Ok…
So here is my confession.
I absolutely, 100%, hate family devotions.
Yep, I know that saying this will banish me to a life of hell, flames and gnashing of teeth…but I’m just not a family devotional kind of a guy.
I feel like MY family devo’s are forced. I know their boring.
Honestly, I think my boys had rather get shot in the privates with a paint ball gun that sit through one of dad’s 2 point, point proving, sit your butt down and listen devotionals!!?!
There are seasons when we feel God is calling us to teach in this format, but it just doesn’t fit Team Sprad very well.
Does anyone else feel the same way? Or am I way out on a limb here?
So…
Jodie and I just don’t do family devo’s very much!! We believe that Jesus is more interested in our devotion that he is our devotions.
So instead of devos, this fall Team Sprad is focusing on these 5 THINGS as a tool to teach our kids about Jesus…
Click on all 5 links to get the whole scoop!!
- The Story: The Story is an innovative Bible that tells the stories of the Bible in a chronological flow. Team Sprad is taking the next few months to teach our kids the outrageous, faith filled, life changing stories of the Bible. We don’t plan on sitting down and having family devo’s to do this, but Jodie and I will empower our kids to read and journal on their own.
- Chia Shrek: This fall Team Sprad plans on using Chia-Shrek theology to invest in the spiritual life of our kids.
- 5 Minute Moments: Take 5 minutes and see God supernaturally transform your daughter’s life.
- You’re Not Enough: This is next level parenting stuff, MUST READ.
- 10 Questions: These 10 questions will tear down the awkward communication barriers between you and your kids.
Do you struggle with having family devotions? Do you hate having family devotions? Do you feel like they are ineffective? Leave a comment and let me know what you think?
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Wow Sprad hit it right on the head. As a houseparent at a christian kids home, with 10 kids at a time in your house, I know the feeling. Devos are filled with awkward silence, nodding of heads, which are not in agreement with me. Found watching a podcast of lifechurch and basically like having a small group with my kids about it after works the best.
We watched the LifeChurch.tv Samson podcast a while back…it was perfect!
Yes, you hit it on the head Chris. I’ve always tried to find the right time and right content to captivate and teach my kiddos. Some have somewhat worked and others, not at all. Also, it all just depends on the mood and attention span of my kiddos. I find that the impromptu discussions about life and faith seem to be way more valuable and impacting. I just need to be more intentional in investing in those “teachable moments”.
Enjoying your words bro, keep it up.
great stuff Kasey. impromptu times are key. As well as partnering w/ God on the deal. When is he working in our kids’ heart. I believe if we begin to pray and listen for those moments…He will guide us.
I’m with Kasey – those impromptu moments are the best!! Most of the time it’s something that’s happened in “life” and pairing it up with God’s truth. Those are better than any “planned” devo, in my opinion.
totally agree Lori!
We do enjoy doing family devos, but don’t do them regularly (I do better once we are back in school mode and as a whole family we are hit and miss). Mainly we keep them short, simple, and have good snacks.
the key is that you guys are investing spiritually. I know this is your primary focus as parents!
I don’t think I do devotions. We are much more go with the flow and talk as we go about our daily business about life, values, the universe.
Naomi, what was your spiritual upbringing?
I have a daughter who doesn’t do well with sitting and learning. She needs hands on learning lessons. This is why I homeschool her. Then there is my son who begs for devotional time and applies everything he learns to his life. Then my youngest son asks the off subject disruptive questions just to get a laugh. Yes, it is a big ordeal and I usually end up a little frustrated at the end. This was a huge relief to hear you say this and thanks for your honesty. Great ideas!!
Thanks for stopping by Carley…I give you permission to stop doing devotions.
This made me laugh to read…thanks! It is exactly how I feel about staff devotions every morning. A lot of the time is feels forced and when I am in charge (like this week coming up…tomorrow!) it is definitely forced, awkward and BORING! I still need something to talk about to my staff tomorrow morning though! Thanks for the much needed distraction!