Better Homes Part 2- Family Survival Skills

Better Homes- Building Stronger Christian Families 

Part 2- Family Survival Skills 

Guest Pastor: Sandy Mason

Thursday, May 1st, 2025

Friday, May 4th, 2025

Skill #1    Fun!    Deut 14:26  

Use the silver to buy whatever you like: cattle, sheep, wine or other fermented drink, or anything you wish. Then you and your household shall eat there in the presence of the Lord your God and rejoice.

Skill # 2    Faithfulness    Proverbs 22:6

Train up a child in the way he should go;

    even when he is old he will not depart from it.

Skill #3    Forgiveness    Ephesians 6:4

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

TALK IT OVER

Skill #1 – FUN

Deuteronomy 14:26 – “…you and your household shall eat there in the presence of the Lord your God and rejoice.”

1. What are some traditions or fun routines in your family that have helped strengthen your relationships?

   2. Pastor Sandy mentioned that fun in the home can be sacred and intentional. How do you see joy as part of spiritual formation?

   3. How can we better reflect the joy of the Lord in our families, especially when life feels heavy or busy?

Skill #2 – FAITHFULNESS

Proverbs 22:6 – “Train up a child in the way he should go…”  

4. What does “training up” practically look like in your current stage of life? (As a parent, grandparent, mentor, etc.)

   5. Pastor Sandy talked about consistency and consequences in parenting. Why do you think consistency matters so much in a child’s growth?

   6. How can we balance discipline and grace as we guide children spiritually and emotionally?

   7. In what ways do you prioritize your marriage or key relationships within your household to reflect faithfulness?

Skill #3 – FORGIVENESS

Ephesians 6:4 – “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger…” 

8. Why is forgiveness such a vital part of family life? How can we model it well in front of children?

  9. Pastor Sandy shared a story about a disappointing prayer moment and encouraged patience. When have you had to reframe your expectations in parenting (or leading)?

  10. How do we handle parenting mistakes or regrets in a way that promotes healing and connection?

Big Picture & Broader Impact

  11. Pastor Sandy also highlighted the impact of grandparents and single individuals. How can those outside the “traditional” parenting role still shape the next generation?

  12. Of the three skills—fun, faithfulness, or forgiveness—which one do you feel God is inviting you to grow in this week? What would that practically look like?