The Five Steps To
Stronger Christian Family Values

What are Christian Family values?

Well... I did some research in the dictionary, and the best I could find was the phrase "family values."

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary describes family values as "values especially of a traditional or conservative kind which are held to promote the solid functioning of the family and to strengthen the fabric of society."

Sounds like fun! Ready? Go! :o)

Ok...here's how I define Christian Family Values. "The Biblical truth and wisdom that you pass along to your family as you spend time together."

Christian family values are becoming more and more important, as we are bombarded everyday with the "values" of this world. Work as hard as you can...make as much as you can...buy as much as you can...and just worry about "family time" later.

If you see this happening in your family, you probably want to make some quick changes. I see where your heart is, and you are on the right track! But, I'm sorry to say, "quick fixes" never last.

As parents, we need to focus on our relationship with the Lord, before we focus on our Christian family values. A genuine, personal, relationship with God, will naturally inspire and influence our kids. This is the work only God can do!

Focus on these five areas - to transform your relationship with God, and build lasting Christian family values.

1. Get into God's Word - daily

2. Talk to the Lord - daily

3. Build healthy relationships - daily

4. Devotionals that will guide you

5. Books that will inspire you

The peace and joy that God gives those who seek after him, is unlike any other. It has the power to transform lives, and families.

When your priorities are right, and you are focused on God and your family, family time will flow so naturally. It will no longer be something to plan for, it will just happen. And, those spontaneous moments create awesome family memories!

First, get into God's Word - daily

Why is a daily Bible study so important to our Christian family values? Because we need to know Biblical wisdom, before we can use it.

I will be the first to admit, that this daily commitment is sometimes really hard.

As parents, we are incredibly busy. If you are like me, you are always adding to your mental "to do" list. You really have to set aside the time to read the Bible everyday. I have been a Christian for almost 20 years now, and I still struggle in this area!

It's basically scheduling time for God, which can seem strange. With any new habit, it takes repetition.

How can we establish this healthy habit? Click here to read some encouraging personal Bible study and family Bible study tips!

Second, talk to the Lord - daily

Communication is so important when you are building relationships.

Remember when you met your spouse? I don't! Ray and I actually met in Jr. High school. We were only 12 years old at the time. You rarely make formal introductions in 7th grade...so I really don't know when we actually met.

Anyways...I do remember when we started dating, several years later. We were in our Junior year of High School, and we were pretty crazy about each other. All I wanted to do was be around him. To talk to him between classes, and chat on the phone after school. When you are genuinely interested in someone, the conversation flows so naturally.

Now, think about your relationship with the Lord. When is the last time you really talked to God? And, I don't mean the typical "thanks for the grub" at dinner time. :o)

Regular prayer will strengthen your family by leaps and bounds!

Click Here for my personal prayer "breakthrough" and some helpful ideas for increasing family prayer.

Third, build healthy relationships - daily

Yep, another daily goal! :o) Like I mentioned earlier, communication is the key to developing healthy relationships. And, healthy relationships are a strong branch of Christian family values!

Just by sitting down to talk, or listen, relationships can be transformed. I learned this valuable lesson at a young age.

My parents split up when I was about 16. I was totally blindsided, mainly because my parents never fought. They never yelled at each other, never screamed, never slammed doors. When I asked my Mom what happened - why they decided to divorce - she told me something surprising. She said, "Karissa, we just grew apart. We stopped communicating. We stopped talking."

I didn't realize that a marriage could end like that. It seemed so simple to me...just start talking! Talk to each other! I know, sometimes it's not that easy. A lack of communication can cause serious emotional separation.

But, sometimes it is that easy! Just talk to each other! Make yourself available to your spouse, your kids, your friends, and your extended family. If you are available to the people in your life, conversation will flow.

To really make time for your loved ones, you need to be there 100%. Click Here for 10 great "Healthy Relationship" builders! You will see just how fun it is to really connect with your family and friends!

Also, build your marriage relationship strong...
Click here to read 'Healthy Marriage - Have a 1 Corinthians Kind of Marriage'

Fourth, devotionals that will guide you

Everyone can benefit from a great Christian Devotional.

There are so many different types out there, most with different formats and audiences. You can find ones especially for women, men, couples, moms, dads, kids, teens, and so on.

But, how do devotionals help strengthen your Christian family values? They give you something to discuss around the dinner table! :o)

Actually, they do much more than that...

Devotionals really guide your family through the Bible. They are incredibly encouraging! They focus your thoughts, improve your priorities, and inspire your conversations.

Click Here for some awesome devotionals for your whole family!

Finally, Let's talk about books that will inspire you

Ok, it's time to fess up, I am kind of a geek.

I read anything I can get a hold of. I read pamphlets, magazines, emails, articles, blogs, e-books, product labels, instruction manuals, and books - of course. And, this is just a short list!

Yep, I'm a reader. But, when I sit down with a good book, I have high expectations. I want to escape for a while, to think about something other than work and my to-do list. I want to be inspired, encouraged, and energized.

You too? Yay! Let's talk!

Books can inspire you to grow closer to the Lord, and to read His Word.

They can also inspire your Christian family values - by sharing a book with your spouse, reading to your little ones, and finding books that your kids and teens will enjoy.

I love to pass along great finds, and recommend books to friends and family. Especially when I find ones that meet or exceed all my expectations.

Click Here for more of my favorites, and some must reads for you and your family!

As we wrap up, you may be wondering why I haven't discussed the importance of church and your Christian family values. Church is extremely important!

church provides a place for spiritual growth, fellowship, and family activities. I do believe it is vital to plug into a church that matches your beliefs, and encourages you to grow.

However, your church and your pastor are not responsible for your personal growth. Let me explain. :o)

Your personal growth is what we have discussed here - your personal Bible time, prayer time, relationships, and encouraging books. To really grow in the Lord, you need to strengthen your relationship with the Lord daily.

Don't simply limit God to your church services. Welcome Him into your daily life - into your home, your relationships, and your family time.

I'm positive that God will bless you and your family, as you genuinely commit more time to Him. He loves you and wants a relationship with you!

Build your foundation on the Lord, and your Christian family values will be strengthened.

Click on the above links, for lots more tips and encouraging ways to build strong Christian Family Values. And, please, contact me and let me know how it goes! I would love to hear from you! God bless you and yours!

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