Family Discipleship for Busy Families

Well, good afternoon everyone. Great to Well, good afternoon everyone. Great to be with you. Welcome to this session. be with you. Welcome to this session. be with you. Welcome to this session. Melissa and I are so excited to talk to Melissa and I are so excited to talk to Melissa and I are so excited to talk to you guys about the good news family you guys about the good news family you guys about the good news family devotional and about family devotionals devotional and about family devotionals devotional and about family devotionals in general. I know all of you are in general. I know all of you are in general. I know all of you are thinking, "I'm going to go to one thinking, "I'm going to go to one thinking, "I'm going to go to one session and you're going to fix all my session and you're going to fix all my session and you're going to fix all my family problems family problems family problems in 45 minutes." We will do our best to in 45 minutes." We will do our best to in 45 minutes." We will do our best to do that, but we will fail miserably, I do that, but we will fail miserably, I do that, but we will fail miserably, I promise. promise. promise. So, we're thrilled to be here. You know So, we're thrilled to be here. You know So, we're thrilled to be here. You know my wife, Melissa Kruger. She needs no my wife, Melissa Kruger. She needs no my wife, Melissa Kruger. She needs no introduction. I've been introducing introduction. I've been introducing introduction. I've been introducing myself this week as Melissa Kruger's myself this week as Melissa Kruger's myself this week as Melissa Kruger's husband. husband. husband. Um and um just thrilled to be with you Um and um just thrilled to be with you Um and um just thrilled to be with you to talk about this new book. And it's to talk about this new book. And it's to talk about this new book. And it's fun to be back on the stage with fun to be back on the stage with fun to be back on the stage with Melissa. How are you? Melissa. How are you? Melissa. How are you? Yeah. You got Is yours on? Yeah. You got Is yours on? Yeah. You got Is yours on? Sc- Scoop it up. Sc- Scoop it up. Sc- Scoop it up. >> Now? >> Now? >> Now? >> There you go. Yes. We never >> There you go. Yes. We never >> There you go. Yes. We never I'm good. I know, we never see each I'm good. I know, we never see each I'm good. I know, we never see each other. We're Can we ca- We're going to other. We're Can we ca- We're going to other. We're Can we ca- We're going to catch up for a minute if that's okay? catch up for a minute if that's okay? catch up for a minute if that's okay? >> How's Gus? >> How's Gus? >> How's Gus? >> Oh, he's good. Yeah, dog's doing fine. >> Oh, he's good. Yeah, dog's doing fine. >> Oh, he's good. Yeah, dog's doing fine. Um Um Um Actually, all joking aside, this is a Actually, all joking aside, this is a Actually, all joking aside, this is a little bit of the story of our life. little bit of the story of our life. little bit of the story of our life. Like when we see each other in these Like when we see each other in these Like when we see each other in these events, we're here or there, and then events, we're here or there, and then events, we're here or there, and then like we get together, I'm like, "I see like we get together, I'm like, "I see like we get together, I'm like, "I see her more on the stage than I do her more on the stage than I do her more on the stage than I do sometimes other places that we're busy."

sometimes other places that we're busy." sometimes other places that we're busy." But actually, that's the theme of our But actually, that's the theme of our But actually, that's the theme of our meeting today, meeting today, meeting today, which is what do you do when you have a which is what do you do when you have a which is what do you do when you have a busy life, and you have a family, and busy life, and you have a family, and busy life, and you have a family, and you have kids, but you still want to get you have kids, but you still want to get you have kids, but you still want to get in the word of God with them on a in the word of God with them on a in the word of God with them on a regular basis? How do you manage that regular basis? How do you manage that regular basis? How do you manage that complicated life? Well, I think we can complicated life? Well, I think we can complicated life? Well, I think we can say that we've been down that road. And say that we've been down that road. And say that we've been down that road. And in in in we all know it's not an easy in in in we all know it's not an easy in in in we all know it's not an easy road. road. road. Um but we look back with a great deal of Um but we look back with a great deal of Um but we look back with a great deal of thankfulness and just want to share a thankfulness and just want to share a thankfulness and just want to share a little bit with you guys what we're little bit with you guys what we're little bit with you guys what we're learning and and have learned about that learning and and have learned about that learning and and have learned about that over the years and why we're excited over the years and why we're excited over the years and why we're excited about this new book we have coming out, about this new book we have coming out, about this new book we have coming out, the good news family devotional, which the good news family devotional, which the good news family devotional, which we'll say a little bit more about later. we'll say a little bit more about later. we'll say a little bit more about later. Um and and why we think that hopefully Um and and why we think that hopefully Um and and why we think that hopefully can be a great tool to help you navigate can be a great tool to help you navigate can be a great tool to help you navigate the very things that we had to navigate. the very things that we had to navigate. the very things that we had to navigate. So, let's start with just family and So, let's start with just family and So, let's start with just family and kids. And Melissa, I'll I'll have you kids. And Melissa, I'll I'll have you kids. And Melissa, I'll I'll have you introduce them. Say something about our introduce them. Say something about our introduce them. Say something about our family and our kids. family and our kids. family and our kids. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Um we have three kids. Um we have three kids. Um we have three kids. So, Emma is 25. Um, she's our oldest. So, Emma is 25. Um, she's our oldest. So, Emma is 25. Um, she's our oldest. She's married and she is serving in She's married and she is serving in She's married and she is serving in Southeast Asia right now on the mission Southeast Asia right now on the mission Southeast Asia right now on the mission field.

field. field. Literally, to get to her we could go Literally, to get to her we could go Literally, to get to her we could go either way. And so we're like, ah. either way. And so we're like, ah. either way. And so we're like, ah. Man, it's really far. Man, it's really far. Man, it's really far. And then our son just graduated And then our son just graduated And then our son just graduated from college. He is in aerospace from college. He is in aerospace from college. He is in aerospace engineering. Um, so hopefully he'll make engineering. Um, so hopefully he'll make engineering. Um, so hopefully he'll make a rocket so it'll be quicker to get to a rocket so it'll be quicker to get to a rocket so it'll be quicker to get to where our daughter is. where our daughter is. where our daughter is. >> Exactly. I'm banking on that. He's the >> Exactly. I'm banking on that. He's the >> Exactly. I'm banking on that. He's the only one in our family that's going to only one in our family that's going to only one in our family that's going to ever make any money. So, we're hopefully ever make any money. So, we're hopefully ever make any money. So, we're hopefully that that that So, as we have teachers, missionaries, So, as we have teachers, missionaries, So, as we have teachers, missionaries, pastors. pastors. pastors. Clearly we didn't take any financial Clearly we didn't take any financial Clearly we didn't take any financial classes. We're not going to write a book classes. We're not going to write a book classes. We're not going to write a book on finances in case you're wondering. on finances in case you're wondering. on finances in case you're wondering. >> And then our youngest just finished her >> And then our youngest just finished her >> And then our youngest just finished her freshman year in college. So, we have freshman year in college. So, we have freshman year in college. So, we have been empty nesting for a year. So, we've been empty nesting for a year. So, we've been empty nesting for a year. So, we've just Yeah, so that's the stage of life just Yeah, so that's the stage of life just Yeah, so that's the stage of life we're at. we're at. we're at. >> asked us the other day, "What's it like >> asked us the other day, "What's it like >> asked us the other day, "What's it like to be empty nesters?" And I'm like, "I to be empty nesters?" And I'm like, "I to be empty nesters?" And I'm like, "I don't know. We're never home. We don't don't know. We're never home. We don't don't know. We're never home. We don't know what this nest thing is like." know what this nest thing is like." know what this nest thing is like." Can't wait to experience it 10 years Can't wait to experience it 10 years Can't wait to experience it 10 years from now. So. from now. So. from now. So. Um, when you think back to life with our Um, when you think back to life with our Um, when you think back to life with our young kids, that seems like a long time young kids, that seems like a long time young kids, that seems like a long time ago, doesn't it? What are What are some ago, doesn't it? What are What are some ago, doesn't it? What are What are some of the memories that stand out to you of the memories that stand out to you of the memories that stand out to you when you think about little when you think about little when you think about little pitter-patter feet running around and pitter-patter feet running around and pitter-patter feet running around and us trying to get them in the word of God us trying to get them in the word of God us trying to get them in the word of God as little kids.

as little kids. as little kids. >> Yeah. I think >> Yeah. I think >> Yeah. I think you know what gosh, I just I think um you know what gosh, I just I think um you know what gosh, I just I think um it was just so simple. It's It's not it was just so simple. It's It's not it was just so simple. It's It's not complicated, hard to do often. But when complicated, hard to do often. But when complicated, hard to do often. But when I when I think about just times together I when I think about just times together I when I think about just times together as a family, it was just daily being as a family, it was just daily being as a family, it was just daily being together. And And here's what I kind of together. And And here's what I kind of together. And And here's what I kind of hate. hate. hate. We We were parenting I'm actually very We We were parenting I'm actually very We We were parenting I'm actually very thankful. We were parenting in the day thankful. We were parenting in the day thankful. We were parenting in the day before the iPhone. But what it means is before the iPhone. But what it means is before the iPhone. But what it means is we have video footage of things like um, we have video footage of things like um, we have video footage of things like um, ballet recitals that were boring the ballet recitals that were boring the ballet recitals that were boring the first time I saw it. And now in some first time I saw it. And now in some first time I saw it. And now in some ways that's what we have these memories ways that's what we have these memories ways that's what we have these memories of, but we don't have a lot of the of, but we don't have a lot of the of, but we don't have a lot of the everyday things. everyday things. everyday things. >> Cuz you didn't have phones >> Cuz you didn't have phones >> Cuz you didn't have phones >> Cuz you didn't have phones to just do >> Cuz you didn't have phones to just do >> Cuz you didn't have phones to just do it. Yeah, who's going to haul out a big it. Yeah, who's going to haul out a big it. Yeah, who's going to haul out a big VHS video camera and be like, "Okay, I'm VHS video camera and be like, "Okay, I'm VHS video camera and be like, "Okay, I'm going to I'm going to videotape, you going to I'm going to videotape, you going to I'm going to videotape, you know, just dinner and just being know, just dinner and just being know, just dinner and just being together." But I think when I really together." But I think when I really together." But I think when I really think back on it, those were some of my think back on it, those were some of my think back on it, those were some of my happiest times of just being at the happiest times of just being at the happiest times of just being at the table with the kids, talking about life, table with the kids, talking about life, table with the kids, talking about life, and they were really happy. It wasn't and they were really happy. It wasn't and they were really happy. It wasn't miserable. I mean, sometimes you think miserable. I mean, sometimes you think miserable. I mean, sometimes you think about, you know, I mean, now, look, I about, you know, I mean, now, look, I about, you know, I mean, now, look, I mean, there were things that happened mean, there were things that happened mean, there were things that happened that were would make any family that were would make any family that were would make any family frustrated or whatever. I'm sure kids frustrated or whatever. I'm sure kids frustrated or whatever. I'm sure kids were throwing food on the floor and all were throwing food on the floor and all were throwing food on the floor and all that. But just the joy of being together that. But just the joy of being together that. But just the joy of being together as a family. I don't know. What do you as a family. I don't know. What do you as a family. I don't know. What do you What would you say?

What would you say? What would you say? >> No, I I think about that. I think we >> No, I I think about that. I think we >> No, I I think about that. I think we also are speaking a little bit of with also are speaking a little bit of with also are speaking a little bit of with the nostalgia of parents with kids out the nostalgia of parents with kids out the nostalgia of parents with kids out of the home. We're like, "Oh, of the home. We're like, "Oh, of the home. We're like, "Oh, when they were all here, it was when they were all here, it was when they were all here, it was perfect." perfect." perfect." No, it wasn't. And I'm sure if we could No, it wasn't. And I'm sure if we could No, it wasn't. And I'm sure if we could go back, and we'd be saying, "I can't go back, and we'd be saying, "I can't go back, and we'd be saying, "I can't wait till they leave." Um wait till they leave." Um wait till they leave." Um But But it's true. Every stage of life But But it's true. Every stage of life But But it's true. Every stage of life has its blessing. has its blessing. has its blessing. Um and the stage we want to talk with Um and the stage we want to talk with Um and the stage we want to talk with you all about today is is that younger you all about today is is that younger you all about today is is that younger kid stage with kids at home. And so, kid stage with kids at home. And so, kid stage with kids at home. And so, just to set the scene a little bit here, just to set the scene a little bit here, just to set the scene a little bit here, you know, we know everyone here is in a you know, we know everyone here is in a you know, we know everyone here is in a different place. Some of you have young different place. Some of you have young different place. Some of you have young kids. They're 5, 6, 7, 8 years old, and kids. They're 5, 6, 7, 8 years old, and kids. They're 5, 6, 7, 8 years old, and you're right in the middle of sort of you're right in the middle of sort of you're right in the middle of sort of the sweet spot for this. Some of you the sweet spot for this. Some of you the sweet spot for this. Some of you have teenagers, and you're already have teenagers, and you're already have teenagers, and you're already dealing with the sort of teenage dealing with the sort of teenage dealing with the sort of teenage problem, like, "Well, how do I get them problem, like, "Well, how do I get them problem, like, "Well, how do I get them to study God's word?" And they're almost to study God's word?" And they're almost to study God's word?" And they're almost out of the house. Some of you want to out of the house. Some of you want to out of the house. Some of you want to have kids, and you don't have kids yet, have kids, and you don't have kids yet, have kids, and you don't have kids yet, but you're thinking ahead. Some of you but you're thinking ahead. Some of you but you're thinking ahead. Some of you are grandparents, and you're thinking, are grandparents, and you're thinking, are grandparents, and you're thinking, "I want to teach my grandchildren the "I want to teach my grandchildren the "I want to teach my grandchildren the Bible." We We We think all those really Bible." We We We think all those really Bible." We We We think all those really really apply to what we're we're talking really apply to what we're we're talking really apply to what we're we're talking about here. Now, I know that many of you about here. Now, I know that many of you about here. Now, I know that many of you would come in with sort of a nuts and would come in with sort of a nuts and would come in with sort of a nuts and bolts questions in your head. How do you bolts questions in your head. How do you bolts questions in your head. How do you do it? What are the things you think do it? What are the things you think do it? What are the things you think about? What are the What are the factors about? What are the What are the factors about? What are the What are the factors to consider? And we're We're going to to consider? And we're We're going to to consider? And we're We're going to get to that. But I think we learned over get to that. But I think we learned over get to that. But I think we learned over the years that when you when it comes to the years that when you when it comes to the years that when you when it comes to something like a family devotional, you something like a family devotional, you something like a family devotional, you don't start with nuts and bolts.

don't start with nuts and bolts. don't start with nuts and bolts. You start with the big picture You start with the big picture You start with the big picture motivations. motivations. motivations. Why are we doing this at all? Why are we doing this at all? Why are we doing this at all? And so I want to start with that, And so I want to start with that, And so I want to start with that, Melissa, with us in this conversation. Melissa, with us in this conversation. Melissa, with us in this conversation. If someone were to come up to you and If someone were to come up to you and If someone were to come up to you and say, say, say, "You know, you know, I I take my kids to "You know, you know, I I take my kids to "You know, you know, I I take my kids to church. church. church. You know, they go to a vacation Bible You know, they go to a vacation Bible You know, they go to a vacation Bible school every summer. school every summer. school every summer. Um you know, my kids are involved in Um you know, my kids are involved in Um you know, my kids are involved in youth group. What What do I even need to youth group. What What do I even need to youth group. What What do I even need to do this for? What What's the motive do this for? What What's the motive do this for? What What's the motive here?" here?" here?" >> Yeah, I think um >> Yeah, I think um >> Yeah, I think um I I you know, I really think it's hard I I you know, I really think it's hard I I you know, I really think it's hard to even talk about how significant I to even talk about how significant I to even talk about how significant I think this time actually is. And I think think this time actually is. And I think think this time actually is. And I think it gets passed over because it feels so it gets passed over because it feels so it gets passed over because it feels so common, or maybe we're just so busy, we common, or maybe we're just so busy, we common, or maybe we're just so busy, we just think it's one more thing thing to just think it's one more thing thing to just think it's one more thing thing to do. But um you know, I mean, studies do. But um you know, I mean, studies do. But um you know, I mean, studies have even shown just the act of having a have even shown just the act of having a have even shown just the act of having a family meal together um is so important family meal together um is so important family meal together um is so important for kids. Um and just, you know, they for kids. Um and just, you know, they for kids. Um and just, you know, they talk about all the all the different talk about all the all the different talk about all the all the different rates of happiness and mental health are rates of happiness and mental health are rates of happiness and mental health are all better just from having a family all better just from having a family all better just from having a family meal together. And And I think we all meal together. And And I think we all meal together. And And I think we all know how hard it that is today in our know how hard it that is today in our know how hard it that is today in our culture. It's just so difficult to get culture. It's just so difficult to get culture. It's just so difficult to get time together. And so what we're time together. And so what we're time together. And so what we're actually encouraging is a meal of God's actually encouraging is a meal of God's actually encouraging is a meal of God's word together. And so if just a regular word together. And so if just a regular word together. And so if just a regular habit of eating together as a family is habit of eating together as a family is habit of eating together as a family is really important for your kids, what really important for your kids, what really important for your kids, what might it mean if your family together is might it mean if your family together is might it mean if your family together is feasting on God's word? Um and And let's feasting on God's word? Um and And let's feasting on God's word? Um and And let's just be honest. When I say that, it just be honest. When I say that, it just be honest. When I say that, it sounds like, "Wow, that sounds like a sounds like, "Wow, that sounds like a sounds like, "Wow, that sounds like a lot of hard Look, we all eat hot dogs lot of hard Look, we all eat hot dogs lot of hard Look, we all eat hot dogs with our kids sometimes, right? Like I'm

with our kids sometimes, right? Like I'm with our kids sometimes, right? Like I'm not talking about like a four-course not talking about like a four-course not talking about like a four-course meal every night. Sometimes family meal every night. Sometimes family meal every night. Sometimes family devotions are like, "Well, we we we said devotions are like, "Well, we we we said devotions are like, "Well, we we we said one verse. That was it for today." one verse. That was it for today." one verse. That was it for today." Right? That's what That's what we got Right? That's what That's what we got Right? That's what That's what we got through. And so it's not like this is through. And so it's not like this is through. And so it's not like this is always this big thing, but there's always this big thing, but there's always this big thing, but there's something that happens when your family something that happens when your family something that happens when your family is seated together at the table and you is seated together at the table and you is seated together at the table and you are talking about God's word together. are talking about God's word together. are talking about God's word together. And it the conversation about it is just And it the conversation about it is just And it the conversation about it is just different than being in in different than being in in different than being in in You know, in church you're maybe You know, in church you're maybe You know, in church you're maybe receiving it. Think about when a kid receiving it. Think about when a kid receiving it. Think about when a kid goes to church, they're hearing, goes to church, they're hearing, goes to church, they're hearing, then they're in Sunday school, maybe then they're in Sunday school, maybe then they're in Sunday school, maybe they're doing a coloring shirt sheet, they're doing a coloring shirt sheet, they're doing a coloring shirt sheet, they're hearing, but there's something they're hearing, but there's something they're hearing, but there's something about watching mom and dad talk about about watching mom and dad talk about about watching mom and dad talk about the scripture, hearing their brother or the scripture, hearing their brother or the scripture, hearing their brother or sister talking about the scripture. sister talking about the scripture. sister talking about the scripture. Something happens in that moment that Something happens in that moment that Something happens in that moment that will bond your family in a way like no will bond your family in a way like no will bond your family in a way like no other. I mean, what would you say? other. I mean, what would you say? other. I mean, what would you say? >> Yeah, I know. I mean, I think the thing >> Yeah, I know. I mean, I think the thing >> Yeah, I know. I mean, I think the thing that stands out to me as I reflect back that stands out to me as I reflect back that stands out to me as I reflect back on the last many years is is the way on the last many years is is the way on the last many years is is the way studying the word of God together as a studying the word of God together as a studying the word of God together as a family unites the family in a way that family unites the family in a way that family unites the family in a way that other things just don't do. And you you other things just don't do. And you you other things just don't do. And you you just think about your family for a just think about your family for a just think about your family for a moment. You know, you think, "What would moment. You know, you think, "What would moment. You know, you think, "What would we do together as a family that we do together as a family that we do together as a family that bonded us together?" Well, we all love bonded us together?" Well, we all love bonded us together?" Well, we all love to go to a football game, or we all like to go to a football game, or we all like to go to a football game, or we all like to do this particular thing for a to do this particular thing for a to do this particular thing for a vacation, or we all had the same hobby, vacation, or we all had the same hobby, vacation, or we all had the same hobby, or it was these memories that bind you.

or it was these memories that bind you. or it was these memories that bind you. And by the way, those are wonderful And by the way, those are wonderful And by the way, those are wonderful things, too, right? Nothing wrong with things, too, right? Nothing wrong with things, too, right? Nothing wrong with those. those. those. But when you when you unify a family But when you when you unify a family But when you when you unify a family around the word of God, there's a around the word of God, there's a around the word of God, there's a there's a spiritual bond there that there's a spiritual bond there that there's a spiritual bond there that becomes really really strong. And that becomes really really strong. And that becomes really really strong. And that that pays dividends down the road. that pays dividends down the road. that pays dividends down the road. The dividends we're starting to see now. The dividends we're starting to see now. The dividends we're starting to see now. I'll give you some examples of this. I'll give you some examples of this. I'll give you some examples of this. It's not just merely that when we look It's not just merely that when we look It's not just merely that when we look at our kids, we're so thankful that at our kids, we're so thankful that at our kids, we're so thankful that they're following Christ, and they are, they're following Christ, and they are, they're following Christ, and they are, and we're thankful for that. and we're thankful for that. and we're thankful for that. But we see the way they love each other. But we see the way they love each other. But we see the way they love each other. You know, isn't it true that when You know, isn't it true that when You know, isn't it true that when siblings grow up, they fight with each siblings grow up, they fight with each siblings grow up, they fight with each other? And my my brother and I were only other? And my my brother and I were only other? And my my brother and I were only 1 year apart, man, and we 1 year apart, man, and we 1 year apart, man, and we we we we fought pretty bad, like cats we we we fought pretty bad, like cats we we we fought pretty bad, like cats and dogs, and you're like and dogs, and you're like and dogs, and you're like >> the scar right here >> the scar right here >> the scar right here >> you can come meet me afterwards. I still >> you can come meet me afterwards. I still >> you can come meet me afterwards. I still have a scar from when he uh dropped a have a scar from when he uh dropped a have a scar from when he uh dropped a rock on my head. Um and yeah, so rock on my head. Um and yeah, so rock on my head. Um and yeah, so siblings sometimes aren't the closest, siblings sometimes aren't the closest, siblings sometimes aren't the closest, but what we've seen is our siblings care but what we've seen is our siblings care but what we've seen is our siblings care for each other and love each other in for each other and love each other in for each other and love each other in ways that go well beyond us anymore ways that go well beyond us anymore ways that go well beyond us anymore presiding over it. We learn later that presiding over it. We learn later that presiding over it. We learn later that they call each other. they call each other. they call each other. We learn later they pray for each other. We learn later they pray for each other. We learn later they pray for each other. We learn later that they support each We learn later that they support each We learn later that they support each other, ask how they're doing, and and other, ask how they're doing, and and other, ask how they're doing, and and and are involved in things. And then the and are involved in things. And then the and are involved in things. And then the other the fruit we've seen is that once other the fruit we've seen is that once other the fruit we've seen is that once you teach a child to love God's word, you teach a child to love God's word, you teach a child to love God's word, and it's starting to affect their life, and it's starting to affect their life, and it's starting to affect their life, what do want to do? They want to share what do want to do? They want to share what do want to do? They want to share it with others.

it with others. it with others. So, what we've ended up creating, not So, what we've ended up creating, not So, what we've ended up creating, not we, but by God's grace has been created we, but by God's grace has been created we, but by God's grace has been created is people who want to go do ministry as is people who want to go do ministry as is people who want to go do ministry as as kids. Um our daughter, uh Kate, is as kids. Um our daughter, uh Kate, is as kids. Um our daughter, uh Kate, is off to uh off uh India this summer doing off to uh off uh India this summer doing off to uh off uh India this summer doing a a missions project. Our son, John, is a a missions project. Our son, John, is a a missions project. Our son, John, is always been so faithful on campus at his always been so faithful on campus at his always been so faithful on campus at his university sharing the gospel. Our university sharing the gospel. Our university sharing the gospel. Our daughter, Emma, is a missionary now. So, daughter, Emma, is a missionary now. So, daughter, Emma, is a missionary now. So, when we look back, I I I I believe what when we look back, I I I I believe what when we look back, I I I I believe what God tells us is that when you plant the God tells us is that when you plant the God tells us is that when you plant the word, word, word, it bears fruit. Um and we've seen that it bears fruit. Um and we've seen that it bears fruit. Um and we've seen that fruit. Now, fruit. Now, fruit. Now, we all know that simply cuz that's true, we all know that simply cuz that's true, we all know that simply cuz that's true, let's not be under any illusion that, let's not be under any illusion that, let's not be under any illusion that, "Wow, if I have a devotional in my "Wow, if I have a devotional in my "Wow, if I have a devotional in my family every day, then all is great. family every day, then all is great. family every day, then all is great. All's perfect. You know, all problems go All's perfect. You know, all problems go All's perfect. You know, all problems go away magically." away magically." away magically." Uh no, that's not true. There's there's Uh no, that's not true. There's there's Uh no, that's not true. There's there's no one-to-one mathematical formula that no one-to-one mathematical formula that no one-to-one mathematical formula that says if I have family devotion starting says if I have family devotion starting says if I have family devotion starting at 6 months old till 16 that my kids at 6 months old till 16 that my kids at 6 months old till 16 that my kids will turn out will turn out will turn out a certain way. a certain way. a certain way. But, here's the thing is when people But, here's the thing is when people But, here's the thing is when people realize that my parenting isn't realize that my parenting isn't realize that my parenting isn't definitive, definitive, definitive, they mistake that for saying that they mistake that for saying that they mistake that for saying that parenting is irrelevant.

parenting is irrelevant. parenting is irrelevant. And here's what we want to encourage And here's what we want to encourage And here's what we want to encourage you. Yeah, parenting's not ultimate. you. Yeah, parenting's not ultimate. you. Yeah, parenting's not ultimate. God's grace is ultimate. That's who God's grace is ultimate. That's who God's grace is ultimate. That's who determines the fate of your child, but determines the fate of your child, but determines the fate of your child, but that doesn't make parenting irrelevant. that doesn't make parenting irrelevant. that doesn't make parenting irrelevant. Just because it's not ultimate doesn't Just because it's not ultimate doesn't Just because it's not ultimate doesn't mean it doesn't matter. God uses means mean it doesn't matter. God uses means mean it doesn't matter. God uses means to really uh change your kids. So, if to really uh change your kids. So, if to really uh change your kids. So, if you're thinking, "What can produce the you're thinking, "What can produce the you're thinking, "What can produce the thing I want my child to be the most?" I thing I want my child to be the most?" I thing I want my child to be the most?" I can promise you it's not getting them can promise you it's not getting them can promise you it's not getting them into the college that you think they into the college that you think they into the college that you think they need to go to. need to go to. need to go to. Or being the starter on their sports Or being the starter on their sports Or being the starter on their sports team. team. team. Getting them into God's word has to be Getting them into God's word has to be Getting them into God's word has to be the center of that. the center of that. the center of that. >> Yeah. Just to piggyback on that a little >> Yeah. Just to piggyback on that a little >> Yeah. Just to piggyback on that a little bit, I think I think how we would say we bit, I think I think how we would say we bit, I think I think how we would say we viewed it as um we are giving our viewed it as um we are giving our viewed it as um we are giving our children an inheritance. children an inheritance. children an inheritance. They may take the inheritance and They may take the inheritance and They may take the inheritance and squander it. squander it. squander it. We can't decide that. That that's their We can't decide that. That that's their We can't decide that. That that's their choice, but if they if the spirit choice, but if they if the spirit choice, but if they if the spirit awakens their heart to the gospel awakens their heart to the gospel awakens their heart to the gospel and we have spent year after year. Think and we have spent year after year. Think and we have spent year after year. Think about growing up in a home where you about growing up in a home where you about growing up in a home where you memorized scriptures as a young child. I memorized scriptures as a young child. I memorized scriptures as a young child. I mean cuz my brain it's really hard to mean cuz my brain it's really hard to mean cuz my brain it's really hard to memorize things now, but everything that memorize things now, but everything that memorize things now, but everything that you memorized young, you know, you you memorized young, you know, you you memorized young, you know, you remember. And so think about it. If you remember. And so think about it. If you remember. And so think about it. If you had repetition after repetition of had repetition after repetition of had repetition after repetition of studying the Bible. I can actually studying the Bible. I can actually studying the Bible. I can actually remember it the first women's conference remember it the first women's conference remember it the first women's conference here in 2012.

here in 2012. here in 2012. Um I heard Paige Benton Brown speak. Do Um I heard Paige Benton Brown speak. Do Um I heard Paige Benton Brown speak. Do y'all y'all y'all Anybody know Yeah, and you remember it, Anybody know Yeah, and you remember it, Anybody know Yeah, and you remember it, right? I know, she's amazing. And I right? I know, she's amazing. And I right? I know, she's amazing. And I remember thinking how on earth does she remember thinking how on earth does she remember thinking how on earth does she teach like that? teach like that? teach like that? And I've I've since met her her parents And I've I've since met her her parents And I've I've since met her her parents and they're, you know, her dad was a and they're, you know, her dad was a and they're, you know, her dad was a pastor and her mom loves the Lord. And pastor and her mom loves the Lord. And pastor and her mom loves the Lord. And and what I realized is so we often often and what I realized is so we often often and what I realized is so we often often in the church, you know, we talk about in the church, you know, we talk about in the church, you know, we talk about um the prodigal children. And that's um the prodigal children. And that's um the prodigal children. And that's right cuz we pray for prodigals and we right cuz we pray for prodigals and we right cuz we pray for prodigals and we know they exist because the Lord has to know they exist because the Lord has to know they exist because the Lord has to open up our hearts. But sometimes I open up our hearts. But sometimes I open up our hearts. But sometimes I think we forget to think about the think we forget to think about the think we forget to think about the children who are raised in Christian children who are raised in Christian children who are raised in Christian homes and then the spirit takes root and homes and then the spirit takes root and homes and then the spirit takes root and then they have this rich inheritance and then they have this rich inheritance and then they have this rich inheritance and they know the Bible inside and out. they know the Bible inside and out. they know the Bible inside and out. What might the Lord do? So sometimes we What might the Lord do? So sometimes we What might the Lord do? So sometimes we hear about prodigals, so we do what Mike hear about prodigals, so we do what Mike hear about prodigals, so we do what Mike says and we think, oh, well, it doesn't says and we think, oh, well, it doesn't says and we think, oh, well, it doesn't really matter. God has to save. So I'm really matter. God has to save. So I'm really matter. God has to save. So I'm not going to really, you know, it's not going to really, you know, it's not going to really, you know, it's okay, whatever. Only God can save them. okay, whatever. Only God can save them. okay, whatever. Only God can save them. That's true. Only God can save them. And That's true. Only God can save them. And That's true. Only God can save them. And if he does and they have this if he does and they have this if he does and they have this inheritance that has been put in their inheritance that has been put in their inheritance that has been put in their hearts year after year and all those hearts year after year and all those hearts year after year and all those prayers that you're praying, they prayers that you're praying, they prayers that you're praying, they matter. They actually The Lord uses our matter. They actually The Lord uses our matter. They actually The Lord uses our prayers to do his work. And so the the prayers to do his work. And so the the prayers to do his work. And so the the the rich inheritance that we have the the rich inheritance that we have the the rich inheritance that we have the opportunity to do. And that's what we're opportunity to do. And that's what we're opportunity to do. And that's what we're talking about. We're talking about what talking about. We're talking about what talking about. We're talking about what can we give our kids as parents? And can we give our kids as parents? And can we give our kids as parents? And I think so often we we hear that word I think so often we we hear that word I think so often we we hear that word inheritance and we think about money.

inheritance and we think about money. inheritance and we think about money. I mean, you you guys, we have true I mean, you you guys, we have true I mean, you you guys, we have true riches to give our kids. We have an riches to give our kids. We have an riches to give our kids. We have an inheritance that will never spoil, never inheritance that will never spoil, never inheritance that will never spoil, never perish, never fade, that the stock perish, never fade, that the stock perish, never fade, that the stock market has nothing on. It just doesn't market has nothing on. It just doesn't market has nothing on. It just doesn't matter. And so, what we have I think we matter. And so, what we have I think we matter. And so, what we have I think we have to all be committed in this room to have to all be committed in this room to have to all be committed in this room to say, I have something deeply deeply I say, I have something deeply deeply I say, I have something deeply deeply I have a treasure to give the next have a treasure to give the next have a treasure to give the next generation. And how can how can we generation. And how can how can we generation. And how can how can we steward that well? I think that's the steward that well? I think that's the steward that well? I think that's the question for us today. question for us today. question for us today. >> Yeah, and so, if you think about that >> Yeah, and so, if you think about that >> Yeah, and so, if you think about that motivational piece, motivational piece, motivational piece, we we could theoretically just say, we we could theoretically just say, we we could theoretically just say, we're not going to talk about nuts and we're not going to talk about nuts and we're not going to talk about nuts and bolts at all. We're just going to We're bolts at all. We're just going to We're bolts at all. We're just going to We're just going to give you that motivational just going to give you that motivational just going to give you that motivational piece and and send you out the door. piece and and send you out the door. piece and and send you out the door. Actually, Actually, Actually, we would we would we would argue that we would we would we would argue that we would we would we would argue that you would do so much good from that. You you would do so much good from that. You you would do so much good from that. You don't actually have to have all the nuts don't actually have to have all the nuts don't actually have to have all the nuts and bolts in place, because what we're and bolts in place, because what we're and bolts in place, because what we're going to argue you in a moment, and we going to argue you in a moment, and we going to argue you in a moment, and we do this in our book, is that actually do this in our book, is that actually do this in our book, is that actually very imperfect Bible studies very imperfect Bible studies very imperfect Bible studies can really make an impact on your kids. can really make an impact on your kids. can really make an impact on your kids. They can. Very second-rate in your They can. Very second-rate in your They can. Very second-rate in your minds, low-tier, clumsy, I'm fumbling minds, low-tier, clumsy, I'm fumbling minds, low-tier, clumsy, I'm fumbling around, maybe even got some things around, maybe even got some things around, maybe even got some things wrong. What do mom and dad know wrong. What do mom and dad know wrong. What do mom and dad know theologically? Not much. And we claw theologically? Not much. And we claw theologically? Not much. And we claw away through a Bible study, and at the away through a Bible study, and at the away through a Bible study, and at the end we're like, man, that was painful.

end we're like, man, that was painful. end we're like, man, that was painful. And what we want to encourage you is you And what we want to encourage you is you And what we want to encourage you is you you do not underestimate. you do not underestimate. you do not underestimate. Do not underestimate the power of God's Do not underestimate the power of God's Do not underestimate the power of God's word. It may look small and word. It may look small and word. It may look small and inconsequential, inconsequential, inconsequential, like a little mustard seed, but it can like a little mustard seed, but it can like a little mustard seed, but it can grow into a great tree. And so, the grow into a great tree. And so, the grow into a great tree. And so, the little little things matter here. little little things matter here. little little things matter here. Um so, on that score though, let's move Um so, on that score though, let's move Um so, on that score though, let's move into nuts and bolts. Let's talk a little into nuts and bolts. Let's talk a little into nuts and bolts. Let's talk a little bit about what it looked like in our bit about what it looked like in our bit about what it looked like in our house. And I want [snorts] to lay any house. And I want [snorts] to lay any house. And I want [snorts] to lay any beliefs up there. And when you know, beliefs up there. And when you know, beliefs up there. And when you know, he's you write a book and sit on the he's you write a book and sit on the he's you write a book and sit on the stage, there's a sense of "Wow, must stage, there's a sense of "Wow, must stage, there's a sense of "Wow, must have really been great in your house. have really been great in your house. have really been great in your house. I kind of wish my family was like yours. I kind of wish my family was like yours. I kind of wish my family was like yours. I'm sure everything in your home was I'm sure everything in your home was I'm sure everything in your home was great." Our kids often say, great." Our kids often say, great." Our kids often say, "We need to come up to one of these "We need to come up to one of these "We need to come up to one of these events with you guys." Um events with you guys." Um events with you guys." Um "And we need to get on the stage and we "And we need to get on the stage and we "And we need to get on the stage and we need to tell what the real Crew or need to tell what the real Crew or need to tell what the real Crew or family was like." family was like." family was like." Um actually, I would love to have them Um actually, I would love to have them Um actually, I would love to have them here cuz they would they would just here cuz they would they would just here cuz they would they would just round this out perfectly. And I want you round this out perfectly. And I want you round this out perfectly. And I want you to know that we're not we're we're not to know that we're not we're we're not to know that we're not we're we're not even hiding from that. We think even hiding from that. We think even hiding from that. We think we were very imperfect parents like like we were very imperfect parents like like we were very imperfect parents like like anyone. But but we were committed to anyone. But but we were committed to anyone. But but we were committed to making sure that at least as clumsy as making sure that at least as clumsy as making sure that at least as clumsy as it was, we were in the word every day.

it was, we were in the word every day. it was, we were in the word every day. So, So, So, speaking of nuts and bolts, Melissa, speaking of nuts and bolts, Melissa, speaking of nuts and bolts, Melissa, let's just start with this broad let's just start with this broad let's just start with this broad question. question. question. What are some of your memories of of What are some of your memories of of What are some of your memories of of devotional time with the kids? What devotional time with the kids? What devotional time with the kids? What stands out to you when you reflect on stands out to you when you reflect on stands out to you when you reflect on that? And and I I know they were at that? And and I I know they were at that? And and I I know they were at different ages and we'll get to the different ages and we'll get to the different ages and we'll get to the different age thing in a minute, but different age thing in a minute, but different age thing in a minute, but what are some things that stands out to what are some things that stands out to what are some things that stands out to you? you? you? >> Honestly, what stands out to me most is >> Honestly, what stands out to me most is >> Honestly, what stands out to me most is John flipping the water bottle and John flipping the water bottle and John flipping the water bottle and trying to make it stand on the table trying to make it stand on the table trying to make it stand on the table >> during devotions. Like >> during devotions. Like >> during devotions. Like >> the water bottle flip stage? >> the water bottle flip stage? >> the water bottle flip stage? >> Yeah, I mean, it's like, "I can flip >> Yeah, I mean, it's like, "I can flip >> Yeah, I mean, it's like, "I can flip it." And I'm like, "We're trying to have it." And I'm like, "We're trying to have it." And I'm like, "We're trying to have >> the Bible and you're flipping your water >> the Bible and you're flipping your water >> the Bible and you're flipping your water bottle. bottle. bottle. >> And then the second thing that makes me >> And then the second thing that makes me >> And then the second thing that makes me that really stands out is I can remember that really stands out is I can remember that really stands out is I can remember we'd be praying and Gus, who our dog, we'd be praying and Gus, who our dog, we'd be praying and Gus, who our dog, who had to be under the table because we who had to be under the table because we who had to be under the table because we were all at the table, he would just were all at the table, he would just were all at the table, he would just always sigh when we prayed. It'd be like always sigh when we prayed. It'd be like always sigh when we prayed. It'd be like this big "Oh." this big "Oh." this big "Oh." >> Yeah, he would. >> Yeah, he would. >> Yeah, he would. >> And then all the kids would laugh and >> And then all the kids would laugh and >> And then all the kids would laugh and we'd get totally off track. we'd get totally off track. we'd get totally off track. >> least spiritual dog ever. >> least spiritual dog ever. >> least spiritual dog ever. >> just like, "Whatever." Yeah. >> just like, "Whatever." Yeah. >> just like, "Whatever." Yeah. >> You need to convert the dog first. >> You need to convert the dog first. >> You need to convert the dog first. >> Exactly. >> Exactly. >> Exactly. >> And he would be like, "Ah, they're >> And he would be like, "Ah, they're >> And he would be like, "Ah, they're praying again." You know.

praying again." You know. praying again." You know. >> Exactly. And the kids were like, >> Exactly. And the kids were like, >> Exactly. And the kids were like, >> like, "I didn't know a dog could make >> like, "I didn't know a dog could make >> like, "I didn't know a dog could make that sound." You know. that sound." You know. that sound." You know. >> It's always the Yeah, it's always the >> It's always the Yeah, it's always the >> It's always the Yeah, it's always the case. Um what I will say is we try to do case. Um what I will say is we try to do case. Um what I will say is we try to do things really simply. So, we would things really simply. So, we would things really simply. So, we would normally read the Bible um and we would normally read the Bible um and we would normally read the Bible um and we would pray for each other. And one thing I pray for each other. And one thing I pray for each other. And one thing I will, you know, I've talked about this will, you know, I've talked about this will, you know, I've talked about this before. I I do think if you can do a before. I I do think if you can do a before. I I do think if you can do a little bit of planning, and this is this little bit of planning, and this is this little bit of planning, and this is this is so easy to do. You can do on the is so easy to do. You can do on the is so easy to do. You can do on the airplane, drive home. airplane, drive home. airplane, drive home. I did note cards for each day. I did note cards for each day. I did note cards for each day. And And And we had five people in our family. So, we had five people in our family. So, we had five people in our family. So, one day was Melissa, Mike, Emma, John, one day was Melissa, Mike, Emma, John, one day was Melissa, Mike, Emma, John, Kate. The person we were praying for Kate. The person we were praying for Kate. The person we were praying for that day. So, Monday would be, let's say that day. So, Monday would be, let's say that day. So, Monday would be, let's say it was Emma. You know, and and then but it was Emma. You know, and and then but it was Emma. You know, and and then but then we would have a missionary from our then we would have a missionary from our then we would have a missionary from our church that we would pray for. And then church that we would pray for. And then church that we would pray for. And then we would have actually a person in we would have actually a person in we would have actually a person in leadership which we're trying to look at leadership which we're trying to look at leadership which we're trying to look at what the Bible who the Bible tells us to what the Bible who the Bible tells us to what the Bible who the Bible tells us to pray for. So, it might be their school pray for. So, it might be their school pray for. So, it might be their school principal. It might be a pastor at our principal. It might be a pastor at our principal. It might be a pastor at our church. And then we would pray for church. And then we would pray for church. And then we would pray for someone in need in our lives. And so, someone in need in our lives. And so, someone in need in our lives. And so, prayer was a big part of our family prayer was a big part of our family prayer was a big part of our family devotional time. And why I always like devotional time. And why I always like devotional time. And why I always like to say this is to say this is to say this is our kids learned to pray for the world our kids learned to pray for the world our kids learned to pray for the world outside of them.

outside of them. outside of them. And I think this is really important for And I think this is really important for And I think this is really important for them to do because what you're doing is them to do because what you're doing is them to do because what you're doing is you're saying, "Yeah, we're going to you're saying, "Yeah, we're going to you're saying, "Yeah, we're going to pray for you, but we're going to pray pray for you, but we're going to pray pray for you, but we're going to pray for the world out there." And they start for the world out there." And they start for the world out there." And they start realizing the world is bigger. In fact, realizing the world is bigger. In fact, realizing the world is bigger. In fact, I was talking to Kate about this last I was talking to Kate about this last I was talking to Kate about this last week. She goes, "Mom, I'm so glad you week. She goes, "Mom, I'm so glad you week. She goes, "Mom, I'm so glad you had us pray for missionaries." Yeah, she had us pray for missionaries." Yeah, she had us pray for missionaries." Yeah, she was like, "I still think about, you was like, "I still think about, you was like, "I still think about, you know, know, know, Dan and Allison in Chiang Mai." And then Dan and Allison in Chiang Mai." And then Dan and Allison in Chiang Mai." And then so our kids when then they would meet so our kids when then they would meet so our kids when then they would meet them, they would know, "Oh yeah, we pray them, they would know, "Oh yeah, we pray them, they would know, "Oh yeah, we pray for you." And they would really see it. for you." And they would really see it. for you." And they would really see it. So, you're you're you're already giving So, you're you're you're already giving So, you're you're you're already giving your kids a vision for a world that's your kids a vision for a world that's your kids a vision for a world that's bigger than than them. And that wow, bigger than than them. And that wow, bigger than than them. And that wow, these people are really im- So, so to these people are really im- So, so to these people are really im- So, so to them, you get to set your children's them, you get to set your children's them, you get to set your children's heroes. heroes. heroes. Don't forget that. Don't The world The Don't forget that. Don't The world The Don't forget that. Don't The world The world's going to, of course, give them world's going to, of course, give them world's going to, of course, give them heroes. But you get to set. And And this heroes. But you get to set. And And this heroes. But you get to set. And And this is why they go off on the mission field is why they go off on the mission field is why they go off on the mission field and leave you. I know. It's terrible. I and leave you. I know. It's terrible. I and leave you. I know. It's terrible. I should be warning you against this. But should be warning you against this. But should be warning you against this. But >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> They rebel a little bit. >> They rebel a little bit. >> They rebel a little bit. >> I like, "Yeah, but I mean so that was >> I like, "Yeah, but I mean so that was >> I like, "Yeah, but I mean so that was So, it It very simple. I would say it So, it It very simple. I would say it So, it It very simple. I would say it took 10 minutes. You know, we'd read we took 10 minutes. You know, we'd read we took 10 minutes. You know, we'd read we did different things. We when they were did different things. We when they were did different things. We when they were young, we did the children's catechism, young, we did the children's catechism, young, we did the children's catechism, um which is a question and answer. I can um which is a question and answer. I can um which is a question and answer. I can talk about that a little bit more in a talk about that a little bit more in a talk about that a little bit more in a minute um because I really believe in minute um because I really believe in minute um because I really believe in the children's catechism when they're the children's catechism when they're the children's catechism when they're little cuz it gets kids talking. Oh, you little cuz it gets kids talking. Oh, you little cuz it gets kids talking. Oh, you know, know, know, it was a it was not a monologue, it was it was a it was not a monologue, it was it was a it was not a monologue, it was a dialogue. Um but we would do a dialogue. Um but we would do a dialogue. Um but we would do something. Um we'd read some sort of something. Um we'd read some sort of something. Um we'd read some sort of devotional, read the Bible, and then devotional, read the Bible, and then devotional, read the Bible, and then we'd pray for each other. And it was we'd pray for each other. And it was we'd pray for each other. And it was that simple. And that's and that's what that simple. And that's and that's what that simple. And that's and that's what we did.

we did. we did. >> Now, one of the things in if it's if in >> Now, one of the things in if it's if in >> Now, one of the things in if it's if in your mind a family devotional looks like your mind a family devotional looks like your mind a family devotional looks like a church service, just get that out of a church service, just get that out of a church service, just get that out of there. It doesn't look like a church there. It doesn't look like a church there. It doesn't look like a church service. It doesn't even look like a service. It doesn't even look like a service. It doesn't even look like a Bible study. Bible study. Bible study. Okay? It's a devotional. Okay? It's a devotional. Okay? It's a devotional. So, you're you're talking 10, So, you're you're talking 10, So, you're you're talking 10, maybe 15 minutes. Maybe maybe 10 of maybe 15 minutes. Maybe maybe 10 of maybe 15 minutes. Maybe maybe 10 of those are or in the word and five is those are or in the word and five is those are or in the word and five is prayer. I mean, we're we're talking very prayer. I mean, we're we're talking very prayer. I mean, we're we're talking very basic stuff here. And and this is this basic stuff here. And and this is this basic stuff here. And and this is this is why why we think that this is more is why why we think that this is more is why why we think that this is more achievable than you than you realize. achievable than you than you realize. achievable than you than you realize. And And one of the reasons we brought And And one of the reasons we brought And And one of the reasons we brought our study to help facilitate this. Um our study to help facilitate this. Um our study to help facilitate this. Um but I mean, things in in in one of one but I mean, things in in in one of one but I mean, things in in in one of one of the things that Melissa mentioned is of the things that Melissa mentioned is of the things that Melissa mentioned is is, you know, we would ask the kids is, you know, we would ask the kids is, you know, we would ask the kids questions. We're going to come back to questions. We're going to come back to questions. We're going to come back to the question thing in a moment, but we the question thing in a moment, but we the question thing in a moment, but we actually have a video of John that Is it actually have a video of John that Is it actually have a video of John that Is it still posted on your Instagram? I can't still posted on your Instagram? I can't still posted on your Instagram? I can't >> if you like Google Melissa Kruger >> if you like Google Melissa Kruger >> if you like Google Melissa Kruger catechism catechism catechism >> Don't do it now. >> Don't do it now. >> Don't do it now. >> Yeah, don't >> Yeah, don't >> Yeah, don't I wish I could show it cuz it is I wish I could show it cuz it is I wish I could show it cuz it is hilarious. hilarious. hilarious. >> So, we're at This is when we're young. I >> So, we're at This is when we're young. I >> So, we're at This is when we're young. I had a lot less gray hair. had a lot less gray hair. had a lot less gray hair. Um and um we're around the table having Um and um we're around the table having Um and um we're around the table having dinner. And I don't even know why we dinner. And I don't even know why we dinner. And I don't even know why we were filming this. Do you remember why were filming this. Do you remember why were filming this. Do you remember why we were filming this?

we were filming this? we were filming this? But my son John is two. But my son John is two. But my son John is two. And we're asking him who who is God or And we're asking him who who is God or And we're asking him who who is God or who made you? God. What else did God who made you? God. What else did God who made you? God. What else did God make? All things. Why did God make you make? All things. Why did God make you make? All things. Why did God make you and all things? For his glory. And he's and all things? For his glory. And he's and all things? For his glory. And he's answering these questions. And I he gets answering these questions. And I he gets answering these questions. And I he gets distracted and he's he was throwing his distracted and he's he was throwing his distracted and he's he was throwing his water bottle then, too. Remember? He was water bottle then, too. Remember? He was water bottle then, too. Remember? He was he had like a little sippy cup. he had like a little sippy cup. he had like a little sippy cup. >> The line you hear over and over is John, >> The line you hear over and over is John, >> The line you hear over and over is John, put the cup down. put the cup down. put the cup down. >> John, put the cup down. John, put the >> John, put the cup down. John, put the >> John, put the cup down. John, put the cup down. cup down. cup down. >> is pre flipping the water bottle John. >> is pre flipping the water bottle John. >> is pre flipping the water bottle John. >> Yeah, he was into bottles apparently. >> Yeah, he was into bottles apparently. >> Yeah, he was into bottles apparently. So, but then I said, you know, you could So, but then I said, you know, you could So, but then I said, you know, you could tell he gets really excited. I said, so tell he gets really excited. I said, so tell he gets really excited. I said, so how many gods are there? how many gods are there? how many gods are there? And John just gets super his eyes get And John just gets super his eyes get And John just gets super his eyes get real big. One God on video. And I'm real big. One God on video. And I'm real big. One God on video. And I'm like, my son is a very enthusiastic like, my son is a very enthusiastic like, my son is a very enthusiastic monotheist, right? Um, but we have these monotheist, right? Um, but we have these monotheist, right? Um, but we have these videos and we look back and just videos and we look back and just videos and we look back and just treasure those. They're just really treasure those. They're just really treasure those. They're just really amazing. amazing. amazing. >> And and what I want to say too is it >> And and what I want to say too is it >> And and what I want to say too is it wasn't miserable. So, wasn't miserable. So, wasn't miserable. So, I mean, and and here's my other secret I mean, and and here's my other secret I mean, and and here's my other secret hint. hint. hint. These kids at this age, if you've got These kids at this age, if you've got These kids at this age, if you've got younger kids, they do not know that younger kids, they do not know that younger kids, they do not know that other families are not doing this.

other families are not doing this. other families are not doing this. They only they don't know it's yo- it's They only they don't know it's yo- it's They only they don't know it's yo- it's a little bit weird that you're doing a little bit weird that you're doing a little bit weird that you're doing this. You know, they they only know the this. You know, they they only know the this. You know, they they only know the family that they're being brought up in. family that they're being brought up in. family that they're being brought up in. And you know what? It's these are And you know what? It's these are And you know what? It's these are You are setting a foundation for them. I You are setting a foundation for them. I You are setting a foundation for them. I think one of the saddest things about think one of the saddest things about think one of the saddest things about our world right now is that a lot of our world right now is that a lot of our world right now is that a lot of kids grow up and kids grow up and kids grow up and all they really hear is you're a bag of all they really hear is you're a bag of all they really hear is you're a bag of molecules that evolved somehow and molecules that evolved somehow and molecules that evolved somehow and everything's random. And basically, you everything's random. And basically, you everything's random. And basically, you know, we're just a product of chance. know, we're just a product of chance. know, we're just a product of chance. Wow, no wonder there's so much Wow, no wonder there's so much Wow, no wonder there's so much hopelessness, right? hopelessness, right? hopelessness, right? I mean, look at the Christian message. I mean, look at the Christian message. I mean, look at the Christian message. We say, there's a creator God. He made We say, there's a creator God. He made We say, there's a creator God. He made you. You're made in his image. You have you. You're made in his image. You have you. You're made in his image. You have a purpose to know him and love him. a purpose to know him and love him. a purpose to know him and love him. We're we are giving them words of life We're we are giving them words of life We're we are giving them words of life and words of hope. And so, you know, we and words of hope. And so, you know, we and words of hope. And so, you know, we can come at it with a lot of joy. can come at it with a lot of joy. can come at it with a lot of joy. Um, it you know, and and so I I think Um, it you know, and and so I I think Um, it you know, and and so I I think the more we can make the time fun and the more we can make the time fun and the more we can make the time fun and happy and just kind of be patiently happy and just kind of be patiently happy and just kind of be patiently laughing at the flipping water bottle um laughing at the flipping water bottle um laughing at the flipping water bottle um rather than, you know, making it rather than, you know, making it rather than, you know, making it everybody sit down right now, we are everybody sit down right now, we are everybody sit down right now, we are going to talk about Jesus. Yeah, I mean going to talk about Jesus. Yeah, I mean going to talk about Jesus. Yeah, I mean like that that's, you know, to make it like that that's, you know, to make it like that that's, you know, to make it fun is is as good as as much as you can.

fun is is as good as as much as you can. fun is is as good as as much as you can. >> Yeah, I mean, yes, there has to be some >> Yeah, I mean, yes, there has to be some >> Yeah, I mean, yes, there has to be some level of control, right? I mean, we know level of control, right? I mean, we know level of control, right? I mean, we know there has to be some sort of way to there has to be some sort of way to there has to be some sort of way to corral the the crew, but at the same corral the the crew, but at the same corral the the crew, but at the same time, you know, parents who are overly time, you know, parents who are overly time, you know, parents who are overly sort of defensive, anxious, prickly sort of defensive, anxious, prickly sort of defensive, anxious, prickly about every dysfunction in the home about every dysfunction in the home about every dysfunction in the home Bible study is going to make home Bible Bible study is going to make home Bible Bible study is going to make home Bible study pretty miserable. study pretty miserable. study pretty miserable. Um and you know, just roll with it. When Um and you know, just roll with it. When Um and you know, just roll with it. When things don't go well, well, they don't things don't go well, well, they don't things don't go well, well, they don't go well. go well. go well. Um and there's a lot of flexibility in a Um and there's a lot of flexibility in a Um and there's a lot of flexibility in a lot of places to learn. But one thing we lot of places to learn. But one thing we lot of places to learn. But one thing we found over the years that's one of the found over the years that's one of the found over the years that's one of the key nuts and bolts for a Bible study is key nuts and bolts for a Bible study is key nuts and bolts for a Bible study is getting them to talk. getting them to talk. getting them to talk. Okay? So, I Melissa is really good at Okay? So, I Melissa is really good at Okay? So, I Melissa is really good at this, but one of the things we think as this, but one of the things we think as this, but one of the things we think as parents, and this is why parents don't parents, and this is why parents don't parents, and this is why parents don't do it, is we think I have to give a do it, is we think I have to give a do it, is we think I have to give a message. message. message. I have to teach. I have to teach. I have to teach. And I'm like, And I'm like, And I'm like, no, you just have to read a Bible no, you just have to read a Bible no, you just have to read a Bible passage and talk about it and then get passage and talk about it and then get passage and talk about it and then get them to talk. So, one of the things that them to talk. So, one of the things that them to talk. So, one of the things that we encourage you to think about is how we encourage you to think about is how we encourage you to think about is how to get your child engaged with good to get your child engaged with good to get your child engaged with good question asking. So, Melissa, you've question asking. So, Melissa, you've question asking. So, Melissa, you've given a lot of thought to this. What given a lot of thought to this. What given a lot of thought to this. What what are some things you would say to what are some things you would say to what are some things you would say to the crew here about sort of why the crew here about sort of why the crew here about sort of why questions matter questions matter questions matter and how to think about asking good ones.

and how to think about asking good ones. and how to think about asking good ones. >> Yeah. The first thing I would say and >> Yeah. The first thing I would say and >> Yeah. The first thing I would say and what I will just say a little bit about what I will just say a little bit about what I will just say a little bit about catechesis, you know, question answer. catechesis, you know, question answer. catechesis, you know, question answer. One benefit is kids start giving One benefit is kids start giving One benefit is kids start giving answers. And and you might say, "Oh, but answers. And and you might say, "Oh, but answers. And and you might say, "Oh, but they don't understand." What, you know, they don't understand." What, you know, they don't understand." What, you know, cuz the catechism goes, "How many gods cuz the catechism goes, "How many gods cuz the catechism goes, "How many gods are there?" One god. "And how many are there?" One god. "And how many are there?" One god. "And how many persons does this one god exist?" Three persons does this one god exist?" Three persons does this one god exist?" Three persons. "What are these three persons?" persons. "What are these three persons?" persons. "What are these three persons?" The Father, the Son, and the Holy The Father, the Son, and the Holy The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, you know, whatever. And you're Spirit, you know, whatever. And you're Spirit, you know, whatever. And you're like, "Are kids really getting that?" Um like, "Are kids really getting that?" Um like, "Are kids really getting that?" Um here's what we're doing in that moment. here's what we're doing in that moment. here's what we're doing in that moment. Just like when your baby's sitting on a Just like when your baby's sitting on a Just like when your baby's sitting on a changing mat and you're talking about changing mat and you're talking about changing mat and you're talking about their fingers and their toes and your their fingers and their toes and your their fingers and their toes and your their cheeks and their nose. their cheeks and their nose. their cheeks and their nose. Yeah, they don't know what you're saying Yeah, they don't know what you're saying Yeah, they don't know what you're saying saying either, but that's how kids learn saying either, but that's how kids learn saying either, but that's how kids learn language. And so, when we do this language. And so, when we do this language. And so, when we do this catechesis with our kids, we're giving catechesis with our kids, we're giving catechesis with our kids, we're giving them the language of the church. And them the language of the church. And them the language of the church. And that's really helpful for them. So, then that's really helpful for them. So, then that's really helpful for them. So, then when they get in church and they hear when they get in church and they hear when they get in church and they hear words like covenant and they hear names words like covenant and they hear names words like covenant and they hear names like Noah and they hear stories about like Noah and they hear stories about like Noah and they hear stories about Moses, you're just introducing those Moses, you're just introducing those Moses, you're just introducing those concepts, so they're able to take it in concepts, so they're able to take it in concepts, so they're able to take it in better later. Now, when we actually better later. Now, when we actually better later. Now, when we actually start studying the Bible with them, um start studying the Bible with them, um start studying the Bible with them, um this is a great time to just set them this is a great time to just set them this is a great time to just set them up, you know, to to up, you know, to to up, you know, to to All we're trying to do is create a world All we're trying to do is create a world All we're trying to do is create a world where that this book, sorry, I don't where that this book, sorry, I don't where that this book, sorry, I don't have a Bible. Um this book is very have a Bible. Um this book is very have a Bible. Um this book is very familiar to them. And so, you know, you familiar to them. And so, you know, you familiar to them. And so, you know, you you start by saying, "Hey, I'm going to you start by saying, "Hey, I'm going to you start by saying, "Hey, I'm going to read I'm going to read this little read I'm going to read this little read I'm going to read this little passage. I want you to listen for the passage. I want you to listen for the passage. I want you to listen for the three people who Jesus talks to in the

three people who Jesus talks to in the three people who Jesus talks to in the passage, okay?" So, can you guys do passage, okay?" So, can you guys do passage, okay?" So, can you guys do that? You know, and you know, you can that? You know, and you know, you can that? You know, and you know, you can encourage them encourage them encourage them I think you can do it. I think you can I think you can do it. I think you can I think you can do it. I think you can do it. And that that encourages them to do it. And that that encourages them to do it. And that that encourages them to start listening. start listening. start listening. Um if you even tell them what they're Um if you even tell them what they're Um if you even tell them what they're you're going to ask them. I want you to you're going to ask them. I want you to you're going to ask them. I want you to pay attention to the to the words. And pay attention to the to the words. And pay attention to the to the words. And then kids are typically pretty excited then kids are typically pretty excited then kids are typically pretty excited to give an answer when they're little. to give an answer when they're little. to give an answer when they're little. They they like to know something. So, They they like to know something. So, They they like to know something. So, when they're younger, you start with when they're younger, you start with when they're younger, you start with observation questions. And as they age, observation questions. And as they age, observation questions. And as they age, you start asking interpretation you start asking interpretation you start asking interpretation questions and and more and more questions and and more and more questions and and more and more application questions. And I know that application questions. And I know that application questions. And I know that that's hard to do. And I mean, that's that's hard to do. And I mean, that's that's hard to do. And I mean, that's actually part of why we wrote we wrote actually part of why we wrote we wrote actually part of why we wrote we wrote this and gave the questions. But we this and gave the questions. But we this and gave the questions. But we really want it you want to create a a really want it you want to create a a really want it you want to create a a home atmosphere where the parents aren't home atmosphere where the parents aren't home atmosphere where the parents aren't always the one giving the answers. But always the one giving the answers. But always the one giving the answers. But you want to you want to actually ask you want to you want to actually ask you want to you want to actually ask your kids, "What do you think about the your kids, "What do you think about the your kids, "What do you think about the story? What do you notice that's story? What do you notice that's story? What do you notice that's interesting?" And that's going to start interesting?" And that's going to start interesting?" And that's going to start a real conversation in the family. a real conversation in the family. a real conversation in the family. >> Yeah, what what studies have shown >> Yeah, what what studies have shown >> Yeah, what what studies have shown repeatedly repeatedly repeatedly educational studies have shown educational studies have shown educational studies have shown repeatedly that learning is enhanced repeatedly that learning is enhanced repeatedly that learning is enhanced when people engage with the content when people engage with the content when people engage with the content themselves through dialogue or answering themselves through dialogue or answering themselves through dialogue or answering questions and questions and questions and the ability to get your child to talk the ability to get your child to talk the ability to get your child to talk and gets them to to retain things better and gets them to to retain things better and gets them to to retain things better generates interest in it better. But generates interest in it better. But generates interest in it better. But here's another angle to it that you here's another angle to it that you here's another angle to it that you probably haven't thought of. When your probably haven't thought of. When your probably haven't thought of. When your children begin to respond to questions children begin to respond to questions children begin to respond to questions and they begin to think about a passage and they begin to think about a passage and they begin to think about a passage and interact with that passage, and interact with that passage, and interact with that passage, you begin to learn things from them.

you begin to learn things from them. you begin to learn things from them. Now you're thinking maybe not when Now you're thinking maybe not when Now you're thinking maybe not when they're two, they're two, they're two, but you would be surprised how many but you would be surprised how many but you would be surprised how many times we be at a family devotional and times we be at a family devotional and times we be at a family devotional and I'm like, I never noticed that before. I'm like, I never noticed that before. I'm like, I never noticed that before. I I never made that connection before I I never made that connection before I I never made that connection before and it's one of my children that made and it's one of my children that made and it's one of my children that made the connection. the connection. the connection. And you realize this is the this is what And you realize this is the this is what And you realize this is the this is what we're saying earlier about about setting we're saying earlier about about setting we're saying earlier about about setting God's word as a family. What it does is God's word as a family. What it does is God's word as a family. What it does is it it's there's there's vertical it it's there's there's vertical it it's there's there's vertical learning from from you from God, but learning from from you from God, but learning from from you from God, but then there's learning from each other. then there's learning from each other. then there's learning from each other. And it's that horizontal learning that And it's that horizontal learning that And it's that horizontal learning that really unites the family together and really unites the family together and really unites the family together and really opens up the personalities of really opens up the personalities of really opens up the personalities of your children. your children. your children. Different children notice different Different children notice different Different children notice different things. things. things. Like certain personalities pick up on Like certain personalities pick up on Like certain personalities pick up on certain things, other personalities pick certain things, other personalities pick certain things, other personalities pick up on other things and I can see my up on other things and I can see my up on other things and I can see my children's own distinctives coming out children's own distinctives coming out children's own distinctives coming out as they interact with the word of God as they interact with the word of God as they interact with the word of God and we learn from them. And this is just and we learn from them. And this is just and we learn from them. And this is just one of the beauties of a Bible study. one of the beauties of a Bible study. one of the beauties of a Bible study. >> Like one example of this, my son John >> Like one example of this, my son John >> Like one example of this, my son John was asking you he's engineer mind and he was asking you he's engineer mind and he was asking you he's engineer mind and he was just asking me last week, Mom, was just asking me last week, Mom, was just asking me last week, Mom, what's your conference about what's your conference about what's your conference about or what are you studying? And I was or what are you studying? And I was or what are you studying? And I was like, oh, we're studying the Psalms and like, oh, we're studying the Psalms and like, oh, we're studying the Psalms and he well when he didn't like the Psalms I he well when he didn't like the Psalms I he well when he didn't like the Psalms I picked. So there was that, but he was picked. So there was that, but he was picked. So there was that, but he was like, did you pick this one? Did you like, did you pick this one? Did you like, did you pick this one? Did you pick that? No, no, no, we didn't pick pick that? No, no, no, we didn't pick pick that? No, no, no, we didn't pick that one and we we had this whole that one and we we had this whole that one and we we had this whole conversation. But then he said, yeah, conversation. But then he said, yeah, conversation. But then he said, yeah, and I I was surprised by how many Psalms and I I was surprised by how many Psalms and I I was surprised by how many Psalms he was rattling off that he knew so he was rattling off that he knew so he was rattling off that he knew so well. And so I I asked him, I was like, well. And so I I asked him, I was like, well. And so I I asked him, I was like, why do you how do you know all these why do you how do you know all these why do you how do you know all these Psalms, John? He goes, well, couple Psalms, John? He goes, well, couple Psalms, John? He goes, well, couple years ago I was just interested in every years ago I was just interested in every years ago I was just interested in every Psalm that was used in the New Psalm that was used in the New Psalm that was used in the New Testament. So I did a study where I went

Testament. So I did a study where I went Testament. So I did a study where I went through all the New Testament and looked through all the New Testament and looked through all the New Testament and looked for the Psalms and you know, went back for the Psalms and you know, went back for the Psalms and you know, went back and read how they were using the New and read how they were using the New and read how they were using the New Testament context. And basically it was Testament context. And basically it was Testament context. And basically it was this very engineering way of looking at this very engineering way of looking at this very engineering way of looking at the New Testament and trying to figure the New Testament and trying to figure the New Testament and trying to figure out the Psalms. And, you know, it's just out the Psalms. And, you know, it's just out the Psalms. And, you know, it's just you're having these conversations. And you're having these conversations. And you're having these conversations. And he never even told me he had done that. he never even told me he had done that. he never even told me he had done that. And I was like, "Well, that's that'd be And I was like, "Well, that's that'd be And I was like, "Well, that's that'd be a great idea for a Bible study." You a great idea for a Bible study." You a great idea for a Bible study." You know, so so you're you start learning know, so so you're you start learning know, so so you're you start learning from your kids. But his brain is just from your kids. But his brain is just from your kids. But his brain is just working like a like an engineer. He's working like a like an engineer. He's working like a like an engineer. He's thinking through the text that way. thinking through the text that way. thinking through the text that way. >> Think about it. When you when you give >> Think about it. When you when you give >> Think about it. When you when you give your kids God's word, they can explore your kids God's word, they can explore your kids God's word, they can explore it as deeply as they possibly can. They it as deeply as they possibly can. They it as deeply as they possibly can. They would never run out. So, here's my son, would never run out. So, here's my son, would never run out. So, here's my son, who's a brilliant engineering mind. He's who's a brilliant engineering mind. He's who's a brilliant engineering mind. He's like, "Yeah, I started doing the the the like, "Yeah, I started doing the the the like, "Yeah, I started doing the the the connectioning of the dots of the connectioning of the dots of the connectioning of the dots of the Psalms." And he was rattling off these Psalms." And he was rattling off these Psalms." And he was rattling off these things. I'm like, "What? This is things. I'm like, "What? This is things. I'm like, "What? This is impressive." So, I'm I think he's pretty impressive." So, I'm I think he's pretty impressive." So, I'm I think he's pretty unimpressed with me, actually, as a unimpressed with me, actually, as a unimpressed with me, actually, as a biblical scholar. He asked me these hard biblical scholar. He asked me these hard biblical scholar. He asked me these hard questions, and I'm like, I give an questions, and I'm like, I give an questions, and I'm like, I give an answer, he goes, "Yeah, that's not answer, he goes, "Yeah, that's not answer, he goes, "Yeah, that's not cutting it, Dad. Sorry." cutting it, Dad. Sorry." cutting it, Dad. Sorry." Um Um Um All right, so let's talk about this for All right, so let's talk about this for All right, so let's talk about this for a moment. What happens if you have a a moment. What happens if you have a a moment. What happens if you have a older child who doesn't even want to be older child who doesn't even want to be older child who doesn't even want to be there?

there? there? Um maybe you have a 14-year-old, Um maybe you have a 14-year-old, Um maybe you have a 14-year-old, 13-year-old that's at that sort of surly 13-year-old that's at that sort of surly 13-year-old that's at that sort of surly stage. They're like, they they sound stage. They're like, they they sound stage. They're like, they they sound like our dog, Gus. Oh. like our dog, Gus. Oh. like our dog, Gus. Oh. I don't want [snorts] to do a Bible I don't want [snorts] to do a Bible I don't want [snorts] to do a Bible study. Or even more to the point, what study. Or even more to the point, what study. Or even more to the point, what if they start saying, "I don't even know if they start saying, "I don't even know if they start saying, "I don't even know if I believe this." if I believe this." if I believe this." Any thoughts on that? Any thoughts on that? Any thoughts on that? >> Um one thing I would say, the younger >> Um one thing I would say, the younger >> Um one thing I would say, the younger you can start, the more it just becomes you can start, the more it just becomes you can start, the more it just becomes the habit of your home. And so you might the habit of your home. And so you might the habit of your home. And so you might might have that a little bit less. I might have that a little bit less. I might have that a little bit less. I mean, it could it could come up. But if mean, it could it could come up. But if mean, it could it could come up. But if it's just been the habit, it's kind of it's just been the habit, it's kind of it's just been the habit, it's kind of like brushing your teeth. They're like, like brushing your teeth. They're like, like brushing your teeth. They're like, "Okay, this is what our family does." So "Okay, this is what our family does." So "Okay, this is what our family does." So I I would just encourage if they are I I would just encourage if they are I I would just encourage if they are young. If if maybe you've never done young. If if maybe you've never done young. If if maybe you've never done family devotions, and you're thinking we family devotions, and you're thinking we family devotions, and you're thinking we missed the boat. You you know, you hear missed the boat. You you know, you hear missed the boat. You you know, you hear that and you just feel like such a that and you just feel like such a that and you just feel like such a failure. I always believe in just having failure. I always believe in just having failure. I always believe in just having a conversation with them. Um going to a conversation with them. Um going to a conversation with them. Um going to your kids and saying, "You know, I wish your kids and saying, "You know, I wish your kids and saying, "You know, I wish we would have studied the Bible together we would have studied the Bible together we would have studied the Bible together when when we were when y'all were when when we were when y'all were when when we were when y'all were younger. And I I actually want to say younger. And I I actually want to say younger. And I I actually want to say I'm sorry about it. And I feel like, you I'm sorry about it. And I feel like, you I'm sorry about it. And I feel like, you know, I wish I would have done this know, I wish I would have done this know, I wish I would have done this more. Um and I know it may feel awkward, more. Um and I know it may feel awkward, more. Um and I know it may feel awkward, but I'd really love for us to start but I'd really love for us to start but I'd really love for us to start trying to study the Bible together as a trying to study the Bible together as a trying to study the Bible together as a family.

family. family. Um could we do that? Would y'all be Um could we do that? Would y'all be Um could we do that? Would y'all be interested in invite them in? I I do I interested in invite them in? I I do I interested in invite them in? I I do I do think it's good to have a do think it's good to have a do think it's good to have a conversation about it. Um the older the conversation about it. Um the older the conversation about it. Um the older the kids are getting. Um and then it But if kids are getting. Um and then it But if kids are getting. Um and then it But if you have a kid who maybe you've been you have a kid who maybe you've been you have a kid who maybe you've been doing family devotions and now they're doing family devotions and now they're doing family devotions and now they're getting to the surly stage, what I getting to the surly stage, what I getting to the surly stage, what I really encourage you to do is not to really encourage you to do is not to really encourage you to do is not to engage it maybe at the table in the engage it maybe at the table in the engage it maybe at the table in the devotional time, but maybe later say, devotional time, but maybe later say, devotional time, but maybe later say, "Hey, "Hey, "Hey, when you're one-on-one with the child, when you're one-on-one with the child, when you're one-on-one with the child, say you you really seem pretty say you you really seem pretty say you you really seem pretty disinterested in spiritual things. Um disinterested in spiritual things. Um disinterested in spiritual things. Um Can Can you tell me how you're feeling Can Can you tell me how you're feeling Can Can you tell me how you're feeling about it? Can we talk about it?" Have a about it? Can we talk about it?" Have a about it? Can we talk about it?" Have a conversation with them. Remember, you conversation with them. Remember, you conversation with them. Remember, you know, you're You can't make them a know, you're You can't make them a know, you're You can't make them a Christian. Christian. Christian. You can't force the issue. So, but what You can't force the issue. So, but what You can't force the issue. So, but what you want to do is keep the lines of you want to do is keep the lines of you want to do is keep the lines of communication open. So, be curious. communication open. So, be curious. communication open. So, be curious. Maybe they do have doubts. Maybe they Maybe they do have doubts. Maybe they Maybe they do have doubts. Maybe they were in a really bad mood that morning. were in a really bad mood that morning. were in a really bad mood that morning. You know, maybe it's not even a big deal You know, maybe it's not even a big deal You know, maybe it's not even a big deal at all, but they were and maybe they'll at all, but they were and maybe they'll at all, but they were and maybe they'll just say, "Yeah, I had a really bad just say, "Yeah, I had a really bad just say, "Yeah, I had a really bad attitude. I'm sorry." Um so you just But attitude. I'm sorry." Um so you just But attitude. I'm sorry." Um so you just But I would do it when it's not a hot time, I would do it when it's not a hot time, I would do it when it's not a hot time, you know, when when tensions are raised, you know, when when tensions are raised, you know, when when tensions are raised, but just keep the conversation lines but just keep the conversation lines but just keep the conversation lines over. But what do you think about that?

over. But what do you think about that? over. But what do you think about that? You talk about doubt a lot. You talk about doubt a lot. You talk about doubt a lot. >> Yeah, some of you may know that I wrote >> Yeah, some of you may know that I wrote >> Yeah, some of you may know that I wrote a book for college students called a book for college students called a book for college students called Surviving Religion 101, which deals with Surviving Religion 101, which deals with Surviving Religion 101, which deals with intellectual questions. So, not directly intellectual questions. So, not directly intellectual questions. So, not directly related to this, but I do deal with the related to this, but I do deal with the related to this, but I do deal with the question of doubt. And doubt can start question of doubt. And doubt can start question of doubt. And doubt can start young. Doesn't have to wait till college young. Doesn't have to wait till college young. Doesn't have to wait till college for doubt to happen. Um and there's so for doubt to happen. Um and there's so for doubt to happen. Um and there's so many things to say about doubt, but I many things to say about doubt, but I many things to say about doubt, but I will say this, God has a lot of patience will say this, God has a lot of patience will say this, God has a lot of patience for doubters, a lot of compassion on for doubters, a lot of compassion on for doubters, a lot of compassion on doubters. As parents, one of the things doubters. As parents, one of the things doubters. As parents, one of the things that we don't want to to do is if our that we don't want to to do is if our that we don't want to to do is if our child starts saying, "I'm not sure I child starts saying, "I'm not sure I child starts saying, "I'm not sure I believe this." that, you know, we're believe this." that, you know, we're believe this." that, you know, we're dropping the hammer on them. dropping the hammer on them. dropping the hammer on them. Moment one, like, "Well, no, you can't Moment one, like, "Well, no, you can't Moment one, like, "Well, no, you can't ever express doubt in this home. You ever express doubt in this home. You ever express doubt in this home. You can't ever ask hard questions in this can't ever ask hard questions in this can't ever ask hard questions in this home. You know, we don't do that around home. You know, we don't do that around home. You know, we don't do that around here. We just believe." here. We just believe." here. We just believe." And then you shut down the conversation. And then you shut down the conversation. And then you shut down the conversation. Yeah, you can shut down the Yeah, you can shut down the Yeah, you can shut down the conversation, but I can promise you this conversation, but I can promise you this conversation, but I can promise you this is that if your child feels like they is that if your child feels like they is that if your child feels like they can't voice those things can't voice those things can't voice those things with you, they're going to voice They're with you, they're going to voice They're with you, they're going to voice They're going to voice them with other people. going to voice them with other people. going to voice them with other people. And then then they're going to get And then then they're going to get And then then they're going to get answers from other people. answers from other people. answers from other people. I'd rather if my kid has got doubts, I'd I'd rather if my kid has got doubts, I'd I'd rather if my kid has got doubts, I'd rather have him bring them to me and rather have him bring them to me and rather have him bring them to me and have an open warm conversation about it have an open warm conversation about it have an open warm conversation about it where he can freely express them. I where he can freely express them. I where he can freely express them. I don't jump all over him and we can have don't jump all over him and we can have don't jump all over him and we can have a conversation about those. Um and and a conversation about those. Um and and a conversation about those. Um and and so my biggest piece of advice of many so my biggest piece of advice of many so my biggest piece of advice of many things, and you can read more about it things, and you can read more about it things, and you can read more about it in my other book, is is is make it a an in my other book, is is is make it a an in my other book, is is is make it a an open conversation where they feel not open conversation where they feel not open conversation where they feel not doubt shamed. You know, but but but I doubt shamed. You know, but but but I doubt shamed. You know, but but but I want to hear why you think that. What want to hear why you think that. What want to hear why you think that. What What is What Why don't you feel like you What is What Why don't you feel like you What is What Why don't you feel like you believe these things? What is it about believe these things? What is it about believe these things? What is it about it that don't you don't find persuasive?

it that don't you don't find persuasive? it that don't you don't find persuasive? We have that conversation and really We have that conversation and really We have that conversation and really have that dialogue. So, there's so much have that dialogue. So, there's so much have that dialogue. So, there's so much more to say about nuts and bolts, more to say about nuts and bolts, more to say about nuts and bolts, but one of the reasons we wrote our book but one of the reasons we wrote our book but one of the reasons we wrote our book is to help you along the way. And so, is to help you along the way. And so, is to help you along the way. And so, I'm excited, and we're kind of been I'm excited, and we're kind of been I'm excited, and we're kind of been building up to this, is to say a few building up to this, is to say a few building up to this, is to say a few words about the book. So, here I have it words about the book. So, here I have it words about the book. So, here I have it in my hands. This is the Good News in my hands. This is the Good News in my hands. This is the Good News Family Devotional, 52 Weeks in the Family Devotional, 52 Weeks in the Family Devotional, 52 Weeks in the Gospel of Mark. Um Gospel of Mark. Um Gospel of Mark. Um and I know when the session is over, and I know when the session is over, and I know when the session is over, we're going to be doing a meet and greet we're going to be doing a meet and greet we're going to be doing a meet and greet um out in the back, and we'll say more um out in the back, and we'll say more um out in the back, and we'll say more about this in a moment. And we'll about this in a moment. And we'll about this in a moment. And we'll actually be signing these books if you actually be signing these books if you actually be signing these books if you have one, but even if you don't have have one, but even if you don't have have one, but even if you don't have one, we want to meet you. Um but we're one, we want to meet you. Um but we're one, we want to meet you. Um but we're really thrilled about Yeah, even We really thrilled about Yeah, even We really thrilled about Yeah, even We still want to meet you, even if you still want to meet you, even if you still want to meet you, even if you don't have a book. don't have a book. don't have a book. Um no, we really do. We're This isn't Um no, we really do. We're This isn't Um no, we really do. We're This isn't about the books per se, it's about about the books per se, it's about about the books per se, it's about helping parents. And so, we really do helping parents. And so, we really do helping parents. And so, we really do want to meet you and and help you along want to meet you and and help you along want to meet you and and help you along the way. But, Melissa, if someone says, the way. But, Melissa, if someone says, the way. But, Melissa, if someone says, "What makes this different? What Why Why "What makes this different? What Why Why "What makes this different? What Why Why is this a distinct family devotional?" is this a distinct family devotional?" is this a distinct family devotional?" What would you say? What would you say? What would you say? >> Yeah, um what I love about this is I I >> Yeah, um what I love about this is I I >> Yeah, um what I love about this is I I think part sometimes and you were in a think part sometimes and you were in a think part sometimes and you were in a room basically with all women. So I even room basically with all women. So I even room basically with all women. So I even think sometimes we as moms are really think sometimes we as moms are really think sometimes we as moms are really excited about this you know as women say excited about this you know as women say excited about this you know as women say we want to have family devotion and then we want to have family devotion and then we want to have family devotion and then maybe our husband looks at us and he's maybe our husband looks at us and he's maybe our husband looks at us and he's like what what you know what are we like what what you know what are we like what what you know what are we doing and how are we doing this?

doing and how are we doing this? doing and how are we doing this? And so yeah like that. And so I I think And so yeah like that. And so I I think And so yeah like that. And so I I think what we have is I think we all know we what we have is I think we all know we what we have is I think we all know we want to do this and we just don't know want to do this and we just don't know want to do this and we just don't know how to do it. Um and so there are a lot how to do it. Um and so there are a lot how to do it. Um and so there are a lot of books telling us to do things. I find of books telling us to do things. I find of books telling us to do things. I find sometimes the church is lacking in books sometimes the church is lacking in books sometimes the church is lacking in books that help us do things. And so what that help us do things. And so what that help us do things. And so what what's different about this um what's different about this um what's different about this um we really based it on the thoughts of we really based it on the thoughts of we really based it on the thoughts of Deuteronomy 6 which says you know we're Deuteronomy 6 which says you know we're Deuteronomy 6 which says you know we're to love the Lord our God to love the Lord our God to love the Lord our God the first command is love the Lord your the first command is love the Lord your the first command is love the Lord your God with all your heart, your soul, your God with all your heart, your soul, your God with all your heart, your soul, your strength. These commandments that I give strength. These commandments that I give strength. These commandments that I give you are to be on your heart. Then it you are to be on your heart. Then it you are to be on your heart. Then it says teach them as you go about your says teach them as you go about your says teach them as you go about your way. Teach them diligently to your way. Teach them diligently to your way. Teach them diligently to your children. Impress them on on them as you children. Impress them on on them as you children. Impress them on on them as you go about your way. And so what we go about your way. And so what we go about your way. And so what we realized is what the first command to realized is what the first command to realized is what the first command to parents parents parents is not about our children. It's about is not about our children. It's about is not about our children. It's about our affections. And it's that we love our affections. And it's that we love our affections. And it's that we love the Lord. We pursue the Lord and then the Lord. We pursue the Lord and then the Lord. We pursue the Lord and then it's we have his word on our heart. And it's we have his word on our heart. And it's we have his word on our heart. And then we teach it to our children. So then we teach it to our children. So then we teach it to our children. So we've got to get the order right. And so we've got to get the order right. And so we've got to get the order right. And so what I love about this devotional the what I love about this devotional the what I love about this devotional the devotional is actually for the adult. So devotional is actually for the adult. So devotional is actually for the adult. So you have the scripture reading that's you have the scripture reading that's you have the scripture reading that's just a portion it's not a lot of it's just a portion it's not a lot of it's just a portion it's not a lot of it's you know we're going through Mark in a you know we're going through Mark in a you know we're going through Mark in a year. Yeah so it's doable. It's doable.

year. Yeah so it's doable. It's doable. year. Yeah so it's doable. It's doable. Um but so the scripture is given there's Um but so the scripture is given there's Um but so the scripture is given there's a devotional a devotional a devotional for the parent that's helping them for the parent that's helping them for the parent that's helping them understand what's the Gospel of Mark understand what's the Gospel of Mark understand what's the Gospel of Mark about. You know so I think one thing about. You know so I think one thing about. You know so I think one thing that that kind of keeps us from doing that that kind of keeps us from doing that that kind of keeps us from doing this is we're like oh I'm scared my this is we're like oh I'm scared my this is we're like oh I'm scared my child is going to ask me a question I child is going to ask me a question I child is going to ask me a question I can't answer. And so this gives you the can't answer. And so this gives you the can't answer. And so this gives you the of like I would call a devotional of like I would call a devotional of like I would call a devotional commentary, you know, helping them commentary, you know, helping them commentary, you know, helping them understand what the text is about and understand what the text is about and understand what the text is about and then it helps equip you before you're then it helps equip you before you're then it helps equip you before you're going to teach your family. And then going to teach your family. And then going to teach your family. And then there are questions for families and there are questions for families and there are questions for families and there as well. there as well. there as well. >> Yeah, one of the things we noticed about >> Yeah, one of the things we noticed about >> Yeah, one of the things we noticed about devotionals out there is they're either devotionals out there is they're either devotionals out there is they're either written written written sort of for kids at a kid level sort of for kids at a kid level sort of for kids at a kid level or they're written without kids in mind or they're written without kids in mind or they're written without kids in mind at all. at all. at all. And what we've done is we've written a And what we've done is we've written a And what we've done is we've written a book that's for parents and kids both. book that's for parents and kids both. book that's for parents and kids both. And so we really want to encourage the And so we really want to encourage the And so we really want to encourage the heart of the parent and then we give you heart of the parent and then we give you heart of the parent and then we give you tools to take that content and transport tools to take that content and transport tools to take that content and transport it into the hearts of your children. So it into the hearts of your children. So it into the hearts of your children. So theoretically, you could do a Bible theoretically, you could do a Bible theoretically, you could do a Bible study with no kids at all and really study with no kids at all and really study with no kids at all and really benefit from this. But it's really benefit from this. But it's really benefit from this. But it's really designed to be for both and it's designed to be for both and it's designed to be for both and it's designed to be for a family. And the way designed to be for a family. And the way designed to be for a family. And the way we go from the from the Bible study we go from the from the Bible study we go from the from the Bible study itself to transfer to the to the itself to transfer to the to the itself to transfer to the to the children is a really detailed, children is a really detailed, children is a really detailed, well-thought-through well-thought-through well-thought-through uh question about uh section with uh question about uh section with uh question about uh section with questions. So we have uh the devotional questions. So we have uh the devotional questions. So we have uh the devotional and then we have a major theme that we and then we have a major theme that we and then we have a major theme that we highlight and then we have questions.

highlight and then we have questions. highlight and then we have questions. And each of the questions is divided And each of the questions is divided And each of the questions is divided into different kinds of questions and into different kinds of questions and into different kinds of questions and different ages. And here's the secret different ages. And here's the secret different ages. And here's the secret sauce here is that we hit different sauce here is that we hit different sauce here is that we hit different ages. So if you have young kids, we can ages. So if you have young kids, we can ages. So if you have young kids, we can hit we have questions for them. If you hit we have questions for them. If you hit we have questions for them. If you have older kids, we have questions for have older kids, we have questions for have older kids, we have questions for them. them. them. And you might look at the questions and And you might look at the questions and And you might look at the questions and think, I kind of resonate with the young think, I kind of resonate with the young think, I kind of resonate with the young kid questions. Maybe that's you, who kid questions. Maybe that's you, who kid questions. Maybe that's you, who knows. But regardless, we have questions knows. But regardless, we have questions knows. But regardless, we have questions at different levels and that's been one at different levels and that's been one at different levels and that's been one of the challenges for Bible studies is of the challenges for Bible studies is of the challenges for Bible studies is what do you do with Bible study when you what do you do with Bible study when you what do you do with Bible study when you have kids at multiple ages? How does have kids at multiple ages? How does have kids at multiple ages? How does this What would you say this really does this What would you say this really does this What would you say this really does to help? to help? to help? >> Um and well, I was going to open it up. >> Um and well, I was going to open it up. >> Um and well, I was going to open it up. Um Um Um One thing it has, I don't know if the One thing it has, I don't know if the One thing it has, I don't know if the front row can see this. front row can see this. front row can see this. Um Um Um but but but what I was So I was an educator um and I what I was So I was an educator um and I what I was So I was an educator um and I taught Yeah, if you think teaching the taught Yeah, if you think teaching the taught Yeah, if you think teaching the Bible is hard to your kids, I taught Bible is hard to your kids, I taught Bible is hard to your kids, I taught high school math, okay? Nobody wants to high school math, okay? Nobody wants to high school math, okay? Nobody wants to learn algebra, especially as a learn algebra, especially as a learn algebra, especially as a 14-year-old. Um that was really 14-year-old. Um that was really 14-year-old. Um that was really difficult to to teach. But so one thing difficult to to teach. But so one thing difficult to to teach. But so one thing you learn um when you teach is you kind you learn um when you teach is you kind you learn um when you teach is you kind of need to tell people what you're going of need to tell people what you're going of need to tell people what you're going to tell them and then you tell them and to tell them and then you tell them and to tell them and then you tell them and then you tell them what you told them. then you tell them what you told them. then you tell them what you told them. And so, it's hard to remember that as And so, it's hard to remember that as And so, it's hard to remember that as you're doing family devotions, but this you're doing family devotions, but this you're doing family devotions, but this we wrote so that you would remember to we wrote so that you would remember to we wrote so that you would remember to do that. So, there's a big idea for the do that. So, there's a big idea for the do that. So, there's a big idea for the day, then there are questions for day, then there are questions for day, then there are questions for younger children, there's questions for younger children, there's questions for younger children, there's questions for older children, then there's a family older children, then there's a family older children, then there's a family application question, and that's really application question, and that's really application question, and that's really important that your kids see you're important that your kids see you're important that your kids see you're learning, too, and that mom and dad are learning, too, and that mom and dad are learning, too, and that mom and dad are applying the text as well, and then applying the text as well, and then applying the text as well, and then there's family direction for prayer. So, there's family direction for prayer. So, there's family direction for prayer. So, these are really just prompts to remind

these are really just prompts to remind these are really just prompts to remind you what do you do. We were just trying you what do you do. We were just trying you what do you do. We were just trying to set you up to set you up to set you up as as well as we could to make this time as as well as we could to make this time as as well as we could to make this time as easy as possible so that it gives you as easy as possible so that it gives you as easy as possible so that it gives you the plan for you. And just reminding the plan for you. And just reminding the plan for you. And just reminding you, kind of giving you prompts to say you, kind of giving you prompts to say you, kind of giving you prompts to say what needs to be said. what needs to be said. what needs to be said. >> Wow, I'm looking at that afresh, and I'm >> Wow, I'm looking at that afresh, and I'm >> Wow, I'm looking at that afresh, and I'm like, that that looks pretty good. Look like, that that looks pretty good. Look like, that that looks pretty good. Look at that. I'd forgotten what that looks at that. I'd forgotten what that looks at that. I'd forgotten what that looks like. Yeah. like. Yeah. like. Yeah. >> You know what's funny about books, most >> You know what's funny about books, most >> You know what's funny about books, most people if you've written a book, you people if you've written a book, you people if you've written a book, you know this, is that by the time you know this, is that by the time you know this, is that by the time you write the book, write the book, write the book, it's a whole year till that book's on it's a whole year till that book's on it's a whole year till that book's on the shelf. the shelf. the shelf. And and and the funny thing about it is, And and and the funny thing about it is, And and and the funny thing about it is, sometimes you write a book and you're sometimes you write a book and you're sometimes you write a book and you're like, I I don't remember writing that. like, I I don't remember writing that. like, I I don't remember writing that. That was a year ago. And what do you That was a year ago. And what do you That was a year ago. And what do you remember what you did a year ago? And remember what you did a year ago? And remember what you did a year ago? And I've had times where I go back and I I've had times where I go back and I I've had times where I go back and I reread my own books. I'm like, that reread my own books. I'm like, that reread my own books. I'm like, that wasn't so bad. I kind of like that. wasn't so bad. I kind of like that. wasn't so bad. I kind of like that. And sometimes I read my books and I go, And sometimes I read my books and I go, And sometimes I read my books and I go, what was I thinking? what was I thinking? what was I thinking? But I'm liking what I'm seeing there, But I'm liking what I'm seeing there, But I'm liking what I'm seeing there, and and that that I think is the is the and and that that I think is the is the and and that that I think is the is the structure we're looking at here, which structure we're looking at here, which structure we're looking at here, which is the word of God followed by the is the word of God followed by the is the word of God followed by the devotional followed by really concrete devotional followed by really concrete devotional followed by really concrete questions and applications. Now, you'll questions and applications. Now, you'll questions and applications. Now, you'll notice we did this on the Gospel of notice we did this on the Gospel of notice we did this on the Gospel of Mark, okay? Now, we picked a Gospel Mark, okay? Now, we picked a Gospel Mark, okay? Now, we picked a Gospel because, you know how a family devotions because, you know how a family devotions because, you know how a family devotions are, if you want to engage kids, one of are, if you want to engage kids, one of are, if you want to engage kids, one of the greatest ways to engage kids is to the greatest ways to engage kids is to the greatest ways to engage kids is to the person of Jesus.

the person of Jesus. the person of Jesus. Okay? Okay? Okay? We didn't write a 52 weeks in the book We didn't write a 52 weeks in the book We didn't write a 52 weeks in the book of Leviticus. of Leviticus. of Leviticus. It's in the Gospel of Mark. It's in the Gospel of Mark. It's in the Gospel of Mark. So, we're face-to-face with the person So, we're face-to-face with the person So, we're face-to-face with the person of Jesus and his teachings and his his of Jesus and his teachings and his his of Jesus and his teachings and his his ministry. ministry. ministry. But people have asked us repeatedly, why But people have asked us repeatedly, why But people have asked us repeatedly, why Mark? Mark? Mark? Uh what do you think, Melissa? Why Mark? Uh what do you think, Melissa? Why Mark? Uh what do you think, Melissa? Why Mark? >> Because you won. >> Because you won. >> Because you won. >> Yeah, cuz I won. >> Yeah, cuz I won. >> Yeah, cuz I won. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> So we have this interior family squabble >> So we have this interior family squabble >> So we have this interior family squabble about our favorite gospel. about our favorite gospel. about our favorite gospel. Um and Melissa's favorite gospel is Um and Melissa's favorite gospel is Um and Melissa's favorite gospel is John. John. John. And all of you are like, she's right. And all of you are like, she's right. And all of you are like, she's right. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> And I am the minority report. And I >> And I am the minority report. And I >> And I am the minority report. And I really love the Gospel of Mark. And really love the Gospel of Mark. And really love the Gospel of Mark. And apparently I won. So um but we ended up apparently I won. So um but we ended up apparently I won. So um but we ended up having to pick a gospel. No, but having to pick a gospel. No, but having to pick a gospel. No, but seriously, that we do have a different seriously, that we do have a different seriously, that we do have a different opinion about which our favorite gospel opinion about which our favorite gospel opinion about which our favorite gospel is, but the Gospel of Mark works great is, but the Gospel of Mark works great is, but the Gospel of Mark works great for family devotions. for family devotions. for family devotions. It's the shortest gospel. It's the It's the shortest gospel. It's the It's the shortest gospel. It's the narrative flow is right to the point. narrative flow is right to the point. narrative flow is right to the point. The narrative moves along and clicks The narrative moves along and clicks The narrative moves along and clicks quickly. And it gets you these quickly. And it gets you these quickly. And it gets you these independent stories you can grab and independent stories you can grab and independent stories you can grab and really teach. So it's going to work really teach. So it's going to work really teach. So it's going to work great. It's a fantastic gospel already, great. It's a fantastic gospel already, great. It's a fantastic gospel already, but it really is something spectacular but it really is something spectacular but it really is something spectacular when it comes to the Gospel of Mark.

when it comes to the Gospel of Mark. when it comes to the Gospel of Mark. Anything else you want to say about what Anything else you want to say about what Anything else you want to say about what makes this devotional unique? >> I think that's good. >> I think that's good. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> Now, before we leave that, um Melissa >> Now, before we leave that, um Melissa >> Now, before we leave that, um Melissa has a brand new kids book coming out and has a brand new kids book coming out and has a brand new kids book coming out and you get to see the cover of it you get to see the cover of it you get to see the cover of it highlighted here. This is it. Melissa, highlighted here. This is it. Melissa, highlighted here. This is it. Melissa, say a word about it. say a word about it. say a word about it. >> Yeah, this is fun to get to see. So >> Yeah, this is fun to get to see. So >> Yeah, this is fun to get to see. So Harvest House, which produced this Harvest House, which produced this Harvest House, which produced this devotional, um I've had I've had a real devotional, um I've had I've had a real devotional, um I've had I've had a real pleasure of working um with them on a pleasure of working um with them on a pleasure of working um with them on a couple of kids books. And here here's couple of kids books. And here here's couple of kids books. And here here's the reality, and this is why I think as the reality, and this is why I think as the reality, and this is why I think as parents we need to be always growing parents we need to be always growing parents we need to be always growing ourselves, ourselves, ourselves, um because um because um because the theological questions our kids are the theological questions our kids are the theological questions our kids are asking don't often come at devotion asking don't often come at devotion asking don't often come at devotion time. time. time. Um they actually come in the middle of Um they actually come in the middle of Um they actually come in the middle of the day. And this this story comes about the day. And this this story comes about the day. And this this story comes about because when Emma, our oldest, was about because when Emma, our oldest, was about because when Emma, our oldest, was about 5 years old, she fell off of her bike. 5 years old, she fell off of her bike. 5 years old, she fell off of her bike. And uh we had been talking that morning And uh we had been talking that morning And uh we had been talking that morning at family devotions about how God at family devotions about how God at family devotions about how God watches over you and he's sovereign and watches over you and he's sovereign and watches over you and he's sovereign and he's in charge of everything and she he's in charge of everything and she he's in charge of everything and she looked at me with these big tears in her looked at me with these big tears in her looked at me with these big tears in her eyes and she said to me, if God's eyes and she said to me, if God's eyes and she said to me, if God's sovereign and he's watching over me, why sovereign and he's watching over me, why sovereign and he's watching over me, why did he let me fall off my bike?

did he let me fall off my bike? did he let me fall off my bike? And I was like, okay, great. It's 2:00 And I was like, okay, great. It's 2:00 And I was like, okay, great. It's 2:00 p.m. on a Monday and we're talking about p.m. on a Monday and we're talking about p.m. on a Monday and we're talking about the problem of evil. I don't know how to the problem of evil. I don't know how to the problem of evil. I don't know how to answer this question for you. And so answer this question for you. And so answer this question for you. And so this little book, this little book, this little book, you know, it's it's basically all about you know, it's it's basically all about you know, it's it's basically all about that. It goes through it's looking at that. It goes through it's looking at that. It goes through it's looking at James 1, what do we do when life doesn't James 1, what do we do when life doesn't James 1, what do we do when life doesn't make sense and the the rhyme is um so make sense and the the rhyme is um so make sense and the the rhyme is um so count it all joy whatever you do, count count it all joy whatever you do, count count it all joy whatever you do, count it all joy, God's working in you. That it all joy, God's working in you. That it all joy, God's working in you. That God's got a plan even when we don't God's got a plan even when we don't God's got a plan even when we don't understand. And so it's trying to help understand. And so it's trying to help understand. And so it's trying to help get a big theological truth to a young get a big theological truth to a young get a big theological truth to a young heart at a young age. Um and so that's heart at a young age. Um and so that's heart at a young age. Um and so that's what that's about. So I'm really excited what that's about. So I'm really excited what that's about. So I'm really excited about it. about it. about it. >> Weren't you all excited about that? I'm >> Weren't you all excited about that? I'm >> Weren't you all excited about that? I'm so excited about that. so excited about that. so excited about that. If someone said we're going to write a If someone said we're going to write a If someone said we're going to write a kids book on the problem of evil and kids book on the problem of evil and kids book on the problem of evil and you're like that's a great No, really. you're like that's a great No, really. you're like that's a great No, really. This is this is really a amazing new This is this is really a amazing new This is this is really a amazing new frontier. I think it's going to be frontier. I think it's going to be frontier. I think it's going to be fantastic. I've read it of course and I fantastic. I've read it of course and I fantastic. I've read it of course and I think it's great cuz I read all of think it's great cuz I read all of think it's great cuz I read all of Melissa's books. Melissa's books. Melissa's books. Um yes. Um yes. Um yes. >> We're not having this conversation. >> We're not having this conversation. >> We're not having this conversation. >> Yeah, we're not having this conversation >> Yeah, we're not having this conversation >> Yeah, we're not having this conversation again. Okay. again. Okay. again. Okay. >> I don't >> I don't >> I don't >> books of mine have you read, Melissa?

>> books of mine have you read, Melissa? >> books of mine have you read, Melissa? >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> Okay, moving on. >> Okay, moving on. >> Okay, moving on. Um Um Um >> Are there are there any marriage >> Are there are there any marriage >> Are there are there any marriage counselors in the room? counselors in the room? counselors in the room? >> Yeah, exactly. Notice we're not talking >> Yeah, exactly. Notice we're not talking >> Yeah, exactly. Notice we're not talking about marriage, just family. about marriage, just family. about marriage, just family. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> Actually, there is a fun little sequence >> Actually, there is a fun little sequence >> Actually, there is a fun little sequence here. So Melissa's written this amazing here. So Melissa's written this amazing here. So Melissa's written this amazing children's books and then we've got the children's books and then we've got the children's books and then we've got the family devotion. I've written books for family devotion. I've written books for family devotion. I've written books for kids in college. So I don't know what's kids in college. So I don't know what's kids in college. So I don't know what's next. Maybe retired people, I don't next. Maybe retired people, I don't next. Maybe retired people, I don't know. Maybe we're getting close.