The Mission Field in My Home

During a recent ladies class, I was reminded and encouraged about the importance of the mission field in my home: my children. As I was meditating again on the importance of the mission field in my home, a thought about my mission work struck me in a way it hadn’t before.

I know that I am uniquely well-suited to teach the mission field in my home, well, because after all they are my children, and I should have the closest relationship with them. I’ve been with them from the beginning. I know their fears and joys. I know their weaknesses and struggles. I know their tender hearts and their lively spirits. I know their experiences, and how their experiences have molded them into the person they are.

But I’m also uniquely well-suited to teach the mission field in my home because I don’t just get to plant the seed of the Word in my children’s hearts, I get to prepare the soil where I will plant the seed. In the parable of the sower (Matthew 13:1-23; Mark 4:1-20; Luke 8:4-15) Jesus describes the seed (the word) being sown on different soil types. Some seed is snatched up by the devil; some seed grows in rocky ground,  has no roots and withers away; some seed grows among the thorns and is choked out; and some seed grows in good soil and bears fruit. I need to prepare my children’s hearts so that their hearts are “noble and good” (Luke 8:15), ready to receive the word and produce fruit.

I must be careful to not allow the truth of God’s Word to be snatched away from my children. As a Christian mother, I am commanded to be a homemaker or a keeper of the home, literally meaning to guard the home (Titus 2:5). Do I guard my home from influences that would steal the seed from my children?

I must also be careful to not place rocks or thorns in my children’s soil. Do I place rocks in their soil by undermining their future faith in God’s Word by my actions? My life must exemplify faith in God inside and outside the home. My children will not be fooled; for example, they will know if I am submissive to my husband and if I speak kind words. If I am hypocritical, I am placing rocks in my children’s soil.

Do I place thorns in their soil by teaching them to love material things or to be worried with the things in this world? My children will see if my emphasis is on the material rather than the spiritual; if I am storing up treasures on earth rather than treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21).

Rather, I must nurture my children’s soil by teaching them to love God’s Word. I must nurture my children’s soil by teaching them the importance of respect and obedience. I must nurture my children’s soil by teaching them about self-sacrificing love.

Though all souls are precious, the souls in my home hold a particularly precious place in my heart. The mission field in my home is a constant work and blessing. Am I placing rocks or thorns in my children’s soil? Am I allowing the seed to be thrown to the wayside where it can be quickly snatched away? Or am I preparing my children’s soil as a farmer would before planting the seed so that their hearts are ready to receive the Word which is able to save their souls (James 1:21)?

Baby Gear I’m Loving Lately

I’ve written a couple posts in the past about my favorite baby gear, but since I’ve had Luke, I’ve gotten to try a few new items out.

1. Rock n’ Play Sleeper. I love this thing! It is easy to move around the house and it is also easy to use while traveling (and takes up less packing room than a pack and play!). I also like the relined position, particularly since Luke has reflux. I like how easy it is to grab him out of this for the middle of the night feedings as well (I don’t have to get out of bed). I also liked that I could sleep/lay in bed and rock him back to sleep when he was smaller (now that he is bigger the rocking isn’t as effective).
2. Boon Grass Drying Rack. This thing may look crazy, but it is great! Many different baby items from medicine droppers, pump parts, bottle parts, and pacifiers stick on this drying rack without being easily knocked over.
3. My Baby Sound Spa On The Go. Luke loves white noise, and this conveniently hangs from his car seat. The only downside is that I didn’t get this until AFTER he was already used to the white noise on my phone which I can turn up louder than this. It also plays music and other sounds.
4. Vera Bradley Diaper Bag. I’ve gone through a few different diaper bags, and this one has been my favorite so far. It is a good size (not too big, not too small). I actually found the pockets (particularly on the outside) to be functional for my use. Bonus: I got a great deal on it at a Vera Bradley outlet!

2014 Goals

For the past couple of years, I’ve made a point to write out specific goals at the start of the year. Though I fell short in many of my goals last year (for lots of reasons, some legitimate, some not so much), I find that writing these goals out really helps me to focus and reflect. Many goals are the same as in the past years; some because I didn’t complete them and others because they ought to continually be on the list.

Spiritual Goals:

• Daily Bible Reading
• Focused/Planned Bible Study
• Write Bible study lessons (and execute them) for the kids.
• Continue using the Scripture Memory System with the kids (and me!). We started this system last year, and I really loved it! However, I started slacking off though in completing this with the kids, and I want to get back on track with it. 
• Develop a deeper and more specific prayer life.
• Make an effort to be aware of others’ needs.
• Make an effort to encourage brothers and sisters in Christ.
• Always be ready and eager to share the gospel.

House Goals:

• Get the house organized, and purged of excess junk at the beginning of the year.  I feel like this is a never-ending project. I cleaned things out fairly well before having Luke, but I still need to clean out more!
• Clear out and organize the kids' rooms and playroom. 
• Teach (and enforce) good habits to the kids for keeping their areas picked up. This will be particularly important once Luke becomes mobile.
• Have a garage sale.
• Keep up with Flylady’s daily assignments to help keep the house in a manageable state.
• Handle papers (mail, or otherwise) when they come into the home, rather than just piling them up to handle later.
• Get one “house” project done each month (paint the front door, repair the floor, etc.)
• This isn’t technically a “house” goal, but it fits here best: Keep our cars clear of junk and trash.

Health Goals:

• Get back into a regular cardio routine even if it just means pushing the stroller around the block.
• Gain strength and endurance.
• Refocus on healthy eating. Between severe extended morning sickness and gestational diabetes, pregnancy always does a number on my eating habits, and last year’s pregnancy with Luke was no exception.

Family goals:

• Eat at home more often.
• Cook dinner with the kids 1-2 times a month. I really want to involve them more in cooking, but I get stuck in this bad habit of not involving them because it is quicker/easier for me to do things myself (and dinner time always seems to be hectic around our house).
• Try out a new meal at least once a month.
• Cook a hot breakfast for the family at least once a week.
• Stick to our budget, and look for ways to save more.
• Emphasize the concept of respect with Ella and Troy.
• Foster a good relationship between the kids (teaching them about sharing, patience, kindness, etc.)
• Give Ella and Troy more responsibilities around the house (chores, etc.) 
• Get outside more with the kids.
• Get down on the floor and play with the kids more.

Photography:

• Learn more about off-camera flash.
• Learn more about Adobe Photoshop.
• Work on posing. I’ve come a long way in my posing over the past couple of years, but I feel like it will be something where I can always learn more. 
• Learn more about graphic design.

Other:

• Exhibit more patience towards everyone, but especially my husband and children.
• Work on time management, including getting up at a more consistent time in the morning, and going to bed earlier in the evening.
• Spend less time on the computer.
• Finish reading Bringing Up Girls and Bringing Up Boys.
• Re-read Your Mama Don’t Dance.
• Read A Well-Trained Mind and Home Education.
• Continue researching schooling choices for Ella, and make a decision with my husband about Ella’s schooling in the fall.

Blessed By A Choice

As my husband and I quickly approach our ten year anniversary, I’m more grateful everyday for the choice that I made in my spouse. I’m thankful that I chose a spouse who is going to help my walk with God and not hinder it. I’m thankful that I chose a spouse who is committed to our family and committed to raising our children in the Lord.  I’m thankful that I chose a spouse who exhibits patience towards me. I’m thankful that I chose a spouse who works hard to provide for our family, spiritually, physically, and emotionally. I’m thankful that I chose a spouse who exhibits the agape love of 1 Corinthians 13 in our marriage.

As a 21 year old, I know that I did not fully grasp the importance of my decision when I said “I do.” I have a feeling that if I am blessed with another ten years of marriage that I’ll look back at this ten year mark and think I didn’t know the half of it then either. I’m so thankful that looking back over the past ten years brings joy, and that I’m confident and comforted by my choice in my spouse.

And, my prayer for my children choose someone who is a Christian, seeking to follow and obey God daily. As I pray for them, I must teach them. I have to first teach my children to love and obey God. If they don’t live that life, finding a spouse who loves God isn’t going to be important to them. There are many other influences in the world telling them what their priorities should be in a spouse, and loving God isn’t on that list. I also have to teach them about the gravity and significance of marriage. Once again, there are many other influences telling them that marriage isn’t significant, that it isn’t really that big of a deal such that marriage can be stopped and started again without consequence. However, marriage is something to be honored as precious and valuable.

Though teaching my children about marriage is a complex matter, instilling the importance of a spouse who loves God as well as instilling value and worth in marriage should lay a strong foundation for preparing them for marriage. I know that I am blessed because my spouse loves God and honors marriage, and my desire for each of my children is that they make choices that result in marriages that are blessings as well.

Goofy did it!

Troy is always saying things that surprise me. His creativity always makes me smile even when it shouldn’t. For example, a few months ago I told Troy to stop doing something (I don’t even remember now what it was) he said, “But Goofy did it!'” At the time Troy was holding his stuffed Goofy animal, and Troy was using Goofy to perform the action that I asked him to stop doing. Troy thought he had the best of both worlds: getting to do what I told him not to do and passing the blame to someone else.

I think that we can easily fall into this way of thinking as well: doing things that go against God’s will and then passing the blame to someone or something else. What about the woman who dresses inadequately and inappropriately, but blames the man for looking? Or the parents who fail to teach their children about God at home, but blame the Bible class program? What about the Christian who fails to give to God, but blames the economy?  Or the countless other ways that we try to push our faults to someone or something else? Brushing the burden of sin off to someone or something else may ease our conscience, but it will not cleanse sin off our record to God. Sin separates us from God (Isaiah 59:1-2), even if we try to push the responsibility of our actions off of ourselves. Consider 2 Corinthians 5:10: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.” We must be careful not to fall into the dangerous trap that removes personal responsibility for the sin in our lives.

And, considering my role and responsibility as a parent, I must teach my children that they must take ownership of their actions rather than passing the blame off to something else.  Sometimes I think our instincts as parents may encourage us to make excuses for our children, thinking that we are protecting them in some way. However, I think that when we consistently make excuses for our children we do them a great disservice because we don’t teach them the importance of personal responsibility and accountability. Though no parent wants their child to do wrong, we must realize that our children will be better off in the long run if they are held accountable for their actions, ultimately so that they will understand the severity of sin and the importance of obedience to God.

My Favorite Baby Gear

As I’m trying to finish up the final preparations for the arrival of my baby boy, I thought I’d post a list of my favorite baby items. This certainly isn’t an exhaustive list of everything you need for a baby (in fact, there are things on here you don’t “need”), but rather some of my favorite things. Here’s my list from after Ella was born.

1. Swing. Despite Troy not really loving the swing like Ella did, it is still one of my favorite baby gear items. I will say not all swings are created equal, and I definitely prefer one that can swing in both directions.
2. Boppy. Great for nursing, holding the baby, and propping the baby up. I’ve been pleasantly surprised at how well my boppy has held up over time.
3. Swaddling blankets. Our babies have always loved to be swaddled. I really like the Aiden and Anais brand of swaddling blankets (easy for me to swaddle), but my husband prefers smaller blankets (he is the master swaddler too!).
4. Sleep sacks/swaddle sacks. I like these and these (I find each has its advantages and disadvantages).  This follows in line with swaddling. I particularly like to use the sleep sacks at night because it is easier to wrap a baby back up in them after a feeding when you are totally out of it in the middle of the night.
5. Boppy waterproof changing pads. My mom got these for me (something I would have never thought to buy myself), and I really like them. I like to have one in the room I’m in with baby to use as a changing pad, as well as one in our bedroom (for when the baby still sleeps in our room at night). They are also great for their “intended” use as far as laying on top of a changing pad to be rotated out rather than having to change the changing pad cover.
6. Pack and play. Good for lots of things, from using as a bed in our room when the baby is little, to using as a travel bed. We had a Graco one with Ella, and a Baby Trend brand with Troy. The Baby Trend one has held up a lot better.
7. Moby wrap. I love being able to wear my baby, and this is a great option, particularly for when they are little. It can be a little tricky to get the hang of wrapping it, but once I figured it out, it wasn’t hard. I will say it gets warm, and isn’t something I’d use in the summer in Texas.
8. Ergo baby carrier. I did not have this for Ella, but I did for Troy, and I loved it! I only used it once he was bigger, although you can buy an insert to use with it for when the baby is little. By the way, I’ve seen these fairly often on “deal” websites, so if you are in the market for one, you might keep an eye out on those sites to snag a better price.
9. Sound machine. I did not have a sound machine with Ella, but I did with Troy, and it was great. I particularly like the one I linked (we also had a different one, and it was a piece of junk compared to this one).
10. Bath tub seat/ring. I can't find the one I have (it is older), but I really like have a seat for the baby when they are big enough to be in the big tub, but not super sturdy yet.

Do you like me when I wear this dress?

“Do you like me when I wear this dress?” “Do you like me when I have this bow in my hair?” “Do you like me when I twirl my skirt?” “Do you like me when I wear these new shoes?”

These are just a few of the things that Ella has asked us at different times, and I imagine are the types of things that many little girls ask.

We’ve made a habit for our response to Ella to be something along these lines: “Yes, we like you and we like your dress. But we like you and love you whether or not you wear that dress.”

My husband and I don’t want Ella’s self worth to only be in her outer appearance. We want her focus and self worth to come from her inner person. We also want Ella to know she shouldn’t have to be flashy or do crazy things to get our attention.

Raising a child, I think particularly a girl, in today’s world to not be consumed with the outer is a difficult and constant task. Most influences around her in the world teach her that she must focus her efforts on the outer person. Ella hasn’t even come close to being exposed to most of these influences at this point, and yet my task as a parent has already begun. Hopefully, by encouraging and teaching her course now to be focused on the inner person when she is exposed to more things in the world she will be better prepared to keep her focus on the inner person.

We want Ella to become the virtuous woman of Proverbs 31, summed up in Proverbs 31:30: “Charm is deceitful and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.”

 

Things I would have missed

Here are just a few of the things I would have missed today if I wasn’t home with my kids. I’m thankful for the opportunity to see and be a part of even the littlest things happening in their live every day.

• Troy doing a great (left-handed!) job using a spoon with his yogurt.
• Ella marrying two of her sock monkeys.
• Troy climbing on a stack of boxes (to turn on a light), smiling, and saying “I’m up high!”
• Ella singing to the UmiZoomi theme song and doing the “crazy shake” at the end of the show.
• The kids excitement to spend just a few minutes learning memory verses.
• The kids fighting over the opportunity to do a “special” task (letting Reeses in and out of the house).

“It’s mine!”

Troy has been extremely possessive lately, and reminds me a lot of the toddler’s rules of possession (modified).

Troy often says (or yells or whines), “it’s mine!” to Ella, me, his dad, or anyone else that he feels is threatening his ability to posses whatever he has.

I’ve been really struggling with trying to foster an environment for the kids in which they are better at sharing their things. I know they are only 2 and 3 (almost 4), but I don’t want them to be materialistic or selfish. I don’t want them to be so concerned with physical things. I want them to be willing to share their things with others. I want them to not melt down if a toy gets broken or lost. I want them to be easy going and flexible as they play with each other (as well as others), and to understand that it is important to share and take turns and exhibit selfless attitudes.

I know that I need to be correcting poor attitudes and poor behavior consistently now.  I know there is no “trick” that will instantly turn my kids into kids who share with kindness. I know these characteristics aren’t something that just magically happen when they get to be a certain age. And, although I know that they won’t suddenly understand how to start sharing once they hit a certain age, I do know that their understanding of the concept of sharing will increase with age. Ella has proven that to me.

I also know that this task, although with most tasks in parenting, requires a lot of patience and perseverance.  And don’t get me wrong. They do share. Sometimes. : )

2013 Goals

Last year, rather than “resolutions” I set many goals for myself. I was successful at completing many of the goals for at least some length of time, but I did not keep up with most of them. That’s why many of my goals for 2013 are the same as in 2012. And, although I’m not a fan of “resolutions” I know that I have truly resolve to make some serious changes in my life if I really want to see these changes.

Spiritual Goals:

• Daily Bible Reading
• Focused/Planned Bible Study
• Write Bible study lessons (and execute them) for the kids.
• Start using the Scripture Memory System with the kids (and me!)
• Develop a deeper prayer life.
• Make an effort to encourage brothers and sisters in Christ.
• Always be ready and eager to share the gospel.

House Goals:

• Get the house organized, and purged of excess junk at the beginning of the year.  I did this last year, but I need to do it again! It is amazing how much junk builds up over time and also how much stuff you kept last year that you realize you don’t need this year.
• Have a garage sale (sooner rather than later).
• Keep up with Flylady’s daily assignments to help keep the house in a manageable state.
• Handle papers (mail, or otherwise) when they come into the home, rather than just piling them up to handle later.
• Get one “house” project done each month (paint the front door, repair the floor, etc.)

Health Goals:

• Get back into a regular cardio routine even if it just means pushing the stroller around the block.
• Gain strength and endurance.
• Continue on a path of healthy eating. Compared to a year ago, I have a much healthier eating lifestyle; however, I’m still not where I want to be.

Family goals:

• Eat at home more often. This is something that definitely seems to waver with the season. The holidays kills our routine, but hopefully I’ll be back on track soon with more cooking at home.
• Stick to our budget, and look for ways to save more.
• Foster a good relationship between the kids (teaching them about sharing, patience, kindness, etc.)
• Get outside more with the kids.
• Cook a hot breakfast for the family at least once a week.

Photography:

• Learn more about off-camera flash.
• Learn more about Adobe Photoshop.
• Work on posing.
• Learn more about graphic design.

Other:

• Exhibit more patience towards everyone, but especially my husband and children.
• Work on time management, including getting up at a more consistent time in the morning, and going to bed earlier in the evening.
• Spend less time on the computer.
• Finish reading Bringing Up Girls and Bringing Up Boys.
• Re-read Your Mama Don’t Dance.
• Read A Well-Trained Mind and Home Education as well as start doing serious research/planning on making a decision about homeschooling

Impeccable Timing

If you are a parent, you probably know that kids have impeccable timing. Like, the NEED something the moment you step into the bathroom or they come down with the stomach bug the weekend you have something major planned.

Today was a prime example in my house.

After trying to switch cell phone rate plans online (without the system working properly), I finally decided I’d chat with a  representative (online, thankfully) to try to get the problem resolved. I know this was a risky thing to do because the kids weren’t sleeping, but they were in the other room playing and I thought maybe I’d be able to get the problem fixed without much interruption. Wrong. About midway through the chat, they are both running into the room and Ella is yelling at me (which is only one of the reasons I’m thankful the chat took place online and not on the phone). She’s yelling because Troy has poop on his hand. And, then she sneezes and has snot all over her face. Two kids needing my attention right in the middle of me trying to fix our cell phone plan.

Despite that kind of timing, it also seems that they have impeccable timing in other ways too. Like Ella knows just when to tell me she loves me or Troy knows just how to smile at me to melt my heart. I love them so much, and I hope that I don’t get caught up in the little frustrations of the moment – because they are just that: little. And they really mean nothing in the scheme of things.

Parenting from Proverbs: Providing for the home

Proverbs 31:15:

She also rises while it is yet night,
And provides food for her household,
And a portion for her maidservants.

Proverbs 31:10-31, the section of Scripture about the virtuous wife, provides many lessons when it comes to parenting; however, I’m going to focus in a verse that characterizes an area in which I need encouragement. Proverbs 31:15 states that the worthy woman “rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household.” The encouragement I need from this verse is twofold: one, to always be working hard for my family, and two, to always be ready to provide for my family, even if it means that I need to rise while it is yet night. It can be very easy to fall into the trap of idleness around the home, and I don’t want to let that idleness rule the home. I want to be active in all aspects around the home, always being ready and willing to take on whatever challenge comes that day. And, beyond even being ready to take on the challenges of the day, to start each day out right: prepared to provide for all in my family.

More Parenting from Proverbs

Sick and Tired

This past week has been a rollercoaster of misery founded in sickness and exhaustion. Every single member of the house has been sick with a nasty stomach bug. On top of the that, the stomach bug has almost seemed to hit the kids twice. And then again several times when we thought they were past it all. Although I have no desire to clean up a wetting accident in the middle of the night, I have never been more hopeful that the steps coming around the corner in the middle of the night are going to bring that news rather than news of the week: “Daddy, I throwed up.”

I’ve learned a lot of things this past week. It has taught me that I owe my parents a whole lot more than I could have ever imagined for taking care of me when I was sick as a little one. It has also confirmed that, although I’ve never wanted to be a nurse, I’m definitely not cut out for the job. It has also strengthened my belief that I’m completely blessed by who I married, and how thankful I am to have him when going through stuff like this.

Parenting from Proverbs: Correction is a blessing

Proverbs 29:17:

Correct your son, and he will give you rest;
Yes, he will give delight to your soul.

Today’s passage falls in line with both my thoughts about Proverbs 19:18 and Proverbs 23:13-14. As a parent, I must not neglect my responsibility and blessing of correcting my children. I think of correcting and disciplining my children as a blessing not because I enjoy correcting them or disciplining them, but rather because it gives me the opportunity to mold them and guide them; ultimately, to mold them in accordance with God’s Word. I’m thankful for the mission field that God has placed in my home, and my desire is that I do all I can to show them God and how to be obedient to Him. That blessing is further examined in Proverbs 29:17 – that “he [your son] will give you rest; yes, he will give delight to your soul.” Why would a child that has been corrected give rest and delight to a parent’s soul? Because, hopefully, that correction has led them toward a path of righteousness rather than a path of sin.

More parenting from Proverbs

Parenting from Proverbs: Knowing the state of my flocks

Proverbs 27:23-26:

Be diligent to know the state of your flocks, And attend to your herds;
For riches are not forever, Nor does a crown endure to all generations.
When the hay is removed, and the tender grass shows itself, And the herbs of the mountains are gathered in,
The lambs will provide your clothing, And the goats the price of a field;
You shall have enough goats’ milk for your food, For the food of your household,
And the nourishment of your maidservants.

Do I know the state of my flocks? Do I attend to my herds? Two pointed questions that I must seriously reflect upon. As the keeper of the home, I need to know the state of my flocks. I need to know how my children are growing up, what things they are struggling with, and what things they are excelling in. I need to know how they are growing physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I think there are two key words in verse 23: diligent and attend. First, knowing the state of my flocks isn’t something that just happens. I have to be diligent in knowing the state of my flocks, or, in other words, making a constant effort to know the state of my flocks. Secondly, I have to attend to my herds. I have to devote time to my children. I have to minister to my children. I have to guard and watch over my children. These are not easy tasks, and require hard work and dedication on my part.

And, although I’m specifically applying this passage to knowing the state of my children for this series, this passage goes beyond just knowing the state of my children. I need to know the state of my flocks in regards to many areas of the home, and I should always be diligently seeking to foster a godly home for my family.

More parenting from Proverbs

Parenting from Proverbs: Self Control

Proverbs 25:28:

Whoever has no rule over his own spirit
Is like a city broken down, without walls.

Once again in my study, although I need to teach my children to have self control, I feel like I need to reflect on the wisdom of this passage personally.  I think it boils down to the fact that I need to have more patience in my handlings with others, particularly with my children. I often let frustration overrun my attitude and my words rather than calmly handling a situation. Or, I let myself become completely run down with little things that turn into something bigger. And when it become something bigger, I don’t handle the situation like I ought. I need to have more self control and patience to not let the little things bother me so much. I also need to make sure that I’m promoting an attitude of selflessness. Sometimes when I struggle with patience and self control, I know it is because I’m not exhibiting a God-first, others-second, me-last attitude. I don’t want to be a city that is broken down without walls, but rather a stronghold for my home.

More parenting from Proverbs

Parenting from Proverbs: Humility

Proverbs 25:6-7:

Do not exalt yourself in the presence of the king, And do not stand in the place of the great;
For it is better that he say to you, “Come up here,”
Than that you should be put lower in the presence of the prince, Whom your eyes have seen.

Proverbs 25:6-7 warns against arrogance, pride, and putting oneself in a high position. I think it gets down to thinking that everything is about me, rather than God and others around me. It gets down to exhibiting arrogance over humility. We ought to be humble. I need to instill and foster humility in my children. They need to understand that yes, they are important, but the world doesn’t revolve around them. Our world ought to revolve around God, serving Him, and telling others about Him.

More parenting from Proverbs

#ohElla

#ohElla : a collection of the sweet, funny, and quirky things Ella has said over the past two years or so

• Ella: "I hear the rain talking on the car!" Ruby: "what's it saying?" Ella: "dribble dribble drop"
• Me: “I need a big ol kiss.” Ella: ”I already gave you a kiss!”
• “Are Simba and monkey your friends?” Ella: “Nope, simba's a dog and monkey's a girl!”

 

• Looking at the letters on the basket while shopping: “E for Ella, A for apple, I for Ikea!” 
• "I don't like butter. I like ketchup"
• Ella:"Where is that train going?" Me: "I don't know" Ella: "I think Daddy knows.
• (After I had been putting ice on my hurt ankle): "Do you need more icing?”
• As I'm pouring Ella a cup of juice, she asks what I'm doing. When I tell her she says, "Good idea, Mama!"
• "I need some money for my pocket!"

 

• After Trent threw Ella up in the air and caught her, she said "that was a good catch daddy!"
• "I have a tree! I have a tree!" Ella singing "I have a dream" from Tangled
• I told Ella she had some tasks to do. She's walking around saying "I think I've done all of my taxes"
• "If I don't have any more birthdays I'll just keep getting littler"
• "I had to go check on Mama. She's playing in her kitchen"
• "Mama! Troy is having a lot of fun with me!"
• "My neck is hurting. Cuz I've been talking a lot."
• Trent to Ella: "Where is heaven?" Ella:"In God's mouth"

  

Parenting from Proverbs: Do Not Withhold Correction

Proverbs 23:13-14:

Do not withhold correction from a child,
For if you beat him with a rod, he will not die.
You shall beat him with a rod,
And deliver his soul from hell.

Today’s passage is often one that is controversial within the world today. However, as a student of the Bible, I cannot neglect the wisdom and instruction of this passage as well as others such as the following passages:

Proverbs 13:24: “He who spares his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines him promptly”

Proverbs 29:15: “The rod and rebuke give wisdom, But a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.”

Proverbs 19:18: “Chasten your son while there is hope, And do not set your heart on his destruction.^”

Proverbs 3:12: “For whom the Lord loves He corrects, Just as a father the son in whom he delights.”

Proverbs 13:24 is very pointed: if I love my children I will discipline them promptly, but if I hate my children I spare the rod from them. This passage is in direct contrast with most teaching in the world about raising children. Most of the world says that if you love your children you’ll withhold the rod from them. However, I should not fall into the ways of worldly thinking. I need to look God’s Word which is “a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105).  When spanking my children, I must keep the purpose and end in mind, particularly as given in the Bible. I am spanking and disciplining my children because I want to “deliver their souls from hell” (Proverbs 23:13-14); because I want them to have wisdom and avoid shame (Proverbs 29:15); and because I want them to learn obedience, so they learn to obey God.

More parenting from Proverbs

Parenting from Proverbs: A Good Name

Proverbs 22:1:

A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches,
Loving favor rather than silver and gold.

There is great value in having a good name; great value in having a good reputation. Proverbs 22:1 states that “a good name is to be chosen rather than great riches.” As part of my physical family, the way I live my life reflects upon my family’s name. As part of my spiritual family, the way I live my life also reflects on my family’s name: the church of Christ. Being blessed to be part of both my physical and spiritual families comes with the responsibility of upholding their names. My responsibility includes starting my children out with a good name by my actions and my life. I need to teach my children the importance of having a good name; but more importantly, the importance of living their lives in such a way that they have a good name. It isn’t about “putting on a show” for others so that they think you are something you are not. It is about living a genuine life in faithfulness to God in which other people are treated, among many other things, with kindness, love, and respect.

More parenting from Proverbs