Yes, it's late, no, I'm not sleeping. I'm awake, not sure why, but pondering all that I have to do and wondering if my plate isn't a bit too full. This all must sound very redundant and repetitive to all my readers.
This homeschooling thing is great and terrible, wonderful and exhausting, amazing and frustrating. It's what I've wanted and nothing I imagined. Mostly, I'm pregnant and tired, which, as you know, I didn't really factor into this year. Today I started Ella on a longish assignment and snuck into bed with Harper. What?
I read these blogs with women who have ten children, have a clean house, grind their own wheat for bread, and teach at home. Is a drug on the market I don't know about? How do they do it? I'm not sure that I can. Realizing this doesn't mean I'm a failure or that homeschooling is a terrible idea. I actually love it, but the limitations I foresee are in me. Tonight I'm realizing that maybe next year it may not be in the cards for this family. I have a little boy who needs time and patience to learn to talk and a new baby needing my whole being....in the middle of the night no less. I don't have family close willing to pitch in, and Jason does so much already. Tonight I'm ready to look at all our options.
So before I sneak off for a nap tomorrow, I'll be spending some time thinking about next year...maybe even next semester.
Showing posts with label Child Talk. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Child Talk. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Praise Be!
Proverbs 11:21,24-25
The offspring of the righteous will be delivered.....One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.
Ella and I read Proverbs 11 together and it was so full we could hardly pick a favorite verse to copy this morning for handwriting.
The good news for this cloudy, cold morning is that Harper Joy prayed to ask Jesus to come into her heart and forgive her of her sins last night with her daddy. I was busily working at CVS scouting out the deals, when a little voice called me. She said, "Mommy, I asked Jesus in my heart, I cleaned the playroom, and can we go to Dylan's house?" The mind of a four year old is something to behold.
The gospel is ever present in our home. We use several moments in our day to explain to our children their need for Christ, our need for Christ as parents, and the many other people in our lives need for Christ. When our child is disciplined we explain sin and how we all have a need for a saviour. If we simply addressed behavior in our children they would become legalist who have no need for a heart change, simply a Pharisee learning how to perform.
Harper has a lifetime to go to understand what she did last night. The Lord has begun a great work in her long before yesterday. She is a child of the Covenant and the rich blessings of the Lord will be with her throughout her days. Pray for her young heart that she would desire to be faithful to Christ, hate sin, and live in the freedom of knowing Jesus. Praise Be!
The offspring of the righteous will be delivered.....One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.
Ella and I read Proverbs 11 together and it was so full we could hardly pick a favorite verse to copy this morning for handwriting.
The good news for this cloudy, cold morning is that Harper Joy prayed to ask Jesus to come into her heart and forgive her of her sins last night with her daddy. I was busily working at CVS scouting out the deals, when a little voice called me. She said, "Mommy, I asked Jesus in my heart, I cleaned the playroom, and can we go to Dylan's house?" The mind of a four year old is something to behold.
The gospel is ever present in our home. We use several moments in our day to explain to our children their need for Christ, our need for Christ as parents, and the many other people in our lives need for Christ. When our child is disciplined we explain sin and how we all have a need for a saviour. If we simply addressed behavior in our children they would become legalist who have no need for a heart change, simply a Pharisee learning how to perform.
Harper has a lifetime to go to understand what she did last night. The Lord has begun a great work in her long before yesterday. She is a child of the Covenant and the rich blessings of the Lord will be with her throughout her days. Pray for her young heart that she would desire to be faithful to Christ, hate sin, and live in the freedom of knowing Jesus. Praise Be!
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Little Pills
My husband and I regularly offer our children "little pills." We give them vitamins, but we tell them they are used to keep them small. We so cherish this time with our children. We know it is fleeting and full. We are especially enjoying right now because all of the children are sleeping through the night. We know when #4 comes our nights will be long. So, before I'm huge and uncomfortable or with newborn and tired, I'm going to use this blog to cherish my children.
Last week I wrote about Ella Grace our oldest daughter. I have spent the afternoon with my sweet ticket number two. Harper Joy Sonnet Tippetts. For a little person, she has a big name. And little she is. Last week she put on her bothers 18 month pants and the fit. They were short, but they were actually big around the waist.
She is a yummy little bite of sweet sweet, love. She has many quirky speech issues that are endearing and she is my lap child. She has the cutest space between her front teeth and she often tells me she has an "impertinent question." She means important, but I just cannot bring myself to correct her.
In public, she is quiet and a bit shy. In private, watch out! When, in a group, she doesn't seek attention, but she notices everything. She remembers things to the most minute detail. She wakes up kind and doesn't need a nap in order to have a good attitude. She struggles sharing with her brother, but adores her big sister. She is intense with her schooling. She loves handwriting. She always wants to be the first to pray. Not really for the love of prayer, but more the love of being first. I'll take it how I can get it. Her prayers are sweet and long.
What a gift our children are!
Friday, October 31, 2008
Eleanor Grace
I have never had the perspective that any one form of education is better than another. So far, we have done private school, we are currently homeschooling, and see the prospect of public school to be a good option too. We have always said one year at a time. We prayerfully decide year by year. We try to be careful and prayerful about these decisions. They have not been easy, and no option is perfect this side of heaven.
Ella has missed her friends from school last year, but has also made new friendships that she enjoys. What I love most about this year is the nearness and time I have with Ella. She has grown in affection and gentleness. She has always been very kind hearted, but the time at home this year has certainly brought the two of us closer. We talked yesterday about how she prefers her school but really does like the time at home as a family. She said she would like to be at school, but would miss being here. Very mature. I understand. Change is hard for all of us.
During that conversation, I looked at her and told her my favorite part of teaching her is that I really like her. I do. I really like who she is as a person. I like who she is becoming. I like talking to her. I love hours of reading together. We cry about the same things. We talk about things that I find fascinating. She enjoys helping with her siblings and plays such creative games with them. And laugh, Ella has the BEST laugh. It is loud, high, and terrific. I can be three rooms away and hear it. My favorite is at night when she and her sister are in bed giggling from their room. It's music to my ears.
To sum this year up, it's been hard, it hasn't been all that I've expected it to be. But the time getting to know Ella in a new way has been priceless. She encourages me to want to be a better teacher. Most of all, I really, truly enjoy my daughter. Who knows what next year will hold, but this has been a worthy year learning about my daughter.
Ella has missed her friends from school last year, but has also made new friendships that she enjoys. What I love most about this year is the nearness and time I have with Ella. She has grown in affection and gentleness. She has always been very kind hearted, but the time at home this year has certainly brought the two of us closer. We talked yesterday about how she prefers her school but really does like the time at home as a family. She said she would like to be at school, but would miss being here. Very mature. I understand. Change is hard for all of us.
During that conversation, I looked at her and told her my favorite part of teaching her is that I really like her. I do. I really like who she is as a person. I like who she is becoming. I like talking to her. I love hours of reading together. We cry about the same things. We talk about things that I find fascinating. She enjoys helping with her siblings and plays such creative games with them. And laugh, Ella has the BEST laugh. It is loud, high, and terrific. I can be three rooms away and hear it. My favorite is at night when she and her sister are in bed giggling from their room. It's music to my ears.
To sum this year up, it's been hard, it hasn't been all that I've expected it to be. But the time getting to know Ella in a new way has been priceless. She encourages me to want to be a better teacher. Most of all, I really, truly enjoy my daughter. Who knows what next year will hold, but this has been a worthy year learning about my daughter.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Getting Caught
Exodus 2:12
He looked this way and that, and seeing no one, he struck down the Egyptian and hid him in the sand.
I love this verse. Don't we all do a little of looking this way and that when we are about to sin? We look around to see who is watching us before we share choice words we really shouldn't choose. That looking... should be our first flag to stop what it is we are sneaking to do.
Yesterday, when going to the playground at our house, one of my children grabbed a toy off the counter I had taken away from another child. I had allowed two of them to go a few minutes ahead of me onto the playground while I changed a diaper. Well, when the toy was spotted from the child I had taken it from...well you get the point. Because, that really wasn't the point.
When I asked about the toy, the answer was, "I don't really remember." Another child quickly said, "they brought it out behind their back." The sinner then said, "Maybe she is right, but I don't remember."
It was such a great opportunity for growth for my child. I discussed how it wasn't the toy that was the offense but the lie and being sneaky. I shared my own moments of being sneaky that resulted in me choosing sin. It was one of those moments in parenting where you realize the Lord is reaching the heart of the child.
Later, my daughter told my friend she had a tough day with sin. I thank God for my friend and her honesty. She said, "I know what you mean, today I said things I should not have, I thought things I should not have, and I did things I should not do." "Have you found the forgiveness you need?" Yes, was the answer from my child. I felt so very proud of the redemption that is happening in the heart of my child.
We also talked about how much the Lord loves us, that He would care enough to catch us in our sin! That He brings people in our lives and conviction in our hearts to break us of our sin, and draws us nearer to Himself. I hope you get found out in your sin today! May His grace lead you home. It is a prayer of my heart that my kid's sin is found out. And that they are gently led to the truth of God's grace and forgiveness to the point that they want more of Him and less of themselves.
He looked this way and that, and seeing no one, he struck down the Egyptian and hid him in the sand.
I love this verse. Don't we all do a little of looking this way and that when we are about to sin? We look around to see who is watching us before we share choice words we really shouldn't choose. That looking... should be our first flag to stop what it is we are sneaking to do.
Yesterday, when going to the playground at our house, one of my children grabbed a toy off the counter I had taken away from another child. I had allowed two of them to go a few minutes ahead of me onto the playground while I changed a diaper. Well, when the toy was spotted from the child I had taken it from...well you get the point. Because, that really wasn't the point.
When I asked about the toy, the answer was, "I don't really remember." Another child quickly said, "they brought it out behind their back." The sinner then said, "Maybe she is right, but I don't remember."
It was such a great opportunity for growth for my child. I discussed how it wasn't the toy that was the offense but the lie and being sneaky. I shared my own moments of being sneaky that resulted in me choosing sin. It was one of those moments in parenting where you realize the Lord is reaching the heart of the child.
Later, my daughter told my friend she had a tough day with sin. I thank God for my friend and her honesty. She said, "I know what you mean, today I said things I should not have, I thought things I should not have, and I did things I should not do." "Have you found the forgiveness you need?" Yes, was the answer from my child. I felt so very proud of the redemption that is happening in the heart of my child.
We also talked about how much the Lord loves us, that He would care enough to catch us in our sin! That He brings people in our lives and conviction in our hearts to break us of our sin, and draws us nearer to Himself. I hope you get found out in your sin today! May His grace lead you home. It is a prayer of my heart that my kid's sin is found out. And that they are gently led to the truth of God's grace and forgiveness to the point that they want more of Him and less of themselves.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Lake Update
Lake and I headed for Asheville this morning to have his hearing checked. He was so sweet. It is rare for him and I to have time alone. He is such a special heart. I think part of my worry over his speech comes from my eagerness to hear what he has to say. That said, I may be missing all that he "is" saying without words. He is sweet meat, and I make many meals from him every day. Could you just chew on those cheeks?
Well, his hearing is normal. We are now headed to speech therapy. Oh blah dee, oh blah da, life goes on! It is such a privilege to shepard these sweet hearts, isn't it? What do you love about being a mom (or dad) today? Today, I love I'm the one my kids come running to, to give a hug and a silly story. And diaper bottoms, and ouchies that really aren't there, but just a ploy to get some love. And love I have! Thank you Jesus for little ones! I am rich because of these children.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Build Them Up!
Proverbs 11:12-14
Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding remains silent. Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered. Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.
Have you ever been in the presence of a friend when one of their children fails to be obedient? How did they handle it? How do you handle it when your children don't obey you in the presence of family and friends? Sometimes I think these particular tests come to us as parents to humble us. We are so busy comparing, contrasting, one upping, that we forget to be the "abundance of counselors," that which proverbs is speaking.
I have seen many a mom snap at children in the presence of their friends out of frustration. I'm not immune to this myself. But the greatest education for me is the look on the child's face after being publicly "disciplined." I see embarrassment, shame, and frustration. I do believe one of the great challenges as parents is to encourage first time obedience. Oh my, it is a long long road to get there. I have yet to arrive, but I'm seeking it. The fifth commandment is honor your father and mother. The first commandment with a promise. I want my children to have long days.
We cannot hope for our children to desire to honor us if we belittle them in public. I am a firm believer that discipline should never, never, never happen in public. If possible, not in front of other siblings as well. Trust me, they all know what is happening in the other room. Take the time to go into another room and deal with their disobedience as the Lord would have you.
If the behavior of your children makes you angry, you must first look at your own heart. Have you avoided discipline until it has gone too far? Are you needing to apologize and ask the forgiveness of you children for not dealing with issues of the heart? Are you parenting in your own strength, and need to more deeply depend on the grace of God? Have you let attitudes go undisciplined, and now you don't know where to begin?
When I realized that I was asking and asking for obedience from one of my children over and over until my jaw was tense and I was full of frustration. I had to first apologize to my child for my lack of dealing with the disobedience early. I then explained that from this point on they would have a consequence for that particular behavior immediately. First I had to repent. And the disobedience stopped and my repentance.
I have a sister who always points out the bathroom in any given public place. She reminds the child that just because they are in public does not mean they are immune from discipline. Most times that is all that is needed. Kids enjoy knowing the boundary. If we set the expectation high before we go in public and praise them generously when they reach it, we will be training that first time obedience their heart needs. Every week before church we have the same conversation about what we expect of our children in worship. It may seem redundant, but it works. At Sunday lunch, we praise obedience and talk about ways we can improve.
I know it may be an inconvenience to leave a room with a child, but remember your child's heart is more important than time with friends. And friends, let's build one another up. Tell a mom when she handles her discipline with grace and patience that you love her. Call a friend today that stays home and tell her two things you have seen her do great with her kids. Let's spend more time in building up one another rather than comparing ourselves to one another.
Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding remains silent. Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered. Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.
Have you ever been in the presence of a friend when one of their children fails to be obedient? How did they handle it? How do you handle it when your children don't obey you in the presence of family and friends? Sometimes I think these particular tests come to us as parents to humble us. We are so busy comparing, contrasting, one upping, that we forget to be the "abundance of counselors," that which proverbs is speaking.
I have seen many a mom snap at children in the presence of their friends out of frustration. I'm not immune to this myself. But the greatest education for me is the look on the child's face after being publicly "disciplined." I see embarrassment, shame, and frustration. I do believe one of the great challenges as parents is to encourage first time obedience. Oh my, it is a long long road to get there. I have yet to arrive, but I'm seeking it. The fifth commandment is honor your father and mother. The first commandment with a promise. I want my children to have long days.
We cannot hope for our children to desire to honor us if we belittle them in public. I am a firm believer that discipline should never, never, never happen in public. If possible, not in front of other siblings as well. Trust me, they all know what is happening in the other room. Take the time to go into another room and deal with their disobedience as the Lord would have you.
If the behavior of your children makes you angry, you must first look at your own heart. Have you avoided discipline until it has gone too far? Are you needing to apologize and ask the forgiveness of you children for not dealing with issues of the heart? Are you parenting in your own strength, and need to more deeply depend on the grace of God? Have you let attitudes go undisciplined, and now you don't know where to begin?
When I realized that I was asking and asking for obedience from one of my children over and over until my jaw was tense and I was full of frustration. I had to first apologize to my child for my lack of dealing with the disobedience early. I then explained that from this point on they would have a consequence for that particular behavior immediately. First I had to repent. And the disobedience stopped and my repentance.
I have a sister who always points out the bathroom in any given public place. She reminds the child that just because they are in public does not mean they are immune from discipline. Most times that is all that is needed. Kids enjoy knowing the boundary. If we set the expectation high before we go in public and praise them generously when they reach it, we will be training that first time obedience their heart needs. Every week before church we have the same conversation about what we expect of our children in worship. It may seem redundant, but it works. At Sunday lunch, we praise obedience and talk about ways we can improve.
I know it may be an inconvenience to leave a room with a child, but remember your child's heart is more important than time with friends. And friends, let's build one another up. Tell a mom when she handles her discipline with grace and patience that you love her. Call a friend today that stays home and tell her two things you have seen her do great with her kids. Let's spend more time in building up one another rather than comparing ourselves to one another.
Friday, July 4, 2008
No more nagging! Help for those endless toys!
Hip Hip Hooray Daddy is Home Today!
Proverbs 4:23
Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. Put away from you crooked speech, and put devious talk far from you.
This morning I just want to quickly add a practical parenting tip that we are just in the process of starting. I have combined something I learned from Love and Logic with another new idea. I cannot take credit for either.
I hate to be a nag about picking up toys. More than that, I find that it is my oldest daughter that will do all the picking up of toys. Both unacceptable. Before rest time and bed time Jason and I tell the kids, "Feel free to keep the toys you put away." We also give plenty of kid time for them to clean up the mess. You know, clean a minute, play a minute, twirl a minute. We often play fun oldies music while cleaning. I always enjoy loud music when I'm cleaning to keep me focused.
Once they have had plenty of time, we proceed to teeth, bed, etc.... Any toys that are left out, we then put in a penalty box. Our box is just a large plastic tub. You can be as creative as you'd like. We chose a place out of sight for the box. There is nothing worse than a kid weeping over a toy all day. Most often, the kids don't even know it's missing. They have so many toys.
Saturday morning we get out the penalty box, and the kids must choose a chore per toy to get it back. If they don't care to rescue the toy with an extra chore, then it is a toy ready to be donated to charity. A toy with no value to a child will never be picked up. Put on music, enjoy doing the extra chores, and watch your children find a new appreciation for their toys.
We are still in process with this concept, but we are motivated. Please let me know if this works for you or any other ideas. It has allowed my heart to be kind when it comes to messes. some days the monotony of picking up toys was giving my life the feeling of total futility. I have a friend who said her daughter would say, "I don't care, just take my toys." I would bet the time would come where the toys would dwindle down enough to motivate a few chores. Give it a try. It's a fun way to teach personal responsibility. And it reduces the nagging!
Proverbs 4:23
Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. Put away from you crooked speech, and put devious talk far from you.
This morning I just want to quickly add a practical parenting tip that we are just in the process of starting. I have combined something I learned from Love and Logic with another new idea. I cannot take credit for either.
I hate to be a nag about picking up toys. More than that, I find that it is my oldest daughter that will do all the picking up of toys. Both unacceptable. Before rest time and bed time Jason and I tell the kids, "Feel free to keep the toys you put away." We also give plenty of kid time for them to clean up the mess. You know, clean a minute, play a minute, twirl a minute. We often play fun oldies music while cleaning. I always enjoy loud music when I'm cleaning to keep me focused.
Once they have had plenty of time, we proceed to teeth, bed, etc.... Any toys that are left out, we then put in a penalty box. Our box is just a large plastic tub. You can be as creative as you'd like. We chose a place out of sight for the box. There is nothing worse than a kid weeping over a toy all day. Most often, the kids don't even know it's missing. They have so many toys.
Saturday morning we get out the penalty box, and the kids must choose a chore per toy to get it back. If they don't care to rescue the toy with an extra chore, then it is a toy ready to be donated to charity. A toy with no value to a child will never be picked up. Put on music, enjoy doing the extra chores, and watch your children find a new appreciation for their toys.
We are still in process with this concept, but we are motivated. Please let me know if this works for you or any other ideas. It has allowed my heart to be kind when it comes to messes. some days the monotony of picking up toys was giving my life the feeling of total futility. I have a friend who said her daughter would say, "I don't care, just take my toys." I would bet the time would come where the toys would dwindle down enough to motivate a few chores. Give it a try. It's a fun way to teach personal responsibility. And it reduces the nagging!
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Love is Kind
It ceases to amaze me how many people I know combine discipline with anger. When I challenge a Bible study or group of women that both discipline and kindness can exist together, I get looks of confusion.
Recently at a bridal shower I spoke to the issue of 1Corinthians 13 verse, "Love is kind." I challenged the women to love their husbands with kindness. It is kindness that will make an impact on our families much more than a rant. Roman 2:4 God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance. When I sat down after speaking an older woman proceeded to speak poorly of her husband. I just sat in disbelief and exhaustion from having just spoken (it is taxing on ones spirit to share). She must have seen my dismay. She turned to me and said, "I'm just too old to learn." Is God truly that powerless?! I think not, because He changed my hard heart.
As kindness relates to parenting, ask yourself how your tone with your children is when you are frustrated? Do you snap when a mess is made? After disciplining your children, do they draw near to you or are they distant? Even in your toughest moments as a parent the Lord has an abundant supply of His kindness for you as you direct the hearts of your children.
As parents, it is our duty and God's plan for us to discipline. Kindness certainly never means ignoring the sins of our children. I am always humbled by the high calling of discipline when I read in 1 Samuel of Eli's refusal to discipline his sons. Here is what God had to say about it. It was the first thing He chose to speak to Samuel about.
1Samuel 3:11
Then the Lord said to Samuel, "Behold, I am about to do a thing in Israel at which the two ears of everyone who hears it will tingle. On that day I will fulfill against Eli all that I have spoken concerning his house, from beginning to end. And I declare to him that I am about to punish his house forever, for the iniquity that he knew, because his sons were blaspheming God, and he did not restrain them. Therefore I swear to the house of Eli that the iniquity of Eli's house shall not be atoned for by sacrifice or offering forever."
I have often shared these scriptures while disciplining my children. To ignore the discipline of our children is a sin, and God longs for us to direct the hearts of our children. Many have gone before me to encourage me in my discipline, and I am continually learning and growing. Proverbs and Shepherding Your Child's Heart by Tedd Tripp have been the greatest encouragement to Jason and I. Our church actually went through the video series that goes along with the book. It's insight was tremendous. As parents, I believe it is easy to get hung up on the behavior of our children and miss dealing with their hearts. If I don't point my children to their own sinful heart, how will they ever see a need for a savior? And if my discipline is angry and harsh, how will they view discipline from God?
Proverbs 3:11,12
My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.
I pray for the Lord's discipline in my own life. I am ever grateful for the moments where His Spirit is dealing with my sinful, unkind heart. I fear the moment of His silence concerning my sinful nature.
Today is a day to love the hearts of our children with the Kindness from the Lord. Only then will we see change in the hearts of our children. If you struggle with anger in discipline I would love to encourage you. Not that I have attained all this, but I am striving to take hold of it.
Recently at a bridal shower I spoke to the issue of 1Corinthians 13 verse, "Love is kind." I challenged the women to love their husbands with kindness. It is kindness that will make an impact on our families much more than a rant. Roman 2:4 God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance. When I sat down after speaking an older woman proceeded to speak poorly of her husband. I just sat in disbelief and exhaustion from having just spoken (it is taxing on ones spirit to share). She must have seen my dismay. She turned to me and said, "I'm just too old to learn." Is God truly that powerless?! I think not, because He changed my hard heart.
As kindness relates to parenting, ask yourself how your tone with your children is when you are frustrated? Do you snap when a mess is made? After disciplining your children, do they draw near to you or are they distant? Even in your toughest moments as a parent the Lord has an abundant supply of His kindness for you as you direct the hearts of your children.
As parents, it is our duty and God's plan for us to discipline. Kindness certainly never means ignoring the sins of our children. I am always humbled by the high calling of discipline when I read in 1 Samuel of Eli's refusal to discipline his sons. Here is what God had to say about it. It was the first thing He chose to speak to Samuel about.
1Samuel 3:11
Then the Lord said to Samuel, "Behold, I am about to do a thing in Israel at which the two ears of everyone who hears it will tingle. On that day I will fulfill against Eli all that I have spoken concerning his house, from beginning to end. And I declare to him that I am about to punish his house forever, for the iniquity that he knew, because his sons were blaspheming God, and he did not restrain them. Therefore I swear to the house of Eli that the iniquity of Eli's house shall not be atoned for by sacrifice or offering forever."
I have often shared these scriptures while disciplining my children. To ignore the discipline of our children is a sin, and God longs for us to direct the hearts of our children. Many have gone before me to encourage me in my discipline, and I am continually learning and growing. Proverbs and Shepherding Your Child's Heart by Tedd Tripp have been the greatest encouragement to Jason and I. Our church actually went through the video series that goes along with the book. It's insight was tremendous. As parents, I believe it is easy to get hung up on the behavior of our children and miss dealing with their hearts. If I don't point my children to their own sinful heart, how will they ever see a need for a savior? And if my discipline is angry and harsh, how will they view discipline from God?
Proverbs 3:11,12
My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.
I pray for the Lord's discipline in my own life. I am ever grateful for the moments where His Spirit is dealing with my sinful, unkind heart. I fear the moment of His silence concerning my sinful nature.
Today is a day to love the hearts of our children with the Kindness from the Lord. Only then will we see change in the hearts of our children. If you struggle with anger in discipline I would love to encourage you. Not that I have attained all this, but I am striving to take hold of it.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
