refocus on family

ReFocus on FamilySeptember 23, 2012

Refocused on Christ

Refocused on ChristRefocused on Priorities

Refocused on ChristRefocused on PrioritiesRefocused on Attitude

Refocused on ChristRefocused on PrioritiesRefocused on AttitudeRefocus on Family

Did You Know?Fifty to 65% of first marriages end within the first 15 years.

About 40 % of children who do not live with their biological father have not seen him during the past 12 months; more than half of them have never been in his home and 26% of those fathers live in a different state than their children.*

According to 2011 U.S. Census Bureau data, over 24 million children live apart from their biological fathers. That is 1 out of every 3 (33%) children in America. Nearly 2 in 3 (64%) African American children live in father-absent homes. One in three (34%) Hispanic children, and 1 in 4 (25%) white children live in father-absent homes. In 1960, only 11% of children lived in father-absent homes.

The Family is In Trouble

What is the problem?

We are Out of Focus

We have Cataracts

What is a cataract?A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye that affects vision.

What are some things that make us out of focus? 4 Cataracts

• Cataract #1 – Disrespect

What are some things that make us out of focus? 4 Cataracts

• Cataract #1 – Disrespect• Cataract #2 – Apathy

What are some things that make us out of focus? 4 Cataracts

• Cataract #1 – Disrespect• Cataract #2 – Apathy• Cataract #3 – Selfishness

What are some things that make us out of focus? 4 Cataracts

• Cataract #1 – Disrespect• Cataract #2 – Apathy• Cataract #3 – Selfishness• Cataract #4 – Pride

How do we stop the Cataracts?•Follow Biblical Principles•Ephesians 6:4; Deut. 6:1-9;

How do we stop the Cataracts?•Allow the home to be a safe place

How do we stop the Cataracts?•Allow the home to be a safe place•Adjust your schedules

How do we stop the Cataracts?•Make following Christ a priority

THE TOP 10 WAYS TO TURN OFF YOUR KIDS TO CHURCH

THE TOP 10 WAYS TO TURN OFF YOUR KIDS TO CHURCH

10. Schedule personal or family events to conflict with church services and activities.

THE TOP 10 WAYS TO TURN OFF YOUR KIDS TO CHURCH

10. Schedule personal or family events to conflict with church services and activities.

9. Don’t get too close to anyone in church. Refrain from developing relationships with Christians lest your children learn the joy and benefits of fellowship with other believers.

THE TOP 10 WAYS TO TURN OFF YOUR KIDS TO CHURCH

8. Look often at your watch during worship and complain bitterly, look annoyed, or freak out when church lasts longer than you think it should.

THE TOP 10 WAYS TO TURN OFF YOUR KIDS TO CHURCH

8. Look often at your watch during worship and complain bitterly, look annoyed, or freak out when church lasts longer than you think it should.

7. Tithe and financially support your church and its missions with the same enthusiasm you pay taxes.

THE TOP 10 WAYS TO TURN OFF YOUR KIDS TO CHURCH

6. Do the best you can to make sure the kids arrive on time to soccer lessons and school events, but don’t worry if they miss or are late to church.

5. Bring your family to church only when a.) you have nothing better to do; b.) you have a personal need; c.) you feel really guilty.

THE TOP 10 WAYS TO TURN OFF YOUR KIDS TO CHURCH

4. Don’t volunteer for anything or make any kind of long term commitment at church. Remember, you’ve got to keep your options open to do things that are more important.

3. Change churches every few years.

THE TOP 10 WAYS TO TURN OFF YOUR KIDS TO CHURCH

2. Remind your kids how imperfect your church leaders are and regularly point out their mistakes.

1. And whatever you do, don’t let church influence the way you live your life.

How do we stop the Cataracts?•Make following Christ a priority•Make boundaries •Parents for Children not children for Parents

How do we stop the Cataracts?• Involve yourself in each others lives

How do we stop the Cataracts?• Involve yourself in each others lives• Initiate conversations about important issues

How do we stop the Cataracts?•Learn always •Love unconditionally •Listen earnestly

How do we stop the Cataracts?•Yield

F Follow

F Follow

A Allow and adjust

F Follow

A Allow and adjust

M Make

F Follow

A Allow and adjust

M Make

I Involve and initiate

F Follow

A Allow and adjust

M Make

I Involve and initiate

L Lear, Love and Listen

F Follow

A Allow and adjust

M Make

I Involve and initiate

L Learn, Love and Listen

Y Yield