Day 31—Where do you go from here?

Little Ones Look for Your Lead

            Today is the last of the 31 Days Series (Challenge) on helping your children develop a Biblical worldview.  Where do you go from here?  Hopefully, you are encouraged that you can do this, BUT the best method of preparing yourself is not how I have done it this month.  Basically, a blog entry started with a situation or a perspective, and then it gave Scripture passages that helped guide us (yes, you and me) to the best answer.  Unfortunately, if you read the Bible only when you are looking for answers to a pressing problem, several problems can occur:

            1.  You cannot find the verses you need even if they are in the Bible.

            2.  You find some passages that seem to be related, but without reading the whole context of that passage—or more likely, overall Scripture—you can make a wrong conclusion.  Tomorrow, I will give you an example of this.

            3.  In an effort to prove your pre-conceived view as correct, you may skew the true meaning of a passage or completely ignore Scripture that does not meet the standard you want to set, especially if those verses contradict your (worldly) point of view.

            What is the best way?  The best way is to delve into and ponder Scripture on a regular basis.  Do it with prayer.  Pray for God to reveal His truths to you and that He will bring them back to mind when you need them.  Discover God's Word through personal Bible study, listening to broadcasts, and being part of church services and Bible studies that goes through whole passages or books of the Bible and are not always topical studies.  I like topical Bible studies (which means you study various verses on a particular subject), and I think they sometimes fill a huge need.  Yet, if all your Bible study is based on topics, you will miss a lot of Scripture.

            Amazingly, I have discovered that, by reading (or listening to) my Bible on a schedule (rather than picking and choosing themes), I have taken Scripture that I thought I would never use and actually applied it to my life.  I remember listening to part of Judges or Chronicles while doing housework in the kitchen and thinking, "How will this ever apply to my life?"  Then completely by my surprise a few weeks later, I found myself actually referring back to some of those passages to help me better understand a situation I was in!  If I had continued with the idea that those parts of the Bible were irrelevant to me, I would have missed out on a teachable moment God had prepared for me.  Even if you do not remember exactly where to find a verse when you need it, if you have been reading your Bible (and hopefully discussing it with others), then you will know that the passage you need does exist. Then you can re-discover it by searching for it.

            Your turn:  Doubting if this will work for you?  You don't think you can remember everything you read?  Well, you probably can't.  However, as you discuss circumstances and life in general with your children, you will be surprised at what God will bring forth from your memory to use.  When verses are "fuzzy," they can still be useful.  Share with your child that you know the Bible says something like______ but you can't remember exactly what it says.  Then later go to your Bible and search for it.  Use a printed or online concordance to help you search.  Sometimes a topical index can help, too.  Then go back to your child and share what you found.  THIS will impact your child as much or more than what you actually shared:  the fact that God's Word means enough to you that you took the time to search it and share your findings.

            God's Word is worth knowing and living.  Not only will it help with our daily lives on this earth, but also, and more importantly, it will draw us closer to the One True God who desires to have a personal relationship with us.  So, where do you go from here?  Continuing down the path that will bring everlasting joy and satisfaction—and you can take your family with you, too!  Hopefully this series has touched your family in this way.  I look forward to your continued viewing of this blog, your sharing of it with family and friend, and your sharing of yourself through comments and insights.

          If you would like more ideas on helping your children (and yourself) develop a Biblical worldview or to find out how to win a Wal-Mart gift card from Touching Families, go to the 31 Days Giveaway (Intro. Part II).   For my perspective before beginning this series, see 31 Days Giveaway Intro. PartI. If you want to check out other 31 Days' topics, see The Nester.  Don't miss out on your entry for the Wal-Mart gift card.  I know it is only $10, but I am giving away two:  one for those who comment on the blog and follow the blog and one those who share the blog on their Facebook page or comment about the blogs on the Touching Families Facebook page.  Referrals count, too, if the person names you as the person who referred them.  See 31 Days Giveaway (Intro. Part II) for all the contest details.

*All verses quoted are from the New International Version:  THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Day 30—Throw Caution to the Wind?

            The world says, "Be daring."  "Throw caution to the wind."  "Rules are restricting and stifling."  What do you think?  Do boundaries touch your family in a confining, smothering way or are boundaries actually freeing for your family?

            What does the Bible say?

           

            Proverbs 3:7-8—"Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil.  This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones."

            Proverbs 3:11-12—"My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in."

            Proverbs 3:21-23—"My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck.  Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble."

            None of these verses technically mention "rules" or "boundaries;" however, the passages suggest them in the words wisdom, judgment, and discernment.

            Your Turn:  Are you having problems relating this concept to your children?  Consider an amusement park ride.  No, not the carousel.  The giant roller coaster with the turns, the spirals, and the giant-head-banging drops.  Or if this is too scary for your kids, consider a ride that is a little frightening for them but that they still like.  Discuss the best parts and the scariest parts.  Then ask them, "How much fun would that ride be if it didn't have seat restraints?  What if the track did not have an end stop?  What if there were no safety workers to keep everything in line?  Would it be fun then?

            Point out that a daring and exciting ride is thrilling because it has boundaries and is safety controlled.  Without those restrictions, it becomes a ride of terror and death.  That can be said about the rules that touch our families or that you create for your families.  The boundaries we accept can actually help us enjoy and excel in our lives.  A life without rules or wisdom is a life destined for destruction.  Thus, instead of throwing caution to the wind, throw up a restricting sail to carry you and your caution to an exciting adventure.

            If you would like more ideas on helping your children (and yourself) develop a Biblical worldview or to find out how to win a Wal-Mart gift card, go to the 31 Days Giveaway (Intro. Part II) post for more Touching Families blog links.  If you want to check out other 31 Days' topics, see The Nester.

*All verses quoted are from the New International Version:  THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Day 29—If you blink, you will miss it.

            Yesterday was a blessing for our family.  Two of my daughters, a niece (who feels like a daughter), and a niece's boyfriend (who I look forward to getting to know all the better) were all baptized in the same ceremony at church.  It brought me such joy.  Has your family been touched by baptisms?  Weddings are important, beautiful days.  How can you not love a wedding for two people who are meant for each other?  Yet, a wedding is only for a lifetime:  "until death do us part."  However, baptism celebrates a personal relationship that will last for eternity! 

            These are my last two daughters to give their lives to Christ and to be baptized.  One of them actually gave her life to Christ a couple of years ago, but we could never seem to get the right timing for her, the pastor, and other family members to work out.  The other daughter had been seriously considering this step for awhile but only very recently gave her life to Christ.  When this opportunity for baptism became available, we decided they should go ahead and get baptized even if everyone we wanted to be there could not make it on Sunday.  I am glad I got to be there.  Not every parent has the privilege of witnessing their children make a commitment to the Lord.  They will continue to need prayer as this decision and baptism does not mark the ending of a journey, only the beginning.

            What does the Bible say about it?  One spot where it is mentioned is the following:

            Matthew 28:19-20—"Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.  And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

            Your Turn:  Have you made a personal commitment to Jesus Christ?  Did you manifest that decision with a baptism as a believer?  If not, you will not be able to lead your children on this journey until you do.  If you are not sure what I am talking about, pray that God will lead you to a church or individual who will faithfully lead you on your own journey to seek and find the truth.  If you have, remember, that as you lead, your children will not necessarily follow—or at least maybe not completely, right away.  You will have a great temptation to pressure your children to go through the motions of making a personal relationship with Christ.  Yet, if they have not done it on their own by their own decision, then they are wasting their breath.  Trying to please you by saying what you want to hear will not necessarily please God.  He wants the words to honest and true.  Otherwise the words "won't count."

            As you read this, pray now.  Pray for God to lead you into a personal relationship with Him if you do not already have one.  If you do, pray that you will be willing to continue to seek, follow, and obey Him.  Your journey is not over until the undertaker pronounces you gone.  Then pray for your children.  Pray that you will give them the words and examples they need to hear and see.  Pray that they each make his or her own choice to seek and accept a personal relationship with God.  (This does not mean I think children should get to make choices whether or not they attend church with the family.  At my house, that is the expectation for everyone.  Yet, what they do with what they see and hear at church is internal and cannot truly be dictated by any parent.)

            In general, baptisms are simple and quick—even with full emersions—because if you blink, you will miss it.  Even so, the blessing of a baptism of a family member can touch your family forever.

            If you would like more ideas on helping your children (and yourself) develop a Biblical worldview or to find out how to win a Wal-Mart gift card, go to the 31 Days Giveaway (Intro. Part II) post for more Touching Families blog links.  If you want to check out other 31 Days' topics, see The Nester.

*All verses quoted are from the New International Version:  THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Day 28--Object Lessons

Anything can become an object lesson

            I believe one of our purposes on this earth is so we can experience "object lessons" to better understand spiritual concepts.  If this is true, then there can be an "object lesson" in virtually everything and every situation.  Are you not sure what an object lesson is or are you not sure if your family has been touched by one?  "Object lessons" are often grouped with a type of Sunday School lesson or children's church message where an object everyone understands is the starting point and it is used to lead to a lesson on an abstract idea that can be difficult to comprehend.  Can you think of an example?

            Here is an example.  In the Old Testament, God is very specific with details about the building of the temple and the items used in it.  The temple is a representation of heaven, and the details of the temple have to be "just right" otherwise we will not understand the truths behind its structure, which will help us to get a clearer perspective of heaven.  (This is an overall concept I still do not really understand.) 

            Considering the idea that everything is object lesson is true, then it should be easy for me to come up with a blog subject that you can use to help your children develop a better Biblical worldview; however, I am coming up blank.  One thing I do know is that I need some rest.

            If I want to use humans' repeated need for sleep for an object lesson, then I could use it to help illustrate that only true, everlasting peace and rest can come from Jesus.  This world is cursed with sin and suffering, but God has began his plan to bring redemption and salvation.  His choice, not our good deeds, entitles us to rest.  The Sabbath, which we discussed a couple of weeks ago on two different Sundays, is a weekly reminder that we need to trust God and rest in His steady, protective hands.

            Your Turn:  What "thing" or "situation" touching your family can you use as an object lesson to teach your children a truth about God or His relationship with them?  Discuss it with your children.  Then come back and share it with us!!  If you do, I will give you another entry into my drawing.  Have a glorious day.

            If you would like more ideas on helping your children (and yourself) develop a Biblical worldview or to find out how to win a Wal-Mart gift card, go to the 31 Days Giveaway (Intro. Part II) post for more Touching Families blog links.  If you want to check out other 31 Days' topics, see The Nester.

Day 27—Don't Let Your Guard Down

            Have you ever thought you finally got it all together, but then the moment you let your guard down, everything falls apart?  If you and your family are anything like most others, then your family has been touched by such a scenario.

            What does the Bible say? 

           

            The setting is the Last Passover Supper Jesus had with his disciples.   

            Matthew 26:21—"And while they were eating, he said, 'I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me.'"

            Matthew 26:33-35—"Peter replied, 'Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.'

            'I tell you the truth,' Jesus answered, 'this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.'

            "But Peter declared, 'Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.'…"

           

            Then Jesus went into the Garden of Gethsemane to pray.  He instructed the three disciples who went with him (including Peter) to stay in one spot to keep watch and pray while He prayed alone. 

            Matthew 26:40—"Then he (Jesus) returned to his disciples and found them sleeping.  'Could you men not keep watch with me for one hour?' He asked Peter.  'Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.  The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.'"

            This happened three times before the chief priests and a detachment of soldiers arrived to arrest Jesus. In the panic of the moment—and after awaking suddenly from falling asleep again—

            John 18:10—"Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant, cutting off his right ear.  (The servant's name was Malchus.)

            Basically, Jesus healed the servant's ear and agreed to go with them peacefully.  With this, the disciples essentially fled, but Peter and another servant followed the captive at a distance.  Three different times, people in the court of the high priest accused Peter of being a friend and/or follower of the man just arrested.  Peter vehemently denied it.

            Matthew 26:74-75—"Then he began to call down curses on himself and he swore to them, 'I don't know the man!'  Immediately, a rooster crowed.  The Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: 'Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.'  And he went outside and wept bitterly."

When we let our guard down, that is when we slip.

            What does all this have to do with you?  Peter was positive he would not betray Jesus.  He was committed to his leader and ready for action.  His first near slip-up occurred when he kept falling asleep in the garden.  However, he was ready to "show his stuff" because, as soon as the soldiers appeared, he jumped to action and cut off one of the servant's ears.  In his mind, Peter still believed he would stand strong for Jesus, but he did not plan on a "non-attack."  I'm talking about the relaxed, only mildly intimidating scene in the priest chief's courtyard.  It was filled with servants and others who had little or no authority.  Peter felt safe lingering there and even getting close enough to one of the open fires to get warm.  Surprisingly, he felt safe enough for casual chit chat with the servants.   That is when subtle accusations regarding Peter's relationship to Jesus of Nazareth began.  Peter did not see these little comments as threats or dangerous.  That is when he let his guard down.  That is when he did what he vowed he would not do.  That is when he denied his master.

            How about you?  Have you made a "commitment" that you were completely convinced you would fulfill and then something slipped and you failed?  If you have not done it yet, you will.  Peter did not screw up when he was alert and on guard; he failed when he thought he was "safe."

            Your Turn—How do you translate this to your kids?  The good news is that you will have many real-life opportunities to discuss this as they (and you) live out your own examples of this same human failure.  The bad news is that you will have many real-life opportunities to discuss this as they (and you) live out your own….you get the picture.

            Explain to your children that sometimes the most "dangerous" times they might fall into sin (or letting someone else down) is when they feel like they do not have to worry about doing anything wrong.  Depending on the age of your children, they are likely not to understand any of this until they experience this type of failure.  Unfortunately, they will probably get many chances to fail like this.  Then they will begin to understand the truth of it.  Even so, if they are like the rest of us, they will never quite get past this one while they walk this earth.  Sorry, to give you the bad news.

            BUT, be sure to finish the story.  Peter was sorry that he denied Jesus.  Consequently, Jesus forgave him and did not hold it against Peter.   That same forgiveness is available to all of us.  Consequently, we should be willing to extend that kind of forgiveness to others.  We are going to fail, but we do not have to dwell on that failure.  Instead, we can accept the gift of forgiveness, and we can understand and forgive this type of failure in others.  Although everyone in your family, like Peter, will at some point be touched negatively by letting his or her guard down, each one can be redeemed by seeking and accepting forgiveness, also like Peter.

            If you would like more ideas on helping your children (and yourself) develop a Biblical worldview or to find out how to win a Wal-Mart gift card, go to the 31 Days Giveaway (Intro. Part II) post for more Touching Families blog links.  If you want to check out other 31 Days' topics, see The Nester.

*All verses quoted are from the New International Version:  THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Day 26—This is the Day

What a glorious smile!

            This morning I went to each of my children, cradled their faces in my hands, kissed each cheek, and instructed them, "Say, 'this will be a glorious day.'"  With a smile of "You're weird, Mom," they complied.   What made this day so glorious?  It was a day God has made.  Will your family be touched by the glorious-ness of today?

            What does the Bible say?

            Psalm 118:24—"This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it."

            In this particular Psalm, the people had a big reason to rejoice.  After being surrounded and living in fear of their enemy, God provided salvation.  At our house this morning, we did not have anything so dramatic.  In fact, the day was an ordinary day, more ordinary than most of our days:  lots of homework, lots of "Quit talking to your sister; neither of you are getting anything done," and lots of figuring out how to get everything done in a decent amount of time.

            Yet, it was a glorious day.

            Your Turn—How are you helping your children appreciate each day?  Do you appreciate each day?  Can you find something good about every day?  Even bad days are often filled with more blessings than disappointments.  Although you cannot ignore the "downers" on bad days, do you dwell on them and ignore the good things with your day? 

            Many days I feel like I walk around with a frown all day for no good reason.  Sometimes I struggle getting past the "poor-me" attitude, but it is definitely worth it when I do.  I just wish I could do it every day.  I am sure my family would rather be touched by my thankful, joyous smile than my frustrated, irritated grimace.  What about your family?  Surprise them—or your co-workers—tomorrow with, "Today will be a glorious day." or "This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it."

            If you would like more ideas on helping your children (and yourself) develop a Biblical worldview or to find out how to win a Wal-Mart gift card, go to the 31 Days Giveaway (Intro. Part II) post for more Touching Families blog links.  If you want to check out other 31 Days' topics, see The Nester.

*All verses quoted are from the New International Version:  THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Day 25—More Significant than the Debates

Do you feel like this after
watching all the political ads?

            Did you know a presidential election is less than two weeks away?  Did you know there have been three presidential debates and a vice presidential debate?

            I am sorry I cannot keep a straight face any longer.  It is nearly impossible for your family not to have been touched by the political ads and discussion.  You would have had to had no access to television, radio, or internet and not go anywhere where you could possibly have seen any political signs—and maybe not even have had access to postal mail—to not realize we are in a presidential election year.

            Candidates often accuse their opponents of mudslinging, but then they categorize every negative comment as mudslinging.  I would not classify sharing facts about a candidate's voting record or public speeches as mudslinging, even if they show the person running for an office as wish-washy, unreliable, or dishonest.  However, any distortion or twisting or misrepresentation of the truth would be outright fraud, not mudslinging.  Even though the candidates usually only point fingers at each other, most of the disrespectful, irreverent actions and speech I have witnessed have not come from the candidates but from the general public.

            I am not talking about criticisms about a politician's views or policies; I am talking about pure personal attacks.  A candidate's character is relevant to his or her public office, but rude, manufactured comments about a candidate's personal choices and/or dress have no place in an informed discussion about choosing our country's leader.  For example, few years ago one politician was heavily criticized for using a fork to eat pizza.  I do not even remember to which party that person belonged.  Unfortunately, all I remember is, "What does that have to do with leading our country?"  Who hasn't been photographed while in the middle of a blink or some normal gesture that looks distorted when captured in a snapshot?  Rather than deleting that photo and moving on, too many people use those photographs as opportunities to spread them along with rude comments or jokes to be circulated through social networking.  How do those actions help everyday citizens understand a potential leader's views and potential policies?

            What does the Bible say?

            I Timothy 2:1-2—I urge, then first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness."

            This passage does not say pray for your leaders if you agree with them or if they give you what you want.  It says to pray for them. I have not seen anywhere in Scripture where God favors a political party.  He favors obedience and loyalty to Him—starting with you and me.  I think the Bible shows a couple of other things you may want to ponder and consider how they might relate to politics:  (1)  God judges individuals and nations.  It does not seem fair to me, but that's what I  have read. (2) God can and does use leaders to accomplish His purpose, whether or not they are a follower of Him. 

            Your turn:  What are you teaching your children about politics with your words, actions, reactions, off-hand comments, and attitude?  What do you want to teach them?  Do they see you respectfully disagree with others—including our national leaders?  Do they see you make personal attacks against candidates and incumbents with cutting words or jokes that distract from the true issues? 

            Begin praying for our leaders at all levels.  Support candidates that best live god-honoring lives.  You will never find a politician who is perfect or without fault, but look for the one that, after a fall, gets back on the right path and begins again.  When you have a representative with whom you disagree, respectfully explain why you disagree and why he or she should consider changing his or her mind, even if the same courtesy is not extended back to you.  In reality, your reaction to the political discussion will probably touch your family more significantly than the political debates or maybe even the election itself.

            If you would like more ideas on helping your children (and yourself) develop a Biblical worldview or to find out how to win a Wal-Mart gift card, go to the 31 Days Giveaway (Intro. Part II) post for more Touching Families blog links.  If you want to check out other 31 Days' topics, see The Nester.

*All verses quoted are from the New International Version:  THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Day 24—When Good is Bad

Take time to relax and enjoy life.

            Do you feel overwhelmed and overworked?  Do you have problems remembering anything because your brain is so overloaded with information that you are "supposed" to remember?  Do you sometimes pray when you get up in the morning, "Lord, please help me get through this day?  I've got too much to do"?

            Then you are one of the hundreds of people today who are doing too much.  Sometimes we overwork ourselves for selfish reasons—to get material things we do not need.  Other times it is for "good reasons."  Honestly, in an effort to fight apathy, certain people prod others with comments such as, "If you can make a positive difference, then you should do it."  Innumerable ways exist to make a positive difference—to do something good.  Yet, if you concentrate on that mentality, you will drive yourself crazy.  I mean that literally.

            Twice in my life I have nearly suffered a nervous breakdown because I had overloaded myself too much—that combined with a nearly perfectionist attitude.  Once was when I was a teenager; the other time, when I was a young adult.  I still work on finding balance.  Although my life does not seem to reflect it, I have said "no" to some good things this past year in an attempt to keep my sanity.  Realistically, I am in a season of my life that demands I am stretched to the limits, so it is even more important that I take purposeful steps to not add to my responsibilities, even if they are good things to do.

            What does the Bible say?  At the moment, I cannot think of a passage that describes time management, but I can look at an example in the Bible that occurs more than one time.

            Mark 6:31-32—Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, 'Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.'  So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place."

            Jesus had been healing many people with various diseases from blindness to demon possession, and he had been preaching words the crowds hungrily devoured.  Wouldn't it have been "good" for Jesus to have healed more people?  Wouldn't it have been good for him to stand on a high hill, waive his arms, and heal hundreds of people at one time?  Wouldn't it have been better for him to work night and day preaching and healing rather than heading off to quiet places to rest and/or pray? 

            Through our short-sighted human vision, we would say, "Yes," to all of these questions.  However, that is not what Jesus chose to do.  He did not come to do all the "good" things that humans thought he should do.  He did what he was meant to do.  When it comes to our own lives, maybe we should stop using human perceptions of what we should be doing and instead do what we are meant to do.

            Your Turn:  Which describes you better?  The first paragraph or Jesus' example?  If it was the former, then figure out what you can cut.  This will be a frustrating choice because everything you are doing is probably a "good thing."  Yet, it is worth the choice.  Then look at your kids' schedules.  What can you eliminate?  Are you getting family time, too?  Begin teaching your children that they cannot do everything.  They have to make choices—and doing it all is not one of them.  The goal should be to match Jesus' example, not the stressed out lifestyle.

            I have made huge progress in reducing the amount of overload I will put on myself, but compared to how far I need to go, I may have only made a dent in the problem.  This became more apparent a couple of weeks ago after my colonoscopy.  Afterwards I said, "What a great nap!  I feel great." I guess it's back to evaluating my full, and maybe overloaded schedule, and figure which extras have gone from being good to do to bad for interfering with what I am meant to be doing now.

            If you would like more ideas on helping your children (and yourself) develop a Biblical worldview or to find out how to win a Wal-Mart gift card, go to the 31 Days Giveaway (Intro. Part II) post for more Touching Families blog links.  If you want to check out other 31 Days' topics, see The Nester.

*All verses quoted are from the New International Version:  THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Day 23---Be still

Quietly pondering what God has done

            Mighty storms thrust our consciousness into recognizing the unrelenting power and unmatchable strength of God, which is a truth we touched upon yesterday.  However, God does not exist to try to impress us.  He does not need to do so; He is so much more than we could ever be.

            Amazingly, despite His superiority to humans, He desires a personal, involved relationship with people.  When Elijah was discouraged about constantly having to flee for his life, God spoke to Elijah.

            I Kings 19:11—"The Lord said, 'Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by…'"

            While standing in a cave on the side of the mountain, "a great and powerful wind tore the mountains part and shattered the rocks," (I Kings 19:11) but God was not in the storm.  This was followed by an earthquake and then a fire.  Yet, God did not speak to Elijah through these expressions of might.  Then…

            I Kings 19:12c-13—"came a gentle whisper.  When Elijah heard, it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.  Then a voice said to him, 'What are you doing here, Elijah?'"

            God chose to listen to and encourage Elijah through a quiet voice.  His intent was not to intimidate Elijah, but to show him that, despite His power, God desired a personal, intimate relationship with Elijah, which is what He wants with you, too.  So, how can you have a relationship like Elijah had with God?  Although that can be a long answer, focus on two things that Elijah did.

            First, he obeyed God.  God told him to stand on the mountain.  Elijah did that.

            Second, he patiently waited for God to accomplish what He had planned.

            Your turn:  How do you teach your kids to be patient when uncertainty happens?  How do you teach them that God wants to know them personally?  Begin with your reaction to trouble or uncertainties.  Be obedient to God and wait patiently for Him to provide His answer His way.  Then with confidence, hold on to Psalm 47:10a:  "Be still, and know that I am God."  Then not only will you be able to recognize the unrelenting power of God, but also you will be able to have a personal, one-on-one relationship with the creator of the universe.

            If you would like more ideas on helping your children (and yourself) develop a Biblical worldview or to find out how to win a Wal-Mart gift card, go to the 31 Days Giveaway (Intro. Part II) post for more Touching Families blog links.  If you want to check out other 31 Days' topics, see The Nester.

*All verses quoted are from the New International Version:  THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Day 22—Beauty amid the Storm

Last shot before taking cover

            Reverberations shaking my walls, wind blowing debris against my windows, water sloshing on my roof—I woke up this morning to the beginnings of a thunderstorm.  What do you think or feel when you hear such sounds?  My first thoughts were self-centered. 

            How is this going to affect my plans for today?  We have a literary event to attend today.  Are we going to get soaked between the parking lot and the long walk to the auditorium?  Do I really want to take umbrellas for everyone?  Do we even have enough for everyone at one time?  Did I leave something outside that shouldn't be in the rain? Will it rain enough for me to worry about stuff in the basement?  No, it hasn't rained enough recently to cause the drains to back up.  Should I be worried about that eerie yellow haze flooding the yard?

            Then my thoughts turned to Someone beyond myself.  Thunderstorms are great reminders of the power and majesty of God.  Despite our thinking that this world would fall apart without the efforts of mankind, we are puny, helpless creatures compared to the Lord Almighty.  Just the simple act of rain, which we often take for granted, comes from the amazing water cycle designed by God.  Yet, God is still in control of exactly when, where, how, and to what extent that precipitation will fall.  Then there is man—totally worthless when it comes to producing rain.  Fortunately, rain takes my thoughts from me back to the One from whom all blessings flow.

            To be honest, in my "old age," I do not really care to get rained on.  I am not worried about ruining my hair, but even a light rain gives me just enough of a chill and dampness that I am uncomfortable.  Sometimes thunderstorms can be scary and life threatening.   Putting that aside, I sometimes find joy and delight in hearing the rain, even thunder.  I have noticed in the past few years that, in the early spring when thunder returns after a long silent winter of snow, I get giddy and draw attention to it.  "Did you hear that?  It was thunder.  I've missed hearing thunder.  Isn't it great?  It feels like God is calling out saying, 'I'm here.  I have not forgotten you.'"  In a way, as I have aged, I am a little less appreciative of the feel of rain, but I am very much more appreciative of the sound of rain.

            Your Turn:  Do you have children fear thunder and rain?  Instead of telling stories of the angels bowling or the clouds fighting, try discussing the majesty and strength of God.  The same God that controls and directs powerful storms is the same God who has had a plan for them since the beginning of time.  Although they sometimes need to take safety precautions in storms, they can rest assured that the loving God behind the mighty force of nature wants to have a personal relationship with them.  You can even explain that, although a thunderstorm may appear chaotic and out of control, God is a god of order, which can be seen by the water cycle He created to supply a renewing, fresh source of water for man to use.  Now if you have a fear of storms, your kids probably know it.  If they do, start there.  Start with, "I have been afraid of thunder most of my life, but now I can see the beauty behind thunder because it reminds me that my God can do anything.  I do not need to be afraid of the storm because I personally know the Creator behind the storm." 

            So the next time you wake up and find reverberations shaking your walls, wind blowing debris against your windows, and water sloshing on your roof—jump out of bed with joy, and yell, "Come on, kids!  Let's look at what God is doing outside."  Head for the window and begin being amazed at the beauty amid the storm.

Day 21— Sowing of Seeds and Spreading of Truth, Part II

Some soil is ripe for reaping.

            If yesterday's Bible passage about the farmer sowing his seed touched your family with confusion, don't worry.  It confused even Jesus' closest disciples.  This is His explanation:

            Mark 4:14-20--"The farmer sows the word.  Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown.  As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them.  Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with joy.  But since they have no root, they last only a short time.  When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.  Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful.  Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop—thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times what was sown."

            Although Jesus was talking about a spiritual spreading of God's Word, the basic idea can be applied to other knowledge as well.  Truth (or knowledge) was being spread freely and openly to everyone.  However, not everyone was ready or able to accept that truth (or knowledge) and do something with it.

            In contrast, in our society, education has become a type of "god."  As a whole, we work to get information "out there," so everyone can have successful, productive, and wise lives.  Politicians bank on this type of promise to get them elected—and it usually succeeds in getting them into office, but not necessarily on having a "smarter" public.  Then as a society, we are confused when we do not get the results we want, and we are disappointed in our "god" of education.

            Preparation needs to make place.  If the ground has not first been "prepared," it will not be the proper soil setting for the information to take root and be productive.  The passage in Mark is not describing how to get the soil ready for the seed, but it does describe what happens to seed (information) that lands in areas not prepared for growing seeds.

            Your Turn:  In essence, giving your children lots of information is not the key to raising God-fearing children.  First, it matters what they are being taught.  Second, it matters if their minds and hearts have been prepared to hear and accept the Truth.  So, what can you do?

            Pray for your child on a daily basis.  Only the Holy Spirit can truly prepare your child's heart to accept God's Word and to be able to a produce spiritual "crop."  However, God can still use you in the process.  Share your love of God and His Word with your children.   Let your life hold evidence of this love—personal Bible study, the types of conversations you have, reading the Bible to and praying with your children, and your general living according God's plan.  Yet, the most important element is your personal relationship with your children.  You may never come close to being a Bible scholar—or an intellectual.  You may have as much trouble navigating through the Old Testament as you do the local mall.  And despite all that, you can produce a spiritual crop with your children because the close relationship they have with you will reveal, model, and encourage an attitude and life that is truly God honoring.  In turn, they will be able to repeat the same process with their children.  Isn't that what it's about?  Not just touching your current family with a Biblical perspective but also touching your family in future generations.

            If you would like more ideas on helping your children (and yourself) develop a Biblical worldview or to find out how to win a Wal-Mart gift card, go to the 31 Days Giveaway (Intro. Part II) post for more Touching Families blog links.  If you want to check out other 31 Days' topics, see The Nester.

*All verses quoted are from the New International Version:  THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Day 20--Sowing of Seeds and Spreading of Truth, Part I

            The world says that, when good information is made available, people will take advantage of it.  All you have to do is tell people what they need to hear, and they will follow through.

            What does the Bible say?  Today we are going to look at the first half of the parable of the sower, and tomorrow we will look at its meaning and how it may touch your family.

Not all ground is suitable for seeds to grow.

            Mark 4:3---"…A farmer went out to sow his seed.  As he was scattering the seed, some fell among the path, and the birds came and ate it up.  Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil.  It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow.  But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root.  Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants, so that they did not bear grain.  Still other seed fell on good soil.  It came up, grew and produced a crop, multiplying thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times."

            "…The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you.  But to those on the outside everything is said in parables so that, 'they may be ever seeing but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding; otherwise they might turn and be forgiven."

           

            Although the people hearing these words directly from Jesus' mouth were familiar with the sowing of seeds and having the agriculture process touch their families, they were confused as to what He was saying about truth—the truth of God's word.  Fortunately Jesus explained its meaning to His disciples so that we, too, could have a chance to comprehend it.  Tomorrow we will look at His explanation. 

            If you would like more ideas on helping your children (and yourself) develop a Biblical worldview or to find out how to win a Wal-Mart gift card, go to the 31 Days Giveaway (Intro. Part II) post for more Touching Families blog links.  If you want to check out other 31 Days' topics, see The Nester.

*All verses quoted are from the New International Version:  THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Day 19--Difficult Choices with the Right Answers

            I am not sure why wanting to let someone else live can make some people so very angry.  I am not sure why attempts to help the helpless survive can stir some people to protest and complain.  Yesterday I left off "Your Turn" in my blog entry, so let's do that now and let you evaluate how this subject touches your family.

            Your Turn:  You cannot teach your children to value innocent life if you do not.  This does not just include the pre-born.  What about someone who has already "lived a good life" and now needs a great deal of assistance in old age?  What about the handicap person—whether he or she was born that way or had an experience that caused the disability?  What about the mentally challenged?  What about the homeless?

            Let's say you do value the sanctity of life, including all of the examples above.  How do you transmit that to your children?  Let them see you care.  Sweetly help the old lady who cannot open the door to the grocery store because it is too heavy.  Be patient with your neighbor's adult son who has the understanding of a four-year old.  When your unmarried niece announces that she is going to have a baby, point out to your children that, although her pregnancy does not fit God's direction for intimate relationships inside of marriage, she made a very good choice for not hurting the baby.  Then be there to support your niece whether she decides to raise the baby herself or to give it up for adoption.  Let them see you give time and/or money to organizations or individuals who reach out to those who might fall into the categories above, such as a crisis pregnancy center.  Compassion in action can go a long way.

            You might think I am so full of crap that you will never read anything at Touching Families again.  You may think I have not gone far enough on this subject.  Yet, you may be feeling a little confused.  Despite our desire to have a clean, tidy world of easy decisions, real life is messy.  Sometimes the desire to protect life does not seem to have an easy answer.   I do not promise to have all the answers. 

            For example, if I had conceived a baby as a result of a rape, I would find it difficult to carry that baby term.  At the same time, it is not the baby's fault.  Just because I was the innocent victim of an assault, it does not mean I would be guilt free if I caused a deadly assault on a different innocent victim—my unborn baby.  Basically, difficult answers do not have to result in wrong answers.  By teaching your family how to decide on the right answer to this difficult question, then you are also helping them create the integrity to make the right choices through all the difficult situations that touch their lives.

            If you would like more ideas on helping your children (and yourself) develop a Biblical worldview or to find out how to win a Wal-Mart gift card, go to the 31 Days Giveaway (Intro. Part II) post for more Touching Families blog links.  If you want to check out other 31 Days' topics, see The Nester.

Day 18—The Most Important Choice

            The world says that a woman's freedom to make choices is one of her most valuable assets, and if her ability to make choices is every stripped from her, then she is reduced to no more than a slave or possession.  Has this viewpoint touched your family?

            I am a strong supporter of choices.  As a mother of seven girls, I am very mindful of their ability (or potential lack of ability) to make choices.  However, my support for "choices" does not always stem from positive motives.  Too often it is rooted in selfishness.  Isn't it easy to demand your way in the name of "I have a right to make my own choices"? 

            Maybe you have not fallen into that trap, but I have.  It can be a difficult to balance teaching my daughters to value and use their opportunities to make choices and teaching my daughters to put consideration for others above their own needs or desires.  If they never do anything for themselves, they can lose touch of who they are.  If they never put the needs or desires of others above their own, they will live shallow, unfulfilled lives.  Maintaining a balance can be a struggle.

            Yet, in some situations, the right choice is not a difficult one to figure out, just sometimes difficult to execute: 

            Your daughter wants to sit in a certain chair at dinner.  Should she be allowed to push to the floor anyone in her way? 

            Your daughter wants to eat "now" and not wait in line.  Should she be allowed to confiscate another diner's food and eat it?

            Your daughter wants the scholarship that will guarantee that she gets to go to the college she thinks she "needs" to go to, but she only got the runner-up position.  Should she be allowed to hire a hit man to get rid of the one standing in her way of what she wants?

            Your daughter is pregnant and does not want to take a detour in her plans to accommodate a baby, not even long enough for him or her to be born and put up for adoption.  Should she be allowed to hire a hit man to get rid of the young, pre-born baby standing in her way of what she wants?

            What does the Bible say:

            Psalm 139:13-16—"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.  I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.  My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place.  When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body.  All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be."

            Although I could list more verses that expound on the beauty and value of life, the blessings of children, and God's sole sovereignty over the length of a person's days, they will not increase the meaning of this beautiful passage.

            Each life is designed and handcrafted by God himself.  We can never escape his watchful eye, not even in the womb.  God is a God of life.

            Recently, I participated in a Life Chain with part of my family along a bypass around a park.  It was not a controversial setting.  No signs had graphic displays of abortion.  Words of love and life were on the signs.  Despite the drizzling rain, we had some by-passers honk and give us a thumbs-up.  Others chose to show us a different finger.  In the past, I would have been insulted by the second gesture, but this year I felt a deep sadness for those people.  They do not understand the full impact of "choice" when it comes to taking the life of someone who has done no harm to anyone.   It breaks my heart when some people would rather have someone else die than to be inconvenienced.  They just do not understand.

            My daughters understand.  They understand the mourning of innocent lives.  My miscarriages brought heartache to everyone in my family despite my attempt to calmly explain that sometimes it just happens.  They understood there had been a life that was now no more. Even my youngest family members, who were too young to understand (or not yet born), were later touched by these losses when they learned that they had had siblings that did not live past the womb.  After mourning these losses for which they had no choice, they cannot conceive of a truly good reason for someone to purposely end the life of a pre-born baby.  Life is precious and should never been taken away from someone else.  Isn't that ultimately a person's most important freedom—the most important choice—to live?

Day 17—Transformed from Spooky to Comforting

Comforting or Spooky?
It proved to be based on love & truth,
so it was a good place to be.

            "The Lord Almighty has sworn, "Surely, as I have planned, so it will be, and as I have purposed, so it will stand."  Isaiah 14:24

            Does this verse touch your family in a way that is comforting or spooky?

             For me, it's comforting to know that God's plans will be accomplished.  My plans are swayed, sidetracked, and thrown off course so often that I sometimes wonder why I even bother making plans.  Unlike the frailties of man's shortsighted plans, God's plans will be accomplished.  His purpose will endure.

            At the same time, as I look at the craziness of this world—the injustice, the confusion, the suffering—I want to ask, "Is this part of God's 'plan'?  Is his purpose actually coming to fulfillment?  If so, is this as good as it is going to get?"  Maybe you have wondered the same thing.  Your kids will probably ask the same questions someday.  What are you going to say?

            Your Turn:  You can start with the fact that God's Word has proven itself to be true over and over, and not just in the life-changing attitudes and behaviors.  It has also proven itself to be true in relationship to archaeology and science, such as the "paths in the sea."  Thus, we can confidently have faith that the Lord's well-laid plans will be accomplished.. 

            I John 4:7-10—"Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God.  Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.  Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.  This is how God showed his love among us:  He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.  This is love:  not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins."

            When the craziness of this world touches your family in a way that does not make sense, be reassured that God's plans are motivated by unselfish love.  That transforms Isaiah 14:24 from being a little spooky to being thoroughly comforting.

            If you would like more ideas on helping your children (and yourself) develop a Biblical worldview or to find out how to win a Wal-Mart gift card, go to the 31 Days Giveaway (Intro. Part II) post for more Touching Families blog links.  If you want to check out other 31 Days' topics, see The Nester.

*All verses quoted are from the New International Version:  THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Day 16--Does the single adult have full ownership of her own body?

"Dad says I can get out
when I turn 35--maybe."

            Yesterday, the topic centered on how a person's body belongs to his or her spouse as much as it does to himself/herself*.  Another question suggested yesterday may touch your family in a bigger way:  What about the single adult?  Does the single adult have full ownership of her own body?

            Putting aside the knowledge that your body is a gift from God and you are a steward entrusted to care for it, the conclusion still comes down to the fact that your body is not really your own either.  The majority of people will get married.  Thus, your body also belongs to your future spouse—not to a dating partner, not even to a fiancé—but to your future spouse. 

            What do you want your future husband doing with his body before marrying you?  How many people do you want him to be intimate with physically before joining you in bed on your wedding night?   (If you are a man, what do you want your wife to be doing with other men?)  Shouldn't you try to behave the way you would like your husband to behave?  Despite what you see in sitcoms or t.v. dramas, casual sex is not a painless, victim-less activity. 

            Your turn:  Are you saying: "That sounds fine and dandy, but why should I have expected that from my husband before we got married when I  could not do the same for him?  I was well beyond any type of sexual purity.  And who am I to expect a "pure" lifestyle from my children as young adults when I failed myself?" 

           

            Our standards and goals should be based on the guidelines given to us by God, not based on what we have done or not done in the past.  He loves us and wants the best for us.  He can see and understand way beyond anything we will ever be able to comprehend.  At the same time, we are born as imperfect sinners.  Even if you have given your life to Christ, you will still make sinful choices either by accident or on purpose.  Yet, God is greater than any sin we may commit.  He is faithful to forgive those who repent, and possibly just as important—He is able to heal us when we fall.

            No matter what you have done in the past, your next choice can turn you toward the way you should go.  That, my friend, is the first Biblical truth from today's discussion to teach your children. 

            Your children are going to sin.  When they do, forgive them and guide them toward making right decisions.  Remind them that God will forgive them, too, when they repent.  At the same time, He asks us to forgive others, including future spouses.  Although you can begin teaching positive attitudes toward sexual purity before your children are taught anything about sex, you can give them more details as they are ready.  Specifics can be discussed in this blog at a later time. 

            Right now, concentrate on teaching them that (1) God's laws are good and should be followed even if they do not make sense to us all the time, (2) they can be forgiven when they mess up, and (3) they should forgive others as well.  This foundation can help your family members get through many of the messy situations that will touch them, including decisions they make regarding their bodies.

*I do not like playing the "his/her" game, and since most of the people who comment on my blog are women, I'm just going to use feminine pronouns unless I am specifically talking specifically about male person.

            If you would like more ideas on helping your children (and yourself) develop a Biblical worldview or to find out how to win a Wal-Mart gift card, go to the 31 Days Giveaway (Intro. Part II) post for more Touching Families blog links.  If you want to check out other 31 Days' topics, see The Nester.

*All verses quoted are from the New International Version:  THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Day 15—Whose body is it? (Stewards Only, …Part II)

            On Day 13, the topic discussion centered on our bodies being living sacrifices to God.  Although it may appear that today's passage may not currently touch everyone in your family as it is directed toward the married person, it is still worth consideration.

            I Corinthians 7:3-4—"The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband.  The wife's body does not belong to her alone but also to her husband.  In the same way, the husband's body does not belong to him alone but also to his wife."

            Now you may be asking, "How in the world am I supposed to talk about that to my children?"  We will get to that.  However, let us start with you.  Physical contact between a man and a woman is to be limited, if not strictly guarded, before marriage; yet after marriage, not only are a husband and wife allowed physical intimacy, they are commanded to have physical intimacy.  A married person's body is not his or hers alone any more.  It belongs equally between the spouses to be enjoyed by both—a gift to be appreciated and cherished.  Going beyond the fulfilling of a physical need, this trusted intimacy helps bond the couple together in an exclusive way that no others are allowed to trespass.  Married life can be hard.  Have kids?  Then it is even more stressful.  Sometimes the bond created in these private moments is the only earthly thing that keeps a couple talking to each other.  Thus, if you are married, your body is not really your own.

            What about the single adult?  For those comments, check in tomorrow.  Back to the married person:  Does this then mean your spouse can do whatever he/she wants to do with your body?  Let us look at a couple of other passages.

            Ephesians 5:28-29—"In the same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies.  He who loves his wife loves himself.  After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church—"

            Although these particular verses address husbands, I believe it can be applied to wives as well.  You are to lovingly respect and care for your spouse's body as much as you do your own.  There is no room for abuse or unreasonable demands in the relationship.  The example given relates husbands' caring for their wives the same way Christ cares for the church.  That is a selfless example.  For more details on Christ's love for the church, read all of chapter 5. 

            Matthew 7:12—"So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets."

            Not only does this passage guard against abuse (or anyone's perception that abuse is acceptable), but also it brings in the requirement to listen to and respond to your spouse's wishes and/or desires for and/or against a particular behavior.  Don't we all want to be heard and given proper consideration?  Then that is what we should provide to our spouse, which sometimes means not getting everything we want. 

            In no way am I advocating anyone to be a "doormat!"  Yet, when this type of consideration is given, no one should be put into a position where he or she is feeling someone is taken advantage of him or her.

            Your turn:  Can you discuss this topic in detail with all your children?  Of course, not.  You would scare your younger children, and your teens would probably hide under their covers pretending to be asleep until you go away.  On the other hand, you can discuss the need for your children to be prepared to consider the desires and wishes of their future spouses and to be willing to not get what they want the way they want it all the time.  You do not need to give sexual references. 

            Stick with something that is relevant to them, such as picking out a movie to watch together.  You know your kids have fought about that!  As you referee the next movie fight and help teach them problem resolution skills, remind them that these skills (including putting others first) will be valuable all of their lives, especially when they get married.  They are not going to always want to watch the same movie that their spouses want to watch.  It is not just one spouse's choice; it is a choice shared—a choice that belongs to both. 

            Later, when they are married, they will be able to make the comparison between sharing movies and sharing their bodies all on their own—and also hopefully with help from their daily Bible reading.  See, the attitude of not being the sole-owner of our choices (bodies) does touch your family even now.

           

            If you would like more ideas on helping your children (and yourself) develop a Biblical worldview or to find out how to win a Wal-Mart gift card, go to the 31 Days Giveaway (Intro. Part II) post for more Touching Families blog links.  If you want to check out other 31 Days' topics, see The Nester.

*All verses quoted are from the New International Version:  THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.