5-28-20 This Week in Faith
/Sing Your Way through Suffering
When I think about enduring suffering with joy, one of the first people I think of is Joni Eareckson-Tada. Through her books, speaking, and ministry to those with disabilities, she is a beautiful picture of what the gospel makes possible, even as we endured the hardest things this world has to offer. This article is her encouragement of the power of singing to stir our souls towards Jesus. Singing and memorizing the songs of our faith help break through the hardness of our world. I hope you’ll be encouraged by her words. And I hope you’ll sing a little more this week!
Click here to read the article by Joni Eareckson-Tada.
3 Ways Humor Can Help in Hard Times
In defense of laughing…and I am all for it :) This is a good reminder that, while there is a season for everything, including a time to mourn with those who mourn, there is also reason for joy. Laughing at ourselves. Enjoying our families. These are gifts God has given us for our good. So look for opportunities to inject some humor into your home and laugh together. “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Proverbs 17:22
Click here to read the article by Rachel Jones.
How Social Media Worsens Theological Divides
There are a couple of good things to think about for ourselves and to talk about with our kids who are on social media. In a general sense, as we enter into any debate on social media the question we should ask is, “As a Christian, who belongs to Jesus and represents Jesus, how should I respond?” Now, this might mean not responding at all. Waiting to respond. Responding with charity even as you disagree with the person’s arguments. Clarifying the person’s arguments so you are not arguing a straw man argument but respecting the person enough to engage with their actual argument. So, helping our kids learn how to engage online is really important.
It’s also important to help them understand who to listen to. Our kids are often forming what they believe through their interactions online. We can help them discern how to verify what’s true and how to validate good sources.
Ultimately, online discussions about faith can be really helpful for our kids as their faith is formed and even as they work to share their faith with friends. But on ever expanding platforms, how they debate and who they debate with are skills to be cultivated.
Click here to read the article by Rhyne Putnam.
Help Your Kids Understand the Meaning of Memorial Day
I realize this is a little late but it gives one mom’s perspective of Memorial Day and some questions to help you think through and remember the holiday with your kids, as well as connect it to the ultimate sacrifice made for us by our savior, Jesus.
Click here thread the article by Jenni McCadams.
Home Chats: Parents Guide to Healthy Conversations During the Coronavirus Outbreak
These are some great discussion guides that give you some great resources and questions to talk about some practical topics with your students. I love how Tim Elmore teaches everything through images to help students make tangible connections to important concepts to help those concepts stick. There are separate discussion guides for 8 topics: Structure, Intentional Relationships, Wise Choices, Positive Attitudes, Ownership, Authenticity, Time Management, and Control.
Click here to get the discussion guides from Tim Elmore.
LISTEN: The Big Picture Podcast
The Big Picture Story Bible is a great kids Bible for younger kids. Instead of just telling stories from the old and new testament, it helps kids to understand the whole story of what God is doing in his word. This podcast is 3-4 minute episodes reading the Big Picture Story Bible and would be great to listen to as a family with your younger kids
