I have found that the one thing I am very consistent at is being very inconsistent. I can give you a list of great "Plans" that I have instilled, and then find a few weeks, or more likely a few days later they are not happening anymore. For example the "Read-a-Bible-story-together-and-say-a-memory-verse-together" plan. Or perhaps, "My-house-is-going-to-be-organized-from-now-on" plan. And then the "Everyone-do-your-chores-everyday-keep-track-of-it-and-then-be-rewarded" plan. And of course there's the "I'm-going-to-eat-really-healthy-now-no-more-junk" plan. So who comes in and steals all those wonderful plans away from me?!
Well, I know I will continue to instill plans and will continue to pray that God would help me be consistent. I also know that when I fail to continue those plans - I have a God who never fails - is always faithful in His love for me. Thank you God!
With saying this - there is one more thing that is consistent - my love for Jesus and my passion for His Word. And with this is my desire for my children to have this passion as well. Don't you desire your children to follow the ways of God rather than the ways of this world?! I would like to share some great insight from a book I am reading "Don't Make Me Count to Three!" There is some wonderful wisdom that is really helping me figure out how to consistently teach my children the Word.
What is one thing that happens everyday - at least in my house? Disobedience, or some other form of sin! What a perfect time to take the opportunity during those times of discipline to teach the Word. Proverbs 29:15 says, "The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother." We all know what the "rod" is - but what about that second part. Give them the "instruction of the Lord" (Eph. 6:4) when we give them reproof. When your child sins, discipline them, and then with this, teach them from the Word what God expects them to do in that situation.
There are many examples given in her book - here are a few and I will share more with you soon.
Child 1 annoys child 2. Child 2 whacks child 1. Child 1 comes crying to you.
(Read Mathew 18:15-17 for more understanding) - but from this teach them when they are offended - tell that person about it. They should first try and solve it themselves. If the offender does not repent, then child 1 can bring it before mom.
Other verses to use in various situations:
1 Corinthians 13:5 "Love is not rude."
Philippians 2:14 "Do everything without complaining or arguing."
I Peter 3:11 "God gives joy to those who promote peace."
Ginger Plowman is the author of this book - I highly recommend it!
"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9
Blessings!
Susie
