I remember a conversation I had with my dad when I was very young - probably 3rd or 4th grade. We were talking about what I wanted to be when I grew up and I listed the usual culprits - a cowboy, an NBA player, and one or two other options. Then, almost out of nowhere, I mentioned the possibility of being a preacher.
I had yet to surrender to ministry at that point, and I really wasn't at a point where I understood my relationship with God fully, but I remember my reasoning: It must be nice to get paid to read the Bible all day.
Here I am, a few decades down the road, and let me tell you: that's not exactly what I do now. In fact, reading scripture, if I'm not careful, is a work project more than a transformational moment. I often find myself not reading scripture at all, except at church. Can you relate?
As a church, we've been reading through the New Testament, Psalms and Proverbs. (You can grab a booklet with readings at the church office, or find the month to month list in the TSM App.) And do you know one of the greatest benefits has been? Our family has been reading through together, and we share a verse in our group text each day.
This gives us two main benefits: 1) We get to hold each other accountable to having read for the day. This can be tricky, because we (mostly me) don't all always share every day, but that's okay! And 2) We get to see what verses resonate with each other. Sometimes the same verse gets shared, but often it's four unique verses.
I don't know what your Bible reading habit looks like, and I honestly hope you're addicted to scripture. But if you're looking for a place to start, or maybe to take a next step, let me encourage you to experiment with a few options. We've been talking the past few weeks about developing spiritual HABITS that will help us grow, and this is a great opportunity for you start/restart/continue something with your family, or with a group of friends. You never know what you might pick up along the way. And feel free to share any wins that you see! I would love to celebrate with you!
It's been a while since I've said this, but YOU are the greatest influence in your child's faith. I love what I get to do, but at the end of the day, YOU are the one who sets the bar. You can do this.
Finally, We had a great response of kids signing up for Camp. Our VIP window is closed, but we still have plenty of room. If you haven't signed up, please do so by clicking the link below.
One of the things we talk about each year is developing HABITS that help us grow closer to God. I believe with all of my heart we take small steps toward God that lead to big change, and HABITS provide a framework to do just that. Here's what the HABITS stand for:
H - Hanging Out with God
A - Accountability
B - Bible Memorization
I - Involvement with the Body
T - Tithing
S - Sharing Your Story
All six of these HABITS have the potential to help us take a next step in our faith. Find some time this week to share some of the spiritual habits you have.
Here's a Resource for You!
Each month we make available our CPYU Parent page filled with helpful articles and discussions. Be sure to check it out below!
What's Next?
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Dominican Republic Mission Trip - June 1-8
Youth Camp 2024 - July 15-19
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Trinity Student Ministry
Summer Weekly Schedule
Wednesdays in the Refinery:
Hang out Time @ 5:30pm
TSM Wednesday @ 6pm
Sundays for Students:
Worship @ 8:30am, 9:45am, or 11am
Bible Study @ 11am