daddy4ms

If you are a regular reader of the blog, you know I have typically posted "New Book Friday". I am out of new books as I wait for new books to arrive for Christmas. I am thankful that my family buys me books for presents.  New Book Friday will return after the New Year.  In the meantime, I will be posting "Favorite Book Friday" until the end of the year.  These are my favorite books I have read over the years.      

On Friday afternoon, Kara Powell shared some of her research of college students which became the book, Sticky Faith. I have the read the book and highly recommend it.  Here are my notes: She started by reading Luke 2:41-47.  After reading this passage, she asked this question, "What does God intend for our church?"  Should we continue to separate kids, youth, and adults every time they come to church?  Or should the kids be able to sit at the adult table?  (This image was based on a dinner table experience at a meal where adults sit at one table in one room and the kids sit at another table in another room.) She explained the difference between multi-generational vs. inter-generational. Multi-generational is in the same room, but the ages stay together. Inter-generational is in the same room but the different ages are interacting together. She said the change does not have to be complicated.  You can continue what you are currently doing, but mak...

These are just a few pictures from our family service project at Hesston Elementary this morning. I am thankful for the opportunity to serve with my kids and church family.  I am also glad we were able to help out our local schools as well. As you can tell from the picture above, even Molly and Jerrick got busy.  The boys shows us how its done.  It also reminded me of Sticky Faith and the discussion about serving together as families starting at a young age. Thank you to all who participated!

I am sitting in airport ready to get home. I will be posting notes from Orange Conference over the next week. Check back for thoughts from Andy Stanley, Doug Fields, Kara Powell, Jon Acuff, Ted Lowe, Dan Scott,  Yancey, & Terry Scalzitti.

On Thursday, I was reading Sticky Faith again and was reminded about another option for you during the Lenten season.  Powell & Clark share some research about helping develop a heart of service and justice in our kids.  They also talk about the growing number of youth going on mission trips, but not seeing any change long term.  They suggest it is important for service and justice to "hit close to home . . . literally, thematically, personally, and relationally."  In other words, service and justice cannot be occasional events, but instead must become part of our family's lifestyle. As I reflect on Lent and the sacrifices that Jesus has done for me, it seems natural that part of our growth during Lent can be experienced as we as families serve others and/or seek justice on their behalf.  So, what can you do?  There are so many opportunities for service and justice in your community and in our world.  Check out organizations like Compassion Int...

What opportunities are available for your kids to interact with the older generations?  Does your church separate all of the age groups?  I am not against youth group or children's activities, but do you have any opportunity for kids, youth, and adults to be together? You don't have to spend much time with me to know I am in favor of incorporating kids, youth, and adults in worship and other church activities.  I love to plan activities where several generations are together.  However, the challenge is getting the older generations to believe they have something to offer.  And the younger generations to believe they "need" others.  And vice versa. Kara Powell and Chap Clark agree with this as well.  In their book, Sticky Faith, they talk about the importance of developing a "web of relationships" for children and youth.  This includes other adults who speak into the life of younger generations.  Here are a few quotes and ideas they share....

Thought I would share a few quotes from books I read today by Tchvidjian, Harvey, Powell & Clark: Jesus + Nothing = Everything by Tullian Tchvidjian "I was learning the hard way that the gospel alone can free us from our addiction to being liked-that Jesus measured up for us so that we wouldn't have to live under the enslaving pressure of measuring up for others." "I was realizing in a fresh way the now-power of the gospel--that the gospel doesn't simply rescue us from the past and rescue us for the future; it also rescues us in the present from being enslaved to things like fear, insecurity, anger, self-reliance, bitterness, entitlement, and insignificance." When Sinners Say I Do by Dave Harvey (one of the speakers for Art of Marriage) "Let's look briefly at three of the most important components of a solid, biblical theology of marriage . . . The Foundation of Your Marriage-The Bible,  The Fountain of Your Marriage-The Gospel, &  T...

Occasionally, I like to share what I am reading at the moment.  A few of the books are for classes, groups, or staff discussion, but the rest are for edification and growth.  Here is my list for the start of 2012: The Resolution for Men by Alex & Stephen Kendrick The Legacy Path by Brian Haynes The Good & Beautiful God by James Bryan Smith Who Stole My Church by Gordon MacDonald The Meaning of Marriage by Timothy Keller Sticky Faith by Kara Powell & Chap Clark Jesus + Nothing = Everything by Tullian Tchividjian Here is a quote from The Good and Beautiful God : "As we spend time in quiet and rest and contemplation, sitting at the feet of Jesus, we gain strength to act in wisdom in the hustle and bustle of a busy world."