WHAT’S ON WHAT’S UP TODAY:

NAVIGATING THE HOLIDAYS WITH ALL THE FAMILY MEMBERS.

Why do it that way? Why not do it like we always have? Dr. Joanie DeBrito with Focus on the Family.

Personalities are hard to please. Be prepared to count to ten and remember: negotiate…

Brenda Huerta offers some encouragement to parents experiencing Empty Nest Syndrome.

Second Segment: Biblical-Literacy Lesson with guest David Fleming -
  Part Two: Biblical approach to relational conflict.

Second Segment: Pastor Emory Cothen, Champion Forest -
  What are you waiting for?

Today’s closing prayer:
Merciful Father,
Overwhelm your children with your presence, love, protection, and guidance.
Until we cross into glory, we will shed tears, feel pain, suffer tribulation, and be attacked by the evil one. More below …

Discussed by Terry Lowry
with Host of the What's UP Radio Program

Host Terry Lowry interviews influential and knowledgeable guests on relevant topics for today.

NAVIGATING THE HOLIDAYS WITH A BLENDED FAMILY

Discussed by Dr. Deana Thayer
with Focus on the Family www.Family.org

“How are we going to do this or that?” “We’ve never done it that way before!” “We always do it this way.”

Holidays can be so challenging, but when you add to the mix stepchildren, children’s spouses, and in-laws, things can get pretty interesting.

Today, Dr. Deana Thayer shares a personal holiday mishap and offers some advice for how to avoid it! Dr. Thayer holds a master’s degree in education. She is a speaker, author, and parenting associate at Focus on the Family.

Click here for some more helpful tips from Focus on the Family on how to live peacefully and thrive in a blended family.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Why are the holidays so difficult for blended families?

Why is it important to plan ahead? Should children be included in the discussion – especially if they’re adult children? Dr. Thayer shares her Christmas mishap story.

How do we keep our emotions in check when our kids choose someone else to celebrate Christmas with?

What are some tips for dealing with clashing holiday traditions? Dr. Thayer says that preparing our hearts beforehand is key – and so is communication.

Is it possible to create new traditions and enhance family bonding in the process?

Click here to help support Focus on the Family

PARENTING ADULT CHILDREN IS HARD

Discussed by Brenda Huerta
with Focus on the Family www.Family.org

Children moving out can bring up many emotions for parents. With August being back-to-school month, this is a reality that many parents are facing.

Today, Brenda Huerta offers some encouragement to parents who may be feeling all the emotions right now. Brenda is a bilingual counselor with Focus on the Family.

Click here for more parenting tips and advice from Focus on the Family.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Is Empty Nest Syndrome real? Terry shares a personal story…

Can parents feel ENS at various times throughout their children’s lives? Brenda warns: “Many times our identity is linked to our motherhood and that’s where we need to be careful.”

What are some of the triggers that can cause parents to experience loneliness? Brenda offers some advice to combat those feelings.

Should parents communicate their feelings with their child leaving the house? Is it important to set some boundaries – both for the child and the parent?

Can a hobby or volunteering help parents feel less lonely?

What are some other situations that cause pain and loneliness, mimicking Empty Nest Syndrome feelings?

Click here or call 1.800.A.FAMILY for FREE help from Focus on the Family.

Click here to help support Focus on the Family.

PART 2 - A BIBLICAL APPROACH TO RELATIONAL CONFLICT

Discussed by David Fleming
with Lanier Theological Library (www.LanierTheologicalLibrary.org)

Day 2

HAVE YOU EVER EXPERIENCED CONFLICT IN A RELATIONSHIP? I THINK WE ALL HAVE – SOME MORE THAN OTHERS!

Last week, former CFBC Pastor David Fleming subbed in for Mark, teaching on the Biblical approach to relational conflict. This week, he completes that lesson with more fantastic Biblical solutions for every type of relationship – marriage, friendship, church, and work.

To view David Fleming’s video for this lesson, click here.

If you have a prayer request, need Scripture encouragement, or would like a copy of Mark’s lessons each week, email wantmore@biblical-literacy.org

QUESTIONS / ISSUES DISCUSSED:

Do relational conflicts oftentimes begin with underlying assumptions? David reminds us that:
Status quo resists motion.
Motion causes friction.
Friction causes heat.
Heat causes fire.
This can either be productive or destructive.

When, how, and why do relational conflicts begin? Do they often catch us by surprise?

What are some ways we try to solve relational conflict? Are some good and some bad? Click on the link above and fast-forward to the 35-minute mark to see David’s fantastic illustration.

Are you allowing your emotions to dictate your reasoning? How can we stop doing that? What are the benefits of not allowing our emotions to control us?


For more information about Mark Lanier’s Biblical Literacy class, click here.

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

Discussed by Pastor Emory Cothen
with Champion Forest Baptist Church (www.ChampionForest.org)

Day 2

Why is it so hard for us to wait – to be patient? What are we missing in the waiting period?

This week, CFBC Young Adults Pastor Emory Cothen encourages us to wait on the Lord patiently using the words of David from Psalm 62.

Find Pastor Emory Cothen’s sermon here.

Find Pastor Emory Cothen’s sermon notes here.

If you have questions about a sermon, please contact Champion Forest at questions@cfbc.org

Questions/Issues Discussed:

WAIT ON GOD IN PRAISE (vs 1-2)

What can you praise God for today? What encouragement do you need to praise God through your pain? Pastor Emory urges us to be silent and listen!

Do you feel shaky? Do you feel unsure? REMEMBER: God is our refuge and He always keeps His promises.

WAIT ON GOD IN YOUR PROBLEMS (vs 3-4)

Why was David so desperate for a break? Why did he cry out in pain to God?

Have you experienced a desperately, seemingly impossible situation? Pastor Emory recalls tough situations he faced after Hurricane Beryl.


If you have never accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, text the word JESUS to 77069 and a pastor or counselor from CFBC will call you back.

For more details about Champion Forest Baptist Church click here.

PRAYER

Discussed by Terry Lowry
with Host of the What's UP Radio Program

Merciful Father,

Overwhelm your children with your presence, love, protection, and guidance.

Until we cross into glory, we will shed tears, feel pain, suffer tribulation, and be attacked by the evil one. The wind will blow and the storms will rage.

But we are assured that you will never leave or forsake us.

Someday we will no longer suffer pain or heartache. Someday you will dry our last tear.

Until then, be close to your children, Father. Talk with us, walk with us, carry us, and never leave us alone.

And if we are granted tomorrow, may we share the truth of the Gospel to one more person.

Humbly praying in and through the name of Jesus Christ,

Amen