The Secret To Loving Children Effectively You know you love your child. But how can you make sure your child knows it? Discover your child's primary language—then speak it—and you will be well on your way to a stronger relationship with your flourishing child. < Back 5 Love Languages Of Children You know you love your child. But how can you make sure your child knows it? The #1 New York Times bestselling The 5 Love Languages® has helped millions of couples learn the secret to building a love that lasts. Now discover how to speak your child’s love language in a way that he or she understands. Dr. Gary Chapman and Dr. Ross Campbell help you: Discover your child’s love language Assist your child in successful learning Use the love languages to correct and discipline more effectively Build a foundation of unconditional love for your child Plus: Find dozens of tips for practical ways to speak your child’s love language. Discover your child's primary language—then speak it—and you will be well on your way to a stronger relationship with your flourishing child. For a free online study guide, visit 5lovelanguages.com.

The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind < Back The Whole-Brain Child NEW YORK TIMES Bestseller The authors of No-Drama Discipline and The Yes Brain explain the new science of how a child’s brain is wired and how it matures in this pioneering, practical book. “Simple, smart, and effective solutions to your child’s struggles.” -Harvey Karp, M.D. In this pioneering, practical book, Daniel J. Siegel, neuropsychiatrist and author of the bestselling Mindsight , and parenting expert Tina Payne Bryson offer a revolutionary approach to child rearing with twelve key strategies that foster healthy brain development, leading to calmer, happier children. The authors explain - and make accessible - the new science of how a child’s brain is wired and how it matures. The “upstairs brain,” which makes decisions and balances emotions, is under construction until the mid-twenties. And especially in young children, the right brain and its emotions tend to rule over the logic of the left brain. No wonder kids throw tantrums, fight, or sulk in silence. By applying these discoveries to everyday parenting, you can turn any outburst, argument, or fear into a chance to integrate your child’s brain and foster vital growth. Complete with age-appropriate strategies for dealing with day-to-day struggles, The Whole-Brain Child shows you how to cultivate healthy emotional and intellectual development so that your children can lead balanced, meaningful, and connected lives.

A Mother's Guide to Raising Herself: What Parenting Taught Me About Life, Faith, and Myself For any mom who has ever felt inadequate, overwhelmed, or guilty in trying to balance it all, popular podcaster Sarah Bragg offers brilliant clarity and respite in this friendly manual for becoming your most authentic self, instead of just surviving motherhood. < Back A Mother's Guide to Raising Herself For any mom who has ever felt inadequate, overwhelmed, or guilty in trying to balance it all, popular podcaster Sarah Bragg offers brilliant clarity and respite in this friendly manual for becoming your most authentic self, instead of just surviving motherhood. Nothing will make you grow up faster than trying to raise a kid. This is what popular podcast host and mom Sarah Bragg explores so beautifully as she encourages and equips moms who are discovering all the ways they still need to grow. It's easy to lose our sense of self in the all-consuming process of raising our children, but Sarah reminds us that the best gift we can bring to our kids is our true, authentic selves. Through vulnerable and relatable stories, no-nonsense wisdom, and a compassionate perspective for all the joys and challenges of motherhood, Sarah provides shame-free practical help to surviving right where you are in life, in relationships, in work, and in faith. This guidebook to health and sanity for the wilderness of parenting will help you: Give yourself permission and find the courage to show up as yourself Wrestle with how purpose, work, and calling fit together Notice and celebrate the good that's happening right around you Remember your worth is not in your kids or your role as a parent but in something far more lasting Find solidarity, understanding, and helpful encouragement to embrace all that motherhood is and remember who you truly are. Because you matter, and raising great kids starts with raising yourself well.

New Science Behind the Subtle Art of Raising Sons Decoding Boys is a powerful and validating lifeline, a book that will help today’s parents keep their sons safe, healthy, and resilient, as well as ensure they will become emotionally secure young men. < Back Decoding Boys “If you’re raising a boy, you need this brilliant book. It is clear, wise, and eye-opening.” —Lisa Damour, Ph.D., author of Untangled When boys enter puberty, they tend to get quiet—or at least quieter than before—and parents often misread their signals. Here’s how to navigate their retreat and steer them through this confusing passage, by the bestselling author of The Care and Keeping of You series and Guy Stuff : The Body Book for Boys. What is my son doing behind his constantly closed door? What’s with his curt responses, impulsiveness, newfound obsession with gaming, and . . . that funky smell? As pediatrician and mother of two teenagers Cara Natterson explains, puberty starts in boys long before any visible signs appear, and that causes confusion about their changing temperaments for boys and parents alike. Often, they also grow quieter as they grow taller, which leads to less parent-child communication. But, as Natterson warns in Decoding Boys , we respect their increasing “need” for privacy, monosyllabic conversations, and alone time at their peril. Explaining how modern culture mixes badly with male adolescent biology, Natterson offers science, strategies, scripts, and tips for getting it right: • recognizing the first signs of puberty and talking to our sons about the wide range of “normal” through the whole developmental process • why teenagers make irrational decisions even though they look mature—and how to steer them toward better choices • managing video game and screen time, including discussing the unrealistic and dangerous nature of pornography • why boys need emotional and physical contact with parents—and how to give it in ways they’ll accept • how to prepare boys to resist both old and new social pressures—drugs, alcohol, vaping, and sexting • teaching consent and sensitivity in the #MeToo culture Decoding Boys is a powerful and validating lifeline, a book that will help today’s parents keep their sons safe, healthy, and resilient, as well as ensure they will become emotionally secure young men. Praise for Decoding Boys “Comforting . . . a common-sensical and gently humorous exploration of male puberty's many trials.” — Kirkus Reviews

Don't Miss It: Parent Every Week Like It Counts You know what your kid is going through is just a phase, but what does that really mean? < Back Don't Miss It You know what your kid is going through is just a phase, but what does that really mean? Don't Miss It (by Reggie Joiner and Kristen Ivy) reminds parents that phases are not just periods of time to be survived, but opportunities to be maximized. It gives parents a simple strategy for parenting every week like it counts. It can help them reprioritize their time with their kids; it may even change how they see their kids and themselves. (And because parents are busy, it's designed to take an hour or less to read.) It's just a phase. So don't miss it. To read more about the Phase Project, visit JustAPhase.com . For more resources like this, visit OrangeBooks.com .

Intentional Parenting: Autopilot Is for Planes This is about you, not just your child. The book helps you discover first who you are and then takes that healthy person into a discovery of being more intentional, playful, consistent, merciful, and connected to your children. < Back Intentional Parenting This is about you, not just your child. Regardless of age, parenting requires a certain amount of uncertainty. But you can be certain that your children look to you to help them discover who they are. And you can only offer that to the degree that YOU know who you are. Over the years, Sissy Goff, David Thomas, and Melissa Trevathan have helped countless families through their ministry known as Daystar Counseling in Nashville, TN. Due to the unique setup of Daystar, each is frequently counseling not only the child but the parent as well. Having both perspectives provides an opportunity to speak into some of the most common struggles that parents face in today's fast-paced society. Intentional Parenting is built around 12 chapters that each dispel some of the most common parenting myths and reminds all parents of truths that can empower them to be not only the parents that their children need but that God has called them to be. The book helps you discover first who you are and then takes that healthy person into a discovery of being more intentional, playful, consistent, merciful, and connected to your children. Understanding your child. Understanding you.

We want to get to know you! Join us for All Access where you will have the opportunity to share your story with our staff team over a free meal. This is a great time to ask questions and learn more about who we are as a church. What is All ACCESS? At GFC we believe that every number has a name, every name has a story, and every story matters to God. No matter how many people attend our church, we want to know each and every person because we understand that you are valuable to the Lord. All Access is a great time for us to hear your story over a free meal with our staff team! During this time you can ask questions and learn what our church is all about. If you are new to GFC or want to get connected to the mission of our church, we invite you to register for the upcoming All Access event. We can't wait to meet you! Register for ALL ACCESS

Discover how closely the gospel connects with today’s motherhood. Join Emily and Laura as they walk through the redemptive story and reveal how the gospel applies to your everyday life, bringing hope, freedom, and joy in every area of motherhood. < Back Risen Motherhood Motherhood is hard. In a world of five-step lists and silver-bullet solutions to become perfect parents, mothers are burdened with mixed messages about who they are and what choices they should make. If you feel pulled between high-fives and hard words, with culture’s solutions only raising more questions, you’re not alone. But there is hope. You might think that Scripture doesn’t have much to say about the food you make for breakfast, how you view your postpartum body, or what school choice you make for your children, but a deeper look reveals that the Bible provides the framework for finding answers to your specific questions about modern motherhood. Emily Jensen and Laura Wifler help you understand and apply the gospel to common issues moms face so you can connect your Sunday morning faith to the Monday morning tantrum. Discover how closely the gospel connects with today’s motherhood. Join Emily and Laura as they walk through the redemptive story and reveal how the gospel applies to your everyday life, bringing hope, freedom, and joy in every area of motherhood.

REGISTER HERE PLEASE CHOOSE YOUR LOCATION WHAT IS BAPTISM? For a believer in Christ, Water Baptism is a part of their salvation experience. Jesus said in Mark 16:16 that "Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved,..." Simply put, Water Baptism is an outward expression of an inward change and transformation in your life. Take a moment to watch the video above for more information about Water Baptism. REGISTER FOR BAPTISM AT ANY OF OUR 6 Physical Locations REGISTER HERE PLEASE CHOOSE YOUR LOCATION

Only one in every three teens (33 percent) say they are likely to continue to participate in church life once they are living on their own. < Back Strong Enough To Last The Barna group recently released shocking statistics: Less than half of born-again teenagers (44 percent) say they are absolutely committed to the Christian faith. Only one in every three teens (33 percent) say they are likely to continue to participate in church life once they are living on their own. These alarming numbers bring all kinds of questions to mind: · What can the church do to develop spiritually strong kids? · How can Kids Ministry Leaders work with parents to keep kids in church? · What tools will help us provide adequate spiritual training? With over thirty years of kids ministry experience, David Boyd is a reliable source for answers to questions like these. Based on eight major goals, he provides insight and information on how to help kids become believers who are strong enough to last the most difficult challenges of life.

Christmas at gfc Starting Dec. 4th Christmas is the time of year for joy, laughter, family, and fun. Let's celebrate the birth of the Newborn King Jesus together with family and friends. Throughout this series we will explore the names of Jesus first found in the gospel with a powerful and relevant message celebrating the beauty of the Gospel and the joy of the season. Christmas At GFC Schedule: December 4th, 11th & 18th - Regular Service Times Christmas Weekend - Special Family Services Listed Below December 25th - No Services, Merry Christmas! Service times and locations for all of our campuses below Christmas WEEKENd AT ALL LOCATIONS Every location will have special services for Christmas Weekend for the whole family! Childcare will be provided for ages 0-3, with Family Services for 4yrs and up! These services will share the Christmas story through music, communion, a message and a candle-lighting. Come enjoy various family-friendly activities at all of the GFC campuses, take a family Christmas photo and celebrate Jesus together this Christmas! northwest S.A. (loop 16o4 & Bandera rd.) SERVICE TIMES (DEC. 4, 11 & 18) SUNDAYS @ 9AM, 10:45AM & 12:30PM CHRISTMAS WEEKEND DEC. 23RD @ 6PM DEC. 24TH @ 9A M, 10:45AM & 12:30PM CAMPUS INFO español (NW) (loop 16o4 & Bandera rd.) SERVICE TIMES (DEC. 4, 11 & 18) SUNDAYS @ 3PM CHRISTMAS WEEKEND DEC. 23TH @ 8 PM CAMPUS INFO bandera, TX (151 Purple Sage rd.) SERVICE TIMES (DEC. 4, 11 & 18) SUNDAYS @ 9AM, 10:45AM CHRISTMAS WEEKEND DEC. 23RD @ 6PM DEC. 24TH @ 9A M, 10:45AM CAMPUS INFO Kerr County (3325 JUNCTION HWY.) SERVICE TIMES (DEC. 4, 11 & 18) SUNDAYS @ 9AM, 10:45AM CHRISTMAS WEEKEND DEC. 23RD @ 7PM DEC. 24TH @ 6PM CAMPUS INFO medina county (at Natalia JR high school) SERVICE TIMES (DEC. 4, 11 & 18) SUNDAYS @ 10AM CHRISTMAS WEEKEND DEC. 23RD @ 6PM CAMPUS INFO Far west s.a. (Casa blanca theater) SERVICE TIMES (DEC. 4, 11 & 18) SUNDAYS @ 9AM, 10:45AM CHRISTMAS WEEKEND (12280 alamo ranch pkwy) DEC. 22ND @ 6PM CAMPUS INFO HIGHLANDS S.A. (603 Crosgrove St) SERVICE TIMES (DEC. 4, 11 & 18) SUNDAYS @ 9AM & 10:45AM CHRISTMAS WEEKEND DEC. 24TH @ 3PM, 5PM CAMPUS INFO gonzales, tx (thrive healthplex) SERVICE TIMES (DEC. 4, 11 & 18) SUNDAYS @ 10:30AM CHRISTMAS WEEKEND DEC. 24TH @ 5PM CAMPUS INFO westside s.a. (1103 merida st.) SERVICE TIMES (DEC. 4, 11 & 18) SUNDAY @ 10:30AM CHRISTMAS WEEKEND DEC. 23TH @ 5PM CAMPUS INFO

Books & Resources The Pursuit of God – A.W. Tozer The Ideal Team Player -- Patrick Lincioni Practice of the Presence of God – Brother Lawrence The Mark of a Christian – Francis Schaeffer Youth Aflame or Ultimate Core: Maximimum Life Transformation – Winkie Pratney Humility – Andrew Murray Crazy Love – Francis Chan Can Man Live Without God? – Ravi Zacharias Sacred Pathways - Gary Thomas A Tale of Three Kings: A Study in Brokenness – Gene Edwards The Knowledge of the Holy – A.W. Tozer Something Beautiful for God – Malcolm Muggeridge Ordering Your Private World – Gordon MacDonald The Unshakable Kingdom and the Unchanging Person – E. Stanley Jones Leading on Empty: Refilling Your Tank and Renewing Your Passion – Wayne Cordeiro Divine Mentor – Wayne Cordeiro The Imitation of Christ – Thomas à Kempis The Christ of the Indian Road – E. Stanley Jones Christ and Human Suffering – E. Stanley Jones Spiritual Authority – Watchman Nee In the Name of Jesus: Reflections on Christian Leadership – Henri J. M. Nouwen The Circle Maker: Praying Circles Around Your Biggest Dreams and Greatest Fears – Mark Batterson The Search for Significance: Seeing Your True Worth Through God’s Eyes – Robert S. McGee Nature and Character of God – Winkie Pratney The Release of the Spirit – Watchman Nee Doubt – Os Guinness Orthodoxy – G.K. Chesterton The God They Never Knew – George Otis, Jr. The Rest of God: Restoring Your Soul by Restoring Sabbath – Mark Buchanan The Word Became Flesh – E Stanley Jones Abide in Christ – Andrew Murray The Root of the Righteous – A.W. Tozer Daring Greatly - Brené Brown (Shame) Principles of Holiness - Charles G Finney As a Tree Grows - Phillip Keller The Normal Christian Life - Watchman Nee A Shepards Look at Psalm 23 - Philliip Keller Absolute Surrender - Andrew Murray Meat for Men - Leonard Ravenhill The Wise Woman - George Macdonald Relational Relational Leadership - Daniel C. Juster The Greatest Thing in the World – Henry Drummond Never Eat Alone: And Other Secrets to Success, One Relationship at a Time – Keith Ferrazzi 25 Ways To Win With People – John Maxwell Whale Done – Ken Blanchard The Master Plan of Evangelism – Robert E. Coleman How Full Is Your Bucket? – Tom Rath The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts – Gary D. Chapman Just Walk Across the Room – Bill Hybels Love and Respect: The Love She Most Desires, the Respect He Desperately Needs – Emerson Eggerichs How To Win Friends and Influence People – Dale Carnegie Who Wins When Family and Work Collide? – Andy Stanley The Speed of Trust: The One Thing That Changes Everything – Stephen M. R. Covey The Meaning of Marriage: Facing the Complexities of Commitment with the Wisdom of God – Timothy Keller The Anatomy of Peace: Resolving the Heart of Conflict – Arbinger Institute Sticky Faith: Everyday Ideas to Build Lasting Faith in Your Kids – Dr. Kara E. Powell Life Together - Dietrich Bonhoeffer How to Bring Men to Christ - R. A. Torrey Known - Dick & Ruth Foth Leadership and Strategic Spiritual Leadership: Principles of Excellence for Every Believer – J. Oswald Sanders Good to Great – Jim Collins Seven Practices of Effective Ministry – Andy Stanley Developing the Leader With In You – John Maxwell Leadership and the One Minute Manager – Ken Blanchard Six Thinking Hats - Edwards de Bono The Tipping Point - Malcom Gladwell The Leadership Pill: The Missing Ingredient in Motivating People Today – Ken Blanchard Thriving Youth Groups - Jeanne Mayo 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership – John Maxwell Courageous Leadership – Hybels Purple Cow: Transform Your Business by Being Remarkable – Seth Godin The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change – Stephen R. Covey The E Myth Revisited – Michael E Gerber Raving Fans: A Revolutionary Approach to Customer Service – Ken Blanchard 9 Things a Leader Must Do – Cloud The Five Dysfuctions of a Team – Patrick Lencioni Leadership and Self Deception – The Arbinger Institute The Fred Factor: How Passion in Your Work and Life Can Turn the Ordinary into the Extraordinary – Mark Sanborn The Heart of a Servant – Miller Principle Centered Leadership – Covey Church Lost Art of Disciple Making – LeRoy Eims Deep and Wide: Creating Churches Unchurched People Love to Attend – Andy Stanley Simple Church: Returning to God’s Process for Making Disciples – Thom S. Rainer The Trellis and The Vine – Colin Marshall Fusion: Turning First-Time Guests into Fully-Engaged Members of Your Church – Nelson Searcy The Purpose Driven Church: Every Church Is Big in God’s Eyes – Rick Warren Steering Through Chaos: Mapping a Clear Direction for Your Church in the Midst of Transition and Change – Scott Wilson Real-Life Discipleship: Building Churches That Make Disciples – Jim Putman The Pastor - Eugene Peterson Connect: How to Double Your Number of Volunteers – Nelson Searcy Sticky Teams: Keeping Your Leadership Team and Staff on the Same Page – Larry Osborne Church Planting Exponential: How You and Your Friends Can Start a Missional Church Movement – Dave Ferguson and Jon Ferguson No Easy Day – Mark Owen Planting Missional Churches – Ed Stetzer Podcasts: Andy Stanley Leadership Craig Groeschel Leadership Vanderbloemen Leadership Podcast Catalyst Exponential Perry Noble Leadership iLead Podcast Fifteen – Rod Loy The Leadership Momentum Jesus Culture Leadership Brian Houston Leadership The Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Ed Young The ChurchLeaders The Exchange with Ed Stetzer ARC Conference Conferences: Gateway Conference Orange Conference Catalyst Conference Drive Conference ARC Conference CMN Conference