BONUS: HABITS AT HOME
<Your Family>
WHAT ARE YOUR HABITS?
In the USA, 7 out of 10 marriages last. If a husband and wife attend church weekly, then 5 marriages out of 6 will thrive. Most surprising is research from Roman Catholic priest and sociologist Father Andrew Greeley. He found only 1 divorce happens in every 1,105 marriages if a couple will go to church, read scripture, and pray together often. It’s a simple miracle called “Couple Prayer.” The hearts of your family are changed first not by the ministries in God’s house but in your home.
WRITE your SOAP journal first, and share with friends.
FOUR ESSENTIAL APPOINTMENTS AT HOME.
Parents have more influence over their kids than social media, friends, coaches, or teachers. The secret is to mix faith into sitting, walking, resting, and waking as a family.
1. EAT TOGETHER.
“Talk about them when you sit at home...” (v. 7). Eat one meal, sitting at a table together every day, and include Jesus in it. Go around the table and ask, “What was your ‘high’ and ‘low’ today?” Laughter, sighs, and learning will happen.
2. COMMUNICATE ON YOUR COMMUTE.
“Talk about them...when you walk along the road...” (v. 7). The average American family spends an hour together in the car every day. Use worship songs, audiobooks, spontaneous scenery conversations, and prayer (with the driver’s eyes open).
3. PRAY TOGETHER AT NIGHT.
“Talk about them...when you lie down....” (v. 7). Experiment with couple prayer. A parent can pray at the bedside of every child every night. With teenagers, it’s worth staying up because the best conversations often happen late at night!
4. GREET EACH OTHER IN THE MORNING.
Talk about them...when you get up.” (v. 7). Wake up with expectancy! Look everyone in the eye and say, “Good morning!” Speak positive words over your kids’ potential. Stop and pray at the door before your family leave home. Your kids, spouse, and friends will be better able to move up in a down world.
VERSE OF THE WEEK
Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Deuteronomy 6:7
PRAYER
Oh, Christ be the Head of this house, the unseen guest at every meal, and the silent listener to every conversation. Amen.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Watch "Try This At Home" a video message from Pastor Phil McCallum.