Your Children's Faith: Listening for Who's Voice?

I've recently started meeting with some parents of teenagers. Often we focus so much on the teens, that we forget the single largest influence on a teenager isn't the church: it's their parents!

Last night we looked at 1 Samuel 2-3, well we started into chapter 2 but never made it over to chapter 3. Here, in chapter 2, we get insight into what happened with Eli and his sons. They chose not to honor God in their actions, and because of this God cut off Eli's lineage. Instead, God said that he would raise up "a faithful priest, who will do according to what is in my heart and mind" (vs. 35). Wow, I want to raise up my children to be faithful to do what is in God's heart and mind. But how do we do that?

It starts with us. I know that wasn't the answer you wanted. But if we want our kids to be faithful to God and to walk in his heart and will, then we have to be faithful followers that are seeking His heart and will. What is God's heart and will for us?

We get a little picture of this in the next chapter with Samuel hearing God's voice. So often we wish that we could just hear God's audible voice to tell us what to do, how to live, what's next. But I don't think God's voice is the key to chapter 3. The key is in Eli's wisdom in how he tells young Samuel how to respond. "So Eli told Samuel, "God and lie down, and if he calls you say, 'Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.'""

Eli is teaching Samuel how to be open to the voice of the Lord. To wait patiently for him to speak. How to listen. And then how to walk closely with Him.

If we teach our children nothing else we need to teach them how to be listeners. They have to learn to listen for His voice before they can learn to walk in His ways. How do they listen for the voice of the Lord? How do they listen to those who are in authority over them? How do they listen to their friends? How do they listen for the voice of those who can't or won't speak up for themselves?

Children need to learn how to listen. Parents need to learn how to listen. I need to listen.

How is God teaching you to listen for His voice?

Life an Adventure...

The year is now 2013. I have no idea what God has in store for me this year. I do know this however: this year will be unlike last year, or the year before. I think my word for the year is Adventure. I know that is the main theme of my life it seems, but this year more than others before. Here are a couple of reasons why. First, I have gone back to school. Grad School work is difficult and challenges me to think on a different level, from different angles, about different subjects than I would usually think of or study on my own. This is good: but it's hard. Secondly, I will be climbing a mountain (literally) that I have never been on before, with a group that I have never met, during a time of year that most would shy away. And I have to find time to train. This is good: but it's hard. Thirdly, my kids are growing up and changing right before my eyes. Claire is already reading (in Kindergarden) and Eliam is right behind her. Sometimes I'm thankful they are growing up, other times I want them to slow down. This is good: but it's hard. Finally, church life is unlike I have ever seen it before. People are unsettled, there is a desire for something different, something more. Change is tough. Discipleship is tough. This is good: but it's hard. Maybe my theme should be life is good, but it's hard... What part of life is good for you? What do you see as your upcoming challenges?

We'll it's been interesting...

To say that the last few month have been interesting would be an understatement. Life has moved at warped speed, with so much going on that I almost don't know where to start...but here we go.

1) We purchased season passes to Splashtown for the family- I never thought I would enjoy it so much! The kids have gained confidence in the water and are learning to swim. As a bonus I have the best tan I've had since High School Track...

2) I have lost two former students this summer. One to suicide and one to a car accident. It always hurts, but these two have been particularly tough to grasp and recover from.

3) I now have a number of friends that are homeless. Yes they were homeless before we were friends, and yes they are changing my out look on life. More on the ups and downs, triumphs and struggles later.

4) My wife is still awesome & my kids are getting big!

5) I have only been on one hiking trip this year (to Big Bend National Park). My friend Matthew and I did 12 miles in one day- yes it hurt.

6) Await The Day (the band I have been a part of for the last 5 yrs) is "officially" done. Amiable for sure, just too much going on in life & time to move on. More on this later too.

7) I have not been reading as much as I would like. I know everything goes in seasons, I'm ready for a new season.

8) Church is awesome. We have a tight community of friends. God is challenging us and growing us often.

9) I had someone hack my accounts & I lost all of my old posts to this blog. I don't even know the dates of my hiking trips that I had logged here. Oh well, there are more important things in life.

10) I'm back. It's time to start writing again.

So here is the question: What would you like me two write, blog, rant, or talk about? Let me know!