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Sunday October 5, 2008

Category: Family Journal with Mary DeMuth

Introduction to "Creating the Family You Always Wanted"

Join author Mary E. DeMuth for "Creating the Family You Always Wanted," a 12-week journey in Christian parenting. Twice a week, you'll receive a new journaling prompt encouraging you to think about your family--and God--in new ways. Use these prompts in your own journal or in group discussion.

Family. Think about it long enough and you'll experience a gamut of emotions--joy, loneliness, hope, fear, security, insecurity. How do you, with God's help, create the family you've always longed for?

Despite past injuries that may have colored a negative view of family, God can recolor a new picture for you.

I've walked this excruciating journey, attempting to untangle the knots of my upbringing in order to provide a safer haven for my kids. Two parenting books I've written reflect this journey: "Ordinary Mom, Extraordinary God" chronicles how I discovered God's strength in my parental weakness. "Building the Christian Family You Never Had" recounts my childhood story and the practical ways I've learned to parent differently. The following journal experience reflects the things I've learned by writing both books. By the end of this journaling experience, may you also be able to share your own stories of redemption.

As you venture forth prayerfully, consider these words from the prophet Isaiah: "Be alert, be present. I'm about to do something brand-new. It's bursting out! Don't you see it? There it is! I'm making a road through the desert, rivers in the badlands" (Isaiah 43:19, MSG). For the next 12 weeks, we'll send you two journal prompts a week--questions that help you discover the family you've always longed for. Write as much or as little as you'd like each day, and feel free to interact with other people's journals. You can also post photographs or any images you'd like to include as part of your journaling process. May Jesus bless you as you start this adventure.

--Mary E. DeMuth

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