Family Alive

The first good quote from a ChristianityToday.com article:

What’s a good way to teach preschoolers about God?

God talk was a natural part of our family life.
While Matt was growing up, God time wasn’t separate. Studies have shown
that a conversation with Mom about God is the #1 faith influencer for
kids. And a conversation with Dad is #2. Some moms feel guilty they’re
not doing family devotions or that they don’t know the Bible well. Lots
of storybooks and other resources are available to help in those areas.
But a conversation about God with our kids has such an impact on their
faith. Even asking something such as, "Why do you think God made
spiders or snakes?" It’s OK for our kids to know we don’t have it all
figured out and for us to ask questions that don’t have answers. Faith
is as much about questions as it is about answers.

It’s also about sharing what God’s doing. Every
summer we have a program at Group where more than 20,000 youth and
their leaders venture across the U.S. to serve others. These
participants are always on the lookout for what God’s doing where
they’re serving. We call these "God sightings." What if as a mom you
watched for "God sightings" with your preschoolers, then talked with
them about what God’s doing in your life? I believe it would be a
powerful experience.

The second is called My Not-To-Do List.  Great thoughts!

Life … and clutter. I think of clutter as anything that takes up space
but doesn’t add value or meaning to my life or to the lives of those I
love. And I think of life, particularly the abundant kind, as anything
that adds value or meaning to my life and to those I love.
Jesus talked about having abundant life in John 10:10, "I have come
that they may have life, and have it to the full."…

A cluttered mind means I over think, over react,
over analyze, over worry and over commit. How do I declutter my mind? I
gave myself permission to let go and have the following "not-to-do"
list:

• Not to feel guilty for saying "no" to something that’s good, but not right, for me or my family.
• Not to fear about how well-adjusted my kids will be as adults.
• Not to hang something new in my closet without taking something out.
• Not to feel over-responsible for the well being of everyone else.
• Not to answer the phone after 7 p.m.
• Not to feel compelled to say "yes" just because I’ve been invited.
• Not to schedule busy activities on Sundays.
• Not to worry about what I missed at last week’s play group with the girls.
• Not to buy something just because it’s on sale.
• Not to think I can make a dinner that
  requires more than three ingredients, do the laundry, clean the house
  and spend quality time with my kids all in the same day.
• Not to ruminate over my mistakes or the mistakes of others.
• Not to compare myself with other moms.

The more we give ourselves permission "not to do,"
the more we’ll free ourselves to live a more centered, abundant life.
The next time you grab a piece of paper to make your to-do list,
consider first what not to do!