EMC3 Germantown

Parents, here is an article I read the other day that I want to pass along to you. I think it will be a blessing in your parenting... here is the link...

http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/kevindeyoung/2011/05/10/parenting-001/

Posted by Scotty Smith Dec 25 2011: http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/scottysmith/

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11

Dear Lord Jesus, a most glorious and praised-filled “Happy birthday!” to you. Angels “harked,” shepherds ran, and Mary pondered the very good news which fills our hearts this grace-filled day. Though you’ve lived forever in rich, joyful, pleasure-filled relationship with the Father and the Spirit, today we celebrate your coming to us and for us.

CHRISTmas time can be a busy, overwhelming, and less than meaningful time in our families. Rather than making the most of our opportunities we often survive! But the CHRISTmas story is one of GOOD NEWS of GREAT JOY for ALL PEOPLE! So how can you make CHRISTmas more meaningful this year? Here are a few suggestions/ideas...

Pastor Mark Driscoll posted an awesome article, 16 daddy Christmas tips, http://pastormark.tv/2011/12/19/16-daddy-christmas-tips. Dads, PLEASE read this.

Oringinally posted by Scotty Smith Dec 18 2011 here: http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/scottysmith/

A Prayer about the Stable-izing of All Things

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” Micah 5:2

Originally posted by Scotty Smith: http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/scottysmith/2011/12/10/an-advent-pra...

An Advent Prayer for Our Children and Grandchildren

NONE of us has all the answers. And ultimately it has to be God to turn a heart to Him. But it helps if we have a good foundation with answers to some of the more common questions people ask/have. Here are a few resources to help answer the question: What Happens After We Die?

1. “What does the Bible say about reincarnation?” at gotquestions.org; http://www.gotquestions.org/reincarnation.html

2. “Back to School Blues” on Dare 2 Share’s website http://www.dare2share.org/students/back-to-school-blues

Posted by Scotty Smith: http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/scottysmith/

A Prayer of Awe: God’s Favor Permanently Rests Upon Us in Jesus!

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:13-14

This was written by Scotty Smith (http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/scottysmith/2011/11/27/a-prayer-for-...)

You who bring good news to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, “Here is your God!” See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power, and he rules with a mighty arm. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him. He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. Isa. 40:9-11

EVERYone has a strong will, to some degree. Most of us hide it, others of us wear it on our sleeve! For parents this can be a very challenging aspect f parenting and raising kids that love the Lord. It's all too easy just to parent behavior and not shepherd and train the hearts of our children.

Back in May I heard this GREAT two-day program on Focus on the Family with Cynthia Tobias, author, speaker, and mom! It's a GREAT tool that I hope will help you take a step in your parenting.

Part One: http://www.focusonthefamily.com/radio.aspx?ID=%7BD90864D9-EE84-45C9-83BD...