, we must prepare ourselves. Lent is literally a time of reflection on the passion of Jesus; 40 days in which we reflect on the hugeness of what our Salvation is and the plan that God had for each of us through Jesus. It’s also very baptismal in nature. It is a very prayerful time in which we prepare ourselves to celebrate the grace of our forgiveness, our gift of salvation and the hope in the Resurrection.
How to Talk to Kids About Lent
Talking to our kids about Lent means we first have to understand the history and meaning behind WHY it’s celebrated. Look for a great article about “what is Lent?” to be posted this week on the What’s in the Bible? blog. The important thing is that we do take the time and talk to them about what this season leading up to Easter is all about.
If you want to start talking to your kids today, the first day of Lent, two very important teaching tools we parents use everyday are symbols and story. If you walk into most liturgical churches during Lent, you’ll find that many of their altars are decorated using desert plants and large bowls of water or even simple waterfalls. These two symbols are important during the Lenten season. The desert experience reminds us of the 40 years the Israelites wandered in the desert before being allowed into the Promised Land. It is also very symbolic of the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert being tempted and tempered before beginning His earthly ministry. The number “40” is symbolic too. Nothing Biblical is random and that’s important to share with our children.
Water is an important symbol in Lent. Lent is a time we work towards an inner renewal of our Baptism in Christ. It is a season when we delve a little deeper into our faith and understanding of our salvation through grace. Since Lent is baptismal in nature, it’s a good time to discuss baptism with our kids. Talking about how the water is either poured over their heads or how they are immersed, and how it’s a symbol of dying to a life without Christ and being resurrected to a new life– a forever life–with Him. Using story to enhance this visual, share with them the actual Bible story of how John the Baptist baptized Jesus in the Jordan River. And how Jesus loved us so much He gave us this beautiful example to better explain God’s gift of salvation.
Practicing Lent as a Family
If your family celebrates fasting during this season, talk to your kids about why the family isn’t eating meat on Friday. (It is customary that only people who are 18-59 are expected to fast throughout Lent, although some families do decide to include everyone in the meat-fast on Fridays or at least on Good Friday). First, it’s an act of self-denial. In our consumerist society a little self denial can really teach virtue! Secondly, it’s meant to unify the church with the poor, both locally and throughout the world. Lent has always been a time when individual families, churches and schools collect money for the poor and for missionaries who serve locally and abroad. Giving up meat each week allows families to put that extra money towards this offering. Kids tend to love collecting /saving change for a church offering if they know that this money will be helping others in the world!
Another way we can instruct our children to “fast” during their Lenten journey, is by encouraging them to be more loving to brothers, sisters and parents. Fasting from arguing with siblings or talking back to parents for 40 days will lead to good practices that might even last past Easter Sunday!
Resources for Lent
Lent is a time when prayer with family is essential. We are truly preparing for Holy Week, Good Friday and Easter Sunday. There are several good devotionals to be found online or at Christian bookstores. Many families use these weeks to read the Passion of Jesus in the Gospel. My very good friend, Denise, who shares my deep love of learning religious traditions and church history, and who has taught Catechism classes for years, recently told me about a book, “He is Risen; Reflections on Easter and the Forty Days of Lent.” What I especially like about this book is that it can be utilized by all Christians, no matter their specific denomination.
For any who have never been to Stations of the Cross, I encourage you to find out if your local Catholic, Lutheran or Episcopal church is holding these services on Good Friday. It is a prayerful service that literally walks the participants through the Passion of Jesus. The entire family can take part in this service and then discuss our forgiveness of sins through the amazing love and sacrifice of our Lord; once again in preparation to celebrate His Resurrection in three days!
If you have any suggestions for family devotionals or other ways in which we can help teach our children about the importance of preparing to celebrate the Resurrection, please share with us in the comments section.
Lisa Strnad is a freelance writer/blogger, who regularly contributes to What’s in the Bible? and Jelly Telly. She is a homeschooling mom of two, who works independently in Christian media in the areas of writing, promotions and marketing. She lives with her husband and children in Nashville,TN.
How to Talk to Our Kids About Food Allergies and Inclusion
If you aren’t the parent of a child who has severe food allergies, you may be wondering what this topic has to do with anything Biblical. The fact is that many parents spend a huge amount of time protecting their children from the hidden dangers that seemingly harmless food items can cause. Reading every label, asking to speak to a restaurant manager before sitting at the table, and providing education to all caregivers is something that these parents do without hesitation. There are many Bible verses about raising up and protecting our kids. Danger can sometimes be classified as something spiritual, but many times danger also encompasses the physical. Perhaps a surprising fact to some, a child with food allergies can actually die from complications if mom, dad, teacher or caregiver don’t take the necessary daily precautions to ensure their safety. I can’t think of any better word to define such daily acts of protection, other than LOVE.
1 John 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.
Kids who have allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, soy, dairy, shellfish or gluten learn early on the importance of how live within their limitations because it can be a matter of life or death. Most are taught by the time they’re in preschool how to avoid the foods which will hurt them. Even at this young of an age, they are keenly aware that they can not go anywhere unless an adult accompanying them is carrying their epinephrine pens, oral antihistamines, and an inhaler. This medication arsenal is just something that is taken wherever they go…in case of exposure. But what do the other kids–or even adults– think about these weird dietary restrictions and precautions? Are kids sometimes ostracized because they can’t eat what other kids eat?
As the mother of a child with a life threatening food allergy, I appreciate the openness of other adults who want to learn how to protect my son when he’s at their house or if they cook food for a gathering, which he’ll be exposed to. Actually “appreciate” is too mild of a word. I want to physically hug these wonderful people to express my sincerest gratitude, because for a long time people (even relatives) took my son’s food allergies pretty lightly, even to the point of ignoring simple requests to ensure his safety and my peace of mind. We missed several parties over the years because the risk of exposure was simply too great to ignore.
We must lovingly educate our kids about a few safety precautions. First, for our kids who DON’T have food allergies, remind them that it’s best if they don’t share or trade their food with another friend, in case there is a food allergy present. School age kids who DO have allergies need to be reminded to not eat any food with unknown ingredients or known to contain (or may contain) any allergen to which they are sensitive. This includes foods at any classroom, church or birthday party.
When we talk to our kids about food allergies, we must reassure them that other children who may have a special diet are still just regular kids in most other ways! God created us all to be a little different. In His eyes we are all wonderful in our uniqueness. Our friend may not be able to drink milk or eat eggs, but she likes to play the same games, and watch the same shows that we like. She likes to dance and swim and ride her bike. It’s okay to invite our friend over after school, and it’s definitely okay to invite he or she to a birthday party! We can help our kids grow into caring adults when they see us take the extra time to talk to the parents of their friends, ensuring that we can provide a safe environment for everyone.
If you are the parent in charge of bringing in food for a class or church gathering, it’s such a loving gesture to ask if there are any known food allergies which you should be aware of. Perhaps you can bring in gluten free cupcakes, a fruit platter or fresh veggies and dip. Making these simple additions to party planning enables everyone to feel included. Inclusion is such an important life lesson to give our children, especially with the prevalence of bullying going on these days.
It has become pretty common to have kids with food allergies in almost every classroom. Most schools have standards in place to help keep kids safe. But I urge the parents of kids with food allergies to continue to educate people in authority positions in their churches and any club that kids belong to. Two great sites for resources and downloads are the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network and the Food Allergy Initiative.
Lisa Strnad is a freelance writer/blogger, who regularly contributes to What’s in the Bible? and Jelly Telly. She is a homeschooling mom of two, who works independently in Christian media in the areas of writing, promotions and marketing. She lives with her husband and children in Nashville,TN.
Confessions From An Imperfect Mom and the Power of Words
Last week as I was folding clothes in the downstairs laundry room, I heard running water. My first thought was, “Why is someone taking a shower at 3:30 in the afternoon?” I had just been upstairs ten minutes prior to this and both boys were playing quietly in their rooms. As I started walking towards the stairs to investigate who had gotten into the shower, I instantly realized the running water was coming from the hallway bathroom, downstairs. I knew something was terribly wrong! As I entered the bathroom, water was literally raining down from the exhaust fan and the can lights in out in our hallway! Knowing that directly above where I was standing was my youngest son’s room, I literally ran up the stairs to find the wood floor in his bedroom flooded!
He had plugged up the drain in his bathroom sink because he was playing with a newly put-together LEGO boat. After playing under the “waterfall” for a few minutes, he simply walked away with the water running, totally forgetting to shut it off. He then went into the bonus room and started playing something else, oblivious to the flood taking place in his room.
Great, ADHD strikes again!
Our house, now a total disaster, was also less than 30 days old! The absolute rage I felt as I began to clean up the water is still embarrassing to admit. Uncharacteristically, I yelled at my son. No beating around the bush– I was so mad at him! As he approached me, I told him not to talk to me! I was deep in thought about how we were going to fix this damage. How could this possibly happen in just 10 minutes? How could he have just walked off and left the water on?! … Oh so mad!!
And then I caught myself… WHAT AM I DOING?!! Get ahold of yourself, Lisa! This is just STUFF and it can be fixed or replaced; he is your child and part of your heart!!
My son was now crying, obviously scared at my freaky metamorphosis into the Mean Momster. From on top of his bed, he apologized and told me (again) that it was an accident. He equated my anger to hating him and told me so. Ouch!
With a fragment of clarity, I enlisted the help of my oldest son, my husband and even my mother to be the clean up crew and call some professionals. I then climbed into bed with my little one. I held him and apologized to him for getting so angry. I told him how wrong it was not wanting to listen to him and then making him feel as though I hated him! I tried to reassure him that my momentary meltdown had nothing to do with my lack of love for him – that I could never stop loving him. He told me that it “felt” like I didn’t love him anymore because of they way I was talking to him after he had made a mistake. Humbled, I was reminded how words can be so destructive, especially to the ones we love the most.
The Bible has many examples of the power of words. They have even been compared to the sword in their affect to hurt (kill) others! Another example is found in James 1:26, “If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless.”
My son recovered from his bout with the Momster. He has also promised to not play in his bathroom sink anymore! I have learned a valuable lesson about priorities and remembering that mistakes happen– and will continue to happen. What matters most is to always remember we are caretakers of our children’s bodies AND hearts!
As parents we can teach our children that as we all stumble our way through our daily walk with Christ, we can be glad that He’s not expecting perfection. Instead He loves us all in our imperfections; even through our failures. It is only in Him that all things are possible. It is His arms of grace which He wraps around us whenever we make mistakes which make us feel undeserving of His love. The enemy tells us how we are deserving of God’s hate, wrath, or at the very least a good flick on the forehead! During those times, our Heavenly Father sits beside us and reminds us that nothing will change His love for us…even if make big, fat, damaging messes. He is in love with each of us. And thankfully, unlike we imperfect mommies (and daddies), our God does this without first changing into a mean momster!
Lisa Strnad is a freelance writer/blogger, who regularly contributes to What’s in the Bible? and Jelly Telly. She is a homeschooling mom of two, who works independently in Christian media in the areas of writing, promotions and marketing. She lives with her husband and children in Nashville,TN.
God’s Provision in Our Lives & The Book of Esther (Coming Soon in DVD 7!)
Sometimes we may wonder if God is interested in the daily circumstances of our lives. Is He really there, even during our life’s daily messes? The kids are sick, there’s a leak in the roof, or maybe our husband has just gotten laid off from work… As moms and wives, a lot of these messes rest on our spiritual shoulders. Do we really expect rescuing from our little personal catastrophes when there are much bigger problems in the world that need God’s immediate deliverance?
I guess trying to understand the awesomeness of God is virtually impossible. The very concept of His omnipotence sends my mind whirling! But taking an example from the Book of Esther, we see that God sometimes works in our lives INDIRECTLY to accomplish His will.
Perhaps, like Esther, it’s time to call on OUR KING for help. And what a great example this can be for our children – when circumstances are tough, we turn to the King rather than our own powers.
Esther’s examples of courage and obedience teach us all that there is God’s provision for us through His faithfulness. Even though God doesn’t come to her through a dream or an angelic messenger, He uses Esther’s position as Queen to rescue the entire nation of Israel!
I love Mordecai’s words in Esther 4:13-14 “Do not think to yourself that in the king’s palace you will escape any more than all the other Jews. For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
While most of us probably won’t be in such a position of power nor have the need to rescue an entire nation, we can remember that God’s faithful to His promise to take care of us in all circumstances. Like He did during the time of Esther, He will make good come from even the most evil of situations if we are obedient to His will in our lives.
Do you have an example of how God has worked indirectly in your life during a time you needed rescuing?
If you love the Book of Esther as much as I do, you’ll be excited to know that What’s in the Bible? Vol. 7: Exile & Return! (Ezra, Nehemiah & Esther) is coming soon! Mark your calendars for March 27. The story of Esther will look a little something like this…
Buck’s Bible Roundup: January 25, 2012
Look to Buck’s Bible Roundup for the best blogs, articles, and resources from the week to help you effectively teach the Word of God in your homes and in your ministry.
Today’s Roundup:
1. The ABCs of God – iPad App Review (2 Teaching Mommies)
Review of an iPad app designed to teach what the Bible says about who God is.
Source: 2teachingmommies.com via whatsinthebible on Pinterest
2. Michelle Duggar – A Role Model for Gentleness (Women Living Well Ministries)
A look at being gentle in your parenting and how Michelle Duggar models this trait.
Source: womenlivingwell.org via whatsinthebible on Pinterest
3. Simple Ideas to Teach Your Children Scripture (The Better Mom)
Five creative ideas for teaching your children Scripture.
Source: thebettermom.com via whatsinthebible on Pinterest
4. Tearing Down the Impossible (Lysa TerKeurst)
Encouragement for dreams that seem impossible.
Source: lysaterkeurst.com via whatsinthebible on Pinterest
5. In My Heart – Psalm 46:10 (Totally Tots)
Printables to teach Psalm 46:10.
Source: totallytots.blogspot.com via whatsinthebible on Pinterest
Thanks for reading!
Spiritual Power Naps for Mom and Dad
2 Chronicles 32:7-8 Be strong. Be brave. Don’t be afraid. Don’t lose hope. The king of Assyria has a huge army with him. But there’s a greater power with us than there is with him. The only thing he has is human strength. But the Lord our God is with us. He will help us. He’ll fight our battles.The people had great faith in what Hezekiah, the king of Judah, said.
Are you a parent that feels like the weight of the world is on your shoulders these days? Perhaps it’s the economy that has caused a realistic worry about your family’s future. Even though we know that we should not be anxious in anything, we often still really struggle with taking ahold of that truth and then we compound things by worrying that we aren’t being great examples for our kids! Sometimes being a Christian parent feels like wading in a riptide zone – always having to swim against the current.
It can be mentally exhausting swimming against that tide. A little nap sounds wonderful!
When I was working in the medical field, I remember how the doctors who’d be on call 24+ hours would take power naps in order for them to stay on their game. It amazed me that these brief naps would totally rejuvenate them! Research has shown that these little naps are even more beneficial than longer naps because the person does not get into deep sleep, which would then cause grogginess and disorientation upon waking. Instead they fall asleep immediately and are easily awoken, feeling totally refreshed.
There’s a trick to these power naps, though. A person who is efficient at power napping is able to, in a way, “turn off their mind”. For this short span of time, they don’t worry about what needs to be done, what mistakes they have made during their day or what will happen during their absence. They’re able to formulate a personal inner peace that reinforces the belief that all will be well in the world for the few minutes they sleep.
In 2 Chronicles, when King Hezekiah told the people that the Lord was with them and would fight their battles, they RESTED upon his words. His reassurance gave them inner peace enabling them to do this.
Those words are still true and applicable in our own lives today! The Lord is with us, ready to fight our battles! Take refuge and rest in that knowledge! Lay down those heavy burdens and trust that He is there helping you.
If the mistakes of your past haunt you; if the future frightens you; or if you’re exhausted because you’re trying to be the super-glue that holds everyone in your family together in an unraveling world … rest on the the faithfulness of the Lord. He is with you. He will fight your battles.
Practice the idea of taking a spiritual power nap. Let go for a few minutes, knowing that your Father has it under control. Empty your mind and rest, as He renews your Spirit.
Lisa Strnad is a freelance writer/blogger, who regularly contributes to What’s in the Bible? and Jelly Telly. She is a homeschooling mom of two, who works independently in Christian media in the areas of writing, promotions and marketing. She lives with her husband and children in Nashville,TN. Follow her personal blog posts on www.talkinglikeagirl.blogspot.com.
Buck’s Bible Roundup: January 19, 2012
Look to Buck’s Bible Roundup for the best blogs, articles, and resources from the week to help you effectively teach the Word of God in your homes and in your ministry.
Today’s Roundup:
1. Memory Verse Helps – Isaiah 1:18 (2 Teaching Mommies)
Printables to help your kids memorize Isaiah 1:18.
Source: 2teachingmommies.com via whatsinthebible on Pinterest
2. Seven Ways To Keep Your Home Strong (A Holy Experience)
Seven ways to build a house of prayer.
Source: aholyexperience.com via whatsinthebible on Pinterest
3. Sometimes The Only Way to Read Our Kids is by Braille (The Gypsy Mama)
Thoughts on what it takes to truly see your children.
Source: thegypsymama.com via whatsinthebible on Pinterest
4. When My Wild Heart Pushes the Boundary (Lysa TerKeurst)
A look at boundaries and whether they are cruel barriers or safe freedoms.
Source: lysaterkeurst.com via whatsinthebible on Pinterest
5. Quiet Times for Desperate Mothers (Raising Homemakers)
Suggestions for making daily time in the Word work with a busy family schedule.
Source: raisinghomemakers.com via whatsinthebible on Pinterest
6. Memory Verse Helps – Matthew 4:19 (2 Teaching Mommies)
Printables to help your kids memorize Matthew 4:19.
Source: 2teachingmommies.com via whatsinthebible on Pinterest
Thanks for reading!
Family Resolutions Series: Getting Spiritually Fit in 2012
We’ve spent the last couple weeks discussing our New Year’s resolutions. So far our concentration has been on making changes that will improve our physical bodies. This is because most of us focus our attention, especially during the first few months of the year, on losing weight and getting into shape.
But what about our spiritual selves? What changes can we make during the next twelve months that will help us get spiritually fit?
As I pondered this question, I knew I had to enlist the help of one of my best girlfriends, Kathy Lonsinger. Kathy has helped many people, worldwide, find comfort and direction in Jesus through her online ministry, A Gentle Answer. I came to Kathy asking her to write down her thoughts about helping our families get spiritually fit in the new year.
According to Kathy, “Every resolution or exercise program begins by evaluating your current condition. We usually determine we need to stop or start certain habits or behaviors such as STOP smoking, drinking, overeating, or overspending; or START exercising or saving money in order to reach our goals. If, as Christian families, we are going to begin 2012 trying to get spiritually fit we must examine our condition.
Does your family spend time in prayer?
Does your family worship with a body of believers?
Does your family seek first the kingdom of God so all “these” things will be added … health, financial, spiritual fitness?
Do you need to stop or start behaviors that are keeping you from being spiritually fit?
In order to answer some of these questions we don’t need a trainer that will yell at you loudly to motivate you, we simply need go back to the basics. We must obey the regimen already spelled out in scripture for a healthy Christian family.
The plan of salvation must be first.
His word tells us to:
SUIT UP
In the same way you put on your workout clothes to go to the gym, you must dress accordingly to tackle your spiritual fitness program.
The Armor of God: Ephesians 6:10-11
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”
DEEP KNEE BENDS
Seeking advice from the experts and your doctor are always recommended when you begin and maintain your physical exercise program. By praying as a family you are seeking the counsel of God and presenting yourself for close examination in order to pinpoint areas of weakness. Children who see their parents exercise tend to exercise. Likewise, children who have the example of a prayer filled life tend to pray. Bend the knee, repeat often.
Pray in the Spirit on All Occasions: Ephesians 6:18
“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”
STRETCH
Stretching is for the purpose of preparing your body for the actual exercise. As Christians, we must stretch our knowledge of the Word of God. Add scripture memory and Bible Study to your family routine. Some great places to start:
1. As a family, read through Proverbs taking one chapter a day for a month. Highlight and memorize some of the verses together helping the younger children and keeping the length age appropriate.
2. Consider reading the words spoken by Jesus (using a Red Letter edition of the Bible) together as a family to find out what He actually says in scripture. If He tells you to do something…just do it! (Sorry Nike)
3. Don’t forget your “BE” Vitamins. Take a look at the Beatitudes found in Matthew 5.
4. Read Ephesians 5 and reflect on the verses outlining each family member’s instruction in the Bible… Wives/Husbands/Fathers-Mothers/Children.
WALK
Doctors always say to simply start walking to increase your fitness level. In order to begin our walk with Jesus we must walk as He walked. (1 Corinthians 11:1) As you continue imitating Christ, your children will be imitators of you. Imitate Christ, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. (Ephesians 5:1)
PRESS ON
Okay so you blew it in 2011! So what! Now…Press on toward what is ahead; the goal. Don’t you love the fact that we are allowed to start over? Philippians 3:13-14
13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
REST
Our muscles need to rest in between workouts in order to repair, restore, and strengthen. We must also enter into HIS rest in order to repair, restore, and strengthen. In the Old Testament we are told to keep the Sabbath. Rest is necessary. In the New Testament we are invited to enter in to the rest, our Sabbath is the Lord. Rest in Him. Go to Hebrews 4 to read more on this.
As with any fitness program, you will have days when you fall off. Get back up and keep going!!!
On your mark…get set…GO!!!”
Kathy Lonsinger is a Christian, wife, mother of four, student of the bible, and the founder of A Gentle Answer Ministries. She is the editor and one of the writers for the ministry’s online magazine which features stories of hope, Christian media and entertainment, and family resources for parents and grandparents. Kathy has her own blog that reaches readers from Australia to Austin. She has been featured on National Christian Radio’s “The Parent’s Plate” and Our Daily Journal daily devotional. You can follow her on twitter.
Lisa Strnad is a freelance writer/blogger who regularly contributes to What’s in the Bible? and Jelly Telly. She is a homeschooling mom of two, who works independently in Christian media in the areas of writing, promotions and marketing. She lives with her husband and children in Nashville,TN. Follow her personal blog posts on www.talkinglikeagirl.blogspot.com.
