Why do you think I’m going to buy you everything?
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2 Thessalonians 3:10
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Colossians 3:23
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I don’t think I’m going to survive this!
You’re new parents. Just home from the hospital. You have these fantasies that your firstborn’s going to be PERFECT. Calm, just moments of crying, sleep—it’s shorter, but regular. You had NO idea that’s ONLY a dream because your situation’s a nightmare. Your baby isn’t happy. Screaming’s the norm. She won’t eat without projectile you-know-what, and sleep? Well, that’s only a few minutes at a time—hour max. You’re exhausted. There’s really nothing I can tell you that will help. But in life, there are seasons, and this is one that you’ll be telling your kids about. Through your tears of frustration, though, remind yourself that life isn’t fantasy. Babies are human. And that God’s ways are perfect.
Why is everybody screaming?
I don’t know about you, but there have been a few days in the last few weeks where I look at our country and say, “Lord, what is going on?” There are people who hate us because of our political and religious leanings. The lines are divided, the tension high. How do we encourage our kids when they’re faced with hatred because of who they support or what they believe? Well, let’s not get politics and faith confused. Let’s stay focused on the spiritual side. We need to remind ourselves and our kids that Jesus was hated. He warned us that people would hate us too. But we need to be prepared to take it and be bold in our faith—but be loving about it.
Hey, Alexa, play my Flash Briefing.
Who doesn’t like an easy way to check information? I sure do. While easy is nice, it’s not always the best for our kids. But, in THIS situation, you might want to make an exception. Our goal as Christian parents and grandparents is to point our kids to Christ. Now, Keys for Kids has an easy way to do that. If you have an Amazon Echo or Dot, you can use your app to create a Flash Briefing that will play Keys for Kids and Parent Minute. Just go to your Amazon Alexa app, and then search for “Keys for Kids.” Tap “Enable” on both feeds, and it will be added to your daily Flash Briefing. Then, each morning, say, “Alexa, play my Flash Briefing,” and you’ll hear Keys for Kids and Parent Minute every day at your command.
Giving Tuesday. Are you participating?
Many of our kids today have a sense of entitlement. Guess what? You and I have created these monsters. The good news is there are still a lot of families today where kids are actively involved in giving to those in need. With today being Giving Tuesday, it’s a chance to model giving, and you and I can do it as a family. Pick a favorite charity. I hope you’ll pick Keys for Kids. You can help us ignite a passion for Christ in more kids and their families around the world—specifically in Latin America, as we hope to begin translating our Keys for Kids devotional into Spanish online every day. As parents, it’s a great way to show our kids that Christmas is about giving—because God gave us His most precious gift of all: His son. Give today.
It’s Cyber Monday. Get ready for Giving Tuesday!
First, there was Black Friday, the unofficial kickoff to the Christmas shopping season. Today is Cyber Monday, and you can take advantage of ours at shop.keysforkids.org. Tomorrow is Giving Tuesday. It's the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, creating an international day of giving at the beginning of the Christmas holiday season. We want to make our Keys for Kids devotional available online for kids in Spanish. It costs about $19 a day. As parents, it’s a great way to show our kids that Christmas is about giving—because God gave us His most precious gift of all: His son. Give today.
Giving—it isn’t normal.
Sharing. One of the most important lessons in life. Who doesn’t want a kid who thinks of others? Let’s face it. We’re selfish. We know what we like, and we like what we like. Sometimes we want to keep what we like for ourselves. But when it comes to giving, God is pretty clear. He LOVES a cheerful giver. So, as we’re teaching our kids how to give, yes, we gotta do the obvious—teach them that all our money is God’s. And give 10% back to Him (minimum). But here are some not-so-obvious ideas: start a family ministry project. Maybe sponsor a child or a Keys for Kids Storyteller, help refugees or a local homeless shelter. What does this show? Love, one of God’s greatest commands. Keys for Kids Storyteller: https://www.keysforkids.org/storyteller
My little kids are afraid of disabled kids.
Sometimes kids are afraid of other kids who are maybe a bit different than they are. That doesn’t mean we should allow them to continue to ignore them. It means that we need to help our kids not just get used to them, but encourage friendships. We shouldn’t be surprised when our kids invest in the lives of these kiddos that it doesn’t only impact their lives, but ours too. Sometimes it requires our kids to give them a little extra help. It may require good listening skills because they don’t speak clearly. Or patience because of their quirkiness. If our kids are befriending someone in a non-Christian family, it can open huge doors for outreach.
“Up North” is my favorite place. Yours?
“Up North.” It really is a place. In Michigan, it’s anywhere NORTH of where you live—usually somewhere in a wooded area or a lake. For me, “Up North” was the family cottage that my grandparents built in 1955 along the shores of Lake Huron. It became a place I loved to visit. It created so many childhood memories. As an adult, it allowed my family to get to know my grandparents in ways they never would have otherwise. It also became a place I heard the Truth of God’s Word regularly. Now, my grandkids say “Up North” is their favorite place. It doesn’t have to be a family cottage. Maybe it’s a campground, a resort, or something else—a place to create memories and spiritual formation.
Chores or no chores?
Chores! Yes. Our kids need them. If there’s one thing that irritates me the most, it’s watching a child manipulate their mom or dad out of doing ANY work. How in the world are we going to teach our kids to learn a healthy work ethic if we don’t give them responsibilities to do each day and maybe even every week? Now, I’m not talking about violating child labor laws, but I am talking about making their bed every day and keeping their room clean. Also, maybe giving them a weekly project to do—like clean the bathroom or vacuum the steps. And, for older kids, maybe mowing the lawn or weeding the garden. And, if it’s not done right, you don’t have to get mad, but discipline by limiting freedoms always speaks volumes.
Does it take a village, or a tribe?
In a tribal situation, sometimes it’s difficult to figure out what kids belong to what adults. Why? Because the entire tribe is taking a role in raising kids. While I was growing up, I spent a good part of my summer hanging out with two of my neighbors. Both parents had an influence in raising me. One family helped me athletically, while the other family helped me in my love for outdoor recreation. It’s probably why I have a motorcycle today. Do we do enough to reach out to our kids’ friends so that we can influence their lives both physically AND spiritually? Our answer NEEDS to be yes, because our neighborhood kids need Jesus. What are we doing to be Jesus to them?
