Contagious! Resources

Bible Study Tools
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www.biblegateway.com		This site has many different Bible versions and enables you to search by scripture reference or keyword!

Parenting/Family Resources
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Who Will be King?		Tracts : Who will be king? (Two ways to live for kids) This presentation of the gospel, carefully written and illustrated for young readers (roughly ages 7-11), is based on the Two ways to live outline and illustrations. With simple, clear language, but concern for the sensitivity of younger children, it is ideal for Scripture classes in schools, Sunday School lessons, beach missions, camps or just to give to young friends and family members.
Young Peacemaker		On this site you can order the workbook and "comic book" activity books for your kids to learn how to respond to common conflicts God's way. What a great opportunity to equip our kids in an area that most of us still struggle with!! Topics like causes of conflict, choices and their consequences, blame and forgiveness, communication and making appeals are all covered in an interesting and fun way. (this resource recommended in program #84 Parent Prayers 3)
www.robbiagi.com		This man writes and performs music the whole family can enjoy, but targets elementary age kids with his messages. His songs offer biblical truths, funny stuff (to entertain and educate the kids), and great musicians (so the parents could tolerate hearing it over and over!). Someone once told him his CDs are like Pixar/Disney movies - clever and entertaining for kids, but action-packed and high-quality enough for adults. His wife Kathleen makes up choreography for the songs, and she and 2 of his kids (Matt and Juli) join him onstage some of the time. Lots of fun!
www.mailboxclub.org		This ministry offers Bible lessons for kids that come in the mail! These folks really know how to explain Biblical truth in an easy to understand, interesting way to all ages! We all know how kids love to get mail!
www.pluggedinonline.com/movies		This is a great resource when you are choosing a movie. All the info you need to make an informed decision for you and your family.
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The Jesus Storybook Bible: Every Story Whispers His Name by Sally Lloyd-Jones
Hymns for a Kid's Heart by by Bobbie Wolgemuth and Joni Eareckson Tada		For centuries, Christians have fed the next generation the great hymns of the church. The words of these hymns reveal the depth of God s character and usher children into His presence. Hymns instruct in doctrine, provide hope in the dark times, and give reasons to celebrate. For the children you love, this book is a feast. It has everything you need to teach twelve of the greatest hymns ever composed. And because these hymns are an introduction to the God who loves us and provides for each day's need, these words will nurture them forever. This book was discussed in Contagious #103 and #104: Worship: A Family Affair
Parenting in the Pew: Guiding Your Children into the Joy of Worship by: Robbie Castleman		"Daddy, I'd like you to meet my children." That's Robbie Castleman's attitude about taking her children to church. Sunday morning isn't a success if we have only managed to keep the kids quiet. There's more to church for kids than trying out their new coloring books. Children are at church for the same reason as Mom and Dad: for the privilege of worshiping God. Because we are created to praise God both now and forever, we must take our children's worship seriously. Worship, Robbie writes, is "the most important thing you can ever train your child to do." With infectious passion, nitty-gritty advice and a touch of humor, she shows us how we can help our children (from toddlers to teenagers) enter into worship.
Managers of Their Chores: A Practical Guide to Children's Chores by: Steve & Teri Maxwell		This resource not only gives Biblical reasoning for teaching our children a strong work ethic, but also walks you through the steps to make it a reality in your home. We have been following this program for a year. . . the kids love it and so do I!! This "kit" comes with everything you need to make your own chore packs for children of all ages (using pictures for non-readers). The packs explain exactly what is expected of them beginning with the morning basics of "brush your teeth", "put away your pajamas". Best of all, you personalize it to make it work for your family! (for more info listen to program #83 Parent Prayers 2)
Hints on Child Training by H. Clay Trumbull		This book was written over 100 years ago by the great-grandfather of Elisabeth Elliot. It is amazing how so much has changed and yet these principals are still so relevant today. This book is simple and easy to read and presents more of a "perspective" rather than a step-by-step, how-to approach. I especially liked chapter 12 "Training a Child's Appetite" where he discusses how we train our kids to either "eat what is good for them" or "indulge their personal whims" making them either "rulers of their appetite or being its slave". I think you will be blessed by the wisdom offered in this book. (listen to program #82 Parent Prayers 1)
The Heart of Anger by: Lou Priolo		Is your home child-centered or God-centered? What does Biblical communication look like? Are your thoughts and desires righteous or unrighteous? Is your anger righteous or sinful? Are you provoking your child to anger (Ephesians 6:4)? Do your kids disrespect or manipulate you? This book would go on my Top 5 Parenting books list! It goes beyond the external manifestations of anger and shows how to deal with the internal source of anger--the thoughts and motives of the heart (Hebrews 4:12) This book helped me to understand "idols" for the first time and how to "de-throne" them in my life.
Shepherding A Child's Heart by Tedd Tripp		If I could only have one parenting resource (besides the Bible) this would be it! This book goes beyond behavior and looks at the deeper issues of the heart, our child's real character that will follow him/her throughout their life. This book also has specific how-to's so you are not left with the question "but what does that look like in real life?"
I Kissed Dating Goodbye by Joshua Harris		This book is great preparation for parents in order to make fully informed decisions about how to handle the subject of dating. Also a terrific resource for singles of all ages. Amazingly written by a 21 year old man!

Christian Living
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www.everydaychristian.com
www.reviveourhearts.com		Nancy Leigh DeMoss is a gifted Bible teacher. You can listen to her radio program or read the transcripts in addition to accessing other valuable information on this site.
www.wayofthemaster.com		You may remember Kirk Cameron from the television series "Growing Pains". He has teamed up with Ray Comfort in this awesome ministry to share WDJD (what DID Jesus do) with regard to evangelism. Tons of great information!
>> B O O K S
The Treasure Principle: Unlocking the Secret of Joyful Giving by Randy Alcorn
Henry and the Great Society by H.L. Roush, Sr.		Warning: This book is potentially life-changing! You will see yourself in Henry as he struggles to maintain the simplicity of his life while being pressed from all sides to conform to the world's "progress". The author does a great job of showing the reader how the enemy has taken seemingly good "advancements", seemingly harmless "improvements", and covered every bit of "white space" that used to exist on our calendars with stuff. How does debt, business, technology, and independence impact our lives and our relationship with our Creator? You may not notice in your everyday fast-paced life, but this book will walk you through every implication one by one. Will you take action and make changes? We should at least be aware.
Window on the World: When We Pray God Works by Daphne Spraggett and Jill Johnstone		This book will help you and your kids develop an "attitude of gratitude" while you learn about God's children all over this world. With two page layouts for over 100 countries and people groups, you can learn about their customs, lifestyle, food, and to what degree they have been reached by the gospel. Each lesson ends with prayer points that allow you to pray for their needs and for the missionaries who live among them. What a blessing to inform and inspire your whole family! Who knows? This book may be the tool God uses to show you where to "Go and make disciples" Matthew 28:19-20 .
Hinds' Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard		We have the children's illustrated version and my 7 year old and I both learn a lot from this book. Hinds' Feet on High Places is one of Hannah Hurnard's best known and best loved books: a beautiful allegory dramatizing the yearning of God's children to be led to new heights of love, joy, and victory. Follow Much-Afraid on her spiritual journey through difficult places with her two companions, Sorrow and Suffering. Learn how Much-Afraid overcomes her tormenting fears as she passes through many dangers and mounts at last to the High Places.
Experiencing God by Henry T. Blackaby & Claude V. King		This is one of my favorite resources, I refer to it often. It is a clear "roadmap" of living in the will of God. It is easy to read, very practical and full of real life examples!
Created for Commitment by A. Wetherell Johnson		This book is an awesome testimony of a life fully surrendered to the Lord! Her life is an example to all who wish to further God's plan during their lifetime. Miss Johnson is the founder of Bible Study Fellowship.
The Best Gift You Can Ever Give Your Parents by Dennis Rainey		This book explains the importance of the fifth commandment: Honor your father and mother, and explains a practical way to do just that.