Link-a-Palooza
Critical Conversations, Power Up, Kids Ask, Parenting Conference, Lego Sushi
Hey gang!
Like my sixth grade daughter told me on the way to school this morning, “I don’t even know why we have school the last day before fall break. We all know we’re not getting anything done.” I’m in hearty agreement with my darling daughter.
We’re packing up the swagger wagon and heading south to the beach tomorrow, so instead of my rambling thoughts I’m gifting you with a couple extra links to pour over this weekend. Garret’s piece (the first one below) is the best thing I’ve read this week, and think it’ll be super helpful to any parent who’s willing to do the hard work of reading and thinking through it. There’s so much value in learning how to lay the foundation for deeper conversations with your kids. It takes intentionality and faithfulness to get there, but it’s an investment worth making.
Finally, it’s officially launch week for Faith Builder Catechism! You can still snag it on the cheap ($11.99, 40% off!) directly from New Growth Press through today. Grab a copy for you, your momma, and your momma’s momma (and anyone else you can think of!). Thanks for all the love to help us celebrate. Your posts on IG and FB have been cool to see, and all the texts seeing books in your hands are super encouraging. Thanks for being along for the ride!
Critical Conversations (Parenting)
“Satan wants you to feel uncomfortable talking with your kids about intimate issues. Don’t let him deceive you. Children are hardwired to desire parental care and leadership.” This piece from Garrett Kell is parenting gold. It’s a longer read, but there’s wisdom for parents with kids of all ages. He outlines the dangers of pornography, and also piles up practical wisdom and encouragement for dealing with exposure, protecting from exposure, welcoming honesty, and keeping Jesus at the center of our lives. Much of what he mentions also applies to difficult parenting conversations in other areas too. There’s so much here to marinate on that can shape your parenting in a positive way. Read, bookmark, and revisit.
Power Up (Parenting, Discipleship)
“The change a power-up brings can make all the difference! We also need power to grow and live as Christians—power to defeat sin, power to love others, and power to follow God’s will. For this reason, God has given his people the Holy Spirit.” To celebrate the launch of Faith Builder Catechism this week, Jared Kennedy turned one of our devos from the book into a blog post for our friends at New Growth Press. He looks at power-ups in video games and connects them to the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives that helps us to obey God, love our neighbors, and be more like Jesus.
Kids Ask (Parenting, Kids Min)
TGC is running a series called Kids Ask. Each week, a pastor tackles a theological question that’s come up with kids somewhere within their ministry. They respond as if they’re teaching a Sunday School lesson, with language, connection points, illustrations, and follow-up questions that kids can understand. This week, Brandon Smith tackles the question, “How can Jesus be in heaven, and with us?” It’s a great little theological intro to Jesus and the Holy Spirit. You can check out previous entries into the series here.
Parenting Conference (Parenting)
It’s a double Jared day here in the newsletter! Our guy is leading a half-day kids discipleship class in the Aberdeen, Maryland (outside Baltimore). If you’re in the area, he and the folks at Epic Community Church would love you have you. You can register at the link, and even include a question that you’d like him to cover that day. Hope some of you guys can make it
Lego Sushi
I fancy myself a pretty decent Lego builder, but I’ve never even considered anything like this. It’s always neat to see God’s creativity shine through other people, and these guys have gone above and beyond. It’s one thing to build the fish, but then to deconstruct it down to a delicious looking lego meal is something altogether different. Enjoy this one with your kiddos this weekend!