Teaching a Child about what happens to their Sin

It's key to really grasping the Gospel.

We've sinned.  Those sins have to go away for us to be with God in heaven.

What happens in between?

It's a tough question, and one that many of us shy away from with little children.  I read this blog post the other day that tackled the subject...

As I saw she began to grasp that idea, I proceeded to describe our particular exchange. She gave me her dirty, torn napkin (a worthless item) in exchange for my coin (a valuable item). Once I saw she understood, I proceeded to equate her dirty napkin with our sin and my valuable coin with Christ’s righteousness. When Jesus died on the cross, He took our sin from us and bore it in our place. Then, our sin is “exchanged” for Jesus’ perfect life (life without sin). If we repent and believe in Jesus, this exchange takes place and God (Holy God) sees Jesus’ perfect life when He looks upon us. That is how we are able to stand before God as sinners.

It's a great read! For the whole thing, click here.

Taking Root,

Blake

Linked Up

Stuff I just found to be good or intriguing in my reading across the web:

Watch "The Bible" Miniseries Trailer Mark Burnett is creating the Bible for TV.  The quality of clips I've seen brings goosebumps EVERY TIME.

Why I quit New Year’s Resolutions. (And what I’m doing instead.) Jon Acuff

Parents are memory-makers! Doug Fields

Choose to be Attracted to Your Wife (or Potential Wife) Michael McKinley

Without a dad… Ron Edmonson

13 Ways to Make Jesus a Priority in 2013

1. Spend time asking Him what He would like for you to change or accomplish in 2013.  Actually be open to being challenged to do something you would never have dreamt..
   
2. Use Post-it Notes and a Wall to keep up with all the things Jesus teaches you in 2013.  Visual reminders are powerful!
   
3. Commit to 1 Family Dinner at Home per Week.  Use that meal time intentionally to talk about your struggles and how Jesus can help the members of your family through them.
   
4. Go to Bed 30 minutes earlier so that you can get up 15 minutes earlier.  With that system you get 15 minutes of extra sleep and some intentional time with Jesus!  Looking for a devotional to start?  I recommend My Utmost for his Highest by Oswald Chambers.
   
5. Instead of giving your Money to every cause that comes along, choose 1 or 2 and invest both your Time and Money.  When you impact one person or organization in this way, you really start to honor Jesus and show people the impact He can make!
   
6. Increase your giving to the church by 1%.  Small faith does big things and choosing to express a little more faith could bring huge blessings.
   
7. Find a spot to slow down.  Not vacation slow down, relational time slow down.  Our homes are often too crazy and vacations are often filled with agendas.  Find a spot that allows you to slow down and spend time with God.  Maybe its a park, a restaurant mid-afternoon, or a country drive; wherever it is, expect God to show up!
   
8. Seek out Real Accountability.  The group can't be too big; 3-5 is best.  It also needs to be a group that is honest and hungry to grow.  Share life and pray.  See how Jesus responds.
   
9. Start Your Day with Prayer.  Not the "O, Lord, I'm overwhelmed, just get me through the day" prayer, but rather a few minutes reflecting on the people and opportunities you will encounter and a few simple requests for guidance and the Spirit's presence.
   
10. Fast from 1 Food item for the year.  You do this not to get fit or to make a statement, but rather to be reminded of Jesus.  If you fast from pop, every time you are presented with the opportunity to drink it, you have the chance to think about Jesus.  Good stuff..
    
11. Have a Yard Sale.  Our material things shield us from making Jesus a priority.  Have a yard sale (or a giveaway, or a Goodwill donation, or a bonfire...) and reduce your stuff!  Fun to start seeing that Jesus really is all you need.
    
12. Get involved in Mentoring Relationships.  If you're a parent, start with your kids.  It's also humbling and good to seek out a mentor for yourself.  If your 16 or 66, there's someone that you can be learning from; and sitting under someone's teaching trains us to be open to the teaching that Jesus needs to do in our lives.
    
13. Digest Scripture instead of Reading it.  I'm bracing myself for the onslaught of read the Bible in a year plans that are sure to come flying our way!  If you have 5 minutes, it's often more beneficial to read 10 verses and consider their meaning and application in your life than it is to knock out 2 chapters of reading.  Digesting Scripture takes the focus off of personal accomplishment and shifts it to being changed by Jesus!

Taking Root,

Blake

Watch this Before you Make Your New Year's Resolution

Productive Down Time with Your Kids

Holidays bring about extra time with your kids.  Kids never forget it.  It's why the holidays are so special to people.

I came across this article recently by Trevin Wax with some super practical ways to play productively with your kids this Christmas.  Check it out:

5 Ways to Play With Your Kids This Christmas

Taking Root,

Blake

A Picture is Worth 1,000 Words: What's Yours Saying?

SnapChat is the newest, and scariest, photo sharing option

In an age where smart phones or wi-fi devices are practically an extension of our dominant hand, there's something that's starting to scare me.

Pictures.

Trust me, I'm as knee-deep in this stuff as you are.  What's not to love about online albums and instant sharing with family and friends.  Somewhere in this, we've forgotten an age old proverb that I fear is ringing true louder than ever.

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words.

Our pictures speak about who we are and what we value.  Sure, I can appreciate the artistic value and the need for someone to express themselves, but remember, your art is a reflection on the artist.

The Evolution of the Dangerous Photo

It didn't take people long to figure out that an online photo of someone at a drunken party or even with someone who had been to a party or making out, etc. was not a positive thing.  Despite the awkwardness of facing friends and family, several reminded us that employers were checking these things.

So it evolved.

Different programs (Facebook-->Twitter-->Instagram-->More!).  Hidden accounts.

Same pictures.  Same online permanence.

Teens quickly figured out sexting and an added layer of privacy was added to it.  Little do most sexters know that they are committing a punishable offense.  Telling that to a few slowed that down.

So it evolved.

Enter SnapChat.  This new app allows photos to be shared and in a matter of moments the image is deleted instantly.  Want to save a copy?  With minimal effort your photo can be snatched and then shared in whatever manner you'd like.  Their considerate though.  It notifies you if someone saved your picture.

I understand that much of it is innocent; however, I can't help but recognize the insanely high amount of temptation and power we are placing in young people's hands.

So What Do We Do?

With the rate at which technology is progressing and adapting, parents must give up trying to outlaw anything potentially dangerous.  If you build a wall, teens WILL figure out how to climb it.  But what we can do is have honest, hard, heart-shaping conversations.

Teens must understand what their self-taken photos or photos they end up in say about them.  They have to understand that technology can take away their right to define themselves.  They must be valued by you as parents so much that they aren't looking for value in the wrong places from the wrong people.

I guess a picture might say it best...

Linked Up

It's been a while since I've shared links.  Here's just a few from my recent reading..

Established Churches and Inward Drift.  Only read this if you're feeling like being convicted...

Does my Daughter Dress Slutty? Preparing myself for the battles to come and entering into this tension that seems to have no definitive answer...

Kaepernick's Tattoos And My 90% Cotton Shirts. . . . Challenging thoughts on tattoos as this youth ministry professor discusses the media hype over the San Francisco 49'ers starting quarterbacks tattoo covered body and the impact it has on our spiritual lives.

The Need for Daddy. It's easy for guys to buy into their role as provider and forget the value of their presence.  I'm guilty at times; are you?

Taking Root,

Blake

Teaching Your Children to Be Encouragers

The world can never have too many encouragers!  In today's world, it seems we see them less and less as our interactions become less and less personal.  Instilling this value in your kids starts like anything else:  modeling it!  I did, however, want to offer some practical ways to engage your child in being an encourager this time of year.

• Talk to your child about who their favorite Sunday school teacher/small group leader is.  Have them write a note or get a small gift for that person thanking them.
  
• A week or two after Christmas, ask your child about their favorite gift.  Have them write a note thanking the person that gave them their favorite gift.  Who knows, YOU might be encouraged.
  
• Have siblings write down a list of things they like about each other.  You could also have them do an acrostic to describe the positive things about each other.

Encouragement comes more naturally during the holiday season, so take advantage of nurture this characteristic in your children!

Taking Root,

Blake

Church, Jesus, Tolerance, and Internet Addiction

I decided not to call this Get Linked Up anymore.  It sounded kind of weird.  Here's 4 links that got my brain churning..

The first row of google images when I typed in the title of this post...

Today millions of people need their church staff to not start planning CHURCH next Sunday until they show them CHURCH today. I hope you never feel like this at CCC, but I'm also realistic enough to know that it happens.  Seriously, give us a call and let us know when we can walk with you through anything.

Missing the Guy in the Empty Chair A lot of us know the nuts and bolts of faith, but the idea of a relationship with a guy who isn't here on earth... difficult.  This article offers up a fresh idea for your time with God.

Why tolerance should never be practiced Remember Dave Kibler who spoke during our recent revival?  He blogs too!  I was worried when I read his title, but as usual, some thought provoking words from Dave.

The Chemicals of Internet Addiction I'm a nerd that loves when science and theology collide.  Some really great new studies coming out about our brains and internet addiction.  The problem?  I would guess that this is a much bigger problem than we realize.

Have articles that you feel make an impact?  Send them Blake's way.

Have a great weekend and see you back on the blog Monday.

Taking Root,
Blake

12 Ways to Take Root at CCC

Looking for an option that isn't "just another class"?  

Here's 12 things you can do to get involved in serving and connect to others in our church.  Beware, these might require levels of commitment!  (In parenthesis I'll list what area of Rooted this activity could cause growth in!)

1. Commit to praying for someone outside of your usual circle everyday for a month. (Prayer)
2. Help host our quick meal on Wednesday nights. (Service)
3. Read John 15 everyday for a week and log what God reveals to you. (Study)
4. Take 1 hour to reevaluate your budget and determine what percentage of your pre-tax income is headed back to God. (Stewardship)
5. Host a night out on the town or in your home for a class or group. (Community)
6. Invite someone younger to help you with whatever kind of service you regularly do.  You'd be surprised at just how young people can: set out donuts, serve communion, clean up tables and chairs, teach children, etc.  It may seem inconvenient at times, but its biblical to pour into others through mentoring relationships! (Discipleship)
7. Buy This Book: Rick Warren's Bible Study Methods: Twelve Ways You Can Unlock God's Word and take time in the next month to digest it. (Study)
8. Consider leading a group from CCC on a mission trip. (Service)
9. Start your day by praying Psalm 139:23-24 for the next week. (Prayer)
10. Reclaim your time with God by writing it into your calendar. (Stewardship)
11. Set a goal for greeting a certain number of people that you don't usually talk to on Sunday. (Community)
12. Disciple your children by having a time where you ask the question, "What did I learn about God today?"  Adults answer too! (Discipleship)

Choose just 1. Choose all 12.  Choose an area that you know you need growth in.  Just accept the challenge and choose to Take Root..

Taking Root,

Blake

Interested in Eastern KY Mission Work?

This past spring a group from our church here in Campbellsville responded to devastations from a tornado that ravaged part of Eastern Kentucky.  We went through an organization known as Teen Mission.  Teen Mission has been organizing mission work for a long time, and they've served up a couple of opportunities this fall in Campton, Kentucky.

For more info on these trips, click here.

If anyone age 12+ has interest in attending these trips, please comment below or contact me personally.

Taking Root,

Blake

Get Linked Up

I dialed up 3 articles for today's edition of Get Linked Up.  Enjoy!

1. Don’t Let Your Eyes Fool You, God Is Working - Great story of change in one teen's life.  How often do we judge whether people are  "getting it" or not before we've even had a conversation?
2. The positive impact of negative feedback - It sounds harsh.  It's uncomfortable.  It doesn't feel like right.  But should we be more honest with our feedback?  Love to hear your opinions on this article in the comments below. 
3. You Can Be a Mentor - If you've checked out your formational goals on your bookmark, you might have picked up on an emphasis for mentoring as part of discipleship.  I would bet that several of us are stuck in the very dilemma, this author presents.  Check out the article and be inspired to mentor.

Taking Root,

Blake

What's Up Wednesday!

I wanted to take some time on Wednesday to keep you in the loop on some of the material we are covering in youth and children's programming.  This isn't exhaustive, but it gives you some ideas for conversation starters!

Children

Children's Church - Children will have new teachers in children's church this week.  Start the conversation by asking who their teacher was and one thing they remember from their time in children's church.

Root 252 - We're doubling up on Moses and covering the 10 commandments.  For a great follow-up activity, reward your child for memorizing the 10 commandments.

Children's Devotions - We're focusing on scripture memory in this program and this week's verse is Psalm 1:2.  Remember, Children's Devotion will not meet this Sunday night due to Labor Day Weekend!

Youth

FUEL - The next few weeks in FUEL we will look at how Rooted in God's Love affects students.  Tonight we are on week 2 with the focus being on Loving Others in Community, through Service, and with Discipleship.  Utilize the bookmarks and talk to your teens about the areas that they can grow in.  Help them make a plan for growth!

Small Groups - This Sunday night is off due to Labor Day Weekend!  Pool Party at the Hale's!

Middle School Sunday School - This group is nearing the end of a study on the Trinity.  Ask them to explain the Trinity (loaded question!), or simplify it and ask the difference between God and the Holy Spirit, etc.

High School Sunday School - We are a couple weeks into a study of 1 Corinthians.  Ask them about what the culture of Corinth was like or some characteristics of the people.  Ask how Corinth compares to modern day America.  Also, scripture memory for this week is 1 Corinthians 4:5.  Follow up from last week by asking about why we judge people or how Christians respond when they are judged.

Get Linked Up!

We have a little bit of everything in this week's edition of Get Linked Up. Enjoy!

Cool infographic on how teens use of media, especially digital media is changing.

What the Gospel demands of parents

Great notes from this sermon on Biblical parenting by Sam Luce!  

Is it a good opportunity or a God-opportunity?

Struggling with what step to take next?  Aaron Chambers has written several questions to help you along the way.

Sex, Lust, & XXX

It's not for the faint of heart, and while I can't say that I agree completely with everything written, I can say with confidence that there are a TON of truths and GREAT tips for navigating the scary road of talking about sex and sexuality with your children.  This e-book has resources for parents with children from preschool through high school.  You will have to sign-up for an email list from epicparent.tv to receive the free download.

Religion vs. Relationship

It plays out in almost every area of life.  Do we follow the rules at all cost or extend grace?  Is religion keeping you from relationship with some one?  Good read.

That's all for now!  Hope you find ways to grow deeper in Christ and show his love for others today!

Taking Root,

Blake

What's Up Wednesday

I wanted to take some time on Wednesday to keep you in the loop on some of the material we are covering in youth and children's programming.  This isn't exhaustive, but it gives you some ideas for conversation starters!

Children

Children's Church - We've been working through Exodus.  Last week we covered plagues and this week hits on the actual exodus of the Israelite people.  Ask questions about Moses, the power of God, or some of the miracles that God perfomed.

Root 252 - We're doubling up on Moses and covering the 10 commandments.  For a great follow-up activity, reward your child for memorizing the 10 commandments.

Children's Devotions - We're focusing on scripture memory in this program and this week's verse is Psalm 1:1.  The New Century Version (NCV) is a great version to use for children memorizing!  It is written on the 3rd grade level and allows the to process the words they are memorizing.

Youth

FUEL - The next few weeks in FUEL we will look at how Rooted in God's Love affects students.  Utilize the bookmarks and talk to your teens about the areas that they can grow in.  Help them make a plan for growth!

Small Groups - Our small groups are hitting on some of the core principles of how spiritual growth happens.  Ask questions that challenge your teen to think about whether or not they are growing and whether or not they want to.  Also, small groups are pushing healthy peer relationships.  Talk to your teen about how they function within the group.

Middle School Sunday School - This group is nearing the end of a study on the Trinity.  Ask them to explain the Trinity (loaded question!), or simplify it and ask the difference between God and the Holy Spirit, etc.

High School Sunday School - We are a couple weeks into a study of 1 Corinthians.  Ask them about what the culture of Corinth was like or some characteristics of the people.  Ask how Corinth compares to modern day America.  Also, scripture memory for this week is 1 Corinthians 3:16.

Get Linked Up!

Took a few days off as we hit the madness of Fall Kickoffs; They all started with a BOOM last night!  More on that in the upcoming This Week's Wins post on Monday.

For now, here's some articles of interest I picked up on this week.

Jon Acuff, one of my favorite online writers, wrote this post about Why his kids won’t use social media any time soon.  Not sure I agree with every thing he says, but a lot of great thoughts on when to let your children enter into the world of social media.

I was challenged by this article:  The Top 10 Verses For Every Preacher to Highlight in His Bible We may not all be preachers, but this list of verses is a pretty strong set for all of us who are called to the Great Commission.

As the father of the first Lawyer girl in 4 generations, I really enjoyed, and could see myself, in this article by Carlos Whitaker:  5 Reasons Why Having A Little Girl FIRST Is Better For A New Dad

Bumbo seats got recalled.  My world was shaken by this truth yesterday.  Humorous article on 8 New Ways to Use Your Recalled Bumbo Baby Seat

Pretty thorough list of PRACTICAL WAYS TO HELP CHILDREN GROW SPIRITUALLY .  As a new parent, I'd love to hear in the comments which ones you veterans think are worth investing in.  After all, I want to help my child be Rooted in God's Love.

And for your viewing pleasure...

I lost my hair last night!  More details on Monday...

Taking Root,

Blake

Get Linked Up!

All kinds of nuggets from the world of blogs this week; check it out!

Jon Acuff shared this from a church bulletin he came across.  Who all are we actually inviting in?
I wish every church said what this church says in their bulletin …

We always talk about living out your faith during the week.  This article tackles what that looks like in the workplace.

Living Out Your Faith…At Work

Couldn't agree more with these sentiments.  Get out your stationary!

Email sucks… write a real note and communicate value!

Rumors.  Wouldn't it be nice if they were nonexistent?  This article gives a great idea.

Stopping Rumors

The Power of Prayer plus a Childlike Faith is a deadly combo.  This article talks about teaching your children to pray for others.

Teaching Kids How to Pray for Others

Oh Yeah.  Somebody said there's been some kind of blow up about Chick-Fil-A??  Here's the best thoughts I've seen.

BEN & JERRY’S, CHICK-FIL-A & POLITICAL CORRECTNESS

Enjoy!

Blake

I'm Stressed by Back to School!

Transitioning seasons is always stressful.  Finishing one thing while starting another is just plain difficult!  We're transitioning seasons here at CCC as well, and, by nature, it can be stressful.  Here's 3 ways to reduce the stress of everyone involved in your faith community.

1. Take ownership of knowing where you plug in at church.  Take the initiative to figure out now where you and each member of your family will be plugging into church activities throughout the fall.  Balance your schedule by asking, "Am I plugging into a smaller community of believers that can sharpen me?" and "Am I loving others by serving?"
   
   
2. Make sure your schedule is realistic.  This one is tough for me personally.  Overcommitting is the fastest way to feeling guilty.  Say no now and feel temporary guilt or feel guilty again and again as you find yourself unable to keep a commitment.  This is closely tied with your priorities.  Will your spiritual development be a priority you commit to or something you will feel guilty for not being able to keep your commitment to?
   
   
3. PRAY! Pray for Joe, Rodney, Blake, Kari Jo, and Billy.  Pray for the teachers and leaders of your families groups.  Pray for your kids.  It doesn't have to be a beautifully developed prayer.  A simple, "God guide ______ to live his/her life for you today, and give him/her the wisdom to make decisions that honor you." will do
   

As my mom always told me, "We're too blessed to be stressed!"

Taking Root,

Blake

Get Linked Up!

Some Links to Learn from...

• One of the best articles I've read in a long time on positive ways to keep your children engaged in church now and in the future:  WHY KIDS STAY IN CHURCH
  
  
• This Dad walked away from his job because of his evaluation of the value of his time versus the money.  A good read in today's American Dream world:  Time is Money
  
  
• Gut-check time on why we live life the way we do and the purpose of our activities.  Who are we building for?  Ourselves or God?  Oh How We Babble About The Towers We Build
  
  
• We're on the cusp of bringing small groups to all ages here at CCC.  We have a lot to learn!  Some great thoughts on the challenges and opportunities of being a small group leader:  The Challenges And Opportunities of Teaching The Bible In Small Groups
  

Hope these bring some depth to your faith and relationship with Jesus!

Taking Root,

Blake

Tips For Boys from an All-Boy Family

Had a great conversation recently and the question was asked, "Coming from a family of all boys, what are some tips for raising them well?"  It was a great conversation, and I thought it might be good to share here!

However, for the real experts, you might want to contact my mom, Polly, or my dad, Steve.

The Lawyer Boys

Here we go!  Some tips on raising multiple boys in the same house...

• Let boys fight it out.  We don't do drama like girls do.  Fight in the morning, completely bonded in the afternoon.
  
  
• Expect little communication.  Guys like to think things through or try and figure it out on their own first.  When we've solved it or come to something we can't find the answer to, we'll let you know.  At the same time, if you ask the right question, we'll share.
  
  
• Allow for perceived risk.  We want to be dangerous and adventurous.  Don't kill this spirit.  Let us go a little too far when we're playing in the backyard sometimes, or stay up past our bedtime in the summer.
  
  
• Create challenges.  This is especially true with multiple boys, because most challenges become competitions.  Use challenges to nurture spiritual and educational growth.
  
  
• Wrestle with them.  Physical love is crucial; especially from dad.  That said, mom's need to give it too!

Any other tips?  As a father of a new girl, I could use some tips from some of you!

Share in the comments.