When you sit enthroned under the shadow of Shaddai, you are hidden in the strength of God Most High. He’s the hope that holds me and the Stronghold to shelter me, the only God for me, and my great confidence. He will rescue you from every hidden trap of the enemy, and he will protect you from false accusation and any deadly curse. Psalm 91:1-5
We are living in the midst of a time that very few have seen in a lifetime. The enemy has set out to divide and bring to ruin families, cities, nations, and the world. But God has a different plan and it is our job to decide which voice we are going to listen to. In the midst of simply trying to survive, we can determine that our own families will come out stronger, more united, more connected, and faith filled on the other side. This will take intentionality. First and foremost as parents we must be taking care of ourselves and our own fears and concerns as best as possible. This is a time to immerse ourselves in worship, prayer, and scripture. Each week, I will post a short note that will hopefully inspire you. Today I want to pass along some fun ideas for families who have tweens and teens on how to connect as a family. Just pick 1 or 2 to do each week. Have fun and pass it on to anyone who might need encouragement. This too shall pass and when it does, let us be more connected and stronger in our faith than ever before.
CREATE
I am POTUS. Create a podcast/story/video telling what you would do if you were the President during this crisis:
Change the World. Create something that will change the world and/or help the world in anyway. Plan a day when the family will get together and present their project.
What do you See? Go outside and take a picture of something that inspires you. Add a song, poem, rap, dance, art, written word, etc. to go with it. Share if with your family or a friend.
I have a dream? Have a dream contest. Give everyone 15 minutes to write down their dreams – the sky’s the limit and there are no constraints or boundaries. For young children, have them draw pictures. Then share with each other.
LIFE SKILLS
Obstacle Course. Create an obstacle course in the back yard. You can also create one inside using blue painters tape. Have them follow the tape around the house. Time everyone to go through it.
TIK TOK. Create Tik Tok videos and show them together to bring laughter in your home.
BUSINESS
Clean Out. Have everyone clean out their rooms, closets, dressers, cubbies, etc. Find things to sell on a selling app like Mercari. Have a contest to see who can make the most money. Once you get your money gather it together and give it away. A food bank, someone who’s job is compromised etc., a charity, etc.
Money Wise: Save, Give, and Spend
JUST FOR FUN
Hot Topic. This activity is a great way to build trust and communication with your tween/teen. Pick a hot topic in today’s society and have everyone do a little research on their own about both sides of the topic. Then have a round table discussion about the topic. Make sure to set rules that everyone abides by and remember, this is not a debate -no trying to prove someone wrong – no commenting on what another says.
Campaign Topic
Since this is an election year…
Word of Encouragement. Pass out a card to every person in the family with the instructions to ask the Lord for a word of encouragement and love. Have them write it down on the card. Young children can draw a picture or even scribble. Before everyone goes to bed put the cards upside down on the table and everyone choose a card. Read the word you get out loud knowing the Lord has chosen it for you. Allow the writer of the card to share anything else they saw or heard from God while writing this. Let little children tell about their picture.
Reading together. Read a book together as a family and then have a discussion just like a real book club. Young children can read a storybook then do activities around the book (parents included):
Church. Listen to a church service online together and ask each person to say one impactful thing they heard and how the Holy Spirit is leading them to move, change, or seek. There are lots of online bible studies that can be done as a family too. rightnowmedia.org.
Rest. Set aside a time everyday for REST. No TV. This is a time for each person to go to their own room and rest, read, and pray. This is for everyone but especially Mom and Dad. Mom and Dad need to also have a quiet time or sleep. Resist trying to get stuff done.