Milestones

We are at the end of 2011.  When you think back on this past year what comes to mind?  No doubt some challenges rise to the surface, maybe even a few victories or accomplishments.  Hopefully, 2011 marks some milestones for your family.

A few of our family milestones were big.  Just a few weeks ago our oldest daughter started driving.  For those of us who have been driving for years this doesn't seem like that big of a deal.  Well, just wait until your oldest child begins driving.  Then you'll know how big it is!

We also celebrated the arrival of our newest family member.  Our fourth daughter was born on October 7.  It doesn't get much bigger than that!  It has been amazing to watch our older children interact with their baby sister.  It has also been a huge challenge as schedules are altered and routines aren't routine any more.

Who knows what 2012 will bring for our families?  The important thing is that we are doing whatever it takes to model faith before them and train them to know and love God.  I hope you've taken advantage of opportunities to do that this year.  HomeFront is a great way to get started.  You'll find HomeFront posted below for the rest of the year through January 1, when my weekly blog posts will continue.

Here's the LSCC Christmas and New Year schedule:

• Christmas Eve Services held at 3,5 & 7 p.m. with child care for birth through kindergarten.  Pick up your free tickets in the main lobby for the service you wish to attend.
• Christmas Day Service (one service only) at 11 a.m. with NO CHILD CARE OR CLASSES
• New Years Day will be a Family Worship service with everyone first grade and older in the main services at 8, 9:30 & 11 a.m.  Birth through kindergarten will have their classes as usual.

I pray that your family will experience the truth of Christmas and be strengthened in your faith in our Lord, the Savior, Jesus Christ.

Kids Safari (Preschool/Kindergarten) Weekly for December 11

Kids Safari (Preschool/Kindergarten) Weekly for December 18

Kids Safari (Preschool/Kindergarten) Weekly for December 25

Kids Safari (Preschool/Kindergarten) Weekly for January 1

Kids Summit (Elementary) Weekly for December 11

Kids Summit (Elementary) Weekly for December 18

Kids Summit (Elementary) Weekly for December 25

Kids Summit (Elementary) Weekly for January 1

HomeFront Monthly for December 25 through January 15

A Lasting Gift

It's that time of year...our children are making their lists.  I was reminded of this over and over the past week by my own children.  You can tell that your children are getting older by the price of the gifts they ask for!  WOW.


Yesterday, in Kids Adventure, we spent time talking about some of the early history of Israel and how God was faithful to them.  He gave them some great gifts as they journeyed through the wilderness:  food, water, shelter...but the greatest gift was His presence.  He never left them stranded and alone.


As I was talking to the elementary group yesterday, I challenged them to think about their lists.  I told them that I made a bunch of lists when I was their age.  Unfortunately I have NONE of those gifts today.  They are all gone.......all but one.  I got an eternal gift when I was 9 years old.  It was then that I accepted God's greatest gift, His Son, Jesus.  Though the other gifts I've been given are long gone, Jesus still remains.  He's never left me stranded.  He's never let me down or given me a bad gift (though I do deserve it).  


So, as we turn the corner into December, take some time to open your heart to remember the greatest gift God has given you.  Then, share your thoughts with your children.  They need to hear your faith story.  You can use HomeFront Weekly to start your conversation AND get them ready for next Sunday.  Just click HERE for the elementary edition and HERE for the preschool/kindergarten edition.


Don't forget HomeFront Monthly, loaded with all kinds of great stuff you can do with your family.  Just click HERE for the current edition (good through December 18).

Building Traditions

Traditions remain a big part of Jewish life.  God established seven feasts or festivals for the nation of Israel to observe to remember significant events in their history.  The feast and festival traditions passed down from generation to generation were designed to keep the Jew's attention on God.  Though many of us aren't Jews, we can learn much from these traditional feasts.


This Sunday, in Kids Summit, we will remember and celebrate a portion of the early history of Israel and participate in a simple observance of the feast of unleavened bread.  Click on the link below to read more details about this feast and help prepare your child for a great Sunday in Kids Adventure.


Kids Adventure HomeFront Weekly

HomeFront Weekly for November 20

Here's your latest edition of HomeFront:
Kids Safari (Preschool/Kindergarten) HomeFront Weekly
Kids Summit (Elementary) HomeFront Weekly

Don't Fail Me Now

Have you ever heard the expression, "Feet, don't fail me know!"?  It's been used in many TV shows and movies, but made popular by the 1920's actor, Stepin' Fetchit.  The character would get into dire but comical situations and hope that his feet would get him out quick.


Dire situations are painful.  They press on us.  They push us to uncomfortable places.  They squeeze us; even reveal our true self.  It's then that we see just how much faith we have in God.


You may know the story...Moses has died.  God calls Moses' aide, Joshua, to step up and lead the people.  Now, the Bible doesn't record how Joshua felt about this decision.  But, there must have been a few butterflies.  After all, look what had happened in Israel's recent history; slavery in Egypt, wandering in the desert wilderness, starving, thirsty.  Sounds like a group of people I would like to lead!


Listen what God said to Joshua:  (Joshua 1:5)

No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.

Right then, Joshua was reminded of all the incredible things God did through His servant Moses: the plagues on Egypt, freedom from slavery, parting the Red Sea, manna and water in the dessert, and on and on.  How could Joshua refuse God's call even though he knew dire situations were on the way?


What part of "Dire-land" are you in?  Are you crying, "God, don't fail me know?"  Do you truly believe that He will help you through?  As you work through your situations in life remember, your family is watching.  Model your faith in God to your children.  They need to know how He will help them in their dire situations of life.


For more ideas on modeling your faith, take a look at HomeFront:


Kids Safari (Preschool/Kindergarten) HomeFront Weekly
Kids Summit (Elementary) HomeFront Weekly

Christ In Me

The environment of "Modeling" might be the most challenging for me.  The catchphrase "I see Christ in others and they can see Christ in me" says it all.  As a dad, the most important thing I can do is model Christ so that my children see how important my relationship is with Him.  That is hard to do; mostly because I can't do it on my own.  It's Christ in me.


I was reminded of this in my reading today.  In 2 Kings 2, Elijah is preparing Elisha to take his mantle and become God's voice to the Jews.  Just before God comes to whisk Elijah away in a chariot of fire he asks Elisha, "What can I do for you?"  Elisha's response was, "I want to be twice the man of God that you are!"  (my paraphrase).  This surprised Elijah.  He immediately knew that this was a request that only God could fulfill.  In the end, Elisha got his request.


I pray my children want what Elisha wanted; to be twice the man of God that their dad is.  That is something I can't give them but it is something I can encourage them to strive for.  If I put them in the path of the Divine, their encounters with God will give them a desire for more.


I trust they see Christ in me.  My greatest thrill is to see Christ in them!


Click on the HomeFront Monthly link below for resources to be a Modeling family.
Check out the HomeFront Weekly editions for a look ahead at next Sunday's Big God Story.


HomeFront Monthly for November 2011
Kids Safari HomeFront Weekly
Kids Summit HomeFront Weekly

I'm Still Here!

OK.  I've been away for a couple of weeks.  My apologies.  Especially to you who depend on this blog to receive your HomeFront editions.  No more delay.


So, here you go...


Kids Safari (Preschool/Kindergarten) HomeFront Weekly


Kids Summit (Elementary) HomeFront Weekly

While I'm here, I would like to say a big "THANKS" to the LSCC family.  We had one of our yearly family events last night (Pumpkin Palooza) and over 100 LSCC volunteers showed up to help.  It was serving in its purist form.  Students, parents, grandparents, single moms, men, even Santa pitched in.  It was great.  The kids had a blast playing games, jumping on inflatables, eating candy and hot dogs and laughing hysterically at each other's costumes.  I realized in a fresh way how blessed I am to be a part of LSCC.  I hope you are able to say the same thing.




SEE YOU SUNDAY!

New Beginnings

We're in the environment of "Course Correction" this month.  While it's not technically a "course correction" my family has had a major change at home.  Last Friday we welcomed a new member to our family.  My wife gave birth to our fourth daughter.  


The birth of our fourth child brings many new things into our lives (lack of sleep being #1).  But one thing was reinforced loud and clear.  Something that we knew all along, but often forget in our day-to-day happenings.  GOD IS GOD!  I've had many experiences in my life when God did something that was definitely orchestrated by Him.  But never before have I experienced a greater GOD moment than when my children were born.


This reminded me how important it is for me as a husband and father to help my family see that God is God and there is none other like Him.  Kids Adventure has been reading through the story of the Exodus.  Over and over God showed Pharaoh, Egypt, and the Israelites His might power.  He proved He is God.  Unfortunately, Pharaoh ignored God's messages and caused Egypt massive pain.  I don't want to be another Pharaoh, dismissing the greatness of God at my family's expense.


I want to make every second count - every situation used to build up my family's faith in the God who is God.


For more, check out this week's HomeFront:
Kids Safari (Preschool/Kindergarten) HomeFront Weekly
Kids Summit (Elementary) HomeFront Weekly

NATURAL CONSEQUENCES

Consequences don't have to be negative but we usually think of them as so.  We deal with consequences every day.  What we eat, words we say...or don't say - everything we do has consequences.


If you've read through this month's HomeFront Monthly, you might have noticed the section titled "Natural Consequences."  The section begins with this statement:

Sometimes in course correction, pain is obvious.  It's the natural consequence.

While I find no joy in ushering pain into my child's life, my natural instinct as a father is to insist that my idea of pain will correct my child's course.  Unfortunately, this isn't true!  Most of the time, the pain I usher into my child's life does only one thing:  build resentment.  Don't read between the lines here.  There's no hidden agenda.  I'm not talking about spanking verses time out or any other methods of discipline.


When I correct my child in MY wisdom I am teaching my her that she needs to live by MY rules.  While I admit most of my rules are anchored in good intentions, my child wasn't created to live by MY rules. She was created to live a life of dependence on God and HIS rules.


No one knows my child better than God.  He created her for His special purpose.  That said, He knows what pain she needs to encounter to correct her course.  It's my job, as a spiritual parent, to let her faith be tried, walk with her through the pain (building up in love) and help her see the corrected path that will bring healing.


Hebrews 12:11-13 says it this way:

No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.  Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees.  Make level paths for your feet," so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.

There's a natural progression God has established to lead my child through course correction.  I need to give God room to let this happen.  That takes a great deal of faith on my part.  


So, embark on this journey with me.  Evaluate WHO leads in correcting your child's course:  God or you?  Let's make our own course corrections allowing God to use us to bring healing and a corrected course into our child's life.


For more information on the environment of Course Correction click on the HomeFront Monthly link from last week's post.


Use HomeFront Weekly to walk through Biblical examples of course correction.  Here they are:


Kids Safari (Preschool/Kindergarten) HomeFront Weekly
Kids Summit (Elementary) HomeFront Weekly

New Editions of HomeFront Monthly & Weekly This Week!

Click the link below for the ALL NEW HomeFront Monthly & Weekly.


HomeFront Monthly for October 2-23
Kids Safari (Preschool/Kindergarten) HomeFront Weekly
Kids Summit (Elementary) HomeFront Weekly


The monthly environment is Course Correction.  What's that?  Here's an excerpt from the editor's note:

However, when we truly look at the environment of course correction we realize it is an environment filled with grace, mercy, and, yes, even joy. To grasp the fact that we have a heavenly father who loves us as His own sons and daughters and disciplines us only because He loves us is amazing and overwhelming. He doesn’t just discipline us and walk away, He takes the time to lift us up and get us back on the right path. He makes something beautiful out of the messes we create. i don’t know about you, but for me that is true joy!

Have a great week as you aspire to put your children in the path of the Divine!

Commune...ity

What images are conjured up when you read the word "commune"?  I'll bet many of them are negative.  Unfortunately, far too many people have taken community and turned it into a power grab, manipulation, selfish pursuit - things that community aren't about at all.

Community is simply defined as "a small group of people having interests in common".  Let's face it, we like to be around people who have the same interests we do.  That's why, when done in a healthy manner, community works.

Since God made us with a need for community let's think about a few ways he's provided this for us.  First, we have community with HIM through Jesus.  Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life.  No man comes to the father accept through me." (John 14:6)  Through Jesus death and resurrection we've been given community with God.  Second, we have community with family.  Naturally, we have a common interest with our family.  God ordained marriage and give the gift of children.  We share a special relationship with our family members.  Finally, we have community in the church.  God has knit followers of Jesus together with other believers for support and encouragement.

There are other ways in which we participate in community.  This week, let's ask ourselves....

Are you striving to know God more?  

Are you intentionally using your daily opportunities as a parent to model Christ before your child?  

Are you engaged in a small group community with church that encourages and equips you for everyday life?

Engage in community and watch as God uses you to grow in your relationship with him and impact the lives of others for eternity!

Here's a great resource to help you do this with your family:

Kids Summit (Elementary) HomeFront Weekly

Kids Safari (Preschool/Kindergarten) HomeFront Weekly

HomeFront Monthly (Faith Community) for September

Epic Battle

Our enemy is very crafty.  One of his favorite strategies is to confuse us into believing that someone else is the enemy.


Yesterday was a great day.  We had a wonderful time in Kids Safari and Kids Summit.  The new check-in procedures went very well for most of us.  Our first session in the Spiritual Parenting class was great (it's not too late to jump in!).  Then..........I went home.


My downward spiral wasn't due to the slaughtering of my beloved NFL Chiefs; but that didn't help.  It began with a confrontation between my youngest two daughters.  It was one of those confrontations that, even when dealt with, seemed to go on forever.  In the middle of  it all I realized that I was making my children the object of my anger.  I even called my daughters "selfish".


You know, Satan had won a battle with me yesterday.  For a moment in time he convinced me that my daughters were my enemy and it was my job to win them over with my amazing parenting skills.  LOL!!!!!!


My daughters are children of the King.  They are being transformed into His likeness.  The last thing I need to do is give them a label that belongs to the enemy; "selfish".  Sure they may do selfish things but, as a parent, it's my job to help them recognize that they are battling the enemy.  They need to overcome selfish tendencies in the power of the Holy Spirit.  I failed in helping them see this.


We don't fight against "flesh and blood" but against a spiritual realm...against Satan and his demons.  In this edition of HomeFront Weekly you'll see that God has established a faith community that depends on each other and works together to encourage us to live in the power of God's Spirit.  Take a few minutes this week and evaluate where you are in your families faith community.  Are you shepherding your children to recognize God's voice?  Are they prepared to face the enemy in the power of God's might?


Have a great week of putting your children in the path of the Divine!


Kids Safari (Preschool/Kindergarten) HomeFront Weekly
Kids Summit (Elementary) HomeFront Weekly

WHY CHURCH?

We've come to the environment of "Faith Community" in our Kids Adventure calendar.  The next few weeks we will contemplate how our faith community affects us and how we affect it.  As I was scouring through the latest HomeFront monthly I came across the following excerpt:

Over and over throughout scripture, we find God calling His people together in community. We call this the faith community, and we know that God works powerfully through it. As a family, take a few minutes and ask the following questions.
• How are we connected to the faith community?• Do we experience the support and encouragement that the faith community exists to provide? If not, why?• Do we provide support and encouragement for others (individuals or families) as a part of the faith community?• How can we be more intentional about connecting with the faith community?• How can our family provide bridges for others to be connected to the faith community?• What did you come up with? What are you going to do about it?  

If you’re feeling disconnected from the faith community, come up with a family plan to make some changes. Don’t overdo it ... rather think about what small steps your family can take this month to either become more connected to the faith community, or bring the encouragement and support of the faith community to others who might not feel connected.

This makes me pause and consider what my family thinks of our faith community.  We're active in our church; home group, student ministry events, AWANA, bible studies...and so on.  But is our attitude right?  I mean, HOW do we participate.  Do we look for ways to serve others or do we come with an expectation to be served?  Natural connections WILL happen if I'm intentional about serving others in my faith community.


So, check out this month's HomeFront Monthly (see last week's post) and get your family on the same page when it comes to Faith Community.

Kids Safari (Preschool/Kindergarten) HomeFront Weekly
Kids Summit (Elementary) HomeFront Weekly

A New Beginning!

It's been one year since we started this journey of going through "The Big God Story" in a year.  Sunday marks the beginning of a new year; the second year of "The Big God Story".  We begin again.


So, if you haven't walked this journey with us, why not start this week?  Take a look at the new editions of HomeFront.  The weekly edition gives you a snapshot of this Sunday's story.  Read it with the family and prep your child for what he/she will hear this Sunday.  Open up HomeFront monthly and check out loads of great ideas to incorporate into your family life this month.


HomeFront Monthly for September 2011
Kids Summit (Elementary) HomeFront Weekly
Kids Safari (Preschool/Kindergarten) HomeFront Weekly

Have a SUPER week leading your family!

THREE REQUIREMENTS

Children's ministry at LSCC is much more about families than just children.  We place importance on what we refer to as the D67 principle (from Deuteronomy 6:6,7).  The transformation of a child's life should begin with parents who model Christ.


We strive to equip parents to do this.  To get this process started we require parents to do three things:


1.  Attend Parent Orientation.  You'll never know what children's ministry is all about until you come to our orientation.  It's THE place to learn why we do what we do and how we do it.
THE NEXT PARENT ORIENTATION IS THIS SUNDAY, AUGUST 28, 11 a.m. IN THE SCA SCHOOL COMMONS.


2.  Spiritual Parenting Class.  This six week class isn't about figuring out how to get our children to behave.  It's about a transformed life.  Learn about how you can create an environment that gives God's Spirit to work in your child's life.
THE NEXT SPIRITUAL PARENTING CLASS BEGINS SEPTEMBER 11, 9:30 a.m. IN THE SCA SCHOOL COMMONS.


3.  Attend Kids Adventure with your child at least one Sunday.  This will give you an understanding of what Kids Adventure is all about.  


If you do all three of these then you've begun the D67 journey with us.

The Alpha and Omega!

It's been one full year since we began teaching through "the Big God Story" in one year.  What an incredible journey.  From Genesis to Revelation, the creation of mankind to the eternal establishment of our Lord's rule.  


One of the greatest wonders of "the Big God Story" is that it never gets old.  There's never a time when it runs dry or wears out.  This makes next month even more exciting as we start all over again....in the beginning!  But for now, we will celebrate the journey we've been on.


This week we are highlighting the festival of Jubilee. The Year of Jubilee was a festival that occurred every 50 years, after seven Sabbatical years. It was a consecrated year set aside to proclaim liberty and restoration for all of the inhabitants of the land. Debts were forgiven, and those who had sold themselves to settle a debt were set free. God reminds His people that He is their Provider, and in fact holds the deeds to all of their possessions. Therefore, He commands His people to provide for the redemption of land and housing that was lost due to poverty or other circumstances such as these.

As you go through this week look for ways to show your child that God is your Provider.  Use HomeFront weekly to generate some great ideas.

Kids Safari (Preschool/Kindergarten) HomeFront Weekly

Kids Summit (Elementary) HomeFront Weekly

Have a wonderful week leading your children!

HomeFront Monthly & Weekly for August 15-21

WOW!  School will start this week for most of us (maybe even today!).  That's a major adjustment in schedule.  I've found that these types of adjustments knock me off of some of my most important routines.  Don't let your time with your children be one of those that falls off of the radar.  Be intentional!


HomeFront can help.  Take the weekly passages found in HF Weekly and use them as a family Bible reading time.  Talk about what you've read before bedtime or over dinner or while your driving in the car.  Print HomeFront Monthly and schedule a time to make the monthly recipe or play the games.


There are all kinds of ways to stay connected AND be spiritually parenting your children all at once.  So, click on the link and make plans now!


Kids Safari (Preschool/Kindergarten) HomeFront Weekly
Kids Summit (Elementary) HomeFront Weekly


HomeFront Monthly

ENJOY!

WHAT IS YOUR CHILD BEING TAUGHT?

As I've said many times, my goal is that families see LSCC as a tool box full of resources designed to help parents take on our spiritual parenting responsibilities.  These responsibilities are clearly spelled out in Scripture.  Deuteronomy 6:4-7 says,

"Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord is one! "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. "These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart.  "You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up."

Psalm 78:5-7 says,

"For He established a testimony in Jacob And appointed a law in Israel, Which He commanded our fathers That they should teach them to their children,That the generation to come might know, even the children yetto be born, That they may arise and tell them to their children,That they should put their confidence in God And not forget the works of God, But keep His commandments"

In order to accomplish this I feel strongly that the church MUST do a better job of training parents to see the church as this resource.  We have established two very important training tools to aid you in your spiritual parenting journey:

1.  Parent Orientation:  P.O. is the perfect introduction to Kids Adventure (LSCC's Children's Ministry).  You'll find out what your kids do each week, resources available to help in your parenting journey, upcoming event dates, and much more.  Our next parent orientation will be held on Sunday, August 28, at 11 a.m. in the SCA school commons.  Email me for more info at kevin.hartman@lscckc.org.  I hope to see you there!

2.  Spiritual Parenting:  This six week class isn't parenting skills 101.  Instead, we'll look at the calling that God has placed on all parents to be the spiritual giant our children need.  This class will cover the ten environments that are used in our weekend curriculum and HomeFront.  The class will be scheduled soon.  This class will begin on September 11, at 9:30 a.m. over in the school commons.  Dr. Michelle Anthony's book "Spiritual Parenting" is our resource and will be available for purchase soon.  More info on this class will be in our weekly bulletin and in handouts at your child's Kids Adventure room.

Finally, I have committed my life to help families become the front line of spiritual trainers for our children.  If there is anything I can do to help you personally please let me know.

Blessings to you as you lead your family!

Kevin

HomeFront Monthly & Weekly for August 8-14

Click on the links below for the latest edition of HomeFront Weekly:


Kids Summit (Elementary) HomeFront Weekly

Kids Safari (Preschool/Kindergarten) HomeFront Weekly


Click here for HomeFront Monthly.

Back On Track

The end of summer seems like a lifetime away with all of this scorching hot weather we've had.  But the introduction of school supplies at your favorite department store reminds us that it will be here soon.

The end of summer brings a new season in Kids Adventure.  It's a great time to refocus and look ahead at the events of this upcoming school year.  Our ministry team has been lining up plans for this year and there are some very exciting new developments that every LSCC family needs to know about.

We have three special ways to help this happen.  All three are required and essential to get the full impact of family ministry at LSCC.  Here they are:

1.  Parent Orientation - P.O. is the perfect introduction to Kids Adventure.  You'll find out what your kids do each week, resources available to help in your parenting journey, upcoming event dates, and much more.  Our next parent orientation will be held on Sunday, August 28, at 11 a.m. in the SCA school commons.  Email me for more info at kevin.hartman@lscckc.org.

2.  Attend Kids Adventure - Choose a date and attend WITH your child one Sunday.  Why?  Well, you might be surprised at what we are able to accomplish in one hour.  It's your way to see what your kids are up to and will give you the ability to have more involved conversations about what they are learning.  WARNING:  I guarantee if you come once you'll want to come back!

3.  Spiritual Parenting Class - This six week class isn't parenting skills 101.  Instead, we'll look at the calling that God has placed on all parents to be the spiritual giant our children need.  This class will cover the ten environments that are used in our weekend curriculum and HomeFront.  The class will be scheduled soon.  Watch for dates!

LSCC is here as a resource to help you lead your family spiritually.  So, jump in with us and get started on this family journey.

Living a Legacy

I had a reality check this morning.  I've been reading through a chronological study Bible.  This morning I read 1Kings 12-16.  King Solomon made some poor choices during the last years of his reign over Israel.  The result:  a divided kingdom, generations of calamity, civil war, assassinations, and that's just the beginning.  Now, I"m not saying that ALL of this is Solomon's fault, but he didn't do his job to ensure that the following generations followed God's laws.  


How many of us, if we were asked, "Would you like to be Solomon?" would say, "Sure!"  Wealthy, rich, power, loved by all, who wouldn't.  But Solomon missed out on his most important role in life....DAD!


I will have to answer for my legacy, not the church or government or neighbors.  ME!  1 Kings challenged me to make sure my priorities are in line.  I need to answer the hard questions:  Am I doing my best with God's power to be the Dad my children need?


While the church isn't responsible for my children it is responsible to help me in my journey as a Dad.  That's why I'm glad to be a part of LSCC.  My church is like a tool box.  Kids Adventure, AWANA, The Link student ministry, home groups, classes, all to help me along the way.


A great resource for families with children is Homefront.  Take a look at the week upcoming in Kids Adventure and begin building a God-honoring legacy.


Kids Safari (Preschool/Kindergarten) Homefront Weekly
Kids Summit (Elementary) Homefront Weekly

iPhone Users

Do I have one?  NO!  But it is on my Christmas list.  Since becoming a mac user my list for changing to the iPhone has grown exponentially (my wife is rather annoyed).


Why am I telling you this?  Glad you asked.  You see, for all of you iPhone users out there TRU (our Kids Adventure curriculum) has developed a FREE iPhone app.  The app gives you HomeFront monthly and weekly editions on demand and at your fingertips.  Why is this so great?  Well, for those times when you're waiting on the dentist, riding in the car (when your spouse is driving, of course), sitting at home and the laptop battery is dead, at a moments notice you can pull up HF weekly and preview the upcoming week at Kids Adventure with your children.  The app is also loaded with features from HF monthly like:  recipes, games, storytelling, marriage and parenting articles, and more.


I've used the app (sorry Todd for drooling on your phone) and it is slick.  So, grab your iPhone (I wish!) and download the app now.  Go to the iTunes store and search TRU HomeFront.


ENJOY!

Forming Habits

Camp was a great experience.  Just two weeks ago we were packing our bags and making our final preparations for five days of fun.  We ended the week with a challenge; six weeks of Bible reading.  Someone said that it takes six weeks to develop a habit.  So, the challenge was to keep reading for an additional five weeks after we finished camp.

Some of them took this challenge.  One child asked me, "What should I read?"  My reply, "Use Homefront weekly.  It gives you a passage to read AND will get you ready for church each week."  "OK," was the reply, "I can do that."

Our children need our encouragement and guidance.  Take the lead by using Homefront.  Now is the time for us to help them develop habits that will impact them for a lifetime.  We're just beginning week 3.  If your child went to camp encourage them to keep up with the challenge.  Read with them.  Talk over the passage.  Your efforts now will pay off in the long run.

Kids Safari (Preschool & Kindergarten) Homefront weekly

Kids Summit (Elementary) Homefront Weekly

Don't forget Homefront Monthly.  You can find a link in last week's post titled "Dog Days".

THE BIG GOD STORY!

Some of you have heard this phrase from your child.  So, what is "The Big God Story" all about?  Why do we call it that?


It's pretty simple.  Every week at Kids Adventure we take time to focus on the Bible and the wonderful, true stories therein.  But we take a bit of a different approach.  We go from beginning to end in one year, stretching from Genesis to Revelation chronologically to help kids understand scripture as more than just a collection of short stories. God’s redemptive plan is woven throughout.  No dipping here and skipping there.


One more thing...the Big God Story isn't about a bunch of superhuman people who did superhuman things.  Rather, it is about regular people (like our children, you, me) who made a choice to follow God.  Then God, in His supernatural power, did amazing things in and through them.  So, if he can do this in people like Abraham, Moses, Esther, David, Peter, Mary, Paul, then why not us?


It's His Big Story and He wants you and me to be a part of it.  Dr. Michelle Anthony, Family Ministry Ambassador at RockHarbor Church in Costa Mesa, Ca. has developed this idea in her book called "The Big God Story".  It's a simple overview of the Bible from start to finish.


Here's a video narration of the book.  Check it out then show it to your children.

Culture? What's that?

I heard someone say something today that challenged the way I think.  I like that (usually).  Here's what he said, "Community is the heart of culture."  Yep, that's it!  I know, pretty deep.


So, I did what any good post-modern 40-something would do....I Googled the phrase.  To no surprise I got NOTHING.  Why?  I don't know.  One thought:  both are painfully slow things to develop and nobody wants to spend all of their time writing about something that most people don't want to take the time to read about.


Wiki defines culture as..."the set of shared attitudes, values, goals, and practices that characterizes an institution, organization or group".  Community is certainly at the heart of this definition.  So, if I want to be a part of a community then I join in.  But if I want to be a part of a culture then I give up my selfish ways for the good of the community.


So, with what culture(s) do you share common values, goals and practices?  Quite honestly, everyone is a part of a culture.  Unfortunately, many cultures lure us away from what is important.  Sometimes, that can even be our own churches!


I've been challenged to re-evaluate my community and culture:  family, work, small group and church, fun.  Why?  Because God called me to be a part of a culture that changes the world! You know, that whole salt and light thing.  What am I doing to develop a culture of Kingdom influence in the avenues of my life?


You know, I cannot think of a better place to develop a Kingdom influence than in my own family.  I have three daughters (and another on the way).  Chances are they will get married and have children of their own.  If I develop a Kingdom influence in them then I've multiplied my influence many times in the span of just two generations.  That's a culture worthy of my investment.


I challenge you to create a Kingdom culture.  After all, God isn't just our Savior, He's our King!

Dog Days

We're in the dog days of summer.  If you're like me the routine is getting a bit difficult now.  I don't even want to step outside because I know a blast of hot, humid summer will hit me square in the face.  My house needs painting.  My landscaping is in a bit of disrepair.  The grass needs watering.  DOG DAYS!!!


One thing I cannot compromise is my relationship with God and family.  Homefront is a great resource to keep me on track.  Take Homefront Weekly.  It gives me an overview of what is coming up for my children NEXT Sunday.  I can take the initiative to teach my children about what they will hear in church.  All of a sudden, I become the Bible teacher hero of my family.  When they arrive Sunday, they will be ready for a great review from a different perspective.  What a great opportunity for me!


Then there's Homefront Monthly.  It's packed with extras for me to do with the family through the month.  Games, recipes, stories, parenting and marriage articles.  Just what I need to conduct some meaningful time together with my family.


So, don't let the dog days get your spiritual routine down.  Use Homefront for a boost.


Check it out:
Homefront Monthly (Knowing)
Kids Safari (Preschool/Kindergarten) Homefront Weekly
Kids Summit (Elementary) Homefront Weekly