FAMILY MINISTRIES-Seventh-Day Adventist Church-Scotland

Family Snippet - JULY 2007

Family Snippet – Nobody’s Fault

I found this devotional on www.crosswalk.com called ‘Moments Together for Couples’

Nobody's Fault

Genesis 3:12
And the man said, "The woman whom Thou gavest to be with me, she gave me from the tree, and I ate."

Although we technically have six children in our family, occasionally we are visited by a seventh child called "Nobody." Nobody spills apple juice, jelly and peanut butter on the floor and then walks off and leaves it-presumably to let it grow. Nobody leaves doors wide open during the fiercest heat wave in the summer and when the wintry winds are whistling.

The interesting thing about Nobody is that he never gets credit for beds made and rooms that are picked up. But when games, toys and dishes are strewn all over the living room floor, Nobody gets the blame, receiving full accusations by six kids. "Nobody did it." Barbara and I would probably discipline Nobody if we could ever catch him.

In Genesis, Adam tries to avoid his responsibility by blaming Eve for eating from the forbidden tree. In fact, He even seems to insinuate that perhaps God is at fault for giving him Eve as a mate!

Adam and our invisible child, Nobody, are reflections of the irresponsibility of many people in our society. They want to clarify their "rights," but when accountability and responsibility come knocking, they flee for the back door.

The kids of this culture aren't being told there are consequences for their wrong choices. Undoubtedly some of them eventually find themselves in a jail cell, puzzled that we still have some laws that do hold us accountable for our actions.

Let me suggest that you and your mate model a different message. When you have a conflict, quarrel or disagreement, take responsibility for resolving it. When you make a mistake, admit it-even if it isn't all your fault. Instead of finding a flaw in your spouse's argument and blaming him or her, take responsibility and say you're sorry. I am confident that you don't want to be married to "Nobody."

Prayer:

Ask God to help you resist the tendency to blame others, and be responsible and accountable to God and your mate for your life.

Discuss: Does anyone called "Nobody" live at your home? How have you noticed a tendency, in your own life, to deny you're at fault? How can you encourage your children to take responsibility for their own actions?

God’s blessings to you.

Family Snippet - August 2007

Family Snippet – August 2007

Two things I wish to share with you this time An invitation and a principle.

‘Care For the Family Event – ‘Teenage Years – Help for Parents’

‘Care For The Family’ is a successful national Christian charity committed to helping families. Rob Parsons is its founder, along with his wife, who are burdened by the needs and struggles families face today. Including other national speakers and contributors ‘Care For The Family’ run numerous events throughout the year targeting various needs families and couples face today. I attended at least two of these events and was blessed by them. In fact one of these events introduced me to a course for married couples which I shared at our church and resulted in positive responses from those who attended.

One of these events will be hosted by Rob Parsons, and is entitled ‘Teenagers! What Every Parent Has to Know.’ Rob plans to explore issues that parents of teenagers face, like, understanding what is going on your child’s brain, keys for dealing with the really testing teenager, dealing with the big issues like sex, drugs, self esteem an the like, why it is hard for today’s teenager. This unique event will happen on 1 October 2007 at The General Assembly Hall,

University

of

Edinburgh

, from 7:30pm – 10:00 pm. There is a charge for the event, but a free copy of Rob’s book with the same title will be given to every household who attends.

Maybe you are a parent to a teenager, or maybe you are a parent like me to a child who will one day be a teenager. If you are interested you can view a video introduction of Rob’s presentation on www.careforthefamily.org.uk/teenagers. Details will also be posted on www.smfamilymin.typepad.com 

or you can call 0290 2081 0800 and book your place. If you need information about the venue or possible transport arrangements, call me on 01698821617 or 07737407754.

Now, for an important principle I learned from my window.

The Kingdom for Little Children

My son Matthew likes to plays in the garden and is often joined by two other friends from the neighbourhood. From my office I can see my garden, where I am able to keep an eye on them. So many times I am intrigued by what these 7-8 year olds get up to. What amuses me most is the imagination that they have which brings out a creativity in them that is second to none.

Today was one of those beautiful summer days and of course attracted these juniors outside and to our garden. After playing for a while I heard someone crying. Thinking that one of them got hurt I ran out, only to see the oldest of the three in tears while walking across to his home with his toys in his hands. I of course confronted the remnant and enquired about what caused the sudden upset. After getting their views I discovered that one of them was mean to the retreating lad. As a result he promised to go home and vowed not to play with the rest ever again.

As a good father and pastor ought to be I encouraged them to play nice with each other and returned to my work leaving the two to continue their playing. After 2 minutes; I am sure not more than that; I saw the important principle in action. The retreating lad was back in my garden, playing with the remnant as if no meanness ever happened that afternoon. I sat looking at them for a while trying to work out what just happened. It was then that I was reminded of the thought of Jesus: ‘unless we become like little children, we will never enter the

kingdom

of

God

’ “Thank you Lord”, I said, “Thank you for allowing a little humble and forgiving child to teach me again”.