Faith in Parenting

This week, our church’s Children’s Minister and Preschool Director collaborated on an awesome series of activities designed to help families prepare for Easter Week. Along with various crafts, we had the opportunity to simulate washing one another’s feet (okay - we washed hands, but you get the idea!), share in the Last Supper, pray in the garden of Gethsemane, and walk through the empty tomb. On our Faith in Parenting Support Call this week, I’d like to share with you some of these activities and discuss how we can prepare our hearts for Easter as a family.

To join us, call (218) 486-1300 at 2:00 pm (ET) on Tuesday, March 18, and enter the access code 669379.

(For those in other time zones, the call will take place at 1:00 pm CT, 12:00 noon MT, and 11:00 am PT.)

Directions for Joining Us on the Weekly Support Call:

• Date: Tuesday, March 18, 2008
• Time: 2:00-2:35 PM (ET)
• Telephone Number: (218) 486-1300
• Access Code: 669379

And as always, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact me.

Blessings,
Jennifer

My aunt sent me this prayer last week:

St. Theresa’s Prayer 

May today there be peace within.

Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of you.

Hmm…read that again, but this time, focus on you as a parent; as a mom or dad.  You were uniquely created by God to be your child’s mom or dad!  May you be at peace, knowing that He - the Lord himself! - equips you.  Celebrate both the gifts He has given you already, and that which He is growing in you right now.  ~Amen!

Do you have a “life verse?” If I had to choose one, I think I’d go with Proverbs 3:5-6. It’s one of the very first verses I memorized as a young believer.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.

It’s a passage that has remained with me, one that gives me great encouragement and direction. It’s also a verse that I highlighted in children’s Bibles for both of my kids. One day I just sat down with my Bible, along with a couple of those pink and blue Precious Moments Bibles my children had received as gifts, and started highlighting some of my favorite passages for them.

It was a neat exercise, to think that if anything ever happened to me, which passages would I want them to know had been most important to me…

How about you? What verses mean the most to you, that you would want your children to have a record of?

Consider grabbing a highlighter and making some notes in a Bible for them, or sitting down and writing them a year-end letter that includes some of your favorite Scripture passages. It’s a great year-ending activity for all of you!

Consider, too, sharing your thoughts here in the comments area of the blog. I’d love to know which passages are most meaningful to you and your family.

Isaiah 9:2

The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of the shadow of death
a light has dawned.

Luke 2:30-32

For my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared in the sight of all people,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel.

Reflections:

Doesn’t everything dark and frightening seem much better by the light of day? Think about a time when you were scared, or faced a huge problem - one so big it kept you from sleep. Once dawn breaks, that same issue often looks smaller and more manageable. There’s something about turning the light on - whether it’s a physical lamp by your bed, or the light of daybreak - that makes us feel more capable.

And how much more so the light of Jesus in our lives! See, He is THE Light. The light that makes all the difference!

John 8:12 tells us that “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’”

And Isaiah 60:20(b) tells us that “The LORD will be your everlasting light, and your days of sorrow will end”

Let’s also look at John 1:9-12

The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.

He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.

Here we see that Jesus came to give light to every man (and woman). Not for some. Not for few. True, there may be few who will accept Jesus’ offer of salvation and truly follow Him, but His offer is for ALL.

Friends, that means that Christmas Day is for each and every one of us! And one common theme through all of these Advent devotions has been focusing on our response. Today, what is our response to this news? If Jesus came in to the world - fully human and yet fully God - to bring Light to our lives, to offer us hope, and peace, truth, and salvation, what is our response to Him? It’s a truth that’s too big to ignore, too huge to push aside or overlook.

Take some time today to get away - even for just a few minutes - and pray with God about your response. Don’t worry about having the right words or the right posture.  Your words don’t have to be lengthy or eloquent to count to Him! He’s ready, even right now, to listen to and accept your response to His most awesome gift - eternal life!

Luke 2:15-20

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

John 10:11

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

Reflections:

When has your life gone exactly according to your plan? Can we even name one occasion, one family vacation, even one holiday gathering that went off without a hitch? It’s hard to come up with, isn’t it?

Fortunately, we’ve learned to be flexible and accommodate changes in our routines and plans. In fact, I think we almost expect something to go wrong. After all, we’ve become so accustomed to not having our expectations met, that when something goes smoothly, it’s surprising.

When I look at this passage, it occurs to me that perhaps the shepherds felt like that, too, to some extent. Why else would Luke point out that the shepherds praised God for all that they had seen and heard, and specifically mention that the events took place exactly as they’d been told they would?

It’s interesting. And it also reminds me that there’s another plan that won’t go awry, that you - like the shepherds - can share with others. It’s the story of how God is drawing you to Him, calling you to follow with all of your heart, mind, and soul. Do you sense it?

There are many names for Jesus in the Bible, and one of them is The Good Shepherd. That’s because He takes care of his sheep. How do we know if we’re one of His sheep? Well, in John 10:27, Jesus said, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” Do we listen for Him? And do we respond to his voice?  Do our actions change as a result of knowing him?

Let’s think on that this season, for He is still calling, leading, and caring for us, just as a shepherd cares for his flock. The question is: How will we respond?

Lord, help us to hear your voice and take even just one step in the direction of following you with our whole hearts. We know you are there, gently and loving calling to us. Thank you for never giving up or turning away from your children. Amen.

Isaiah 52:7

How beautiful on the mountains
are the feet of those who bring good news,
who proclaim peace,
who bring good tidings,
who proclaim salvation,
who say to Zion,
“Your God reigns!”

Luke 2:8-14

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”

Luke 4:18-19

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and recovery of sight for the blind,
to release the oppressed,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

Listen again to these key words spoken by the angel of the Lord who appeared before the shepherds: “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” Not just some. The Good News of Jesus Christ is for all!

He came for each one of us. Not just for those who see to have it all together, or for those who attend church every Sunday or who can recite the Apostle’s Creed from heart. No, friends - He came for all.

John 10:10 tells us that Jesus came “…that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

Look again at today’s passage from Luke chapter 4. What does the Lord wish to give you to today? Is it good news you need in order to press on for yet another day?  Freedom from the “prisons” of your everyday life?  Recovery of sight for those areas in our lives where we no longer see what’s right in front of us?  Or release from that which has a hold on you? See, He can do all that and more!  And that was the very purpose for which He entered this world as a baby - fully human and yet fully God.

Where can He meet your needs today, Mom? Where do you have need of Him in your life?  And are you willing to ask Him, to turn to Him, and to rely fully on Him?

Lord,  There are areas in our lives where we’re poor in spirit, held captive by our circumstances, blind to what you might want to show us, and oppressed. Yet you came to this earth to set us free from these restraints and give us new life. By your Spirit, move within us to turn away from that which holds us back and to believe more fully that you came to earth for each of us - yes, each one of us.

~Amen.

Micah 5:2

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
though you are small among the clans of Judah,
out of you will come for me
one who will be ruler over Israel,
whose origins are from of old,
from ancient times. ”

Luke 2:1-7

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Reflections:

Isn’t it interesting to see how God works out the minute details of our lives? Think of a time when you were delayed getting somewhere, and even felt distressed and anxious about the fact that you were running late, only to find that you ended up arriving at exactly the time you needed to, and that God had really ordained all those interruptions that looked like obstacles. Sometimes what looks to us like pure chaos is really part of the plan God has designed for our lives, but we can’t quite recognize it until we see the full picture.

The story of Jesus’ birth is a lot like that. Micah prophesied that Jesus would be born in Bethlehem. Yet Mary and Joseph weren’t even from there. And of course they must have been familiar with the Old Testament prophesies concerning the coming Messiah - that He would come from Bethlehem¹. Even while they trusted the Lord with everything that was happening to them, Mary and Joseph must have wondered if there was some mistake.

But then they received news that they were to go to Bethlehem to register for the census. Bethlehem! How they must have rejoiced and said to one another, “See, He is really doing this!”

What is He whispering to your heart today? What looks like chaos? What seems out of place or looks like it’s happening out of order? Could it be that God himself is laying the plans for something amazing in your life? Look for it. He’s there, in the details, bringing all things together for His good purpose.

There’s a verse from Romans that you may already be familiar with. It’s Romans 8:28. In the Revised Standard Version, it goes like this: “We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose.”

I love that it says “with.” He’s working for good with those who love him.

This Christmas season, ask Him how He wants to work for good in your life. Where are you most cooperating with what He wants to do? Where are you resisting? Trust in Him and ask Him to reveal to you the good and trustworthy plans He has for your life.

Are you familiar with Jeremiah 29:11? It says “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” For you, friend.

Christmas, with all its glory and excitement, it yet another personal, intimate reminder from the Lord that He has had plans for this entire world from the very beginning - and He has plans for you as well.

References:
¹Rebecca, Bauer Hayford. Just 25 Days ‘Til Christmas. Lake Mary, FL: Charisma House, 2004. 42-43.

Can you believe that Thanksgiving is less than three weeks away? What are your plans? Will you be cooking this year? Traveling? Enjoying a quiet holiday at home with your immediate family?

Whatever your plans are, spend a few minutes thinking about how you’ll intentionally convey the message to your kids that Thanksgiving is about more than just good eats, but about thanking the Lord for His provision in our lives.

That’s the topic for this week’s Tuesdays at 2:00 - Thanksgiving Traditions That Turn Our Attention Back to the One We Want to Thank. I hope you’ll plan to join us. The call is completely free, aside from any long distance charges you may incur dialing in.

Here are the directions for accessing the weekly support call:

• Date: Tuesday, November 6, 2007
• Time: 2:00-2:35 PM (ET)
• Telephone Number: (641) 715-3200
• Access Code: 229468#

If you have any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to contact me directly. I look forward to talking with you!

Blessings,

Jennifer

My daughter’s preschool class is doing a unit on butterflies, so there’s a butterfly kit hanging in the room with twenty chrysalises in mid-transformation. Madelyn couldn’t wait to show it to me! She took my hand and led me right over to the display. And as we got closer, I couldn’t help but notice that they look kind of, well, gross! I mean, they look a little bumpy and furry and sticky. (I bet they smell, too, although I really didn’t get that close.)

And so I told Madelyn what I thought - that they were awesome, and also kind of gross-looking.

“Isn’t it neat that God can take something that looks kind of gross and turn it into something so beautiful?!!”

She just laughed and went on her merry way, picking out the clothespin to match the station she wanted to go to first.

But as I drove home, I kept thinking about those butterflies, and how they relate to us as human beings. Do you have anything icky and gross hanging around in your life? Something bumpy, furry, and maybe a little sticky? What’s God preparing to do with that?  Can we even imagine?

Lord, we’ve all got places in our lives that look a little dead or gross or ugly, and we want to give them over to you. You are the giver of all life, and you can transform our unsightly bumps into creations more beautiful than butterflies. So we just hand them over to you now, Lord, and wait with expectation and faith, to see what you’re going to do. “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20)

Do you have faith in your parenting? Do you work to put faith into your parenting? That’s what this site is all about! My name is Jennifer Wolf, and I’ve been a Christian now for 22 years. I’m also the mother of two wonderful children, and - like you - I wear many hats. There’s the chauffeur, the cook, the nurse, the wife, the organizer, the writer, the coach, the decorator, the planner, the - need I go on?

You probably know where I’m going here, because it’s true for you, too. As many tasks as we cram into each day, there’s just nothing more important than sharing our faith with the precious children we’ve been entrusted to raise. But how, exactly, do we do that?

Here at “Faith in Parenting,” we’ll explore what’s working and what’s not… Where we want to go, and what we want to share along the way. I hope you’ll join me for this work of the heart.

Warmly,
Jen