Efforts for My Children

         My children's behavior is still on my mind today.  More importantly, their heart issues are on my mind.  I have to constantly remind myself that I am not training and teaching them so that they will "behave well".  I'm training and teaching them so that their hearts will be pure and long for God.  Once their hearts have been reached, then the pleasing behavior will follow.  

        Here's my list of things that I need to work on in my life and in our home.  These affect my children, even if indirectly.

• I need to get to know God.  I need to spend time in His word, letting it flow over me and fill me with joy.  Right now, I feel pretty joyless.  Here are some articles with ideas that I'll implement on spending time with God.
  • Can Mother's Have Quiet Times
  • God's Presence in Our Homes
• I need to mend the broken relationship with my husband.  I've been rebellious lately.  This rebellion was probably unnoticed by everyone, but my husband and I know that it was there.  I need to ask his forgiveness and offer him my gift of submission. 
• I need to demonstrate the good character that I want my children to have.  Therefore I need to deal with the sins or bad habits that have flooded my life.
• I need to master my flesh.  I am lazy and gluttonous. 
• I need to strengthen my children's hearts by showing them unconditional love and acceptance.
• I need to strengthen my children's bodies by making sure they are eating good food.  Sugar and other foods can cause kids' brains to go wonky.
• I need to strengthen my children's character by giving them work for their hands.
• I need to give them a secure environment, which means routine and consistency. 
• I need to resolve to keep them with me, but not as punishment, as a way to show them love and enjoy them.  And as a way to be aware of the issues that need to be dealt with.

Here are some good resources for reaching children's hearts.  I threw in some quotes that were meaningful from the articles.

• www.raisinggodlytomatoes.com
• Shepherding the Child's Heart by Tedd Tripp
• Don't Make Me Count to Three by Ginger Plowman
• www.nogreaterjoy.org, specifically the following articles
  • It's the Book's Fault - "Without doubt, when a parent is out of fellowship with the children, he/she is out of communion with God...You cannot hide your condition with training techniques."
  • 12 Parenting Essentials
  • Capture the Moment -
  • One Size Fits All? - ...Not all children can be trained equally with the same techniques...
  •  A Wise Older Couple is Troubled at What They Saw
  • Preventative Training - This one is not about reaching the heart of our children, but about children (and adults) who are addicted to indulgence.
  • Lady with Lots of Questions - check out question #4

12:51 PM - Oct. 9, 2007 - post comment

Untitled Comment

Those are some really great links! I'm working my way through them.
Amy
http://amyswandering.wordpress.com/

Anonymous - 3:23 PM - Oct. 9, 2007

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Untitled Comment

Your list describes me so well! I have to work on so many of the same areas. I already know of most of the sites you've linked, but some are new to me. I'm going to check them out. Thanks for being so open.

God bless,
Tammy

Hutcheson - 8:08 PM - Oct. 10, 2007

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Untitled Comment

Looks like good stuff, thanks for sharing!

squeeli - 8:37 AM - Oct. 12, 2007

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<i>Untitled Comment</i>

Oh... I just finished Preventative Training... Good stuff! I will be reading it again and implementing some of their advice. I hope that I can get to the other articles you posted soon, thanks for sharing.

I will pray for you as you journey through this difficult path... walk in LOVE and with JOY!

JOYfully in Him,
Kelli

Edited by JavaMama on Oct. 12, 2007 at 3:18 PM

JavaMama - 4:17 PM - Oct. 12, 2007

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