Little Pieces Club: Recent Episodes
Little Pieces Club Ministries
Welcome to Little Pieces Club Ministries. We sit at the convergence of trauma science and faith. At its heart LPCM applies Middle Eastern Christian context (rediscovering what years of western tradition may have missed) to the science of trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences(ACE’s). We walk along side children, teens, and parents who are recovering from relationship toxicity. The literature, art and spirit of the Bible points us toward the story of Jesus, The Good Shepherd. This story is a resilience factor in recovering from trauma large and small. Follow daily on instagram: @lpcministries
Scripture for the Episode:Descendants of Noah Genesis 10 aka The Table of Nations.•“For you [Israel] are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession” (Deuteronomy 7:6).Wise/Discerning ATTACHMENTEzekiel 34: 7-8 & 17-18• So, you shepherds, hear the Word of the Lord. “As I live,” says the Lord God, “My flock has been killed and become food for wild animals because they had no shepherd. My shepherds did not look for My flock. They fed themselves, but have not fed My flock.” ••“As for you, My flock, the Lord God says, ‘I will judge between one sheep and another, between the rams and the male goats. Is it not enough for you to eat in the good field? Must you crush under foot the rest of your fields? Is it not enough for you to drink of the clear waters? Must your feet fill the rest with mud? Male/Female Co-Equality (Science ABILTY matches INTEREST AND STRENGTHS DIFFER specifically between “agency” and “community.” -”The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does; and likewise the husband also does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does.” 1 Corinthians 7:4-”and the man exclaimed, "Here is someone like me! She is part of my body, my own flesh and bones.” Gen 2:23 CEV-Book of Esther (Replay of Adam and Eve’s Fall…this time results in tremendous community blessing, saving the exiled Hebrews) (Will delve more into this in later episodes…)Esther 4:9-17.9 Hathach came back and related Mordecai’s words to Esther. 10 Then Esther spoke to Hathach and ordered him to reply to Mordecai: 11 “All the king’s servants and the people of the king’s provinces know that for any man or woman who comes to the king to the inner court who is not summoned, he has but one law, that he be put to death, unless the king holds out to him the golden scepter so that he may live. And I have not been summoned to come to the king for these thirty days.” 12 They related Esther’s words to Mordecai.13 Then Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, “Do not imagine that you in the king’s palace can escape any more than all the Jews. 14 For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place and you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?”Esther Plans to Intercede15 Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai, 16 “Go, assemble all the Jews who are found in Susa, and fast for me; do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maidens also will fast in the same way. And thus I will go in to the king, which is not according to the law; and if I perish, I perish.” 17 So Mordecai went away and did just as Esther had commanded himBibleProject Esther Video: https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/esther/?utm_source=web_social_share&medium=shared_video The YouTube Link for this episode is: https://youtu.be/eTPw_WyAkCo
This week’s tools. Fearless Living: Fear equals lack of trust in God.When coming face to face with spiritual beings/concepts humanity is told to “fear not” between 300-400 timesFear drives the need to control which disrupts relationships (Not being patient and kind) City Walls vs SheepfoldCain built the first city, and part of the design includes walls. While cities can be places of great creativity, BibleProject points out that “sin is always crouching.” Compare this to the sheepfold walls built by a Good Shepherd that keep the sheep safe, guarded by the shepherd. We also liken the walls of the city to a stronghold of the mind. Which is a trap in thinking that keeps us from full relationship with God. We will develop this more along our upcoming explorations City Video: https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/the-city/?utm_source=web_social_share&medium=shared_video Non-reductionism: A foundational difference between how the ancient hebrews thought and we do is that they hold seemingly opposite views without conflict. But instead, see them as reality and not mutually exclusive. Life is physical and spiritual. Life sucks, AND God loves us. People sin AND are cherished and loved by God in other words we are fully forgiven sinnersThe YouTube Link for this episode is: https://youtu.be/xYXH9AaNWLg
Today we continue to review several themes notable to modern scholars in the Hebrew Bible. In our “Healing Journeys” series we are seeing what our destination looks like. Edenic concepts are both the starting point and destination. They represent God;s ultimate wish for his people. Each topic could be a podcast unto itself, but BibleProject devotes much time on many of these concepts. So we will contextualize to our own journey of healing from hard things and walking with others as they heal. Proverbs (Wisdom) Video: https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/wisdom-proverbs/?utm_source=web_social_share&medium=shared_video Justice Video: https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/justice/?utm_source=web_social_share&medium=shared_video Submission/Anah: Isaiah 58: Whole chapter. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2058&version=NASB1995 Right-Relationship: Isaiah 26:10: But when grace is shown to the wicked, they do not learn righteousness; even in a land of uprightness they go on doing evil and do not regard the majesty of the LordJustice: Psalm 33:5: The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love.Wisdom: Proverbs 1:20: Out in the open wisdom calls aloud, she raises her voice in the public square;The YouTube Link for this episode is: https://youtu.be/4KulbDI_FCs
Today we will review several themes notable to modern scholars in the Hebrew Bible. For our journey concept this represents both the starting point and destination. They represent God’s ultimate wish for his people. Each topic could be a podcast unto itself, but BibleProject devotes much time on many of these concepts. For our purposes we will use this as an understanding of our destination or journey blueprint. After we review the concepts we think about how to apply them in both solitude and community. Mark 12:29-32 “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’There is no commandment greater than these.”1 Corinthians 13:4. 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.Job 13:15: Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him; I will surely[a] defend my ways to his face.Lamentations 3: 19-33I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. 20 I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. 21 Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope:22 Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. 23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 24 I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.”25 The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; 26 it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. 27 It is good for a man to bear the yoke while he is young.28 Let him sit alone in silence, for the Lord has laid it on him. 29 Let him bury his face in the dust— there may yet be hope. 30 Let him offer his cheek to one who would strike him, and let him be filled with disgrace.31 For no one is cast off by the Lord forever. 32 Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. 33 For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to anyone.Mark 11:25: 25 And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”BibleProject Video Links: Job Video https://youtu.be/GswSg2ohqmA?si=I6kJaDgWTRUlGjq5Justice Video: https://youtu.be/A14THPoc4-4?si=dwyohQVKUg9ctWEjThe YouTube Link for this episode is: https://youtu.be/mSPMYwFGBwk
This is our first episode of a new series. We take a pivot and focus on expanding on our 3-hour Introductory course “Healing Journeys with Science and Scripture.” We see how modern Biblical scholarship and cutting edge science build a worldview that helps us grieve and heal from adversity and trauma; as if it has been there all along.In “Part 1: Eden and Marriage” we ask God to bless the series and think about humanity’s origin and destination in a celebratory relationship with another be it God and/or another human (dirt creature). Link to YouTube video that was mentioned: https://youtu.be/4L_yCwFD6Jo?si=aNwq2OwbKnyO0R6B The YouTube Link for this episode is: pending
This week’s podcast brings Season 2 to a close as talk through Parental Alienation topics, summarize how to decide if it is there and what to do about it. I also bring the spiritual dimension to the discussion as we talk about God’s character with respect to the alienating parent idea. I also preview our next season: Season 3: Healing Journey’s with Science and Scripture. Again to find the information for alienated parents that Dr Amy Baker has created follow the links below. Also more information on the alienating behaviors is below. Her website is: https://www.amyjlbaker.com Her books are: Parenting Under Fire.Co-Parenting with a Toxic ExHigh Conflict Custody BattleSurviving Parental AlienationGetting Through my Parents’ DivorceBonded to the AbuserRestoring Family ConnectionsAdult Children of Parental AlienationBeyond the High Road. For more on the 17 Alienation Strategies visit: https://www.amyjlbaker.com/about-parental-alienation For more on the 8 Alienating Behaviors exhibited by the children visit: https://parentalalienation.eu/awareness/8-symptoms-of-parental-alienation/ As discussed in the podcast, for more information on state-by-state mandated reporting guidelines visit: https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/safety-and-risk/child-abuse-and-neglect/ The YouTube Link is: pending
This week’s podcast brings us a conversation with Amy Baker one of if not the most prominent Parental Alienation researcher for the past 20+ years. She has authored many books and research papers and works with many parents and children overcoming Parental Alienation. Join us as we focus on how to best connect with and understand children going through parental alienation. Her website is: https://www.amyjlbaker.com Her books are: Parenting Under Fire.Co-Parenting with a Toxic ExHigh Conflict Custody BattleSurviving Parental AlienationGetting Through my Parents’ DivorceBonded to the AbuserRestoring Family ConnectionsAdult Children of Parental AlienationBeyond the High Road. For more on the 17 Alienation Strategies visit: https://www.amyjlbaker.com/about-parental-alienation For more on the 8 Alienating Behaviors exhibited by the children visit: https://parentalalienation.eu/awareness/8-symptoms-of-parental-alienation/ As discussed in the podcast, for more information on state-by-state mandated reporting guidelines visit: https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/safety-and-risk/child-abuse-and-neglect/ There is no YouTube video for this episode.
This week we are excited to bring you our next expert interview in our series on Parental Alienation (PA). Chris sits down with attorney Ashish Joshi of Joshi attorneys + counselors in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He practices law both domestically across the United States and internationally, specializing in cases of PA. He is extensively published in both professional journals, books and articles. Our conversation touches on great context and practical suggestions for recognizing and dealing with PA. I am reaching out to more experts for this series and will cap it off with an episode on spiritual considerations as I sense a growing awareness of these issues. The books and resources he suggests for parents are:Divorce Poison by Dr Richard WarshakThe High Conflict Custody Battle.By Amy Baker PhD & Michael Bone PhD Parenting Under Fire By Amy Baker PhDFor Legal Theory/PracticeLitigating Parental Alienation By Ashish JoshiThere is no YouTube video for this episode.
This week we are excited to bring you our first expert interview. Chris sits down with Alan Blotcky PhD. a clinical psychologist in private practice who has worked with Parental Alienation (PA) for 39 years. We review the definition and levels of severity, why there is controversy, why it is so hard to work through the court system, and best practices for limiting the severity. Here are the links to Dr Blotcky’s articles and a book that documents several stories of alienation and discusses the practical expectations and measures parents should put in place to help stay connected to their children.Here is the link to the Dr Blotcky’s articles and the book Surviving Parental Alienation: https://www.littlepiecesclub.org/parental-alienation-syndrome-resources This episode’s YouTube link: https://youtu.be/5IAkqMBJK20
Hey everyone! Just letting you know I am taking an intentional pause in the podcast as I wrap up work on two book! I’m very excited about them. They are marriage preparation and marriage rescue books that I will be sharing more about soon!
This week we continue a miniseries on parent FAQ's. We take a deep dive into practical aspects of Sabbath-keeping in relation to setting up new routines in the family. We also link this discussion to the science of exercise as written about by John Ratey MD. Finally, we see how all this can be integrated together in a weekly practice that heals and connects the newly forming family structure. This week's book recommendation: https://www.amazon.com/Spark-Revolutionary-Science-Exercise-Brain/dp/B08RZD6D4Z/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2ICYT3JTBIWOQ&keywords=spark+james+ratey&qid=1685310978&sprefix=spark+james+ratey%2Caps%2C151&sr=8-1Feel free to email potential questions to me and I will work them in subsequent episodes. (littlepiecesministries@gmail.com) Next week we continue parent FAQ'sVisit us @ www.littlepiecesclub.org (Where adversity science and biblical design patterns meet for the good of the whole family)This weeks YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/CDch02Xvq_E
This week we continue a miniseries on parent FAQ's. We are tackling the fact that some think Parental Alienation Syndrome has been debunked. We review some of the history, but mainly discuss the difficulties in diagnosing it and more importantly managing it. Links to the articles referenced are as follows:https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/tech-support/202304/parental-alienation-is-real-but-remains-hard-to-provehttps://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/resolution-not-conflict/201802/parental-alienation-syndrome-what-is-it-and-who-does-itJournal of Child Custody, 6:232–257, 2009 Copyright # Joan S. MeierISSN: 1537-9418 print=1537-940X online DOI: 10.1080/15379410903084681Children 2022, 9, 475. https://doi.org/10.3390/children9040475JOURNAL OF SOCIAL WELFARE AND FAMILY LAW 2020, VOL. 42, NO. 1, 92–105 https://doi.org/10.1080/09649069.2020.1701941Feel free to email potential questions to me and I will work them in subsequent episodes. (littlepiecesministries@gmail.com) Next week we continue parent FAQ'sVisit us @ www.littlepiecesclub.org (Where adversity science and biblical design patterns meet for the good of the whole family)Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/TYDCG4JlzyI
This week we continue a miniseries on parent FAQ's. We are tackling the case of a violent 13-year-old. He was caught in the anger of an acute divorce setting. We discuss how mixing current connection-based parenting skills and ancient wisdom help a parent "be Jesus for their child." Feel free to email potential questions to me and I will work them in subsequent episodes. (littlepiecesministries@gmail.com) Next week we continue parent FAQ'sVisit us @ www.littlepiecesclub.org (Where adversity science and biblical design patterns meet for the good of the whole family)This week’s YouTube video link: https://youtu.be/tn-KurRUAwI
This week we start continue a miniseries on parent FAQ's. We are tackling what to do if Parental Alienation Syndrome or PAS has already happened. Why it is biblically inconsistent for churches to ostracize people getting a divorce. We also look at factors that predict how children will do long term. Feel free to email potential questions to me and I will work them in subsequent episodes. (littlepiecesministries@gmail.com) Next week we continue parent FAQ'sVisit us @ www.littlepiecesclub.org (Where adversity science and biblical design patterns meet for the good of the whole family). This week’s YouTube video link: https://youtu.be/xhAGTk9fQRw
This week we start a miniseries on parent FAQ's. We are tackling ideal parenting strategies, how to approach situations where children are acting out and finally what to do when your children are turning your back on you. The risk in this situation is Parental Alienation Syndrome or PAS. Feel free to email potential questions to me and I will work them in subsequent episodes. (littlepiecesministries@gmail.com) Next week we continue parent FAQ'sVisit us @ www.littlepiecesclub.org (Where adversity science and biblical design patterns meet for the good of the whole family)
Today we unpack the design pattern of The Tree of Life. Remember this is the second of the design patterns that Jesus mentions in His “I AM” statements. There is a very rich depth to this metaphor that we use to organize the LPC curriculum and suggest helps form a parenting philosophy. Just like referring to Kenneth Bailey last week, our experts from this week are BibleProject.com. Their Tree of Life video is excellent and a great supplement to today’s video/podcast. We develop both in the root (solitude) and above ground in community. We have identified several skills that fall into each category, and review that organization today. We then go over high level parenting applications using these concepts. Not the least of these is raising your kids with the idea in mind that they can and will be Good Shepherds and Trees of Life in the unique ways God has planned for them. While we review a good amount of application, the whole point is that you as a parent or caregiver allow your own reading of scripture and meditations inform your parenting approach as you handle the divorce process. Next week we begin parent Questions and Responses Visit us @ www.littlepiecesclub.org (Where adversity science and biblical design patterns meet for the good of the whole family)
Today we unpack the design pattern of The Good Shepherd with the help of renowned scholar Kenneth Bailey (His book is The Good Shepherd: The Thousand-Year Journey from Psalm 23 to the New Testament). Recall this is in the context of attachment and parenting before, during and after divorce. The main idea is that The Good Shepherd makes it easier for us to attach to the figure of God and becomes an example to follow and a philosophy of parenting; one that is 1000's of years old. Trauma science tells us that parenting children optimally requires imparting a sense of absolute worth and value apart from whether or not specific rules are followed. Rules become secondary to the basic value and worth of the child and individual. Unfortunately our modern culture, and even Western interpretations of scripture often value rules OVER intrinsic worth. Reversing this will help parents and children connect even in the midst of chaos and relational instability. It is important that lost sheep get rescued (Good Shepherd) and then have a metaphorical plan to grow, that is next week. We will take a deep dive into how we can grow into Trees of Life and then lead our own families to this as well. Next week we dive deeply into the Design pattern of the Tree of Life. Visit us @ www.littlepiecesclub.org (Where adversity science and biblical design patterns meet for the good of the whole family)
Today we tackle the idea of attachment and Attachment Theory. We review the 4 basic attachment patterns, Secure, Anxious-Avoidant, Anxious-Ambivalent, and Fearful-Avoidant. With the help of www.attachmentproject.com we review the traits of adults of each pattern and the basic parenting style that produces the attachment pattern. Once we establish the basic science, we begin to layer biblical design patterns. First we look at the idea of wise and foolish attachments, and finally how the design pattern of transformation (lost sheep, rescued sheep, to good shepherd, to Tree of Life) fits with attachments. Parents are free to think back to their childhoods and then meditate on how their children are doing in light of attachment patterns. Next week we dive deeply into the work of Kenneth Bailey and The Good Shepherd. Visit us @ www.littlepiecesclub.org (Where adversity science and biblical design patterns meet)
The is Part 3 in our Divorce 101 series. Today we deconstruct how Little Pieces Club principles fit with at home routines. We cover sabbath, and two types of prayer routines. We link what we do in small groups to the Greatest Blessings and the concepts the ancient Hebrews encircled this primary directive with, Wisdom, faith, love, justice, etc... Next we talk about the basic metaphors of The Good Shepherd and Tree of Life and the link to Jesus and how we can see ourselves (lost sheep, rescued by a shepherd, who then becomes a good shepherd and tree of life. We do a short lesson and then a fun activity to reinforce the lesson. What I forgot to mention is the rich experience of playing board games together. Just like family meals, this is a complicated task that is able to teach in right brained ways, so many good lessons. Next week we tackle attachment and shame. Visit us @ www.littlepiecesclub.org (Where adversity science and biblical design patterns meet)
The is Part 2 in our Divorce 101 series. We are still focusing on the science behind understanding the impact divorce has on children. We start our looking at the concept of Adverse Childhood Experiences or ACE's. It is interesting that on some lists divorce is left off. But that being said for the Center for Disease Control it is included. We review that impact ACE's have on adult (when the child grows up) behavioral AND physical illnesses. Again this is dark data for a parent to review. Next we pivot, (finally) to what can be done. We review Do's and Don'ts. Unfortunately many of the Don'ts are selfish behaviors adults will subject children to, and the more mature parent often is horrified by. Nonetheless making sure these behaviors are mentioned and also the Divorce Kids' Bill of Rights in the divorce proceedings may raise the awareness level enough to be impactful. I further suggest some form of a Divorce Funeral and Co-parenting Recommitment Ceremony, a wild idea, but one that reflects the gravity of the situation from the perspective of the children. We leave this episode off with the key concept that children can do very well, and there are several best-practices that parents can follow. We must INTENTIONALLY build resilience into children, by targeting shame and encouraging their ability to see and assess the changing dynamic of the families. Next week in Part 3 we will deconstruct how Little Pieces Club helps children and families. We will take a deep dive into how the poetry, narrative, and history written about in the Bible heals us all at a very deep level. Visit us @ www.littlepiecesclub.org (Where adversity science and biblical design patterns meet)
Season 2 is directed at parent education about divorce; it’s impacts and what can be done. This is an encore and more theologically complete version of a Continuing Medical Education Lecture Chris gave a few years ago. We look at the data gathered about divorced children over the last 40 years. And I warn you, it isn't pretty. We meet Judith Wallerstein, one of the (if not the) first researcher of the outcomes children experience after divorce. We look at the differing trajectories she saw between children of divorce and the children of parent's who had problems, but ultimately stayed together. By and large JW's work has been substantiated with subsequent work (Paul Amato). We also look at the modern family structure and the problems it gives us in terms of predicting outcomes. But where there is uncertainty, there is stress and adversity.This episode and this series will be difficult to hear if you have gotten a divorce. Given all the information about how divorce and adversity impacts children, why then is it not discussed more widely? To explore this, with the help of biblical scholar Michael S. Heiser, we can see a link between ideology and the spiritual beings mentioned in the Bible. The antidote is to intentionally and fully look at both sides of continuum to decide wisdom: Divorce is a needed safety valve, but if marriage is not valued properly and supported, too many children get hurt when the right becomes too convenient . Are we, like the Israelite neighbors, guilty of sacrificing our children to the god of an ideology? What about abortion? And gender conversion by minors? We settle back into seeing how divorce impacts children at different ages and this includes a discussion on conflict, shame, and the special cases of the caregiver child and the Sleeper Effect. Books mentioned:Judith Wallerstein: The Unexpected Legacy of Divorce: A 25-Year Landmark Study Isabel Sawhill: Generation Unbound: Drifting into Sex and Parenthood without MarriageMichael S Heiser: The Unseen Realm: Recovering the Supernatural Worldview of the BibleLeila Miller: Primal Loss:The Now-Adult Children of Divorce Speak.Rebekah Merkle: Eve in Exile and the Restoration of Femininity Visit us @ www.littlepiecesclub.org (Where adversity science and biblical design patterns meet)
Chris, founder of Little Pieces Club Ministries, recently applied to give a TEDx talk for the TEDxMSU community. After making the first cut, the student organizers decided this was not a talk they wanted. This video makes the argument that meditating on 1000's of years old biblical design patterns are remarkably good at healing modern trauma. You be the judge if this is an "idea worth spreading." We'd love it if you feel strongly enough about our work to like and share!!Visit us @ www.littlepiecesclub.org
WE MADE IT!!! The final lesson in our (Public and Private) Christian Journey Series. Of course this is just the start of the journey!Today, in Part 14 in our series: The Public Christian Journey. We focus on how to tell others about Jesus. But we do it through understanding the Tree of Life metaphor and that Jesus called us to be like Him as a Tree of Life. We can focus on showing others and knowing the wisdom of when to tell others about Him. Series Summary:Week 1: We built our theology of loving others from Mark 12:29-31 and then defined love (1 Corinthians 13:4-8) and forgiving others as honoring Christ's sacrifice. (Ephesians 4:32) On a practical level we look at the value and blessing that others bring to us in our journey. Week 2: We focused on giving "free" gifts, just like Christ sacrificed for us when we didn't deserve it. We focus again on Mark 12: 29-31 and also talk in the Podcast about the connection of Christ's death to the metaphors of The Good Shepherd and the Tree of Life. We look very closely that the prison of unforgiveness and how to apply that to our daily lives. If we are in a state of unforgiveness then we are also in a state of incomplete grief. In Week 3 we focused on the Parable of the Lost Son found in Luke 15:11-32. We deconstruct much of the Hebrew context of this parable to expose a deeper level of forgiveness expressed by the father (God). And we meditate on who actually is the lost son, and remind ourselves that forgiveness is the end product of a period of grief. We also discuss the activity sheet and journal activity for the week. Week 4 we focused on the scriptures supporting Sabbath. We took a brief look back at the Parable of the Lost son. But this time we discuss the celebration dinner and link it to Sabbath celebration. We suggest journal prompts for the teens and discuss the activity sheet and journal activity for the week. For the small group session it was shaving Cream Week!!! (Always a favorite)In week 5 we focused on "Apologizing with All of Our Hearts." As part of the PCJ, we will hurt people and they will hurt us. The apology is how we live out humbleness and submission (listening deeply to know) to others. We looked at intentional and unintentional harms and then look at several scripture passages that touch on various aspects of a genuine apology. Finally we suggest role-play activities and journal prompts that help dive deeper into being ready to apologize when needed. In Weeks 6-10 We talked a lot about “Win-win-win thinking" and being an Ezer Kenegdo. As part of the PCJ, we hear echoes of Stephen Covey, (Seek first to understand and then to be understood) we spent the weeks looking at different aspects of being in relationships with others. From listening and then working together, these are all aspects of the public journey. We looked at Philippians 2:4 and Proverbs 18 and Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 for guidance. Last week (Week 10) we applied the Ezer Kenegdo concept to making VALID EXPECTATIONS (wise rules for relationships). We looked at the Book of Esther and saw how Mordecai and Esther did better than Adam and Eve. kindly) what is a “win” for us. We fullyIn Week 11 in our series: The Public Christian Journey. We look at how to balance power (or social influence) and justice. Our Biblical anchor is Romans 8:18 as we look for hope when injustices occur. In Part 12 we took a hard look at forgiveness and the pain of unforgiveness. This is a crucial issue for parents to understand to bring forth optimal emotional health for their children. It is a long episode, so it can be broken up as needed. In Part 13 in our series: The Public Christian Journey. After forgiveness we focus on defining integrity so that kids can better choose their friends, and label what is happening around them. Proverbs helps us see crooked and foolish people contrasted with wisdom and integrity. You can visit us at www.littlepiecesclub.com.
Season 2 of Little Pieces Club Podcasts will be geared toward parent frequently asked questions. We start off with a big one. "What do I do about awful behavior?" The answer might surprise you! We review the anatomy of a power struggle. We review the American Academy of Pediatrics' document on 3 foundational components of disciplining children. Spoiler! Discipline does not equal punishment. Finally we talk about the post extinguishing burst. Please feel free to like and comment and reach out at our website.You can visit us at www.littlepiecesclub.com.
This is Part 13 in our series: The Public Christian Journey. After forgiveness we focus on defining integrity so that kids can better choose their friends, and label what is happening around them. Proverbs helps us see crooked and foolish people contracted with wisdom and integrity. Series Summary:Week 1: We built our theology of loving others from Mark 12:29-31 and then defined love (1 Corinthians 13:4-8) and forgiving others as honoring Christ's sacrifice. (Ephesians 4:32) On a practical level we look at the value and blessing that others bring to us in our journey. Week 2: We focused on giving "free" gifts, just like Christ sacrificed for us when we didn't deserve it. We focus again on Mark 12: 29-31 and also talk in the Podcast about the connection of Christ's death to the metaphors of The Good Shepherd and the Tree of Life. We look very closely that the prison of unforgiveness and how to apply that to our daily lives. If we are in a state of unforgiveness then we are also in a state of incomplete grief. In Week 3 we focused on the Parable of the Lost Son found in Luke 15:11-32. We deconstruct much of the Hebrew context of this parable to expose a deeper level of forgiveness expressed by the father (God). And we meditate on who actually is the lost son, and remind ourselves that forgiveness is the end product of a period of grief. We also discuss the activity sheet and journal activity for the week. Week 4 we focused on the scriptures supporting Sabbath. We took a brief look back at the Parable of the Lost son. But this time we discuss the celebration dinner and link it to Sabbath celebration. We suggest journal prompts for the teens and discuss the activity sheet and journal activity for the week. For the small group session it was shaving Cream Week!!! (Always a favorite)In week 5 we focused on "Apologizing with All of Our Hearts." As part of the PCJ, we will hurt people and they will hurt us. The apology is how we live out humbleness and submission (listening deeply to know) to others. We looked at intentional and unintentional harms and then look at several scripture passages that touch on various aspects of a genuine apology. Finally we suggest role-play activities and journal prompts that help dive deeper into being ready to apologize when needed. In Weeks 6-10 We talked a lot about “Win-win-win thinking" and being an Ezer Kenegdo. As part of the PCJ, we hear echoes of Stephen Covey, (Seek first to understand and then to be understood) we spent the weeks looking at different aspects of being in relationships with others. From listening and then working together, these are all aspects of the public journey. We looked at Philippians 2:4 and Proverbs 18 and Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 for guidance. Last week (Week 10) we applied the Ezer Kenegdo concept to making VALID EXPECTATIONS (wise rules for relationships). We looked at the Book of Esther and saw how Mordecai and Esther did better than Adam and Eve. kindly) what is a “win” for us. We fullyIn Week 11 in our series: The Public Christian Journey. We look at how to balance power (or social influence) and justice. Our Biblical anchor is Romans 8:18 as we look for hope when injustices occur. In Part 12 we took a hard look at forgiveness and the pain of unforgiveness. This is a crucial issue for parents to understand to bring forth optimal emotional health for their children. It is a long episode, so it can be broken up as needed. You can visit us at www.littlepiecesclub.com.
This is Part 12 in our series: The Public Christian Journey. Here we take a hard look at forgiveness and the pain of unforgiveness. This is a crucial issue for parents to understand to bring forth optimal emotional health for their children. It is a long episode, so it can be broken up as needed. Series Summary:Week 1: We built our theology of loving others from Mark 12:29-31 and then defined love (1 Corinthians 13:4-8) and forgiving others as honoring Christ's sacrifice. (Ephesians 4:32) On a practical level we look at the value and blessing that others bring to us in our journey. Week 2: We focused on giving "free" gifts, just like Christ sacrificed for us when we didn't deserve it. We focus again on Mark 12: 29-31 and also talk in the Podcast about the connection of Christ's death to the metaphors of The Good Shepherd and the Tree of Life. We look very closely that the prison of unforgiveness and how to apply that to our daily lives. If we are in a state of unforgiveness then we are also in a state of incomplete grief. In Week 3 we focused on the Parable of the Lost Son found in Luke 15:11-32. We deconstruct much of the Hebrew context of this parable to expose a deeper level of forgiveness expressed by the father (God). And we meditate on who actually is the lost son, and remind ourselves that forgiveness is the end product of a period of grief. We also discuss the activity sheet and journal activity for the week. Week 4 we focused on the scriptures supporting Sabbath. We took a brief look back at the Parable of the Lost son. But this time we discuss the celebration dinner and link it to Sabbath celebration. We suggest journal prompts for the teens and discuss the activity sheet and journal activity for the week. For the small group session it was shaving Cream Week!!! (Always a favorite)In week 5 we focused on "Apologizing with All of Our Hearts." As part of the PCJ, we will hurt people and they will hurt us. The apology is how we live out humbleness and submission (listening deeply to know) to others. We looked at intentional and unintentional harms and then look at several scripture passages that touch on various aspects of a genuine apology. Finally we suggest role-play activities and journal prompts that help dive deeper into being ready to apologize when needed. In Weeks 6-10 We talked a lot about “Win-win-win thinking" and being an Ezer Kenegdo. As part of the PCJ, we hear echoes of Stephen Covey, (Seek first to understand and then to be understood) we spent the weeks looking at different aspects of being in relationships with others. From listening and then working together, these are all aspects of the public journey. We looked at Philippians 2:4 and Proverbs 18 and Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 for guidance. Last week (Week 10) we applied the Ezer Kenegdo concept to making VALID EXPECTATIONS (wise rules for relationships). We looked at the Book of Esther and saw how Mordecai and Esther did better than Adam and Eve. kindly) what is a “win” for us. We fullyIn Week 11, we looked at how to balance power (or social influence) and justice. Our Biblical anchor is Romans 8:18 as we look for hope when injustices occur. You can visit us at www.littlepiecesclub.com.
This is Part 11 in our series: The Public Christian Journey. We look at how to balance power (or social influence) and justice. Our Biblical anchor is Romans 8:18 as we look for hope when injustices occur. Series Summary:Week 1: We built our theology of loving others from Mark 12:29-31 and then defined love (1 Corinthians 13:4-8) and forgiving others as honoring Christ's sacrifice. (Ephesians 4:32) On a practical level we look at the value and blessing that others bring to us in our journey. Week 2: We focused on giving "free" gifts, just like Christ sacrificed for us when we didn't deserve it. We focus again on Mark 12: 29-31 and also talk in the Podcast about the connection of Christ's death to the metaphors of The Good Shepherd and the Tree of Life. We look very closely that the prison of unforgiveness and how to apply that to our daily lives. If we are in a state of unforgiveness then we are also in a state of incomplete grief. In Week 3 we focused on the Parable of the Lost Son found in Luke 15:11-32. We deconstruct much of the Hebrew context of this parable to expose a deeper level of forgiveness expressed by the father (God). And we meditate on who actually is the lost son, and remind ourselves that forgiveness is the end product of a period of grief. We also discuss the activity sheet and journal activity for the week. Week 4 we focused on the scriptures supporting Sabbath. We took a brief look back at the Parable of the Lost son. But this time we discuss the celebration dinner and link it to Sabbath celebration. We suggest journal prompts for the teens and discuss the activity sheet and journal activity for the week. For the small group session it was shaving Cream Week!!! (Always a favorite)In week 5 we focused on "Apologizing with All of Our Hearts." As part of the PCJ, we will hurt people and they will hurt us. The apology is how we live out humbleness and submission (listening deeply to know) to others. We looked at intentional and unintentional harms and then look at several scripture passages that touch on various aspects of a genuine apology. Finally we suggest role-play activities and journal prompts that help dive deeper into being ready to apologize when needed. In Weeks 6-10 We talked a lot about “Win-win-win thinking" and being an Ezer Kenegdo. As part of the PCJ, we hear echoes of Stephen Covey, (Seek first to understand and then to be understood) we spent the weeks looking at different aspects of being in relationships with others. From listening and then working together, these are all aspects of the public journey. We looked at Philippians 2:4 and Proverbs 18 and Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 for guidance. Last week (Week 10) we applied the Ezer Kenegdo concept to making VALID EXPECTATIONS (wise rules for relationships). We looked at the Book of Esther and saw how Mordecai and Esther did better than Adam and Eve. kindly) what is a “win” for us. We fullyYou can visit us at www.littlepiecesclub.com.
Small Group Episode 36: Making Good and Wise Rules TogetherThis is Part 10 in our series: The Public Christian Journey. We apply the Ezer Kenegdo concept to making VALID EXPECTATIONS (wise rules for relationships). We look at the Book of Esther and how Mordecai and Esther live this out better than Adam and Eve. Series Summary:Week 1: We built our theology of loving others from Mark 12:29-31 and then defined love (1 Corinthians 13:4-8) and forgiving others as honoring Christ's sacrifice. (Ephesians 4:32) On a practical level we look at the value and blessing that others bring to us in our journey. Week 2: We focused on giving "free" gifts, just like Christ sacrificed for us when we didn't deserve it. We focus again on Mark 12: 29-31 and also talk in the Podcast about the connection of Christ's death to the metaphors of The Good Shepherd and the Tree of Life. We look very closely that the prison of unforgiveness and how to apply that to our daily lives. If we are in a state of unforgiveness then we are also in a state of incomplete grief. In Week 3 we focused on the Parable of the Lost Son found in Luke 15:11-32. We deconstruct much of the Hebrew context of this parable to expose a deeper level of forgiveness expressed by the father (God). And we meditate on who actually is the lost son, and remind ourselves that forgiveness is the end product of a period of grief. We also discuss the activity sheet and journal activity for the week. Week 4 we focused on the scriptures supporting Sabbath. We took a brief look back at the Parable of the Lost son. But this time we discuss the celebration dinner and link it to Sabbath celebration. We suggest journal prompts for the teens and discuss the activity sheet and journal activity for the week. For the small group session it was shaving Cream Week!!! (Always a favorite)In week 5 we focused on "Apologizing with All of Our Hearts." As part of the PCJ, we will hurt people and they will hurt us. The apology is how we live out humbleness and submission (listening deeply to know) to others. We looked at intentional and unintentional harms and then look at several scripture passages that touch on various aspects of a genuine apology. Finally we suggest role-play activities and journal prompts that help dive deeper into being ready to apologize when needed. In Week 6 in our series we “introduced you to “Win-win-win thinking." As part of the PCJ, we hear echoes of Stephen Covey, but here we include God as the third win. We see the wisdom of the Greatest Blessings as finding the win-win-win. When anyone "loses" God is saddened. We even see that if we are not fully loyal to God we can create a win-win-lose. We looked at several scripture passages that touch on various aspects of a genuine apology. Finally we suggest role-play activities and journal prompts that help dive deeper into how best to find win-win-wins. In Week 7 we continue a deep dive into "Win-Win-Win Thinking." With "submissive" (anah) listening we focus on figuring out what is a “win” for other people. Do we guess or ask? We also get to have fun playing the fool or the wise person when faced with an apparent conflict. We look to Philippians 2:4 and Proverbs 18 for guidance.In Part 8 we looked at "Win-Win-Win Thinking," that is expressing (patiently and kindly) what is a “win” for us. We fully review the concept of ezer kenegdo (iron sharpens iron). Seeing that ideal relationships happen when both people share and strengthen each other. We see the wisdom of this in Proverbs 18:1-2 and 13. In Part 9 in our series: We took our last look at the ezer kenegdo concept and define "synergy." We combine the words wisdom, submission and synergy and consider the wisdom in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8.You can visit us at www.littlepiecesclub.com.
This is Part 9 in our series: The Public Christian Journey. We take our last look at the ezer kenegdo concept and define "synergy." We combine the words wisdom, submission and synergy and consider the wisdom in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8.Series Summary:Week 1: We built our theology of loving others from Mark 12:29-31 and then defined love (1 Corinthians 13:4-8) and forgiving others as honoring Christ's sacrifice. (Ephesians 4:32) On a practical level we look at the value and blessing that others bring to us in our journey. Week 2: We focused on giving "free" gifts, just like Christ sacrificed for us when we didn't deserve it. We focus again on Mark 12: 29-31 and also talk in the Podcast about the connection of Christ's death to the metaphors of The Good Shepherd and the Tree of Life. We look very closely that the prison of unforgiveness and how to apply that to our daily lives. If we are in a state of unforgiveness then we are also in a state of incomplete grief. In Week 3 we focused on the Parable of the Lost Son found in Luke 15:11-32. We deconstruct much of the Hebrew context of this parable to expose a deeper level of forgiveness expressed by the father (God). And we meditate on who actually is the lost son, and remind ourselves that forgiveness is the end product of a period of grief. We also discuss the activity sheet and journal activity for the week. Week 4 we focused on the scriptures supporting Sabbath. We took a brief look back at the Parable of the Lost son. But this time we discuss the celebration dinner and link it to Sabbath celebration. We suggest journal prompts for the teens and discuss the activity sheet and journal activity for the week. For the small group session it was shaving Cream Week!!! (Always a favorite)In week 5 we focused on "Apologizing with All of Our Hearts." As part of the PCJ, we will hurt people and they will hurt us. The apology is how we live out humbleness and submission (listening deeply to know) to others. We looked at intentional and unintentional harms and then look at several scripture passages that touch on various aspects of a genuine apology. Finally we suggest role-play activities and journal prompts that help dive deeper into being ready to apologize when needed. In Week 6 in our series we “introduced you to “Win-win-win thinking." As part of the PCJ, we hear echoes of Stephen Covey, but here we include God as the third win. We see the wisdom of the Greatest Blessings as finding the win-win-win. When anyone "loses" God is saddened. We even see that if we are not fully loyal to God we can create a win-win-lose. We looked at several scripture passages that touch on various aspects of a genuine apology. Finally we suggest role-play activities and journal prompts that help dive deeper into how best to find win-win-wins. In Week 7 we continue a deep dive into "Win-Win-Win Thinking." With "submissive" (anah) listening we focus on figuring out what is a “win” for other people. Do we guess or ask? We also get to have fun playing the fool or the wise person when faced with an apparent conflict. We look to Philippians 2:4 and Proverbs 18 for guidance.In Part 8 we looked at "Win-Win-Win Thinking," that is expressing (patiently and kindly) what is a “win” for us. We fully review the concept of ezer kenegdo (iron sharpens iron). Seeing that ideal relationships happen when both people share and strengthen each other. We see the wisdom of this in Proverbs 18:1-2 and 13. You can visit us at www.littlepiecesclub.com.
This is Part 8 in our series: The Public Christian Journey. Deeply diving into "Win-Win-Win Thinking," we focus on expressing (patiently and kindly) what is a “win” for us. We fully review the concept of ezer kenegdo (iron sharpens iron). Seeing that ideal relationships happen when both people share and strengthen each other. We see the wisdom of this in Proverbs 18:1-2 and 13. Series Summary:Week 1: We built our theology of loving others from Mark 12:29-31 and then defined love (1 Corinthians 13:4-8) and forgiving others as honoring Christ's sacrifice. (Ephesians 4:32) On a practical level we look at the value and blessing that others bring to us in our journey. Week 2: We focused on giving "free" gifts, just like Christ sacrificed for us when we didn't deserve it. We focus again on Mark 12: 29-31 and also talk in the Podcast about the connection of Christ's death to the metaphors of The Good Shepherd and the Tree of Life. We look very closely that the prison of unforgiveness and how to apply that to our daily lives. If we are in a state of unforgiveness then we are also in a state of incomplete grief. In Week 3 we focused on the Parable of the Lost Son found in Luke 15:11-32. We deconstruct much of the Hebrew context of this parable to expose a deeper level of forgiveness expressed by the father (God). And we meditate on who actually is the lost son, and remind ourselves that forgiveness is the end product of a period of grief. We also discuss the activity sheet and journal activity for the week. Week 4 we focused on the scriptures supporting Sabbath. We took a brief look back at the Parable of the Lost son. But this time we discuss the celebration dinner and link it to Sabbath celebration. We suggest journal prompts for the teens and discuss the activity sheet and journal activity for the week. For the small group session it was shaving Cream Week!!! (Always a favorite)In week 5 we focused on "Apologizing with All of Our Hearts." As part of the PCJ, we will hurt people and they will hurt us. The apology is how we live out humbleness and submission (listening deeply to know) to others. We looked at intentional and unintentional harms and then look at several scripture passages that touch on various aspects of a genuine apology. Finally we suggest role-play activities and journal prompts that help dive deeper into being ready to apologize when needed. In Week 6 in our series we “introduced you to “Win-win-win thinking." As part of the PCJ, we hear echoes of Stephen Covey, but here we include God as the third win. We see the wisdom of the Greatest Blessings as finding the win-win-win. When anyone "loses" God is saddened. We even see that if we are not fully loyal to God we can create a win-win-lose. We looked at several scripture passages that touch on various aspects of a genuine apology. Finally we suggest role-play activities and journal prompts that help dive deeper into how best to find win-win-wins. In Week 7 we continued a deep dive into "Win-Win-Win Thinking." With "submissive" (anah) listening we focus on figuring out what is a “win” for other people. Do we guess or ask? We also get to have fun playing the fool or the wise person when faced with an apparent conflict. We look to Philippians 2:4 and Proverbs 18 for guidance.You can visit us at www.littlepiecesclub.com.
This is Part 7 in our series: The Public Christian Journey. We continue with "Win-Win-Win Thinking." Today we focus on figuring out what is a “win” for other people and how we go about figuring that out. Do we guess or ask? We also get to have fun playing the fool or the wise person when faced with an apparent conflict. We look to Phillippians 2:4 and Proverbs 18 for guidance.Series Summary:Week 1: We built our theology of loving others from Mark 12:29-31 and then defined love (1 Corinthians 13:4-8) and forgiving others as honoring Christ's sacrifice. (Ephesians 4:32) On a practical level we look at the value and blessing that others bring to us in our journey. Week 2: We focused on giving "free" gifts, just like Christ sacrificed for us when we didn't deserve it. We focus again on Mark 12: 29-31 and also talk in the Podcast about the connection of Christ's death to the metaphors of The Good Shepherd and the Tree of Life. We look very closely that the prison of unforgiveness and how to apply that to our daily lives. If we are in a state of unforgiveness then we are also in a state of incomplete grief. In Week 3 we focused on the Parable of the Lost Son found in Luke 15:11-32. We deconstruct much of the Hebrew context of this parable to expose a deeper level of forgiveness expressed by the father (God). And we meditate on who actually is the lost son, and remind ourselves that forgiveness is the end product of a period of grief. We also discuss the activity sheet and journal activity for the week. Week 4 we focused on the scriptures supporting Sabbath. We took a brief look back at the Parable of the Lost son. But this time we discuss the celebration dinner and link it to Sabbath celebration. We suggest journal prompts for the teens and discuss the activity sheet and journal activity for the week. For the small group session it was shaving Cream Week!!! (Always a favorite)In week 5 we focused on "Apologizing with All of Our Hearts." As part of the PCJ, we will hurt people and they will hurt us. The apology is how we live out humbleness and submission (listening deeply to know) to others. We looked at intentional and unintentional harms and then look at several scripture passages that touch on various aspects of a genuine apology. Finally we suggest role-play activities and journal prompts that help dive deeper into being ready to apologize when needed. In Week 6 in our series we “introduced you to “Win-win-win thinking." As part of the PCJ, we hear echoes of Stephen Covey, but here we include God as the third win. We see the wisdom of the Greatest Blessings as finding the win-win-win. When anyone "loses" God is saddened. We even see that if we are not fully loyal to God we can create a win-win-lose. We looked at several scripture passages that touch on various aspects of a genuine apology. Finally we suggest role-play activities and journal prompts that help dive deeper into how best to find win-win-wins. You can visit us at www.littlepiecesclub.com.
This is Part 6 in our series: The Public Christian Journey. "Win-win-win Thinking." As part of the PCJ, we hear echoes of Stephen Covey, but here we include God as the third win. We see the wisdom of the Greatest Blessings as finding the win-win-win. When anyone "loses" God is saddened. We even see that if we are not fully loyal to God we can create a win-win-lose. We look at several scripture passages that touch on various aspects of a genuine apology. Finally we suggest role-play activities and journal prompts that help dive deeper into how best to find win-win-wins. Series Summary:Week 1: We built our theology of loving others from Mark 12:29-31 and then defined love (1 Corinthians 13:4-8) and forgiving others as honoring Christ's sacrifice. (Ephesians 4:32) On a practical level we look at the value and blessing that others bring to us in our journey. Week 2: We focused on giving "free" gifts, just like Christ sacrificed for us when we didn't deserve it. We focus again on Mark 12: 29-31 and also talk in the Podcast about the connection of Christ's death to the metaphors of The Good Shepherd and the Tree of Life. We look very closely that the prison of unforgiveness and how to apply that to our daily lives. If we are in a state of unforgiveness then we are also in a state of incomplete grief. In Week 3 we focused on the Parable of the Lost Son found in Luke 15:11-32. We deconstruct much of the Hebrew context of this parable to expose a deeper level of forgiveness expressed by the father (God). And we meditate on who actually is the lost son, and remind ourselves that forgiveness is the end product of a period of grief. We also discuss the activity sheet and journal activity for the week. Week 4 we focused on the scriptures supporting Sabbath. We took a brief look back at the Parable of the Lost son. But this time we discuss the celebration dinner and link it to Sabbath celebration. We suggest journal prompts for the teens and discuss the activity sheet and journal activity for the week. For the small group session it was shaving Cream Week!!! (Always a favorite)In week 5 we focused on "Apologizing with All of Our Hearts." As part of the PCJ, we will hurt people and they will hurt us. The apology is how we live out humbleness and submission (listening deeply to know) to others. We looked at intentional and unintentional harms and then look at several scripture passages that touch on various aspects of a genuine apology. Finally we suggest role-play activities and journal prompts that help dive deeper into being ready to apologize when needed. You can visit us at www.littlepiecesclub.com.
This is Part 5 in our series: The Public Christian Journey. "Apologizing with All of Our Hearts." As part of the PCJ, we will hurt people and they will hurt us. The apology is how we live out humbleness and submission (listening deeply to know) to others. We look at intentional and unintentional harms and then look at several scripture passages that touch on various aspects of a genuine apology. Finally we suggest role-play activities and journal prompts that help dive deeper into being ready to apologize when needed. We close with weekly Lectio Divina and prayer.
Series Summary: Week 1: We built our theology of loving others from Mark 12:29-31 and then defined love (1 Corinthians 13:4-8) and forgiving others as honoring Christ's sacrifice. (Ephesians 4:32) On a practical level we look at the value and blessing that others bring to us in our journey. Week 2: We focused on giving "free" gifts, just like Christ sacrificed for us when we didn't deserve it. We focus again on Mark 12: 29-31 and also talk in the Podcast about the connection of Christ's death to the metaphors of The Good Shepherd and the Tree of Life. We look very closely that the prison of unforgiveness and how to apply that to our daily lives. If we are in a state of unforgiveness then we are also in a state of incomplete grief. In Week 3 we focused on the Parable of the Lost Son found in Luke 15:11-32. We deconstruct much of the Hebrew context of this parable to expose a deeper level of forgiveness expressed by the father (God). And we meditate on who actually is the lost son, and remind ourselves that forgiveness is the end product of a period of grief. We also discuss the activity sheet and journal activity for the week. Week 4 we focused on the scriptures supporting Sabbath. We took a brief look back at the Parable of the Lost son. But this time we discuss the celebration dinner and link it to Sabbath celebration. We suggest journal prompts for the teens and discuss the activity sheet and journal activity for the week. For the small group session it was shaving Cream Week!!! (Always a favorite)
You can visit us at www.littlepiecesclub.com.
This is Part 4 in our series: The Public Christian Journey. "Doing Sabbath in Community" This week we focus on the scriptures supporting Sabbath. We take a brief look back at the Parable of the Lost son. But this time we discuss the celebration dinner and link it to Sabbath celebration. We suggest journal prompts for the teens and discuss the activity sheet and journal activity for the week. For the small group session it is Shaving Cream Week!!!
Series Summary: Week 1: We built our theology of loving others from Mark 12:29-31 and then defined love (1 Corinthians 13:4-8) and forgiving others as honoring Christ's sacrifice. (Ephesians 4:32) On a practical level we look at the value and blessing that others bring to us in our journey. Week 2: We focused on giving "free" gifts, just like Christ sacrificed for us when we didn't deserve it. We focus again on Mark 12: 29-31 and also talk in the Podcast about the connection of Christ's death to the metaphors of The Good Shepherd and the Tree of Life. We look very closely that the prison of unforgiveness and how to apply that to our daily lives. If we are in a state of unforgiveness then we are also in a state of incomplete grief. In Week 3 we focused on the Parable of the Lost Son found in Luke 15:11-32. We deconstruct much of the Hebrew context of this parable to expose a deeper level of forgiveness expressed by the father (God). And we meditate on who actually is the lost son, and remind ourselves that forgiveness is the end product of a period of grief. We also discuss the activity sheet and journal activity for the week.
You can visit us at www.littlepiecesclub.com.
This is Part 3 in our series: The Public Christian Journey. "What Does Forgiveness Look Like?" This week we focus on the Parable of the Lost Son found in Luke 15:11-32. We deconstruct much of the Hebrew context of this parable to expose a deeper level of forgiveness expressed by the father (God). And we meditate on who actually is the lost son, and remind ourselves that forgiveness is the end product of a period of grief. We also discuss the activity sheet and journal activity for the week.
Series Summary: Week 1: We built our theology of loving others from Mark 12:29-31 and then defined love (1 Corinthians 13:4-8) and forgiving others as honoring Christ's sacrifice. (Ephesians 4:32) On a practical level we look at the value and blessing that others bring to us in our journey. Week 2: We focused on giving "free" gifts, just like Christ sacrificed for us when we didn't deserve it. We focus again on Mark 12: 29-31 and also talk in the podcast about the connection of Christ's death to the metaphors of The Good Shepherd and the Tree of Life. We look very closely that the prison of unforgiveness and how to apply that to our daily lives. If we are in a state of unforgiveness then we are also in a state of incomplete grief.
You can visit us at www.littlepiecesclub.com.
This is Part 2 in our series: The Public Christian Journey. Today we focus on giving "free" gifts, just like Christ sacrificed for us when we didn't deserve it. We focus again on Mark 12: 29-31 and also talk in the Podcast about the connection of Christ's death to the metaphors of The Good Shepherd and the Tree of Life. We look very closely that the prison of unforgiveness and how to apply that to our daily lives. If we are in a state of unforgiveness then we are also in a state of incomplete grief. We also discuss the activity sheet and journal activity for the week.
Series Summary: Week 1: We built our theology of loving others from Mark 12:29-31 and then defined love (1 Corinthians 13:4-8) and forgiving others as honoring Christ's sacrifice. (Ephesians 4:32) On a practical level we look at the value and blessing that others bring to us in our journey. For the kids there is an activity sheet and for teens there is a journalling prompt.
Today we start our next big series: The PUBLIC Christian Journey. We pivot from talking about our (marriage) relationship with God in solitude, to our relationship with others in COMMUNITY. We build our theology from Mark 12:29-31. The first blessing of the bible is to love God and your neighbor as yourself with all that you are (mind, body, heart and spirit). We see a spiritual win-win-win as our main purpose in life. In the episode we also look at defining love (1 Corinthians 13:4-8) and forgiving others as honoring Christ's sacrifice. (Ephesians 4:32) On a practical level we look at the value and blessing that others bring to us in our journey. For the kids there is an activity sheet and for teens there is a journalling prompt. You can visit us at www.littlepiecesclub.com.
This marks the fifteenth(for kids)/sixteenth (for teens) episode in a long series devoted to "The Private Christian Journey." In this final episode we talk about being open to the mission God has for us. This includes a reminder of how we can use our choices to develop our minds, bodies, hearts, and spirits to get ready for the moment when God reveals which mission(s) He has for us. Until then the mission is to love God, and neighbor as ourself. SERIES SUMMARY: The Private Christian Journey refers to our private walk with God. (As opposed to our public and viewable walk with God). This is where we encounter His love for us and the free gifts He gives us, developing a secure attachment to our heavenly Father. We first looked at the power that exists in our ability to choose. (Like choosing to accept His free gifts) But also look at the complicating factor of "The Rider and the Elephant" as coined by Jonathan Haidt. Next we looked at the character of God both as God the Father and Jesus. We get to CHOOSE to get to know him. We choose to put our hope and trust in Him as we train the elephant. (See how the skills build upon each other?). In the forth week we looked at how we respond to His free gifts, and choosing to ASK GOD FOR HELP. We then built our private space to encounter God. Next we explored the definition of integrity and last time we looked at Lectio Divina, a way to read the Bible as a love letter, rather than boring textbook. We then looked at Job and Joseph to see how they dealt with adversity from God, in case anyone is feeling scared, shy or mistreated, when it comes to approaching God. We looked at less verbal prayer time with God. We next learned our physical body is like a temple and we need to choose to keep healthy. Last week we reviewed Chapter 6 in the Sacred Rhythms book by Ruth Haley Barton. We look at a self-examination with God. We touched on Attachment Theory. How we attach to others impacts our attachment to God. We begin to consider securely attaching to God. After this, we talked about sensing if we are holding God far or near and then making decisions with his input. It should feel like we are walking through life holding God's hand and just having a conversation. We then learned about Sabbath and then we reviewed our capstone chapter of the Sacred Rhythms series on creating a Rule of Life. Next we realized that making good choices was about walking with God always.
This marks the fourteenth(for kids)/fifteenth (for teens) episode in a long series devoted to "The Private Christian Journey." We talk about the Kingdom of God and what that vague (to our western minds) concepts should meant to the biblical authors when they wrote about it 2000 years ago. We walk through King Jesus' unpside down kingdom where the weak who sacrifice become exulted. SERIES SUMMARY: The Private Christian Journey refers to our private walk with God. (As opposed to our public and viewable walk with God). This is where we encounter His love for us and the free gifts He gives us, developing a secure attachment to our heavenly Father. We first looked at the power that exists in our ability to choose. (Like choosing to accept His free gifts) But also look at the complicating factor of "The Rider and the Elephant" as coined by Jonathan Haidt. Next we looked at the character of God both as God the Father and Jesus. We get to CHOOSE to get to know him. We choose to put our hope and trust in Him as we train the elephant. (See how the skills build upon each other?). In the forth week we looked at how we respond to His free gifts, and choosing to ASK GOD FOR HELP. We then built our private space to encounter God. Next we explored the definition of integrity and last time we looked at Lectio Divina, a way to read the Bible as a love letter, rather than boring textbook. We then looked at Job and Joseph to see how they dealt with adversity from God, in case anyone is feeling scared, shy or mistreated, when it comes to approaching God. We looked at less verbal prayer time with God. We next learned our physical body is like a temple and we need to choose to keep healthy. Last week we reviewed Chapter 6 in the Sacred Rhythms book by Ruth Haley Barton. We look at a self-examination with God. We touched on Attachment Theory. How we attach to others impacts our attachment to God. We begin to consider securely attaching to God. After this, we talked about sensing if we are holding God far or near and then making decisions with his input. It should feel like we are walking through life holding God's hand and just having a conversation. We then learned about Sabbath. And last time was our capstone chpater of the Sacred Rhythms series on creating a Rule of Life.
This marks the thirteenth (for kids) /fourteenth (for teens) episode in a long series devoted to "The Private Christian Journey." This week is Chapter 9 in Sacred Rhythms. We put many of the previous practices together to create a weekly plan that is called a "Rule of Life." SERIES SUMMARY: The Private Christian Journey refers to our private walk with God. (As opposed to our public and viewable walk with God). This is where we encounter His love for us and the free gifts He gives us, developing a secure attachment to our heavenly Father. We first looked at the power that exists in our ability to choose. (Like choosing to accept His free gifts) But also look at the complicating factor of "The Rider and the Elephant" as coined by Jonathan Haidt. Next we looked at the character of God both as God the Father and Jesus. We get to CHOOSE to get to know him. We choose to put our hope and trust in Him as we train the elephant. (See how the skills build upon each other?). In the forth week we looked at how we respond to His free gifts, and choosing to ASK GOD FOR HELP. We then built our private space to encounter God. Next we explored the definition of integrity and last time we looked at Lectio Divina, a way to read the Bible as a love letter, rather than boring textbook. We then looked at Job and Joseph to see how they dealt with adversity from God, in case anyone is feeling scared, shy or mistreated, when it comes to approaching God. We looked at less verbal prayer time with God. We next learned our physical body is like a temple and we need to choose to keep healthy. Last week we reviewed Chapter 6 in the Sacred Rhythms book by Ruth Haley Barton. We look at a self-examination with God. We touched on Attachment Theory. How we attach to others impacts our attachment to God. We begin to consider securely attaching to God. After this, we talked about sensing if we are holding God far or near and then making decisions with his input. It should feel like we are walking through life holding God's hand and just having a conversation. Last week we learned about Sabbath.
This marks the twelfth (for kids) /thirteenth (for teens) episode in a long series devoted to "The Private Christian Journey." This week is Chapter 8 in Sacred Rhythms. We focus on understanding sabbath. Whether you choose to make it a regular practice or develop the mindset as Jesus taught, it is ceasing from work and delighting in God's gifts. SERIES SUMMARY: The Private Christian Journey refers to our private walk with God. (As opposed to our public and viewable walk with God). This is where we encounter His love for us and the free gifts He gives us, developing a secure attachment to our heavenly Father. We first looked at the power that exists in our ability to choose. (Like choosing to accept His free gifts) But also look at the complicating factor of "The Rider and the Elephant" as coined by Jonathan Haidt. Next we looked at the character of God both as God the Father and Jesus. We get to CHOOSE to get to know him. We choose to put our hope and trust in Him as we train the elephant. (See how the skills build upon each other?). In the forth week we looked at how we respond to His free gifts, and choosing to ASK GOD FOR HELP. We then built our private space to encounter God. Next we explored the definition of integrity and last time we looked at Lectio Divina, a way to read the Bible as a love letter, rather than boring textbook. We then looked at Job and Joseph to see how they dealt with adversity from God, in case anyone is feeling scared, shy or mistreated, when it comes to approaching God. We looked at less verbal prayer time with God. We next learned our physical body is like a temple and we need to choose to keep healthy. Last week we reviewed Chapter 6 in the Sacred Rhythms book by Ruth Haley Barton. We look at a self-examination with God. We touched on Attachment Theory. How we attach to others impacts our attachment to God. We begin to consider securely attaching to God. Last week we talked about sensing if we are holding God far or near and then making decisions with his input. It should feel like we are walking through life holding God's hand and just having a conversation.
This marks the tenth (for kids) /eleventh (for teens) episode in a long series devoted to "The Private Christian Journey." This week is Chapter 7 in Sacred Rhythms. We talk about the sensing if we are holding God far or near and then making decisions with his input. It should feel like we are walking through life holding God's hand and just having a conversation. SERIES SUMMARY: The Private Christian Journey refers to our private walk with God. (As opposed to our public and viewable walk with God). This is where we encounter His love for us and the free gifts He gives us, developing a secure attachment to our heavenly Father. We first looked at the power that exists in our ability to choose. (Like choosing to accept His free gifts) But also look at the complicating factor of "The Rider and the Elephant" as coined by Jonathan Haidt. Next we looked at the character of God both as God the Father and Jesus. We get to CHOOSE to get to know him. We choose to put our hope and trust in Him as we train the elephant. (See how the skills build upon each other?). In the forth week we looked at how we respond to His free gifts, and choosing to ASK GOD FOR HELP. We then built our private space to encounter God. Next we explored the definition of integrity and last time we looked at Lectio Divina, a way to read the Bible as a love letter, rather than boring textbook. We then looked at Job and Joseph to see how they dealt with adversity from God, in case anyone is feeling scared, shy or mistreated, when it comes to approaching God. We looked at less verbal prayer time with God. We next learned our physical body is like a temple and we need to choose to keep healthy. Last week we reviewed Chapter 6 in the Sacred Rhythms book by Ruth Haley Barton. We look at a self-examination with God. We touched on Attachment Theory. How we attach to others impacts our attachment to God. We begin to consider securely attaching to God.
This marks the tenth (for kids) /eleventh (for teens) episode in a long series devoted to "The Private Christian Journey." This week we are back to Chapter 6 in the Sacred Rhythms book by Ruth Haley Barton. We look at a self-examination with God. This week touches on Attachment Theory. How we attach to others impacts our attachment to God. We begin to consider securely attaching to God. SERIES SUMMARY: The Private Christian Journey refers to our private walk with God. (As opposed to our public and viewable walk with God). This is where we encounter His love for us and the free gifts He gives us, developing a secure attachment to our heavenly Father. We first looked at the power that exists in our ability to choose. (Like choosing to accept His free gifts) But also look at the complicating factor of "The Rider and the Elephant" as coined by Jonathan Haidt. Next we looked at the character of God both as God the Father and Jesus. We get to CHOOSE to get to know him. We choose to put our hope and trust in Him as we train the elephant. (See how the skills build upon each other?). In the forth week we looked at how we respond to His free gifts, and choosing to ASK GOD FOR HELP. We then built our private space to encounter God. Next we explored the definition of integrity and last time we looked at Lectio Divina, a way to read the Bible as a love letter, rather than boring textbook. We then looked at Job and Joseph to see how they dealt with adversity from God, in case anyone is feeling scared, shy or mistreated, when it comes to approaching God. We looked at less verbal prayer time with God. Last week learned our physical body is like a temple and we need to choose to keep healthy.
This marks the ninth (for kids) /tenth (for teens) episode in a long series devoted to "The Private Christian Journey." This week we are back to Chapter 5 in the Sacred Rhythms book by Ruth Haley Barton. We consider taking good care of our physical body as honoring it as the temple where God dwells with us. SERIES SUMMARY: The Private Christian Journey refers to our private walk with God. (As opposed to our public and viewable walk with God). This is where we encounter His love for us and the free gifts He gives us, developing a secure attachment to our heavenly Father. We first looked at the power that exists in our ability to choose. (Like choosing to accept His free gifts) But also look at the complicating factor of "The Rider and the Elephant" as coined by Jonathan Haidt. Next we looked at the character of God both as God the Father and Jesus. We get to CHOOSE to get to know him. We choose to put our hope and trust in Him as we train the elephant. (See how the skills build upon each other?). In the forth week we looked at how we respond to His free gifts, and choosing to ASK GOD FOR HELP. We then built our private space to encounter God. Next we explored the definition of integrity and last time we looked at Lectio Divina, a way to read the Bible as a love letter, rather than boring textbook. We then looked at Job and Joseph to see how they dealt with adversity from God, in case anyone is feeling scared, shy or mistreated, when it comes to approaching God. Last week we looked at less verbal prayer time with God.
This marks the eighth-kid/ninth-teen episode in a long series devoted to "The Private Christian Journey." This week we are back to Chapter 4 in Sacred Rhythms by Ruth Haley Barton. We take a look at prayer and how to move past simple word-based prayers. SERIES SUMMARY: The Private Christian Journey refers to our private walk with God. (As opposed to our public and viewable walk with God). This is where we encounter His love for us and the free gifts He gives us, developing a secure attachment to our heavenly Father. We first looked at the power that exists in our ability to choose. (Like choosing to accept His free gifts) But also look at the complicating factor of "The Rider and the Elephant" as coined by Jonathan Haidt. Next we looked at the character of God both as God the Father and Jesus. We get to CHOOSE to get to know him. We choose to put our hope and trust in Him as we train the elephant. (See how the skills build upon each other?). In the forth week we looked at how we respond to His free gifts, and choosing to ASK GOD FOR HELP. We then built our private space to encounter God. Next we explored the definition of integrity and last time we looked at Lectio Divina, a way to read the Bible as a love letter, rather than boring textbook. Last week we looked at Job and Joseph to see how they dealt with adversity from God without being afraid of Him.
This marks the eighth episode in a long series devoted to "The Private Christian Journey." This week we take a very deep dive into Job and Joseph's story. We are wondering "what if I am afraid of God." These stories give us much wisdom in this regard. SERIES SUMMARY: The Private Christian Journey refers to our private walk with God. (As opposed to our public and viewable walk with God). This is where we encounter His love for us and the free gifts He gives us, developing a secure attachment to our heavenly Father. We first looked at the power that exists in our ability to choose. (Like choosing to accept His free gifts) But also look at the complicating factor of "The Rider and the Elephant" as coined by Jonathan Haidt. Next we looked at the character of God both as God the Father and Jesus. We get to CHOOSE to get to know him. We choose to put our hope and trust in Him as we train the elephant. (See how the skills build upon each other?). In the forth week we looked at how we respond to His free gifts, and choosing to ASK GOD FOR HELP. We then built our private space to encounter God. Next we explored the definition of integrity and last time we looked at Lectio Divina, a way to read the Bible as a love letter, rather than boring textbook.
This marks the seventh episode in a long series devoted to "The Private Christian Journey." This week we are back to our Sacred Rhythm series and look at the ancient practice of Lectio Divina. We learn scripture can be experienced like a love letter rather than a boring textbook. This episode takes a deep dive in the multistep process that should feel like dancing with God. SERIES SUMMARY: The Private Christian Journey refers to our private walk with God. (As opposed to our public and viewable walk with God). This is where we encounter His love for us and the free gifts He gives us, developing a secure attachment to our heavenly Father. We first looked at the power that exists in our ability to choose. (Like choosing to accept His free gifts) But also look at the complicating factor of "The Rider and the Elephant" as coined by Jonathan Haidt. Next we looked at the character of God both as God the Father and Jesus. We get to CHOOSE to get to know him. We choose to put our hope and trust in Him as we train the elephant. (See how the skills build upon each other?). In the forth week we looked at how we respond to His free gifts, and choosing to ASK GOD FOR HELP. We then built our private space to encounter God. Next we explored the definition of integrity.
This marks the sixth episode in a long series devoted to "The Private Christian Journey." This refers to our private walk with God. (As opposed to our public and viewable walk with God). This is where we encounter His love for us and the free gifts He gives us. We first looked at the power that exists in our ability to choose. (Like choosing to accept His free gifts) But also look at the complicating factor of "The Rider and the Elephant" as coined by Jonathan Haidt. Next we looked at the character of God both as God the father and Jesus. We get to CHOOSE to get to know him. We choose to put our hope and trust in Him as we train the elephant. (See how the skills build upon each other?). In the forth week we looked at how we respond to His free gifts, and chosing to ASK GOD FOR HELP. Last week we built our private space to encounter God. This week we step away from Sacred Rhythms by Ruth Haley Barton to explore the definition of integrity. We look to Joshua’s text to see God’s integrity and consider Israel’s. We next explore who we want as friends and partners. Integrity or not? (Remembering that we also cannot expect perfection.)
This marks the fifth episode in a long series devoted to "The Private Christian Journey." This refers to our private walk with God. (As opposed to our public and viewable walk with God). This is where we encounter His love for us and the free gifts He gives us. We first looked at the power that exists in our ability to choose. (Like choosing to accept His free gifts) But also look at the complicating factor of "The Rider and the Elephant" as coined by Jonathan Haidt. Next we looked at the character of God both as God the father and Jesus. We get to CHOOSE to get to know him. We choose to put our hope and trust in Him as we train the elephant. (See how the skills build upon each other?). In the forth week we looked at how we respond to His free gifts, and last week we chose to ASK GOD FOR HELP. This is the second episode where we adapt the book Sacred Rhythms by Ruth Haley Barton. We explore choosing to create time for solitude with God. We assess our readiness to attach to God. If our worldly attachments are insecure, we will look at God through that same filter. We see Jesus demonstrate solitude as well. We walk through an exercise to build a mental place to be alone with God.
This marks the forth episode in a long series devoted to "The Private Christian Journey." This refers to our private walk with God. (As opposed to our public and viewable walk with God). This is where we encounter His love for us and the free gifts He gives us. We first looked at the power that exists in our ability to choose. (Like choosing to accept His free gifts) But also look at the complicating factor of "The Rider and the Elephant" as coined by Jonathan Haidt. Next we looked at the character of God both as God the father and Jesus. We get to CHOOSE to get to know him. We choose to put our hope and trust in Him as we train the elephant. (See how the skills build upon each other?). In the forth week we looked at how we respond to His free gifts, and this week is ASKING GOD FOR HELP. This is also the first episode where we adapt the book Sacred Rhythms by Ruth Haley Barton. She runs a center devoted to contemplative prayer. We discuss trusting God enough to allow His help. We also look at the emotionally healthy task of asking Jesus/God for help. We need to do the work of connecting with what we need. But until that point we can rely on the Holy Spirit to help. The Blind Bartimaeus story on Mark 10:46-52 is our spiritual anchor. We also take a hard look at the Good Shepherd metaphor in this process and then take a nod from nature with the process of metamorphosis that butterflies undergo. We too transform like this especially with the help of God.
This is Part 4 in the Private Christian Journey series. Building on our ability to choose and seeking the character of God, this week we focus on accepting gifts from God. We review the biblical stories where God gives free gifts (Joseph, Job and Jesus). We then look at the origin of our shame, fear and distance from God in the first couple [Adam and Eve.] Finally, we see the path to reconciliation with God that is possible through Jesus.
This marks the second episode in a long series devoted to "The Private Christian Journey." This refers to our private walk with God. (As opposed to our public and viewable walk with God). This is where we encounter His love for us and the free gifts He gives us. We first look at the power that exists in our ability to choose. (Like choosing to accept His free gifts) But also look at the complicating factor of "The Rider and the Elephant" as coined by Jonathan Haidt. Last week we became aware of our elephant and then realized the Christian task is inviting Jesus to be the shepherd we "choose" to help us retrain our elephant from worldly training toward more Christ-like training. This week we look at the character of God both as God the father and Jesus. We get to CHOOSE to get to know him. We choose to put our hope and trust in Him as we train the elephant. (See how the skills build upon each other?)
Follow our daily devotionals on Instagram @lpcministries TikTok @littlepiecesclub and twitter @ClubPieces
This marks the first in a long series of episodes devoted to "The Private Christian Journey." This refers to our private walk with God. (As opposed to our public and viewable walk with God). This is where we encounter His love for us and the free gifts He gives us. We first look at the power that exists in our ability to choose. (Like choosing to accept His free gifts) But also look at the complicating factor of "The Rider and the Elephant" as coined by Jonathan Haidt. We first become aware of our elephant and then realize the Christian task is inviting Jesus to be the force we "choose" to help us retrain our elephant from worldly training toward more Christ-like training.
In this seventh and last part of our series on grieving we explore forgiveness and reconciliation. Even after the stage of acceptance, a bitterness of blame can linger. We look at the three main "targets" for this blame: God, Self, Other. After considering each one, we explore forgiveness as the antidote for this (easier said than done). More importantly accepting that "unforgiveness" is natural and understandable is essential, but also having the hope that it isn't permanent and we are in control of forgiving people with our choices. Reconciliation also is briefly considered. After people have hurt us, reconciliation is a choice between the two people, and sometimes the wise choice is to not reconcile or at least partially reconcile. The key, of course, to forgiveness is understanding the story and context of Jesus.
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In this fifth part of our series on grieving we explore bargaining. We give kids and teens a chance to become aware of how bargaining might show up in their own thinking. We also talk about "The Divorced Kid's Promise" an understandable but burdensome promise children often make to keep their own children from experiencing divorce and how this can be a crushing expectation in the adult years. The biblical example is Jesus bargaining with God before crucifixion. We also review the circles of concern and influence to help us focus on finding the choices that we can influence (talking about feelings) and those that we are only aware of (why parent's divorced).
There are journal prompts to consider and a worksheet found on our Facebook group site.
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In this sixth part of our series on grieving we explore acceptance. We give kids and teens a chance to consider their experience with acceptance either in the past or present. We review some common thoughts tied to acceptance that divorced/separated and traumatized kids experience. Biblical stories where we see the themes of acceptance include Job, Joseph and Jesus Himself. We foreshadow the next phase of grief which is thriving and forgiveness. The activity for this week is considering how a piece of clay might feel in various stages as "the potter" shapes it; a very powerful metaphor for the grieving process.
For the teens, several journal prompts are discussed as they gain skill in journalling and a worksheet for the children can be found on the Facebook site:
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In this forth part of our series on grieving we explore sadness. We give kids and teens a chance to consider their experience with sadness either in the past or present understanding that often underneath anger is a deep sadness. We review some common thoughts tied to sadness that divorced and separated kids experience. We stress that both God and Jesus model sadness so it is ok. We again use Psalm 22 as the scriptural anchor for the grieving process. Finally as the activity we introduce the concept of breath prayer for use in times of strong emotion.
In this third part of our series on grieving we explore anger. We give kids and teens a chance to consider their experience with anger either in the past or present. We review some common thoughts tied to anger common to divorced and separated kids. We stress that both God and Jesus model anger so it is ok. Its what we do with our anger where we must be careful. Finally we see how Jesus' sacrifice relates to resolving anger and helps us ultimately forgive God, others, and ourselves.
In this podcast we spend time learning about the first stage of grief: shock and/or denial. We give kids and teens a chance to understand shock and denial and then allow them space to invite those thoughts and feelings to come forward. We review common thoughts kids have with grief, and finally how Jesus models and leads us through this stage in Psalm 22. We can feel far from God but are reminded that He is always with us. Finally we explore that grief, like many themes in the Bible, has an earthly and Godly component as well.
In this first part of our grief series we look at the total process of grief. Children SHOULD grieve after a divorce/separation or trauma, but often are caught up in the moment and require space and permission to grieve and express the full range of emotions. They often must be led through grief. Teens may need to "go back in time" and allow the inner kid to grieve. While each individual person grieves in a unique way like fingerprints or snowflakes, there are stages: Shock/Denial, Anger, Sadness, Bargaining, Acceptance, and Forgiveness/Thriving. We introduce the basic components of grief to be explored in later small group videos and note if we do not grieve we risk exploding like a volcano. The other concept to keep in mind left unsaid in the podcast itself is that when Christ said “I am the Good Shepherd” He was giving us a great way to conceptualize grief. If you think you may have unprocessed grief, please reach out to littlepiecesministries@gmail.com for a free PDF copy of our grief workbook for adults. Or watch this video: https://youtu.be/w0mz1orAsR0
What is under appreciated in today’s western church is the fact that Jesus’ original intent was to form a multi-ethnic church for everyone. This means multi-cultural. This episode was made shortly after the tragic events of George Floyd and the race riots in 2020. We use the age old fable of the mouse and lion to show people how we can react in the face of anger and aggression. We also look at how different people see the world, but that we are all ultimately united in the traumas this world inflicts on us. Even Jesus was not immune to these traumas as He hung from the cross. Therefore we build our church with brothers and sisters united around the idea that Jesus is a model for us showing how to be oppressed but yet forgive and love without compromise or defeat
In this second part of our series on helping kids see that a separation was not their fault. In Small Group Episode 2 we saw that even if we think we have done “bad” things, Jesus still loves us and is our Good Shepherd. We focus in this episode on explaining how relationships can end so children can see at a basic level that it isn’t their fault at all. This illogical conclusion they make can become deeply embedded in the inner workings of their heart. In the podcast we give parents more to think about on this topic.
Little Pieces Club’s origin is in small groups for divorced children and teens. This episode is the first of a two-part series that helps them re-process the divorce. Children and teens often process traumatic events with their limited perspective. In this case their absolute trust in their parents often causes children to frame a bad event as “their fault.” This begins a legacy where they doubt their social capability. This false interpretation becomes very hard for them to process and speak about. Jesus would say it impacts their heart rather than mind. We approach this scripturally reminding them, even if they feel this way Jesus still loves them. In Part 2 we tackle head on that it is NOT their fault. Keep in mind that this feeling has a purpose in that although wrong, it keeps them from feeling their primary source of security failed. Wise and self aware parents can address this with apology and age appropriate explanation of the divorce. Further, they must focus the child’s physical and emotional safety after the divorce.
To start out our weekly small group sessions we spend time on the question of why bad things happen. Divorce, to a child, can often feel like a bad thing. And one of their first questions might be “Why is God doing this to us?” As the first episode, we also review the at home format so parents can understand and facilitate a session at home.