Parent Newsletter 3

Parent Newsletter 3

2015-2016 GEMS Season

The Key Three

Is your family into jigsaw puzzles or do you know others who pour over puzzles? The bigger the puzzle the greater amount of patience and table space that’s required!

Sometimes we look at God’s Book as a number of small, stand-alone stories instead of puzzle pieces that fit into a bigger picture. There is Joseph and his coat of many colors, Daniel in the lions’ den, and Zacchaeus the wee little man who climbed a sycamore tree. The thing about Zacchaeus and all the other unique stories in God’s Word is that they are all really telling one big story. They’re telling God’s story. The individual pieces are part of the big picture. They all point to God’s plan to rescue us, and the hero is Jesus. That’s how the Bible works. Every story points to Jesus. It’s all about Him!

One of the ways your daughter(s) is learning to see Jesus in every part of Scripture is by asking The Key Three. (Check out the Bible lessons that are part of her Sparkle or SHINE brightly Magazines.)

The Key Three:

1. What is God up to in this story? This is God’s Story. Let’s not miss what He is doing!
2. God sent Jesus to rescue us. How do you think this story points to Jesus? This is the good news! Here is how we see what God is doing for us in Jesus!
3. How does this story help you tell your story? From the light of His Story how do we tell a better, truer story?

As you read the Bible individually and as a family, seek to see Jesus by answering The Key Three!

The Bible tells me so!

And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he [Jesus] explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself(Luke 24:27).

Did you know?

If you are struggling to see Jesus in all parts of Scripture, spend more time in the Gospels. Within the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, we clearly see Jesus. The more you see His character, nature, ways, and heart there, the easier it is to see Him in other parts of His Word.

Table Talk

Is your family weird? If you regularly eat meals together, our culture would say yes! According to a study by Roper Public Affairs & Media, 80 percent of Americans feel that it is hard to find the time to consistently eat together. Be the weird ones on yourblock that build strong family ties at the table!

The next time your family gathers around the table, use these theme-related table talk questions to get your family talking about the things of God:

1. What are your favorite family activities? Are there other hobbies you would like to do together? If so, what?
2. What does it mean to see the big picture? Is this important? Why or why not?
3. All the little stories in God’s Word are really telling one big story. Think about the Bible stories you know. How do you see God’s love and rescue plan? Note: If you are not familiar with God’s Word, check out The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones. Your daughter’s Club Coordinator can connect you with this book!

Family Fun

Jigsaw Puzzles: Jigsaw puzzles are packed with opportunities to work together and connect as a family, plus they require no electricity or batteries! Find one that your whole family will enjoy and persevere until the last piece is in place.

Write Letters:Whether grandparents or other friends and relatives live down the road or across the world, surprise them with letters sent via postal mail. Use lots of stickers, different color markers and pencils, and gobs of glitter, too. It will deliver a splash of joy to their day!

That One Thing: What’s one thing your family always means to do, but never gets done? Maybe it’s cleaning out the hall closet, finishing a school or fix-it project, or visiting an elderly neighbor. Choose a date and time and do this one thing! When finished, celebrate a job well done.