FAMILY
LIFE
Brought to you by Children's Ministries Department of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in South Queensland
experiencing REST
Sabbath is a day of refreshing to build relationship with our God and with each other.
"Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. Six days you shall labour and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath to the Lord your God." Exodus 20:8-9
building MARRIAGE
God's making one of two so that neither is lonely but together.
"It is not good for man to be alone, I will make a helper just right for him." Gen 2:18
With our busy lives, it is more important than ever to take time to rest. Not only our nightly physical rest, but also regular, weekly rest from the labours and burdens of life.
In order to fully enjoy and appreciate this rest, it is important that we plan for it in the same way we plan for an appointment, holiday or visit.
And in planning for ourselves, what we will eat or wear, we need to also consider how we will fellowship, serve and grow with others - our family, Church, neighbours and strangers.
Why not check out the Sabbath Bucket List care of the South Pacific Division - what would you add?
"Keep the Sabbath day holy. Don't pursue your own interests on that day, but enjoy the Sabbath and speak of it with delight as the LORD's holy day. Honor the Sabbath in everything you do on that day..." Isaiah 58:13
PRIORITISE YOUR SPOUSE
Children are important, but should not become more important than your spouse. The only one who should have priority above your spouse is your God.
TALK ABOUT THE HARD STUFF
We all face difficulties, offenses and struggles - and it is easy to let these burdens become a barrier to intimacy. Set a time to talk openly and honestly about the 'hard stuff' - and take a break when you've had enough (but not without making a time to continue the conversation).
KISS, TOUCH & LAUGH.
SMILE AT EACH OTHER. OFTEN.
"Then our mouths were filled with laugher, and our tongues sang for joy. And it was said...the Lord has done great things for them." Ps 126:2
FORGIVE
When we are hurt, even unintentionally, by the one we love, it can be very hard to forgive while the hurt is still felt. Choosing to forgive, and to act on that forgiveness rather than on the hurt can help us to rebuild a broken bond.
GET TO KNOW ONE ANOTHER
Everyone changes over time, when is the last time you spent time getting to know one another? Favourite colours? What would you do if...? Why not ask!
HAVE REGULAR DATES
Life gets busy - really busy - but don't let the business stop you from taking opportunities to have fun together.
SET & RESPECT BOUNDARIES
Personal boundaries are an important part of respect (both of self and others). If you would like more inforamtion check out: Boundaries and Boundaries in Marriage (Dr Henry Cloud & John Townsend).
leading in GRACE
Discipline, to disciple by teaching, training, testing and transforming.
consider how
GOD DISCIPLES
"The Lord, the compassionate and gracious God - slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness." Exodus 34:6
When we consider the grace that God pours out upon us, His patience and His love, we are more able to be a vessel for His love toward our children.
look at the HEART
"Above all else, guard your heart for everything you do flows from it." Prov 4:23
When considering our children's behaviour we look beyond the obvious and prayerfully consider their heart.
In doing this, we can effectively address the root cause rather than merely punishing a symptom.
what do they
NEED TO LEARN
"He who spares the rod hates his son, but the one who loves...disciplines." Prov 13:24
A shepherd's rod was used to guide and redirect the sheep. As loving parents, we are to pay attention to the path our children are walking and identify where they need redirection & guidance.
evaluate your
BEHAVIOUR
"By beholding we become changed." E G White
Children are amazing imitators - a gift that helps them, from the moment they are born, learn what it is to be a functional human. Of course, this backfires if we are not intentional about living and modelling the behaviour we wish to see in our children.
focus on the
POSITIVE
"Flowers do not unfold under the breath of a blighting wind." E G White
Children need to know they are valuable and important - when we recognise their efforts, no matter how small, we encourage further effort - which is more effective than focusing on where they are going wrong.
lead them to
THE CROSS
"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them..." Luke 18:16
Ellen White tells of how she would point children to the love and forgiveness of God, and teach them to pray to confess their wrongdoing and seek forgiveness, always encouraging them in God's faithfulness.
pause and
PRAY
"Let parents seek God's guidance...on their knees...[and] gain a true understanding of their great responsibilities and commit their children to One who will never err in counsel and instruction."
E G White
When confronted with offense, we should pause, and pray, before responding.
seeking SAVIOUR
"I will be your God through all your lifetime...
I MADE YOU and I will care for you.
I will carry you along and be
YOUR SAVIOUR." Is 46:4
transparent
& intentional
Consider your priorities.
Where does God fit into your life, right now?
Where would you like God to fit into your life?
What steps can you take to make this a reality?
Make a plan -
start today.
communication
is the key
Spend quality time with Him.
Speak, listen & be silent.
Be genuine and accept personal responsibility.
Allow Him to work in and through you.
Share similarities, but allow for differences: questions foster faith growth.
Enjoy the journey together.
experience:
Imagination
"It would be well for us to spend a thoughtful hour each day in contemplation of the life of Christ. We should take it point by point, and let the imagination grasp each scene, especially the closing ones."
- Desire of Ages p83
hearing to
understand
Find a method of Bible reading that suits you.
Consider your attitude and atmosphere of reading time.
Memorise passages that are relevant to you.
Keep a personal study/prayer journal.
Share insights on social media, in talks, poetry, art.
living HEALTH
True health is a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing.
The health of our body, is directly linked to the health of our mind - and vice vera. As such, the quality of our health directly impacts our ability to engage with and serve our family, as well as grow in our relationship with God.
NEW
start
Eat NUTRIENT DENSE food
EXERCISE daily and out of doors
Drink plenty of fresh WATER
Enjoy time in the SUNSHINE daily
Be TEMPERATE in diet, drink, substances & action
Open windows and spend time in the fresh AIR
Plan regular REST, both at night, and weekly
"TRUST in the Lord with all your heart..."
worshiping TOGETHER
Family worship builds unity and focuses the family on their vision for themselves and their impact in the world around them. It keeps the family moving forward - together.
BUILD IT INTO YOUR DAILY ROUTINE
Have a set time for morning and evening worship. Make it an appointment that you never miss. If you have to make worship very brief, do so, but don't miss it! How wonderful it is to start and end the day together as a family.
SHORT, SWEET & TO THE POINT
It is especially important to keep worship brief if you have young children. Their attention may wane and they may tire if the talking or reading is too long or above their heads. The last thing you want is to make worship a time to dread! A short Bible reading and prayer is sufficient. (However if the children are engaged with the reading and or wish to discuss it, don't cut them off but encourage their interest in Heavenly things!).
INVOLVE EVERYONE
While worship should be short and simple enough for the youngest member to understand, it should also include enough variety that everyone can be involved. Perhaps it is a favourite worship song with actions or musical instruments, reading or sharing a Bible verse, saying a prayer (or part of), sharing a testimony or piece of gratitude.... These are all ways that people of all ages can be engaged - and there are many more, what would you add?
CHANGE IT UP
Routine and family traditions are important and help family worship to because an enjoyable and anticipated time every day. It is also nice to do something different every now and again too! Why not create a family worship top 10?
You could try: hide & seek (there are 3 parables on seaching - pick one!); Bible pictionary; watching the sunset and having worship outside; invite friends or neighbours to join you for evening worship and a meal; climb a mountain early in the morning and begin the day with a true 'mountain top' experience; ask he kids to prepare a skit of their lesson story; giver everyone some playdough to make something that speaks of God's love; and much, much more!
take the
challenge
Build a family rhythm or worship by:
1 > Decide on morning or evening worship
2 > Set a time that is "worship time"
3 > Use the printable to track your progress
give LOVE
Love is a plant of the heavenly origin. Let it grow, help it flourish!
"As I have loved you, so you must love one another." John 13:34-35
God has created us all different, and knowing how we each understand life and love will help us to better communicate our love for one another.
FAMILY
LIFE
Brought to you by Children's Ministries Department of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in South Queensland