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FEBRUARY 2017a spiritual parenting resource“God fills me with His love so I can give it away.”homefrontmag.com
GETTINGSTARTED1028 WAYS TO SAY,"I LOVE YOU!"18SPREAD THE LOVE42WISE ADVICE FORGRANDPARENTS
We believe that the HolySpirit is God’s chosenteacher. It is He whocauses spiritual growthand formation when andas He chooses. As such,we have articulated 10distinct environments tocreate in your home. Wedesire to create spiritualspace, which we referto as an environment, inwhich God’s Spirit canmove freely.Without love, our faith becomes futile. The environment of LOVE ANDRESPECT recognizes that children need both love and respect in order tofreely receive and give God’s grace.Key to this environment is the value that children are respected becausethey embody the image of God. We must speak to them, not at them, andwe must commit to an environment where love and acceptance are neverwithheld because of one’s behavior.First Corinthians 13 says if we don’t have love, everything else we dois futile. It’s worthless. So, without love, it doesn’t matter if we have all theknowledge in the world. It doesn’t matter if we’re helping kids understandwho God is, and we’re modeling what that looks like. If we don’t do all of itin a loving way, then it’s simply worthless! Wow! That’s a sobering thought.When we create an environment of LOVE AND RESPECT, we’re helpingidentify the image of God in every person.This month, be looking for ways to take the environment of LOVEAND RESPECT beyond your family time with HomeFront. Challenge yourfamily to find opportunities to show love and respect to others in youreveryday interactions!Michelle AnthonyExecutive Pastor: Parenting, Junior High, and Children New Life ChurchFamily Ministry Ambassador David C Cook Twitter @TruInspirationCONTENTSFAMILY TIMEFamily Verse5Capturing the Season6Worship8Conversation Starters9Storytelling10Create12Game Time14Family Time Recipe16Kids in the Kitchen18Prayer20God's Word22Tot Time Rhyme24Blessing25Taking Action26Global28Hugs & KissesListening for Love28 Ways to Say I Love YouFill It Up to Pour It Out!Bursting with LoveHeart-Shaped SconesSpread the LoveGod-Sized PrayersJesus Loves the Little ChildrenAlong the RoadDream CentersGlobal Love RankingsINSPIRE, EQUIP,SUPPORTStudent ID Middle School30Student ID High School32Everyday Mom Blog34Everyday Dad Blog36Tough Topics38Marriage40Spiritual Grandparenting42Book Spotlight44Choosing RespectOUR MISSIONHow I Got Respect WrongINSPIRE parents with ideas to create fun, spirituallyforming times in the normal rhythm of everyday life.EQUIP parents to become the spiritual leaders ofGod’s truth in their own households.SUPPORT families to engage their communitiesand change the culture around them.The CupWith All Due Respect .It's All about ConsentA Life-Changing ForecastLove in ActionGrandparents: Respect the Parents!Design and layout by Stephanie Reindel stephanie@homefrontmag.comBackdrops and woodwork by Reclaimed Projects Facebook: ReclaimedProjectsTXA Girl and Her Heart 2017 New Life Church3LOVE & RESPECT homefrontmag.com
EDITOR'S NOTEFrom birth’s first cry, we scream for our own personal needs to bemet: “Feed me! Change me! Hold me!” As we learn to speak, theword “MINE!” comes easily, and that doesn’t change as we grow intoadulthood. Claiming “MINE!” may look a little different as we age, but itis there underneath, motivating all we do.Learning to put others’ needs above our own does not comenaturally. In fact, it is a constant struggle for most of us. Paul charged thebelievers at the church in Philippi to “value others above [them]selves”knowing full well the challenge it would be (Philippians 2:3). But Paulalso knew this was how Jesus calls His followers to live.Jesus put our needs above His own because He loved us. Whenwe receive and experience that great love, the Holy Spirit gives us theability to love and respect others and put their needs above our own.Our hope is that this issue of HomeFront will give your family freshexamples of how to live in the environment of LOVE and RESPECT.From playing the game in GAME TIME (page 14) to baking HeartShaped Scones in the FAMILY TIME RECIPE (page 16), you won’t runout of ideas!In this month’s EVERYDAY MOM BLOG (page 34), new mommyMegan Marshman shares with us the importance of looking to Godrather than our children to fill us up with love. Our EVERYDAY DAD BLOG (page 36) is an important message fromScott Dannemiller about teaching our sons respect for women.As your family members enjoy February’s focus on love, remind them that God’s love is the greatest of all. When weallow God’s love to fill us up, we can respectfully put the needs of others above our own and experience His love tothe fullest!Debbie GuinnEditor in Chief New Life Things you won't want to miss: Parent blogs to inspire you Mobile-friendly format Lots of downloadable giveaways Marketplace to purchase article bundlesand more!The website is filled with fresh ideas and creativeresources to help you spiritually parent your children.LET’S BE ntSPShare your photos using the hashtag #homefrontmag4FAMILY VERSEMemorizing Scripturecan be an incrediblepractice to engage inas a family. But wordsin and of themselves will notnecessarily transform us; it isGod’s Spirit in these words whotransforms. We come to knowGod more when we’re willing toopen our hearts and listen to HisHoly Spirit through the wordswe memorize. Have fun with thisverse, and think of creative waysto invite your family to open upto God as they commit the verseto memory.Consider purchasing an8" x 10" frame to holdyour family memory verseeach month!LOVE & RESPECT homefrontmag.com
family timec a p t u r i n g t h e s e as o nHugs & KissesThe custom of adding an“X” to seal an envelope goesback to the early Christianera when a cross mark or"X" was the same as a swornoath. The cross referred tothe cross of Calvary and thefirst letter of the Greek wordfor Christ, Xristos.The "X" at the bottom ofa document took the placeof a signature. People wouldkiss the "X" as one mightkiss a crucifix or Bible toemphasize the importanceof the mark. It was thispractice that lead to the "X"representing a kiss. The “O”represents arms wrappingaround someone.As you celebrateValentine's Day this month,allow this display to serve asa reminder that your familyhas made a promise to showlove and respect to eachother throughout the month!6LOVE & RESPECT homefrontmag.com
family timec a p t u r i n g t h e s e as o n1.Prepare your dyebath by filling thecontainer withcold water aboutone inch deep.WHAT YOU’LL NEED 2 large pieces of foam core board utility knife pencil2 medium glass or plastic roundcontainer for dye bath screwdriver (preferably Phillips-head) needle-nose pliers2.Dip your brushin red paint andthen rinse it indye-bath water.3.Divide yourpackage ofcoffee filters intoseveral batches—approximately 25to 30 per batch. 2 packages of 8–12 cup basket-stylecoffee filters red craft paint medium craft paint brush yarn, twine, or ribbon for hanging strong tape4.Place the coffee filters one batch at a timeinto your dye bath to create an ombre effect.455.Load wet brush with a small amount of redpaint and slightly touch-up the edges of thebatch of coffee filters.6.Repeat the process witheach batch.7.Place the batches of coffeefilters on an old towel andallow to dry for several hours.8.With the utility knife, cut an Xand O out of foam core board.9.Using thescrewdriver, pokeholes about 1.5 inches apart allover the cardboard.12.Thread eachflower througha hole in thecardboard.13.Repeat untilyou fill all ofthe holes.14.Connectthe X and Otogether usingyarn, twine, orribbon.910.With the tip of the needlenose pliers, widen each hole toabout 1/4 inch in diameter.11.Separate dry coffee filters.Then pinch each middle, andtwist each ruffled part until thefilters resemble flowers.712LOVE & RESPECT homefrontmag.com
family timewo r s h i pListeningfor LoveFor a parent, life moves at high speed. Time is of theessence. We must work, educate, clean, cook, plan gettogethers, stay fit, volunteer . the list goes on. Modeling toour children how to be productive with time is important.But just as importantly, we must slow down and showthem how to build relationships with people and, most ofall, with God.We can teach our children, no matter their age,to worship God by listening for His voice. Read John10:27. Talk to your kids about the fact that Godknows them and His Word states they can hear Himspeaking. Here are some different ways for them toplug into what God is saying: As you read Scripture with your children, askwhat stands out to them. God speaks to usthrough His Word.When my inquisitive daughter was four and a half yearsold, she asked me, “Mommy, why won't God talk to me? Italk to Him, but I don’t hear Him talk to me.” As a parent,her words were a blow to my heart. It wasn’t because Ifelt God was deliberately not speaking to my little girl, butbecause I knew her little heart couldn’t comprehend whysomeone she loves wasn’t speaking to her. Play worship songs in the car. Ask your kids tolisten to the words and think about what truthsGod might be impressing on them throughthe music. As they play outside, teach them to close theireyes and be still. He can speak when they stopand take in His creation.I explained that at times we can hear God speakwhen we read the Bible, sing songs, or when we pray. Imentioned that when she lies down at night, it’s a perfectopportunity to be still and tell God that she’s listening.God wants time with us and we have to open our ears tohear His voice. Encourage your children to pay attention towhat trustworthy people around them speakover their lives. God often uses other Christiansto speak His truth to us.It was at this point that I wanted to plead with Godto say something to her, but I knew this was a growthopportunity in her spiritual journey. She had to find Himfor herself in order for authentic relationship to grow. Myfaith journey could only take her so far. During bedtime prayers, remind your childrenthat prayer can be a two-way conversation.As they are quiet, they can listen for God totalk back.A few weeks after that conversation, as my husbandand I were tucking her into bed, she told me that God hadspoken to her. My heart was overjoyed. She proudly said,“Mommy, I heard God and he said, ‘Brooklyn, I love youso much.’”by Lindsey SniderLindsey currently serves as a Creative Specialist for theInternational Pentecostal Holiness Church (IPHC) DiscipleshipMinistries Headquarters in Oklahoma City, OK. She has servedas a Community Outreach Pastor, Kids Pastor, and Media Pastoracross Oklahoma and Texas. Lindsey and her husband, Jared,have a daughter, Brooklyn, and a son, Jack. They love to travel,try new foods, cheer on the Texas Rangers, and cuddle withtheir dog, Frisco.She had taken the time to listen to God, and to waitfor Him to speak to her. She was not only learning to hearGod, but she was also learning how to demonstrate loveby waiting.8LOVE & RESPECT homefrontmag.com
family timeco n v e r sat i o n sta r t e r sConversationStartersDO NOTHING OUT OF SELFISH AMBITION OR VAIN CONCEIT.RATHER, IN HUMILITY VALUE OTHERS ABOVE YOURSELVES.PHILIPPIANS 2:3This month’s Family Time Verse is full of wisdom for our families and provides awonderful opportunity to dig a little deeper into God’s Word.Read Philippians 2:3 to your children.GET YOUR CHILDREN TALKING What do you think selfish ambition is? What is vain conceit? What is humility? What are some ways you can value others above yourself? What does this verse tell you about the way God wants us totreat others? What are some practical ways you can live out this verse?9LOVE & RESPECT homefrontmag.com
family timesto ry t e l l i n g28 Ways to Say I Love You#3#5#14I do not believe you can over-love people. Sometimesit’s quiet and subtle, and other times it’s loud and, in mycase, obnoxious.My youngest son then added, “I know you love mewhen you tickle my back even though I’m all sweaty fromsoccer practice.”The ever-inspiring Bob Goff, author of Love Does,says, “Do not save up love like you’re trying to retire onit. Give it away like you are made of it.”I almost skipped my husband’s turn when he jumpedin and said, “I feel most loved by you when you stop whatyou’re doing and look me in the eye when we’re having aconversation. Your undeterred gaze makes me feel loved.”I want my family to be so saturated in my lovethat there is no doubt in their minds about where myheart is.Last night during dinner, I asked my family, “Whendo you feel most loved by me?” I expected a referenceto those nights when I snuggle in bed and explain withmy words how very much I adore them. But that wasnot the case.My teenager daughter began, “When I’m stressedout cramming for an exam, you sit at the foot of mybed and read a book. I know you’re only doing thatto encourage me, but your presence really does calmme down.”My 11-year-old son chimed in, “When you put a notein my lunch box saying you’re praying for my math test,and you draw pictures of Minecraft figures. I know youhate video games, so you only do that because youlove me.”I froze with the sobering realization that my actionsare an opportunity to communicate love to my family,but I often miss it. I didn’t understand the effect of mygaze on my husband or my presence on my teenager.I had forgotten the power of connection establishedthrough engaging in my son’s interests even if it doesinvolve a video game. And what a reminder that physicaltouch can make us feel loved.by Allison HendrixAllison is a writer and speaker from the sunny state of Florida. Shemarried the cute boy from 7th grade, and their three children keepthem laughing. She shares stories about her faith and family on herblog at The House Of Hendrix.Blog www.thehouseofhendrix.comFacebook The House of Hendrix.10LOVE & RESPECT homefrontmag.com
These 28 gestures are simply fun, memorable ways to infuse love into your family. Combinethem with quiet, intimate moments of intentionality to fill your loved ones' love tanksthis month.1.Tell your children how much you absolutely adore being their mommy.2.Enter your child’s world for an afternoon. Let him teach you how to master Minecraft orperfect a cartwheel.3.Make your man a card. He will appreciate your thoughtfulness, even if it isn't amasterpiece.4.Refer to your husband or wife as your boyfriend or girlfriend in front of your children.Watch them giggle.5.Leave love notes for your children on their pillows.6.When you are in the line to drop your child off at school, keep driving. Have aparent/child day doing all of your favorite things.7.Surprise your husband at work. Give him a simple kiss and then leave.8.Have your children write a list of what they love about their siblings, then exchange lists.9.Playfully tackle your little ones and smother them in kisses.10.Throw in some tickles for some extra fun (even my 12-year-old lines up for this).11.Look your loved ones in the eyes every time they speak.12.Remember your teenagers still need your hugs and physical touch.13.Talk about unconditional love. Explain that nothing your children ever do can make youlove them any more or less than you do now.14.Leave "I love you" sticky notes in unexpected places.15.Call your mom or grandma, and thank her for the ways she has been a role model for you.16.Show up at school unexpectedly with a special lunch treat.17.Let your children catch you flirting with your spouse.18.Have a girls' day with your daughter and get your fingernails painted together.19.Leave sweet notes around your child’s room for them to discover.20. Buy something pretty for your husband’s eyes only.21.Tell your kids funny stories about when they were babies.22. When your child is talking back, model gentleness, kindness, and, most of all, love.23. Leave an encouraging note on your spouse's laptop.24. Add a memorable touch to activities you are already doing together. My tough guys havebeen doing devotions and story time in the attic just because.25. Send text messages throughout the day that each start with, “I love you because ”26. Ask your child what specific thing she would like you to do or say to fill her love tank.27.Send notes in their lunchboxes so they know you are thinking about them and excited tosee them again.28. Love extravagantly, even when it’s hard. Whether through a gentle whisper or heartfeltaction, may our families know the depth of our love.11LOVE & RESPECT homefrontmag.com
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family timec r e at eFill It Up toPour It Out!A few years ago, my husband and I were making hot chocolate in a pot on the stove. We filled the pot with lots ofwater and added the hot chocolate mix, turned on the stove, and waited for it to heat. All of a sudden we heard astrange hissing noise coming from the pot—we saw the hot chocolate fountaining out of the pot, onto the stove, anddown to the floor! We had a mess of hot chocolate everywhere.Sometimes when I think of God’s love, I’m reminded of our hot chocolate disaster. God pours His love into us everyday through the words He speaks, small moments with friends, a comforting word from a family member, and through amillion other demonstrations of His love. He continues to pour into us every day until we become so filled up with Hislove that it begins to spill out of us and onto all of the people around us.This month as a family, create your own bucket of love. Look for places you notice God or others pouring love intoyou, then remind your children that God fills us with His love so we can give it away.WHAT YOU’LL NEEDonce the bucket is full, you will be givingit away to a friend or neighbor. As youdecorate the bucket, talk about who youwould like to give it to once it is filled. small bucket or pail stencils, paint, construction paper, glue,or any other supplies you want to use todecorate the bucket2.Place the bag of candy next to the bucket.Each night throughout the month, gatheras a family and think through how youexperienced God's love that day. Aftersomeone shares a story, he or she can dropa piece of candy into the bucket.3.When you give away your bucket of love,encourage the family who receives yourgift to empty the bucket and follow thedirections to refill and give it away toanother family. Have fun together as afamily tracking where your love bucketgoes each month! a bag of wrapped candy (enough pieces tofill the bucket) card printout frombit.ly/homefrontpouritoutWHAT YOU’LL DO1.Decorate the outside of the bucket withhearts, the word "love," this month’smemory verse, or any other décor that willremind your family to love one anotherthroughout the month. Keep in mind thatby Krista HeinenKrista is the NextGen Associate Pastor at Elmbrook Church in Brookfield, WI. Krista helps equip and support the families at Elmbrookthrough resources, events, and conversations.Twitter @KristaHeinen13LOVE & RESPECT homefrontmag.com
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family timegame timeBursting with LoveWHAT YOU’LL NEEDbag breaks through the tissue to open a bowl, invitethe player to walk up, remove the piece of paperinside, and read it out loud (little ones may needhelp). Take a moment to talk about the statementand what it means. 20 strips of paper pen scissors 20 small paper bowls 5 sheets of bright pink tissue paper, cut into fourths 20 rubber bands bean bag or small ball masking tapeContinue playing, taking turns, until all of thebowls have been opened. Encourage your familymembers to hold on to their papers and placethem somewhere visibile as reminders of God'struth and love.LET’S ADD A TWIST (OR TWO)If you want to make this game more personaland specific, consider creating and designating asmaller, whole heart to each family member.BEFORE YOU STARTWith your family in mind, use the strips of paper and apen to write a phrase of love, kindness, or truth on eachpiece. Here are some ideas to get you started:If you want to make this game a little sweeter,it may be fun to throw a piece of valentine’s candyinto each bowl along with the statements.—— You are loved.—— You are wonderfully made.—— You are a part of God’s family.REMEMBER—— God gave you special gifts to use for His purposes.As people who follow Jesus, we get to receivea never-ending outpouring of God’s love. Thisamazing love and kindness is not just for us to holdon to, but to share with others. We are called to letthis love overflow from our hearts. As this gamecomes to an end, ask your children how it madethem feel or what they thought about the truthsthey read. Encourage them to share this kind oflove with friends at school or family they see on theweekend. Remind your children that love like this,love from a perfect King, is not meant to be keptto ourselves, but to be shared throughout the world.—— God is always with you.—— You are a child of the one true King.Once you finish writing the statements, place one stripof paper in each paper bowl, cover with a piece of tissuepaper, and place a rubber band around the bowl tosecure it.Clear a space either inside or outside of your homeand place the bowls in the shape of a heart. Use a pieceof masking tape to mark a spot about 5 to 10 feet awayfrom the heart. This will be where your family will line upto play!by Heather DeParteeTIME TO PLAYHeather has been in children’s ministry for seven years and iscurrently working at The Well Community Church in Fresno,CA, as the Kids Ministry Director for one of their threecampuses. She has gone back to school for a degree in earlychildhood development and is loving every second! She ismarried to Adam and is crazy about pretty house plants.This game is for the whole family! Invite everyone to lineup behind the piece of masking tape.The first player will toss the beanbag or small balltoward the heart, trying to land it on a bowl. If the bean15LOVE & RESPECT homefrontmag.com
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family timefa m i ly t i m e r e c i p eHeart-ShapedSconesJUST LIKE LOVE AND RESPECT GO HAND IN HAND, THESE HEART-SHAPEDSCONES WILL PERFECTLY PAIR WITH THE "SPREAD THE LOVE JAM" FROMTHIS MONTH’S KIDS IN THE KITCHEN (PAGE 20). ENJOY THEM TOGETHER ASA FAMILY OR PACKAGE THEM UP TO GIVE AWAY!Prep Time: 15 min. Cook Time: 10–12 min. Yields: 18 sconesWHAT YOU’LL NEEDWHAT YOU'LL DO 2 1/2 cups flour1.Preheat oven to 425 F. 2 teaspoons baking powder2.Lightly grease a large baking sheet; set aside. 1 teaspoon baking soda3.Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into a large bowl.Stir in sugar. With your fingers, rub in butter pieces until mixtureis crumbly.4.Mix in cranberries or cherries.5.With a fork, stir in egg, yogurt, and lemon peel; blend well to makea dough that barely holds together (you may need to press doughtogether with your hands).6.Turn out onto a floured surface. Roll with a floured rolling pin orpat dough with your hands to make a round about 1/2 inch thick.7.Using a 1-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut into hearts. Placehearts 1 1/2 inches apart on baking sheet; brush tops lightlywith milk.8.Bake 10–12 minutes or until scones are risen and golden. Transferto a wire rack to cool for 5 minutes. 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup sugar 6 tablespoons cold butter,cut into small pieces 1/2 cup dried cranberriesor cherries 1 egg, beaten 1 18-ounce container plain yogurt 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon peel milk, for brushing on scones* For an easy metric conversion chart, search the Internetfor “metric kitchen.”by Debbie GuinnDebbie is the Editor in Chief of HomeFront. She has more than 25 years of experience working in children’s and family ministries. She ispassionate about equipping parents to become leaders of God’s truth in their own households. Her most cherished time is spent hanging outwith her grandkids—they are her favorite people on this planet!Instagram @homefrontspTwitter @homefrontsp17LOVE & RESPECT homefrontmag.com
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family timek i d s i n t h e k i tc h e nSpread the LoveSpread the love this month by making thissimple strawberry jam and sharing it withfriends and family. You can download the labelfrom bit.ly/homefrontspreadthelove and allowyour kids to attach labels to the mason jars.Double the recipe for double the love and besure to try this yummy jam on the Heart-ShapedScones in our FAMILY TIME RECIPE (page 16).Total Time: 30 min. Yields: 1 3/4 cupWHAT YOU’LL NEED 16 ounces strawberries, hulled andcoarsely chopped 3/4 cup sugar 2 tablespoons lemon juice 2 small (8-ounce) mason jars* For an easy metric conversion chart, search the Internet for“metric kitchen.”WHAT YOU’LL DO1.In a heavy saucepan, mix strawberries,sugar, and lemon juice.2.Stir over medium-low heat until thesugar dissolves.3.Increase heat to medium-high and bringmixture to a rolling boil.4.Stir frequently, mashing the strawberriesas you stir. Continue to boil until jam isthickened and bubbles completely coverthe surface of the jam—about 15 minutes.5.Transfer the jam to mason jars and letcool to room temperature.6.Seal jars and store.7.Jam can be stored in refrigerator forabout 10 days, or frozen until ready to use.19LOVE & RESPECT homefrontmag.com
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family timep r ay e rGod-Sized PrayersWhen is the last time you asked for something big?The first is that it will require faith along the way. ThePsalmist says, “trust in Him and He will do this” (v. 5).The need to have faith in this endeavor is justifiedbecause the reality is, the desires you have right nowmay not be your truest desires—the ones that will bethe best for you and will bring about God’s glory in thelong run.When is the last time you prayed for something big?Do you dream God-sized dreams?Do you lack the faith to ask or do you feel unworthyto receive the answers to these expansive dreamsand prayers?Ultimately, God wants to bring about His will, andthat includes glorifying His Son, Jesus. It just so happensthat when you live a life that is heaven-bent (that’s rightheaven-bent, not hell-bent) on bringing Jesus glory,you’ll experience the greatest soul-satisfying feeling youcould ever taste on earth. And at the end of the day,this is the thirst-quenching fulfillment of the desiresyou have in your life right now.Chances are, if you are like most people, youbounce back and forth between these and many otherexcuses to not engage in extravagant asking—whetherit is asking from your friends, your family, or yourheavenly Father.I know for me, my pride often keeps me fromasking others for help. I like to think I am self-sufficientand independent. I don’t need anybody to help me. Idon’t want anybody to help me. Why? Because thatwould infer that I am unable to achieve and accomplishmy desires and goals on my own. My lack of humilitynot only discourages my ability to engage in lovingpartnerships with my friends and family, but it detersme from humbly approaching God’s throne to ask Himfor the things I may need or desire most.So the question needs to be asked again: When isthe last time you asked God for something big? Haveyou asked for Him to satisfy those desires in your life,to bring to fruition your dreams, and to take you on theadventure of a lifetime?FAMILY TIMEAs a family, discuss how praying tenaciously and boldlyultimately shows proper respect for God, His Word, andHis passion for you. Discuss how our “heart approach”is what God looks at. A prideful heart that doesn’t prayat all, or a disrespectful and demanding spirit that doesnot recognize God’s perfect plans and timing are bothdishonoring extremes. Spend a few moments with yourfamily identifying and praying God-sized prayers withhearts of godly respect and awe.Other times, my perception of “respect” keepsme from asking for anything. I erroneously categorizerespect for God as not imposing my desires or smallneeds upon Him. After all, He’s the God of the universe.He doesn’t need to be told what to do or how to do it.If I persist in prayer for someone or something, am I notshowing disrespect toward God’s sovereignty?Psalm 37:4–5 says, “Take delight in the LORD, andhe will give you the desires of your heart. Commit yourway to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this.”Scripture validates our desires! Did you know thatGod Himself not only cares about your desires, butHe wants to see them come to fruition in your life?“How?” you might ask. By simply delighting yourselfin Him. “So, you’re telling me that all I have to do is’delight’ in the Lord, and He will bring about my dreamsand desires?” Well, yes. But, there are a few things tokeep in mind:by Brendon Anthony with Michelle AnthonyBrendon is the co-founder of Harvest Craft. He has a bachelor'sdegree in Environmental Sciences from Biola University, andis currently pursuing his MS in horticulture from WashingtonState University, researching apples. He spends his downtimeadventuring and camping with his husky, Kaskade, in theWashington mountains.21LOVE & RESPECT homefrontmag.com
family timeg o d ' s wo r dJesus Loves theLittle Children22LOVE & RESPECT homefrontmag.com
family timeg o d ' s wo r dThe word "love" often triggers images of huggykissy, mushy-gushy, sappy, heart-fluttering, kneeweakening scenes all of the things that makekids go, “Ewww!” But, as anyone who is marriedor has children knows firsthand, love is far morethan sweet feelings. Love requires action on dayswhen all you want to do is quit. The same is truewith respect. We can glibly say that we love andrespect our children, but what does it look like toshow that love and respect on a daily basis?you, listen. Get on their level and look into theireyes. When you ask them to do something, sayplease. Thank them for the things they do that youappreciate. Acknowledge when they have done agood
The environment of LOVE AND RESPECT recognizes that children need both love and respect in order to . freely receive and give God’s grace. Key to this environment is the value that ch
