Welcome to the Summer! Often times the summer brings an increased opportunity to spend time with our family. Whether it’s a family vacation, a day trip, a day at the local pool, a trip to the park, or a simple barbeque in your backyard, we can spend time with our family’s in ways you wouldn’t the rest of the year. As you begin to plan out your family summer plans keep in mind that it’s an opportunity to be intentional with your time with your family while keeping God front and center in all you do. Here are some ideas that you can do with your family that will open up a dialog and give meaning to simple summer pleasures.
SUMMER STORMS
Summer can bring on some mighty storms. Thunder and lightning can be scary. Bring the family together and build a fort in your house. Put a big blanket over your dining room table and sit underneath. Go to the basement and sit all together with pillows and blankets. Get flashlights in case the power goes out. Talk about what “refuge” means with God. Read Psalm 144:1-2
WALKING AND WASHING
Go on a walk with your family–barefoot. Talk about how many children in the world do not have shoes. When you get home have the children look at how dirty their feet are. Wash your children’s feet. Tell them the Bible story in John 13:1-17. Pray with your family to follow the example of Jesus and serve people in and out of your community.
GO FISHING
What kid doesn’t like fishing? Make the time to go fishing or crabbing.Talk about the disciples and how they laid down their nets and followed Jesus. Read Luke 5:1-11
Each week at Powerhouse we give families the tools and support they need to raise a healthy, happy and faith filled family. Come join us each Sunday if you live in or are visiting the following towns or surrounding areas. Wyckoff, Franklin Lakes, Oakland, Wayne, Prospect Park, Haledon, North Haledon, Paterson, Midland Park, Glen Rock, Fair Lawn, Saddle Brook, Paramus, Ho-ho-kus, River Edge, New Milford, Bergenfield, Oradell, Westwood, Cliffwood Lake, Closter, Ridgewood, Washington, Allendale, Upper Saddle River, Saddle River, Ramsey, Mahwah, and many more towns.
When my children were little our special time together was bedtime. When it was time for one of them to go to bed, they would say “Mom, I’m ready for bed” and off we would go up the stairs into their room. We would always begin by saying our prayers and then I would climb into bed with one of them and cuddle. We called it spooning, laying side by side my arms wrapped around them. We would talk about their day, I always knew this would be the time each one of them would share the most. Nestled safely in my arms. Continue reading 
