Being Proactive

I am going to get on a soap box here, for just a minute. I'll get off in a second and then you can get on if you want.

I am going through the "Shepherding a Child's Heart" parents handbook by Ted Tripp and he had us go through a few of the verses and I want to share with you what struck me - with a two by four.

Gen 18:18 says, "For I have chosen him, so that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing righteousness and justice, so that the LORD may bring upon Abraham what He has spoken about him."

Duet 6:6-9 says, "These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as frontals on your forehead.You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates."

Ephesians 6:4 says, "Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord."

What hit me in these verses is that God is asking us to be proactive in our training. So often we wait until there is a problem to begin training. We are to be training about God and loving God intentionally throughout our day. We are not to depend on others or events (like Sunday school or Christian School or even Home school ) to start the training it's to be consistent and pro-active all the time! We should constantly evaluate at what stage our children are in and have a plan in place to train and teach them about God, obedience, our response to others, self-control, fruits of the spirit and so forth.

I'll step off my box now and share with you a few of my favorite resources:

For little ones: The Singing Bible, The Heritage Builders Family Nights for pre-schoolers, Little Book of Manners for Girls, Little Book of Manners for Boys, Bedtime Blessings, Clubhouse JR Magazine

For Elementary: The Family Night Series by Jim Weidmann and Kurt Bruner, Hymns for a Kids Heart series, Discover 4 Yourself® Inductive Bible Studies for Kids (for older elementary and Jr. High), Movie Nights for Kids, Clubhouse Magazine

Oh and my favorite is our curriculum from My Father's World. I have never seen better Bible curriculum and /or character building. Even if you don't homeschool - for little ones (3-5) you should look at their K and 1st grade curriculum - it's all combined but it's worth the money for the Bible alone.

We haven't hit the teen stuff yet, so maybe someone else could give us their favorites for that.

Categories: parenting

An Amazing Day

Yesterday was an amazing day. One of those days that makes all the hard work worth it. One of those days that makes the days that you are desperately trying to keep your temper and explain why obedience to Christ is important, why we do devotions everyday, and why we aren't like other families on the block, seem priceless.

Yesterday my children were baptized. Yesterday, my children stood in front of our church and our family to publicly tell the world their faith story and to to publicly share the change that had happened in their hearts privately. Yesterday was a moment that will forever shine in my memory. Yesterday, they shined for Jesus because He first loved them.

They each made the decision to be baptized separately but it just so happened that that they could do it together. They each picked the men in their lives that are the most important in their lives to baptize them. Their dad, their grandfathers, one natural (Scott's dad) and one adopted (Mr. Vic) and Pastor Preston. It was infinitely precious to watch my children in the water with the men that love, protect, guide and pray for them.

Yesterday, I watched God fulfill promises that He made to me and their Grandma Sherron many years ago. Yesterday God showed again His love and blessing on our family.

Yesterday was an amazing day.

Categories: parenting

House of the Lord

I am such a proud Mom! Here's a video of our oldest son singing in church on Sunday accompanied by his piano teacher.

Categories: parenting

Training the Heart - part 1

The parenting retreat went very well and Scott and I came home with a new determination to truly train our children to keep their hearts pure. I had gotten a "Shepherding a Child's Heart" parent's handbook which is in the format of a Bible study and I sat down to follow up. While praying and studying, I realized that I hadn't really explained to the kids about heart training. Ooops! I can't expect my children to have this discipline if I haven't trained them first, so with my Bible and my handbook I sat down with the kids.

Luke 6:45 says, "The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks."

We talked about things overflowing. For instance, if we poured milk into a cup and kept pouring, orange juice wouldn't flow out of the cup, milk would. Whatever we put into to our heart is going to overflow into our words and behavior for good and for evil. We then went to Psalm 119:11, " I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." If we hide God's words in our heart that's what will overflow. We then made fun doorhangers as reminders. I think every good devotion needs a craft.

We have worked on memorizing these verses this week and I have to say that I have seen a lovely change in the way the kids have been treating each other. Just this morning, Caileigh lovingly offered Collin her waffle with the last of the syrup on it but he politely refused with "No, thank you but thanks for the offer" and happily had jelly and peanut butter on his. While I was watching with a huge (and proud) smile, Connor said, "That was really nice, guys!" Ahhh, if only all moments were like those - Caileigh later tried to dunk Collin's head in the pool while he was grabbing for her floaty. But, hey, I see progress!

Categories: parenting

Our Adventure Girl

On Saturday, Scott took us to a nearby reservoir for a family jaunt. We climbed rocks, traversed a steep trail and skipped rocks to our hearts content. I have to say that my husband is the King of rock skipping - he skipped one rock 10 jumps! We were in awe of his immense talent. On the way back up the trail, I was leading and Caileigh was following. About halfway up Caileigh found a different way up and she yelled to me, "Mommy, I am going the same place as you but I found my own way up! I am on an adventure!"

I thought about that statement as I watched her joyfully climbing with a stick she found. I sometimes think that my kids and, Caileigh especially, have to follow my exact steps to be successful. I am the Mom and I know what's best, right? I came to the conclusion that I don't always know what's best, but I know who does. I know that Abba Father has a plan for their lives, one for good and not for evil and it may not be the same path I have taken. I believe that they'll end up in the same place, in the will of the Father, but that their adventure may look completely different and I have to learn to be supportive of that. No, more than that, I have to be able to prepare them for that as well. Scott and I have to train them up in the way they should go.

So my darling fearless girl, you are on a great adventure and I'll meet you there!

Categories: parenting

Seeing the Proof

Let's see...

We finished school and headed out to Washington DC for a week of field trips in our nation's capitol. It was a whirlwind trip as are all vacations with my sight-seeing loving husband. We seemed to have hit field trip week for the entire nation. I mean it, the entire nation! (As a side note watching all those kids away from their parents reminded me that character and behavior count - alot.) It was a great trip even if it was crowded.

I have stated before that vacations are a fantastic way to judge how much your children's behavior is based on punishment (because you can't discipline as effectively in a public place away from home) and how much is heart training. I saw some really amazing things out of my children like patience, family unity, and perseverence. I also saw some areas that need some work like whining and going to sleep when we tell them. I guess we have all summer to work on them. My favorite part of the trip was watching my husband teach the boys to march up and down the Reflection Pool in front of the Lincoln Memorial while Caileigh did the Irish jig. It was a picture I will remember forever.

On a completely different topic, we just received Connor's test score's back and let me assure you that home schooling is an academically strong educational option. Surprising even to me is that Connor did better than he did in 3rd grade. Oh and for those of you that were wondering, Singapore Math works as well. I am extremely happy with the results. Connor did a fantastic job and we are so proud of him! Yeah God!

Categories: parenting

Tests

Connor now and Connor then!

Connor took his 5th grade tests this week. I know! 5th grade and as he is forever reminding me, my little boy will be 10 in two weeks time. 10, you heard me, 10! Amazing! I feel sure I am not old enough to have a ten year old. Anyway, while I was waiting on the second day of test I was reflecting on the fact that being a home school Mom, this test is as much about how I am doing as a teacher as how Connor is as a student. Which may explain why I was more nervous than he was.

It got me to thinking about others things that I hope my children are learning that aren't quite so easy to test. Do they put God first in their heart? Do they care for others over themselves? Are they polite? Do they know what's right in God's eyes? Do they know the Bible as well as they know their math facts? Do they love purely? Do they understand that while we are training them to have first time obedience to us, we're really trying to train them to first time obedience to God? Do they understand that character is more important than academics?

Ahhh, do I understand that character is more important than academics? Academics matter, don't get me wrong, if Connor gets below a 90%, I'll have an issue with that. But do I make academics more important that character and Godliness in my children's hearts and mind? I wish I had a test that would show me the percentage on that.

Categories: parenting

Everyday Talk

Scott and I are helping our church plan a parenting retreat in June for our church and we are using "Shepherding a Child's Heart" material. While ordering the material I ordered, "Everyday Talk" by John Younts which was recommended by my good friend, Kerri (wayoutinthedesert.blogspot.com ). I have to tell you that I have been totally convicted by the things that come out of mouth that do not point my children to God or that show the state of my heart. For example, we had a 98 Ford Windstar with high mileage, that I thoroughly disliked. It binged. I mean it, it binged. If the temperature was over 50 degrees the "door ajar" light and warning bing would come on and stay on... the entire trip. Yes, I did take it to the mechanic but, of course, it didn't do it for them. I tried to be patient but with three kids and a loud bing every two second, I would lose my patience and mutter, "I hate this car!" or "Stupid car", which is a real no-no in our house. Instead of showing my children that I was grateful that God provided a car that was reliable and paid for, I showed them by my words an ungrateful heart. I am constantly asking my children, "Where is your heart?" or "Who are you putting first?" but this book reminded me that I need to lead by example, especially in the area of my 'everyday talk'. I have had to take stock of the words that I speak in the normal course of my day and I have to tell you it wasn't always pretty, but I am working on it. I haven't said "stupid fridge" when the condiment shelf falls off for at least two days. I consider that drastic improvement but more importantly, I hope it shows my children that I have to obey and honor God in my words and actions.

Oh by the way, we sold our van and the new car doesn't bing! Pure bliss!

Categories: parenting

School and Spring Fever

5 more weeks of school, that's all we have left but lately even that small amount seems like forever. The kids and I have a serious case of spring fever. We got the kids a 7 seat airplane teeter totter for Easter (a little extravagant we know, but it's so cool!) and they've spent hours playing and pretending to be flying to far away places. Caileigh was flying to India to be a missionary like Amy Carmicheal, Collin was traveling under the sea as his plane turned into a submarine and Connor was pretending to fly the Space shuttle to Mars. I so love watching them playing so well together and just enjoying being kids. These times of innocence will pass away so quickly.

We love doing school together and we love to learn but we are looking forward to carefree days of pretending too.

Categories: parenting

A Quote from Thomas Jefferson

I just found this qoute from Thomas Jefferson. As always, Jefferson says it perfectly.

"Adore God. Reverence and cherish your parents. Love your neighbor as yourself, and your country more than yourself. Be just. Be true. Murmur not at the ways of Providence."

— President Thomas Jefferson, 1825

Words to live by!

Categories: parenting

Part of the Body

Caileigh and Collin have been studying the body in school, our physical body as well as the body of Christ, the church. Often, I get a little sidetracked especially in Bible, today was such a day but I felt the need to share. Yesterday I read another article on MSN about the decline of church attendance, especially in the late teens and early twenties age group. This morning as we were talking about the body of Christ all the pieces that had been floating around in my head clicked.

I want my children to know that they were created on purpose by a purposeful God for a purpose. God has a plan for their lives and He has great things in store for them if they stay in His will (not leave the church as young people). Psalm 139 says,

3

For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.

14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.

15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,

16 your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.

God made them for a purpose, to do His will and work for Him. We then went on to read, Romans 12:4-5,

Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

Just as the body (we used a model of the human body to show this part) has a specific job so does the members of the body of Christ.

Corinthians 12 says this about the body,

4Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. 15If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 16And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 17If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20As it is, there are many parts, but one body.

21The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!"

Using the body model we took pieces of the body out and played with this thought for a time (also teaching science - I love multi-tasking). What does the heart do? does the body need it to survive? What about the lungs, or the hands, or the stomach, or the eyes? Our bodies need all of its parts. God designed the parts to fit together and to work together. Without the different parts of our body we don't function properly, as God designed. So with the body of Christ, the church. The church does not function properly without all of its parts and God designed each of us with different gifts to fulfill the role of a part of His body. From the womb, He designed us to have certain gifts and personalities to fulfill the role He has for us. What a glorious thought! We were designed for a purpose and He has fitted us each differently for different purposes. I love that! I love that God designed my kids to fulfill a purpose that will bless His body.

As I was sharing this today, my kids faces lit up with the thought that God has a wonderful plan for their lives. (This was also a great chance to mention staying obedient to stay in the center of His purpose. I never want to lose an opportunity to mention staying obedient!) I want my kids to go through life knowing that there is a purpose for their lives and that just one person can affect the world for Him. I never want them to question that they were designed by God to be the way they are. I want to know that too! I want them to know that if they leave the body, it will suffer and they will suffer. Staying in the center of God's will is the best place for them to be, no matter what age they are or what stage in life.

Categories: parenting

Middle Ages Night

One of the things I love about home schooling and our curriculum (mfwbooks.com) is the family learning events. This was an all candle lit, meat pie eating, Nine Men Morris playing, ale drinking (okay ginger ale), night in the middle ages. Scott was Lord Hudson, Connor was Sir Conrad, Collin was Brother Collin, Caileigh was Princess Sarah and I was Mistress Hudson the kitchen help. We had a wonderful time pretending and learning together.

The next week, we had monastary night. We weren't allowed to speak and ate Pea Soup (not my favorite) and Black bread. Scott read the Bible through out the meal and we all meditated in the solitude on the meaning of the words. It was a special night but we all are grateful that we were not called to be Monks.

I hope and pray that these are memories of family times that the kids will bring with them into adulthood.

Categories: parenting

Family Purpose

Recently, we were challenged to make sure we have a working family purpose. I thought I would share what we've learned and how to make a family purpose. Oh, and goals for each of the kids too! The examples are our family purpose and objectives and the kids goals. My poor kids don't know how often I've used them as the example of good and bad behavior! I'll have to raise their allowance.

Family Purpose

I.Purpose
Write an overall purpose statement for your family, making sure it reflects the morals and values of your family. Start with “Our purpose as a family is....” Make your statement as precise and simple as possible.
Example : “Our purpose as a family is to bring glory to God through the love and choices we make as individuals and corporately as a family.”

II.Objective
State in a phrase or sentence an objective in fulfilling your purpose statement. Begin your statement with “to...” and complete your statement in such a way that you would see your purpose statement fulfilled.
Example : “To raise our children to be Godly young men and women filled with integrity and joy, who will be leaders for Christ in their homes, churches and country.”
III.Goals
Carefully consider individual goals for each family member. We make goals in three areas, spiritual, personal and academic (for our children) each year and have three goals per area..
Example : For our oldest son, here are the goals he is currently working on
Spiritual – self control over his emotions and tongue Gal 5:22-23
Personal – maintain responsibility over belongings (coats, piano bags, sports equipment) Eph 6:1-2
Academic – have multiplication and division tables memorized through 12


Carefully consider these goals and make sure they meet these criteria:
1.Are they biblical?
2.Do I have a verse or moral reason why to support these?
3.Do they fit out purpose as a family?
4.Do they bring glory to God or glory to us?
5. Are they achievable? We don't want to exasperate our children. (Col. 3:21)

Post these in a spot where you can see them regularly and pick a goal to work on weekly or monthly, include your children and them pick the goal they want to work on.

Categories: parenting

Maternal Grace

As do all stay at home Moms and especially, home school Moms, lately there have been times when I question the value of what I am doing. Is the time and struggle really worth it? I know in my heart of hearts that it is and that it's what God has called me too but sometimes my head and selfishness get in the way. God is merciful as always, and has shown me the value of my work. I wanted to share them so that if there are any other Mom's questioning they could be encouraged as well.

I have been studying 2 Timothy for several months and was struck (with a 2x4) by this verse. Paul was talking to Timothy and encouraging him to continue with the things that he had learned and then said this, "and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus." Timothy was taught from childhood, by whom you ask? Well, in the beginning of chapter one Paul says, "when I call to rememberance of the genuine faith that is in you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice.." It seems probable that Timothy's mother and grandmother were so instrumental in Timothy's training from the time that he was a child that Paul needed to mention it.

I have also been reading "Finding God in the story of Amazing Grace", by Kurt Bruner and Jim Ware in which the first chapter was devoted to John Newton's mother. John Newton's mother died when he was seven but apparently had so thoroughly trained him in the word of God that Newton remembered her devotion and words later in his life no matter how hard he tried to "sin away" her words. John Newton became a captain of a slave ship until God used his mothers words to bring John back to God. If you don't know the story, John Newton wrote "Amazing Grace" and was a major supporter of William Wilberforce who was responsible for making slave trade illegal in Britain.

Mothers can make a major difference in the lives of their children. May God so use me in the lives of my children.

Categories: parenting

The Star of Bethlehem

Sunday was the first week of advent so we had planned to talk about the wisemen. Our Pastor trumped us though and showed a clip of the video, "The Star of Bethlehem". I was so amazed at the information presented I leaned over to my patient husband and asked him if we could get it that afternoon. We watched it later that evening and were amazed at the possibilities. I understand that this video isn't the Bible so I won't take as fact but it was awe inspiring. If you want an amazing experience and a great conversation starter with your children you might want to check it out. For further information you can check out the website at http://bethlehemstar.net/.

Merry Christmas!

Categories: parenting

Merry Christmas 2007

Dear Family and Friends,

This year we're trying something a little different. We're sending out Christmas Cards without the traditional letter and directing people here to do our part in "being green".

We've had a great year! Here's an update from each of the family members:

Dawn - I'm still busy with homeschooling the kids, which I enjoy more and more as the kids get older and we start talking and learning about really interesting things like the science of creation or the effect of Christianity in Rome or the foundations and beliefs of the United States. It's great fun! This year was extra chaotic as I directed our church's summer VBS program, hosted my Grandma's 80th Birthday and am currently co-directing the Christmas play. The word 'No' is still a concept beyond me. Scott and I did manage to spend some quality time in NYC for our 11th anniversary where my wonderful husband took me to "Mary Poppins" and "The Lion King" on Broadway. I loved every second of it and then and there determined to bring the kids to "The Little Mermaid" which was being held in Denver for pre-Broadway shows in August. We had a magical time. Oh, and we went back to Disneyland with our adopted family Mo and Alex Gulas in September. I know, it's an addiction but one not likely to end any time soon. Overall, God is good everyday and has blessed us with a fabulous year!

Scott - I'm now in my 3rd year as a consultant, and I've spoken at 3 conferences and have a technical book out with an interested publisher! I've been fortunate to only work with one major client this year, and that work has taken me to New York City, San Francisco and Oxford, England! Oxford was a particular treat, since I took a little extra time (on Mother's Day nonetheless, which Dawn continues to point out...) to go on the C.S. Lewis tour and experience this incredible city! Dawn and I have been able to travel quite a bit together this year, including New York City, San Diego (twice), and our favorite: Disneyland! It was great to spend the day with Brandon and getting to meet Carina! We also got to see the Red Bull Air Races in San Diego on that trip (very cool!). I was also blessed to take Collin to a Broncos game, and Connor to Game 3 of the World Series! Caileigh and I have a special engagement in December, too. This year, I also took the MSF safety course and now have my motorcycle endorsement, and am saving patiently for a good commuter bike. Life continues to be busy, but fun, and blessed with good family (including a new nephew, Garrin!) and friends.

Connor - I am 9 years old and in 5th grade, and learning Spanish, Latin and started a new math program from Singapore (Singapore Math). In June I went to a Bible camp by myself for the first time, called Maranatha. I went with my best friend, Austin. I played basketball last January, and I learned about a new programming language called Scratch! I continue to learn piano and compose my own songs, too! I really liked going on California Screamin' at Disneyland and getting soaked at Sea World. I got to meet Dusty Baker at the World Series, which was AWESOME!

Caileigh - I am 6 years old and in 2nd grade. I have a really fun math and I like to do art the most. I had swim lessons and went to Soccer Camp this summer, which I really loved. The new Nemo ride at Disneyland was really fun. I liked the roller coasters too. I also went to Sea World and saw the dolphins which I really liked. I got to talk to a dolphin trainer, too. I had a great time seeing Little Mermaid before it went to Broadway! I really studied hard and got a really big part in the Christmas Play; the character's name is Holly. Merry Christmas!

Collin - I am 6 years old and in 2nd grade. This year I went to Disneyland and my favorite was getting Miss Mo on Tower of Terror, since I had to go on Pirates (I was scared and didn't like it)! I went to Soccer Camp with coach Poncho and I loved it. I've been in soccer for a long time. I also went to Grammy's house with my favorite cousin, Jadin. I also went to the Children's Museum with my friends Carly and DiDi. I loved going to a Broadway show, too. It was very special and I didn't have to wear a tuxedo! I went to the Broncos game and had Dippin Dots (yum)!

We hope you enjoy this special time of year as we celebrate the birth of God's son! Merry Christmas!

Categories: Christmas, family

What are we buying?

Recently Connor and I had a school assignment to sit down and watch T.V. together. Not a usual occurence and got a "really?" from Connor in response. Our assignment was to note the commercials and try to figure out what they were really selling us. Just a car? No, the thought that if we bought a certain car we would no longer be invisible and would stand out in a crowd. If we bought and drank a certain drink we would be as talented and famous as a celebrity. What they are selling is a worldview. We see it everyday on t.v. in magazines, billboards and on the radio. We can't get away from it but we are called to be discerning. One of my favorite verses 2 Cor 10:5 says "

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."

. Connor and I had a great discussion on worldviews and taking every thought and making the captive to Christ by applying the light of the Bible to these commercials. What does the Bible say about what makes us worthy? Do we need things to make us happy?

It was a great time with my eldest. I might watch more t.v. with him in the future to help develop our skills in determining world views.

Categories: parenting

Skip Counting

This school year we changed Math curriculum to Singapore Math after much research and thought. They all have done very well although Connor and I have had to get used to some new thought processes. The twins have done very well and have enjoyed the way Singapore introduces topics. Recently, they started learning skip counting as a pre-requisite to multiplication and division. This week they started multiplication and division and I have to say that skip counting has made the transition flawlessly.

If you are not familiar with skip counting, basically it's counting by 2's, 3's,4,'s etc. through the 12's. For instance, 4,8,12,16,20,24,28,32,36,40.

I taught these to the twins using m&m's. I first placed two m&m's per group for ten groups and then we counted them together. Once they memorized the 2's we moved onto the group (oh and ate the well deserved m&m's - for 2's they received 2, 3's they received 3 etc.) This made a very easy transition into multiplication, as 2 groups of 2 is 4 (or 2,2's) or 5 groups of 5 is 25. Division was a similar transition, if we had 15 m&m's and we all wanted an equal share how many would we each get? Once they divided the m&m's and ate their share, the concept of division was a breeze.

I wish I had taught Connor this way. It would have made these concepts much easier, I think he wishes I would have taught him this way as well! He would have had many more m&m's.

Categories: parenting

In the Beginning

School is almost here, so it's time for that annual event, dig out ( I mean clean) the classroom. I'm pretty sure I had cleaned it at the end of the school year but 2 boxes and 3 trash bags later, I came to the the realization that the classroom breeds trash. It does, I promise. While cleaning and rearranging the classroom I put up a really cool Bible timeline with the MFW timeline that the kids had done the previous year. I didn't measure (of course) so I had more room at the beginning than I had at the end. I studied the problem, and being as I am naturally lazy, I didn't want to take it down again, I decided to add a verse ( oh so spiritual of me, I know). I decided to use John 1:1-3 which says, " In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made." It reminded me of the discussions that we have been having regarding creation but here is the crux of the matter - "through Him all thing were made, without Him nothing was made that has been made". Through Him, the Word, Jesus Christ.

As a last fling of the summer we went to Rocky Mtn National Park and camped for the weekend, I read this verse to the kids while sitting out side, eating breakfast with a view that firmly convinces me that it wasn't made by chance, it was designed. Caileigh says it best, "Mommy, isn't God a great artist?" Yes, Caileigh, God is an amazing artist.

Categories: parenting

Missing the point?

Wow! I am amazed at the responses I have received from my previous postings. I appreciate all the comments even when the viewpoint differs from my own. While I think that creationism is an important, worthy and stirring debate ( and I enjoy a good debate as long as everyone still remembers the golden rule), I find it interesting that none of the comments have spoken to my original point. Why are children leaving the church in droves? What are we teaching our children? Or are we so concerned with our viewpoints that we are missing opportunities to train our children? Are we sending our children to schools that are inundated with secular humanism and then failing to train them at home? Are we sharing our worldview and how to tell the difference between the warring worldviews? There is a battle going on and we will lose the children if we are not pro-active in our training.

Just this morning, I had the opportunity to talk with my children about a pre-school cartoon's casual use of the theory of evolution as a fact. I still maintain that we need to teach our children that God can do what He says He can do and we need to be very careful to teach our children that the Bible is the inspired word of God and that the Bible's authority reigns supreme over what man says, every time. If this offends some, I am sorry for the offense but not the belief behind them. If God is big enough to forgive me for my sins then He is big enough to create the world (pre-fall) without death and destruction as evolution maintains.

I want to see us raise a Godly generation of children ready and able to bring glory to God and to be tools that God can use to bring others to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Otherwise, our debate could rage on but really, what's the point if our children go to hell?

Categories: parenting

Raising Godly Adults part II

I recieved this comment from a reader and I wanted to share the discussion with you. Please note that while we disagree, I appreciate that he is willing to comment! My reply follows, what do you think? What's your worldview?

Erm, if Ken Ham quotes such a high percentage of children turning away from the faith of their parents, then perhaps this is because of the tin-foil-hat wearing variety of Christian faith that Mr Ham espouses.

I see a direct correlation between well meaning but scientifically ignorant parents who teach their children that dinosaurs were on Noah's Ark, and teach this 'fact' as a bolster for their Christian faith (precisely the purpose of the Creation museum Ham has opened), and children who then go on to examine these beliefs intelligently and critically and conclude that, since a belief in dinosaur/human cohabitation is the worst kind of benighted nonsense, that maybe what their parents said about God aint too convincing either.

This correlation should be as obvious as anything. I work at a Christian School and am raising my own four year old boy to be a strong Christian. We reject young earth creationism outright as scientifically, factually wrong, and therefore, poisonous to Christian faith if served alongside the Gospel. Perhaps, one day you will see this and your kids will thank you for it.

Besides, Ham is an egomaniacal bully who has fraudulently ripped off a sister Creation ministry in Australia, now the subject of legal action that has Ham angrily hanging up on Christian publication journalists who dare to ask him about it: read some more at


http://duoquartuncia.blogspot.com/2007/06/answers-in-genesis-lawsuit.html

and

http://www.christianfaithandreason.com/june_creationmag.html

You are wrong to give Ham any credence or respect.

Sir,

I appreciate you commenting on the blog. I think it's great that you are being pro-active in teaching your son your beliefs. It is what I am trying to encourage, that parents are pro-active rather than reactive in training their children.

Mr. Ham was not the only speaker who commented on that statistic and I think we can all observe in our churches and in families we know, that many young adults are leaving their Godly heritage. I do think that in fighting between Christians only damages our young people further instead of teaching them to learn to agree to disagree.

On the belief that God didn't create the world in 6, 24 hours days, I will respectfully disagree. I believe in a young earth. God was the only one there when the world began so I will have faith that it was done in the way in which He said it happened. Hebrews 11:3 says " By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command so that what was seen was not made out of what was visible." and Heb 11:6 " And without faith it is impossible to please God because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him." I personally want to fall on the side of faith that God is omnipotent and all powerful and the creator of all things. from your comments, I think that you are saying that you believe God created the earth but not in 6 days and that evolution may have been a part of that process. I know this is a very popular belief amongst Christians (some of my own friends believe this as well) and I respectfully disagree. I think that dinosaurs did co-habit with people and that God created them on Day 6 and I believe that when Job 41 talks about a Leviathan it's a dinosaur. I think it comes down to your worldview. How you see the world and your beliefs about it. My worldview comes from the Bible first and foremost and I pray that's my children as well. It's not what I say or what experts or scientists say that matter to them, it's God's word that counts. Everything must go back to what God says on the matter. I hope my kids will even question my words and hold them against the word of God to form their worldview.

For more information on worldview and how it seeps into our belief system you can check out the WorldviewAcademy.org and Summit Ministries at summit.org.

Thanks again for the comment and discussion. I appreciate it and I pray we both continue to seek God in all these matters.

p>Categories: parenting

Raising Godly Adults

At the home-school convention, I heard a staggering statistic. Ken Ham of Answers in Genesis said that 9 out 10 children raised in the church turn away from the faith of the parents. I was floored and what's more I was concerned for my own children, I immediately started praying, "O Father, not mine, please God let my children love you and never stray from you. Let them be that 1 %." Then I started thinking about the children that I know and love outside of my own and I became really concerned. I don't want those children to stray away from the love and safety of Abba Father, either. Throughout the summer and while Directing VBS (which is why I haven't written in so long) the thought keeps coming, "Why? Why are the young adults turning away in droves?" After much prayer and during several Bible studies, ( don't you love when God answers your prayers from many different sources - I love that!) here are a few of my feeble conclusions, I hope they get you to thinking as well.

1. The power of God - we have watered down the power of God. I have been participating in Beth Moore's study " Believing God" and I think she's onto something! We have let evolution and modern science convince us that God can't do what He says He can! If He can't create the world in 6 days with a word then how can we believe that Jesus is the son of God and has the power to cleanse us from our sin and raise from the dead? If God can't do what He says He can then what's the point? We have to give our kids the blessing of belief in an all knowing, all powerful God whose word is infallible and can change their lives! Nothing is too big for an all powerful creator! He created us and so He can save us from what we need saving from! Hebrews 11:3 says "By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible." We have to believe this by faith and Heb 11:6 says that we cannot please God with out this faith.

2. Is God everything to us? Does the love of God permeate our everyday lives? Duet 6 says to speak about God to our children in when we raise up and lie down and when we are walking on the road. In other words, we are to instruct our children in the ways of God all day long but to do that we must have Him present in our lives all day long. He must be an integral part of everything we do so that our children can't imagine life without him. Matt 22:37-40 tells us to "YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.'38"This is the great and foremost commandment. 39"The second is like it, YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.' 40"On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets."

3. Bible Memorization - Psalm 119:11 says "I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you. " We must encourage them to hide the word of God in their hearts. Even 2 and 3 years olds can do this! Start with Gen 1:1 and start early to instill a Biblical Worldview. Check out the CD's Seeds of Faith, Seeds of Courage and Seeds of Worship - an easy way to memorize verse while singing in the car!

4. Pray, pray , pray! Pray for our children - those that are in your home and in your church and family! We must ASK!

5. Get involved! I saw this in a dramatic way during VBS. I was able to talk and discuss the love of God and his greatness with children that I never would have been able to otherwise. If we don't pass on a Godly heritage to those around us who will? I don't want to face God with just my own children but with a crowd of children.



Maybe you have some other ideas? I'd love to hear them!

Categories: parenting

Expectations

At my house lately, we've had some issues. Issues with disobedience, issues with respectful tones of voices and issues with treating each other with kindness. I don't like having issues, they make me grumpy. After being grumpy for several days, I realized that I hadn't gone over my expectations of the kids in a while. So, the kids and I sat down and talked over the problem. Each child picked out a proverbs that they needed to work on and wrote it down and decorated the page to place on the frig as a reminder. As the kids wrote their Proverbs down, I sat and made a list of my expectations and the consequences - both good and bad. I believe that a list of expectations for my kids needs to be biblically based. I then went over the expectations with the kids and what they should expect if they should meet these expectations (rewards, praise, extra privileges and what they should expect if they don't meet those expectations (corporal discipline, the chore jar, loss of privileges). We all now have a firmer grasp on the expectations we have for our home and we are slowly beginning to have less issues. I am less grumpy, the kids know clearly how they are to act and I have a plan to follow for discipline. I like having discipline plans, they seem to cause less stress in times of conflict.

Categories: parenting

A Curious Girl

My three children recently spent a week with their Grandparents, something they love to do. Grammy and Papa are wonderful and they always are up for a new adventure and have lots of fun, interesting activities planned. You never know what might happen if you spend a week at Grammy's. However, the following activity was thought up by the one and only Caileigh.

I was unpacking Caileigh suitcase and while separating her clothes, I found an egg. Yes, I said an egg. I called Caileigh to me and I asked her, "What's this, Caileigh?".

"It's an egg, Mommy." she blandly stated.

"Why do you have an egg in your suitcase?" I calmly asked.

"I was curious." she replied.

"Curious about what"

" I was wondering if I put the egg in a warm, dark spot if it would hatch a chick. I had an hypothesis and I wanted to see the result." she informed me. ( My friend, Mo, says it's my own fault since I have a five year old who can properly use the word, 'hypothesis'.)

"Well, the egg didn't hatch because it needs a Mom and Dad to have it become a chick." I explained. "Where did you get the egg, Caileigh?" I queried.

"From Grammy's refigerator." she quietly said while she began to look downward and place her hands behind her back.

"Does Grammy know you took an egg?" it's a fair question, Grammy is very curious too.

"No." Caileigh said.

"What's that called?" I prodded.

"Stealing." she sheepishly replied.

"What's that called by God?" I further prodded.

"A sin."

"What do you need to do to make it right?"

"Say sorry and pay for the egg."

So Caileigh and I talked about making restitution with Grammy and Papa and how it's okay to be curious and do experiments but that we might need to talk to the grownups to make sure it's okay. I struggle with not laughing at times like these because I found the whole thing hilarious. I might not have found it quite so funny if the egg had broken but it didn't. I can't wait to tell this story to potential suitors someday. It'll be great fun!

Categories: parenting

Snow, Snow, Snow

I like snow, I really do. I have always liked snow. I like great big blizzards where you must stay inside, drink hot chocolate and watch movies or play games all day. (Well, being home-schooled you still have to do school, then play the rest of the day.) I like watching the snow fall gently from the sky. I like building snow men with my kids. I like snow ball fights. I like sledding and tubing in the snow. I like skiing (if I was allowed to go). I like snow, and I like lots of snow but after 6 weeks of snow, I am about done, but here is a quick idea for a bible moment with your kids.

For those of you who still have snow at your house like I do at mine, you might want to take a moment to look at a snowflake . Place several pieces of black paper in the freezer for a couple of minutes while you gather the kids, a magnifying glass and a Bible.

Scoop up a handful of snow (or if it's currently snowing catch them on the paper)and place the snowflakes gently on the paper. Have your children look at the snowflakes with the magnifying glass. After a moment or two have the children comment on the flakes. Are they alike? How many points do they have (they should have six)? Watch them as they melt and note that they are frozen water. Guide them to see that each flake is unique. God created each of them to be different and unique. In all the millions of snowflakes, they are all different. God made us unique as well. He made each of us to be special and unique, and He has known us from the time we were in our mothers' womb. Read Psalm 139:13-16

Psalm 139
13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.

14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.

15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,

16 your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.

God has a special plan for our children and He made each of us unique so that we may fulfill that plan, just as He made snowflakes unique.

Take the snow as an opportunity to remind your children that they are precious to God and to you!

Categories: parenting

Obedience is Our Foundation

I recently took a Discipleship class in which I needed to write a three point devotional on Luke 6:46 - 49 which says, "46"

Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say? 47I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. 48He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. 49But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete."

I used the devotion with my kids and it worked well so I thought I'd share with you (if it had failed, I would have kept it to myself!)

Items needed - sink or tub, water, legos or building blocks and clay

1. Our foundation is obedience.

Plug a tub or sink and fill with a small amount of water and ask, "Imagine this is an ocean. Would it be wise to build a house here?" Build a small house out of legos and place it in the water. "Is this a safe place to live?"> (Noooo) Read Luke 6:46-49. "Jesus says our obedience is like a foundation of rock."


2. Each time we obey we build our foundation stronger.

Take the house our of the water. Have the kids make small balls out of the clay. Start building a foundation of clay in the water and Say, "Each time we obey, we build a stronger foundation."Have the kids name things that would be obedience , like coming right away, cleaning their room, talking in a respectful tone.... and continue to build the foundation out of the water. Once the clay is out of the water ask, "Now would the house be safe out of the water?" Place the house on the foundation and simulate a storm in the water. "The house is still safe because it is built on a foundation of obedience to Christ. Every time you obey Mom and Dad, you are really obeying Jesus. Jesus always needs to be put first, and obeying Him is the best way to do that."

3. Disobedience brings calamity

"Each time we disobey it takes a chunk out of our foundation." Have the kids name times that they are disobedient and take chunks out of the clay until the house falls in the water. "Without a foundation of Obedience to Jesus we fall just like the house." Read Luke 6:46-49 again ans stress to the kids that without Jesus we can have no foundation.

This worked as a great visual with my kids, I hope it does for yours as well. Let me know! Have a Happy New Year!

Categories: parenting

Encouraging One Another

Christmas is here! With Christmas, come visitors and family which can create some issues with your children. My little girl Caileigh has a best friend named Jenna who is the daughter of one of my best friends, Tiffany. Caileigh and Jenna have a problem. When together, the two have a tendency to create chaos. They are both normally fairly well behaved sweet girls but when together watch out! Collin and his cousin Jadin create the same phenomenon. One afternoon, out of desperation I sat down with the girls and asked, " Do you Caileigh love Jenna? And Jenna do you love Caileigh?" (I know it sounded like a wedding vow, but it was spur of the moment) Both nodded with sad eyes ( they had been separated and had lost the privilege of playing together during rest time) and held hands. "If you love each other do you want bad things to happen to your friend?" "No", they answered. " I love Miss Tiffany so I want only good things to happen to her, and I want God to be pleased with her so I only encourage her to do good things. If you love your friend you should want the best for her and so should encourage each other to do good and not sin." This seemed to click with the two girls and we talk each time they are together about encouraging each other to do good. I had to have this same talk with Collin and Jadin this week after several incidents and they too seem to get the message. We must learn to help our friends and let our friends help us when we are struggling and teaching them as children to love each other and encourage each other to do good is imperative. This could be vital in the teen years, imagine your teens being and having friends who will help each other make right choices. what a blessing that would be!

If you haven't had your child memorize the golden rule this would be a perfect time to work on it.

"So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." Matthew 7:12

I hope you have a Merry Christmas filled with the awe of the stable.

Categories: parenting

Math Hint

Just a quick helpful math hint. Connor was having trouble with long division and double digit multiplication and my very smart friend, Sara suggested I try having Connor use graph paper so that he could keep the numbers in their proper places. It worked beautifully!

Categories: parenting, Homeschool

Helping Others

The Holiday Season is almost upon us, yikes! Time has just flown by for us this fall. As Christmas approaches, I find myself thinking of Christmas presents and yummy treats and evenings spent togther with family and friends. Before that happens, our family is going on a missions trip to Juarez, Mexico(www.ifmus.org) where we are going to visit and play at an orphanage ( Caileigh is planning a tea party to have with the little girls - which is a first for these little girls), feed a colonia that has been hit hard by the floods earlier this year and put on a health fare. This has been a real growth area for all of us as we've had to agree that Christmas is going to be smaller and our budget a little tighter as we try to raise the money to go. I'm hoping that Christmas will mean so much more when we understand that the real gift of the season is Jesus, not things.

One of the things were doing is making up shoeboxes for children who might not have any presents over Christmas. Normally we do this through Operation Christmas Child (for more info go to www.samaritanspurse.org ) but this year our church is packing them to send with us to Juarez. My kids save money all year to be able to make the best boxes they can for children who might not have a Christmas present. They find such joy in combing the store to find just the right things to go in their boxes. They pray over their boxes so that the children who recieve them know that they are loved by Jesus and by us. We are blessed by giving to others and helps reinforce that we need to put Jesus first then others before ourselves. Before the hustle and bustle of the season find a way to give to others, it will be one of the highlights and will help teach your kids the J.O.Y (Jesus, Others, Yourself) of Christmas.

Categories: parenting

Sweet as Honey

Caileigh and Collin have been learning about Proverbs during school this year (www.mfwbooks.com). We have been particularly paying attention to the ones about the tongue. The first one we memorized was "He who guards his mouth and his tongues keeps himself from calamity" Proverbs 21:23. We had fun acting out calamity, but this week we are learning, "Pleasant words are like honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones." Proverbs 16:24. I had our vinegar bottle handy ( which is useful for whining and complaining) and a spoonful of honey. After trying the vinegar and talking about how unkind words, and disrespectful tones are like vinegar, we tried the honey. What a contrast! We all saw ( and tasted ) the difference our words and tones make. It has really made us ( and I mean us - I find myself judging whether my words are honey or vinegar) take the time to watch our words!

Categories: parenting

Kid's Cleaning

Summer is in full swing, seems like it's just flying by and soon we'll be preparing for school. Summer is a great time to implement new routines before the hectic pace of the school year. At our house we've been implementing a new chore and cleaning routine both for Mom and for kids. A friend introduced me to the "FlyLady" and her system of cleaning. You can go to www.flylady.net for more information,but be prepared for the avalanche of e-mail if you sign up, you might just want to check the web site daily. Anyway, the kids are now wiping down the counters of the bathrooms daily and we've implemented a 15 min cleanup after dinner of the toy areas and bedrooms which has really cut down on weekly cleaning time and kept the house looking tidy. I've also started doing one load of laundry a day from start to finish. My laundry room has never looked this clean - ever and our laundry isn't wrinkled - who knew. The kids are also getting used to daily putting their clothes away.

Teaching kids to clean can take more time at the beginning than you're prepared for but it's so important for teaching kids responsibility. Last week my Grandmother came for the twins 5th birthday two days early (and of course I wasn't prepared), the kids were able to fully clean her bathroom for me while I made her bed. They were so happy to be able to help prepare for company and proudly announced what they had voluntarily done when Grams arrived. I buy windex wipes, clorox wipes and disposable toilet cleaners for the kids to more easily clean. They also are in charge of cleaning the mirrors,wiping down all the appliances, dusting and taking out the trash. My good friend Sara says,"It may not be house beautiful but it's hygenic."

Start teaching your kids to clean today, it will help them and you!

Categories: parenting

Devotions

School is out and summer has begun! Yeah! We started summer out by going to Disneyworld for a week with our good friends, the Parrotts. We had an amazing time, vacations always seem like a good barometer on family dynamics and character training. The kids were great and behaved well even during long lines, late nights and hot, HOT weather. Praise God! All the hard work of parenting does pay off!

Summer is a great time to make sure your kids have a good biblical foundation, even as babies and toddlers. We, as parents, need to make devotions a priority even in summer. (We need to do them by ourselves and with our children). The kids and I are reading ( and singing) "Hymns for Kids" by Bobbie Wolgemuth and Joni Erickson Tada through Focus on the Family. We are reading about great men and women of faith and learning the story behind many great hymns. Yesterday we learned about John Newton who wrote ,"Amazing Grace". John Newton was a captain of a transport ship carrying slaves from Africa who later came to know Christ and eventually played a major part in outlawing slave trading in Britain. We learned that we needed to be doers of the Word of God not hearers only. This starts out our day with great practical ways of living every day for Christ. If you have babies and toddlers, there are great story bibles out for that age range. Make a point of reading the Bible in chronological order to your kids to provide a firm biblical foundation.

Categories: parenting

Prince Charming

Warning - this post may contain opinions which are not very popular. Today, we like to think of girls and boys being equal. That girls are as strong and tough as boys and that there is no difference between the sexes, and I believe that's not true. Okay, I admit that girls sometime have to be tougher than boys and that my little girl is willing to not only touch a tarantula but hold one (the boys were cowering 10 feet away), but in the end, we women want a protector. Not only a protector but a headship, a leader. God set this in motion when the world began. In Genesis 2:18 it says, "The the Lord God said, "It is not good for for the man to be alone; I will make a helper suitable for him." then God proceeded to make Eve. Did you catch what God said? The women was to be the helper, not the leader. ( I know, I struggle with this too - I'm mouthy and by personality a dominant) So as parents, it is our job not only to model this relationship but to teach both our girls and boys their responsibilities in this. ( I am not getting into a discussion of submitting to the extreme, I am talking about a stable relationship with Godly men and women.)

When Caileigh and Collin were two, they both were very interested in Princesses and Knights so we gave Caileigh, Princess dresses and bought the boys swords, shields and all the Knightly gear. During the course of play, we told our boys that they were to be the protector of the Princesses in their life. They must protect them from dragons and evil men and anything else that might harm them. They must have manners like Knights and open doors for ladies, to step first into danger, and to escort the Princess to ensure her safety. For Caileigh, ( who is like me, and questions obedience and submission) , we stressed that Princesses must never use tears to get her way and that she needs to listen to the trusted Knights in her life because they may know of danger that she's not aware of and that she needs to allow those trusted Knights the privilege of protecting her from harm, Daddy, of course, being the most important Knight and Protector. This sort of play has also led to manners lessons and talk of being ladies and gentlemen. My boys at 8 and 4 1/2 open doors for ladies, both members of their family and perfect strangers, which always gets noticed as being exemplary and have several offers of marriage from parents of young girls. I am going to be bold and encourage you train your boys and girls in a similar way, their future marriage may be much smoother for it.

Categories: parenting

Home Schooling Works!

Our son, Connor, took his first set of standardized tests this year as per Colorado law, which says that students starting in third grade and every other year after should be tested. As a home schooling Mom, this was a bit stressful. We knew that Connor was bright and we thought we had taught him what he needed to know but the question of how well he would do still nagged at the back of my mind. Connor, being a bit of a perfectionist, always stressed at tests and lost his self-control, so at the beginning of this school year, I began testing him daily on everything so that he would get more used to testing and lose his fear. On the days of the testing, he handled it beautifully, even though he was in a strange enviornment and surronded by 20 other kids who were also testing for the first time and very nervous. I was proud of how self-controlled he remained through out the two days. ( Yes, self-control hands even worked in this situation to help him focus on something concrete.)

We received the results back yesterday and they were even better that I had anticipated in my best case scenarios ( yes, I thought about best and worst case scenarios - after all I felt like I was being tested as well.). Connor scored higher than even the national homeschool average.

Here's a quote from one study:

In 1997, a study of 5,402 homeschool students from 1,657 families was released. It was entitled, "Strengths of Their Own: Home Schoolers Across America." The study demonstrated that homeschoolers, on the average, out-performed their counterparts in the public schools by 30 to 37 percentile points in all subjects. A significant finding when analyzing the data for 8th graders was the evidence that homeschoolers who are homeschooled two or more years score substantially higher than students who have been homeschooled one year or less. The new homeschoolers were scoring on the average in the 59th percentile compared to students homeschooled the last two or more years who scored between 86th and 92nd percentile.

All this to say that if you have not given home schooling a consideration in your educational choices for your children than perhaps you should. I know that there are other options other than home schooling but make sure you consider all the pros and cons carefully. For more information check out www.hslda.org or in Colorado www.chec.org.

Categories: parenting

Character Training

I know we've talked about having "J.O.Y." ( Jesus, Others, Yourself) in a previous blog but the kids and I have been memorizing a verse that really hides this truth in their hearts. Matthew 22:37-39 says this,

"Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

We need to be continually helping our children ( and ourselves) hide the Word of God in their hearts. They need to know that these aren't just rules we set up, but that God himself did. All of our rules need to have a moral or a safety value behind it and we need to be able to share with our children those values. We need to share the "why" of the rules so that our children can apply them to other situations. For instance, "Bobby, share the toy with Johnny." is instructive but it doesn't allow the child to know "why" he should be nice and share. However, if we have previously taught Bobby the value of loving others and putting others first we can say, "Bobby, are you thinking of others first by not sharing that toy?". We are teaching a value not merely issuing a command. Teaching values is what creates a Godly character. Look for the verses in the Bible that you can teach your children, for they should be the foundation of all character training.

Categories: parenting

Teaching the Truth at Easter

At Easter, as with Christmas, we parents have a great opportunity to focus the holiday on Jesus instead of the Easter bunny, candy, and baskets. Here's an easy way to teach your children the salvation message. For fun, we decorated foam cut out in the shape of eggs (eggs are a symbol of new life - which can be used to symbolize the new life we have in Jesus) in each of these colors and made them into Easter wordless books. We "read" them often so that our kids remember and can recite the salvation message.

Gold – reminds us of heaven and how great it us but we can't go with sin!
Black – reminds us that we all have sin and can't get rid of it ourselves.
Red – reminds us that God loves us so much that he sent Jesus to die for us to take away our sin.
White – reminds us that we can be cleansed from sin if we will believe in Jesus.
Green – reminds us that when we trust Jesus we begin to grow more like Him.

Duet 6:7 commands us as parents to talk to our children about God's commandments. It says to “talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you wake up.” We have a wonderful opprtunity to do just that at Easter. Focus on the Family website has some great ideas to help us as parents to teach about Easter. You can go to www.focusonyourchild.com/faith and click on “Finding Easter in Bunnies and Baskets”. I think you and your family will be blessed if you do!

Categories: holidays, parenting

Happy 10th Anniversary

This blog is dedicated to my husband of 10 years today! So many memories flash through my mind as I think of the last 10 years. From watching him him tear up as I walked down the aisle, gently rocking our first son, Connor, on the day he was born, going to Home Depot at 10:00p.m. to get me an air conditioner while I was pregnant with the twins so that I could sleep. ( Most women send their husbands out for food - not me , I needed a $600 air conditioner - now!) The years have had some down moments but for the most part we have been blessed by being together, our family and friends, a great church and delightful children.

I am so grateful that God sent me someone who is a partner in our parenting, home schooling and everything else that comes our way. I love you, Scott, and can't wait to see what the next 10 years have in store for us!

Categories: parenting

Surprised by Joy

Lately I have been reading much of C.S. Lewis. I just finished "Surprised by Joy" which is an account of Lewis' early life and his conversion to Christianity. One paragraph particularly caught my attention:

"In reading Chesterton, as in reading Mac Donald, I did not know what I was letting myself in for. A young man who wishes to remain a sound Atheist cannot be too careful of his reading. There are traps everywhere- " Bibles laid open, millions of surprises," as Herbert says, " fine nets and stratagems." God is, if I may say it, very unscrupulous."

As parents we must also be unscrupulous in managing what goes into our children . We need to make sure and provide them with books and thoughts that lead them to God. We never know what will grab our children's attention and may be used later for God's pleasure. In Psalms it says "Your Word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against you." We must be sure to help our children hide the word of God in their heart but also provide them with other materials that peak their interest towards God.

In our home we are reading "The Chronicles of Narnia". In knowing Aslan our children can more fully understand Jesus. I also love George MacDonald's "The Princess and Curdie" and the "The Princess and the Goblins." " At the Back of the North Wind" is wonderful as well. For the younger ones we enjoy reading "Jeremy, the Tale of an Honest Bunny" by Jan Karon. Books on tape are a fun way to introduce them to great literature.

Categories: parenting

Valentines

Just a quick note with Valentines Day approaching, remember to include your children in your celebrations. Absolutely, take some time with your husband or wife to spend some quality alone time but make sure you make a point of letting your children how much you love them. Make a special breakfast with a handmade note and a few candies for each child or have a fun Valentine's Party with their friends. My husband not only brings me flowers every year but our daughter as well. She melts at the sight of the flower that Daddy gives her and insists on keeping it in her room where she can see it right before she goes to sleep. Our children are a blessing from God and we need to make a point of telling them that they are precious to us.

Categories: parenting

Getting along

This weekend we went to Snow Mountain Ranch near Winter Park, CO to celebrate my birthday. We haven't had much snow this year so I was missing the cold. We went sledding and tubing had a bit of a snow fight and made snow angels. We also went swimming and played a little basketball, all in all we had a great time. At Snow Mtn Ranch there are no T.V.'s or radios ( we did have to find a restuarant with a T.V. for the Broncos game) and you are forced to spend all your time together. Spending all your time together in the same room shows much about your children's relationship with each other. I love that my kids are best friends, they really are, I'm not just saying that. Some advice that we were given by other parents who seemed to have children that enjoyed being together:

1. Don't allow tattle telling. Make them work it out, you'll only get in the way. ( We allow them to come to us only after they've talked to each other or in cases of physical harm.)

2. Don't allow name calling - ever.

3. If one child has wronged another make them say sorry, ask for forgiveness and make it right.

4. Verbally reiterate that "We are a family that loves each other and are each other's best friends."

5. Make time for them to play together. Our rule is that if they can't play nicely together then they don't have the privilege of playing with other children.

I pray this works. I've seen this workwith other families who have created strong family relationships marked with respect and care for each other. If this weekend was an indication, I think we are on a road marked with success.

Categories: parenting

The J.O.Y. Patrol

Merry Christmas! The Christmas play is over, so I'm able to blog again! Here's a picture of Connor as Joseph and his friend, Lindsay, as Mary. Amongst the busyness we've tried to keep our Advent traditions going, most with success. One of the advent activities that our family enjoys is being the "J.O.Y. Patrol". Romans 12:10 says, "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves." and John 13:35 says, " By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you lone one another."

The "J.O.Y. Patrol" stands for Jesus, Others, Yourself. Using this my children ( and myself) can remember what our priorities should be. God should always be placed first in our lives, then we should think of others needs and only after that our own. We've had fun making badges and door hangers with J.O.Y. on them as a helpful reminder. The kids enjoy having a secret name for doing the right thing.

There are many things you can do during the Christmas season as the J.O.Y. patrol. We bake cookies for our neighbors, give coins to the Salvation Army, make shoebox presents and generally just keep aware of opportunites to give. We don't do big things but hopefully things that show love to others.

Categories: parenting, advent

Taking Time for Tea

Yesterday my little girl, Caileigh, asked if I could play tea. I said that I couldn't, for I have a Christmas play to direct, laundry to fold and put away, dinner to make, presents to wrap, a budget to go over, and numerous other things that need to be done. Sweetly, Caileigh offered to help. She helped me put my laundry away, sang the Christmas play for me and wrote a label for Daddy's present. Caileigh didn't whine or complain that I wouldn't play she just wanted to be with Mommy. After an hour or so, I finally realized that all these things weren't very important. The play will go on, laundry can always sit in the basket, I could pull out a Supper Solutions dinner and everything else could just wait but Caileigh will only be four once. Soon she won't want me to have a tea party with her, she'll want to be with her friends. So, Caileigh and I had our tea party, we dressed up in funny outfits and called each other dahling. Caileigh made cookies in her pretend stove and we talked about all the things little girls like to talk about. We had a wonderful time. Perhaps next time Caileigh asks to have tea, I'll remember this lesson right away, laundry can wait but little childhood won't.

Categories: parenting

Advent

I love Christmas, I start putting the decorations and lights up as soon as my husband will get them up from the basement, which is usually the day after Thanksgiving. Some of my friends think I'm a little bit (okay a lot) off my rocker, but I get as excited as child as Christmas approaches. What I don't love at christmas is the “ I wants”. You know, “Mom, I want this new toy that just came out “ or “Mom, I need to write my 200 page list to Santa telling him what I want.” As parents we have to put extra effort in to combat the commercialism and materialism that abounds at christmas. We need to make sure that our children throughly understand that “Jesus is the reason for the season”.

Make (or buy but making is more fun) an advent wreath. This can be a fun way to start the season. The word “Advent” as defined by Webster means “arrival”. By observing advent the four sundays before Christmas we are looking forward to the arrival of Jesus' birth.

One fun activity for the first advent Sunday is to make a prayer chain for the number of days until Christmas and write a name or a character trait we pray for each day until Christmas.

See also: parenting

Little Eyes

Little eyes sometimes seem to notice everything that you don't want them to notice. At the mall, they notice the store with scary items in the front window or the store with the beautiful woman posing in underwear. There are so many things these days that are inappropriate for little eyes to see that it gets exhausting having to tell them," Don't look at that!". Isaiah 33 :14 & 15 says,
"He who walks righteously and speaks what is right, who rejects gain from extortion and keeps his hand from accepting bribes, who stops his ears against plots of murder and shuts his eyes against contemplating evil- ¹⁶ this is the man who will dwell on the heights, whose refuge will be the mountain fortress. His bread will be supplied, and water will not fail him."

We need to teach our little ones to shut their eyes from contemplating evil. At this year's homeschool convention I heard a speaker talk about how she taught her children an "eye bounce". An eye bounce is simply bouncing your eye from the inappropriate sight to something else, quickly. This is an easy way to teach your kids ( especially useful for boys as they get older) to eye bounce away from things that God doesn't want in our mind's eye and our heart. I also taught my children the little song " Be careful little eyes what you see, be careful little eyes what you see, For the Father up above is looking down in love so be careful little eyes what you see." This helps them to remembe that God does care what they see and what they put into their little innocent hearts.

Use the eye bounce this week as you go to the mall or anywhere in public that you can quietly remind them to "eye bounce" away from things that are not appropriate. Make it a game and have fun with it, just beware of funny looks as your children (if they're anything like mine) yell "Eye bounce" in chorus.

See also: parenting