Hey Reader! Wednesday marks the beginning of the time that Christians around the world enter into a time of observance of the somberness and remembrance of Jesus' 40 days in the wilderness. I was first introduced to the idea when I was in my late 20s. I now observe it every year with my family as a great way to teach them more about the gospel and Jesus' life. The kids love having pancakes on Tuesday, going to fish fries at church on Fridays, playing in the church (pastor's kids...) while we have stations of the cross, going to the foot washing service before Easter, and more. And while they're having fun—but also learning seriousness—at church, I get to say a few words about what it is we're doing exactly and why it matters. I get to share parts of the Bible story with them in a natural, easy way. It's a win for sharing about Jesus in an easy, informal way with my kids, that's also really special for all of us and creates lasting memories (you know, the kind that will help them remember how loved they felt when they were involved with church once they grow up!) So, Lent is a way of "entering into" and remembering, through solidarity, the hardship that Jesus went through on our behalf. And that all starts this Wednesday, called Ash Wednesday, which reminds us of our mortality and dependence on Christ. To help you understand Lent's importance in the Christian's life and show some ways you can talk about it with your kids and join in, I've rounded up 6 of my blog posts that all have to do with Lent (see "Related Posts and Products" below). In them, you'll learn:
I've picked the following post The Benefits of Adding a Lenten Discipline as the best starting point if Lent is new-ish to you, so take a minute to click on the photo(s) to read and find out more about how your family can grow spiritually during this time before Easter. (Hint: it's a great way to make Easter even more special and meaningful!) Blessings to you, Keeley P.S. Start thinking about what you can do with your family that's easy and just for a short season that can grow your faith together. Verse of the Week
“Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”” - Matthew 4:1-4 NIV
Denying ourselves helps us become more dependent on God's word. Related Posts and Products Things I'm Loving
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I'm Keeley (M.Div.) and I help moms build consistent habits to raise their kids to know Jesus' amazing love for them so their faith will sustain them through life.
Hey Reader! I used to get annoyed that I had to do everything to try and help our kids grow spiritually. If we were going to pray at a meal with our kids, I had to suggest it. If we were going to talk about how to raise our kids to know Jesus, I had to initiate the conversation. If we were going to read scripture together, I had to start it and do the reading. I was really frustrated, as I wanted my husband/the pastor to be the spiritual leader of our family. But in that season, I knew that...
Hey Reader! I've been thinking a lot lately about how I can help you be a consistent mom for your kids. You see when I had my first kid, then my second, then my third, what was working for me as a married woman with no kids was no longer working with 3 little humans running around. I'd try to do a quick clean up around the house and my 2yo would be working in another room to undo everything I'd just done. It felt like a game of cat and mouse or whack-a-mole. I'd pick up toys in the living...
Hey Reader! Just as I mentioned last week, I've got everything you've been wondering about "mindset" from a Christian perspective new on the blog. Is it biblical? How can you teach it to your young children? In light of all the buzz about Carol Dweck’s Mindset book and teaching kids to have a “growth mindset,” the real question is whether her idea is biblical or not? And what is a biblical mindset? How can you shape your children to grow in knowing Jesus and believe in lasting change? Things...