MFP 286: Learning to Love by Being Loved

The most important challenge you can take  What does it take to be a great parent and have a joyful family? We think it all boils down to three essential elements. We have turned these three elements into the Play and Pray Challenge!  More than ever, we need to celebrate the love of Jesus in the month of June, because it is HIS love and lordship that will truly fulfill all our deepest longings!  What is the challenge? In the month of June do these three things with your family -  Organize and execute an amazing FAMILY DAY, plan and go on a DATE NIGHT, and proclaim Jesus Christ as the KING OF THE HOME by placing the image of the Sacred Heart in their house and "enthroning" Him as King.  We want to make this a fun and rewarding experience for families, so we have created some resources to help you out. Go to our website messyfamilyproject.org/challenge to get our Play and Pray Challenge Kit.  There are even promo materials for you to put up at your parish or school!   Get the free download and let us know your family is taking the challenge - https://messyfamilyproject.org/challenge/   Related podcast episode:  MFP 091: King of the Home - https://messyfamilyproject.org/mfp-091-king-of-the-home/  MFP 257: How to Change Your Heart  - https://messyfamilyproject.org/mfp-257-how-to-change-your-heart-lessons-from-the-sacred-heart-of-jesus/ Key takeaways: One of the greatest assets we have in parenting is the ability to choose how we spend our time.  Protect your yes with 1,000 no's Your children need to be known and loved by you. Joy must be alive in your home. Your marriage gives you the grace to be a parent. So invest deeply in your marriage! Devotion to the Sacred heart is a game changer for families If you want to pray with your kids you need to play with them.   Couple Discussion How do we waste time with our kids?  How do we lavish love on them? What brings joy to the hearts of our children? How can we do more of that?  What is my understanding of the love of Jesus flowing from His Sacred Heart?  How can I express this love to my children?