HomeFront Monthly Identity by Christ Community Church

ENVIRONMENT

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iden tity I belong to God, and He loves me!

Illustration by Anne Berry

FAMILY FOOD TIME p. 4 & 5 GAME TIME p. 6 GOD’S WORD p. 8 PRAYER p. 9 CREATE p. 11 BLESSING p. 13

How 1 to 2 Use

It’s as easy as 1 … 2 … 3 … 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!)

this Resource

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

Editor’s Note

I was in fifth grade the first time I got my heart broken. I was at camp and my “boyfriend” for the week dumped me in front of all of my friends and said the meanest thing any boy has ever said to me. He told me I was “pretty on the outside, but ugly on the inside.” Crushed and humiliated, I ran to the phone and called my mom crying. I’ll never forget the words she spoke to me that day. She told me that no boy, or any other human for that matter, can decide my worth. She told me that boy had no idea what he was talking about and that I was beautiful on the inside and the outside because Jesus made me that way. She told me Jesus determines my worth and gives me my beauty, and I should never let a person take that away from me. My mom called out my identity that day. She named who God had created me to be. I was, I am, beauty, inside and out. She empowered me to claim an identity that was permanent and true because God had given it to me.

HOMEFRONT | ENVIRONMENT | IDENTITY

Look through the HomeFront Monthly and see what stands out. Choose one or two experiences that you would like to incorporate into your family time this week. Don’t feel burdened to complete all the activities at once, but carefully select which ones will fit your family best. Each month of curriculum provides more than enough experiences to last you throughout the month.

In a world that continually tells our children and us that we are not enough, God tells us that He is enough. I hope this month’s HomeFront points you and your children to a Jesus who gives you worth and tells you that, in Him, you are enough.

LAURA WEBER | EDITOR the Tru Team | Costa Mesa, CA

ENVIRONMENT

IDENTITY Culture is constantly feeding our families the lie of false identities. School, friends, TV, magazines, music, and so much more are continually telling our children that who they are is not 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 is essential to be rooted in Truth. We have to affirm the Christ likeness we see in our children as they strive to stand firm against counter identities. In a world that finds identity in shallow and fleeting things, the Truth of our identity in Christ is the only thing that can offer true meaning and purpose.

VERSE OF THE MONTH 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 that transforms. We come to know God more when we are willing to open our hearts and receive His Holy Spirit through the words we memorize. Have fun with these verses and think of creative ways to invite your family to open up to God as they commit these verses to memory. 3

ELEMENTARY versE

“For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.“ Ephesians 1:4 Pres/Kinder versE

“God chose us to belong to Christ [Jesus] before the world was created.” Ephesians 1:4 (NIrV)

Michelle Anthony | Families ROCKHARBOR Church | Costa Mesa, CA

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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 counter identities the world will offer to bring them destruction.

by Sarah Markley

Family Food Time Conversation Starters

Do you really know what your kids’ days are like? Do you know their “world”? Do they know what your life is like on a day-to-day basis? Can they envision what it’s like to be an adult? Do you remember what life was like as a second grader?

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This goes beyond take-your-daughter-to-work day or helping in your son’s classroom. And it certainly goes beyond dragging your four-year-old to the supermarket. Sometimes it is difficult to really get “in” to the world of your child so that you really know what it is they do when they play with dolls or cars in their made-up worlds of trains or horses. At dinner tonight, resolve to know the worlds of your children and allow them into yours. Try a simple activity named Unique Stories. Each family member tells a simple story about his day that is unique to him alone. This story must not involve any other member of the family. After the storytelling, take turns asking one another the following questions.

How was your day different than any other family member’s day?

How are you unique or different From the rest of us?

What is one unique or special thing you like about (another famIly member)?

Have fun talking about the ways that you and your children are different from one another and make it a celebration of your individual qualities. But don’t be afraid to let it spark a conversation about how you are similar and the traits you share as members of the same family.

by Laura Weber

Family Food Time Recipe

When the weather cools down and fall settles all the way in, there’s nothing I love more than making up a huge pot of chili and having lots of friends over. This easy chili recipe takes minimal prep time and tastes just as good reheated the next day. Grab your kids, make up a big pot, and get cozy by the fire.

Easy Fall Chili

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This simple recipe is quick, easy, and can include a couple extra little hands while preparing. So take that time, and tell your kids a great story.

(SERVES 5–6)

Prep Time: 20 min Cook Time: 1 ½–2 hours 2 teaspoons vegetable oil 2 pounds lean ground beef 1 large white or yellow onion, chopped 4 chopped garlic cloves 3 heaping tablespoons chili powder 1 ½ tablespoons paprika 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon cumin salt and pepper to taste 1 large (32 oz) can ranch-style chili beans, drained 1 large (32 oz) can pinto beans, drained 1 small (16 oz) can kidney beans, drained 1. Coat the bottom of a big pot (5 or 6 quarts) with oil. Add meat and let it cook for a few minutes over medium heat. Don’t let it stick to the bottom. 2. When the meat starts to cook and break apart, add chopped onions, chopped garlic cloves, and seasonings. Stir several times while cooking. 3. Once meat is almost completely cooked, open, drain, and add all of the beans. Chili should be somewhat watery at this point; if it’s not, add a little water. 4. Bring chili back to a boil, then simmer over medium/low heat for ½ hour and taste it. If it tastes bland, add more chili powder. 5. Simmer chili for another hour. You can serve it up at that point, or you can turn the stove down to the lowest setting and let it continue to simmer until you are ready to eat. This makes great leftovers, so you may want to double the recipe and eat it again for dinner later in the week.

by Angelina Pavone

GAME TIME YOUNGER KIDS Who’s Who? Learning about a person’s likes and dislikes tells you a lot about who they are. I know that my husband likes to skateboard and my best friend loves traveling. For this month’s game, why not take a night to get to know a little more about what each of your family members likes.

One at a time, have someone take a card out of the hat and try to guess who drew it. Take turns until every person has had a turn. For younger children, the game can end here. For older ones, talk about how God made us each unique with different likes, dislikes, and skills. For a variation, you can have people draw themselves, or even draw their favorite food. Get creative with the categories, and have fun!

by Stacy Igarashi

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Pass out a sheet of paper and some crayons to every family member. Ask each person to draw his or her favorite thing on the piece of paper, fold it, and put it into a hat, bowl, or basket (whatever you have on hand).

GAME TIME OLDER GAMES Putty Sculpture I love getting together with my family because there is always plenty of laughter. We laugh about both the good and the bad of life. This month on game night, try something quirky that is sure to give your family members lots of laughs. This game provides a funny opportunity to create a new nose. Pass out Silly Putty to each family member and have everyone face away from each other as they mold a new nose out of putty. Give yourselves about a minute, then turn around and check out your new, crazy-nosed family! Pass the mirror around and take time to laugh. This may be a fun new look for a family photo! You can play several rounds, or you can take turns sculpting a new nose for each other. Remind your family that, even though we had a chance to create new noses, God took great care when He created each one of us. He made us and loves us just the way we are! Every time we look in the mirror, we can remember that we were created in His image!

It’s funny; I grew up in the church and went to Christian schools all my life, so you’d think my identity would have been rooted in Christ from the earliest age. I might have even thought it was. But it wasn’t. I accepted Christ at the age of three. It made sense to me. As I grew older, I did the things I was told a good Christian did. I went to church. I was pretty nice to people. I led Bible studies and mission trips. I was the definition of a “good Christian kid.” My parents thought so. My teachers thought so. My friends thought so. I even thought so. But, it just never felt real. I never felt different … I never felt changed.

had nothing to give Him but my stripped-down and discouraged self. So, that’s what I gave. I let go of all I was holding onto and I ran towards Him. It turns out, that’s all He ever wanted.

Now I realize this is because my identity was rooted in what people told me a good Christian looked and acted like. My identity was rooted in trying to be a good Christian kid. All that changed a few years ago.

Jobs and relationships will come and go, but I know who I am and that won’t change. I am a child of God. I am a person who knows God and who is known by God.

After college, I became a high school teacher. I loved teaching and working with high school students. I worked an average of 75 hours per week for three years. Yes … I was very tired, but I loved what I did. My identity was tied up in being a good Christian guy who was influencing the lives of kids. (Of course, I was simply pushing them to be “good Christian kids” like I had been.) Still, there was something missing in this. And then it happened … after three years of teaching, I felt God calling me out to something new, so, even though I had nothing to go to, I quit my job. I literally lost a huge part of my identity overnight. For the next three years, I wandered. I took odd jobs here and there trying to find my new identity. I tried to create my own new identity by taking on different titles and roles. I tried “business owner,” “church worker,” “consultant,” “volunteer,” “boyfriend,” and “student,” but nothing seemed to work. With each failure, God was stripping me of my worldly identities. In the end, I wasn’t even sure who I was anymore. I was desperate and I turned to God. (Why do we always wait until we’re desperate to turn to Him?) I

Over the next year, God began to rebuild my identity. Yes, I ended up with a new job (or three). I found some new friends and started a new relationship. But this time, these things did not define me. The foundation of my identity was Christ. He defined me.

Each one of us has a unique story of how we have found our identity in Christ. Maybe this happened a long time ago, or maybe you are in the middle of finding this out right now. Wherever you are in this journey, it’s an important story to share with your children as they begin to discover who they are. Make a point this month to spend some time with your kids and share your story (or parts of your story depending on how old your children are) with them. Who has God created you uniquely to be? What has He had to strip you of as you have found your identity in Him? What has your journey towards finding your worth in Jesus looked like? Share these things with your kids and invite them to ask you questions as they embark on their own journey towards discovering what it looks like to let Jesus, not the world, tell them who they are.

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by Matt Barnes

Storytelling

I am a … Son of God? Galatians 3:26–29: “You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” nationality, or anything, for that matter, is of no value How often do we get bogged down by measuring compared to our true identity found in Jesus! My job our own faithfulness to God? It can be easy to is not my identity. My friendships are not my identity. believe the lie that our identity in Christ is somehow I am a son of God, and that is all that matters when it dependent on what we are doing to please God. If comes to trying to define my position in life. we are obedient and doing all the right things, we probably belong to God. If not, our identity might Let’s not forget to read the end of this passage, be in question. In Galatians, Paul is pretty clear where Paul pulls us all together as believers to as to what sets us remind us we are up to be sons and heirs according to the daughters of God, same promise God and he is pretty made to Abraham! clear that God does God will use us to not measure it by literally change the the things we tend world and the course to measure it by. of history because In verse 26, Paul says we find our identity that we are sons and solely in God’s Son, daughters because Jesus. We don’t have we have faith in to make this happen; Jesus Christ. Wait He already promises a minute! Does this this to those who mean we could identify themselves be wrapping our as His children. identity in Christ in the wrong things? I On the other side, invite everyone to write “My am afraid, for me at identity is not …” and to then write down other least, the answer to identities that they are tempted to cling to (a son, this question is often a daughter, a soccer player, popular, fun, a good “yes.” kid, or anything else they can think of). Encourage

If your children are older, in addition to the Remember Verses, try memorizing Galatians 3:26–29 this month. Give each family member an index card with the verse written on one side.

them to look at both sides of the card as they I will admit I are memorizing this verse as a way of reminding sometimes look at my themselves where their true identity lies. job, friendships, and other aspects of my daily life and say to myself, “Today … today I believe I am a son of God … look at what I have done for the kingdom!” The rationale of this is, of course, completely flawed, as Paul is clear that our faith is what causes us to be called sons and daughters of God, not our actions. He goes on to say that our only identity should be found in faith. He tells the Galatians who were trying way too hard to define “son” by their own standards that wealth, race, creed, © 2010 David C. Cook. All rights reserved.

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by Tyler Carroll

GOD’S WORD

Our identity. In today’s society, we are constantly surrounded by a barrage of influences telling us what we should look like, how we should dress, what we should buy, even how we should act. From television to magazines to billboards, it seems impossible to avoid the “standards” the world sets for us every day. Thankfully, there is good news for those of us in Christ: He has created an identity for each of us and given us the power to live it out on a daily basis! In fact, He chose us and knew the life He had for us before we were even born into this world. He created us to be holy … blameless … loved … redeemed … forgiven … wise … understanding. He did this in love. He did this in accordance to His pleasure. He did it lavishly! This month, as you begin each week, make it a habit to set apart a time for family prayer. Sunday night might be a good time to do this. When you gather together each time, begin your time by reading Romans 12:1–2a: “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Then begin to pray, inviting everyone to confess to the Lord any ways they have bought into the world’s identity for them in the past week. Remember, you may need to model vulnerability to your children and go first.

Next, read Galatians 5:22–23: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Remind your family that all of these things are already true about each one of us who has a relationship with Jesus. Spend some time praying that the Spirit would help each of you to embrace some of these characteristics as a part of your identity in the coming week.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” galatians 5:22–23

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by Laura Weber & Jaque Becwar

PRAYER

If you saw the Storytelling HomeFront Monthly, you may have read my friend Laura’s story about her parents’ blessings for her. When she shared this story with me, I was so touched by the ways her parents intentionally spoke Truth and identity into her life when she was a child.

In years past, we used to hear the phrase, “holy matrimony” because marriage was viewed as holy and sacred. In a recent poll, high school students were asked if they believed that when they got married, their marriage would last a lifetime. Sixty percent said no. Marriage itself is losing its identity as a permanent union.

She said that her father would select a new verse for her to memorize and focus on every year. He would then pray it daily over her and recite it with her each day before school. What I found most significant was how she said these verses not only sank into her as a little girl, but have also come to shape her identity now, as a woman. In hearing this profound story, I wondered what this might look like for families today. How might this tradition shape our children? How will their identities be grounded in Christ and their lives transformed?

How to get started: Start by asking God to reveal a piece of Scripture to you. Be patient, and allow the Spirit to guide you in this process. Identify a time to share this verse with your child.

1 2 3

Share with him or her the meaning of the verse, and about the journey you took that led you to choose it.

Decide on a time of day when you can recite and pray this verse with your child. Allow this to begin to be part of your natural rhythm and daily routine. Have fun with this tradition and wait to see God honor and use this verse in the life of your child.

We are all aware of how important our identity is, and it is no less so in marriage. We need to see ourselves as committed for life as great husbands, wives, fathers, and mothers. We need to see ourselves in light of who we are in Christ, and who He calls us to be as providers, lovers, caregivers who are compassionate, kind, caring, and patient people. The more we focus on who we have been created to be (our true identities in Christ), the more we will act out of those identities. • How do you see yourself as a husband/wife? • How does this compare to the way God sees you and what He calls you to be? • Which of the following qualities do you need to start accepting about yourself? C ompassionate | Provider | Lover | Kind | Caring | Self-sacrificing | Romantic | Encourager Begin to ask the Lord to help you believe that this is what He has made you to be. Pray for Him to show you specific ways to demonstrate your identity to your spouse.

Watch God answer those prayers! Storytelling about your marriage is so important to your children; they want to know how God has worked and can still work in your lives. Tell them over and over!

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Marriage

by Roger Tarabasi

by Kit Rae

Traditions

by Ashley Otani

Create Have you ever had the chance to watch a potter?

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A few years ago I went on a mission trip to the Dominican Republic. One night there was a gathering at the local church, and as the pastor preached, he created a beautiful pot. The audience quietly watched as his focus, close attention, and carefully thought-out movements went into creating this pot. Once he finished the first one, he started on another. The second pot looked completely different; yet, it still required the same focus, close attention, and careful movements. Isaiah 64:8 tells us, “Yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.” The Father has uniquely molded each person in your family and that’s a reason to celebrate! Pottery is such a great representation of identity. For Create this month, why not try making some pottery as a family? Here are some ways you can do this: 1. Color Me Mine (www.colormemine.com). This is a paint-your-own-pottery studio with locations in many different states (visit the website to find a location near you). They have premade pottery that you can paint. They provide all the paints, designs, and materials; all you have to do is show up and create! Go as a family to Color Me Mine and pick out something to paint as a family. A plate might be a good option as each person can make his or her mark on it. Another option is to let each person pick out a piece of pottery and paint it uniquely, reflecting his or her own personality. If you do not have a Color Me Mine near you, do some research and see if there are any similar paint-your-ownpottery studios in your area. 2. If option #1 doesn’t work for you, you can easily make a pottery studio at home! Go to a craft store and get Crayola Clay or Model Magic. Give each person some clay and allow her to create her own pottery. Let it dry overnight, then take markers or paint and design away!

by Ashley Otani & Tommy Larson

Worship Throughout the past month, kids at our church have been experiencing what it means to express themselves through art. Towards the end of each service as we head into Respond, kids have been leaving their seats and approaching blank canvases to write, draw, and paint all with the intent of glorifying God. It has been amazing to see how kids choose to express themselves, and also to learn about their understanding of who God is. HOMEFRONT | ENVIRONMENT | IDENTITY

This month, your family can bring this expression of worship through art into the home. It’s actually a very easy setup and doesn’t require leadership from any one member of the family. Start off by sectioning off an area of your home using a drop cloth, a blank canvas against the wall, different colors of paint, and brushes of various sizes. You’ll also need to print out this month’s memory verse (see p. 3) and have it framed in a prominent position. Next, write the phrase “Who Are You?” on the canvas. Finally, gather your family together. This month, we’re focusing on the environment of Identity. We’ve all seen and experienced the counter identities the world offers and the destructive paths to which they lead. Talk together as a family about those counter identities: What are they? Do we claim them? Talk together about the difference between what the world offers us and what we are given through Christ. How would God identify each of us? Explain that this art station in your home will be open throughout the coming month for them to respond to what they feel God reveals to them about their identity. They can also use this art station as a way of expressing questions they have for God about their identity. There is no designated time to write or draw on the canvas. Let your family know they should add to the canvas when they want to. It’s as simple as that! At the end of the month, gather together as a family in front of the canvas. Read this month’s verse, examine your canvas, and talk about what you see. Then pray together as a family, acknowledging your identity in Christ.

by Laura Weber

Blessing Every parent has big dreams for their children. We want to see them happy, we want them to succeed, we want them to have friends … and the list goes on. These dreams come out of hearts that deeply love our children, but they are often human dreams, and God’s Word reminds us that it’s not our job to form our children in our image.

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Our job is to point our children back to God and let them be formed in His image, to let their dreams come from Him. As good as the things are that we want for our children, they simply cannot compare with the identity that God has in mind for them. As you read this month’s blessing over your children, let these words sink into your own heart as well. I hope this blessing empowers your children to find their identity in Christ alone and that it gives you the courage to let go of your plans for them and to surrender to the beautiful mystery of who God is creating your child to be.

Blessing

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love, he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.” Ephesians 1:3–6

Each month, you will see a different blessing in HomeFront Monthly. This will be your blessing for the entire month. Take the time to speak this blessing into the lives of your children at different times throughout the month. You can do this on the way to school, before bed, or while you eat as a family. Just make sure you have your children’s attention. Look them in their eyes and pray the blessing over them. Affirm your love for them by placing a hand on their shoulder or holding their hands. Remember, God’s Spirit is at work; He will bless and care for the growing and tender hearts of your children. d

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We loos a challenge from so, ed in it It was just thanking (Abraham and Isaac) have world—a . Rem that age and sisters from brothers And lives and God for keeping continually Even Sintothriv pass ded trust tothatallow y and weekend of the His their every tribe emed promises. Stornation. and Main Point: God Has The Power to do All That God was al. family, our family, em on top e my way. deceit. working d corro He rede ch thisThis E t—an andindeni her life. has the God cam with lfish He to rede just like chur unique hear , in Promises that opportunity ing RS to gled ect walk it , my se alongside ph, it strug es of one another in is work d Jose solid s of negl My daughter R VE t of and ared and is now 28 years God true worship of God Almighty. This resource nce ris designed to allow your family to BE old, en plac t in area appe We can live in redeeme lives on the hidd lessother side tice l—lef ou havecotime de He such a way that the world in God’s Word before your children of the MEM country will desire to be in nsi my prac beco and ming like meta our ey relationship is RE ing you. in relationship with our God— the weekend service. Because God’s years was mon strongerhthan va attend The El Shaddai. co for my ever For 20 rneath I with it’s ot or plan parents to be the spiritual nurturers of ssedbeen. I’m not sure nwhy ty is an u unde made obse me wait o tiGod on ilitheir s but untable yofaith, we know that as you grow Church “Dllment m thchildren’s acco and more promise, e. Yearshly for the fulfi ARBOR biof this of children less imag foolibut to will grow spiritually as well. ROCKH d. er chyour hu ttspiritually, I do know that more hip with Reserve the waiting am ly t also Right and status and ly and which I partners t in be ed in leaders. All . are develop with ministry recklesstion in no more © 2010 s. Ea ot on s, bu ers.“ bu ers urces David C’sCook. TruResources r children ks and aand national TruReso are developed n ve network of family of living a situaand cove in partnership chec h st and children’s C Cook. of family with ROCKHARBOR ministry leaders. ng; David network ed oth rsel look Church All Right Reserved. l against © 2010 caus scramble ped ringi nationa u ld tere of ot filed and a g the yo could e stop were losin n in rests IV) phon uits ou laws of this I was wife. The ow sh r t ced; te 4 (N and boun the mids my precious u practice t. No of yo the in s 2:3– me. 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