Session Notes

Passing on a Legacy: Spiritual Legacy Evaluation:

“How were spiritual discussions applied in your home? They weren’t To control To manipulate To teach To influence To reinforce 5. What was the perspective in your home regarding moral absolutes? If it feels good, do it! There are no absolutes. Let your heart guide you. Dogmatic legalism Moderate conservatism Clear boundaries”

I don’t entirely agree that clear boundaries are the optimum. Being spirit-led with a grace/faith focus is in my view highest priority. It is, however is a good tool.

Shovel Writings: Faith:

“BOTTOM LINE: If you are one who believes in Christ, then you have been made alive in Him — AND YOU ARE DEPENDENT UPON HIM FOR YOUR VERY LIFE. It makes no difference if you feel it or even understand it. The good news of Jesus Christ declares this reality to you for the purpose of bringing confidence to you so that you can live in the awareness of what is already true about you. Trying to be what you already are will only bring confusion. For we walk by faith, and not by sight.”

This article enlightens that is we have faith a small as a mustard seed nothing is impossible. It is not the how much faith that is the issue. Do not try just live in Christ.

Shovel Writings: Forgiven:

“God doesn’t remember your sins against you and, therefore, does not HOLD them against you! Are you afraid He might discover something that Jesus didn’t take care of?”

Shovel Writings: The New Covenant:

“So, here’s how the new covenant replaced the first. After the people failed miserably in their attempts to be good, God brought about His promised miracle: people who would from the heart operate from love. He did this by putting an end to the lifeless, dead heart (life-source) and created a new one. He brought this about by sending His Son in the likeness of lifeless mankind and He killed it when He died; and then He brought about a new creation after the likeness of His new, resurrected life.”

We need to parent with the attitude of the New covenant, yet realize that children cognitively can only understand the 1st covenant.

Shovel Writings: What if God is REALLY in us?:

This is another inspired meditative article

Husbands and Wives: Marriage Mentoring:

“In addition, the relationship between a mentor couple and newlyweds has a natural cycle of its own, which is not always predictable. Each mentoring relationship takes on its own style and personality. The amount of time couples spend together and the content they discuss can rarely be prescribed. However, we recommend a minimum of three meetings throughout the newlyweds’ first year together: at three months, seven months, and one year after the wedding. These times provide the basic structure upon which additional meetings, meals and phone calls can rest.”

Shovel Writings: What if it is REALLY finished?:

“This is the central-most feature of what is called “Christianity” and yet it is called into question by many who own the name “Christian”. Don’t you find that just a little strange? So, do you believe it? Well, consider these questions and ask yourself if maybe you have been brainwashed into doubting this reality.”

The pros and cons of ‘family-safe’ films :

“‘Sleeping Beauty, because of how evil and cruel the queen is. Also, Ice Age 2 has a lot of sexual innuendo. I don’t like how there is an absence of definition as to who the movie is for. We live in an R-rated world — and as a church, we should look different, have a higher standard.’ She summarized her support of FamilySafe: ‘I’m a parent. We’ve got one shot to protect kids from things that could destroy their lives.’ Miller conceded: ‘I realize that James 1:27 says ‘keep oneself from being polluted by the world.’ However, he stressed: ‘To me, that doesn’t mean insulating yourself from the world.’ Jesus, he said, ‘certainly didn’t insulate himself from the world. He spent much of his time eating, drinking, and fellowshipping in dens of iniquity. And I’m sure he wasn’t wearing earplugs or a blindfold. Eradication or elimination of sin is not the goal of the Christian life. It’s about embracing holiness, becoming godly. That may sound like the same thing, but I can assure you it is not. One is human-centred, the other God-centred.’ CC.com invites feedback on this subject. What do you think of FamilySafe’s practice of editing movies to avoid offense, and then distributing them in that form? Email us at: feedback@canadianchristianity.com.”

This is a prime example of the debate which only seems to be able proving ourselves are right. This is pride.

Help Your Child Behave: Help Your Child Behave:

“Catch her doing what you want. Keep a watchful eye on your child. When you find her doing something you want her to do, give plenty of praise. Affirmation will encourage her to keep up the positive behavior. Ignore minor infractions. Often simply ignoring negative behavior can make it go away. However, never ignore behavior that is dangerous to the child or to others. Say yes as much as possible. Parents say no several times a day but fail to say yes when they have the opportunity. Choose your battles wisely, allowing your child more freedom while maintaining limits. Phrase commands in a positive way. Children respond better to commands that are specific. State what you want rather than what you don’t want. Instead of saying, Stop running, say, You need to walk. Be consistent. You want your child to know what to expect from you. Inconsistency confuses children and leads to further misbehavior.”

This series offer good suggestions also about spending 20 minutes with each child individually once a week to encourage good behavior.

Boundless Answers: Boyfriend is not “outwardly Christian” :

“ou would both benefit from the input of an older believing married couple. One of the great things about mentors is that they can ask questions of you individually and as a couple that you wouldn’t be comfortable asking yourselves. And they can pray with you. And for you. Mentoring can provide clarity about your spiritual compatibility. Considering marriage is a serious thing. It’s probably the most important decision you’ll make in your lifetime after deciding to follow Christ. This is the time to get wisdom and input from counselors you trust. That includes family and friends. If you’re hearing from them that this isn’t a good match, it’s important to at least listen to their concerns and consider the possibility that they’re seeing something you’re not. Often our friends and parents have insights that elude us in the fog of emotion. Human nature being what it is, it’s safe to say that what bothers you now about your beau will not go away once you’re married. Chances are, it will grow to be more of a concern, not less. So whatever it is that you feel still needs resolving, it’s always better to address those concerns before taking a permanent vow of lifelong marriage. The good news is that if this guy is as great a man as you say he is, and if he is a true believer in Christ, you should certainly be able to talk about your concerns. And with the help of some mentors (your parents or another Christian couple you both trust) get to the place where you can marry him, confident that you’re equally yoked. I do pray God will use this relationship to draw both of you closer to Him.”

This is a great article on the importance of accepting Christ in your mind as well as your heart.