In this series, we are digging in to understand better how our habits shape us into followers of Jesus. Below are some resources that might be helpful to you and your family are looking to grow in these areas. This page will be updated throughout the series.

Two book recommendation for further study for the whole series:

• The Common Rule by Justin Whitmel Earley. Here you can visit the website that outlines the various practices recommended in the book, and discern which you might like to adopt into your family life.
• You Are What You Love: The Spiritual Power of Habit by James K.A. Smith. This is a book to go a little deeper into the theological understanding of how the way we go through our days forms us into followers of Jesus.

 

Holy Limits: Using Technology Wisely

• The Tech-Wise Family by Andy Crouch. This is a great book for families to read to learn more about ways to think through how to use technology wisely in the home.
• 10 Commandments for a “Tech-Wise Family”. Read this article that helpfully condenses the book, and offers some of the practical guidance Andy Crouch recommends for families to consider.

Questions for Technology Use (adapted from Tech-Wise Family):

Is this helping me bond with real people?
Is this starting great conversations?
Is this helping me care for my fragile body?
Is this helping me develop skills or just consume media?
Is this helping me cultivate awe and responsibility for the created world?
And finally, …
Am I using this tech with intention and care?

 

Holy Rhythms: Balancing Work and Rest

• BibleProject video on the Sabbath: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFTLvkB3JLM. The Bible Project makes wonderful videos on biblical topics; this one is a great primer on the biblical understanding of the Sabbath.
• Book: 24/6: A Prescription for a Healthier, Happier Life by Matthew Sleeth, M.D. This book brings a doctor’s perspective who, by practicing the Sabbath, was led into faith in Jesus.
• Book: Mudhouse Sabbath: An Invitation into a Life of Spiritual Disciplines by Lauren F. Winner. In this book, the author writes of how her Jewish richly contributed to her spiritual practices as a Christian. You can read an article from Lauren winner on the Sabbath here.

Holy Homes: Praying and Eating at Home

• Article from the book Faith for Exiles by Dave Kinnaman and Mark Matlock: https://www.barna.com/research/of-the-four-exile-groups-only-10-are-resilient-disciples/
• Liturgy of the Ordinary: Sacred Practices in Everyday Life by Tish Harrison Warren. This book anchors us in how our daily habits in the home shape and form us as disciples of Jesus.
• Every Moment Holy by Douglas Kaine McKelvey. This beautiful book contains liturgies for everyday practices, creating holy moments in otherwise ordinary parts of the day. Especially helpful if you are looking for prayers to say before meals.

Holy Wisdom: Seeking Truth in the Age of Social Media

• The Wisdom Pyramid by Brett McCracken. This book gives a helpful Christian framework to thinking about how to seek wisdom in the information overload of social media.
• The Social Dilemma (Netflix). This documentary on Netflix helps describe how the algorithms have led us to be more isolated, divided, and lonelier than ever.