Summer of RestSUMMER FAMILY GUIDE

CHILDDEDICATION

BLESSING

FAMILY TIME

PREPARETO LEAD

YOUR CHILD TO CHRIST

BIBLE

WORSHIP

GIVING &SERVING

PREPARING FORADOLESCENCE

RITE OFPASSAGE

LAUNCH

PRAYER

PURITY

BAPTISM

Register Your Family Today!

The Faith Path Initiative exists to partner with you as you guide your child’s spiritual journey one-step at a time.  Age appropriate kits have been created to help you leverage the best faith formation strategy for your child’s stage of development.

For resources from our sister church, visit www.liferparents.com

Summer of Rest Sermon Series Overview

June 5th Rest in the Text

June 12th Rest in Creation

June 19th Rest in Community

TABLE OF CONTENTS Rest in the Text Family Devotions 4

Rest in Creation (20+ Fun Things to Do) 17

Rest in Community 19

Writing a Family Mission Statement 20

Family Photo Challenge 23

©2014 Real Life Ministries. All rights reserved. Portions of the “Family Devotional Guide” were adapted from the Summer Family Activity Book

http://www.thevillagechurch.net/the-village-blog/summer-family-activity-book Used by permission. Twister® is a registered trademark of Hasbro, Inc.

#SummerofRest Family Devotional Guide

Use this Summer of Rest Family Guide to intentionally connect with your family through relational discipleship opportunities. Throughout the Summer months we have created ideas for weekly family time devotionals, family adventures, and community activities. Make sure to invite other families and/or your small group to join you on these outings.

We encourage families to use the “3W” approach to family worship:

Rest in the Text (Word & Worship) Word: Spend some time reading and talking about God’s word together. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you think about how to approach this time with your children:

Find the verses together. Many elementary-age children are still learning how to navigate the Scriptures. Help them gain these skills and the confidence to use them by demonstrating how to look up a verse or passage and letting them practice.

Read the verses together. Most readers, whether adults or children, need to read something at least three times to really understand and internalize its meaning. You might try some of the following ideas:

• Have each person read it individually. • Have one person read the entire passage out loud while everyone else

follows along. • If there are multiple verses, assign each person a verse to read out loud. • Read it out loud together.

Worship: Begin with prayer as you start your time together. Pray for God’s help. Each time you open the Bible, ask God to help you understand and believe what you read in His Word. See Psalm 119:18 for an example. Then spend some time singing praises to God. Whether this is listening to your favorite worship album, singing a-cappella or dusting off the guitar that has been sitting in your closet, worship God together as a family.

Rest in Creation (Wonder) Summer is a great time to encourage our kids to wonder about God and His creation. Each week take a moment and ask your kids if there is anything they are wondering about, or any questions they might have about God, His creation or life in general. Don’t skip over this section as time spent in these discussions will likely produce great relational fruit in the months and years to come.

Get more ideas from our sister church at www.liferparents.com

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#SummerofRest

Week of June 5-11, 2016 Rest in the Text (Word & Worship): Word: Talk about the kind of music each person in your family likes to listen to and why. Then talk about the significance of song by reading and acting out 2 Chronicles 20:1-30.

• In the story, what three nations were about to attack the people of Judah?

• Whom did King Jehoshaphat turn to and why?

• What did God tell the king and the people of Judah? How did King Jehoshaphat respond?

• On the day of battle, who was on the frontlines of Judah’s army? What were those people doing?

• What song of praise did those people sing to the LORD?

• What happened to the nations that were about to attack God’s people?

• What does this story teach you about the significance of singing praise to God?

• What enemy attacks God’s children? How can you use song to fight him?

After talking about the story, make up a song of praise that your family can sing to God when facing temptation, discouragement or attack from the enemy.

Worship: Search iTunes or Amazon for these great worship albums for your family:

• Seeds Family Worship | seedsfamilyworship.com • Hillsong Young & Free | hillsong.com/youngandfree • Sincerely Yours: A Family Worship Album | Jody McBrayer

Rest in Creation (Wonder): Family hike - Table Rock Boise, ID http://alltrails.com/trail/us/idaho/table-rock-loop

Rest in Community: Refer to “Rest in Community” events on page 19

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#SummerofRest

Week of June 12-18, 2016 Go fishing and, as you do, spend time talking about Jesus and His disciples. Check our the Idaho Fish & Game website for maintained family fishing waters. https://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/fish/?getPage=252

Pray for Lifer Kids Camp Coming Up!!

Rest in the Text (Word & Worship) Word: Together, read Luke 5:1-11.

• Are there any words in these verses that you do not recognize or understand?

• What were the men doing while Jesus was standing by the lake? • What amazing thing did Jesus do in front of them? • How did Peter respond to Jesus? • What did these fishermen leave behind to follow Jesus? Why was that

important? • A disciple is a follower of Jesus. How does your life show that you are a

disciple of Jesus?

Read Matthew 4:19.

• What does this verse tells us about being a disciples of Jesus? (That a disciple is someone who is following Christ, being changed by Christ, and is committed to the mission of Christ.)

Pray together that you would be like the disciples, willing to leave everything behind in order to follow Jesus.

Rest in Creation (Wonder): Fiddler on the Roof | Starlight Mountain Theater, Crouch, ID Various Times in June http://www.starlightmt.com/ticket-info.html

Rest in Community: Refer to “Rest in Community” events on page 19

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#SummerofRest

Week of June 19-25, 2016 Spend the day at the park and take a moment to feed the birds. As you do, take notice of the plants, flowers, animals and birds around you. Talk together about how God always takes care of and provides for His children.

Rest in the Text (Word & Worship):

Word: Together, read Matthew 6:25-34.

• Are there any words in these verses that you do not recognize or understand?

• What are some things you worry about? • What does Jesus tell you not to do? What does He say to do instead? • How does God take care of birds? How does He take care of the grass,

flowers and trees you see around you? • If God takes care of these parts of creation, how does He take care of

His children? • How does trusting that truth help you to not worry? • What do you know about God that gives you confidence that He will

always provide?

Spend time praying together. Confess places of fear or worry and ask God to help you trust Him. Pray for Youth Camp coming up.

Rest in Creation (Wonder): http://parks.cityofboise.org/parks-locations/ http://www.meridiancity.org/parks_rec.aspx?id=2686 http://www.nampaparksandrecreation.org/ParksDepartment/BrowseParks.aspx http://www.cityofcaldwell.com/parks-and-rec http://www.cityofeagle.org/index.asp?SEC=81B7C4B6-D65A-445E-9D05-F1FDE0708A3A&Type=B_BASIC

Rest in Community Refer to “Rest in Community” events on page 19

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#SummerofRest

Week of June 26 - July 2, 2016 Rest in the Text (Word & Worship): Prayer for Youth Camp Coming Up!

Make a trip to Cabela’s, a zoo, an aquarium or go for a nature hike. As you do, read Genesis 1 and talk about each day of creation. While on your outing, look for each of the things on the following list:

• Day 1 (Day and Night): Find an animal that is nocturnal. Talk about how God made light and separated the light and darkness. The light was called “day,” and the darkness was called “night.”

• Day 2 (Sky): Find an animal that can fly. Talk about how God made the sky. • Day 3 (Oceans, Dry Land and Plants): Find three different plants. Talk about how

God made the sea and the land. Talk about how God made plants grow from the ground.

• Day 4 (Sun, Moon, Planets and Stars): Find a plant that needs lots of sunlight. Find a plant that doesn’t need lots of sunlight. Talk about how God made the sun, moon and stars.

• Day 5 (Birds and Sea Creatures): Find an animal that lives underwater. Talk about how God made the fish of the sea and the birds of the sky.

• Day 6 (Land Animals and People): Find an animal that lives on the ground or under it. Talk about how God made the animals.

• Day 7 (Rest): Find a place to rest and talk over the questions below.

After finding everything on the list, talk about what you saw. • What was your favorite animal or plant? • Who made that animal or plant? • What was the strangest thing you saw? • Who is the Creator of that thing? • Who made it possible for sinners to know and have a relationship with the

creator God? How did He do that? • Think about the creativity and power that God displayed in making everything.

What is the right response to God as you enjoy His creation? • Praise God together for His beautiful creation.

Rest in Creation (Wonder): Visit MK Nature Center | 600 South Walnut, Boise, Idaho 83712 | http://www.fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/education/?getPage=234

Rest in Community: Refer to “Rest in Community” events on page 19

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#SummerofRest

Week of July 3-10, 2016 Rest in the Text (Word & Worship):

Find a place to watch fireworks or buy fireworks to lite as a family. As you enjoy the festivities and celebrate the freedom of our nation, talk about the greater freedom God’s children have been given in Jesus.

• What do you celebrate on July 4? • What do you know about America’s freedom? Why do we celebrate it? • What is the opposite of being free?

Together, read Romans 8:1-2.

• Are there any words in these verses that you do not recognize or understand?

• What kind of freedom is being described here? • How are God’s children set free from sin and death? • How can you celebrate the freedom that comes by loving and trusting

Jesus?

Praise God together for the freedom given from sin through Jesus’ death and resurrection.

Rest in Creation (Wonder): Independence Day Celebrations & Fireworks | Various Boise Metro Locations http://parks.cityofboise.org/4thofjuly/ http://www.meridiancity.org/independenceday/ http://www.godandcountryfestival.com http://www.cityofcaldwell.com/july4th

Rest in Community: Refer to the “Rest in Community” events on page 19

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#SummerofRest

Week of July 10-16, 2016 Rest in the Text (Word & Worship): Prayer for Youth Camp Coming Up!!

Look for opportunities to be around waves, either by traveling to the beach or going to a wave pool. If those aren’t options for your family, look online for videos of large waves. Do some research to learn how powerful waves can be and how big they can get. Then talk about how waves can teach you about the power of God.

Together, read Psalm 93.

• Are there any words in these verses that you do not recognize or understand?

• The first two verses describe God as a king. What do you know about kings? How is God like a king?

• Are the waves of the ocean stronger than you? How much stronger? • Are the waves of the ocean stronger than God? How do you know? • What does it mean for God to be mighty? • What are some things that are too hard for you? • What are some things that are too hard for God? • How can you rely on God’s strength instead of your own when things are

hard?

Spend time praying together. Ask God to help you trust His perfect strength.

Rest in Creation (Wonder): Raft the Boise River | 4049 S. Eckert Rd. Boise, ID | http://www.barber-park.com

Roaring Springs WaterPark | 400 W. Overland Rd. Meridian, ID | http://www.roaringsprings.com/home.cfm

Rest in Community: Refer to the “Rest in Community” events on page 19

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#SummerofRest

Week of July 17-23, 2016 Rest in the Text (Word & Worship): Be intentional in talking with your kids about the significance and meaning of marriage. If you’re invited to a wedding this summer, attend it as a family. Or sit down together and look through photos from your wedding. Tell the story of how you met, laugh at how different you looked then and talk about marriage as a picture of Jesus’ love for the church family.

Together, read Ephesians 5:22-33.

• Are there any words in these verses that you do not recognize or understand? • What did you enjoy about the wedding ceremony? What were some things you

noticed? • What do you think of when you think about marriage? What do you think of when

you hear the words “husband” and “wife?” • What do these verses say wives are to do? What about husbands? • God created marriage to be a picture of a great relationship. What relationship

does marriage show? • How are wives supposed to be like the church family? • How are husbands supposed to be like Jesus? • Does any marriage perfectly show the relationship between Jesus and the church

family? • Even if marriages aren’t perfect, what do we know about Jesus’ love for and

faithfulness to the Church?

Spend time praying for people in your life who are married. Pray they would be a picture of the relationship between Jesus and the church family. Parents, spend time praying for the future spouse of your children.

Rest in Creation (Wonder): Visit the Idaho Botanical Garden | 2355 Old Penitentiary Rd. Boise, ID http://idahobotanicalgarden.org

Visit the Old Idaho Penitentiary | 2445 Old Penitentiary Rd. Boise, ID http://history.idaho.gov/old-penitentiary-hours-location

Rest in Community: Refer to the “Rest in Community” events on page 19

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#SummerofRest

Week of July 24-30, 2016 Rest in the Text (Word & Worship): As a family, go to a local park and pick up trash. When you’re finished, find a shaded place to talk about the difference between trash and treasure.

Together, read Philippians 3:7-8.

• Are there any words in these verses that you do not recognize or understand?

• What is a “gain?” What did Paul mean when he used that word? • What does it mean to consider something as loss or rubbish? When you

were picking up trash, what kinds of things did you throw away? • What things did Paul consider to be like trash compared to the treasure

of knowing Jesus? • What was Paul’s greatest treasure? Whom did he show, honor and enjoy

as most valuable? How do you know? • What is your greatest treasure? Is there anything that can feel more

valuable than knowing God? • How did Jesus make it possible for sinners to know and be known by

God, the most valuable treasure?

Pray for one another that you would show, honor and enjoy God as most valuable and love Him as the greatest treasure.

Rest in Creation (Wonder): Ride the Greenbelt | Various Start/End Locations http://parks.cityofboise.org/parks-locations/parks/greenbelt/

Rest in Community: Refer to “Rest in Community” events on page 19

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#SummerofRest

Week of July 31 - August 6, 2016 Rest in the Text (Word & Worship): While spending time on a boat or floating one of our North Idaho rivers, try to imagine what it would have been like for the disciples who saw Jesus calm the storm. Pay attention to the water you’re on – how you feel when it’s calm or choppy.

Together, read Mark 4:35-41.

• Are there any words in this verse that you do not recognize or understand?

• What do you think the disciples saw, heard and felt as the storm came upon them?

• Was there anything they could do to stop the storm or save themselves? • What did Jesus do when the disciples cried out to Him for help? • Why did the wind and waves obey Jesus? • What other things is Jesus in charge of? • What other things does Jesus save people from? • How does He save people from sin and death?

Pray together, praising God for being in charge of everything and providing salvation through Jesus.

Rest in Creation (Wonder): Float the Payette River | Various Outfitters and Start/End Locations http://www.payetteriver.org http://www.idahowhitewaterunltd.com http://www.cascaderaft.com http://payetterivercompany.com

Visit Lucky Peak Reservoir for the Day | Just East of Boise on Hwy. 21 https://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/parks/lucky-peak http://www.boiseoutdooradventures.com (Watercraft Rentals)

Rest in Community: Refer to “Rest in Community” events on page 19

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#SummerofRest

Week of August 7-13, 2016 Rest in the Text (Word & Worship): Go swimming as a family and bring diving sticks with you. Have the kids close their eyes and cover their ears as you drop the diving sticks into the pool. Then have the kids seek and find them. Feel free to add your own twists as you play. When you get out of the pool, talk about how Jesus came to seek and save the lost.

Together, read Luke 19:1-10.

• Are there any words in these verses that you do not recognize or understand?

• Whose house did Jesus invite himself to? • Who was Zacchaeus? What did he do? What kind of reputation did he

have? What did other people think of him? • What happened to Zacchaeus’ heart when Jesus showed him kindness? • What did Zacchaeus do as a result of having a new heart that loved and

trusted Jesus? • When you were in the pool, what were you seeking? • What did Jesus say He had come to do? What does that mean for you? • How do God’s children follow Jesus’ example of loving those who do

not yet know Him?

Spend time praying for people in your life who don’t know Jesus. Ask God for opportunities to talk with them and for courage to speak with them about Jesus. Pray that He would show kindness to them and give them hearts that love and trust Jesus.

Rest in Creation (Wonder): Spend a day at the new Esther Simplot Park 625 N Whitewater Park Blvd, Boise, ID http://parks.cityofboise.org/parks-locations/parks/esther-simplot-park-site/

Rest in Community: Refer to “Rest in Community” events on page 19

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#SummerofRest

Week of August 14-20, 2016 Rest in the Text (Word & Worship): Create your own Twister® mat by using your yard and red, yellow, green and blue spray paint. Then play the game, using it as an opportunity to talk about how sin can entangle you as you follow Jesus. To create your own mat: Paint six green circles in a row. Add a row of six yellow circles. Repeat for blue and red, making a four circle by six circle board. Additionally, cut strips of paper that match the four colors of spray paint used to make your mat. On these strips of paper, label different parts of the body: left foot, right foot, left hand, etc. Put the labeled strips of paper into a cup.

To play the game: Each person will take turns drawing one of the labeled strips of paper out of the cup and then moving the body part listed to a circle the same color as the paper drawn. If a person falls down, they are out. Play until only one person is left. You might consider having one person draw for everyone else since it can be challenging to keep your balance and draw for your next turn.

Together, read Hebrews 12:1-2. • Are there any words in these verses that you do not recognize or understand? • What was it like when you were tangled together during the game? Was it easy

to move? • What does the writer of Hebrews tell you to lay aside? • How does sin get in the way of your relationship with God? • After you lay aside the sin that clings so closely to you, what does the writer of

Hebrews tell you to do? • What is endurance? What does it mean to run with it? • Whom are you to keep your eyes on as you run? What do you think that means? • What does it mean that Jesus is the founder and perfecter of your faith? • As you lay aside sin and run with endurance, who is your example and help?

What example did Jesus set? • What sin do you consistently feel clings to you? How can you lay aside that

hindrance or weight?

Pray and ask God to show you areas of sin that are keeping you from running with endurance. Confess that sin and ask God to help you lay it aside and keep your eyes on Jesus.

Rest in the Creation (Wonder): Visit Zoo Boise | 355 Julia Davis Dr., Boise, ID http://zooboise.org

Rest in Community: Refer to “Rest in Community” events on page 19

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#SummerofRest

Week of August 21-27, 2016 Rest in the Text (Word & Worship): Spend the afternoon at a local playground or splash pad. Make sure to pack your favorite snacks to enjoy as a family. During your time there help your child measure their shadow every 30 minutes for up to four hours. Have your child stand in the same place each time and trace their shadow with chalk. Notice together how the outline of the shadow changes over time. Then talk about God’s unchanging nature.

• What was the difference between your shadow and your actual body? • Do shadows change or stay the same? Why? • When was your shadow the longest? The shortest?

Together, read James 1:16-17 and Hebrews 13:8.

• Are there any words in these verses that you do not recognize or understand?

• James compares God and a shadow. How is God different than a shadow?

• Can anything cause God to change? Why is this good news? • What does Hebrews 13:8 say about Jesus? • What things in your life change? • How does knowing God is unchanging help you when things and

people in your life change?

Pray and ask God to help you believe and rest in the truth that He never changes.

Rest in Creation (Wonder): Go for a family hike | Various Starting Locations Pack a lunch and some of your favorite snacks. Share some of your favorite memories from the summer, spend some time praying together as a family and then talk about goals for the coming school year. http://www.ridgetorivers.org

Rest in Community: Refer to “Rest in Community” events on page 19

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#SummerofRest Rest in Creation

20+ Fun Things to do as a Family 1. Find your inner child at Wahooz Family Park. http://wahoozfunzone.com

2. Wear your kids out on the skating rink at Nampa Rollerdrome https://namparollerdrome.com

3. Cool off at Delsa’s Ice Cream https://www.facebook.com/Delsas-Ice-Cream-Parlour-397753781084/

4. Hike Table Rock http://www.ridgetorivers.org

5. Looking for information on camping, hiking, boating, ATV/motorcycle, climbing, etc.

www.parksandrecreation.idaho.gov

6. Visit the Discovery Center of Idaho or the Idaho Historical Museum http://www.dcidaho.org

7. Take a day trip to Bogus Basin, ID www.bogusbasin.com

8. Go to a play at the Shakespeare Festival http://idahoshakespeare.org

9. Go visit the Bruneau Sand Dunes http://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/parks/bruneau-dunes

10. Spend a day at the Boise Zoo http://zooboise.org

11. Visit some of our great parks or community pools http://parks.cityofboise.org/parks-locations/

12. Spend a day at McCall, Idaho http://www.mccall.id.us 17

13. Go to Fast Lane and race your family http://fastlaneboise.com

14. Join an archery club and go to a 3D Shoot Event www.idahoarchery.com

15. Go to a Boise Hawks baseball game www.boisehawks.com

16. Go to the Boise Music Festival www.boisemusicfestival.com

17. Spend a day at Lucky Peak Reservoir http://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/parks/lucky-peak

18. Sign your kids up for a class http://www.treasurevalleyfamilyguide.com/classes.html

19. Visit Jump Creek Falls | Caution: Poison Ivy and Snakes are prevalent http://www.blm.gov/id/st/en/visit_and_play/places_to_see/owyhee_field_office/Jump_Creek.html

20. Come to RLM Rest in Community Events

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#SummerofRest Rest in Community Events

June 20-24, 2016 Lifer Kids Summer Camp (3rd-6th graders) Camp Pinewood, McCall ID

July 18-22, 2016 Lifer Youth Summer Camp (7th graders through graduating seniors) Quaker Hills Camp, McCall ID

All Church Community BBQ’s

June 5, 2016 12:30-3:30pm Eagle Island BBQ and Baptisms Harrier Shelter 165 S Eagle Island Pkwy, Eagle, ID 83616

July 31, 2016 12:30-3:30pm Cinco Domingo at Settler’s Park | Shelter 2 3245 N Meridian Rd, Meridian, ID 83646

August 21, 2016 12:30-3:30pm Ann Morrison BBQ and Baptisms | Shelter 1 1000 N Americana Boulevard, Boise, ID 83706

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CREATING A FAMILY MISSION STATEMENT

Most parents can’t give their children a lavish inheritance, but every parent will leave a personal legacy. -- Reggie Joiner

What Is a Family Mission Statement?

“A family mission statement is a combined, unified expression from all family members of what your family is all about — what it is you really want to do and be — and the principles you choose to govern your family life.” -- Stephen Covey

A family mission statement will help your family keep the right priorities, enabling you to distinguish between what matters and what matters most. A family mission statement encapsulates how your family will fulfill your portion of the Great Commission and lays out your family’s purpose, goals, and standards.

Why Should You Create a Family Mission Statement?

Loving, supportive, outstanding families who fulfill the great commission and build their portion of the wall don’t just happen. They take a lot of intentionality.

If we look at the etymology of the word “provide,” we learn it actually means “to look ahead, to act with foresight.” In other words, being a provider means having a vision.

Far too often parents find the reason to think about their family’s values and what they want their family to be like after something has gone wrong. By then it’s usually too late. The best time to begin creating a Christ-centered family culture is right now!

A family mission statement lays out a vision for your family of where you want to go together and how you want to get there. It provides a path and guideposts pointing the way ahead and illuminating the curves and bumps along the way. “Without this vision,”Stephen Covey argues in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families, “kids can be swept along with the flow of society’s values and trends. It’s simply living out the scripts that have been given to you. In fact, it’s really not living at all; it’s being lived.”

Having a shared vision – a shared sense of values and purpose – bonds parents and children together. It guides your parenting decisions and offers your children clear ideals to strive for and guidance in what choices to make. Furthermore, a family mission statement serves to distinguish your family from others – providing a sense of meaning and identity and giving your children the feeling of being part of something important and special.

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How to Create a Family Mission Statement

Before You Start: Understand the Process Is More Important Than the End Product

During the drafting process you’ll have a chance to have deep, meaningful conversations with your spouse and children about what’s really important in life.

You’ll have a chance to bond and connect as a family as you listen to each other, share your vision for your family, as well as the values and principles you believe should guide your family.

So as you work through the steps outlined below, don’t get discouraged if you think it’s taking too long or isn’t going exactly how you wanted.

Step 1: Call a Special Family Meeting

While your role is to initiate and guide the process of drafting your family’s mission statement, every member of the family should have a say and be part of its creation. Covey recommends making these meetings special occasions. Maybe you can take a family vacation and set aside a day to brainstorm a family mission statement. You don’t even have to go far from home. Rent a hotel room nearby, order pizza, get everyone in their PJs, and start the discussion. The key is to make the occasion different from any other “family meeting” or night of the week.

Step 2: Ask Questions and Discuss What Your Family Is All About

Once you’ve got everyone gathered, it’s time to start talking about what your family’s mission is. This is your chance to communicate with your children about your values and hear what they want their family to be like. The easiest way to get ideas going for your mission statement is to ask questions that will foster a healthy discussion.

Step 3: Make a List of Your Family’s Core Values

After your discussion, generate a list of your family’s values. These are the things, based on your discussion, that you want your family to be known for. When the people around you think of your family, what do you want them think about.

Step 4: Draft Your Mission Statement

Once you have your list, work to whittle your master list down to 4 or 5 “Big Ideas” that encapsulate your family’s mission.

Once you have your list of Big Ideas, it’s time to synthesize them into a single mission statement.

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As you write out your mission statement, keep in mind the following guidelines:

Keep it short. Mission statements work best if they’re kept short, because short is memorable. Try to keep your mission statement under 100 words.

Make it collaborative. Your family might decide to delegate the writing process to you. But you can also suggest doing it collaboratively. Even if you do most of the writing yourself, get plenty of feedback from the other members of your family and give them a final vote of approval.

There isn’t one right way to write a family mission statement. Some families write out their mission statement essay style; others create a bullet point list of the values that they strive to live by. Both are fine, as well as any number of other creative formats.

Take as much time as you need. Write, edit, and re-write until everyone is happy with the final product. This is something you’ll look to for years and years, so it’s okay if it takes a few weeks to get it just right.

Here are a few examples to help you get started:

“To proclaim the Lordship of Christ and our love for others through the living of our lives with humility, integrity, hospitality and a servant’s heart.”

“The Russell family are Jesus followers, who swim up stream, all the way showing Fruit, to glorify God.”

“Our family mission: To love each other… To help each other… To believe in each other… To wisely use our time, talents, and resources to bless others… To worship together… Forever.”

“Our family mission is to: Value honesty with ourselves and others. Create an environment where each of us can find support and encouragement in achieving our life’s goals. Respect and accept each person’s unique personality and talents. Promote a loving, kind, and happy atmosphere. Support family endeavors that better society. Maintain patience through understanding. Always resolve conflicts with each other rather than harboring anger. Promote the realization of life’s treasures.” 

"By God's grace we will: Seek to love the Lord Jesus Christ with all our hearts, minds, souls and strength; Always give thanks; Never fear standing for the truth, no matter the cost; Do our work skillfully and diligently without complaining, as unto the Lord; Encourage and show love for others with patience, kindness and humility; Respectfully submit to all authority God has placed over us; Share the truths of God with our children so that future generations will put their trust in Him."

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#SummerofRest FAMILY PHOTO CHALLENGE

To enter, take a family photo at one of the places listed below and post your photo to Facebook or Twitter using the hashtag #SummerofRest, or e-mail your entry to jflorendo@rlmtreasurevalley.com. Photos will be judged on creativity and family involvement.

• in front of a waterfall • on top of a mountain • at the beach • on a boat • at a Theme Park or Sporting Event • on a family vacation • at a zoo or farm • sitting around a campfire • roasting marshmallows • eating ice-cream or frozen yogurt • at a hot spring

We will be giving weekly prizes for best photo June - August.

Weekly winners will be entered into the Grand Prize drawing for a $150 Roaring Springs Waterpark gift card.

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