Are We There Yet? | Week 1 | Pastor Jonathan Brozozog

Navigating Life’s Seasons: Are We There Yet?

In the first week of the series ‘Are We There Yet?’, Pastor Jonathan Brozozog explores the universal question we all face at different stages of life. From parenting marriage and beyond, he offers practical insights and guidance on navigating these transitions with faith and purpose.

Introduction to the Series

The series ‘Are We There Yet?’ delves into the various stages of life, addressing the questions we often ask ourselves as we navigate through marriage, parenting, and beyond. Each session is designed to provide practical insights, helping us to manage these transitions with faith and intention. The series promises to be engaging, insightful, and even humorous as we explore the complexities of life’s journey together.

The Journey of Life Stages

Life is a journey filled with milestones, each presenting its own set of challenges and joys. From the anticipation of marriage to the responsibilities of parenthood, we continually ask ourselves, “Am I there yet?” This series seeks to unpack these feelings, providing clarity and guidance as we traverse these varied life stages.

Key Life Stages

• Pre-Marriage: The excitement and anxiety of finding the right partner.
• Marriage: Establishing a life together and setting shared goals.
• Parenting: The profound responsibility of raising children and the joys they bring.
• Grandparenting: Embracing a new role and the opportunity to influence the next generation.
• Retirement: Reflecting on life’s achievements and exploring new passions.

Welcoming Pastor Jonathan Brozozog

We are excited to welcome Pastor Jonathan Brozozog, a dynamic leader from Creative Church in the Twin Cities. With his wealth of experience as both a pastor and a father of eight, he brings valuable insights into parenting and community engagement challenges. His unique perspective is sure to enrich our understanding of the topics at hand.

The Importance of Pastors and Community

Pastors play a critical role in guiding their congregations through the complexities of life. They provide support, encouragement, and biblical wisdom, helping us to navigate our journeys with faith. The community formed within the church is equally vital, offering a sense of belonging and shared purpose.

Benefits of Community Support

• Shared Wisdom: Learning from the experiences of others.
• Emotional Support: Having a network during difficult times.
• Accountability: Encouragement to stay committed to our values.
• Opportunities for Service: Engaging in outreach and helping others.

Introducing Cell Phone Permit

In an age where technology is omnipresent, educating our children about the responsible use of cell phones is crucial. The Cell Phone Permit is a program designed to teach children how to use their devices safely and responsibly, akin to a driver’s education course.

Key Features of Cell Phone Permit

• Transparency Over Privacy: Encouraging open conversations about device use.
• Structured Learning: An eight-hour online course that covers essential topics.
• Parental Involvement: Parents guide their children through the learning process.

The Gift of Children

Children are undoubtedly one of life’s greatest gifts. Each child brings unique joy and challenges, requiring us to adapt and grow as parents. Recognizing this gift can transform our perspective on parenting, encouraging us to embrace the journey with gratitude.

Understanding Children as Gifts

• Value of Each Child: Every child is unique and precious.
• Parental Growth: Parenting teaches us patience, love, and resilience.
• Legacy: The values we instill in our children will carry on through generations.

The Role of Grandparents

Grandparents hold a special place in the family structure, providing unconditional love and support. Their influence can have a profound impact on a child’s development, often fostering a sense of security and belonging.

Benefits of Grandparent Relationships

• Emotional Stability: Grandparents often provide a stable, loving presence.
• Life Lessons: They share wisdom and experiences from their own lives.
• Positive Influence: A healthy grandparent-grandchild relationship can reduce the risks of mental health issues.

Learning from Parenting Mistakes

No parent is perfect, and mistakes are part of the learning process. Embracing our failures can lead to growth and a deeper understanding of our roles as caregivers.

Common Parenting Mistakes

• Over-Scheduling: Filling every moment with activities can lead to burnout.
• Lack of Communication: Failing to engage in open dialogue with children.
• Ignoring Self-Care: Neglecting personal well-being in the pursuit of parenting.

Understanding Children as Gifts

Recognizing children as gifts can reshape our approach to parenting. This mindset encourages us to appreciate the moments, both good and bad, and to view challenges as opportunities for growth.

Shifting Perspectives

• Gratitude: Fostering an attitude of thankfulness for our children.
• Patience: Understanding that growth takes time for both parents and children.
• Joy in Challenges: Finding joy in the struggles that come with parenting.

The Need for Presence in Parenting

Being present in our children’s lives is essential for their emotional and social development. It’s not enough to be physically there; we must engage emotionally and mentally as well.

Ways to Be Present

• Quality Time: Prioritising time spent with children over distractions.
• Active Listening: Paying attention to their thoughts and feelings.
• Participating in Activities: Engaging in their interests and hobbies.

Investing Time into Family

Investing time in family relationships is crucial for fostering strong bonds. This investment pays dividends in emotional security and mutual respect.

Strategies for Family Investment

• Regular Family Meetings: Setting aside time to discuss family matters and plans.
• Shared Activities: Engaging in hobbies or outings together.
• Open Communication: Creating a safe space for everyone to express themselves.

Modeling Behaviour for Children

Modeling the right behavior for our children is essential. Children learn more from what they observe than from what they are told. As parents, we must demonstrate the values we wish to instill in them.

For instance, if we want our children to be respectful, we must model respect in our interactions with them and others. This includes how we handle our frustrations and challenges.

Creating a Positive Environment

• Practice Active Listening: Acknowledge your child’s needs and feelings.
• Show Affection: Regularly express love and support.
• Encourage Open Communication: Create a space where children feel safe to express themselves.

Handling Offense and Correction

Teaching children how to handle offense is crucial. Offense can lead to resentment and manipulation if not addressed properly. We must guide them in understanding that feelings of offense are natural but should be managed constructively.

One of the greatest gifts we can give our children is the ability to accept correction gracefully. When they see us receiving feedback positively, they are more likely to emulate that behavior.

Strategies for Teaching Handling Offense

• Model Healthy Responses: Show how to respond to criticism or disagreements calmly.
• Encourage Empathy: Teach them to consider the feelings and perspectives of others.
• Discuss Feelings: Create opportunities to express feelings about being offended and how to resolve those feelings.

The Power of Prophetic Words

Words have immense power, especially when they are prophetic. Speaking life and encouragement to our children can shape their identity and future. Declaring positive truths about their potential and purpose is essential.

Every parent should consider making prophetic declarations over their children. This practice not only boosts their confidence but also aligns them with their God-given destiny.

Implementing Prophetic Declarations

• Personalized Affirmations: Create specific affirmations that resonate with each child’s unique qualities.
• Regular Sessions: Set aside time to pray and speak prophetic words over your children.
• Celebrate Achievements: Acknowledge and affirm their successes, big or small.

God’s Communication with Children

Understanding how God communicates with children is vital. God often speaks through dreams and visions rather than direct words. As parents, we must help our children recognize and interpret these experiences.

Encourage your children to seek God in prayer and to expect to hear from Him in various forms, such as visions or dreams. This can foster a deep and personal relationship with God.

Encouraging Spiritual Communication

• Prayer Time: Establish regular prayer times for your family.
• Dream Journals: Encourage children to keep a journal of their dreams and any insights they receive.
• Discussion: Talk about how God communicates and shares personal experiences.

Extracurricular Activities vs. Spiritual Growth

While extracurricular activities are valuable, they should not overshadow spiritual growth. Parents must evaluate how they allocate time and resources to both areas. The reality is that children will face the Lord one day, and spiritual development is paramount.

Statistics show that time spent on sports and activities often far exceeds time devoted to spiritual education. Finding a balance that prioritizes faith alongside other pursuits is essential.

Finding Balance

• Prioritise Church Activities: Ensure that time for youth group and church is included in your schedule.
• Integrate Faith with Activities: Look for ways to incorporate faith into extracurriculars.
• Evaluate Commitments: Regularly assess if activities align with your family’s spiritual values.

The Responsibility of Parenting

Parenting comes with immense responsibility. It’s not just about providing for physical needs but also nurturing spiritual and emotional growth. This requires intentionality and a commitment to being present in our children’s lives.

We must take ownership of our role in shaping the next generation. This includes teaching them values, discipline, and the importance of faith in their lives.

Being an Intentional Parent

• Set Clear Expectations: Establish guidelines and boundaries for behavior.
• Be Present: Engage actively in your child’s life and interests.
• Lead by Example: Live out the values you wish to instill in your children.

Cultivating a Spiritual Environment

Creating a spiritual atmosphere in the home is essential for fostering faith. This environment encourages children to grow in their relationship with God. Simple practices can make a significant impact.

From daily prayers to reading scripture together, these activities help children feel connected to their faith and understand its importance in their lives.

Ways to Cultivate Spirituality

• Family Devotions: Set aside time each week for family devotions.
• Scripture Memorisation: Encourage children to memorize verses that resonate with them.
• Faith-Based Discussions: Integrate discussions about faith into everyday conversations.

Teaching Children to Handle Offense

It’s crucial to equip children with the skills to manage feelings of offense. This includes understanding that it’s normal to feel hurt but that the response should be constructive. Teaching them this skill will serve them well throughout life.

Encouraging children to express their feelings and seek resolution rather than resorting to manipulation or anger is vital for their emotional health.

Key Lessons in Handling Offense

• Encourage Open Dialogue: Let them talk about their feelings without fear of judgment.
• Teach Conflict Resolution: Show them how to resolve disagreements peacefully.
• Model Forgiveness: Demonstrate the importance of forgiving others and moving on.

Training Up Children in the Right Way

Training children properly involves more than just discipline; it’s about guiding them towards their purpose. This requires patience and a deep understanding of their unique gifts and talents.

As parents, we must invest time in discovering how best to support our children’s growth and development.

Effective Training Strategies

• Encourage Exploration: Allow children to explore their interests and passions.
• Provide Support: Be their biggest cheerleader as they pursue their dreams.
• Instill Values: Teach them the importance of integrity, hard work, and faith.

Closing Thoughts and Prayer

In conclusion, parenting is a journey filled with challenges and rewards. By modeling positive behavior, handling offense constructively, and speaking prophetic words into our children’s lives, we can guide them toward their purpose.

Let us commit to being intentional in our parenting, creating a nurturing environment that fosters spiritual growth and emotional well-being.

Let us pray for strength, wisdom, and guidance as we navigate the beautiful responsibility of raising our children in the ways of the Lord. May we always strive to be present and engaged, fostering a legacy of faith and love.