Facebook
Yahoo Buz
My space
Digg
LIKEDIN
MIXX
Stumble It!
Del.icio.us
NewsVine
February's MISSION-MINDED FAMILY holiday focus includes: Valentines Day, Chinese New Year, President's Day, and Mardi Gras/Carnival. Our emphasis is God's LOVE for the WORLD, the PASSION of JESUS CHRIST as He died on the CROSS, and our need to PRAY for Christians who are being PERSECUTED for their faith. Enjoying WORLD MISSIONS . . . in FEBRUARY
By Ann Dunagan
February's MISSION-MINDED FAMILY holiday focus includes: Valentines Day, Chinese New Year, President's Day, and Mardi Gras/Carnival. Our emphasis is God's LOVE for the WORLD, the PASSION of JESUS CHRIST as He died on the CROSS, and our need to PRAY for Christians who are being PERSECUTED for their faith. 
Email
Print
ShareParents, be an example to your kids in PRAYER!
By Ann Dunagan
How can you follow Jesus, and know His will for your lives and your family, unless you take time to be with Him?
As Christians, it is a tremendous honor to spend time with God every day. At the beginning, it takes desire and discipline to become faithful in your daily quiet time with the Lord, but eventually (by GOD'S GRACE, not by self-efforts) your time in prayer can become the delight of your...
Releasing Your Kids to God - #2
By Ann Dunagan
As I have thought about this need to totally release each of my children to God's purposes, I have tried to imagine-in my own finite way-what our heavenly Father must have experienced when He released His Child. God never struggles, but I believe He can relate to my feelings (and yours). He too had to release His Son-His only Son-in order to fulfill His plans for this earth.
Releasing Your Kids to God - #1
By Ann Dunagan
As our children grow, there will be repeated times of releasing each one to God: letting go of a little hand as a baby takes that first wobbly step . . . letting go of total educational control as a child steps onto that school bus or enrolls in that first college course. Or what about that moment when we let go of the car keys and an eager teenager plops into the driver's seat of our car and takes control of the steering wheel?
As families, we're blessed to be a BLESSING!
By Ann Dunagan
Think for a moment about how different your life would be if you were born in a land isolated from God and filled with extreme poverty, sickness, and disease. What would it be like if you were born in an area where praying to an idol or giving homage to an ancestor was your only hope? What if constant fear of evil spirits consumed your life? Wouldn't you want someone to share God's life-giving...
Friday, January 22, 2010 - Can Your Family FAST & PRAY for HAITI?
By Ann Dunagan
JOIN the World Day of Fasting & Prayer for Haiti - Friday, January 22, 2010
The horrific news from Haiti has filled your living room. As a family, what can you do to help? How can you share this situation with your children? How can you give in a way that will genuinely help and make a difference? You know you could pray . . . but do you realize that your PRAYER is not a little thing!
PRAYER...Aiming Our Teen Arrows
By Ann Dunagan
The Bible says, "Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one's youth" (Psalm 127:4 - NKJV). Our teens are like arrows, soon to be released from our family quiver; and God wants each son and daughter to hit the target of HIS WILL for their lives.
Picture this scene at an archery tournament:
With an inward determination, the archer reaches across his shoulder and selects a...
Enjoying Missions . . . in JANUARY
By Ann Dunagan
International Holiday Ideas
Throughout the year, acknowledging international holidays and using these days as focus-points for prayer, can give our families an insight into our world’s need for Jesus. These vibrant festivities are filled with colorful expression, yet often these traditions are rooted in false religion and fear.
Teaching Opportunity:
Make a MISSION-MINDED CALENDAR
As...Talk with your Teen about 2010
By Ann Dunagan
As we train our teenagers, we need to aim them toward the bulls-eye of God's destiny. Instead of focusing on the "NO" side of our own legalism (emphasizing endless rules and regulations) it's much more fulfilling to challenge our youth to live on the "YES" side of God's life and love (emphasizing His eternal plans and purposes). Plan a MISSION-MINDED 2010: FREE New Year's Evaluation and Prayer Guide
By Ann Dunagan
Have you considered setting aside a few days in early January to seek the Lord's will for this NEW YEAR? Do you desire for your family and personal life to become more effective for God's Kingdom, and for ETERNITY?
FREE!!! 15-page Evaluation and Prayer Guide for 2010, with 3 min. video
At the end of each year, our family has always invested a few days to reflect upon the past 12 months, and ...CHRISTMAS: It's all about HIS PRESENCE!
By Ann Dunagan
Christmas is not just about HOME, or PRESENTS; it's about living in the PRESENCE of the Lord, and sharing His PRESENCE with others.
A Mission-Minded Christmas . . . focuses on God's Presence!
Jesus came as our Emmanuel - Our "God with us." This Christmas, let's remember that Christmas is all about Him. It's about being with Him, and taking time to enjoy His presence.
The Manger
I...Hanukkah . . . & JESUS, Our Light of the World!
By Ann Dunagan
In the history of Hanukkah, there are types and shadows that point to our Messiah, Jesus Christ. He is our light of the world . . . and as mission-minded families, we can be lights for Him.
Hanukkah . . . as a mission reminder:
During the month of December, it's common to find many references to this Jewish holiday, especially as stores and schools attempt to be culturally sensitive to those...A Mission-Minded Christmas
By Ann Dunagan
It was Christmas, and the Liberian Christians had been asked this year instead of receiving gifts, to help carry the Gospel to others . . .
This Christmas, let's do something different. Let's "get" what Christmas is really all about . . . and then "give it" all to God. God gave His Only Son for us; this Christmas, let's make Him LORD over every area: over where we live, where we go, how we spe...Christmas, Family Giving, & Surrender!
By Ann Dunagan
Our Savior Jesus Christ surrendered everything when He came to this earth; and He did it to not only save us, but to provide His salvation for the whole world!Where will you spend Christmas?
By Ann Dunagan
For many families, where to spend Christmas is at best, a yearly dilemma; for others, it's an all-out annual battle, with heated discussions and terribly hurt feelings.Give Ye, Them to Eat: Thanksgiving, Missions, & "Saints"
By Ann Dunagan
A Mission-Minded Thanksgiving: Featuring two Christian heroes from the same family - Nate Saint and Rachel Saint
- Imagine sitting down for a scrumptious Thanksgiving dinner with all of your relatives. Everyone is eager to eat; but as you survey grandma's extra-long dining room table, complete with all the extension-pieces brought in from the back of the entry closet, you can't help but notice t...Training Kids to be Thankful
By Ann Dunagan
"Hey, that's not fair! You already got one-and-a-half more pieces than me!" Our 11-year-old gave her brother a mean-looking glare, as he proceeded to "stake his claim" by grabbing for the butter and syrup.Are you called to go . . . or to give?
By Ann Dunagan
You may have heard this common statement in regard to missions: "Some are called to go, but others are called to pray or to give." I believe this is true -- and that all of us as Christians are equally called to do our unique part in helping to fulfill the Great Commission.
Raising up Missionaries
By Ann Dunagan
"We didn’t make a plan to raise up missionaries; we made a plan to raise up children who joyfully love and serve our Lord. Whether He calls them to the military, to missions, to teaching, to the pastorate . . . it doesn’t matter. ALL we have wanted for our children (career wise) is for them to love and serve the Lord..."- Laurel DiacogiannisFamilies Seeking God's Kingdom - not Selfishness
By Ann Dunagan
Often, parents and teachers ask their children, "What do YOU want to be when you grow up?" In a world that is increasingly self-seeking, self-centered, and self-absorbed, the answers are consistently more egocentric-"a movie star," "a rock star," "a dance star." Even within the church, this present generation is fixated on obtaining fame, wealth, and pleasure. But shouldn't we be encouraging our children's willingness to surrender to God's plans for their futures? Shouldn't our question instead be, "Oh, I wonder what awesome plans God has for your life! When you grow up, will you do whatever GOD wants you to do?"Grandpa's Big Heart for Missions
By Ann Dunagan
In honor of Father's Day, I want to share a tribute to my father-in-law: WWII veteran, hard-working dairy farmer (with gnarly hands to prove it), father of nine, caring husband, loving grandfather and great-grandfather of many, fisherman, missions director for his small country church, and most definitely a man of God. Nearly everyone called him Grandpa, and his big heart for all of us was only surpassed by his bigger heart for God and for His kingdom.
But I just don't have time . . . to PRAY
By Ann Dunagan
Jesus lived just thirty-three years on earth, and spent only three years in ministry.
In this short time, Jesus had to provide God's only way of salvation for all of humanity; He had to establish His training program (through scriptural teaching and personal example) to explain God's kingdom to the whole world; and He had to equip His ground-level leaders (in deep theology and practical life skil...
Our Family & Freedom's Obligation
By Ann Dunagan
Our country's freedom, like a relay race, is preserved and protected as each great generation passes the baton of duty on to the next.
In honor of our U.S. military and veterans, I'm featuring a essay written by my oldest son, Patrick (at 16 years old) for a VFW Voice of Democracy competition. Six years ago, this speech took 1st place in Oregon and 12th at Nationals, and was presented at a statew...
Training Kids (and Teens) On-Target
By Ann Dunagan
In training our children, we need to aim them toward the bulls-eye of God's destiny. Instead of focusing on the "NO" side of man's legalism (emphasizing endless rules and regulations) it's much more fulfilling to challenge our kids to live on the "YES" side of God's life and love (emphasizing His eternal plans and purposes).
With an inward determination, the archer reaches across h...Mission-Minded Holiday Ideas for APRIL
By Ann Dunagan
Spring is in the air! It's a great time to focus on God's new life and our need to "plant and water seeds" of God's Word, and to share the Gospel with others. From April Fools Day to Good Friday, this month has an abundance of mission-minded opportunities to pray for the lost and to focus of the needs of world missions.What is God's Purpose for Parenting?
By Ann Dunagan
If we really desire to be a "better parents" with a "better families" we need to look at life from God's perspective. Yes, God deeply loves and cares about our families. However, the end goal is not to produce amazing role-model kids, so others can put us on a pedestal. The goal is not for our families to "look good" or to impress others. The goal is far-more than just being happy.St. Patrick's Day GREEN means GO!
By Ann Dunagan
All throughout the month of March, St. Patrick's Day decorations can remind you and your family to pray for Christian missions and to highlight the need for sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. St. Patrick's Day GREEN can remind us that we're all called to GO and preach the Gospel! Living in SUB-mission - as a Family
By Ann Dunagan
The only difference between submission and mission is that little prefix, "SUB," meaning "under, beneath, or below." As parents and families, our submission to God, and our willingness to surrender to what God wants to accomplish "under the surface," directly corresponds to how (and to what extent) we will eventually fulfill His overall purpose for our lives.Balancing God's Heart for our Homes & for our World
By Ann Dunagan
How can we balance our passion for missions with our hearts for our homes? Do we have to choose between "raising our kids" and "reaching the lost" -- or is it possible to do both? As parents, we're called to raise our kids; and as Christians, we're called to reach the lost. We really can't fulfill one of these callings, if we choose to neglect the other.
As I was writing The Mission-Minded Fa...Family Mission Giving: "Can't you do just a little bit more?"
By Ann Dunagan
As Christian families, we need God's perspective on finances, and a vision for how our resources can help to expand His kingdom - especially in tough times.What is a Mission-Minded Family?
By Ann Dunagan
As you focus on God and His Great Commission, everything will be radically altered-including your thoughts about the world and those in need, your prayer life, your eating habits (including what things you're willing to "try"), your disciplines in health and fitness, your family's stewardship of faith and finances, and your decisions regarding your children's education. A missions mindset will impact-for eternity-your focus on the future.Praying Together as a Mission-Minded Family
By Ann Dunagan
We all know, at least in our heads, that prayer is important. Yet how many of us honestly believe that our prayers, the simple prayers of our far-from-perfect family, can really make a difference? If we could comprehend, deep down in our spirits, the true power of prayer, we would all pray more-and the difference would radically impact our lives and the lives of everyone around us.About this blog
Here you will find parenting tips from experts on building a healthy family.
Subscribe
Recent Posts
-
February 09,2010 | Comments
0 -
February 08,2010 | Comments 0
-
February 05,2010 | Comments 0
-
February 04,2010 | Comments 0
-
February 02,2010 | Comments 0
-
February 01,2010 | Comments 1
Contributors
With a passion for the Lord and the lost, Ann is an international minister alongside her husband, a homeschooling mother of seven, and the author of several books including The Mission-Minded Family.
Most Popular
Most Commented
- Shame and Anger: The Emotional Handcuffs of Parenting
- Teens and Privacy: Should I Spy on My Child?
- Parents, be an example to your kids in PRAYER!
- Enjoying WORLD MISSIONS . . . in FEBRUARY
- Friday, January 22, 2010 - Can Your Family FAST & PRAY for HAITI?
- The Do's and Don'ts of Divorce for Parents
- Are You a Mother or a Martyr? How Much is Too Much When “Doing” for Your Child?
- Sibling Rivalry: Good Kid vs. Bad Kid
Tag
- parenting(31)
- missions(20)
- heartlight(14)
- family life(13)
- Mission-Minded Holidays(12)
- mark gregston(11)
- teens(11)
- teenagers(8)
- gregston(8)
- child(7)
- children(6)
- troubled teens(6)
- Paws & Tales Games(6)
- Paws & Tales(6)
- parenting tips(6)
- parenting teens(6)
- teen counseling(6)
- prayer(5)
- kids(5)
- teen(4)
- teen communications(4)
- teen rebellion(4)
- men(3)
- man(3)
- consequences(3)
- purpose(3)
- family values(2)
- culture(2)
- divorce(2)
- lying(2)
Most Popular on CP
Most Commented on CP
- 'Imagine No Religion' Billboards Hit Detroit
- Ga. Community Defends Bible Verses in Football Games
- Report: Over 350 Public Schools Teaching the Bible
- 'Ardi' Reverses Common Understanding of Human Evolution
- Protestants, Catholics Celebrate 10 Years of Consensus on Salvation
- Film Uncovers Dark Underworld of Modern-Day Slavery
- 'Blasphemy Day' Draws Fire from Event Sponsor's Founder
- 'Ardi' Reverses Common Understanding of Human Evolution
- Protestants, Catholics Celebrate 10 Years of Consensus on Salvation
- 'Imagine No Religion' Billboards Hit Detroit
- Ga. Community Defends Bible Verses in Football Games
- Judge Orders Prop. 8 Proponents to Release Private Records
- Prayerful Americans Called to 'Adopt a Liberal'
- Report: Over 350 Public Schools Teaching the Bible
RSS