Parenting Through Turbulent Waters

June 20/21, 2015



If you're a parent, did you truly understand what you were getting into when you're first child was born? The depth of love that surfaces when holding your child for the first time. The total inadequacy in caring for your little one who can't tell you exactly what's bothering him/her and only cries for help. Then there are the late nights, never ending diapers, exhaustion, tag team dinners, potty training, the stomach flu, and so many other challenges. Not to mention experiencing life for the first time again through the eyes of your child, thousands of hugs, playtime, cuddling. Joy. Laughter. And always the love that spontaneously erupts like a geyser that surprises us and takes our breath away. 

Kids grow up though and begin to pull away from us. That's totally normal and how God designed us. Most come through adolescence with a few scars from friends or poor choices. But some kids have medical issues that are overwhelming. And then there are kids who've made seriously bad choices with seriously bad consequences. And sometimes there are kids who seem to walk away from their faith. It breaks your heart, and sometimes even stops your world. How do you get through those times? Those terrifying turbulent waters?

READ John 17; Acts 2:42
The Trinity is all about relationship and the unity of the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. The relational makeup of God Himself provides an example of how we are to be in relationship with Him and with others. He invites us, all together, to be in community with Him. This community becomes our anchor in the storms of life. DISCUSS with your group how community has been helpful to you in hard times. Who was there to give you encouragement? Who was praying for you? Who helped you keep your head above water? How have you been a source of strength for your friends and family?

TALK about how you've communicated through the turbulent waters of parenting. Did you talk to God about what you're going through? Did you go it alone? Did you isolate yourself? Did you try to educate yourself or see these challenges from another person's perspective? Did you open up to those closest to you? Your spouse? Your kids? Did you find friends to lean on and get insight from? THINK about how you responded to adversity.

READ John 16:33

There's something comforting and disconcerting both about this verse. We hear from God that we WILL have trouble. *sigh*   And at the same time He shares His peace with us. We are to take heart, to have courage, and in those words we find comfort. SPEND some time talking about your fears. Are you afraid of the future? Of failure? Of weakness? 

Christ's strength comes in acknowledging Him as our leader. Whew! We don't have to carry the responsibility of our kids alone! We also get strength by staying in the scriptures and in prayer. Again, this goes back to being in community with God. He is more than willing to impart His wisdom and peace. There's also strength in loving others as God loves. We can find joy in taking our focus off of our situations and helping those in need. REFLECT on how you've found strength in Christ during times of trouble. SHARE with your small group. Maybe something that's worked for you will inspire others.

READ Luke 22:31-32

What are your first thoughts about this passage? PICK it apart, phrase by phrase, and consider what it means for your own families. PRAY together for your family members in a strategic and specific way.

Small group study guides will be taking a break for the summer. 

We hope your small group takes time to gather 

and enjoy the weather and summer activities. 

You'll find them online again in August after SPLASH.

next steps

     worship

FIND a scripture verse for your own family that inspires courage and hope. DISCUSS it together, and POST it in a place in your home where you can all be reminded of God's encouragement for you.

There will be NO WORSHIP SERVICE on Saturday, July 4. Enjoy the holiday with your family and friends!

     belong

J.ust O.lder Y.outh aka J.O.Y. Connect (for individuals 50+) are getting together on Sunday, June 28 @ 12:15pm on the patio outside the JW kitchen for a picnic lunch and then a walk through the prayer garden and trails. Contact Paula Downie with questions at 715.829.7712 or   bpdownie@att.net.

     grow

How will I face life without my loved one? GriefShare is a video-based small group for those grieving the death of a family member or close friend. We’ll hear from Christian counselors and experts as we discover God’s path to healing. TUESDAY, June 30 @4:30-6:30pm in the Fireside Room. Cost is $20 for materials. Amy Polzin can answer any questions you may have. 405.210.6967 amypb7777@hotmail.com

Financial Peace University starts July 12. Invest 9 weeks to learn God’s way of handling money. No matter what your finances look like, FPU is a Biblically-based and proven plan that will set you up for success! Starts Sunday, July 12, 6:30pm at Jacob’s Well. No childcare. Cost to be determined. Contact Chris Hasenberg 715.829.2469 chrishasenberg@gmail.com

Is baptism your next step? Sign up online for SPLASH 2015 coming on August 9.

• NEXT STEPS BAPTISM CLASS – Saturday, August 1 @6:30pm & Sunday, August 2 @12:15pm in the North Venue 
• 2015 SPLASH! – August 9 @10am at the Jacob’s Well campus this year!

     serve

Would you like to be a part of the weekend services? JW Tech Team is looking for media, sound, and camera operators. No experience required. Contact Syd Matthes 715.833.2050 syd@jacobswellec.org

     share

Join us in prayer for these teams as they go and share their story & God’s story.

• NPH Honduras Orphanage. June 21-29 
• JW Middle School Local Impact. June 22-26 
• Builders for Christ in Kansas. June 21-28 
• JW High School with Kaleo Missions in Minneapolis. June 21-26 
• Kaylan Altmann with Maria’s Big House of Hope in China. June 19-28 

Catholic Charities is hosting a FREE summer pool party for all foster/adoptive families at Fairfax Pool in Eau Claire on Sunday, June 28 @6-8pm. RSVP to Anne Rozeboom 715.832.6644 arozeboom@cclse.org

The 8th Annual Just Us Run/Walk to end human trafficking and slavery will be held at Carson Park in Eau Claire on Wednesday, July 22 with the first run beginning at 6pm. Register online at www.cvjusticerun.org. Funds support the International Justice Mission and Fierce Freedom.