I hear alot of people say they don't want to force their faith on their children. They want their children to come to Jesus on their own, to have their own relationship with our Lord. I agree completely--it can't be a forced relationship.
For a long time I didn't understand what the phrase "force my faith" meant, exactly. I was afraid of doing it to my own children. We've all heard someone say, "don't shove it down my throat," when it comes to religion, haven't we?
God has shown me that if you have an authentic relationship with Him, if He truly is the center of your life, you won't have to "force your faith" on your kids. When you live as children of the light (Eph5:8), everything you are involved with feeds your faith. The music you listen to, programs you watch, books and magazines you read, websites you visit, people you hang out with, conversations you have, they are all done to the glory of God. There is no forcing, just feeding.
If I want my children to be Christ-like, am I going to feed them a diet of worldly entertainment? I don't feed myself worldly entertainment because most of it is anti-Christ. How do you become more Christ-like if you fill up on things that deny or blaspheme Him, and encourage anti-Christ behavior?
If you want your children to be faithful to God, to have their own relationship with Jesus, you have to give them the tools to make it possible. You can't just pray that they'll see it in you, and figure it out on their own. You also can't superficially be living for Christ and "force your faith" on them. That's when it's forcing--when you aren't authentic. If you're real, you will naturally be feeding your children. If you're not real, you'll be forcing instead of feeding.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Does Kleenex equal love?
I remember my first sleepover at a friend's house when I was about 9 years old. Her house was a few miles from our house, but just acrossed the road from my Grandma's house.
I had alot of fun all day long. Her dad was a fun, goofy guy. She had a little brother that either left us alone or was a good sport about being picked on. She lived in the country and while she didn't have any animals, they had a really cool dunebuggy, an awesome treehouse and a huge yard with woods for us to explore-and almost wreck ourselves on the dunebuggy. What great memories....
Did I mention the super-cozy big ole couch in the living room? That's where we were all set to go to bed. I really liked that couch. We had a very busy day and were tired and ready to have a good sleep.....that's when the trouble started.
Notice I haven't mentioned her mom? She had one, only she wasn't real involved with us when I was there--at least that's how I remember it. She definetly wasn't one of those cookie baking, tuck-you-in, goodnight stories and kisses kind of moms....which I was used to. Uh-oh. How do you go to bed in a strange place without some lovin' and snugglin'? I tried, then...I cried. Big crocodile tears. I asked my friend for a kleenex. Would you believe she said they didn't have any?! She woke up her mom who SENT a roll of toilet paper out with her!!! She not only didn't buy kleenex for her family, she didn't come and comfort me like any good mom would, and should!!! Who doesn't have kleenex? Isn't that a staple in every house? In our house we had a place for everything in the kitchen...toaster here, cookie jar over there, box of kleenex next to that. Always! We may not have had new sneakers all the time, but we ALWAYS had kleenex, because that's what a good mom does--makes sure there is kleenex, right?!
Okay, jump to present day...my family has the sniffles this week. No swine flu, just good old fashioned colds. GUESS WHO DOESN'T HAVE KLEENEX? Guess who's using a roll of toilet paper, instead?!
Here's what I've learned: 1. Kleenex does not equal love. 2. A certain brand of toilet paper feels and works much better than kleenex. 3. Really good moms have a way of knowing when you won't make it through the night at a friend's house and have no problem coming to pick you up. (especially if Grandma lives close by).
I had alot of fun all day long. Her dad was a fun, goofy guy. She had a little brother that either left us alone or was a good sport about being picked on. She lived in the country and while she didn't have any animals, they had a really cool dunebuggy, an awesome treehouse and a huge yard with woods for us to explore-and almost wreck ourselves on the dunebuggy. What great memories....
Did I mention the super-cozy big ole couch in the living room? That's where we were all set to go to bed. I really liked that couch. We had a very busy day and were tired and ready to have a good sleep.....that's when the trouble started.
Notice I haven't mentioned her mom? She had one, only she wasn't real involved with us when I was there--at least that's how I remember it. She definetly wasn't one of those cookie baking, tuck-you-in, goodnight stories and kisses kind of moms....which I was used to. Uh-oh. How do you go to bed in a strange place without some lovin' and snugglin'? I tried, then...I cried. Big crocodile tears. I asked my friend for a kleenex. Would you believe she said they didn't have any?! She woke up her mom who SENT a roll of toilet paper out with her!!! She not only didn't buy kleenex for her family, she didn't come and comfort me like any good mom would, and should!!! Who doesn't have kleenex? Isn't that a staple in every house? In our house we had a place for everything in the kitchen...toaster here, cookie jar over there, box of kleenex next to that. Always! We may not have had new sneakers all the time, but we ALWAYS had kleenex, because that's what a good mom does--makes sure there is kleenex, right?!
Okay, jump to present day...my family has the sniffles this week. No swine flu, just good old fashioned colds. GUESS WHO DOESN'T HAVE KLEENEX? Guess who's using a roll of toilet paper, instead?!
Here's what I've learned: 1. Kleenex does not equal love. 2. A certain brand of toilet paper feels and works much better than kleenex. 3. Really good moms have a way of knowing when you won't make it through the night at a friend's house and have no problem coming to pick you up. (especially if Grandma lives close by).
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Are You Fully Dressed?
Recently, I read an article written by Charles Stanley called Dressed For Battle. He talked about the importance of realizing that we are at war with satan and his loser friends, and because of that, we need to be sure to put on the full armor of God.
I've read Ephesians 6:10-18 numerous times, heard it preached on, or talked about several times--but this time something touched me. If you haven't read it in a while, or ever--go read it now.
I have a long history with a short temper, I think I've mentioned that before. God's been helping me with it for a few years and we've come quite a long way. There are still days, however, that it doesn't take much for me to lose it. For whatever reason, I have never started out the day putting on the full armor of God.
After I read Mr. Stanley's article I was so excited to get dressed the next morning that I almost couldn't sleep! Before I got out of bed that morning, I began praying and dressing, reminding myself what each piece stood for.
As the day progressed, whenever I started to feel a little agitated, God would remind me that I had the armor on--satan's darts couldn't reach me! Satan wants nothing more than for me to lose my temper and dwell on that, rather than have self-control and glorify Jesus.
I pray without ceasing, have for quite sometime, but I'll tell you what...try putting the full armor on and see what happens. You'll be amazed at the difference. I can't believe I've gone so long without it, I can't believe I've survived without it.
I receive Mr. Stanley's magazine called In Touch through the mail, but he has a website for it, www.intouch.org . The article I'm talking about is in the October issue, which I don't think is online, yet. It's definitely worth remembering and checking out once October rolls around!
I've read Ephesians 6:10-18 numerous times, heard it preached on, or talked about several times--but this time something touched me. If you haven't read it in a while, or ever--go read it now.
I have a long history with a short temper, I think I've mentioned that before. God's been helping me with it for a few years and we've come quite a long way. There are still days, however, that it doesn't take much for me to lose it. For whatever reason, I have never started out the day putting on the full armor of God.
After I read Mr. Stanley's article I was so excited to get dressed the next morning that I almost couldn't sleep! Before I got out of bed that morning, I began praying and dressing, reminding myself what each piece stood for.
As the day progressed, whenever I started to feel a little agitated, God would remind me that I had the armor on--satan's darts couldn't reach me! Satan wants nothing more than for me to lose my temper and dwell on that, rather than have self-control and glorify Jesus.
I pray without ceasing, have for quite sometime, but I'll tell you what...try putting the full armor on and see what happens. You'll be amazed at the difference. I can't believe I've gone so long without it, I can't believe I've survived without it.
I receive Mr. Stanley's magazine called In Touch through the mail, but he has a website for it, www.intouch.org . The article I'm talking about is in the October issue, which I don't think is online, yet. It's definitely worth remembering and checking out once October rolls around!
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Directions?
The curriculum we use is Christ centered. It's very serious about following directions. The answer is not as important as following the directions. I didn't quite understand this at first. How could the answer not matter as much as following the directions?
Today daughter came to me with her work and a question. As I looked over the page I finally got it! The directions had specified to draw a line through a word. She had scratched it out. I asked her about it. She didn't seem to think it was a big deal, the word was right--she just used a little more lead than called for.
I finally understood why the directions are so important. If we don't train our children how important it is to follow directions--regardless of the result--how will they know to follow the directions we are given in our life manuel--the Bible? Doesn't the Word tell us what to do, and what not to do? We aren't to add to it, or take away from it. We are to follow the directions exactly as the Father and the Son gave them! We will be forgiven for wrong answers, but we will be held accountable for following, or not following, the directions.
Today daughter came to me with her work and a question. As I looked over the page I finally got it! The directions had specified to draw a line through a word. She had scratched it out. I asked her about it. She didn't seem to think it was a big deal, the word was right--she just used a little more lead than called for.
I finally understood why the directions are so important. If we don't train our children how important it is to follow directions--regardless of the result--how will they know to follow the directions we are given in our life manuel--the Bible? Doesn't the Word tell us what to do, and what not to do? We aren't to add to it, or take away from it. We are to follow the directions exactly as the Father and the Son gave them! We will be forgiven for wrong answers, but we will be held accountable for following, or not following, the directions.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
He Is AWESOME!!
Talk about super powers.....I thought I knew how amazing God is.
I receive a weekly devotion-type thing from Splink for my girls and part of today's was about the stars in the sky. Did you know that if you could count 3 stars per SECOND, for 100 YEARS, it would be LESS THAN 5% of the stars that exist?! WHAT??? The truly amazing part is that God calls them by name!!!! Psalm 147:4 says He knows the number and calls them by name! Can you even begin to imagine how utterly amazing that is?
Have you stopped to adore you're maker today? Nothing on this earth, no cell phone, no computer, no music group, no animal, no sneaker, NO thing or person, can begin to compare with the true awesome-ness of our Heavenly Father.
I thought I knew how amazing He is. I have so much to learn. Don't ever underestimate the power of God. He is beyond anything we could even imagine.....how could we not worship Him? How could we worship anything BUT Him? How could we doubt the Truth that is the inerrant word of God? How could we question anything or compromise on anything He says?
He is AWESOME, and I am humbled.
I receive a weekly devotion-type thing from Splink for my girls and part of today's was about the stars in the sky. Did you know that if you could count 3 stars per SECOND, for 100 YEARS, it would be LESS THAN 5% of the stars that exist?! WHAT??? The truly amazing part is that God calls them by name!!!! Psalm 147:4 says He knows the number and calls them by name! Can you even begin to imagine how utterly amazing that is?
Have you stopped to adore you're maker today? Nothing on this earth, no cell phone, no computer, no music group, no animal, no sneaker, NO thing or person, can begin to compare with the true awesome-ness of our Heavenly Father.
I thought I knew how amazing He is. I have so much to learn. Don't ever underestimate the power of God. He is beyond anything we could even imagine.....how could we not worship Him? How could we worship anything BUT Him? How could we doubt the Truth that is the inerrant word of God? How could we question anything or compromise on anything He says?
He is AWESOME, and I am humbled.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Super Powers!!
I found out today that I have super powers!
Here's what happened....sweet daughter 1 was asked to take the dog out (her regular chore). For whatever reason, she didn't want to be very cooperative about it. I could have begged, threatened, whined, done it myself, but nope--I used my super powers!
Let me give you the background....our curriculum for reading has stories that are based on scripture verses. This past week's story scripture verse was Proverbs 12:10--A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast.
So, what was my super power in this dog situation? It wasn't "because I said so", I didn't rely on parenting power. Instead I relied on God power--scripture. I quoted Proverbs 12:10 to her--A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast.
Because we had learned it last week, and she really enjoyed the story, and she really loves God, quoting scripture worked alot better than nagging.
I hear people say you need to hide scripture in your heart. You absolutely have to memorize scripture, but don't hide it! Use it! It's incredibly handy in all situations.
My daughter stopped for a second, looked at me, and then cheerfully took the dog out. I was so excited with these amazing super powers that I ran to my hubby and told him we need to start studying all the scriptures related to child-rearing because it was so much more powerful than anything I could have come up with on my own.
Try it yourself and see if you don't get positive results!
Here's what happened....sweet daughter 1 was asked to take the dog out (her regular chore). For whatever reason, she didn't want to be very cooperative about it. I could have begged, threatened, whined, done it myself, but nope--I used my super powers!
Let me give you the background....our curriculum for reading has stories that are based on scripture verses. This past week's story scripture verse was Proverbs 12:10--A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast.
So, what was my super power in this dog situation? It wasn't "because I said so", I didn't rely on parenting power. Instead I relied on God power--scripture. I quoted Proverbs 12:10 to her--A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast.
Because we had learned it last week, and she really enjoyed the story, and she really loves God, quoting scripture worked alot better than nagging.
I hear people say you need to hide scripture in your heart. You absolutely have to memorize scripture, but don't hide it! Use it! It's incredibly handy in all situations.
My daughter stopped for a second, looked at me, and then cheerfully took the dog out. I was so excited with these amazing super powers that I ran to my hubby and told him we need to start studying all the scriptures related to child-rearing because it was so much more powerful than anything I could have come up with on my own.
Try it yourself and see if you don't get positive results!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Come, Sit Awhile
"Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones." (Proverbs 16:24)
I can see proof of that in my 7yo daughter's little face when I say something kind to her. She glows, she's pleased, all is right with her world.
"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." (Proverbs 15:1)
Just as I can see in her face what pleasant words do, I can see what harsh words do. She's ashamed, hurt, all is not right with her world. And when I see it in her face, I feel it in my heart. I long to be kind, gentle, patient, compassionate, peaceful. I beg God to help me be these things.
Before I know it, I'm trying so hard that I act the opposite! That's when God takes me aside and gently reminds me that I can't do it, only He can.
It's not long before I think about some of the people I know who have lost children. Oh, how my heart aches for them. I have babies I will only hold in heaven, but none that I've held on earth and then lost. I beat myself up for not being the most loving mom at all times, because some people would do anything to have their children back. How dare I be so annoyed with mine?!
That's when God takes me aside again and reminds me that these scriptures include how I talk to myself. Can you believe He doesn't get annoyed with me? He IS patience. He IS gentleness. He IS kindness. He IS compassion. He IS peace.
So I sit awhile with Him. I call to my girls and encourage them to also sit awhile with our Savior as He once again fills us with His love.
And then we pray. I thank God I have these precious girls. I pray day and night for the ones who have lost their precious children, their siblings. I thank God that, though I don't know from experience how they feel, He has gifted me with an empathetic heart. I use it to pour out intercessory prayer for them.
"Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones."
All may not be right with the world, but all is right with the Lord.
I can see proof of that in my 7yo daughter's little face when I say something kind to her. She glows, she's pleased, all is right with her world.
"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." (Proverbs 15:1)
Just as I can see in her face what pleasant words do, I can see what harsh words do. She's ashamed, hurt, all is not right with her world. And when I see it in her face, I feel it in my heart. I long to be kind, gentle, patient, compassionate, peaceful. I beg God to help me be these things.
Before I know it, I'm trying so hard that I act the opposite! That's when God takes me aside and gently reminds me that I can't do it, only He can.
It's not long before I think about some of the people I know who have lost children. Oh, how my heart aches for them. I have babies I will only hold in heaven, but none that I've held on earth and then lost. I beat myself up for not being the most loving mom at all times, because some people would do anything to have their children back. How dare I be so annoyed with mine?!
That's when God takes me aside again and reminds me that these scriptures include how I talk to myself. Can you believe He doesn't get annoyed with me? He IS patience. He IS gentleness. He IS kindness. He IS compassion. He IS peace.
So I sit awhile with Him. I call to my girls and encourage them to also sit awhile with our Savior as He once again fills us with His love.
And then we pray. I thank God I have these precious girls. I pray day and night for the ones who have lost their precious children, their siblings. I thank God that, though I don't know from experience how they feel, He has gifted me with an empathetic heart. I use it to pour out intercessory prayer for them.
"Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones."
All may not be right with the world, but all is right with the Lord.
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