Equipping
Growing Together 12 Tips to Help Cultivate Spirituality in Your Family
Every family is unique and has its own dynamics and needs. Family worship may be quite different in your home than somebody else’s. Perhaps you teach your children about biblical heroes through felt figures that they move around a felt board. Maybe your family uses drama to act out biblical tales. Your family might prefer to sing or read together as part of growing together spiritually. Different approaches or perspectives can inspire us to explore a variety of ways to spend time with God and spend time together. Personal spiritual growth doesn’t result from cookie-cutter methods, and neither does family growth. We find inspiration in the habits, traditions and experiences of others. As styles and approaches evolve, discover relevant ways to minister to your family. Several leaders from across the Southwestern Union territory share tips that have worked for their families and their ministry. Check them out and see what would benefit your family!
12 RECORD MAGAZINE
GIVE THEM YOUR PRESENCE
Parents, your presence is far more valuable than any gift! The gift of being present exceeds all other gifts. Walter Martinez Family Life Ministries, Oklahoma
FORM SPIRITUAL FAMILIES
Psalm 128:1-4 says, “Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in obedience to Him. You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours. Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table. Yes, this will be the blessing for the man who fears the Lord.” The Psalms indicates that to be God’s kind of parent, a parent must be God-fearing: receive divine instruction (Psalm 25:12); characterized by integrity and faithfulness (Job 2:3); delight in worshipping God (Revelation 14:7). Carmen and Buford Griffith, Jr. Family Ministries, Southwestern Union
PRACTICE SELF-CARE
Sometimes we feel like a hamster running on a wheel, trying to keep up with life. With three kids, work, a home to manage and extra-curricular activities, I often find myself running pretty fast. British psychologist Dr. Richard Wiseman reports that the overall pace of life has increased by 10 percent worldwide since the mid-90s. Recently, I came across the concept of self-care, the idea that to function as the best version of ourselves we need to set aside time to take care of ourselves. At its core, selfcare is all about being good stewards of our bodies, minds and souls. Jesus gave us the best example of self-care and took time for Himself to rest, pray and spend time with His Father. We too can do the same and as a result be refreshed to focus on ministering to our families and others. Like the saying goes, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” Debbie Márquez Communication, Texico