Christmas Table Topics: 4 Conversations to Build Lasting Family Values
These meaningful Christmas table conversation topics can help your family dig deeper into faith, values, & goals for the future.
Read MoreFilter Posts
These meaningful Christmas table conversation topics can help your family dig deeper into faith, values, & goals for the future.
Read MoreThe Christmas story is one of generosity in more ways than we realize. Explore six characters in the Christmas story and the generous gift each one gave.
Read MoreConversations about gratitude & generosity do not always happen on their own. Here are 5 conversation starters for your family this holiday season.
Read MoreWhat does generosity mean, really? It is often equated with financial giving, but it clearly goes beyond the number of dollars given away. In Scripture, we read how God intends generosity to be transformational. Biblical generosity means changing the way we think about all of our resources, not just money, in order to uplift others, strengthen relationships, and glorify God. So how can we embrace this transformational definition of generosity and shift how we give? It begins by unpacking a few major characteristics of generosity in Scripture.
Read MoreWe all want our families to carry out our values and spirit of generosity, but how can you translate the desire for a strong family legacy into something truly attainable? At Vyne Legacy, an educational ministry of The Signatry, we are focused on equipping families to bear fruit for generations, so today we want to share a few steps that we teach to build lasting family values and generosity. Over the years while working with families, we noticed a common theme. Families who are sure of their values tend to be more connected and to live more generously. When a family knows what it stands for and has its circle to stand with, that clarity and community usually leads to impactful, meaningful action. That’s it—one of the simplest keys to generosity that will last and transform your family: Communicate your values. If you want to begin developing your family values and growing your family’s generosity, you can start with a few steps: 1. Invest your time and behaviors in what you care about. You must be the first one to exemplify the values you want your family to share. Whether you have young children or are an empty nester, how you act and where you put your time and energy speaks clearly about your values. Your financial giving can’t be disconnected from the way you live or the attitudes you hold. Children, even from a young age, will pick up on those behaviors. Remember, your actions are a form of communication. 2. Connect the dots between actions and family values. One common mistake we see families make is to assume their values are clear. While your actions or the charities you support might be evident, have you truly connected the dots to articulate exactly what the driving value is? Do you continue to repeat that theme? True, lasting, transformational generosity starts when your family is clear on why they give. We encourage families to identify 3-5 values and create short statements to describe these. Your family can’t practice what they haven’t been taught; family values statements give you a tool to solidify and reinforce what and why you support these causes. (If you want to learn more about how to develop your own values, vision, and mission as a family, click here for more about our course for families.) 3. Open up family leadership opportunities. As you live with intentionality, repeating your core values and engaging with your family, look for ways to pass the baton. Create opportunities for other family members to lead during each step of the giving process. Being able to take the practice from start to finish—identifying the value, choosing a cause and organization, and deciding how to engage in generosity—teaches each family member how to engage in a generous life as they grow. Even for young kids, early chances to learn to make decisions will help reinforce values and teach them exactly how to engage in the process. Sharing these responsibilities will also look different in different seasons of life, so giving everyone the opportunity to participate will deepen connection even through the various seasons. Family values lead to family legacy. We always say that generosity is the great equalizer because, even with differing opinions in the family or in conversations about wealth, generosity becomes a place of equal participation. You all have a common goal to work toward together—to create meaningful, positive change in the world—and there are few things which can so easily unify a family. We hope this is an encouraging way to think about the basics of your family generosity. No giving plan or list of charities will fully connect with your family until you all are clear on your purpose and values together. That’s where it gets good! Solidifying your family’s values opens up the door to clarity on what matters, to deep connections, and to exciting, transformational generosity. Better yet, those clearly articulated and embodied values provide a simple pathway for future generations to understand and follow themselves. Let’s live generously for generations just as God intended.
Read MoreWhat does the Bible say about leaving an inheritance? Although the Bible is clear that a good man leaves an inheritance to his grandchildren (Proverbs 13:22), the Bible doesn’t prescribe what that inheritance should be or how much the inheritance should be. It’s one of the most common questions I get asked: “How much should I leave my children?” There are at least 5 principles of inheritance in the Bible that deserve attention. Principle One: It’s Your Responsibility to Provide Order. Sometimes in a planning conversation, I will hear a parent say, “Well, what do I care? I’ll be gone. My kids can figure it out.” When King David was nearing his last days, his kingdom was not in order. His successor to the throne was not clearly in place, and in absence of that clarity, his son Adonijah seized the throne. His wife Bathsheba was forced to go to King David and make clear that Solomon was to be king. She stated boldly, “And now, my lord the king, the eyes of all Israel are on you, to tell them who shall sit on the throne of my lord the king after him” (I Kings 1:20). As a parent, it was David’s role to designate who would come after him. Similarly, it’s our responsibility to provide a clear plan for our children’s inheritance based on these biblical principles. Principle Two: God Desires Generations. Our western culture has taught us to raise our children to independence—for our children to go on and live their own lives. That notion of independence has sometimes led to separation, and even encouraged a departure from values. But God desires for families and their values to continue for generations. Consider God’s command to Abraham as a guideline for inheritance in the Bible: “And God said to Abraham, ‘As for you, you shall keep my covenant, you and your offspring after you throughout their generations’” (Genesis 17:9). As we consider leaving an inheritance, it should be with the notion that we want our family to continue for generations in an ongoing covenant. Principle Three: Pass on Values Through Your Family Story. One of the most powerful forms of biblical inheritance is the family story. Can your children and even grandchildren tell how you met, your struggles, your growth—the stories that make your family unique? In the Old Testament as part of the annual Passover celebration, God prescribed that the celebration should always start with the youngest child asking a question: What do you mean by this service? (Exodus 12:25-27). This question was the impetus to start the storytelling, the remembrance of what God had done for them. Principle Four: Love Equally but Treat According to Responsibility. While we should endeavor to love our children equally, it doesn’t mean that we should give them an equal inheritance. We see biblical inheritance played out when Israel blessed his 12 sons in Genesis 49. The oldest son, Reuben, should have received a double inheritance, but he was unfaithful, so he didn’t get the share. Similarly, sons 2 & 3, Simeon and Levi, had fierce anger, so they were disqualified. It was the fourth son, Judah, who got the double portion. As a practical matter, the larger the estate and the larger the responsibility, the more likely that there may be a need for unequal inheritance. Principle Five: Inheritance as Mission. While there’s little doubt that leaving an inheritance is a great gift, in Giving It All Away and Getting It All Back Again: The Way of Living Generously, David Green states that the first inheritance should be a set of values, virtues and work ethic. When it comes to financial wealth—particularly when larger amounts are involved—David points out that he would rather not have wealth if it meant losing one of his children or grandchildren for eternity. The more a family is aligned around a vision, a mission and a set of values, there’s a greater reason to keep family wealth together as biblical inheritances teaches. There’s little doubt that I’ve only skimmed the surface on the biblical principles of inheritance. More of these thoughts and ideas can be found in David Green’s book noted above. However, I invite your thoughts and views. Email me at [email protected]
Read MoreThe Bible contains countless verses about generosity and giving. From the Jewish law and wisdom literature to Jesus and the apostles, God makes His call to sacrificial living clear. All…
Read More“… no legacy is so rich as honesty.” — William Shakespeare, All’s Well That Ends Well Legacy is what we leave behind. Often, this is defined by physical things –…
Read MoreAnd when she had finished giving him a drink, she said, “I will draw water for your camels also, until they have finished drinking.” Then she quickly emptied her pitcher into the trough,…
Read MoreWhen it comes to generosity, The Signatry strives to unite and equip people with tools that bring them together for one bold purpose — to create global, eternal impact. Generosity…
Read MoreHow do I teach my kids lasting values for their life ahead? It is a common question, and for good reason. Even in an age of wanting children to grow…
Read MoreChristmas traditions are one of my favorite parts of this season. One of my Christmas day traditions is a little strange … if someone gives me clothing, I will immediately…
Read MoreGuest Author Rachel McDonough is passionate about helping people experience liberty and joy by integrating Christian values into their investment and financial decisions. She is a Certified Financial Planner™ professional…
Read MoreFor Hilgardt Lamprecht, arriving in America meant seeing an eruption of resources and wealth for the first time. Growing up in South Africa, Hilgardt remembers finding many uses for small…
Read MoreAs a ten-year-old missionary kid in Kenya, Rachel McDonough watched children her same age crawl over garbage piles scrounging for food. That image stayed in her memory for life. Now…
Read MoreMany people turn to the cross on Easter weekend. The greatest gift and display of God’s generosity and grace to His people is the crucifixion. It monumentally and eternally changes…
Read MoreDuring the holiday season, leading our families toward generosity is easy. But as the glitz of Christmas wears off and life returns to usual, we ask the question, “How do…
Read MoreThe holidays can be a busy time full of family events, food preparation, holiday shopping, etc. In the seasonal noise and hectic planning, don’t miss the opportunities to build family…
Read MoreSo often, when people think about generosity, they start thinking of dollar signs and checks with zeroes. In training your descendants about the full experience of generosity, how can you…
Read MoreIf you are reading this, you are already in process with thinking about how to create a generous legacy. I use that term intentionally—generous legacy. In our Western culture, we’ve…
Read MoreThe beginning of the year is a time when many people begin thinking about estate planning. While it is crucial to have the necessary documents (i.e., wills, trusts, etc.) in…
Read MoreWith this wonderful season of joy, generosity, family, and celebration, now is the opportunity to weave lasting wisdom and values into your family gatherings. One of the simplest ways to…
Read MoreI love Thanksgiving, gathering together with family and friends, reflecting on God’s faithfulness, and of course, pumpkin pie. Often times, however, when celebration becomes tradition, the true meaning and even…
Read MoreOne characteristic that sets The Signatry apart from many other foundations is our commitment to biblically responsible investing (BRI). You have most likely heard of biblically responsible investing, but what…
Read MorePlanning ahead and counting the costs of a plan are essential aspects of any project. Jesus even talked about this, in light of Christian discipleship: “For which of you, intending…
Read MoreFlorence Chadwick was the first woman who tried to swim the twenty-six miles between Catalina Island and the coast of California. It was a cold, foggy day, and she had…
Read MoreThe topic of money within marriage can be a tricky road to navigate. In fact, money is the number one issue about which married couples argue. 1 But there is a different narrative when couples discuss charitable giving together. According to a report by Fidelity Charitable, giving is a source of agreement among couples.
Read MoreWhy is it important to give according to your values? There are millions of nonprofit organizations in the world, and they would all love to be the beneficiary of your…
Read MoreSelling a business involves careful planning, but we often don’t take into consideration how it will impact our family. What does it look like to steward your family through this process in a way that will not only protect but allow them to thrive generations from now? When faced with these issues, there are a few important questions to consider: What should I give to my children? 70% of wealthy families lose their fortune by the second generation, and by the third generation, 90% have squandered their money. Clearly, passing on money is not enough to solve problems in our families. We often forget that there is more than financial capital to pass on; we need to consider the intangible aspects of wealth- social, spiritual, intellectual, and emotional capital. Your children will be more equipped to handle financial wealth when it is preceded with the knowledge and family values imparted. How are my children equipped to handle wealth? How do you ensure your children are ready to steward the wealth you plan to pass on to them? Thriving individuals are more likely to handle inheritance properly. Are they responsible with their finances? Do they have a good work ethic? Considering whether the inheritance is most likely to contribute or cripple their life, is important. Sometimes the most loving action is saying “no” and setting boundaries that encourage your children to grow. By passing on biblical values and placing a priority on the intangible assets, we cultivate healthy families and provide a means for long term success. What is God calling me to do in the next season? Transitioning out of your business can be an exciting time to pursue God’s calling for the next season of your life. Consider how you can use this next season to continue to cultivate family relationships and build upon your legacy. Think about the causes you and your family are passionate about. You can make memories with younger generations by giving back, supporting, and volunteering with ministries as a multigenerational family. The heart of generosity goes far beyond the money we are willing to give. It permeates everyday decisions and determines the legacy we will leave. Cultivating a lasting family through the sale process will require honest communication. A healthy family will practice transparency. If the challenges seem too great, it is ok to invite outside help. In the same way, a business sale requires advisors, you may want to invite someone you trust to help advise your family as you deal with difficult topics and proactive planning. Wealth does not have to break apart our families. By bringing a better balance to our families as we learn to pass on intangible capital as well—emotional, spiritual, mental—we set the stage for long term success.
Read MoreOne of my favorite things about this time of the year is the coming together of family. No matter how young or old, the beauty is in being together. Every…
Read MoreStephen Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families, says, “A family mission statement is a combined unified expression from all family members of what your family is…
Read MoreWe all have a desire to live generously. Whether it be through our time, talents, or resources, we enjoy making an impact. Although leaving a legacy through giving may be…
Read MoreI was talking to my nearly 40 year old friend. I knew some of her story. Some of her teen years and her 20s were filled with tumult. So I…
Read MoreYou’ve heard this story. Mom and Dad start a business. After a lot of years of hard work, the business grows to be a successful endeavor. Mom and Dad love…
Read MoreFair warning: you’ll want to read to the end of this post for the punchline. I’ve always loved the stories of the kings in the bible. It’s like going to…
Read MoreSteelcase, the office furniture maker based in Michigan turned 100 years old recently.[1] The feat of surviving 100 years in this age of the ebb and flow of business is…
Read MoreCan a family last 100 years? A few years ago, Inc. Magazine ran an article titled: “How to Build a Company that Will be Around in 2115 (October 2015). The…
Read MoreFlowers only last for a season. Such was the case of the Astor family. John Jacob Astor was born in 1763 in Germany. He immigrated to New York at the…
Read MoreThe rush of the holiday season is almost upon us. For me, this means my college-age sons will hit the scene for a few days at Thanksgiving, then return again…
Read MoreI’m often asked about the subject of Family Legacy. Some questions are resulting from the book I recently wrote with David Green, Giving it All Away and Getting it all Back…
Read More