Search Results for "Family "

The stark realities of living in a pandemic can bring fear, heartbreak, and disappointment. The impact on many of our Joni and Friends Family Retreats has been significant. Yet, we praise God for inspiring us with new, creative ways to serve our special needs families. And we are especially thankful for the ways these families encourage us!

In your family, can you speak truth? A good friend will tell you the truth. Sometimes families are afraid to speak truth. But other than God these people know you better than anyone. And they are supposed to be your best friends helping you become more like Christ. Who better to speak truth? What about this: Give them permission to gently point out sin in your life. Not in a critical or condemning way, but compassionately because they love you. It may be awkward, but when done softly for your good, why would you turn it down?

What are the core values needed in every Christian home? Biblical values are paramount in today’s culture to have a successful family. In this informative message from Pastor Jeff Schreve, discover how your family will be blessed and strong as you build a firm foundation on God’s values found in His Word.

What are the core values needed in every Christian home? Biblical values are paramount in today’s culture to have a successful family. In this informative message from Pastor Jeff Schreve, discover how your family will be blessed and strong as you build a firm foundation on God’s values found in His Word.

Corporations have business meetings all the time. Shouldn’t families do that? Generally, the purpose behind a business meeting is to generate teamwork and productivity. A family meeting is so much more than that. It’s about facilitating family harmony as well as making vacation plans and discussing the family calendar. You can also work through hurt feelings and support each other in tough times. And there’s a bonus for blended families: regular family meetings become a ritual that strengthens a sense of family identity.

Julie Plagens spent years estranged from her family of origin. However, after much prayer and counseling, Julie began to see that the real enemy wasn't her parents, but Satan. She committed to do whatever it would take to restore her relationship with her family, with God's help. She chose to forgive them, and followed that with fasting and prayer, asking God to reach out. Julie's prayers were answered. Later in the year, Julie's mother invited her over for dinner. Julie shares a word of wisdom to those experiencing brokenness in their family.

Is your family communication filtered or unfiltered? In this digital age we have many communication filtering options. Say your mobile phone rings, but you let it go to voicemail. You listen to the message and reply with a text. That’s filtering. This has pros and cons. For blended families, filtering can help reduce conflict in strained relationships. But if new family members don’t stop filtering they’ll never develop a genuine relationship. The way to add depth is to actually talk and hang out in person. That throwback idea needs a comeback.

As kids grow older, encourage obedience by letting them help set the family rules--and consequences.

Joni shares about a spontaneous hymn-sing at a Joni and Friends Family Retreat. May we all sing our way through suffering!

Families with special-needs children enjoy refreshing, fellowship and hope at a Family Retreat.