Partners in Parenting

“The Most Important Question!”

Last week, in Partners in Parenting, I shared how I had a procedure done to close a hole in my heart.  I also explained things a little bit to the students on our morning news so that they could understand how incredible God has made us.  I told the students that they had a camera inside my heart during the entire procedure.  A first grader asked his teacher, “Did they see the word ‘Jesus’ in his heart?”  How precious is that!!!  BUT how right is the question.  Ultimately, it is the most important question for all of us:  Is Jesus in our heart? 

That question reminded me of Jesus talking about himself being the vine, and we are the branches.  He talks about a relationship with Him being “in” us and us being “in” Him.  It is only possible to have Jesus in us through a faith relationship with Him.  The faith that finds him in our heart also finds us in His heart.  That is something only faith can produce.  Is Jesus in your heart?  Any other question isn’t as important as that!  [Jesus said] “Remain in me, and I will remain in you…” John 15:4a

 Family Discussion Points!

Have every person ask one other family member a question about their day.  Then, compare those questions to the question, “Is Jesus in your heart?”  What question is most important?

Remind everyone that Jesus being in our heart has everything to do with faith, not what we have done. 

Partners in Parenting

“A Reminder in My Pocket!”

A few years ago, I did a chapel service with the students about things I carry in my pockets at all times.  You can ask them if they remember.  I’m sure some students will.  This last week, I was reminded of how important one item is as a constant reminder to me.  In my right pocket is almost always a pocket knife.  It is a tool I use most every day for at least one thing – usually many things.  My pocket knife is very sharp.  It’s “sharpness” makes it effective for the task I use it to accomplish.  It’s “sharpness” also makes it a potential danger if I am not careful.  Each time I use it, I am reminded of James 3:1-12 that talks about taming the tongue.  The verse I especially remember is James 3:10:  “Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing.  My brothers, this should not be.”  Words can be like my pocket knife – very helpful and good.  Words can also be like my pocket knife – very hurtful and bad.  Now, we all use knives in the kitchen when we cook.  Maybe you could share this the next time you eat together and discuss the helpful and harmful abilities of the words we choose.  (By the way, left pocket = keys and chap stick; right pocket = pocket knife and floss, but it used to be a pocket knife and pocket cross until I lost the cross.  That is what kids might remember!)

Family Discussion Points!

Discuss the positive uses of a knife when cooking.

Discuss the one potential danger of using a knife when cooking.

How is the tongue (or our words to others) filled with positive and dangerous potential?