Making Memories

 Tell it to your children, and let your children tell it to their children, and their children to the next generation. -Joel 1:3

This past Sunday was my birthday. We started a Seawell tradition that each year around my birthday we head over to Disney for a little family fun vacation time. Our day was awesome. Great weather. Great fun. Great family bonding time. Priceless!


Then after coming back I read an article by Dr. Bob Barnes, of Sheridan House Family Ministries, and was so challenged and encouraged by it. I was grateful for our trip and family time together. The article reminded me of the importance of those experiences and how we are making deposits into the little lives we have been entrusted with. 


Here is a few excerpts from it:
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Creating a loving family environment doesn't just happen. It's something you do.


Dropping children off at school, church, sports and music lessons does not build a family, it builds individuality. Not that there is anything wrong with any of these activities, but there is something wrong with all of these activities. Life is not about performing. In fact, life is much more about relationship, and relationship building begins at home.


Children and teens need a place to practice relationship. They also need a safe environment to return to each day for unconditional love. Children need to know that family is the place where they will not be judged nor will they hear harsh or sarcastic words directed at them. The family motto needs to be, "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."(Ephesians 4:29, NIV)


What do you do as a family unit?
To guide a family into becoming a team, parents need to lead the way into activities that promote a team approach. Most activities today have divided families into categories: participator, performers and spectators. What does your family do to get everyone involved?


Plan to play games together, go on family vacations where you spend time together or do a family project around the home or in the community. These are family activities that begin to define who you are as a team. These are also projects that help children hear the parents compliment each other as everyone is working together.
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What is God saying to you through this blog?
What do you think He wants you to do about it?


Dr. Bob Barnes's "Parenting Today" is on ReachFM Radio Station @ 2:45pm everyday :)
www.ReachFM.org