MARRIAGE NIGHT 3/23

BABY JESUS

When my children were younger and formulating what Christmas was all about, it was important to me that they got a grasp on the true meaning and not just the presents, food, tree, Santa, etc. I took a Cabbage Patch baby doll, wrapped him in a blue blanket, bought a wooden box and straw from Michael’s, and put together ‘Baby Jesus.’ After we decked the house and trimmed the tree, I sat them down and explained the true meaning of what we are celebrating. I brought out ‘Baby Jesus’ and told the kids that we treat Him with the utmost respect. He is indeed a gift that should be received with thanks, gratitude, appreciation, honor, and respect. They would ask to hold Him, take turns caring for Him, and would often leave their toys and notes by His manger. One year, I even heard one of them go to ‘Baby Jesus’ and ask for forgiveness for being mean. I had no idea that years later this would be their most memorable part. He is still under our tree today!

Christmas – Meeting Baby Jesus! – YouTube

REVIVAL TO A CHILD

With all the talk of REVIVAL, don’t you think it’s important that we ask kids what that means to them? I did just that. I asked my children, “What does revival look like to you? When do you feel most alive with Jesus?” and this is what they had to say…

Mama Lisa – YouTube

HURT IN THE CHURCH VIDEO SEGMENTS

Hurt in the Church – Hurt in the Church – YouTubeWhy? How?

Hurt in the Church #1 – Hurt in the Church #1 – YouTubeWhy God Told Me

Hurt in the Church #2 – Hurt in the Church #2 – YouTube – Exposing Real Enemy

Hurt in the Church #3 – Hurt in the Church #3 – YouTubePurpose of Family

Hurt in the Church #4 – Hurt in the Church #4 – YouTubeFamiliar Spirits

Hurt in the Church #5 – Hurt in the Church #5 – YouTubeOrphan Leadership

Hurt in the Church #6 – Hurt in the Church #6 – YouTubeJudgement

Hurt in the Church #7 – Hurt in the Church #7 – YouTubeChildren Are Watching

Hurt in the Church #8 – Hurt in the Church #8 – YouTubeHoly Services

Hurt in the Church #9 – Hurt in the Church #9 – YouTubeThe Truth Sets You Free

Hurt in the Church #10 – Hurt in the Church #10 – YouTubeSpiritual Abortion

Hurt in the Church #11 – Hurt in the Church #11 – YouTubeSibling Conflict in Church Family

Hurt in the Church #12 – Hurt in the Church #12 – YouTubeGet Back in the Game

FAMLY DETOX

Our bodies profit from an occasional detox from the build-up of toxins. It just helps make the rest of the body parts function better. Our family is a body, and it, too, could benefit from a spiritual detox from the hurts, lies, and offenses that have been built up among family members. It never ceases to amaze me when we do this as a family. Everyone is more helpful, joyful, and drawn to connection. Send them to school this year with the slate clean between family members. Have a listen!

Video – Family Detox – YouTube

Podcast – Family Detox by Lisa Max – Let the Children Fly! (anchor.fm) 

DESTROYING THE WORKS OF THE DEVIL

Parents, you can’t afford NOT to do this. Watch this 7-minute video/podcast to understand how children hold onto hurts, lies, and offenses on the playground. We, as parents, want to help our children RESOLVE these heart splinters in their hearts NOW so that it doesn’t affect them going into the next school year. Help them enter summer with a clean mind and heart so that they can look forward to next year and not carry unresolved pain and shame with them. After watching this short video, I suggest calling a family meeting and talking about how we can get heart splinters in our hearts. As a family, ask, “Jesus, is there anyone at school that I need to forgive?” Don’t rush. Take your time and allow them to hear what Jesus wants to show them. Go around the family and share what you heard/saw. I then lead them into a corporate response by repeating after me, “Jesus, I choose to forgive _______ for _________.” This is NO small thing because how your child ENDS a year is how they will ENTER the following year.

Video – Destroying the Works of the Devil – YouTube

Podcast – Destroying the Works of the Devil by Lisa Max – Let the Children Fly! (anchor.fm)

STRANGER SAFETY

I was talking to the children about stranger safety years ago, and Ellie, who was five then, said, “Don’t worry, Mom, I will kick him hard and run away.” That’s great, except she wasn’t factoring in one thing – the fear that comes with situations like that. Fear paralyzes everything within us. She needed to be empowered on how to respond to the fear. Sexual predators work with fear but also shame. Shame is so crippling, especially to young teens whose brains are still growing.

I found a video like the one below (I can’t find the original one), and after watching it, realized I needed to share it with my children to show them the ease of how someone gets entangled with online predators, but more so the shame that keeps them there.

When (not if) you see something come tell me so that I can help you. Do not give out your last name, phone number, age, address, or state to anyone without my permission. If you make a mess or cross the line, know I am here to help you. Keeping you safe is my number one goal. Not everyone you connect with online is who they say they are.

I encourage you to watch this and then decide if it is appropriate to share it with your children and talk about it together. #BeInCtrl – A Short Film on Online Grooming – YouTube