COJ Parent's Page

Trust in God, He never changes.

2010-01-13T21:59:00.000-08:00

"I’m letting go of the life I planned for me & my dreams, Losing control Of my destiny,
Feels like I’m falling and that’s what it’s like to believe
So I’m letting go.
This is a giant leap of faith, Trusting and trying to embrace." Francesca Battistelli.

Proverbs 3:5 says: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.”

Take a moment and ask your child what the word trust means to them? Maybe even consider how trusting you, yourself are.

According to the web, Trust means:

have confidence or faith in.
allow without fear
reliance
believe: be confident about something.
faith.

Which is why those lyrics stood out so brightly to me. "Feels like I’m falling and that’s what it’s like to believe". When we put in our faith in God, we let go of our own wants and trust in Him.

"Those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.”  

Isaiah 40:31

Trusting strengthens us by removing the need to question or worry. Knowing that our perfect God has everything under control allows us to step confidently forward in faith.'

Trust is essential for children’s emotional, social, and spiritual development. Early experiences with parents and the church help shape children’s views of God. When kids feel safe and loved, they can trust that God loves them, too.

To help your children build their trust in other people and in God, offer them:

Trustworthy Relationships—Children need to learn to trust other adults. Expose kids to nurturing people, from grandparents to church nursery staff. Keep your promises.

Trustworthy Environments—Safe, engaging surroundings allow children to trust that they’re taken care of. But the most important environmental aspects aren’t things; they’re the people who offer kids consistency and comfort.

Trustworthy Faith—Talk openly with children about God and why we can trust him. Through your daily example as a Christian, you empower children to trust in a God who’s perfect and who loves them perfectly.

Christmas time is coming....

2009-12-03T22:53:00.000-08:00

“And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” - Matthew 1:21
Generally Forgiveness is more associated with Easter than with Christmas. But without Jesus’ birth, there’d be no resurrection—or forgiveness.

Talk to your children about the true meaning of Christmas so they learn to treasure what Jesus has given them:

1. Why do we celebrate Jesus’ birth? How would you describe Christmas to someone who didn’t know about Jesus?

2. What’s your definition of a “perfect” Christmas? What kind of gifts do you like to give and receive at this time of year?

3. Why is forgiveness a special gift from God? How can we respond to receiving such a great gift?
What are some ways you can demonstrate forgiveness to other people—especially at Christmas?

"We live, We love
We forgive and never give up,
'Cause the days we are given are gifts from above,
And today we remember to live and to love"
"We Live" by Superchick

Most people associate Christmas with giving, but it’s also an important season to remember to be “forgiving.” Here are some ways to help your family focus on forgiveness this Christmas season:

1. Share with children that Jesus is a perfect gift. When God sent his only Son to earth, he made a tremendous sacrifice. But he did it because he loves each of us. Jesus is a gift that always “fits” and never needs to be returned.

2. Follow Jesus’ example. Our Savior reached out to people who hurt him and offered them his forgiveness. Then he told us to do the same thing. When you forgive your children and ask them to forgive you, they learn by example the power of reconciliation.

3. Set aside grudges and hurt feelings. Once you’ve been offered or been granted forgiveness, let go of any emotions that interfere with your relationships. Peace and goodwill can reign in your family year-round when forgiveness becomes each person’s first response.

Sharing Our Light

2009-11-09T22:29:00.000-08:00

" Don't let your lights go down, Don't let your fire burn out, 'Cause somewhere, somebody needs a reason to believe. Why don't you rise up now?" Britt Nicole "The Lost Get Found".
Christ's love ignites our inner flame and it's our responsibility to shine for others.

For Christians, it's a priviledge to care for and help others, just as God cares for and loves us. And once we've heard the good news of Jesus' love, it's impossible for us to keep it to ourselves.

As Christians we want to our children to learn this concept. Need some ideas? Check these out:

Look to your Children's Passions for ideas:
If your kids loves animals, walk dogs at an animal shelter together. If they love making crafts, deliver seasonal gifts to nursing- home residents.

Start Small:
Your family can make an impact without going on a long mission trip. Begin with a project that takes an hour or two a month, and then grow from there.

Invite Friends:
It's as simple as inviting your friends and family to church events. Make sure they are comfortable and to thank them afterwards.

And ofcourse, never underestimate the power of prayer:
Ask God:
1. To show you meaningful ways to serve as a family.
2. To provide opportunities for you to tell others about him.
3. To help you do everything in loving response to his love.

“Remember these commands and cherish them. Tie them on
your arms and wear them on your foreheads as a reminder.
Teach them to your children. Talk about them when you are at
home and when you are away, when you are resting and when
you are working.” Deuteronomy 11:18-19