In my humble opinion, there are some things that are very important for parents to teach their children. If you don't teach them these things, there will be unpleasant consequences.
Teach your children about authority - I have often said, if you don't teach your children about authority, someone else will. And unfortunately, it may be an authority that you would rather your children not have interaction with. If you don't teach your children about authority, the government (i.e. police or prison officials) will have to. Children need to learn that they will always answer to someone else. Children answer to their parents or at least they should. Women answer to their husbands (1 Peter 3:1). Workers answer to their bosses. We all answer to our governments. If we do not live within the laws of our land, there will be consequences. Teach your children to submit to authority.
Teach your children about God - if you don't, they will learn about Him at The Judgement. Wouldn't it be sad if your children never know about God until they have to meet Him face to face and give an account for their life (Hebrews 9:27).
Teach your children about love - this world certainly won't. It will teach them about lust, about hate, about war, about death. But you have the wonderful opportunity to teach your children about love - your love for them, God's love for them, their opportunities to love others, and the pure love of a husband and a wife. You can also give them an excellent example of a parent's love for a child, showing them the love God has for His children. The love of God for His children is our ultimate example of how parents love their children.
Teach your children about money - the consequences of this one can be life-long. The Bible tells us the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil (1 Timothy 6:10). Teach your children that money is a tool - to be used for good. Teach them how to manage their money, to be a good steward of the things God has blessed them with. Teach them how debt will enslave them. Teach them how to live within their means. Teach them to be generous and giving to others. That is definitely something the world will NOT teach them.
Teach your children patience and contentment. These two things are tied in with teaching your children about money. They are hard things to learn and hard to teach but this will be a sad life indeed if we never learn patience and contentment. You will never have peace if you do not learn these things. Teach your children how to wait - for things (help them to save their money to buy something they really want - don't just buy them whatever they want whenever they want. That teaches them that the world "owes" them anything they should happen to desire). Teach them how to wait for special occasions - help them to learn patience when waiting for Christmas or Birthdays, or any special occasion. I believe the best way to teach a child patience is to help them learn to be unselfish - to focus on others rather than themselves. Teach them how to be servants, which is what we are all to be. Christ was our ultimate example of serving, of patience and contentment, of being completely unselfishness.
Raising children is not an easy job. It requires a lot of work and is not for the faint of heart. The joys of raising godly children, though, are priceless.
Thursday, 1 January 2015
Friday, 26 December 2014
I Shall Return
Just wanted to let everyone know I will be back - after the first of the year. The month of December has been hectic and I haven't posted since Thanksgiving Day.
Return in the new year and I'll be back at it.
God's blessings on you all.
Diane
Return in the new year and I'll be back at it.
God's blessings on you all.
Diane
Thursday, 27 November 2014
Teachable Moments
Today is traditionally a day of feasting and football, family and friends. As you worked in the kitchen preparing that feast or sat around the table sharing your meal with your loved ones, did you take that opportunity to teach your children? Did you show them the love that can go into preparing a meal for others? Did you teach them how to be thankful for the bounty of blessings we have?
Children are little sponges and they see a lot. What are they learning if they see you fussing over fixing the meal, snapping at your family as you stress to make everything perfect? Do you want them to learn that holidays are stressful and family gatherings are a time to gripe and complain? Or do you show them that God has blessed us with so much and we are forever thankful for these earthly blessings? Do they see you pray and give thanks every day, not just this one day a year. In this amazing country, even with its many problems, we are so blessed far above most people of the world.
Remember what the Lord told the children of Israel about teaching His precepts to their children? Deuteronomy 11:19 (ESV) "You shall teach them to your children, talking of them when you are sitting in your house, and when you are walking by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise." Structured Bible study is necessary and profitable, but you must take those opportunities of teachable moments throughout every day. When you are in the kitchen cooking your meal, talk to your children about the abundance of food we have today. Tell them about ways they can help others who are less fortunate. Show them the joy of sharing a meal with family and friends and how to cherish their loved ones.
Today's holiday is the beginning of the busiest season of the year. We will all be rushing around trying to get our houses decorated, our shopping done, our baking finished . . . We each have our own list. Don't let this season of stress take away the teachable moments you can have with your children. Talk to them about who you are buying gifts for, get them to see the joy of giving. Help them focus on sharing with others, not just what they want. Take them to buy gifts to give to the poor and needy. Have them help you bake cookies to take to the elderly and shut-ins from your congregation. These are all teachable moments, times when you can take the opportunity to teach your children how to be a servant, caring for others, not just themselves.
Children are little sponges and they see a lot. What are they learning if they see you fussing over fixing the meal, snapping at your family as you stress to make everything perfect? Do you want them to learn that holidays are stressful and family gatherings are a time to gripe and complain? Or do you show them that God has blessed us with so much and we are forever thankful for these earthly blessings? Do they see you pray and give thanks every day, not just this one day a year. In this amazing country, even with its many problems, we are so blessed far above most people of the world.
Remember what the Lord told the children of Israel about teaching His precepts to their children? Deuteronomy 11:19 (ESV) "You shall teach them to your children, talking of them when you are sitting in your house, and when you are walking by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise." Structured Bible study is necessary and profitable, but you must take those opportunities of teachable moments throughout every day. When you are in the kitchen cooking your meal, talk to your children about the abundance of food we have today. Tell them about ways they can help others who are less fortunate. Show them the joy of sharing a meal with family and friends and how to cherish their loved ones.
Today's holiday is the beginning of the busiest season of the year. We will all be rushing around trying to get our houses decorated, our shopping done, our baking finished . . . We each have our own list. Don't let this season of stress take away the teachable moments you can have with your children. Talk to them about who you are buying gifts for, get them to see the joy of giving. Help them focus on sharing with others, not just what they want. Take them to buy gifts to give to the poor and needy. Have them help you bake cookies to take to the elderly and shut-ins from your congregation. These are all teachable moments, times when you can take the opportunity to teach your children how to be a servant, caring for others, not just themselves.
Monday, 17 November 2014
One Chance - Special Thanks to Brent Moody
Yesterday, Brent Moody, one of our preachers, talked about our one change to influence our children. It was an AMAZING lesson. A great beginning to all the discussions that we need to have about raising godly children. Take a few minutes out of your busy day and listen to this wonderful lesson.
http://kleinwood.com/sermons/all-sermons/2014/11/16/one-chance
Then let's continue our discussions about ways we can influence our children. We have just one chance to raise the kind of children we want to leave to this world. The kind of people we want to see grow up, live their lives for God and spend eternity in heaven with.
Education is a good thing. Having children who are good at their schoolwork, who go to a good college and get a good job is a good thing. But . . . if your children grow up not knowing God, or not caring about the One who created them, the One who loves them and wants what is best for them . . . well, that is failure.
Don't fail your children. You have one chance, just a few years, to teach your children. But you have years and years to regret not teaching them. Now, speaking from experience, you can try your hardest to teach your children and still have regrets. None of us are perfect. But imagine the regrets if you don't do your best to teach and train your children.
Please listen to this lesson and then check back in a few days for more discussion about how to influence your children.
Thanks, Brent, for a wonderful lesson!!!
http://kleinwood.com/sermons/all-sermons/2014/11/16/one-chance
Then let's continue our discussions about ways we can influence our children. We have just one chance to raise the kind of children we want to leave to this world. The kind of people we want to see grow up, live their lives for God and spend eternity in heaven with.
Education is a good thing. Having children who are good at their schoolwork, who go to a good college and get a good job is a good thing. But . . . if your children grow up not knowing God, or not caring about the One who created them, the One who loves them and wants what is best for them . . . well, that is failure.
Don't fail your children. You have one chance, just a few years, to teach your children. But you have years and years to regret not teaching them. Now, speaking from experience, you can try your hardest to teach your children and still have regrets. None of us are perfect. But imagine the regrets if you don't do your best to teach and train your children.
Please listen to this lesson and then check back in a few days for more discussion about how to influence your children.
Thanks, Brent, for a wonderful lesson!!!
Friday, 24 October 2014
I Know What That Means . . . I think (Part 1)
Note: I've read this and read this. I apologize in advance if it sounds condescending. I absolutely did NOT mean it that way. But if it helps even one person, who didn't know what a word meant, then I'm happy I wrote this.
The English language is an amazing thing. Words have meanings and we use those words to express thoughts, emotions, ideas.
It can get kind of confusing, though, if you don't know what words mean. And some of the words in the Bible, especially in some of the older versions, are not words we use today. Its easy to read a verse and say, ok, I'm good there, never done that. But if we really don't know what the listed sins are, we may be sinning and not realize it.
I want to share some definitions with you. Some things you know, from scripture, are wrong. But maybe you don't know what these things actually are.
So, here goes.
Let's start with some of the sins listed in Galatians 5.
Adultery - this one may not be as misunderstood as some others. Adultery is voluntary sexual activity between a married person and someone other than his or her lawful spouse. And the Bible calls it a sin.
Fornication is voluntary sexual activity between a married person and someone other than his or her lawful spouse. In other words, fornication is any sexual activity outside of marriage. And that includes sexual activity between two people who are not married or who may be engaged. Engaged is not married. And the Bible calls it a sin.
Uncleanness means morally impure, evil or vile.
Lasciviousness. Now that's a word we use in everyday language, right? Not! But it is sinful so. . . lasciviousness means arousing sexual desire, or indicating sexual interest or expressive of lust or lewdness. Examples? Pornography, suggestive jokes, stories or movies. Attire can be lascivious, as well. Clothing that is too tight, or that draws attention to certain body parts is lascivious. And the Bible calls it a sin.
That's enough for today. I'll be following up with more definitions in a later blog.
Now, I have a question for you all. If you don't mind, shoot me a quick email and let me know - was this helpful? Were these words you have heard a lot before but maybe didn't really understand? Or am I "preaching to the choir," so to speak?
The English language is an amazing thing. Words have meanings and we use those words to express thoughts, emotions, ideas.
It can get kind of confusing, though, if you don't know what words mean. And some of the words in the Bible, especially in some of the older versions, are not words we use today. Its easy to read a verse and say, ok, I'm good there, never done that. But if we really don't know what the listed sins are, we may be sinning and not realize it.
I want to share some definitions with you. Some things you know, from scripture, are wrong. But maybe you don't know what these things actually are.
So, here goes.
Let's start with some of the sins listed in Galatians 5.
Adultery - this one may not be as misunderstood as some others. Adultery is voluntary sexual activity between a married person and someone other than his or her lawful spouse. And the Bible calls it a sin.
Fornication is voluntary sexual activity between a married person and someone other than his or her lawful spouse. In other words, fornication is any sexual activity outside of marriage. And that includes sexual activity between two people who are not married or who may be engaged. Engaged is not married. And the Bible calls it a sin.
Uncleanness means morally impure, evil or vile.
Lasciviousness. Now that's a word we use in everyday language, right? Not! But it is sinful so. . . lasciviousness means arousing sexual desire, or indicating sexual interest or expressive of lust or lewdness. Examples? Pornography, suggestive jokes, stories or movies. Attire can be lascivious, as well. Clothing that is too tight, or that draws attention to certain body parts is lascivious. And the Bible calls it a sin.
That's enough for today. I'll be following up with more definitions in a later blog.
Now, I have a question for you all. If you don't mind, shoot me a quick email and let me know - was this helpful? Were these words you have heard a lot before but maybe didn't really understand? Or am I "preaching to the choir," so to speak?
Tuesday, 14 October 2014
Who is watching you?
Proverbs 8:20 (ESV)
I walk in the way of righteousness, in the paths of justice,
Have you ever seen a child walking behind an adult, trying to match their footsteps to the adult's? Have you seen your daughter dressing up in your clothes, carrying an old purse and trying to act just like you? Have you watched your little boy trying to walk around in his daddy's shoes?
Children are little imitators. They watch our every move. They try to be like us. They want to be just like us when they grow up.
The problem is, they see the good and the bad that we do. Words or sayings that you don't think twice about using sound absolutely horrible when they come out of your child's mouth.
Even if you don't have children, there is someone watching you. Children at worship services, children in the grocery store, children at the mall - there are children everywhere. Those children are watching people everywhere. They see things that most adults miss.
Now remember that we are to be like little children and we are to be imitators of Christ and God. So imagine the wonderful influence you can have on children who watch you if you are imitating our Savior. Proverbs 8:20 is God saying that He walks in the way of righteousness and in paths of justice. He is our example and we are examples to others, children and adults.
Who is watching you? And what are you showing them? Are you being an example for good or for evil?
I'm praying for all of us, mothers or not, who are being examples to others, whether we realize it or not. I'm praying we will be imitators of our Father and by doing so, we can be a good example for others to follow.
Galatians 2:20 (NASB)
I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.
I walk in the way of righteousness, in the paths of justice,
Have you ever seen a child walking behind an adult, trying to match their footsteps to the adult's? Have you seen your daughter dressing up in your clothes, carrying an old purse and trying to act just like you? Have you watched your little boy trying to walk around in his daddy's shoes?
Children are little imitators. They watch our every move. They try to be like us. They want to be just like us when they grow up.
The problem is, they see the good and the bad that we do. Words or sayings that you don't think twice about using sound absolutely horrible when they come out of your child's mouth.
Even if you don't have children, there is someone watching you. Children at worship services, children in the grocery store, children at the mall - there are children everywhere. Those children are watching people everywhere. They see things that most adults miss.
Now remember that we are to be like little children and we are to be imitators of Christ and God. So imagine the wonderful influence you can have on children who watch you if you are imitating our Savior. Proverbs 8:20 is God saying that He walks in the way of righteousness and in paths of justice. He is our example and we are examples to others, children and adults.
Who is watching you? And what are you showing them? Are you being an example for good or for evil?
I'm praying for all of us, mothers or not, who are being examples to others, whether we realize it or not. I'm praying we will be imitators of our Father and by doing so, we can be a good example for others to follow.
Galatians 2:20 (NASB)
I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.
Thursday, 9 October 2014
Bad News?
Psalm 112:7 (ESV)
He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord.
We all, in our lifetimes, will receive bad news. Someone you love is ill. Your job is being downsized. A loved one has died. A friend has betrayed a confidence. You find out you are seriously ill.
We all face these things, they are common to man.
So how do you respond? Do you ask, "Why me?" Do you get angry? Do you give up hope?
If your heart is firm, trusting in the Lord, you won't fear those times of bad news. You will remember that He is in control of everything. He has us in His hand. Things may not turn out as we wish during this lifetime, but God is faithful and has promised us eternity with Him if we are faithful to Him.
Feel your faith wavering at times? Look back through the Old Testament. Think of all the promises that God made and then see how He fulfilled every one of them. Promises to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, and so many others.
Then remember Matthew 10:30-31. The very hairs of your head are numbered, and you are worth far more than the sparrows and He knows every one of them.
He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord.
We all, in our lifetimes, will receive bad news. Someone you love is ill. Your job is being downsized. A loved one has died. A friend has betrayed a confidence. You find out you are seriously ill.
We all face these things, they are common to man.
So how do you respond? Do you ask, "Why me?" Do you get angry? Do you give up hope?
If your heart is firm, trusting in the Lord, you won't fear those times of bad news. You will remember that He is in control of everything. He has us in His hand. Things may not turn out as we wish during this lifetime, but God is faithful and has promised us eternity with Him if we are faithful to Him.
Feel your faith wavering at times? Look back through the Old Testament. Think of all the promises that God made and then see how He fulfilled every one of them. Promises to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, and so many others.
Then remember Matthew 10:30-31. The very hairs of your head are numbered, and you are worth far more than the sparrows and He knows every one of them.
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