Hope Now – by Addison Road

Posted by ajenkins on December 2, 2009 under Just A Thought | Comments are off for this article

Parents & Adult Children

Posted by ajenkins on November 30, 2009 under Faith At Home, Just A Thought | Comments are off for this article

“Parents with adult children who feel guilty for having not engaged in faith@home need to get over their guilt,recognize there is grace and get back in the game!” Mark Holmen: Faith@Home

Paul and Persecution

Posted by ajenkins on November 25, 2009 under Just A Thought | Comments are off for this article

The first time St. Paul heard the audible voice of the Lord, Jesus asked Paul why he was persecuting Him (Acts 9:4). The last time it is to ask Paul why he thinks the Lord is persecuting him (2 Cor. 10:12).

What about you? Do you hurt others? Is your life filled with hurt? Do you still you too think the Lord is causing it?

Is Jesus’ Grace sufficient? I wonder? Do you?

It’s just a thought.

LifeQuestions #1

Posted by ajenkins on November 20, 2009 under Just A Thought | Comments are off for this article

People Who Rub You The Wrong Way

What about people who just get on your nerves? The “irregular” people
who rub you the wrong way? Is this a sin issue? There is one in my
life that is around just enough that I can’t avoid her. I really doubt
she has any clue that she keeps saying things that bug me.

This is a good question and actually, I think it’s a big issue. Sadly, I think it’s not really one we can do much about on one level. Read more of this article »

Martyr’s Cross

Posted by ajenkins on October 13, 2009 under Anglican Events, Just A Thought | Comments are off for this article

Some Things Are Worth Dying For

The Rider Weeps

Posted by ajenkins on under Devotionals, Just A Thought | Comments are off for this article

Take It Home Why Don’t You?

Posted by ajenkins on October 11, 2009 under Devotionals, Just A Thought | Comments are off for this article

Family Devotions Tips

Starting devotions with very young children builds time with God into the rhythm of their lives at an early age.

Here are some tips for successful devotional times:

1. Be Consistent. Determine how many days a week you will spend in daily devotions.  Will it be every day, every other day, or only weekdays?  Choose a time that works for your family.  Involve your children by letting them put stickers or drawing smiley faces on the calendar for each successful daily devotion.  Keep the calendar accessible to the children and celebrate each successful week.

2. Keep it Short. Leave your children wanting more.  For example, if you play a game until everyone is tired then you have played too long.  However, if you end with everyone screaming “one more round”, you will have them coming back eagerly to play next time.  Finishing on a high note creates anticipation for the next time.  Remember: Less is more.

3.  Keep it Simple. Do not make the material too complex for your child.  If you would like more information on age-appropriate resources, please contact Mary Ellen Doran at mdoran@saint-james.org

4. Have Fun. The #1 goal of devotion time is to have fun.  Children will learn their is joy in their friendship with God.  Family Devotions should never become boring.

5. Don’t Give Up. If you take the “All or Nothing” approach you will surely fail.  Realize that you will not be perfect in your devotional life.  Remember to see everyday as a new opportunity.  You may even want to build some days off in your devotional life.  Remember: Don’t let a bad patch stop you.

6. Involve the Kids. Family devotions are not a one-way street.  Devotions must engage the parents and children.  Use a devotional book with pictures to help you.  You then can ask the children simple questions about the pictures/story.  Take advantage of daily devotions that have a short prayer or Bible verse.  Children learn through repetition, so have the children repeat the prayers or verses.

We pray these tips will help you create successful devotional times with your family.

Just A Thought

Posted by ajenkins on under Just A Thought | Comments are off for this article

How would it affect the church if our perspective changed? How would it affect the church if we saw the Church, the Bride of Christ through God’s eyes? How would it affect our lives?

We see the church as a place to go to.
God sees the Church as the people who go.

We see the church as a place where we drop our children off to teach them about God.
God sees the Church as the parents sharing their faith with their children.

We see the church as place where the clergy ministers to us.
God sees the Church as the people who minister to the world.

We see the church as God’s Plan A for the help of the world.
God sees the Church as Plan B with the Family as Plan A.

We see the church as the center for Christian Education.
God sees the Church as the Family who shares the faith with our children.

We see the church as the place where we go to do mission.
God sees the Church as the place where the mission leaves to go.

We see the church as a place for programs.
God sees the Church as a place for conversation.

We see the church as the place where we go to pray.
God sees the Church as the place where we pray to go.

We see the church as the focus of the Christian mission.
God sees His Kingdom as the focus of the Christian mission.

We see the church as the place where “we” are the point.
God sees the Church as the place the place where “they” are the point.

We see the church as the place where we go to have our needs met.
God sees the Church as the place where we go prepare to meet the needs of others.

We see the church as the destination.
God see the Kingdom as the destination.

How would it affect the world, if we could see the Church, the Faith, our faith from God’s perspective?
It’s Just A Thought.