Hfspr july 2013 by Christ Community Church

JULY 2013

9 TRADITIONS

IF THE WORLD WERE A VILLAGE

12 CREATE

BLESSING JAR

23 MARRIAGE ENTRUSTED RELATIONSHIP

CONTENTS FAMILY TIME

Create

Environment Responsibility

Family Time Recipe

Tot Time

Black Bean Salsa

Editor’s Note

Kids in the Kitchen

Tough Topics

How to Use Family Time and the Family Verse

Conversation Starters

The Middle

Capturing the Season

Worship

God’s Word

Global

Marriage

Prayer

Blessing

Spiritual Parenting

Traditions

INSPIRE

Spiritual Grandparenting

Game Time

The Everyday Parent

10 Environments

Storytelling

Ingredient List

Colors of the World

Earthly Stuff, Eternal Gain Candlelight Prayer

If the World Were a Village

Water Balloon Toss

EQUIP

Blessing Jar

One-Pan Skillet Cookie

Who’s Responsible?

Sit at Home

The Supernatural

God-Given Gifts

SUPPORT

God in Nature Sweden

Do Not Grow Weary

Entrusted Love

Still Preaching

Entrusted Relationship Inbox

Passing on Your Faith

One-Pan Skillet Cookie

RESPONSIBILITY | HomeFrontMag.com

We believe that the Holy Spirit is God’s chosen teacher. It is He who causes spiritual growth and formation when and as He chooses. As such, we have articulated 10 distinct environments to create in your home. We desire to create spiritual space, which we refer to as an environment, in which God’s Spirit can move freely.

Before you dive into this month’s issue, set aside your previous ideas about responsibility. While most of us associate that word with the burdens in our lives, the responsibilities God has charged us with are exciting and life-giving! Open your mind and your heart to what He has to show you about taking responsibility in the kingdom He has entrusted to you. This month, as we explore the responsibilities God has charged us with, we recognize that they cover a variety of areas. First, this concept of responsibility captures the idea that God has entrusted His kingdom to us! Next, it takes a look at our ability to take ownership for our life, gifts, and resources before God. In addition, our families must be challenged to take responsibility for our brothers and sisters in Christ, as well as those who are spiritually lost. Our hope is that the Holy Spirit would use this environment to allow each member of your family to be nurtured within a kingdom-minded worldview. As you explore the various facets of Christ-centered responsibility this month, we pray you will experience God in ways that will lead you to celebrate the responsibilities He has entrusted to you.

Michelle Anthony Family Ministry Architect David C Cook

Follow Michelle: @TruInspiration

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF RESPONSIBILITY first the structure, then the paint, and finally the landscaping. Just days before our walk, the church had covered the campus with beautiful grass sod. However, on this particular night when we walked by, we realized that somebody had run donuts on the grass with their car and torn up a large portion of the sod. It looked horrible. We stopped and discussed it, and we were sad knowing that Sunday was coming and the church had worked so hard for their big launch.

(an excerpt from Spiritual Parenting by Michelle Anthony)

One night my children and I were taking a walk. It was when our neighborhood was relatively new, and they were still building homes and other structures. There was a church that was being built right in the middle of our neighborhood. As we walked by, we saw the signs that said that they were getting ready to do a grand opening in just a few days. For weeks prior, we had been walking by it every night and watching how it was progressing—

As we walked by, I said to my children, “Do you realize how sad these people will be when they come to church on Sunday morning and their grass is all torn up and ruined—after all that they’ve sacrificed?” I went on, “Whose responsibility is that?” They replied, “Well, the people who did it, of course.” And I said, “That’s true—and do you think that the people who did that are going to come back and fix it?” They said, “No.” I went on to ask them who else’s responsibility it might be to fix it. They mentioned the people at the church, the gardener, even the pastor. I shared that I didn’t know who would be responsible in the church, but that there was a good possibility that they might not even get here until Sunday—and it would be too late.

“So,” I asked again, “whose responsibility is it?” They started to say to themselves, “Oh no, she’s going to say us, isn’t she?!” They looked at me sheepishly and responded in unison, “We are”—half as a statement, and half as a question. I wanted to probe further, “Okay, why are we responsible?” As we explored this question, each of us began to see that grassy field and that church in a new way. We were responsible for that situation because we were fellow believers with the people in that church. They were our brothers and sisters in Christ, even though we had not met them yet. We were responsible because we lived in that neighborhood. Because of this, the grass needed to be fixed, and it needed to be fixed before Sunday. When we give our children tangible faith opportunities to put what we’re teaching them into action, then we create environments for God’s Spirit to work in their hearts and lives. This is why it’s crucial to look for opportunities. We must have our eyes wide open, be attentive to God’s Spirit, and be prayerful, asking God to teach us to parent in these spiritually forming ways.

Design, Layout, and Photography by Brad Claypool (brad.claypool@davidccook.com)

RESPONSIBILITY | HomeFrontMag.com

EDITOR’S NOTE entrust: to charge or invest with a

trust or responsibility; to charge with a specified office or duty involving trust One of the highest forms of praise we can receive is when a boss or superior entrusts an important project to us, expecting us to do it well. How amazing is it to realize that God— the Creator of all things—commissions us with the responsibility and authority to carry out His work? That’s what the environment of RESPONSIBILITY is all about. It’s simply recognizing that God has entrusted us with the things and people He’s created around us.

Debbie Guinn

HomeFront Senior Managing Editor David C Cook debbie.guinn@davidccook.com

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This month’s issue of HomeFront features some creative and fun ways to help you and your children grasp the responsibilities we get to be a part of. Our STORYTELLING article challenged me this month—making me hope that I too will be compelled to share the gospel even into my 80s. The WORSHIP section will give you and your children an opportunity to worship God through His creation and recognize the awesome responsibility we have to care for our planet. And in this month’s CREATE you’ll be awakened to new ways to bless the people whom God has entrusted to you in your everyday life. As we spend time in the environment of RESPONSIBILITY, we truly get to be a part of what God is doing. Our prayer is that your eyes will be open to all He has for you.

RESPONSIBILITY | HomeFrontMag.com

HOW TO USE FAMILY TIME ...

FAMILY TIME

sy as a e s a It's ONE TWO THREE

Start by deciding on a day and time that works well for your entire family. It can be an evening, afternoon, or morning. Just commit to building this time into your family’s natural rhythm. It’s usually best to build this time around a meal.

FAMILY VERSE

Memorizing Scripture can be an incredible practice to engage in as a family. But words in and of themselves will not necessarily transform us; it is God’s Spirit in these words who transforms. We come to know God more when we’re willing to open our hearts and listen to His Holy Spirit through the words we memorize. Have fun with this verse, and think of creative ways to invite your family to open up to God as they commit this verse to memory.

Look through HomeFront and see what stands out. Choose two or three experiences you would like to incorporate into your family times each week. Don’t feel burdened to complete all the activities at once, but carefully select which ones will fit your family best. This resource provides your family with more than enough experiences to create transforming environments in your home throughout the month.

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

James 1:27

FAMILY TIME IDEAS!

Remember to HAVE FUN! Strive to make each gathering unique to your own family as you enjoy spending time with God and each other. 5

RESPONSIBILITY | HomeFrontMag.com

family time

c a p t u r i n g t h e s e as o n One of the greatest opportunities we have as parents is to awaken our children to the world around them. Technology has connected continents like never before. Within seconds, we hear about triumphs and tragedies happening in faraway places. With this amazing knowledge comes a deep responsibility to our neighbors worldwide. We have the privilege of introducing our children to our world’s beauty, cultures, and challenges. In addition, every country in our world has its own unique visual identity in its flag. Americans proudly wave the red, white, and blue, while Canadians celebrate the red and white representing their country. This month, create a fabric-wrapped embroidery hoop in the colors of your country’s flag with a world map clipped inside. You might also take time to investigate the colorful flags of other countries. Talk with your children about praying for your own country as well as other countries around the world. Hang your hoop where you will see it each day. Let it serve as a reminder of our responsibility to pray for others worldwide. by Richelle Paris

SUPPLIES Embroidery hoop (medium-sized) Fabric (colors of your country’s flag; plain or patterned) Scissors Hot glue gun or craft glue Clothespin

BE FAITHFUL IN PRAYER

String or twine (enough to stretch across hoop) World map (from this page)

DIRECTIONS (1) Open the embroidery hoop into two pieces. (2) Cut or tear several strips of fabric. (3) Wrap both pieces of the hoop with strips of fabric, securing the ends of the fabric with glue. (4) Tie string or twine across the smaller piece (see photo). (5) Put the pieces of the hoop back together. (6) Cut out the world map card (see above). (7) Use a clothespin to clip the map to the string. 6

RESPONSIBILITY | HomeFrontMag.com

family time

g o d ’ s wo r d

In fact, at the end of this parable, Jesus gives some strong warnings: He says that those who are dishonest with little will be dishonest with much, and those who are untrustworthy with worldly resources will also miss out on true spiritual riches. There’s also another promise in there: God has great spiritual rewards for those who will simply be faithful with the little things. The word responsibility goes along with the word respond. Responding by being responsible with what God has given us starts with us. It’s a choice we make every day.

HEAR IT Read Luke 16:1–12 as a family. Then reflect on and answer the following questions: W here would you go if you didn’t have a house and needed a place to live? D o you think the manager acted wisely? Why or why not? W hat are some ways you can use what you have to tell others about Jesus? The story Jesus tells in the parable found in Luke 16 starts out with a manager being accused of misappropriating funds, his boss finding out, and the manager’s imminent firing. So the manager cooks up a plan to save his own skin and carries it out. He goes to his boss’s many debtors and changes the books for them. He’s hoping this will endear him to these clients and they’ll be obligated to care for the manager after he’s been fired, when he may be homeless. But there’s a surprise twist to the story: The boss discovers the manager’s plan and actually praises him instead of firing him or charging him with a crime. This ends the parable, but Jesus wraps it up with an encouragement to His listeners to be shrewd, be wise, and plan ahead eternally with money. In the verses following the parable, Jesus continues teaching on money by encouraging the people toward faithfulness and honesty when dealing with worldly wealth. He implies that if you use wealth wisely for eternal, heavenly gain, you’ll be rewarded.

W hat do you think the reward of “true riches” is? W hat are some small things in your life with which you can you be responsible and faithful?

DO IT Talk about this concept of using your earthly resources to make an eternal impact. Make a list of some of the people in your life who don’t know Jesus (or pick a missions organization that grabs your heart). Talk about how you might use what you have to reach others with Jesus’ love. Dream big! Imagine seeing in heaven people whom God graciously saved—by using you as a willing instrument and through your faithful obedience and response. by Justin Fox

Jesus isn’t actually approving of the manager’s dealings, but He is pointing to the manager’s shrewdness and desperate use of resources to gain friends. Jesus is inspiring Christians to do the same by leveraging everything they have in creative ways to bring lost people into the kingdom. 7

RESPONSIBILITY | HomeFrontMag.com

family time

p r ay e r

I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. (1 Timothy 2:1 NLT)

REMIND YOUR CHILDREN THAT GOD WANTS US TO BE A LIGHT IN A DARK WORLD. When children are young and their primary influence is their immediate family, it might be natural for them to assume that everyone they interact with knows Jesus. As their circle grows, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important that we teach them about the responsibility to pray, not just for the lost people around the world but also for those with whom they interact every day. This month, set aside an extended period of time to pray as a family. First, gather some candles (an inexpensive bag of tea lights or votive candles will work well for this activity).

Then ask your child if he knows anyone who doesn't know Jesus. This may or may not be an easy task. If your child needs help, feel free to prompt him.

Feel free to do this more than one time this month as other people come to mind. Remind your children that God wants us to be a light in a dark world.

As you work together to think about those in your circle of influence who do not know the Lord, light a candle for each one of these people. Your child may be surprised to see how many people they know who need God's love. When all the candles are lit, hold hands and ask God to begin to show your family how you could be missionaries to those around you every day.

by Alyson Crockett

RESPONSIBILITY | HomeFrontMag.com

family time

traditions

God has entrusted certain talents, abilities, and resources to each of us. As followers of Christ, we have a responsibility to use those gifts in such a way that they make an impact on the world around us. It is our God-given charge to use what He has entrusted to us, not only to come alongside our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ but to also reach out to those who do not know Him. As you read this, nearly seven billion people live on our planet. That can be an overwhelming number to think about and an almost impossible number for children to wrap their minds around. How then can we help our children to see ways to make a difference in our world? What if we lived in a much smaller world? In his book titled If the World Were a Village, David J. Smith challenges us to consider what our world would look like as a village of just 100 people. How does this change how you view our world? Think again about the gifts and resources with which God has blessed you. Where can you make a difference in this village? Encourage each family member to share about where she thinks God might be calling her to make a difference. Then discuss ways you can translate your ideas into what you can do in the world today. Considering making this a new tradition in your family. Use the village statistics as well as other creative ways to periodically look at the world in which we live. Remind your family that God has entrusted us with the things and people He has created. Look for ways to engage your children with this concept to see how God may be speaking to them about how they can impact our world. by Alyson Crockett

A TRADITION IS THE HANDING DOWN OF STATEMENTS, BELIEFS, OR CUSTOMS FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION.

IN THIS VILLAGE OF 100: GENDER Men 50 Women 50

MONEY

More than $9,000 per year 20 Less than $1 per day 20 Something in between 60

LANGUAGE

Chinese 22 English 9 Hindi 9 Spanish 7 Arabic 4 Bengali 4 Portuguese 3 Russian 3 Other 39

HOUSING

Have shelter 77 No shelter 23

FOOD

Always have enough to eat 30 Are hungry some or all of the time 50 Severely undernourished 20

AGE

Children 26 Adults 74

RELIGION

Christians 33 Muslims 22 Hindus 14 Buddhists 7 Jews 1 Other 11 No religion 12

LITERACY

Able to read and write 83 Unable to read and write 17

WATER

Safe drinking water 87 No safe, clean water 13

Have TV 25 No TV 75

RESPONSIBILITY | HomeFrontMag.com

family time

game time

The following versions of this classic game provide plenty of opportunities for everyone involved to practice responsibility. Whether you’re throwing or catching, you’ll soon see how your role impacts the other players in the game.

YOUNGER Make a few water balloons (the smaller the better) and stand across from each other. If you have several players, line up in two lines facing each other (so everyone faces a partner). Hand the water balloons to one person within each pair. On your signal, have the person holding the balloon gently toss it to his partner. If the partner catches the balloon, both of them should take a step backward and toss the balloon again. (If the balloon drops to the ground, the pair is out.) As the pairs continue to toss the balloon, they’ll be moving farther and farther away from each other. The last pair to keep throwing their balloon wins!

“IT IS A HAPPY TALENT TO KNOW HOW TO PLAY.” —RALPH WALDO EMERSON

OLDER Here’s a twist on the standard balloon toss: Instead of having just two people facing each other toss the balloon, give each pair a large towel to hold between them. Then have the pair team up with another pair, and place a balloon in one of the towels. Using the towel as a catapult, each pair should launch the balloon into the air, aiming at the other pair’s towel. That pair should try to catch the balloon in their towel. Have fun seeing how far the kids can fling the balloon so that the other pair actually catches it! by Justin Fox * LATEX ALLERGY ALERT: Replace the balloon with a small ball if your child is allergic to latex.

RESPONSIBILITY | HomeFrontMag.com

family time

sto ry t e l l i n g If most people typed their grandparents’ names into YouTube, they wouldn’t find much, if anything. But when I type my grandparents’ names into the search field, hundreds of videos queue up. Most are videos of my grandpa, a man who served as a pastor and evangelist all his life. In these videos you’ll watch him preaching, offering words of encouragement and love, or simply sharing thoughts about Jesus. Others are videos of my grandmother playing hymns or Christmas songs on a white baby grand piano while my grandpa runs the camera—sometimes accidentally filming himself in the mirror with his finger in the way of the lens. My grandparents are in their 80s. Even though they’ve been retired from formal ministry for more than a decade, they continually share their faith and their love for those Christ loves. Amazingly, they do this through YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and beyond. It’s inspiring and beautiful to see my grandparents take such dedicated responsibility for their faith—and in such innovative ways. It’s also inspiring to see peace and joy shine from my grandpa’s eyes. They are spiritual gifts that came only through a life lived with Jesus. I hope that when I’m in my 80s, I still take responsibility for my faith like my grandparents do. And I hope that through a life lived with Jesus, my eyes will also radiate an internal, spiritual peace that passes all understanding. by Tori Funkhouser

STORYTELLING RESPONSE WHAT’S YOUR STORY? THIS MONTH, MAKE A VIDEO OF YOUR FAMILY SHARING THEIR TESTIMONY. TAKE SOME TIME TO TALK TOGETHER BEFORE FILMING SO YOU HAVE A CLEAR PICTURE OF WHAT YOU WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW ABOUT JESUS. THEN FIND SOMEONE WITH WHOM TO SHARE YOUR STORY. CONSIDER POSTING IT ON YOUTUBE!

GRANDPA’S NAME: DON POLSTON GRANDMA’S NAME: RUTH ANN POLSTON THEIR WEBSITE: WWW.DONHPOLSTON.COM

RESPONSIBILITY | HomeFrontMag.com

family time

c r e at e

CREATE YOUR BLESSING JAR: JAR OR CONTAINER IST OF WAYS TO BLESS L OTHERS (CUT INTO STRIPS)

“PREACH THE GOSPEL AT ALL TIMES. WHEN NECESSARY, USE WORDS.” —ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI

CREATE IS A TIME TO ENGAGE YOUR FAMILY IN A COLLABORATIVE RESPONSE TO HEARING GOD’S TRUTH. In our family we recognize our responsibility to share the good news and love of Christ. We hope that we do this through our actions more often than we do through our words. We talk often with our children about how we’re blessed to be a blessing. This means we get to look for ways to bless others. by Ali Bray

Our family uses a “Blessing Jar” to do this, and it’s worked well for us. We have a jar filled with “Ways to Bless” written on small strips of paper. We typically choose a strip featuring a blessing from the jar at the end of our family nights and use the next week to complete the task. On the following page we’ve provided some “Ways to Bless” to get you started— but also feel free to think of your own! Once you’ve completed your Blessing Jar, begin by letting the youngest child pick the first blessing, and then rotate different family members from there.

DISCUSS: •T alk about what it looks like to honor God with our resources and gifts as we serve others. The Blessing Jar can be a great tool to help us practice caring for those around us and taking responsibility for the people in our lives whom God has entrusted to us. •T alk about having eyes that search for people in need of little “blessings” all day long. For example, your kids can be on the lookout at school—in the classroom, at lunch, or at recess. Your whole family can begin to search for ways to bless each other or your neighbors as you engage in daily life.

RESPONSIBILITY | HomeFrontMag.com

family time

c r e at e

“WAYS TO BLESS” Choose from these ideas or have fun as a family coming up with your own.

Clean up an elderly neighbor’s yard Leave an encouraging message using sidewalk chalk in a neighbor’s driveway—anonymously Thank your local firefighters with a heartfelt note and treat Babysit for another family Tape a large sign reading “Thank you” to the top of your trash can along with a little treat for your garbage collectors Tape money with a note to a vending or soda machine Tuck money into the toy section of any store with a little note for one happy boy or girl Write a note to a friend, telling her why she’s special Take coffee to someone who works in the cold Feed someone who’s hungry Buy a bunch of flowers and give them away one at a time as God prompts you Thank your local police officers with a heartfelt note and treat Thank a librarian and hide some money in a book or two while you’re there Make a meal for another family who could use an extra hand Pass out doughnuts to your neighbors on a Saturday morning Find an assisted living home and visit the elderly with “art” made by your kids Pick up and put away all of the grocery carts in the parking lot at any store in the local area Sweep a neighbor’s porch and driveway Take coats or socks to a homeless shelter Set up a free hot cocoa/lemonade stand for an area or group Buy lunch for the car behind you in a drive-through, or anonymously treat another family to dinner at a restaurant Stop in a favorite restaurant and offer to help clean the tables or do another task that will bless the people working there Tape quarters to a bubble gum machine Hand out some balloons with fun notes on them—anywhere Leave a note and a treat in your mailbox for the mail carrier Swing by your doctor’s or dentist’s offices with some treats and notes for the team members who help so many Thank your church staff, teachers, volunteers, or pastor for leading people toward Jesus

RESPONSIBILITY | HomeFrontMag.com

family time

fa m i ly t i m e r e c i p e

INGREDIENTS: 1 (15 oz.) can of black beans 1 (15 oz.) can of yellow (or yellow and white) corn   1 (10 oz.) can of diced tomatoes with green chilies 1/4 c. finely chopped onion   3 Tbsp. freshly chopped cilantro Juice of one small lime 1 tsp. rice vinegar (optional) Prep Time: 15 min. Number of Servings: 6

DIRECTIONS: 1. O pen the can of black beans, dump the beans into a strainer, and rinse them. Place the rinsed beans in the bowl.

2. O pen the can of corn, drain off the excess water with a strainer, and place the corn in the bowl with the beans.

3. O pen the can of diced tomatoes and add them to the beans and corn. 4. A dd onions and cilantro, then stir. 5. A dd lime juice to your taste (and rice vinegar, if desired). for an easy metric conversion chart, search the internet for “metric kitchen.”

SERVE THIS SALSA WITH CHIPS, OR PLACE A HEAPING SPOONFUL ATOP A PIECE OF GRILLED CHICKEN. 14

RESPONSIBILITY | HomeFrontMag.com

family time

k i d s i n t h e k i tc h e n

Have the entire family take part in this fun and easy recipe! Turn to page 27, where you’ll find the list of ingredients. Cut the ingredients apart and place the strips of paper facedown on the table. Then have each family member choose a strip and look at the ingredient printed on it. Each person will then be responsible for adding his ingredient to the skillet at the appropriate time. Take special care to follow the steps in order. Don’t leave any out! Then, at the end, you’ll have a delicious skillet-sized cookie. by Debbie Guinn for an easy metric conversion chart, search the internet for “metric kitchen.”

Prep Time: 10 min. Bake Time: 15–20 min.

INGREDIENTS:

DIRECTIONS: 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Melt butter in an eight-inch cast iron skillet over medium-low heat.

2. S tir in sugars and vanilla and remove from heat. Let rest until pan is warm but not hot, about five minutes.

1 stick (8 Tbsp.) unsalted butter

1/2 c. granulated sugar  1/2 c. light brown sugar

rack an egg onto the butter and sugar mixture and use a fork to whisk it well into the C mixture.

4. P lace flour, baking soda, and salt on top, and very carefully stir into the mixture until

1 tsp. vanilla extract

smooth and well-mixed.

1 egg  1 1/2 c. unbleached all-purpose flour  1/2 tsp. baking soda 1/4 tsp. kosher salt

5. S tir in chocolate chunks or chips. 6. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the cookie starts to turn golden on the top and around the edges. It will still be soft in the center.

1 cup chocolate chunks or chips

7. Serve with vanilla ice cream. family time

co n v e r sat i o n sta r t e r s

WHO’S RESPONSIBLE? by Debbie Guinn

Each day we encounter many situations that require us to respond in responsible ways—especially when it comes to the things God has entrusted to us. Pose the following questions to your family:

GET YOUR CHILDREN … TALKING

“The new kid at school doesn’t seem very friendly, but he has no one to play with at recess. What would you do?” “You see a person holding a sign that says he needs food and doesn’t have a place to live. What would you do?” “You’re walking at the park and see trash that someone threw on the ground. What would you do?” Let everyone offer an answer. Allow children to respond first, then adults. Discuss your answers together. 15

RESPONSIBILITY | HomeFrontMag.com

family time

wo r s h i p

Gather the supplies listed and then create a quiet time and space for your family to engage in worshipping God together. Look around. Imagine there are no trees or animals— no sun, moon, or sky. No people. In the beginning, that’s what it was like: There was nothing … except God! He has always been. And He created everything— everything you see—out of nothing. We can see evidence of God in all of creation. It’s amazing that God created everything, each unique and beautiful. It’s also amazing that the same God who created everything, including you and me, wants us to be in perfect relationship with Him and invites us to be part of His big story! Now show your children the bin filled with creation items and the photos. Allow them to look and touch the pieces of creation. Point out the colors, textures, weight, and uniquenesses of the items. Share with your children that God gave us the responsibility of taking care of all of creation.

PHOTOS OF: RAINFOREST STARS ANIMALS TO COME

Play the worship music and allow your family to experience God’s presence by writing something true about Him or creating a collage with the pieces of creation. Then discuss together ways you can take care of everything God has entrusted to us. Pray together, thanking God that He gave us the responsibility of taking care of His creations. Ask Him to show you creative ways your family can engage in this responsibility. by Tori Funkhouser

SUPPLIES: photos of stars, galaxies, rainforests, and animals s mall plants, shells, rocks, twigs, flowers, or other small pieces of creation plastic bin to hold the pieces of creation your favorite worship music

WE OFTEN THINK OF WORSHIP AS SINGING, BUT WE CAN WORSHIP GOD IN MANY DIFFERENT WAYS.

markers paper (1 sheet per person) glue or glue sticks

RESPONSIBILITY | HomeFrontMag.com

family time

g lo b a l

Where in the World Is ...

SWEDEN

covering 173,732 square miles. Sweden is bordered on the north and northeast by Finland, on the east by the Gulf of Bothnia, on the southeast by the Baltic Sea, and on the west by Norway.

ND LA FIN

NO RW AY

G BO U L F T H OF NI A

Sweden is the fourth-biggest country in Europe,

N W

SW E

Awakening a compassionate heart and a global mindset in children for people beyond the boundaries of their own neighborhoods.

NOW THAT WE KNOW THE LOCATION OF SWEDEN, LET’S MEET ITS PEOPLE.

POPULATION: 9,415,295

More than nine million people call Sweden their home.

BALTIC SEA

Swedish

RELIGION:

72.9% Lutheran

(Church of Sweden)

If you lived in Sweden, you might eat from something called a smorgasbord, or a table filled with food. An average smorgasbord will include meatballs and all types of pickled herring as well as potatoes, eggs, and bread. Typical fast food in Sweden consists of hot dogs (either boiled or fried) and French fries or mashed potatoes with ketchup or mustard.

5% Muslim 2% Roman Catholic

DID YOU KNOW? • A popular souvenir in Sweden is the moose-crossing road sign. Many of these signs are stolen from Swedish roads every year. • Sweden has the highest number of McDonald’s restaurants per capita in Europe.

If you went to church in Sweden, you would most likely go to the Church of Sweden, which is Lutheran. Only two percent of church members regularly attend church services. Sweden is the most eco-friendly country in the world. From green housing and recycling to wise use of biofuels, this country has taken responsibility for its region of the planet. Sweden is making it easy for people to change by educating its citizens and providing the tools needed to become environmentally conscious.

LANGUAGE:

TO GREET SOMEONE, YOU WOULD SAY:

“HEJ DA”

(pronounced HAY DOH) To talk with your friends in Sweden, you would speak Swedish.

RESPONSIBILITY | HomeFrontMag.com

family time

blessing

DO NOT GROW WEARY by Emily Van Herk

A blessing can be a prayer of commission, a Bible passage, or words of encouragement. Blessings can also be spoken over a child for the purpose of declaring God’s protection, joy, and wisdom over him.

Understanding all that God calls us to be responsible for can at times feel overwhelming. Use this blessing to encourage your children as your family lives in the environment of RESPONSIBILITY.

BLESS Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:9–10

PRAY [Child’s name], may you never become weary in doing good. Be encouraged to know that God sees everything you do for Him.

RESPONSIBILITY | HomeFrontMag.com

INSPIRE Parenting stories and devotions to spur you on and motivate you as you spiritually parent your children.

EQUIP Resources to prepare you as you navigate through tough ages and tough topics.

SUPPORT Walking alongside you to promote healthy marriages and answer your spiritual parenting and spiritual grandparenting questions.

RESPONSIBILITY | HomeFrontMag.com

inspire

t h e e v e ry day pa r e n t

Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. 1 John 3:18

ne of the responsibilities God has charged us with is to actively love our children. They are eager and willing recipients of our love and the variety of expressions it comes in. We love them by meeting their physical needs—food, water, shelter, and clothing. We love them by nurturing their intangible needs too, as they receive our love through quality time together, hugs and kisses, and words of praise and blessing. As parents, we build up our “love” muscle on a daily basis with our children, but how often do we exercise it with those outside our home? How often do we demonstrate love outside our friendships or outside our faith community? We know we live with a child-audience watching closely to see how our words and actions play out, but do we recognize the world watching too? We have been entrusted with the task of loving our world as well as our family. We can show love to our world because God has poured out His love into our hearts by His Holy Spirit that dwells within us. Let’s take the overflow of God’s love and begin caring for those that cross our path. As we do, our child-audience will be watching and begin to find their own unique ways of loving their kid-sized world. by Kelli Coltman

Entrusted Love

In the middle of the night, few words move me as quickly out of bed as these: “Mommy! I’m getting sick!”

by Amy Palmerton

Visions of a laundry nightmare come to mind as I sprint to find whatever child is stumbling toward the bathroom. It’s not that I’m without compassion. But all I can think about are the pillows, blankets, sheets, mattress covers, and carpet that must be cleaned if this child doesn’t make it on time! Inevitably I find a mess that must be cleaned up. I pout and sigh and fume. In these very humble moments, I think sadly and sarcastically to myself: “Oh, the glamour of parenting!” Yet another feeling runs parallel to these sick-child laundry woes. It’s the patience and love that God puts in many parents’ hearts for moments like this. It’s the sight of my helpless and hurting child that reminds me I’m the one person who can bring comfort. I’m the only person who would willingly run and embrace the very child who’s creating the havoc in the first place. This is the place where I know the love for the children God has entrusted me with goes beyond token affection. My love is real and is from God. God calls us to love in ways that demonstrate depth and commitment and selflessness. I am reminded so often in my journey as a parent that I have a choice to awaken to these opportunities. God graciously calls me not once, but over and over, to this responsibility to love deeply and with great sacrifice.

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equip

tot t i m e ( ag e s 3 & u n d e r )

Repetition is fundamental to almost any learning style, so when you’re attempting to teach your children, use repetition! lie down

These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

g the roa lon

at home sit

get up

(Deuteronomy 6:6–7)

sit at home

This month, while sitting at home, sing this rhyme (to the tune of “The Alphabet Song”) to remind your children of the many responsibilities we have as children of God.

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equip

to u g h to p i c s Vampires, werewolves, and wizards—oh my! From books to movies to TV, fascination with the supernatural is on the rise. People who feel a lack of control over their circumstances hunger to connect with something greater.

The Supernatural

Sadly, where we long to feel powerful or significant, Satan lurks to offer us a counterfeit to abundant life in Jesus. It’s a twist on an ancient lie: “When you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God” (Genesis 3:5). The Bible clearly states the supernatural realm exists—both good (God and angels) and evil (Satan and demons)—and a war is going on (Ephesians 6:12). But Satan comes to “steal and kill and destroy” (John 10:10). This is why, in the Bible, God forbids His people to practice magic, sorcery, and divination. Parents, it is our responsibility to help our families evaluate the supernatural from a biblical perspective. Take time to talk about the battle between good and evil. Remind your children they never have to be afraid, because God is the most powerful of all.

equip

the middle (6 t h

8 t h GRADE)

God-Given Gifts by Justin Fox

My eighth grader plays the drums. Enough said, right? I mean, he really plays the drums! No quiet, padded, electronic drums will do for this ball of energy and angst. My son needs them loud, and he needs to hit them often! His drum set takes up most of his room, and he wouldn’t want it any other way. When he hits the drums with all his might, I’m sure I can feel the whole house shake, and yet there is something beautiful about his musicianship and creativity. God has truly given him a gift of rhythm and feel. It’s a joy to hear him practice at a craft for which he has such a passion. Ever since learning the drums, my son has volunteered a couple of Sunday mornings a month to play with the junior high worship team at our church. His mother and I are thrilled with the opportunity he has to glorify God with his drums. We regularly make great efforts to get him to practice on time, make him a good breakfast, and encourage him along the way. There are a few Sunday mornings, I must admit, that don’t go so smoothly. Like many

teenagers, he can be slow at waking up, and it takes everything we’ve got sometimes to get him out of bed. There have also been those occasions where the night before he will tell us that he doesn’t want to wake up early and that he’d rather not play—often informing us that he’s definitely quitting the team for good and there’s nothing we can do about it. In our best moments, we treat his outbursts of frustration with grace and empathy. We let him know that he is welcome to quit anytime, but we remind him that he’s made a commitment, and it’s his responsibility to follow through. How would the team find a drummer last-minute? What would they do if he didn’t show up? I am thankful that as he digs deep inside for his own answers to questions like these, he always eventually agrees to honor his commitment, and the best part is watching his countenance after the service. His gift is always appreciated, valued, and celebrated by the music team and the youth group. You can literally see 22

the affirmation on his face. Serving shapes his soul. He walks taller. The experience of being used by God and seeing God work from a front-row seat leaves an indelible mark. He is beginning to see the joy that comes from using his gift responsibly. What God-given gifts do you see in your middle-schooler? What is he passionate about? Take a step back and consider the ways the Holy Spirit is working in your child’s life (even if it’s as loud as the drums!). What talents and interests are they developing? Consider ways you might encourage your young teen to own those talents and offer them in service to God. Could it be investing in lessons of some kind? A ministry opportunity at church? A club or organization that would foster and further enhance their natural skills? Romans 8:26–28 reminds us that the Spirit is constantly involved in our child’s life, even in the most awkward stages of teen development, God is still in the business of making “all things work together for good” (v. 28 ESV). RESPONSIBILITY | HomeFrontMag.com

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m a r r i ag e

ENTRUSTED RELATIONSHIP GOD HAS ENTRUSTED ME WITH THE THINGS AND PEOPLE HE CREATED AROUND ME.

The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. Genesis 2:15 The Lord God said, ‘“It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” Genesis 2:18 When God entrusted the caring of the garden to Adam and Eve, He demonstrated the biblical principle of responsibility. Adam and Eve were to be responsible for tending the garden. In the New Testament, God entrusted the disciples with the responsibility of making disciples of all nations. In 2 Corinthians, Paul admonished the Corinthians to finish the work they’d started (2 Corinthians 8:11). Throughout the Bible, God calls us to be responsible. Most parents are responsible when it comes to raising their children. They protect them and provide for them. As a counselor and pastor I’ve seen couples pay more attention to their children than their marriages. One of the reasons they give their children more attention is because they feel they are less able to take care of themselves. While this is true in many cases, it is one of the reasons I see so many unhappy marriages. Yes, we must be responsible parents, but we must first be responsible husbands and wives. My wife, Becky, helps me in so many ways. She does almost all of our laundry, she makes sure our bills are paid, she makes time to talk with me every night, and she even asks me if I’m getting enough recreational time and on many occasions suggests I take time to golf.

COUPLES EXERCISE: Understanding that God has entrusted your spouse to you, take some time to ask and answer the following: What do you think are your responsibilities to your husband or wife? What are some of the ways your spouse is being responsible to you? (Be specific, and affirm one another for these.) What are some ways you could become more responsible to your spouse? Write down two things you’re willing to work on this month that would help your spouse feel your love.

No matter how many other responsibilities we have, our relationship with our husband or wife must be our top priority. by Roger Tirabassi

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s p i r i t ua l pa r e n t i n g

INBOX W/ MICHELLE ANTHONY

Q: A:

My young children have a huge heart for the homeless—their little hearts break whenever they see someone hurting in this way. Do you have any ideas of some safe ways I can cultivate their hearts of compassion?

I grew up in a home where responsibility was portrayed as a negative thing—something you had to do. How do I redeem responsibility for my family?

Our children take cues from our tone and our attitudes more than we realize. When you have responsibilities, does your family see you seek God’s help for strength and wisdom and dive in with joy, or do they see you grumbling and feeling overwhelmed? An honest check on the way we model this will have a lasting impact on our children. One other practical way is to simply make it fun. If you’re sending a care package to someone or learning to manage money, look for age-appropriate ways to maximize your child’s strengths and giftedness.

I completely understand your concern for setting some good boundaries when it comes to your small children. A few months ago here in HomeFront we highlighted the idea of preparing Blessing Bags. These are bags that you and your children shop for and fill together. They include things such as restaurant and grocery store gift cards, granola bars, toiletries, gloves, socks, etc. You can even include blankets and personalized notes (possibly including Scripture) from your children. These bags are carried in your car at all times as you encourage your children to be on the lookout for someone who may need to receive a blessing. Also, most cities have specific ministries for the homeless, so making a visit to your local organization may spark some other great ideas as to how your family can serve. Finally, but most importantly, encourage your children to pray when they see people they want to help. Help them understand that God loves those people and sees their needs and that ultimately He will take care of them.

How do I encourage my child toward a heart of responsibility for those who are spiritually lost or hurting and, at the same time, protect them from the temptations that may bring?

T his is a good question that requires wisdom. As parents we tend to protect our children and keep them away from the things of the world. Often we find ourselves cloistered away in our safe bubble of Christianity without allowing our kids to see a lost world at all. As children grow, there are incremental ways to allow them to participate and yet learn to be discerning. When they are little, it’s important that they are with you in these situations so that you can offer perspective and safety, but as they grow and show discernment, they can be trusted to take more ownership. Some ideas include collecting and dropping off food for a food bank, a missions trip abroad or local missional opportunity, reading articles about the persecuted church around the world, having neighbors/friends from other faith backgrounds over for dinner, looking at movie reviews together on trusted websites (e.g., crosswalk.com), and learning to share your faith with others through basic evangelism tools (e.g., cru.org).

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s p i r i t ua l g r a n d pa r e n t i n g

PASSING ON YOUR FAITH Most of us understand our responsibility to our own biological families. We accept our call to pray for and invest spiritually in our children and grandchildren. But what about our responsibility to our faith community? What about the families around us who are disconnected from their own parents and grandparents? Do we understand the power of passing on our faith to children who aren’t members of our own families? Michelle Anthony tells a story of returning as a consultant to her childhood church. As she walked the halls, clipboard in hand, an elderly woman approached her, calling her by name. “Michelle!” she exclaimed. “I heard about your ministry to families, and I want to tell you that I believe I am partially responsible for that!” Michelle looked at her inquisitively, not even recognizing her face. The woman continued, “You see, when you were a baby I served in the nursery at this church. I held you, rocked you, and prayed that God would use you mightily to impact His kingdom. And He has!” As grandparents in our faith community, we get to share our hope and our testimonies with a generation that’s primed to listen and respond. One of the ways we can do this is to volunteer in the children’s ministry departments of our churches. Senior volunteers are sorely lacking in the volunteer ranks at most churches. Another idea is to approach youth ministry pastors and ask for ways to pray for the students. I heard of one church that asked middle school and high school students to fill out autobiographies. They shared specific ways the seniors in their church could pray for them. Spiritual grandparenting includes understanding our responsibility to all of those whom God places around us. We’ve received so much, and with great privilege comes great responsibility. Many children out there would benefit from receiving the love and patience most of us have shown to our own biological grandchildren. As we face the challenges of aging and life transitions, let’s have the courage to step out and invest in both our own families as well as the families in our faith community. Pray and ask God to show you how to invest—the dividends will pay great rewards! by Debbie Guinn

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10 ENVIRONMENTS Below you'll find a brief explanation of each environment. 1. Storytelling—The power of The Big God Story impacts our lives by giving us an accurate and awe-inspiring perspective of how God has been moving throughout history. It is the story of redemption, salvation, and hope and tells how I have been grafted into it by grace. It further compels us to see how God is using every person’s life and is creating a unique story that deserves to be told for His glory. “God has a big story, and I can be a part of it!” 2. Identity—This environment highlights who we are in Christ. According to Ephesians 1, we have been chosen, adopted, redeemed, sealed, and given an inheritance in Christ … all of which we did nothing to earn. This conviction allows children to stand firm against the destructive counter identities the world will offer. “I belong to God, and He loves me!” 3. Faith Community—God designed us to live in community and to experience Him in ways that can only happen in proximity to one another. The faith community serves to create an environment to equip and disciple parents, to celebrate God’s faithfulness, and to bring a richness of worship through tradition and rituals, which offer children an identity. Our love for each other reflects the love we have received from God. “God’s family cares for each other and worships God together.” 4. Serving—This posture of the heart asks the question, “What needs to be done?” It allows the Holy Spirit to cultivate a sensitivity to others and focuses on a cause bigger than one individual life. It helps fulfill the mandate that as Christ followers we are to view our lives as living sacrifices that we generously give away! “Asks the question ‘What needs to be done?’” 5. Out of the Comfort Zone—As children are challenged to step out of their comfort zones from an early age, they learn to experience a dependence on the Holy Spirit to equip and strengthen them beyond their natural abilities and desires. We believe this environment will cultivate a generation that, instead of seeking comfort, seeks a radical life of faith in Christ. “God transforms me when I step out in faith.”

IT IS OUR PRAYER THAT HOMES AND CHURCHES WOULD CREATE THESE ENVIRONMENTS FOR KIDS TO LIVE IN SO THEIR FAITH WILL GROW IN A COMMUNITY OF CONSISTENCY, COMMON LANGUAGE, AND PRACTICE. TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW THESE ENVIRONMENTS CAN IGNITE A TRANSFORMING FAITH IN YOUR FAMILY, WE SUGGEST YOU READ:

6. Responsibility—This environment captures the ability to take ownership for one’s life, gifts, and resources before God. A child must be challenged to take responsibility for his or her brothers and sisters in Christ, as well as for those who are spiritually lost. Our hope is that the Holy Spirit will use this environment to allow each child to understand that God has entrusted His world to us. “God has entrusted me with the things and people He created around me.”

7. Course Correction—This environment flows out of Hebrews 12:11–13 and is the direct opposite of punishment. Instead, biblical discipline for a child encompasses a season of pain, the building up in love, and a vision of a corrected path for the individual with the purpose of healing at its core. “When I get off track, God offers me a path of healing.” 8. Love/Respect—Without love, our faith becomes futile. This environment recognizes that children need an environment of love and respect in order to be free to both receive and give God’s grace. Key to this environment is the value that children are respected because they embody the image of God. We must speak to them, not at them, and we must commit to an environment where love and acceptance are never withheld due to one’s behavior. “God fills me with His love so I can give it away.”

9. Knowing—Nothing could be more important than knowing and being known by God. We live in a world that denies absolute truth, but God’s Word offers just that. As we create an environment that upholds and displays God’s truth, we give children a foundation based on knowing God, believing His Word, and cultivating a relationship with Him through Christ. God is holy, mighty, and awesome, yet He has chosen to make Himself known to us! “God knows me, and I can know Him.” 10. Modeling—Biblical content needs a practical living expression in order for it to be spiritually impacting. This environment serves as a hands-on example of what it means for children to put their faith into action. Modeling puts flesh on faith and reminds us that others are watching to see if we live what we believe. “I see Christ in others, and they can see Him in me.”

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ONE-PAN SKILLET COOKIE INGREDIENT LIST

1 STICK (8 TBSP.) UNSALTED BUTTER 1/2 C. GRANULATED SUGAR 1/2 C. LIGHT BROWN SUGAR 1 TSP. VANILLA EXTRACT 1 EGG  1 1/2 C. UNBLEACHED ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR 1/2 TSP. BAKING SODA 1/4 TSP. KOSHER SALT 1 C. CHOCOLATE CHUNKS OR CHOCOLATE CHIPS

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GOD’S WORD COMES ALIVE in The Action Bible with thousands of captivating illustrations and 215 action-packed Bible stories; The Action Bible New Testament with 67 New Testament stories; the 52-week Action Bible Devotional that pairs Bible stories with daring spiritual lessons; and The Action Bible Handbook with over 700 “whos,” “wheres,” and “whats” for every kid ready for a biblical adventure.

Contact a David C Cook rep at 800.323.7543 or visit DavidCCook.com