This episode, we dive into the opening chapters of the Bible and talk about the creation narrative in Genesis 1-3. These chapters are so foundational, not only to understanding the Bible but to understanding God Himself. Our origin story is crucial because it frames and sets the tone for every other story that follows. We are going to look and see how God brings order out of chaos, what it means to be made in His image, and how the fall in Genesis 3 points us to redemption. 

 So, whether you’ve read Genesis 1-3 a hundred times or are hearing it for the first time today, we pray this conversation deepens your understanding of who God is, what He had done, and His plans for His creation. 

Season 4?! How is that possible? This season we're going to walk through well known Bible passages and build on the foundation that we laid in Season 1 when we studied the attributes of God. But first, we wanted to kick off this new year and new season with a discussion about abiding in Christ. Join us as we look in 1 John and see what John (and Jesus) has to say about living a fruitful and thriving life. 

Read: John 15:1-11, John 16:16-24, Luke 2:1-20

Sing: Silent Night

Family Time: 

1. Draw or paint what you think Jesus’ return might look like. 
2. Spend time outside watching the clouds. The Bible tells us He will return, coming out of the clouds. Spend time imagining what Jesus’ return will look like and pray for Him to return soon. 

Questions to Consider:
Do you ever feel like you are unworthy to receive the love of God? What can you do to remind yourself of the truth about His love for you? 

How might your day look different if you truly believed you were a recipient of the love of God? What are some ways you can respond to Him in love? 

Do you tend to get stuck thinking of love as just a feeling? How can you shift love from being a thought in your head or feeling in your heart to tangible actions with your hands? 

Read: 1 John 4

Sing: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

Family Time: 

1. Continue making your nativity set. This week, create shepherds and angel pieces and add them to the set. 
2. Make a Christmas card for someone who does not love and trust Jesus. Wish them a merry Christmas and tell them that Jesus showed His love on the cross as He came to save sinners! 
3. Play hide-and-seek and talk about how Jesus came to seek and save the lost. Thank God for sending Jesus. 

Read: Luke 1:26-28, Isaiah 7:14, Luke 2:8-14, Ephesians 2:14-16,Colossians 3:12-17

Sing: Away in a Manger

Family Time: 

1. Continue making your nativity set. This week, create the baby Jesus piece and add it to the set. 
2. Draw or paint what you think the night sky might have looked like when the angels appeared to the shepherds. 
3. When you see Christmas lights, talk about which lights and houses are your favorites and why. We are attracted to lights because we are made for the Light. Talk with your children about how these lights remind us of Jesus, the best and perfect Light of the World. 

Questions to Consider:

• Think through the Story of Scripture. List some of the different ways that we see “God with us” throughout the Bible. 
• Think about a time when your life wasn’t peaceful. Where did you seek comfort? 
• Why does the Advent season bring peace to those who believe in Jesus? 

Read: Genesis 3, Exodus 3:7-22, Mark 13:32-37, Isaiah 9:1-7,

Sing: COME, THOU LONG-EXPECTED JESUS

Family Time: 

1. Create an Advent wreath to use throughout the Advent season. 
2. Create a nativity scene to use throughout the Advent season. If you would like to make this activity last the entire season, consider creating just the stable, animals, and Mary and Joseph this week. 

Questions to consider:

• Read Genesis 3. How does beginning the Advent story here instead of the New Testament change your perspective as we enter this season? 
• Where we put our hope ultimately matters. Are there people, things, or circumstances you are putting your hope in right now instead of in Christ? 
• How does the hope and longing we experience as we wait for Christmas day prepare our hearts as we hope and long for Jesus’ return? 

This episode is all about Thanksgiving (maybe a little Advent)! 

We are not called just to give thanks during certain seasons. God calls us to give thanks in everything in Christ Jesus. In this episode, we will look at Psalms 100 and the call to action that is given to the believer. May our lives be marked by thankfulness each and every day and not just a few short months a year. God is worthy of all our praise and thanksgiving now and forever!

Learn Psalms 100 through song!

Enter His Gates (Psalms 100) - The Village Kids


" Gratitude" by Genavieve Linkowski  

Today's episode is a little different. Shanna had the opportunity to speak at Hope Church Women's In Word and In Deed Conference. All throughout Scripture we see a God pursuing His people to dwell with them because He delights in them. The people of God are meant for the presence of God. We hope this episode stirs your affection for your Creator  - because He delights in you. 

Shanna and Kristen are joined by special guest Jani Ortlund. We had the privilege of chatting with Jani about marriage, family discipleship, and the importance of passing on a legacy of faith to future generations. Jani shares so much wisdom in this episode. We know that whatever stage of life you are in, you will be encouraged and reminded of what God can do generationally through your family.   

Books Mentioned In This Episode:

To the Tenth Generation

Your Family is God’s Plan

Jani's Podcast
He Restores My Soul

Jani's Website
Renewal Ministries

On today’s episode, we are discussing the glory of God. We hear a lot about the glory of God. We often say, “God is working all things together for His own glory” or “Glorify God in everything you do”. These are all true and important statements! But what exactly is the glory of God? Why is His glory a big deal? These are valid questions. We will even confront the natural objection that people may have: if God’s after His own glory, does that mean He’s self-centered? How is that a good thing for us? We hope this conversation helps you understand that it is only right for God to be after His own glory and that His self-glorification is actually a means to true joy and delight for us.

Pourover news
The Overcomers Book