Hello RezParents and Grandparents!
We are on the home stretch of school and gearing up for Summer! Does your family have any special plans this Summer?
Below are a few resources for you to use in June and beyond
Parent Resources:
To Watch: The Chosen
The Chosen is a television drama based on the life of Jesus Christ, created, directed and co-written by American filmmaker Dallas Jenkins. The series portrays Jesus "through the eyes of those who met him". In addition to VidAngel and its own app, the series airs on several streaming services such as Peacock.
You will not often find me recommending a television show as a resource for spiritual development. However, The Chosen is a great exception. If you have not already checked out this amazing show, I highly recommend it. If you have ever thought of Jesus as stoic or continually serious as he carried out his ministry, as I did, then boy will you love seeing him grin and laugh and joke with his disciples through these episodes. This show brings light to Jesus’ humanness, which makes him all the more relatable.
I encourage you to watch the episodes first, prior to introducing your children; and then use your judgement. Most episodes are likely fine, however the first is a bit intense with Mary Magdalen. Enjoy and let me know how what you think!
Spiritual Formation: Kids Read Truth
Kids Read Truth is a fantastic resource with so many easy options to help your children grow in spiritual development, not to mention possibly adding to your own Biblical knowledge.
Some of these options would be wonderful to go through over the summer. Take two or three evenings a week to sit down after dinner and go through a card. Or, maybe take a set of cards on vacation with you and work through them each morning as a family devotion time.
Here are a few options:
Isaiah's Prophecies Fulfilled in Jesus Matching Card Set
People in the Bible Conversation Cards - Old Testament
The Chorus of Creation: Psalm 148
This is a great option for little bitty kids. It says appropriate for ages 4-9, but I bet it would be appropriate for most three year olds, and even a two year old that can repeat after you.
What’s required to use these resources? A willingness to have good conversations with your kids as some intentionality over the summer. That’s it!
Technology:
Ok Mommy, Daddy, MiMi, Papa, this resource is for YOU. Because if you are not spending time on your own spiritual development, how in the world can you lead your kids (grandkids) in theirs?
The Freedom of Self Forgetfulness
This audio version is in sermon form and free. However if you prefer to read, Tim Kellers book The Freedom of Self Forgetfulness: The Path to True Christian Joy is available here. This is quick read as it is extremely short. But oh so worth it!
Motivation:
Fall in love with the Jesus you already know and trust as you become aware of his human emotions and love of details in a new way
Spend time this summer intentionally bringing your family to the feet of Jesus as you grow together in your knowledge and understanding of the Bible.
Learn more about how to find true Joy as a believer.
Action Steps:
Check out the TV series The Chosen on Peacock or their app.
Decide on a Kids Read Truth Resource and purchase it.
Plan a time over the summer to sit with your kids to go through the Kids Read Truth Resource.
Be intentional about sticking to the plan so you can be successful and grow in our relationship with the Lord and you!
Listen to the sermon by Tim Keller, or purchase his book for ($5) and read it in the month of June!
Ok, take a few moments and look over these action steps. Add some, or all, to your planner to ensure you make progress on these steps this week so you are prepared to implement these tools and resources in June.
I would really love to hear how you are using the resources in your family. Do you have a testimony or story of how God is working in your family? Let me know, I’d like to celebrate with you!
“Life is too short and too meaningful to coast through. The good you do today has the potential to change generations. —Lara Casey
Blessings,
Mandy Seymour
Childrens Minister
mandy@rezfaith.com