Family Bible Study

Having a family Bible study has been recently placed on my heart. I think it had a lot to do with a recent message at Church on the restoration of the Family being the key to revival. We as parents have a beautiful and most important role in teaching our children. In our home we are teaching our children values. The Pastor also spoke about Church starting in the home. So powerful those words were.

I am so excited for the present and future of it and the benefit it will have on my family. Because we are raising the next generation. They are little people who will grow into amazing adults. And I want to raise leaders. I want to have them feel loved and valued in their home. I want for them to know that the Bible is real and it shows truth. I want them to remember sitting together reading the Bible as a family and not just something that happens on Sundays at Church. Because in the end all that will really matter is that my kids know and love God. 

 "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth."

3 John 1:4
#truth

In having family Bible Study we are also bonding and enjoying eachother's company. We are growing as a family in strength and courage. Our first study happened and it was fun! We learned Luke 6:31 "Treat others as you would want to be treated." I wrote it on this chalkboard frame I made. It's above our fireplace in our living room so it's always visible.

This was our week 2 memory verse.

We talked about what that meant. We then thought of something we could do for 5 minutes to treat others the way we want to be treated. A treat was given for the first who could find said verse in Bible.  Sure there was running and around by the 4 and 2 year old. But, we were still together as a family reading the Bible and talking. We made a promise that this would happen every week on Wednesday evenings. We enjoyed treats at the end together and prayed. It was awesome! I am so thankful for a God who is allowing this to happen. And I'm praying this will continue and strengthen us! Also, I hope this encourages someone out there!

Blessings,
Jamie

48 Hour Challenge: Mission Complete

Friday evening I went back onto Social media (for me that being Facebook and Instagram). I missed catching up with my friends for sure. But what a nice little break to rely on God more and my family. I prayed throughout the day for God to use me. I highly recommend this break. I will definitely be doing it again.

Here are some things I thought about when the fast was complete...

1.) I've realized that I can still fill my time with other things like TV watching, online shopping or house hunting online. And everyone knows there is always some sort of cleaning or organizing to do with little kiddos. Social media is just ONE of the hundreds of distractions. There are so many decisions throughout the day on what to do..watch an episode of House Hunters or read a good book. I'm trying to be more wise with my time.

2.) I did this at least 4 times--I swiped my phone on and swiped over to where my 'Instagram' app was on my phone. Low and behold it wasn't there because I deleted it. This I should remember but subconsciously musta forgot. I do not have the 'Facebook' app because my phone doesn't have enough memory. Which is probably a good thing. 

3.) When I was in High School in order for me to get my own phone I had to spend $500 of my own  money. Hard earned money working as a Nursing Assistant at the Nursing Home as a down payment for a "Nextel." At the time I was frustrated at spending my own money. However, I think it was a FANTASTIC lesson my Mom and Dad taught me. And the "Nextel" phone I had was like a walkie talkie. At any moment of the day (even at midnight), someone (even a random person) could push the button and yell anything in there and it would go to your phone on speakerphone. Unless, the phone was on silence, I think? Craaazy! And then when there was a color option for the screen it was really exciting! :) Oh, those were the days. Apps would never fit on those tiny screens. 

4.) I've wanted to go on Facebook to find out someone's phone number. But, I knew it can wait until after the fast is complete. I do love how Social Media can connect people. It is also an awesome way to encourage someone and be in prayer for someone.

5.) I learned that I can do it! I actually took almost a 3 day break from it. It's not that difficult to take a break from it and I will be doing it more often.

And I love this verse!!

"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."
-1 Corinthians 10:31

Jamie :)

48 Hour Challenge

At Bible Study last night we talked about doing a fast from social media for 48 hours. For me, that would be 2 days without Instagram and Facebook. And I thought it would awesome if every time the temptation came on The Bible would be our rescue.

I'm up for that challenge. Are you? 

Going on a fast from Social Media isn't a new thing. 

Check out another Jamie's blog post HERE about her take on it. 

Source HERE.

At bedtime I find myself scrolling through my Instagram feed before going to sleep. But, last night instead I used the time to pray. I even thought about going to the family room to watch TV until I got sleepy.  I fought that off and stayed in bed praying and thinking about the amazing people in my life. My hubby was already sleeping. And I went to sleep peacefully and woke up rested. :)

It's possible. 

Later this week I will update you!

Have a fantastic Wednesday :)!!

Jamie