Episode 93 :: Christie Thomas :: Stories of Raising a Family, Partnering in Parenting, and Seeking God in All Seasons
Today we have on children’s minister, author, and founder of Little Shoots, Deep Roots, Christie Thomas. Christie is a woman who is passionate about equipping families to engage their hearts with the Gospel. Her children’s books give amazing verbiage for how to deal with big issues in the lives of children, which is so helpful in general, but especially now living in a season that is full of such uncertainty that our children experience in their worlds too. Christie’s latest book is a Mother Son Prayer Journal. As a mother of several young boys, Christie shares about the challenge of raising young men to be God chasers who practice repentance, humility, strength, respect for others, how to go to God with the good things and the bad things, and remembering God is the One who is faithful and who holds all things together.
Christie’s method in all she does in her ministry and her writing is to take things back to small steps that sow Truth. In a world where we as adults are often trying to find quick ways to handle more, this is such a good reminder to slow down, and focus on the small, but mighty. While we’re doing that, we can more clearly see it's God that holds all things together and we can point the kids in our lives to do the same. One of my biggest takeaways from talking with Christie was just how much little habits make a huge difference in so many aspects of life, but especially in parenting and communicating about the Gospel.
We also dive into how men and women can partner in spiritually leading and nurturing a home. Christie points out that as Christians we are called to make disciples. As followers of Christ and parents; that includes our children. We discuss what discipleship from both parents may look like in a manner that honors God, and compliments how every parent and every partnership is uniquely and wonderfully made.
I hope this will be an encouraging episode for those of us out there trying to figure out how to respond to the world around us as adults, let alone how to communicate about it with littles, but ultimately I hope this helps point you to Jesus, and remind you He is trustworthy no matter where you are. You matter. Your story matters.
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References:
The Bible Recap - Book and Podcast
John Mark’s mother’s home is the house where people were gathered when people were praying for Peter, also possibly where the last supper was held
The original form of Proverbs 31 is an acrostic poem
Erin Moon’s response to the funky woman tweet
How you can start little from her website
“I Thank God” Maverick City Music
Trillia Newbell’s childrens’ books: God’s Very Good Idea and Creative God, Colorful Us
Dorena Williamson’s books: Colorfull, Thoughtfull, Gracefull, Pre-Orders!: The Celebration Place and Crowned with Glory
The Garden, the Curtain and the Cross - Carl Laferton
When a student followed a rabbi, they followed them so closely
Scripture:
Colossians 1:17- God holds all things together
Job 1:21- God gives and takes away
John 11:38-44- Jesus at Lazarus’ tomb
Luke 18:18-30, 1 Corinthians 13:12-, Ephesians 2:6-9, 1 Timothy 6:18-19- The kingdom is only partly here
Psalm 27:13-14, Job 13:15, Daniel 3:17-18, Romans 8:28 -When everything hurts God is still good
Isaiah 41:10, Hebrews 13:5-6, Psalm 23-God is still near
Psalm 34:10, Matthew 7:11, Luke 12:24, John 14:26, 1 Corinthians 10:13, 2 Corinthians 9:8, Philippians 4:19- God is still providing
John 16:33, 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, Psalm 23 -God comforts us
Psalm 30:1-5, Psalm 30:11-12- Joy does come in the mourning
Isaiah 40:11- carries a lamb on his shoulders
1 and 2 Samuel - life of David (Bible Project’s video on these books are super helpful)
1 and 2 Chronicles - life of David (Bible Project’s video on these books are super helpful)
1 Samuel 17- David & Goliath
1 Chronicles 13- David tries to go get the ark and it doesn't go well
1 Samuel 18-30- especially 27-29- David the land pirate (bad news bears)
1 Samuel 13:14,Acts 13:22 - God calls David to be a man after His own heart
Proverbs 22:6, Romans 10:14-15, Titus 2:3, I have to learn to help them recognize His voice
1 Corinthians 11:3-16, Ephesians 5:21-33- The man is head of the household
Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 16:15, Acts 1:8, 2 Timothy 2:2- We’re called to make disciples
2 Timothy 1:5- Lois and Eunice and Timothy
Acts 12:1-17- Peter escapes prison and comes to believers praying
1 Kings 11:1-2- Do not marry a Moabite woman. Don’t marry an Ammonite woman
Proverbs 31:10-31
Romans 16:7 Junia (also an interesting fact, some scholars believe she’s Joanna, also mentioned in Luke 8:1-3)
Judges 4- Deborah
Romans 16:1-2-Phoebe
Numbers 6:24-26- The Lord bless you and keep you, etc
Psalm 118:24- This is the day the Lord has made
Galatians 5:22-23-Fruit of the Spirit
John 15- Abiding in the Vine
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*Intro and Outro music is from audionautix.com