The Blessing

As a multi-generational church here in Parker County, we recognize that North Side is made up of all kinds of families – old and young, big and small –experiencing life and issues in so many different seasons. Our desire is to lead, care, and support you and your family no matter the makeup. One of the ways we are seeking to best accomplish this challenge is through our FAITH@HOME strategy which is based on a biblical belief that God designed the family as the primary place for discipleship.

To support this belief and your family, we have a great tool in this enclosed Faith Path initiative to partner with you as you guide your child’s spiritual journey one step at a time. It is based on age-appropriate kits that have been created to help you leverage the best faith formation strategy for your child’s stage of development. On this BLESSING page, you will find practical ideas and suggested resources to help you open God’s Word to your child and family. We urge you to start today by taking the following simple steps and look forward to watching your child and family grow in biblical understanding, relationships, spiritual discussions, and life application.

STEP ONE: LEARN
We have provided a short video that explains this particular Faith Path step.  This video comes directly from the original launch of Faith Path and is used in a partnership with LakePointe Church.  You will hear from both experts and ordinary families as they describe the importance of giving the blessing and share practical suggestions from their experiences.  You will also find a guide that offers practical tips and what we consider the best resources on the topic.

STEP TWO: START
To help you begin a daily blessing routine, this kit includes a card to frame and place beside your child’s bed.  Go ahead and choose what days and times you bless your child and mark it on your schedule right now in order to turn good intentions into practice.

“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” – Deuteronomy 6:6-7, NIV

Every child needs to experience something the Scriptures call “the blessing.” This guide can help you begin the process by imparting the kind of blessing only a parent can give.

WHAT IS THE BLESSING?
 The blessing is a powerful tool with which we communicate acceptance and genuine commitment. The word comes from the ancient practice of weighing coins on a scale to determine value. Blessing someone “adds value” to his or her life.  We see in scripture the word “bless or blessing” used almost seven hundred times. The Bible also gives us great evidence that our God is a God of blessing. We receive that blessing from our Heavenly Father and have the wonderful opportunity to pass it on. There are five basic elements of the blessing that, combined, have tremendous impact.

B – BE COMMITTED:
The blessing is not a fleeting moment or mere symbolic event. It includes an active, long-term commitment to the child’s well-being by accepting responsibility to help them become all God intends.

L – LOVINGLY TOUCH:
The power of a hug or placing your hand on your child while affirming him or her creates an important physical connection and communicates warmth, acceptance, and relational health.

E – EXPRESS VALUE:
Just like we add value to someone’s pocket by handing them a coin, we add to a child’s life when we use words that attach high value to them as a person.

S – SEE POTENTIAL:
Parents best see a child’s natural strengths and foresee possibilities for their future. Giving the blessing includes picturing a special future and cheering them toward achieving their potential.

S – SAY IT:
An effective blessing must be put into words whether spoken, written, or both. Simply being present is not enough to communicate the blessing. Words of affirmation are necessary for the child to know he or she is appreciated and accepted.

WHO NEEDS THE BLESSING?
Everyone needs to experience unconditional love and acceptance from their parents. Those who didn’t receive it can spend later years trying to fill the void missed at home. Those who did receive the blessing have a tremendous advantage in life.  An example of this dynamic is recorded in Genesis chapter 28, in the story of Jacob’s two sons.

WHO CAN GIVE THE BLESSING?
Anyone can give the blessing, but the most important and powerful blessing should come from parents who serve as the primary disciple-makers in the home.  

WHEN SHOULD YOU GIVE IT?
You can take advantage of special occasions and scheduled events to give the blessing in an intentional manner as well as capture informal, more spontaneous moments. You might want to start a nightly routine of blessing before bedtime or as you drop your child off at daycare or school.

• “On the Go” Blessings:  Speak words of blessing to your child while driving to school, tucking into bed, celebrating an accomplishment or good effort, or writing a note to place in their lunch. You can also frame the card included with this kit and use a dry erase marker to fill in the You Are Great Because phrase or create your own using any of the following:
  • I was so proud of you when I saw you…
  • I think God is going to use you in the future to…
  • God has gifted you with a unique ability to…
• “Bedtime” Blessing Prayer:  Select a special scripture to pray over your child each evening, such as Numbers 6:24-26 which is quoted on the card included with this kit. Consider framing the verse to keep beside your child’s bed. Lay your hand gently on your child’s arm or shoulder while praying to reassure him/her with loving touch.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCES

The Blessing by Gary Smalley and John Trent

Bedtime Blessings by John Trent

I’d Choose You by John Trent


© 2012 Inkling Innovations & Lydia Randall

Tamra Gutierrez, Preschool Director
tamra@nsbcweatherford.com
Jim Garner, Family & Missions Pastor
jim@nsbcweatherford.com