Homefront Monthly March 2013 by Christ Community Church

MARCH 2013

67 God’s Word HE IS RISEN

8 Prayer WORDS OF IDENTITY

25 23 The Middle A WAR OF WORDS

CONTENTS FAMILY TIME

Storytelling

Environment Identity

Traditions

Tot Time

Editor’s Note

Family Time Recipe

Tough Topics

How to Use Family Time and the Family Verse

Kids in the Kitchen

The Middle

Capturing the Season

Conversation Starters

God’s Word

Create

Marriage

Prayer

Global

Spiritual Parenting

Turkey

Worship

Blessing

Spiritual Grandparenting

Game Time

INSPIRE

10 Environments

Game Time

Identity Crosses

He Is Risen

Words of Identity I Am …

Guess What I’m Doing!

Guess What I’m Drawing!

EQUIP

A Chosen Child of God Family Traditions Grandma’s German Chocolate Pie Resurrection Rolls

Stand Firm

Media Choices

A War of Words

SUPPORT

Guess Who

Thumbprint Identity Reminders

Get Up

Influential Identity Inbox

Investing Twice

The Everyday Parent A Royal Family 2

IDENTITY | 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.

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. This conviction allows children to stand firm against the destructive counter-identities the world offers. Our culture constantly feeds our families the lie of false identities. School, friends, TV, magazines, music, and so much more continually tell our children that who they are isn’t good enough, that they need to be someone different. As we attempt to spiritually raise our families and redeem what the world has taken, it’s essential to be rooted in truth. We have to affirm the Christlikeness we see in our children as they strive to stand firm against false identities. In a world that finds identity in shallow and fleeting things, only the truth of our identity in Christ can offer true meaning and purpose.

Michelle Anthony Family Ministry Architect David C Cook

Follow Michelle: @TruInspiration

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF IDENTITY (an excerpt from Spiritual Parenting by Michelle Anthony)

One day I wrote a statement, based on Ephesians 1, that I thought might help my children to know and understand their true identity. I wanted each of them to be immersed in this truth so that they would know in their core who they were when they were tempted to make a decision that was incongruent. I personalized it for each of my children, and I personalized it for myself as well. Mine reads, “My name is Michelle Anthony. I am the chosen and adopted daughter of the Most High King. I’m the heir to an eternal inheritance waiting for me in heaven. I have been bought and completely paid for by the perfect sacrifice of Christ’s own blood and am sealed throughout eternity by God’s Holy Spirit. Don’t mess with me!” This is the confidence I wanted my kids to have! I wanted these words of truth to run through their heads: I’m a child, I’ve been bought, I’ve been chosen, I’m adopted, I’m an heir, and my sin has been completely paid for. All of these things scream freedom! I put this statement on the wall next to their beds, in their Bibles, in their lunches—so that they would remember who they were when the Enemy attempted to seduce them to believe otherwise.

Design, Layout, and Photography by Brad Claypool

IDENTITY | HomeFrontMag.com

EDITOR’S NOTE “ The more you reaffirm who you are in Christ, the more your behavior will begin to reflect your true identity.” from Victory Over the Darkness by Neil Anderson

Finding our identity in Christ is a lifelong journey. It doesn’t happen overnight, nor do we wake up one day fully confident in our identity. We need to be constantly reminded of it, because the world works hard to tell us otherwise. We need to choose to live in our new identity, daily reaffirming ourselves as chosen, adopted children of God.

Debbie Guinn

HomeFront Editor-in-Chief David C Cook debbie.guinn@davidccook.com

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This month’s issue of HomeFront is filled with reminders of who we are in Christ. It will provide you with the tools you’ll need to help your children embrace this important truth. The GAME TIME section focuses on Christ’s character by having families act out or draw things that can be identified with Him. Our GLOBAL section highlights the country of Turkey, the home of the church of Ephesus. In Paul’s letter to this church, the apostle affirmed the people’s true identity as sons and daughters of the Most High, heirs to the throne of God. And in our CREATE section this month you’ll have the opportunity to make Thumbprint Identity Reminders, which will serve as a tangible way for your family to focus on your true identity. This art project can help you remember to stand firm against the world’s counter-identities, which tend to distract us from focusing on God. This month I pray that the opinions of the world will pale in comparison to your Father’s voice. As you’re reminded of your true identity as a child of God, may you live in that freedom.

IDENTITY | 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 the 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.

Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. (John 1:12)

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

IDENTITY | HomeFrontMag.com

family time

c a p t u r i n g t h e s e as o n

Identity Crosses

Our children are bombarded with lies from the world—lies telling them they’re worthless, ugly, shameful, and simply not enough! However, because of what Jesus did on the cross, they can have a new identity— an identity found in Him. As parents, we have the God-given privilege to instill His truths into the lives of our children. We can use our words to affirm them and remind them of who God says they really are. This month, encourage each member of your family to make an identity cross. While you create your crosses, talk about God’s amazing love for us. Read John 3:16, and marvel together that God would be willing to give His one and only Son for us to be in relationship with Him. Allow the crosses you make to remind you of the great sacrifice Jesus made for each of you. Let them remind you that Jesus is alive, and because you’re His chosen children, He’s with you today. by Richelle Paris

Directions: 1. Cut the yarn, string, twine, or strips of fabric into short sections (each about six to 12 inches long).

What You’ll Need:

2. Put a dab of glue at the top of your first stick and start wrapping a section of yarn, string, twine, or fabric around it.

+ 2 sticks for each family member (small branches, twigs, craft sticks, etc)

3. Once you finish wrapping one section, put another dab of glue on the stick and repeat with another section. Repeat this process until you’ve completely wrapped the stick, creating your own unique design while you work. Then wrap the other stick in the same way.

+ Yarn, string, twine, or strips of fabric (various colors) + Craft glue or hot glue gun

4. Form the two wrapped sticks into a cross and tie them together to hold them in place. 6

IDENTITY | HomeFrontMag.com

family time

g o d ’ s wo r d

Jesus is alive! The resurrection means Jesus conquered death and granted our salvation. As Paul writes, without the resurrection, our preaching and faith would be useless! (1 Corinthians 15:14). When Eve, and ultimately Adam, chose to listen to the serpent and eat the forbidden fruit in the garden of Eden (Genesis 3), sin entered the world. Scripture teaches that each of us inherited this sin and continue to sin today (Romans 5:12). The wages, or payment, for sin is death (Romans 6:23). In the Old Testament, priests regularly offered sacrifices to temporarily cover sin until the ultimate sin sacrifice would come. Jesus came to put an end to these sacrifices. He led a sinless life and, as God’s only Son, followed His Father’s will to death on a cross (Hebrews 10:1–9). He was beaten and tortured. At His death, Jesus took on the past, present, and future sin of those who believe in Him (2 Corinthians 5:21). He died a horrific death on the cross to pay the penalty for our sin. Three days later, Jesus conquered Satan, sin, and death with His resurrection (Matthew 28). He physically rose from the grave, walked among His disciples, and stayed on earth for 40 days before ascending to heaven, where He reigns with God the Father (Acts 1:9; Colossians 3:1). Because He lives, our sins can be forgiven, and we can be reconciled with God (John 14:19). Our redemption is the central focus of The Big God Story. He is risen! by Alyson Crockett

Hear It:

Do It:

This month, as your family begins to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection, read Matthew 28 together. Talk about how each of you would have reacted if you had been there and had seen the empty tomb. Remind your children that even though Jesus had told those close to Him that He would be resurrected, they didn’t really understand it. Pray together, thanking God that He sent Jesus to pay the price for our sins. Thank Him for redeeming us and adopting us into His family.

In the last part of Matthew 28, Jesus gave clear directions to His disciples on what they were to do after He left for heaven. Jesus told them to go into all nations, telling others about Him. He reminded them to teach people to obey everything He’d asked them to do. He assured them that His Holy Spirit would be with them. After discussing this, allow each family member to share the name of someone they know who needs to hear the good news of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Then invite those people to the Easter service at your church. Throughout the month, pray for each person by name, and ask God to bring that individual into His family.

IDENTITY | HomeFrontMag.com

family time

p r ay e r

Words of Identity My husband, Drew, recently set out for a day of reflection and prayer. His hope was to come home with vision for our family and direction for the year. In the midst of his time with the Lord, he felt that God gave him three words for each family member. These words were to be used as a guide to pray for our family throughout the upcoming year.

When we arrived at our daughter’s “Back to School” night, we sat down at her desk to look through her packet of work. Logan’s second-grade teacher had given all of the students in her class the freedom to decorate their folders however they wished. You can imagine our joy when we saw that on her folder were these words:

When he arrived home, Drew shared the words with me. We were united in our desire to pray these words over our children and with our children, expecting God to be completing a good work in each of us. That night at bedtime, Drew shared with our children each of their three words. He explained that God had given him these words, that we would be praying for them, and that we wanted them to pray for each other as well. We also shared our own three words and asked them to be praying for us.

Bray Family Words • Drew: wisdom, peace, courage • Ali: strength, wisdom, peace • Logan: peace, joy, courage • Callen: patience, self-control, courage We celebrated a moment of victory that our Father is at work even when we’re not able to be near our child. He is whispering gentle reminders and shaping this child into His masterpiece.

It has been amazing to see what three words can do when they’re used in prayer before a powerful God. This endeavor is teaching our children that we’re works in progress and that God is the One who is shaping our identities.

This month, take some time to sit and listen for a few words from God. He may give you specific words for yourself and your family. Share those words with each family member, and begin to pray together expectantly, knowing that He’s at work in your lives. Remind your children that God is never finished with us, and He wants us to grow to be more and more like Him. by Ali Bray

IDENTITY | HomeFrontMag.com

family time

wo r s h i p

ROMANS 5:1

I Am … We often think of worship as singing, but we can worship God in many different ways.

We may go through life under the impression that we ultimately control our fate. We can easily lose sight of the safety, security, and peace that Jesus brings—the kind of security that inspired Paul to write that his “imprisonment [was] for Christ” (Philippians 1:13 ESV). When we understand our true identity in Christ, we begin to trust that God is in control. We realize He will guide our path, and that path will ultimately lead us to exactly where He wants us. This month, as an act of worship, bring your family together and read the above statements that speak truth about your identity in Christ. Read each statement and the Scripture that supports it. Be sure to remind your family these aren’t things we must attain but rather things God gives us freely.

After reading each passage of Scripture, let these truths settle over your family. Encourage a few minutes of silence. Then make time for everyone to process and ask questions. Give your kids space to ask what these truths mean and to admit that some might seem hard to understand.

This is our identity— who we are in Christ. After your discussion, proclaim the statements a second time. Reflect on who our Savior is and all of the things He’s done for us. This is our identity—who we are in Christ. by Joel Stanton

IDENTITY | HomeFrontMag.com

family time

game time

YOUNGER

Another Idea: Make a note of recent passages from the Bible that your children may have heard, and incorporate those into the game. Have fun!

In the game of Charades, a player tries to guess what another player acts out—a person, action, or thing. Playing Charades can be a great way to reinforce the concept behind the environment of IDENTITY. In our version of Charades, we want your family to act out something that could be identified with Christ—something He did or a value He encouraged. For example, you may choose to act out reading the Bible, loving a neighbor, praying, or maybe even healing someone.

Start with the youngest family member as the first “actor.” When another family member guesses correctly, it’s that person’s turn to be the actor. Get creative: The acting can be done silently or with words. Do what works best for your family. by Justin Fox

IDENTITY | HomeFrontMag.com

family time

game time

OLDER

What You’ll Need:

Pictionary is an engaging game that requires teammates to guess what the player is drawing. In our version of the game, you'll focus on things that can be identified with Christ.

• paper or whiteboard • pens or dry erase markers • timer

by Debbie Guinn

Let’ Play! Have your family split into teams (two or more teams depending on how many people you have), and give each team some paper and a pen (or a whiteboard and dry erase marker). Have one person from each team determine an activity that could be identified with Christ (things He did or values He encouraged). Then have the person draw that thing. Some ideas of things to draw: reading the Bible, loving a neighbor, praying, or maybe even healing someone. The person drawing should not use words, symbols, numbers, or letters. Come up with a time limit that feels fair to all family members, and then use a timer to determine when time is up for each round. The team that correctly guesses what the drawing represents gets a point. Decide how long you want to play. The team with the most points at the end of the game wins!

IDENTITY | HomeFrontMag.com

family time

sto ry t e l l i n g

As I held her drawing in my hands, I felt God saying, “What if Sascha had come to you and said, ‘I am going to draw you a picture. Do you want a tree with fruit or without fruit? Do you want flowers in the picture? What color should the flowers be? Do you want a sun on the right or the left?’ She knows you would love it just the way she created it. Because she made it just for you.” It became abundantly clear to me in that moment: I am His child. He takes delight in me. He is pleased when I am secure in that.

A Chosen Child of God by Ali Bray

I am a “people pleaser.” And sometimes this issue can bleed into my walk with God. A little “God pleasing,” if you will. I can remember one specific moment in my journey with God when He spoke directly to this issue and gave me a new perspective on pleasing Him and walking in His will. It was the end of the summer, just prior to beginning my senior year of college. I had many options regarding my future. Yet I felt paralyzed to make decisions because I was afraid to make the wrong one. I wanted to be in God’s will and yet I could not hear Him declaring one path as His favored option. Peace was far from me. That summer, I was working as a counselor at a day camp. I spent my lunch breaks quietly journaling and pleading with God to show me the right path. After one particular break, I was reunited with my group of sweet five year olds. One of my little campers brought me a picture she had drawn just for me. On it was a tree, grass, some flowers, and a shining sun. “Here you go, Miss Ali,” Sascha said, beaming. “I made this for you.”

What if we walked confidently through life, seeking to please God with our words and actions? What if we knew deep down that even if we were on the wrong path, He would redirect us? What if the “what, when, and where” didn’t matter as much as the “who” (Jesus) and the “why” (because He loves you). Often, “people pleasing” and “God pleasing” angst begins with a seed of insecurity. Truly, our identity in Christ—that we are chosen, adopted, redeemed, sealed, given an inheritance, and loved beyond our understanding—is the antidote to all insecurity. This is freedom in Christ. Take a moment today to watch your children play. Watch them run, jump, and dance. Hear them shout, “Mom, watch me!” as they skip down the sidewalk, kick a ball, or do a backbend on the grass. Feel your heart swell with joy and love for these moments of living in the freedom of knowing they’re loved. Then skip with abandon through whatever tomorrow holds, knowing God loves you and you please Him when you walk in the security of who you are—a chosen child of God. Ask God to bring to mind a story you can share with your children about a time He made it clear that you’re His child.

IDENTITY | HomeFrontMag.com

family time

traditions

Family Traditions

Family traditions have a wonderful way of giving a child a sense of belonging and identity. Through them, a child comes to know his roots and also learns about the unique qualities and characteristics God has given him. This month, as we focus on the environment of IDENTITY, consider creating a new tradition such as a family recipe collection with favorites contributed by everyone in your extended family. You may choose to purchase a traditional recipe box and cards, or you

might type up some of your most cherished recipes and put them together in a three-ring binder. No matter what method you choose, make sure you allow room to add to your collection over time. Along with each recipe, you may choose to include some interesting information about the family member who contributed the recipe or a story connected with it. Then use one of the recipes from your collection as part of a family dinner this month. by Alyson Crockett

A tradition is the handing down of statements, beliefs, or customs from generation to generation. Recipe In our family, one of our most-loved recipes is Grandmaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s German Chocolate Pie. This pie has been a part of our family gatherings for as long as I can remember, and my children look forward to this treat each year.

Recipe on next page! IDENTITY | HomeFrontMag.com

family time

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

n a m r e G s ’ a m d Gran colate Pie Cho 35utes n

mi n ime prep t

Prep time: 35 min. Chill time: 4 hours

Ingredients:

Directions:

+ 1/3 c. coconut flakes

1. In medium saucepan, heat the coconut, pecans, brown sugar, and butter until brown sugar is completely dissolved, stirring constantly.

+ 1/3 c. chopped pecans + 1/3 c. firmly packed brown sugar

2. Spread in pie shell.

+ 1/3 c. butter

3. Bake at 450 degrees Fahrenheit for five minutes until bubbly, then cool.

+ 1 (9”) unbaked pie shell + 1 package (6-serving size) vanilla pudding/pie filling + 4 oz. sweet baking chocolate, broken in pieces

4. In a saucepan, combine all remaining ingredients except whipped topping.

+ 21/2 c. milk

5. Bring to a full boil, stirring constantly until thickened.

+ 1 (8 oz.) tub frozen whipped topping

6. Cool for five minutes, stirring occasionally. 7. Pour into pie shell.

for an easy metric conversion chart, search the internet for “metric kitchen.”

8. Cover and chill for at least four hours (or until pudding is set). 9. Garnish with whipped topping before serving.

IDENTITY | HomeFrontMag.com

family time

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

Resurrection Rolls These rolls aren’t just a delicious treat; they’re a great hands-on way to think about Easter. Each treat ends up hollow, representing the empty tomb left after Jesus rose from the dead. Your children will be amazed by the transformation!

Each part of the recipe represents how Jesus’ body was prepared for burial. (Yields 8 rolls)

+ 8 large marshmallows + 1/2 c. melted butter + 4 tbsp. sugar/cinnamon mixture (half sugar, half cinnamon)

Kids in the Kitchen features simple, kid-friendly recipes that encourage families to spend time together while creating yummy treats.

+ 1 (8 oz.) can crescent rolls for an easy metric conversion chart, search the internet for “metric kitchen.”

1. Heat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. 2. Open can of crescent rolls and separate into triangles. The rolls represent the linen wrapping used in covering the dead. 3. Dip one marshmallow into melted butter. The marshmallow represents Jesus’ body, and the butter reminds us of the oils used to anoint Him. 4. Roll the marshmallow in the sugar/cinnamon mixture. The mixture represents the spices used in burials. 5. Place the dipped and coated marshmallow in the center of the crescent triangle. Fold and pinch the edges tight. The marshmallow may drip as it melts. Put each crescent-wrapped marshmallow on a slightly greased or parchment covered cookie sheet. 6. Bake the rolls as directed on the package. The oven represents the tomb. During baking, the marshmallow melts, leaving only the puffed crescent roll. This represents how Jesus rose from the dead, leaving nothing in the tomb but linen wrappings. 15

IDENTITY | HomeFrontMag.com

family time

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

uess Who This month during mealtime, play a game of Guess Who. Start with the youngest family member, and have him describe someone he knows or knows about. For example, he might say, “I have brown hair, and I love teaching at school” (your child’s teacher).” Or, “I am tall, and I love to tell people about Jesus” (your church’s pastor).

Get your children talking...

The family member who properly identifies the person being described gets to take the next turn. Have fun, and encourage your family to be creative with the people they try to identify.

d l u o w w o H y f i t n e d i u yo ? s u s e J

Next, ask your children, “How would you identify Jesus?” Remind them no one knows for sure what Jesus looked like, but we can still identify Him by His actions. Jesus was loving, kind, patient, etc. Then share with your children that God created us in His image and wants us to be transformed by His Spirit to be more like Jesus. God chose us and adopted us into His family when Jesus paid the price for our sins. We are redeemed by His love. That is our true identity! by Debbie Guinn

IDENTITY | HomeFrontMag.com

family time

c r e at e

Thumbprint Identity Reminders Our identities are found in Christ. He gives us our true worth, value, and significance. This truth gives us the power to stand firm against the counter-identities of the world. This month, make Thumbprint Identity Reminders with your children. Frame them and hang them in a place where you’ll see them daily. These reminders will serve as a daily encouragement for your family to stand firm in the identity Christ has given them. by Sophia Brand

Create is a time to engage your family in a collaborative response to hearing God’s truth.

What You’ll Need: 1. Construction paper (cut into 4” x 6” pieces; 1 per person) 2. Ink pad (or washable marker) 3. 4” x 6” frames (1 per person) 4. Wet wipes

Instructions: Allow each family member to choose a word or phrase that encourages him. Some examples: loved, accepted, redeemed, set free, adopted, chosen, delivered, etc. Now let each person cover his thumb in ink using the ink pad (or washable marker) and “write” each word or phrase on a piece of paper by stamping his thumb onto the paper and creating words with the thumbprints. Allow the ink to dry and then frame each paper. Display your Thumbprint Identity Reminders in an area where you’ll see them often.

IDENTITY | HomeFrontMag.com

family time

g lo b a l

Where in the World Is ...

TURKEY

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

BULGARIA

BLACK SEA GEORGIA

GREECE

N W

E S

ARMENIA AZERBAIJAN

TURKEY

urkey is the peninsula of land that lies between T the Black Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. It’s where the continents of Asia and Europe meet. Three percent of the country lives in Thrace, a region in the southeastern Balkan Peninsula north of the Aegean Sea.

IRAN IRAQ

SYRIA

MEDITERRANEAN SEA

Turkey shares its land borders with Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, Iran, Iraq, and Syria. Turkey covers an area of 301,382 square miles.

POPULATION: 78,785,548

LANGUAGE: Turkish

RELIGION:

96% Islam 0.9% Atheism 0.6% Christianity

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

DID YOU KNOW? • Noah’s ark landed on Mount Ararat, which is located in eastern Turkey.

Almost 79 million people call Turkey their home.

• According to Turkish tradition, a stranger at one’s doorstep is considered a “guest from God” and should be accommodated accordingly.

If you lived in Turkey, you might eat menemen, a common Turkish breakfast. Menemen is prepared with tomatoes, green peppers, onion, olive oil, and eggs. Turkish tea is also served at breakfast. Frequently used ingredients in Turkish meals include lamb, beef, chicken, fish, eggplant, green peppers, onions, garlic, lentils, beans, and tomatoes. Nuts (particularly pistachios, chestnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, and walnuts), together with spices, have a special place in Turkish cuisine.

TO GREET SOMEONE, YOU WOULD SAY:

“MERHABA”

(pronounced MARE-ha-ba) To talk with your friends in Turkey, you would speak Turkish.

The most popular religion in Turkey is Islam. Followers of Islam are called Muslims. 18

IDENTITY | HomeFrontMag.com

family time

blessing

STAND FIRM This month’s BLESSING focuses on affirming your child’s identity in Christ. Children need to be told that their identity is found in Christ. In Christ we are loved, chosen, made new, redeemed, delivered, and set free.

A blessing can be a prayer of commission, a Bible passage, or words of encouragement. As your children are blessed, tell them they have the opportunity to also be a blessing to others.

by Sophia Brand

PRAY Insert your child’s name into this blessing based on Ephesians 3:16–20 as you read it aloud over him.

(Child’s name), may you be rooted in God’s love. His love for you, (child’s name), is deep and wide and long and high, and it makes you complete. His love for you, (child’s name), is where your identity comes from. God dwells in your heart, and His goodness is at work in your life.

IDENTITY | 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.

IDENTITY | HomeFrontMag.com

inspire

How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! (1 John 3:1)

by Debbie Guinn

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

s parents, we often find ourselves defined by what we do. Our jobs, roles, and relationships determine our identity. Am I a good wife? Do I make enough money to provide for my family? Is my children’s behavior reflecting the effort I put into raising them? The endless list of feelings and circumstances that the outside world uses to determine our worth and value can be overwhelming. How refreshing would it be to remove all the ways the world identifies us and simply rest in our identity of being a son or daughter of God? How different might we parent if we ourselves truly understood that God is pleased with us and that there is nothing that could ever separate us from His love? What type of parents would your children see if we began to abandon any label or image of ourselves that is not from God? It is critical that we grasp this truth for ourselves before we attempt to instill this into our children. We cannot give away what we do not have. Second Corinthians 1:21–22 tells us, “Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.” This month, ask God to help you recognize your position as a child of God and the identity that is yours through faith in Christ Jesus. Then simply rest!

A Royal Family by Justin Fox

I remember, as a young boy, the great joy of running and jumping into my father’s lap. I remember his big, strong arms completely engulfing me in his embrace. I felt safe, loved, protected. A couple of weeks ago, I encouraged my children to do the same. I called them over and told them to jump into my lap. I wrapped them in my arms and whispered truth to each one. “You are special. You are loved by me and even more by God, who is your Father in heaven. He’s the King and you are His child—a prince (or princess)! Run to God and remember that He will always welcome you!” Could you imagine jumping into God’s lap for a hug like that? He welcomes and invites

You are special. You are loved by me and even more by God, who is your Father in heaven. He’s the King and you are His child—a prince (or princess)! Run to God and remember that He will always welcome you!

us, as His children, to come to Him in that way. He has called Himself our heavenly Father. He claims us as His children and adopts us into His family. Many Scriptures point to this truth. One of my favorite passages describes when Jesus surrounded Himself with the little children (Matthew 18:2–3). I imagine Jesus bringing them up, placing them on His lap, and maybe bouncing them a bit on His knee as He spoke. He challenged the audience with the value of children, the example they give to us, and His passionate concern in protecting them. If God is our Father as well as the King of Kings, then that makes us princes and princesses—royalty!

IDENTITY | HomeFrontMag.com

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 youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 6:6â&#x20AC;&#x201C;7)

get up

Use this rhyme at the beginning of each day to remind your little ones that God chose them and is always with them.

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equip

to u g h to p i c s Whether it’s YouTube videos or the carpool’s musical preferences, families constantly navigate a sea of media choices. When there’s obvious inappropriate content, course plotting is easier, but considerations such as family preferences and age-appropriateness keep some decisions from being clear. Prayerfully reflect on the following: Does the media choice bring the family together, supporting good dialogue, laughter, or appreciation of creativity—or does it pull family apart? Does it encourage a healthy understanding of self or does it impose a counter-identity? What about your child’s heart? Do the experiences take your child away from God or impact other pursuits negatively—or do they pour good things into him?

MEDIA CHOICES

As you think and pray, include your child in the decision process. Talking about the whys of a choice helps her to learn discernment and internalize godly values. Despite intentionality, most families encounter bad media. When your child stumbles across something upsetting, take time to talk about it. Replace negative impact with prayer, truth from God’s Word, and lots of love. God desires to help us navigate these waters. Scripture says when we lack wisdom, all we have to do is ask Him, and He’ll give it generously (James 1:5).

equip

the middle (6 t h

8 t h GRADE)

A WAR OF WORDS by Kyle Steven Bonenberger

Chubby. Slow. Unathletic. Lame. Poser. Those were the words that defined my identity as a middle school boy. Whether my friends actually called me those names or not didn’t matter—those words defined how I felt about myself. No matter how hard I’ve tried to forget the experience, I vividly remember one day taking off my shirt to “dress out” for gym class only to notice that some of the other kids had flat stomachs while mine had rolls. I wasn’t a big kid; I just had extra love handles as a result of a lifelong love affair with soda. To this day, I feel uncomfortable taking off my shirt because of it. Though no one ever spoke them, those words became my identity. The issue of identity brings us into a war of words that define how we feel and think about ourselves. This is true for a child, a pre-teen, a teenager, and even an adult. Something profound happened to my identity

in junior high: I met Jesus. I had this nagging sense that there had to be more to my life than the negative words I spoke over myself. When I met Jesus, He started re-shaping my identity. If you parent a child in junior high or middle school, I guarantee you this: Your kids are dealing with an internal war of words. There are spiritual forces of darkness out there battling to win your child’s identity. A child doesn’t even have to be teased to have the wrong thoughts implanted in her brain. I don’t remember ever being bullied. In fact, I had some decent friends and was well-liked. Nonetheless, something other than Jesus was fighting to claw its way into my inner sense of identity. I pose a question to you: As a parent, how are you helping your child win the war of words over his identity?

world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” Taking every thought captive to Christ begins in the home. Be careful about the trash you think your kids don’t notice on TV. Bring up simple spiritual conversations at meals and in the car. Read the Bible together. Pray as a family. And bring your kids to church! Taking your kids to church gives them the spiritual weapons they need to win the internal war of words that week. Truth is, this probably isn’t just about your kids. Chances are, you need a weekly reminder that Jesus wins the war of words too.

Second Corinthians 10:4–5 says “the weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the 23

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Influential Identity When considering the importance of your identity in Christ and observing how it impacts the way you live out your faith, it's also important to understand how much your identity impacts your marriage. by Roger Tirabassi

Your identity is critical to all of your relationships because it precedes your actions and attitudes. For example, if as a husband you realize Christ is very empathetic, then you should be an empathetic husband. If you see yourself as a nonempathetic husband, your ability to be empathetic will be fairly ineffective.

How you see yourself becomes important to how you live out your life. If as a wife you see God as your best friend, you would naturally want to see your husband as your best friend as well. As husbands and wives, you live out your identities in your roles.

Leader Best Friend Encourager • Father Caregiver • Companion Homemaker • Servant Provider • Teammate Lover • Comforter Playmate

Assignment:

•T alk with your spouse about which roles you feel are your strongest. Which roles do you need to accept as more of your true identity? Are there other roles you see as important to your marriage? •W hat characteristics of Christ’s identity do you need to claim and work on?

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h t i w x Inbo

e l l e h c i M Q: A:

y n o Anth Q: A:

W hat are some ways to help my child adopt her identity in Christ as opposed to the identity that the world offers?

As our children grow, they are increasingly aware of adapting to their circumstances. Much of this is innate within us to help us survive, learn, and grow in new situations. However, as Christians we are called to be “set apart” and to not conform to the patterns of this world. Navigating this can be challenging for children and adults. When do we “become all things to all men so … [we] might save some” (1 Corinthians 9:22) as Paul once said, and when do we resist conformity? Certainly God’s Spirit gives us guidance as we grow in wisdom from being in relationship with Jesus. As parents we can assist our children’s spiritual journey with these five important things:

• Discuss this important part of spiritual development before it’s an issue and your child is still young.

• Model what it means to resist conforming to the world in your own life.

• Give spiritually healthy alternatives to what the world has to offer.

• Pray for strength, wisdom, and encouragement for and with your child.

• Understand and communicate that we have all we need in Christ to say no to the world and resist temptation.

When my child acts out, I get so embarrassed and feel I have failed as a parent. What are some steps I can take to remember that my child was not intended to be a reflection of me but rather that of Christ?

It’s natural to feel pride or embarrassment about our children’s actions, attitudes, and accomplishments. However, when we become overly fixated on how they are representing us instead of their heavenly Father, then we begin to send the wrong message to our children. If our children’s main focus is centered on pleasing us and making us happy, we set up an unhealthy pattern in our child’s mind for performance-oriented behavior. Of course, we want to instill a broad understanding in our children that they represent our family and our values, but more importantly we want them to feel responsible to God and understand that being redeemed by Christ means that we no longer live for ourselves but for His glory. As our children grow, it’s important to allow them to become accountable to God and His Word and allow them to start making their own decisions based on that. Of course, they will also need to be responsible for the consequences should they choose incorrectly. If you feel judged by others in this transition of accountability in your children’s lives, bring these feelings to God and ask Him to give you courage to raise your children with an audience of One: God Himself.

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Investing Twice

One:

How incredibly good is a God who gives us the opportunity to invest in our kids twice with this thing called grandparenting? The first time around I was busy trying to achieve the dream job, dealing with the death of a parent, and finding a balance between family and ministry. I was doing life.

ry not to have expectations T for them to perform. Their identities and value come from their position in Christ.

Two:

Now I get to try it again, and I’m finding my “sweet spot,” enjoying the fruits of my labors. What a privilege it is to come alongside my kids and contribute to helping my grandchildren know that they are gifts from God.

old them and squeeze them H until they squeal with joy. Tell them they’re important to God because of what Jesus did, not because they color well or pick up their toys the first time they’re asked. Take great joy in looking them squarely in the eye and saying “I love you—and Jesus loves you even more.”

God’s great, redeeming love has given me a new identity in Christ. I am significant solely because I was created in His image. My kids believe that, and it’s certainly not too early to breathe those same truths into my precious grandchildren. For me, that means being available and visible, because they are a priority.

Here are three simple steps to impart these truths:

Three:

aithfully pray for and with F both generations.

I want to stand with my own children on their parental journeys and watch them impart life-changing biblical truths. It’s never too late to invest in your kids twice. How about calling that son or daughter? Or take advantage of that handheld device by texting, or pen a note. Tell them that you love them, that you’re praying for them, and that you’re committed to the great adventure of grandparenting. But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children. (Psalm 103:17) by Dean Harris

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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.

IT IS OUR PRAYER THAT HOMES AND CHURCHES WOULD CREATE THESE ENVIRONMENTS FOR CHILDREN 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:

“God transforms me when I step out in faith.” 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.

SPIRITUAL PARENTING:

An Awakening for Today’s Families

“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, and yet 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, His Word, and 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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