TITLE: Family Traditions

TEXT: 2 Thessalonians 2:15

PROPOSITION: The needs of the family can be met by establishing some traditions.

QUESTION: Which?

KEY WORD: Needs

READING: Same

INTRODUCTION:

            1. Traditions = "a handing down or handing over"

            2. Bad Sense                Matt. 15:2, 3, 6

            3. Good Sense              text, 2 Thess. 3:6

            I will discuss three needs of the family that are met by establishing and holding some traditions (good sense).

Stability

            A. The family (esp. children) needs stability in:

                        1. Rules

                        2. Discipline

                        3. Expectations

            B. Some traditions to start -

                        1. Rules - -

                                    a. Have just a few.

                                    b. Keep them simple.

                                    c. Establish time frames.

                        2. Discipline - -

                                    a. The Three F's   Firm, Fair, Fast

                                    b. Relate to the offense

                        3. Expectations - -

                                    a. Do they know what you expect?

                                    b. State clearly.

                                                1] Example: dad’s car rule

Sense of Belonging

            A. We need a place, group

                        1. Explains the place of "gangs"

                        2. Children need something to hang on to

                        3. We need a place to go home to; a shelter

            B. Establish a tradition of - -

                        1. Making home always open and friendly

                        2. Making it a "safe" harbor and haven

Memories to Cherish

            A. Special days and events

                        1. Christmas

                                    a. Christmas Eve

                                    b. Sloppy Joes

                                    c. Christmas day

                                    d. 12 Days of Christmas

                        2. Thanksgiving

                        3. Birthdays

                                    a. Pick a place to eat

                                    b. Presents - not wrapped

                        4. Family recreation

                                    a. Travel - camp - walk trails