When Your Phone Steals Your Christmas: How to Take It Back

Subscribe to get each episode delivered to your Inbox daily: https://bttb.org/subscribe2sft Welcome to Spiritually Fit Today. Join Arnie Cole, Laura Coppinger, and Matt Coppinger as they explore how to be truly present with your loved ones during the busy Christmas season. In a world full of distractions, especially from our phones and devices, how can we ensure our families remember our presence, not our absence? This episode features practical wisdom from Matt and Laura Coppinger, parents of 11 children, as they share how their family creates intentional moments of connection, like their "mini Sabbath," and how they strive to make each child feel seen and valued. They discuss the challenges of balancing attention among children of different ages and the importance of undivided attention in building strong family bonds. Our key verse for today is John 1:14: "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us." Christmas is about God choosing to be with us—His presence over presents. Distraction steals the very thing our loved ones crave: undivided attention. Learn how to set boundaries, create awe moments, and make your presence count this season. Take action with the 4 R’s: Read: John 1:14. Reflect on how God came near to us and what it means to be present with those you love. Reflect: Consider the impact of your presence versus your distractions. Are you giving your loved ones your full attention, or is something else getting in the way? Think about how you can create intentional moments of connection, even if it’s just for 15 minutes. Respond: Pray, “Lord, you came near; teach me to come near. Help me trade distraction for presence so someone feels truly loved today.” Reveal: Show someone you care by giving them your full attention—no phone, no hurry. Tell them, “I’m giving you my full attention.” Schedule a time to be fully present with someone you love and let them know they matter. For questions or feedback, contact Arnie Cole at [email protected]. Keywords: Spiritually Fit Today, Arnie Cole, Laura Coppinger, Matt Coppinger, presence, distraction, family, Christmas, John 1:14, Bible study, Christian parenting, undivided attention, mini Sabbath, foster care, adoption, spiritual growth, Christian podcast, faith, love, connection, prayer, devotional, Back to the Bible