Friday Media...

Everyone knows how to "memorize" things. I can prove this because all of us can immediately pop off a whole slew of music lyrics right now. There's something about music that helps us memorize things forever. In fact, there are music lyrics from 20 years ago that are still in my head to this day.

So, one of the easy ways to combine memory and Scripture is to put Scripture to music. Luckily the folks at Seeds Family Worship who have done this for us. If you like it and think your kids will like it, there are lots of CD's available at their website.









Pretty catchy...I'm singing a couple of them right now!

MLK, Racism, and You

You may think racism, segregation, and the like don't exist anymore. As long as human hearts are sinful, there will always be subtle and not so subtle ways that people believe, think, and act in such a way where they assume they are "better" than others. There may no longer be separate drinking fountains, but racism still lives in each of our hearts - whether we realize it or not. Only through the gospel of Jesus Christ do these walls come down. No legislation can and will ever change the human heart...that power belongs only to the gospel of Jesus Christ.


A few resources for you today...

Dr. John Piper is offering his book "Bloodlines" in a PDF document for FREE today - You need to read this one. This is a great read on the topic of racism, Jesus, and why we are still fighting this battle today...it's an absolute MUST!


MLK's "Letter from a Birmingham Jail" - another must read!


Finally, a couple of videos for you...

The first is from MLK's final speech...the day before he will be assassinated.



The second is the entirety of the "I have a dream" speech...we normally focus on one part, but the entire thing is so good.





Enjoy!

Friday Media

Starting on Sunday, January 8th, we'll have some new themes and big ideas that we'll be leading children through on Sunday mornings for the month of January.

As usual, it helps you as parents know what we're talking about so that you can reinforce what we're teaching on Sunday's, so that, as we work together (parents and church), we can make a difference for Christ in the next generation. So, here are the summary videos for the month of January. Watch them, and begin to ask God to give you insight into how these can become part of your conversations with your kids.


Elementary

Preview: Game On (January 2012) from Orange on Vimeo.

Preschool

FL Preview : No One Else (January 2012) from Orange on Vimeo.

Have a great weekend!

REPOST: Christmas Tips for Dad

Every year, I re-post this same thing, because I think it's that important...

Now's the time, Dads! The Christmas season gives you lots of opportunities to create memorable moments in the lives of your children. Fight the temptation to fall into the same old patterns, or even worse, stress/worry yourself so much that Christmas time isn't the joyful time it was intended to be. Here's a list of things you need to be thinking about and challenging yourselves with.

#1 – Dad needs a plan for the holidays to ensure his family is loved and memories are made. Dad, what’s your plan?

#2 – Dad needs to check the local guides for what’s going on to make fun holiday plans for the family.

#3 – Dad needs to carve out time for sacred events and experiences to build family traditions that are fun and point to Jesus. Dad, is your calendar ready for December?

#4 – Dad needs to not let the stress of the holidays, including money, cause him to be grumpy with Mom or the kids. Dad, how’s your joy?

#5 – Dad needs to give experiences and not just gifts. Dad, what special memories can you make this holiday season?

#6 – Dad needs to manage the extended family and friends during the holidays. Dad, who or what do you need to say “no” to?

#7 – Dad needs to ensure his family is giving generously during the holidays. Dad, who in need is your family going to adopt and bless?

#8 – Dad needs to schedule a big Christmas daddy date with his daughter. Dad, what’s your big plan for the fancy daddy date?

#9 – Dad needs to schedule guy time with his son. Dad, what are you and your son going to do that is active, outdoors, and fun?

#10 – Dad needs to help Mom get the house decorated. Dad, are you really a big help to Mom with getting things ready?

#11 – Dad needs to ensure some holiday smells and sounds. Dad, is Christmas music on the iPod, is the tree up, and can you smell cookies and cider in your house?

#12 – Dad needs to snuggle up and watch some fun shows with the kids, especially the little ones. Dad, is the DVR set?

#13 – Dad needs to take the family on a drive to see Christmas lights while listening to music and sipping cider. Dad, is it mapped out?

#14 – Dad needs to help Mom get the kids’ rooms decorated. Dad, do the little kids get lights or a small tree in their room?

#15 – Dad needs to read about Jesus and pray over his kids. Dad, how’s your pastoral work going with each of your kids?

#16 – Dad needs to repent of being lazy, selfish, grumpy, or just dumping the holidays on Mom. Dad, are you a servant like Jesus to your family?

This list was developed by Mark Driscoll - Daddy Christmas Tips

Is Christmas Stressing Your Out?

Are you stressed out already? Are you wondering how you're going to fit all of those holiday parties and commitments into one month? Are you stressed out about how you're going to get the shopping list done? Are you thinking about something else you have to do in the middle of reading this email?

If you're anything like the rest of us, there is undoubtedly some Christmas stress that has happened or will happen sometime this month.

I ran across a series of writings about ways to combat the Christmas stress when it comes to your family.

Christmas Stress, part 1
Christmas Stress, part 2
Christmas Stress, part 3
Christmas Stress, part 4


Enjoy!

Friday Media...

Starting on Sunday, December 4th, we'll have some new themes and big ideas that we'll be leading children through on Sunday mornings for the month of December.

As usual, it helps you as parents know what we're talking about so that you can reinforce what we're teaching on Sunday's, so that, as we work together (parents and church), we can make a difference for Christ in the next generation. So, here are the summary videos for the month of November. Watch them, and begin to ask God to give you insight into how these can become part of your conversations with your kids.


Elementary

Preview: Wrapped Up! (December 2011) from Orange on Vimeo.

Preschool

FL Preview : Christmas Clues (December 2011) from Orange on Vimeo.

Have a great weekend!

Friday Media

This Sunday is Engage Hope Here Sunday at our church. I do hope you are using this Sunday to begin to train and model for your children what it means to serve others. Starting on Sunday, November 6th, we'll have some new themes and big ideas that we'll be leading children through on Sunday morning for the month of November.

As usual, it helps you as parents know what we're talking about so that you can reinforce what we're teaching on Sunday's, so that, as we work together (parents and church), we can make a difference for Christ in the next generation. So, here are the summary videos for the month of November. Watch them, and begin to ask God to give you insight into how these can become part of your conversations with your kids.


Elementary

Preview: Pit Stop (November 2011) from Orange on Vimeo.

Preschool

FL Preview : Happy Helpers (November 2011) from Orange on Vimeo.

Have a great week!

Friday Media

Parents, wouldn't it be great if you knew what your kids will be learning about during the entire month of October at church? Wouldn't it be great if there were a video that could summarize it all, help you understand the big picture, and maybe give you some insight into how to have conversations with your kids after church is over each week? Wouldn't that be great?

Well, you're in luck...

Elementary

Preview: Imagine That (October 2011) from Orange on Vimeo.

Preschool

FL Preview : Fantastically Made (October 2011) from Orange on Vimeo.

Get ready...it's going to be a great month!

Friday Media

What does the Gospel have to do with parenting? It doesn't always seem like those two go together...but they DO!!!

The Gospel and Parents - David Platt

If you have a commute or enjoy listening to podcasts while you work out, make sure you grab this one.

Friday Media...

Last week's "Friday Media" was geared around the memorization of Scripture. Well, I figured that we would continue the theme. Everyone knows how to "memorize" things. I can prove this because all of us can immediately pop off a whole slew of music lyrics right now. There's something about music that helps us memorize things forever. In fact, there are music lyrics from 20 years ago that are still in my head to this day.

So, one of the easy ways to combine memory and Scripture is to put Scripture to music. Luckily the folks at Seeds Family Worship who have done this for us. If you like it and think your kids will like it, there are lots of CD's available at their website.









Pretty catchy...I'm singing a couple of them right now!

Great Websites for Parents...

There is a bunch of good stuff out there for parents on the web. On all of these sites you can find great resources for parenting or the Christian life in general. Every now and again, I like to list some of my favorites and make sure you know about them. So, without any further adieu...here they are.

www.focusonthefamily.com
www.orangeparents.org
www.desiringgod.org
www.familylife.com
www.allprodad.com
www.imom.com

There's plenty more out there...happy searching!

Parenting Beyond Your Capacity, Week 9

A months ago, we started a class up here at Firewheel on Wednesday nights. We titled it, "Parenting Beyond Your Capacity" because, as a parent, there's only so much capacity you have. This class's intent was to help parents thing about some of the ways they can increase the capacity they have.

Here's the description of the class and what we're talking about each week. This is week #9!

If you couldn't make it on Wednesdays, I'm going to start sharing the audio with you all if you're interested.

***Please remember that this class was not originally intended for audio purposes, and because of that, there may be things you don't understand because of not being able to see what was happening in the room. I'm just going to believe that something is better than not getting it at all.

If the audio player below doesn't work, just click on the link at the bottom of the post!

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Direct Link - Parenting Beyond Your Capacity - Special Topics #2

Parenting Beyond Your Capacity, Week 8

A months ago, we started a class up here at Firewheel on Wednesday nights. We titled it, "Parenting Beyond Your Capacity" because, as a parent, there's only so much capacity you have. This class's intent was to help parents thing about some of the ways they can increase the capacity they have.

Here's the description of the class and what we're talking about each week. This is week #8!

If you couldn't make it on Wednesdays, I'm going to start sharing the audio with you all if you're interested.

***Please remember that this class was not originally intended for audio purposes, and because of that, there may be things you don't understand because of not being able to see what was happening in the room. I'm just going to believe that something is better than not getting it at all.

If the audio player below doesn't work, just click on the link at the bottom of the post!

Podcast Powered By Podbean

Direct Link - Parenting Beyond Your Capacity - Special Topics #1

Parenting Beyond Your Capacity - Week 7

A few weeks ago, we started a class up here at Firewheel on Wednesday nights. We titled it, "Parenting Beyond Your Capacity" because, as a parent, there's only so much capacity you have. This class's intent was to help parents thing about some of the ways they can increase the capacity they have.

Here's the description of the class and what we're talking about each week. This is week #7!

If you couldn't make it on Wednesdays, I'm going to start sharing the audio with you all if you're interested.

***Please remember that this class was not originally intended for audio purposes, and because of that, there may be things you don't understand because of not being able to see what was happening in the room. I'm just going to believe that something is better than not getting it at all.

If the audio player below doesn't work, just click on the link at the bottom of the post!

Podcast Powered By Podbean

Direct Link - Parenting Beyond Your Capacity - Make it Personal

A Little More Friday Media...

As you can imagine, I read a lot of stuff about kids/parenting/etc. It's just part of my job...one of those parts that I really enjoy.

There are few people who are writing/speaking in Christian circles that I trust more than Paul Tripp. His approach to parenting, marriage, kids, and family is refreshing. What I particularly appreciate is how he refuses to let parents accept "correct external behavior" as the end goal of parenting. There is so much more to parenting and family issues...Paul continually takes people to the real "HEART" of the issues they're facing.

He recently participated in a video discussion (video below) about his newest resource, "Getting to the Heart of Parenting." I couldn't recommend his work more highly.





If you can't see the embedded video for some reason, you can follow this LINK to find the video.

His "apple nailing" analogy (approx. 32:00) in the middle of the video is something EVERY parent should listen to and consider in their own lives!

Below are some other recommended resources from Paul Tripp, if you like what you hear and want to dig deeper.

Marriage - What Did You Expect
Family - Getting to the Heart of Parenting (I have this one, if you'd like to check it out)
Teenagers - Age of Opportunity

Parenting Beyond Your Capacity - Week 6

A few weeks ago, we started a class up here at Firewheel on Wednesday nights. We titled it, "Parenting Beyond Your Capacity" because, as a parent, there's only so much capacity you have. This class's intent was to help parents thing about some of the ways they can increase the capacity they have.

Here's the description of the class and what we're talking about each week. This is week #6!

If you couldn't make it on Wednesdays, I'm going to start sharing the audio with you all if you're interested.

***Please remember that this class was not originally intended for audio purposes, and because of that, there may be things you don't understand because of not being able to see what was happening in the room. I'm just going to believe that something is better than not getting it at all.

If the audio player below doesn't work, just click on the link at the bottom of the post!

Podcast Powered By Podbean

Direct Link - Parenting Beyond Your Capacity - Create a Rhythm

This Is Your Brain On _________

The effects of technology are all around us. I've been on this earth almost three decades, and I am just astonished at how far technology has moved us. I was a proud owner of the original Nintendo (as a matter of fact I still have it hooked up at home), but the difference between the original Nintendo and the Wii or PS3 is just incredible.

Technology has given us all kinds of things at our fingertips that astonish me. Right now, I can go to my contacts, pull up somoene's name, press one button and have a map to their house from my location...it's amazing stuff.

What we don't always think about is the potential negative effects that technology can have on us. I read a recent article in the New York Times about the effects of technology on our brains. I found it extremely interesting. It may be worth your consideration personally and especially if you're raising kids.

Your Brain on Computers

Crazy stuff...we thought technology was all good...it might not be.

A Little Friday Media....

This is an interesting take on some of the things going on in our culture and how it affects your role as parenting.




I think it's worth the listen if you get the time. Thoughts!

Parenting Beyond Your Capacity - Week 5

A few weeks ago, we started a class up here at Firewheel on Wednesday nights. We titled it, "Parenting Beyond Your Capacity" because, as a parent, there's only so much capacity you have. This class's intent was to help parents thing about some of the ways they can increase the capacity they have.

Here's the description of the class and what we're talking about each week. This is week #5!

If you couldn't make it on Wednesdays, I'm going to start sharing the audio with you all if you're interested.

***Please remember that this class was not originally intended for audio purposes, and because of that, there may be things you don't understand because of not being able to see what was happening in the room. I'm just going to believe that something is better than not getting it at all.

If the audio player below doesn't work, just click on the link at the bottom of the post!

Podcast Powered By Podbean

Direct Link - Parenting Beyond Your Capacity - Parenting Beyond Your Capacity, Part 2

Parenting Beyond Your Capacity - Week 4

A few weeks ago, we started a class up here at Firewheel on Wednesday nights. We titled it, "Parenting Beyond Your Capacity" because, as a parent, there's only so much capacity you have. This class's intent was to help parents thing about some of the ways they can increase the capacity they have.

Here's the description of the class and what we're talking about each week. This is week #4!

If you couldn't make it on Wednesdays, I'm going to start sharing the audio with you all if you're interested.

***Please remember that this class was not originally intended for audio purposes, and because of that, there may be things you don't understand because of not being able to see what was happening in the room. I'm just going to believe that something is better than not getting it at all.

If the audio player below doesn't work, just click on the link at the bottom of the post!

Podcast Powered By Podbean

Direct Link - Parenting Beyond Your Capacity - Fight for the Heart, Part 1