Well, summer camp is officially over now, and I'm doing that thing I do every summer...attempt to switch gears very quickly into VBS mode. Needless to say, my head is just now starting to get on straight, but there's not much to say. I hope you're all doing well.
Here's a little fun for you on Monday. One of our adults rocked the boy's pool with an awesome belly flop at summer camp last week.
Check it OUT!
Monday, June 27, 2011
Monday, June 20, 2011
Summer Camp
All this week, I am at Summer Camp with a group of 50 or so folks. As you can imagine, there is no time to write. I will return next week (hopefully in one piece) and kick the blog back up.
In the meantime, would you do two things. One, keep our group in your prayers this week. Also, check out some of these past blog posts (in case you're new around here and missed them).
Your Marriage is a Sermon
Some Kids are "Egotistical Jerks"
One Day You're a Hero, and the Next....
Birds and the Bees
Friday Fun (With a Point): Cosby Style
The "Obligatory" American Idol Post
"Extreme Parenting"
In the meantime, would you do two things. One, keep our group in your prayers this week. Also, check out some of these past blog posts (in case you're new around here and missed them).
Your Marriage is a SermonSome Kids are "Egotistical Jerks"
One Day You're a Hero, and the Next....
Birds and the Bees
Friday Fun (With a Point): Cosby StyleThe "Obligatory" American Idol Post
"Extreme Parenting"
Friday, June 17, 2011
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
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
Thursday, June 16, 2011
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!
Direct Link - Parenting Beyond Your Capacity - Create a Rhythm
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!
Direct Link - Parenting Beyond Your Capacity - Create a Rhythm
Monday, June 13, 2011
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.
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.
Friday, June 10, 2011
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!
I think it's worth the listen if you get the time. Thoughts!
Thursday, June 9, 2011
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!
Direct Link - Parenting Beyond Your Capacity - Parenting Beyond Your Capacity, Part 2
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!
Direct Link - Parenting Beyond Your Capacity - Parenting Beyond Your Capacity, Part 2
Monday, June 6, 2011
Watch this!
If you've got an elementary-age student at Firewheel Church, you're going to want to be filled in on what they're learning during the month of June in church. Below is one of the summary videos of all the lessons/theme they'll be learning about all month.
Watching this could definitely help you have great conversations all month about the things they're learning about at church. (wink, wink)
VIRTUE VIDEO: FAITH (June 2011) from Orange on Vimeo.
Watching this could definitely help you have great conversations all month about the things they're learning about at church. (wink, wink)
Friday, June 3, 2011
Open-ended question of the day....
How would you answer this question....
"The greatest spiritual danger to my kids is _________________ ?"
I thought for a while about whether or not I would give you what I think are some of the greatest spiritual dangers, but I really do want to get your uncontaminated thoughts. What do you think?
"The greatest spiritual danger to my kids is _________________ ?"
I thought for a while about whether or not I would give you what I think are some of the greatest spiritual dangers, but I really do want to get your uncontaminated thoughts. What do you think?
Thursday, June 2, 2011
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!
Direct Link - Parenting Beyond Your Capacity - Fight for the Heart, Part 1
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!
Direct Link - Parenting Beyond Your Capacity - Fight for the Heart, Part 1
Friday, May 27, 2011
It's Not the Church's Job...Only!
One of the subtle things people believe (even people in the church) is that it is somehow it is the church's job to teach their children the Bible.
In one sense, it is partially true. The church does have anywhere from 30-100 hours on average with a kid each year. But ready for some sobering numbers...they'll spend over 1,000 hours in school each year...and they'll spend approximately 3,000 hours a year under parental supervision/care.
Here's the point...if you're relying solely on the church to provide the entirety of your child's education about the Bible, God, relationship with Christ, etc...it's not going to be enough. In fact, how you read the Bible, talk about the Bible, and try your best to live out what the Bible says in your home/family will have a far greater impact than going to church once a week.
It's Up to Parents to Teach Children God's Word
Get in the game....you can do it. Let me know if you need some help knowing what to do or how to do it...it's one of the great joys of what I get to do each day!
In one sense, it is partially true. The church does have anywhere from 30-100 hours on average with a kid each year. But ready for some sobering numbers...they'll spend over 1,000 hours in school each year...and they'll spend approximately 3,000 hours a year under parental supervision/care.
Here's the point...if you're relying solely on the church to provide the entirety of your child's education about the Bible, God, relationship with Christ, etc...it's not going to be enough. In fact, how you read the Bible, talk about the Bible, and try your best to live out what the Bible says in your home/family will have a far greater impact than going to church once a week.
It's Up to Parents to Teach Children God's Word
Get in the game....you can do it. Let me know if you need some help knowing what to do or how to do it...it's one of the great joys of what I get to do each day!
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Parenting Beyond Your Capacity - Week 3
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 #3!
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!
Direct Link - Parenting Beyond Your Capacity - Imagine the End
Here's the description of the class and what we're talking about each week. This is week #3!
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!
Direct Link - Parenting Beyond Your Capacity - Imagine the End
Monday, May 23, 2011
A Distracted Generation
I don't know if I agree with everything written in this NY Times article, but I think they bring up an interesting point. Is the prevalence of technological distractions and an new "thing" on every virtual corner affecting the brains of a younger generation? We do know that they are growing up very differently than you and I did, but how does technology play into this?
Growing Up Digital, Wired for Distraction
What do you think? With all this talk of ADD and the other issues of the newest generation, does our ability to have the "world" at our fingertips (in a phone/computer), lead to kids being unable to live a life free of distraction?
Thoughts?
Growing Up Digital, Wired for Distraction
What do you think? With all this talk of ADD and the other issues of the newest generation, does our ability to have the "world" at our fingertips (in a phone/computer), lead to kids being unable to live a life free of distraction?
Thoughts?
Friday, May 20, 2011
Parenting Beyond Your Capacity - Week 2
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 #2!
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!
Parenting Beyond Your Capacity - Widen the Circle - Direct Link
Here's the description of the class and what we're talking about each week. This is week #2!
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!
Parenting Beyond Your Capacity - Widen the Circle - Direct Link
Friday, May 13, 2011
The Cure for Entitlement...
One of the things parents now-a-days lament most often is a general sense of "entitlement" that creeps into our children. It's more than just the general selfishness/center of the world issues that plague most kids. As kids get older, this entitlement issue gets more and more dangerous. So, how do we combat a sense of "entitlement"
My definition of Entitlement - "I am, therefore, I deserve."
So, as I've been thinking about this idea of entitlement, I began to ponder on what the cure for entitlement in adults and children is. How do we battle that in our own hearts and in the hearts of our children?
Here's the thought that the Lord put in my head, and I'm still pondering it and asking the Lord to reveal to me whether or not it is really true. Not only whether or not it's true...but what the implications are from it.
The cure for entitlement is a proper understanding of grace.
What I mean by "grace," is a the idea that everything we have (including your next breath) is a gift of God that is undeserved. And that all we deserve from a holy God who we fail to obey, honor, and worship every day of our lives, is death (Romans 3:23).
What do you think? Does a proper understanding of grace, help cure entitlement? Thoughts?
My definition of Entitlement - "I am, therefore, I deserve."
So, as I've been thinking about this idea of entitlement, I began to ponder on what the cure for entitlement in adults and children is. How do we battle that in our own hearts and in the hearts of our children?
Here's the thought that the Lord put in my head, and I'm still pondering it and asking the Lord to reveal to me whether or not it is really true. Not only whether or not it's true...but what the implications are from it.
The cure for entitlement is a proper understanding of grace.
What I mean by "grace," is a the idea that everything we have (including your next breath) is a gift of God that is undeserved. And that all we deserve from a holy God who we fail to obey, honor, and worship every day of our lives, is death (Romans 3:23).
What do you think? Does a proper understanding of grace, help cure entitlement? Thoughts?
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