Focus on the Family Magazine - April/May 2023
It can be a struggle to raise a family while balancing your work life, social life and relationships. Focus on the Family magazine is here to help! Each complimentary issue delivers fresh, practical Biblical guidance on family and life topics. Every issue comes packed with relevant advice to build up your kids, strengthen your marriage, navigate entertainment and culture, and handle common challenges you may face in your marriage and parenting journeys. Plus you'll find seasonal advice ranging from back-to-school activities to date night tips for you and your spouse.
It can be a struggle to raise a family while balancing your work life, social life and relationships. Focus on the Family magazine is here to help! Each complimentary issue delivers fresh, practical Biblical guidance on family and life topics.
Every issue comes packed with relevant advice to build up your kids, strengthen your marriage, navigate entertainment and culture, and handle common challenges you may face in your marriage and parenting journeys. Plus you'll find seasonal advice ranging from back-to-school activities to date night tips for you and your spouse.
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HACKS & FACTS / HOLY WEEK<br />
foot washing<br />
Each year <strong>on</strong> Maundy Thursday (<strong>the</strong><br />
day before Good Friday), my husband<br />
reads from John 13:1-17. During this<br />
time, he washes my children’s feet<br />
and mine as well. This gesture has<br />
been meaningful for my children to<br />
tangibly experience <strong>the</strong> Bible passage<br />
and to recognize <strong>the</strong>ir fa<strong>the</strong>r’s servant<br />
heart and deep love for <strong>the</strong>m. This<br />
activity has made <strong>the</strong> story of Jesus’<br />
sacrifice more poignant for our family.<br />
—Elizabeth James<br />
a humble dinner<br />
One evening during Holy Week, our family eats a “servant’s<br />
meal” toge<strong>the</strong>r. This is a meal in which no <strong>on</strong>e can<br />
ask for food or serve him or herself. Instead, you can get<br />
food <strong>on</strong> your plate <strong>on</strong>ly when a family member offers you<br />
some and serves you.<br />
To set <strong>the</strong> mood for <strong>the</strong> humble dinner, we dine by<br />
candlelight with limited utensils and cutlery. Served <strong>on</strong> a<br />
wooden cutting board, we eat a simple menu of crusty<br />
bread with h<strong>on</strong>ey or jam, cheese, cured meats, dried fruits<br />
or applesauce.<br />
As plates empty, <strong>the</strong> kids have fun offering more cheese<br />
or crackers. They enjoy scooping applesauce for Mom<br />
and Dad. As we eat, I talk about <strong>the</strong> Last Supper, Jesus’<br />
sacrifice during Holy Week and how God’s love for us all<br />
led Him to <strong>the</strong> ultimate act of servanthood.<br />
—Kristin Wynalda<br />
memory marker<br />
One evening after dinner during Holy Week,<br />
I serve a simple dessert, play praise music and<br />
light a candle at <strong>the</strong> center of our table. I <strong>the</strong>n<br />
place cray<strong>on</strong>s, markers and a sheet of paper at<br />
every<strong>on</strong>e’s seat, and we draw pictures or write<br />
about how we’ve seen God “resurrect” situati<strong>on</strong>s<br />
during <strong>the</strong> past year that initially seemed hopeless.<br />
Then, from youngest to oldest, we show our<br />
papers and talk about our experiences.<br />
Each paper is dated and placed into our<br />
Resurrecti<strong>on</strong> folder. This has been a w<strong>on</strong>derful<br />
keepsake to bring out each year.<br />
—<strong>April</strong> Dean<br />
CREDIT ALYSSA DE TK<br />
ASIS<br />
6<br />
FOCUS ON THE FAMILY<br />
APRIL / MAY <strong>2023</strong>
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