Over the past few weeks, we've been attending a parenting class at our church based on the study The Parenting Adventure by Rodney and Selma Wilson. Little did we know when we signed up that it was aimed at parents of elementary age children. We're just getting a head start *smile*. Although we are not currently in that life-stage, we will be soon enough and want to be prepared for what lies ahead. We want to establish a present environment in our home centered around Christ, His love, and His joy.
Some basic truths we've come to embrace throughout this study have been:
1. You are the exact right parent for your children. No one can do a better job - the Lord entrusted them to YOU! Psalm 139:13-14
2. Understanding the true purpose of parenting - to connect our children to God (therefore we must be intentional). Deuteronomy 6:5-7
3. Focusing on the word 'known' - creating an environment for our children to KNOW God, OWN their faith, and make Him KNOWN.
4. Parenting is an adventure. We must keep our expectations high! Never lose sight that this is to be an abundaant life - even when parenting is tough. John 10:10
Cole is only three, but it is astounding to me what he can already understand and comprehend about the Christian faith, Biblical truths, and God's love. Although he will be raised in a Christian home, without intentional parenting, his love for the Father and his Word will not be nurtured to its fullest potential and we cannot expect it to grow and bear much fruit.
In no way am I limiting the power of the Holy Spirit to guide and direct, but we must be intentional about what we say, the activities we do, things we watch, people we socialize with, and the way we portray Christ's love to family, friends, and strangers.
A few ways to begin to be intentional with your kids are. . .
* Encourage your children to pray out loud
* Talk about your faith in everyday conversations - encourage your children to do the same
* Let your children see you share your faith and talk about God's love with others
* Teach that Scripture has POWER! Apply it everyday
* Portray that God is REAL and in our lives everyday
Above all, remember that the foundation of parenting and for your children's lives must be Jesus Christ with God's Word as our first resource. Matthew 7:24-27
What are some ways that you are intentional with your kids?
4 comments:
Wow!! Would LOVE to attend a parenting class like that!! Amazing!! Thanks for sharing!
I am SO glad you are enjoying that class! My former boss (the best boss in the entire world) and her husband are the authors of that book. I got to read it as they wrote it and learned so much. They are a very unique couple and totally walk the talk!
Hey, I used to know Rodney and Selma through Lyndsey's church/church camps. Selma would lead some of my small groups. I still remember one of her talks entitled "Daughters of the King." Then I went on to Samford and ended up rooming with their oldest daughter best friend. This Christian networking is a crazy thing...
I'm behind on my blog reading, but just had to comment on this one, since I know the authors too! They're great people. We went through their first book/study in our small group years ago about marriage. They are great people and do amazing work.
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