Did you strike up a conversation with child last night?
If so, how'd it go?
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Great Purity Bible Study for Adults or Students
I came across this link today for a great Bible study regarding purity for adults and students alike.
http://www-rohan.sdsu.edu/~sdsunavs/resources/Purity.pdf
http://www-rohan.sdsu.edu/~sdsunavs/resources/Purity.pdf
Monday, January 30, 2012
Week 1
Step 1: Dream up and Create the Blueprint - Week 1.
Suggested Nights: Tuesday, Jan. 31 or Thursday, Feb. 2
This is the very beginning of the process. When it comes to building a house, you scout out the perfect piece of land and then you meet with the architect and begin to dream up and create the blueprints. The same thing needs to happen with your child. The end result is creating a culture of open and honest conversation, so let your child know that! Talk to them about exactly the kind of relationship you would like to have with them.
Two great articles to (re)read for insight/encouragement for this conversation are Blaine’s, entitled, “Eliminate Barriers” and “Practical Tips.”
For Dads: This may need to start with you saying you’re sorry. I know as a man that this is a very difficult thing to do, but most dads are in a place where they don’t give 100% to their families. I know work is hard, I know financial stress can cause you to lose the ability to focus on other things and I know you just want to relax and watch TV. But, you’re called to be the best man you can possibly be for your family. Have you been doing that? If not, be honest with your kids. Now you’ll need to make sure that you’re willing to improve because you can only apologize so many times to your kids before they give up on you. I have seen a number of dads realize where they are falling short and really strive to improve. They realize how much love their heavenly Father has for them, and they need to represent that here on earth for their kids in a tangible way. I guarantee you’ll never regret being a great dad to your kids.
For Moms: Be ready for the long haul. Your kids may already feel close to you, but that doesn’t mean they are going to tell you everything or listen to what you say about purity overnight. It will takes weeks, months, and years (see Alli Curby’s article) for some kids to realize the truth that you are saying. Be honest, sincere, and calm.
I look forward to hearing and reading about how it went!
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Outline of Impact's, The Thrill of Purity, Series
Impact Purity Series
The Thrill
of Purity
Feb. 1, 8, 15, & 22
·
Week 1 – Feb. 1
o
What does our culture say about purity?
§
It’s not a goal or priority
§
It isn’t even on the radar
- Being good looking is essential\something to
strive for
- If you’re not dating, there must be
something wrong with you
·
Week 2 – Feb. 8
o
Why is purity worth it?
§
Honors God
§
Because YOU are worth it
§
Leads to a life of joy, fulfillment, and no
regrets
·
Week 3 – Feb. 15
o
Purity Labyrinth
§
Emphasis on self-worth
§
Stations:
·
Mirrors to write encouraging words on
·
Acknowledging lies we believe about ourselves
·
Playdoh: Mold something to remind you that you
are created perfectly by a loving God
·
Week 4 – Feb. 22
o
Purity Panel Q & A
§
Guys and Girls split into separate rooms
§
Panel of leaders, parents, and Jr. Interns
answer questions students have about purity.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
The Thrill of Purity - The Heart Behind, The Purity Packet
During a cloudy and rainy day in November, Beth and I headed up to Grand Rapids to meet with Michael Wiltshire (gracespring Student Ministries Cordinator) and his fiance’ Allison Curby. Usually we don’t need a reason to hang out with Michael and Ally because we absolutely love being with them. This day though, we had a very specific purpose for getting together with them: to dream.
Dream about how we could best communicate the truth of God’s Word and the love of Jesus Christ to students. We worked off of a teaching method called, Mapping, that Michael had been learning and anxious to put into practice.
Mapping is the exercise of organizing our weekly teaching around the focus of cultural
observations, rather than behavioral changes. It is a tool to help students understand God’s
love and redemption for all things.
With much prayer, planning, and purpose we planned out five months of teaching. One of the series within that five month time span in the purity series. We agreed that a cultural observation we all saw was that purity was misunderstood and undervalued. We jokingly threw out the name, ‘Purity, What the Heck?!’ because purity is so counter-cultural today. But, as two couples striving to be pure we wanted to communicate to students the excitement and blessing of being pure. So we settled upon the name, The Thrill of Purity.
Purity isn’t a list what of you can’t do. It’s not a recipe for boredom and solitude. It’s an exciting and never ending journey towards becoming more like Christ. It’s a list of things you can do! It’s a lifestyle that leads to joy and freedom!
Now, we’re not naive either. We all acknowledged the fact that sexual temptation is some of the strongest temptation out there, but being free from guilt, regret, and life-long wounds is well worth the work it takes to say no.
Are we asking girls to wear potato sacks and winter coats at all times? Are we telling guys they can never look at a girl or get on the computer?
No.
Are we expecting perfection? Are we saying that you have to be completely pure to follow God?
No. But, God does call us to be holy as He is holy, as you’ll learn in Melanie Dekruyter’s article. Our God is a God of grace and mercy. So even if you’ve messed up in your own life. If you constantly struggle with purity, God still wants you to train your child up in the way they should live. Difficult and awkward as it may be, that’s your role as parents.
So what does all this mean? It means that being pure is going to take a lot of work. God designed us to live in community with one another to support, care, and encourage each other. We want to come alongside you as parents and give you resources and opportunities to start\continue having conversations with your kids about purity. As you’ll read in almost every article in this packet, purity isn’t about having ‘The Talk’ it’s about starting ‘The Relationship’ with your child.
The Purity Packet [a conversation starter] is a resource that has been prayed over and created with you the parent in mind. May God bless you, your student, and your relationship with your student through the truth in this packet. I encourage you to sit down and take the time to read through all the articles. You can read them all at one time, one at a time, or however else you would like to.
As you read, pray for your student. Pray that God will protect, guide, and give wisdom to your students as they make CHOICES only THEY can make in regards to their purity.
May the God of mercy, grace, and peace bless you in your efforts to raise your child for His glory. May He give you the strength, courage, and boldness during your journey of parenting.
Blaine and I are honored that you entrust your students to our care on a weekly basis. We will continue to do our best to guide them towards Christ and support you as their parents along the way. We all on this road together.
to God be the glory
Dream about how we could best communicate the truth of God’s Word and the love of Jesus Christ to students. We worked off of a teaching method called, Mapping, that Michael had been learning and anxious to put into practice.
Mapping is the exercise of organizing our weekly teaching around the focus of cultural
observations, rather than behavioral changes. It is a tool to help students understand God’s
love and redemption for all things.
With much prayer, planning, and purpose we planned out five months of teaching. One of the series within that five month time span in the purity series. We agreed that a cultural observation we all saw was that purity was misunderstood and undervalued. We jokingly threw out the name, ‘Purity, What the Heck?!’ because purity is so counter-cultural today. But, as two couples striving to be pure we wanted to communicate to students the excitement and blessing of being pure. So we settled upon the name, The Thrill of Purity.
Purity isn’t a list what of you can’t do. It’s not a recipe for boredom and solitude. It’s an exciting and never ending journey towards becoming more like Christ. It’s a list of things you can do! It’s a lifestyle that leads to joy and freedom!
Now, we’re not naive either. We all acknowledged the fact that sexual temptation is some of the strongest temptation out there, but being free from guilt, regret, and life-long wounds is well worth the work it takes to say no.
Are we asking girls to wear potato sacks and winter coats at all times? Are we telling guys they can never look at a girl or get on the computer?
No.
Are we expecting perfection? Are we saying that you have to be completely pure to follow God?
No. But, God does call us to be holy as He is holy, as you’ll learn in Melanie Dekruyter’s article. Our God is a God of grace and mercy. So even if you’ve messed up in your own life. If you constantly struggle with purity, God still wants you to train your child up in the way they should live. Difficult and awkward as it may be, that’s your role as parents.
So what does all this mean? It means that being pure is going to take a lot of work. God designed us to live in community with one another to support, care, and encourage each other. We want to come alongside you as parents and give you resources and opportunities to start\continue having conversations with your kids about purity. As you’ll read in almost every article in this packet, purity isn’t about having ‘The Talk’ it’s about starting ‘The Relationship’ with your child.
The Purity Packet [a conversation starter] is a resource that has been prayed over and created with you the parent in mind. May God bless you, your student, and your relationship with your student through the truth in this packet. I encourage you to sit down and take the time to read through all the articles. You can read them all at one time, one at a time, or however else you would like to.
As you read, pray for your student. Pray that God will protect, guide, and give wisdom to your students as they make CHOICES only THEY can make in regards to their purity.
May the God of mercy, grace, and peace bless you in your efforts to raise your child for His glory. May He give you the strength, courage, and boldness during your journey of parenting.
Blaine and I are honored that you entrust your students to our care on a weekly basis. We will continue to do our best to guide them towards Christ and support you as their parents along the way. We all on this road together.
to God be the glory
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