by Marianne Meriwether, Family Enrichment Committee member
"If my family doesn’t even have time to eat dinner together, how are we expected to have family devotions? By the time homework is completed, we’re lucky to have bedtime prayers. Is this another thing to add to my parenting guilt list?” Ever have those thoughts? I did!
How can busy parents make Bible truths vital to their children’s lives? Incorporate Scripture into every day teachable moments. Together, find Scriptures that apply to your child’s life situations. After discussion, post verses on the family bulletin board for easy reminders.
Take advantage of resources already available. Both HomeLife and ParentLife magazines contain practical family devotion ideas and are provided to First Baptist Nashville parents. DVDs and CDs like Steve Green’s “Hide ‘Em in Your Heart” series set Bible verses to music in an entertaining way. Use car-time effectively!
Parent2Parent.ning.com is a LifeWay-sponsored website which includes a link to KISS Connection (Kids in Sunday School) where parents can preview study topics. First Baptist Nashville children in grades one through six receive monthly devotional guides. LifeTruths adult curriculum contains family resources with each lesson.
Every month, set an age-appropriate Scripture memorization goal for each family member. Reward successful efforts with a special treat or activity. Have a Scripture challenge game night. Call out a word or phrase and have family members search for Scriptures containing those words. Give points to each successful team member. When a predetermined total is reached, celebrate.
God promises that His word won’t “return empty” (Isaiah 55:11). Scriptures that come alive to your children will remain eternally etched on their hearts!
