Homework

There were some great Hands-On assignments in the 7th chapter of Revolutionary Parenting. I thought I would share them with you.

"Make a list of critical principles you want your children to adopt from Scripture. Plan how you will study the Bible together to get those principles before them."
- It takes planning and effort to make sure your children are learning the most important things in life - take the effort!

"When opportunities arise, challenge your kids to defend their position on moral truth. Be prepared to explain your position, with scriptural support."
- This could be as simple as watching something on TV or reading something in a book that does not line up with scriptural truth. Talk about it. Do they recognize it contradicts what is taught in the Bible? Look up scriptures to defend your beliefs. Get them used to looking to the Word for truth and not accepting everything they watch or read!

"Pray every morning and every evening for the salvation and spiritual maturity of your children. It's a battle for their souls. Your prayers are the ammunition. When your prayers are answered be sure to mention that to your children and to give God the credit. If you're sensitive to the working of God in your life, the examples will be plentiful and remarkable enough that you don't have to force the case.

I can't say enough how I desire this next generation to grow up knowing the truth - there is so much garbage being taught, it is easy to just go along with the flow. Our kids need to know what God teaches so that they may live a life full of blessing and not misery.

Have a great week!

Susie

Pray With and For Your Child

This is a subject I've talked about a lot. But, it seems to be something I continue to work on to be more consistent in my life. It seems that the most powerful tool we have should be used as often as possible, and yet why does it seem to be something we have a hard time keeping top priority? Well, a couple things to challenge all of us. One of the challenges in the "Revolutionary Parenting" book is to pray throughout the day with the kids; at meals, on the way to school, before sports events, at bedtime - and at any other moment of significance. Why don't we all challenge ourselves this week to make it a priority to pray as often as we can with our children, and at times you don't normally pray. Let them see how prayer can be interwoven into our lives - it doesn't have to be just at set times. The more they see us use it - the more likely they will be to retain prayer in their lives as a lifelong habit. Maybe it's just sentence prayers thanking God for the sunshine or the snow - let them see your thankfulness for the little things and the big things; the good things and the difficult things. "Give thanks to God in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:17-19 Pray together when you hear a siren - pray for the people involved. Pray together when someone gives you a prayer request. Share with them the things you are praying for, so they begin to understand all the things we can talk to God about. Anytime, anywhere - pray with them!

Also - pray for your child. I know you all do this, but if you find it hard to be consistent - stick a prayer where you get ready in the morning. You can say a pretty good prayer while you dry your hair (if you get this luxury in a particular day :), I have a list of 12 prayers for your child that I got from BSF. I have put that up in the bathroom, and have a prayer for each month of the year. You can use the prayers from the Character Training curriculum. Write your own. Be intentional and specific in your prayers. God hears and answers our prayers and it is much more evident when we are specific in our requests.

God bless all of you in your parenting efforts, I love to hear the things you are doing with your children to help them become spiritual champions - keep it up!

Love,
Susie