Parenting Resources

In light of our recent series at Timber Ridge called Parenthood, I thought I'd share some parenting resources here on the blog.  If you are looking for some parenting wisdom, advice, and guidance, check out the following resources.  They're well worth your time!

Online Resources:

• Let Me Be The One To Say It Out Loud (A short blog post which I personally feel is parenting gold for parents who deal with any kind of "parenting guilt).
• 11 Practical Ways For Men To Lead A Family by Mark Driscoll
• 10 Things I'd Do If I Were Raising A Daughter Today  by Ron Edmondson

Books:

• For All Parents:  The Ten Commandments of Parenting: The Do's and Don'ts for Raising Great Kids by Ed Young
• For Dad's of Sons: King Me: What Every Son Wants and Needs From His Father by Steve Farrar
• For Dad's of Daughters:  Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters: 10 Secrets Every Father Should Know by Meg Meeker

2 Things Storm Victims Need

Our neighbors in Granbury, TX and further north in Moore, OK have been hit hard in the last few days with devastating tornadoes. It's in times like these that we can feel helpless to aid those who are hurting.

There are two things that we can all do to love our neighbors during these tragic times.

1. PRAY.  Don't just say you'll pray.  Really pray. Ask God to heal the physical and emotional pain that people are going through. Pray that God would bring peace and comfort in a time of turmoil and pain.
2. GIVE. The victims of these storms need our prayers...but they also need our CASH. Give generously to those in need, remembering that every single dollar counts. Together, our small donations can make a big impact.

If you are looking for somewhere to give that is trusted, reliable, and where your money will go directly to meet immediate needs, I suggest two places.

• Convoy Of Hope - Convoy of Hope is a faith-based, disaster relief organization that has served more than 55 million people in need since 1994. They are nationally reputable, trusted, and on the ground now in Oklahoma.
• North American Mission Board - NAMB is one of the most trusted, recognized organizations providing disaster relief in our country. They make every dollar count and have teams in Oklahoma on the ground now.

I can speak from experience that when we give to these organizations, it makes the most of our money & directly goes to helping people on the ground in these affected areas.

If you live locally and would like to make a difference by PRAYING and GIVING, I invite you join me this Thursday, May 23rd at 12 Noon at Beans and Franks at 1296 W. Washington.  Timber Ridge Church and Beans & Franks are partnering together to host a PRAYER TIME at noon on Thursday.  In addition to the time of prayer, if you wish to dine at Beans & Franks, a portion of all proceeds will be donated directly to the Oklahoma tornado relief efforts through Convoy of Hope.  Timber Ridge Church will also match the donation dollar for dollar.

4 Steps To Making A Difficult Decision

One thing is true about every single one of us: We all have to make difficult decisions from time to time.  The simple decisions come easy for most of us.  Things like what we're going to wear for the day, how we'll spend our weekend, and if we want fries with that.

But what about the tough decisions? What about life's difficult situations? How to we move forward and choose between what seems to be two great options?

Here are four steps I believe can help bring wisdom into the decisions we make:

1. Pray About It. Seems like the total church answer, right?  But there really is power in prayer. Spend some time praying to God and asking for His guidance. Then do something totally radical:  Listen.

I took my troubles to the Lord; I cried out to Him, and He answered my prayer. Psalm 120:1

2. Search God's Word. What does the Bible say about the decision I am making? Is there clear instruction in the Scripture that would guide me to one choice or away from a certain option?

Your word is a lamp to guide my feet, and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105

3. Seek Wise Counsel. Get the advice of godly people whom you trust have your best in mind. Talk with them about the pros and cons of your decision and ask for their input and wisdom.

Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. Proverbs 15:22

4. Pull The Trigger. Eventually you have to embrace the motto of Nike, the shoe company and JUST DO IT.  Go for it. Pray about it, consult God's Word, seek counsel from others and then trust God and go for it.  Make the decision.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6

Timber Ridge V.O.W.

This week's Timber Ridge Volunteer of the Week is Vicki Jenkins.  Vicki serves in our guest services area, specifically on the cafe and hospitality team.  If you've ever been to a Timber Ridge service, you've probably seen Vicki's smiling face as you got a cup of coffee or a donut.  In fact, Vicki most likely made that coffee too!  Thank you Vicki for all your service and work to make the vision and mission of Timber Ridge a reality!  You rock!

Me, Vicki, & her husband Mike (who also serves a ton at Timber Ridge!)