Songs of Summer: Inside Out Songs
The Psalms (songs) of the Bible have 2 starting points. The starting point for some expresses how our thoughts about God connect with our feelings about life. The other starting point is our feelings about life expressed with transparent emotions before God. This morning we conclude our summer series, Songs of Summer, with a Family Sunday that reflects the simple truth: life is lived from the inside out.
Click here to view/download this morning's sermon notes/slides.
RESOURCEs for start of school conversations with your students
First Day Jitters Everyone knows that sinking feeling in the pit of the stomach just before diving into a new situation. Sarah Jane Hartwell is scared and doesn't want to start over at a new school. She doesn't know anybody, and nobody knows her. It will be awful. She just knows it. With much prodding from Mr. Hartwell, Sarah Jane reluctantly pulls herself together and goes to school.
A Bad Case of the Stripes is a great story about individuality and being up front about what you love.
How to Be Successful In Middle School - written to middle school students but suggest parents read together with your student.
Middle School Makeover by Michelle Icard. This is a concrete and practical guide for parents and educators to help the tweens in their lives navigate the socially fraught hallways, gyms, and cafeterias of middle school. This little book covers a large range of topics, beginning with helping us understand what is happening in the brains of tweens and how these neurological development affects decision-making and questions around identity. She also addresses social media, dating, and peer exclusion. Using both recent research and her personal, extensive experience working with middle-school-aged kids and their parents, Icard offers readers concrete and practical advice for guiding children through this chaotic developmental stage while also building their confidence.
You may not agree with everything she says but this is a helpful starting point for discussion and understanding...
Right Click helps you think and talk differently about digital media, as you learn from inspiring and creative parents like you who navigate these ever-changing waters day after day. Approach this new connected world like a team and address your most pressing tech related dilemmas.
- How do I teach my kids to use social media responsibly?
- Why do my kids constantly check their phones?
- How can we be present when we’re in the same room?
- How do I handle the tough stuff: inappropriate sharing, bullying and porn?
- How do I make digital media a force that knits our family together rather than ripping us apart?
Your Teenager Is Not Crazy: Understanding Your Teen's Brain Can Make You a Better Parent is conveniently organized by what your teen says–things like I’m bored, You just don’t understand, Why are you freaking out?, I hate my life, or Hold on, I just have to send this–this book will help you develop a deep compassion for your teen. Rather than seeing the teen years as a time to simply hold on for dear life, Dr. Jeramy and Jerusha Clark show that adolescence can be an amazing season of cultivating creativity, self-awareness, and passion for the things that really matter.
RESOURCES ON THE PSALMS
Reflections on the Psalms by C. S. Lewis. This little gem "makes clear their significance in our daily lives, and reminds us of their power to illuminate moments of grace as they teach us about God, Scripture, and the significance of faith." Also available as an audible book.
A Long Obedience In the Same Direction by Eugene Peterson. This book looks at the Psalms 120-134 -- known as the Psalms of Ascents. This grouping of songs were song as people made their way to Jerusalem for the great festivals. Peterson's exposition is moving, theological, and substantial. Also available as an audible book.
Perseverance: A Long Obedience in the Same Direction is a bible-study based on Psalms 120-134 and Peterson's book. You could use this alone or with others for a summer "Songs of Summer" study/daily devotions.
31 Days to Get the Message: Psalms and Proverbs by Eugene Peterson. The books of Psalms and Proverbs are presented in a thirty-one day audible devotional format. The readings are taken from Peterson's dynamic translation of the Psalms and Proverbs. This might help jumpstart or refresh your devotional habits.
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