What if....

What if the family talked? This is a silly question, I mean it's a no brainier right? Of course the family talks and communicates. Without communication how will the family know who is picking up the kids? Or how will they know what the dinner plans are? Who would be teaching the kids morals and values, and how would they learn them? The value of your answer to this "what if" question lies in the "what about". Let me explain. We know that "the family" communicates on some level, but what is the family communicating about? There is no right or wrong answer because most, if not all functional families love and cherish each other, and fosters some dialogue on a daily basis. I want to share one area of communication that Valley Next Gen Ministries is assisting parents with so they can become the main spiritual influence of their childrens lives:

1. Yak Paks! Every month we provide families with this simple tool that explains what your children are being taught at every level in Next Gen Ministries.
2. Use the information in the Yak Pak to talk about the bible and your faith anytime, anywhere! Deuteronomy 6:5-9 tells us that it is not some rigid, legalistic ritual that you have to do, but simply a way of life! And the best part is, every child is learning the same thing in every class and at Awana! What a way to reinforce what they heard at church.
3. Take an opportunity to do a family activity. Families bond when they spend time together. This may be difficult with sports and other activities, as families may be going in different directions, but it is well worth your time to spend time together weekly. You can try the suggested activity in the Yak Pak or you may  think of your own. Our hope is that time is taken to be together and have fun.
4. Grow up and mature together as a family! The current curriculum that we use will take you through the bible in three years. To help your kids understand the Old Testament as a whole, learners explore it chronologically during the summer and fall quarters. Then winter and spring quarter lessons focus on the New Testament.

Think of the results we could have when we partner together like this! What if....... ?