Book Suggestions

Okay, everyone. Pick a book that has really influenced you (other than the Bible), one that you think others would really be encouraged by as well, and tell us a little bit about it. Who is the author? What is it about? Why would you suggest it for others?

Food for Picky Kids

Are there any meals or food products that your children especially enjoy? How about restaurants? Have you come across one that is really family friendly and a bit less stressful for the times when you've got the kids in tow? We'd love to hear about it.

Children's Products

What are some of the products you are particulary fond of for your children? Are there any toys they especially like and seem to learn a lot from during play? Are there diaper or bath products that really work well for them? Any gizmos or gadgets that really make the difference in your days with your kids? Please let us know.

Lessons Learned

Once, again, this is more for regular attenders of our little community. What are some lessons you've learned so far at the Dwelling Place (either from Shane's teaching, from things that Josh or others have said to the group, or simply from interaction with others here)?

Discussion Ideas

What are some discussions you would like to see included in future posts on this blog? What are some topics you are wrestling with in your own spiritual journey where you might like to have the input of the rest of our community? What are some "getting to know you" questions you might like to see asked as a way to draw us closer? I'd love to hear about your ideas.

Children's Music

Have a favorite kids' CD or musician? Please share it with the rest of us.

Children's Books

What have been some of your children's favorite books or authors? What were some of yours? We'd love to hear your advice on what we might really enjoy reading with our children.

Children's Movies

Please feel free to share reviews of your favorite children's movies, especially those that are lesser known and those that would be good for the whole family to enjoy.

Worst Advice

Okay, so we all know that nothing draws more "bits of wisdom" out of other people than when they know you have children. What's the worst piece of advice someone tried to pawn off on you?

Embarrassing Moments

There can't possibly be anyone in the world who knows how to embarrass you more than your own children. Share with us some of your most embarrassing stories from your children. Come on. I know we've all got them.

Things I've Learned

You can't be a parent without picking up a few tricks along the way. Either you learn through trial and error or you learn to watch the parents who seem to be getting the results you want to see what you can pick up from them. What are some "tricks of the trade" you've developed?

In the World, But Not of It

This morning, Shane mentioned the passage of scripture that speaks of Christians being "In the world but not of it" and how many churches have focused on the "but not of it" portion, even to the total disregard of the section on being in the world in the first place. What are your thoughts on this verse? How can we avoid the pitfalls of an us/them mentality? How can we make our Christianity more about our relationship with Christ and less about having just our "dos and don'ts" list to separate us from the rest of the world?

Stereotypes

Shane has addressed the negative stereotypes people have for what a Christian looks like. Give us your opinion on what one of these stereotypes might be and what we could do to change that.

Getting to Know You--Part One

What characteristic most turns you off? What characteristic is most attractive to you? What sound or noise do you love? What sound or noise do you hate?

Being Alone

I recently came across the following post on the blog of a young girl named Evita: "I hate being alone. I hate being alone. I hate being alone. Why is it that people in general hate being alone? Most people have this built in desire or instinct to find others to share their lives with. I hate being alone... That's all I have to say." What would you say to someone who told you this? Is there a reason why people feel the need to be with others? How might this relate to our being made in God's image?

Forced evangelism

We recently visited Monument Circle and were accosted by a sidewalk preacher with a bullhorn and his merry band of street evangelists pushing tracts into people's faces. While in college, there were several instances when the Christian campus groups would send students to various places on the campus with a sheet of questions to ask random strangers they found. Does this type of evangelism work? Are people really attracted to and impacted by this process? What is evangelism anyway? Does it mean that you share the "Romans road" or a "wordless book" with a stranger, or perhaps a colleague, so that you can get them to say some sort of prayer to "recognize Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior"? Shouldn't evangelism be more of a personal, ongoing process that you undergo with the people you encounter on a daily basis? Shouldn't it involve living out your life in light of the Truth that's been revealed to you so that others can see Christ "fleshed out" rather than just talked about? How can you make an effort by your own daily actions to help others understand that He is real and relevant to their lives?

Sacred or Secular?

Shane's recently gotten a lot of questions and comments about the idea of sacred versus secular. What are your thoughts on the idea of God being present in all parts of your life and not just in those areas that we have deemed to be "sacred"? How can we make more of an effort to not compartmentalize our lives and to see God in all aspects of daily living?