Day 14 - Standing Firm

Have you ever tried to discipline your child and they couldn't keep a serious face? My middle son has been this way his whole life. He has been a child that didn't need harsh punishment because a stern word and the efforts of the 1, 2, 3, spank rule was all that was needed. Even when he was getting in trouble, more often than not he couldn't keep a straight face. I don't necessarily believe he was doing this intentionally, but his sweet body, just couldn't help it. What about when your child does something cute, but yet its not good behavior, or let's just say not the kind they should be exhibiting on a regular basis. We've all been there as parents. It's logical when they are younger to instill a healthy fear of consequences for inappropriate behavior. Most of the time this behavior is more social; for instance, bad manners, reacting poorly to a situation, or having an attitude when told no. As your child becomes an adolescent, all of a sudden the rules of the game change. How are we to handle our tween and teenagers poor behavior or decision making? Especially now, when they have thoughts all their own and aren't afraid to tell you all about them!

As Christ-follower we are being constantly being molded. The rough edges of our old self are being chipped away to make room for a more holy being. In the same way, we have been given a great privilege to mold and chip at our children, in order for them to realize the call on their life. We can't waiver in our calling as parents. If you struggle with implementing rules and consequences I want to encourage you from God's word.



Here are some areas we need to stand firm:

1. Social Media: Too often this is a place our children can get into EASY TROUBLE! If you put your head in the sand and say, "They're going to do it anyway!" I urge you to take a look at some startling stats:

This is a link that our church Calvary Chapel put together a few months back. Click HERE to see links to how you can protect your internet and stats on social media.

This link is to Josh McDowell ministry Just1Clickaway.org

Know the passwords to your tween or teens accounts, and make it a priority to check their phone, computer, and rooms regularly. Yep, you guessed it, there is no privacy when you live in my house. I hope that this mindset sticks with my children and they become proactive parents too! You are your child's best advocate!

2. Television: Stay alert and on guard. Not only for our children's sake but for ours too! I can easily catch myself watching a not-so-great program and get sucked into its storyline. Our world lets demons, zombies and a crazy amount of ungodly images, sitcoms, movies and reality shows into our homes everyday; and we allow it. These images are not healthy for our tweens and teens. Take a stand and demand better standards in your home and communicate them to your children. Pay attention to what they are watching, keep television out of their rooms. I know some parents who declared the entrance to each of their kids bedrooms as technology-free zones! I like it!!

Here are some places where you can find reviews on movies, t.v. and everything in between:

Plugged In
Plugged In is a Focus on the Family publication designed to shine a light on the world of popular entertainment while giving families the essential tools they need to understand, navigate and impact the culture in which they live. Through our reviews, articles and discussions, we hope to spark intellectual thought, spiritual growth and a desire to follow the command of Colossians 2:8: "See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ."

Each month, Plugged In is visited more than 1 million times by people looking for detailed information about what's really in popular movies, videos, TV episodes, songs and games. Entertainment industry ratings only tell you so much. We go deeper, diving into specific content and the meaning behind it. Our award-winning website also offers news (Culture Clips), polls, blogs, podcasts and hands-on parenting tools (Family Room).



3. Stay ENGAGED with your tween and teen and TALK about ALL these things! Do not let the world get to them first. We need to show them God's perspective on these subjects and how to protect themselves. Parents, we must give them the tools and pray for God to pour the Holy Spirit into them so that they may have the strength to STAND FIRM!


Parents, WE WILL NOT BE MOVED! I'm praying for each of you as you are traveling this journey. Partner up with other Godly parents and seek wise counsel in all things. Stay encouraged on this 31 Day Journey of Parenting Tweens & Teens!

Day 12 - Creating Margin

Today we are talking about margin! Not the space around that 8x11 piece of paper but creating margin in your life and your tween and teen. What does this look like? How can we do this? I often think that the one good thing I'm passing onto my children is how to be busy. I mean I've probably been the best example of being busy. Parents, we need to create margin in our lives in order to achieve balance. When our tanks are running on reserve we don't have any left over to parent successfully or be generous to others. You can't live your best life in the negative.

I share how my son and I had an opportunity to create margin and make some tough choices about his schedule. There will be times when you will have to say no to even really good opportunities. Fear not parents! God is right beside us guiding us. In addition to the scripture shared in this video, here are some others to encourage you today on your parenting journey!

Matthew 6:34
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Proverbs 11:1 The Lord abhors dishonest scales, but an accurate weight is his delight.

Isaiah 40:12
Who else has held the oceans in his hand? Who has measured off the heavens with his fingers?
Who else knows the weight of the earth or has weighed the mountains and hills on a scale?

Genesis 2:2-3
And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation.


Creating margin






Be Blessed sweet friends as you continue to Parent you Tween and Teen!

Sherry

Day 10 Tips for Dealing with a Picky Eater

You might think I'm talking about a toddler. But I'm actually talking about your teenager! Click on the youtube video below and see my helpful tips for dealing with your picky eater. This is my first video blog or vlog as they call it in the blogging world. Love to hear what you think!





Be blessed sweet friends and continue to check back for more 31 Day Journey of Parenting Tweens & Teens!

Sherry

Getting a Glimpse

I interrupt my 31 Day blogging to bring you a great post by a fellow blogger I've followed for several years. Her 31 Day journey is about being a Mentoring Mom. Today, I totally felt her post! I felt I was being mentored and totally needed to hear this. I just had to share it as my 31 Day Journey of Tweens & Teens is moving right along! Plus, it was right on topic!

This post reminded me that I do want to be FRONT AND CENTER for my son as he moves into manhood. I'm not giving up or giving in and am grateful to watch his heart follow Jesus and become the future makings of a great husband, provider, and father one day. To get a glimpse of his heart along the journey is such a privilege that I won't soon forget! Even the hard days, the wrong choices, and the mistakes all give me a glimpse in how God is shaping and molding him to become a strong and mighty force for the kingdom!


Whether you have a teen right now or just young boys, I hope you pop over to this post and read. It is a great reminder that we are all on a journey! We've been given such an amazing task as a mother! Don't give up, and be the mom they need!


Balancing Beauty and Bedlam Terrible Teens, I beg to differ.

Oh sweet friends, it truly doesn't have to be the terrible teens! God offers us so much more than terrible! Seeking His leading during these transition years is so important. God truly has given you everything you need to fulfill this parenting role. Just trust in His guidance and keep pursuing His wisdom!

Blessings!
Sherry

Continue to follow all the 31 Day post HERE! and at The Nester.

Day 3 - Great Resources for Parents of Teens & Tweens

As someone who rarely takes a break from technology and most recently finished up being a full time student for over two years, I find it hard to sift through the myriad of resources for parents who are transitioning from the toddler and young elementary years to those of T&T's. I'm not sure if for some reason no one wants to talk about these tricky years or somehow think it will go away and your child will somehow wake up at 18, ready and raring to be the ideal productive citizen with very little intervention from you.

I thought I would share the highlight reel of my favorite go to resources for parenting a tween and teenager.

The Bible! Yes, this is my go to parenting guidebook. When I feel defeated or need guidance, His word speaks clearer than anything about raising children. Seeking wisdom is paramount. Provers 4:1-9 speaks of seeking wisdom, teaching our children to seek wisdom and encourage the next generation to seek God's wisdom above all else.

A great book out this year by Ken Blanchard, Phil Hodges and Tricia Goyer called Lead Your Family Like Jesus is a great book. I have Blanchard/Hodges Lead Like Jesus leadership book and is a constant resource for me.



Focus on the Family
If you don't already know about this FREE site full of FREE resources, you are missing out. I go to it for marriage, parenting, kids and all sorts of fun and exciting material. They offer a free magazine called Thriving Family that you can also get in digital form.




Plugged In
This media review section of Focus on the Family constantly has updates for the latest movies, TV, books, video games and much more. They are definitely worth checking out!



These are just a few of my favorites. I hope you check them out. I'll try to share more throughout the 31 Day's Journey of Parenting Tweens & Teens!

Are there any resources you could share with me? I'd love to hear from you!

Sherry

Day 2 Straightening the Arrows

Day 2 - 31 Day Journey of Parenting Tweens and Teens





Life goes along, things seem to be on track, and then BAM! It happens. Out of the blue, when you least expect it. When you aren't looking for it. When you aren't ready for it. This IT I'm talking about is lying.

Lies keep the truth hidden. Lies separate us from God's best. Lies create cracks in the parent-child foundation. How do we help develop Godly character in our children, especially when it comes to lying?

When I've caught my children either by omission or by out-right lying it is like a dagger through the heart. I feel so hurt and disrespected, but mostly hurt. Oh my! These moments with my children often turn into more of a heart lesson for me than for my child. See, we are no different than our children. I believe Jesus feels the same way when we hold back and lie to him. He knows our heart! Nothing is hidden from Him!

Proverbs 25:18, " Telling lies [about others] is as harmful as hitting them with an ax,
wounding them with a sword, or shooting them with a sharp arrow.

Oh, how I felt like a sharp arrow had pierced my heart! Where did this come from? Why was this happening? What am I supposed to do now? In the heat of the moment it is hard to keep your cool. I'll admit throughout some of these conversations when lying is involved, my voice can get loud. There are times when you will need to table the discussion for later; either for times sake or other demands. Usually, these things happen right before everyone has to leave for school or work, or even late in the evening when the day should be over. Often, this is probably a good idea. When you can step back, take a breather, usually cooler heads prevail.

I learned this with our oldest son. Whatever the issue is, if your child is getting angry, and you are too...stop and focus on YOUR behavior, not your child's. Are you escalating the situation? As parents we often focus on being RIGHT versus TEACHING and helping them see our heart and also God's heart about the situation. When I can keep calm, the situation often goes much smoother...for all involved!

Let's set up a good road-map for this journey.

1. Work on your relationship with your own Heavenly Father! Set your GPS to follow Jesus every day! For it is through this relationship with the one who created you that will provide whatever you need to be the parent for the child he has given you. These children were HIS first. Everyday obedience and reliance on Christ Jesus is essential for being a good parent.

2. Pray for any hidden things to be revealed. 1 Corinthians 2:10, "But God has revealed it to us by His spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God." (NIV). Search your heart and ask God to reveal anything that may be happening with your child. We don't have privacy in our house. Phones, vehicles, and bedrooms, are all subject to short-notice inspections. You'll know if something is up, and then ACT on it.

3. Check your ego at the door. This isn't about winning. This is an opportunity for them to see your heart. It is a chance for you to direct them right back to God. Proverbs 2:1-5, "My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God." (NIV) If you catch yourself heading down the road of ANGRY VOICES and POUNDING FIST, stop! Take some time and then come back to the table and address the issue. If you do deal with it in the moment, keep it to the point at hand. Don't bring up something unrelated. Deal with the issue at hand and don't get sidetracked. Talk about God's best and how lying can be a slippery slope for other sin to creep in. Don't use, I don't want you to lie...say God has rules for us and they are good. To be more Christ-like we must follow and obey his commandments and boundaries for our life. Consequences can be figured out later.

4. Communicate EVERYDAY! No matter what is going on in our busy lives, find a way to connect with your teen/tween every day. I know it is hard between school, sports, homework, dinner, errands, dr. appointments, events and everything else in between, but JUST DO IT! A little conversation goes a long way in discovering where and what your child is thinking on. Just as my husband and I need a daily download, your kids do too! I find the car is a great place running between activities.


There will be bumps in this road with your tween and teenager but take heart! God has given you everything you need to be the parent you need to be to the children He has given you! Isn't that great! Ecclesiastes 3:9-11 says, "What does the worker gain from his toil? I have seen the burden God has laid on men. He has made everything beautiful in its time." (NIV) We don't always get to see the fruit of our labor during these years, and often it feels like we are truly toiling away with no results. Keep up the good work parents! We are helping to straighten the arrow so we can send them out into the world and make a difference for the kingdom of God! Psalm 127:4.

Blessings sweet friends! I'd love to hear how you handle the tough issues like lying in your house? Good or bad?

Sherry

For more 31 Day'ers check out The Nester.

Welcome to the 31 Day Journey of Parenting Tweens & Teens

Thanks for sharing in my 31 Day Journey of Parenting Tweens and Teens.

For Day 1 scroll down to see!

Here I'll link to each day so you can pop over when they go live!

Day 2 - Straightening Arrows
Day 3 - Resources for Parents of T&T's
Day 4 - A Tween Girl & A Momma's Heart
Day 5 - Weekend Break - Marching Band, Raider Competitions, and all sorts of family stuff!
Day 6 - Weekend Break - Getting those household stuff, cooking, grocery shopping completed! Yes, it had to be done!
Day 7 - Monday Break
Day 8 - Tuesday Break
Day 9 - Getting a Glimpse
Day 10 - Dealing with a picky Eater
Day 11 - Creating an Appetite for Discipline
Day 12 - Creating Margin
Day 13 - Weekend Break
Day 14 - Standing Firm
Day15-21 - Illness struck the Boswell family! Yuck..finally recovering! Thanks for your understanding!

Day 21 - How 2Build Stronger Marriages for our Kids


DAY 1

Here we go!
31 Day Journey of Parenting Tweens and Teens!

Your Parent Card

I really thought it would be great to share about the season of life that I'm in right now. Smack dab in the middle of parenting a Teenager and a Tween-ager or Tween-er (if there is such a word, my spell check doesn't like it). I'll caveat this with the fact that we have one out of the nest who is married and they have a sweet little girl of their own. We are a blended family, two boys first and then a girl. They are all about seven years apart and I haven't yet figured out if that is a good thing or a bad thing. Here is just a few things I've learned:

1. Parenting is hard work.
2. Nobody tells you how hard it will be.
3. Parenting is hard work.
4. You don't have to dread these years.
5. Parenting is hard work.

If you are anywhere on the parenting spectrum, I'm sure by now you have figured out 1, 3, and 5. I hope that you will journey along with me as I share how parenting has changed me in ways I have yet to fully grasp. It is only by the GRACE of GOD that I can journey into these areas with my children with confidence.

I'll share some helpful resources, and journey through some helpful ideas. I was sharing with a friend whose children are much younger and told me she wasn't ready for this season. I replied, "Neither am I!" I don't know if you're ever ready, it just sort of sneaks up on you and you face it day by day. Puberty, relationships, school, sports, sharing what God's best for their life might look like and the most important, and I say this with a conviction from the very deepest part of my soul, that Jesus becomes so real to them they, without a shadow of a doubt realize the call on their life and decide to wholeheartedly follow Jesus. The other stuff, is just icing on the cake!

It's called the PARENT CARD. From here on out, each of you, are getting your Parent Card back. If you are in a space or place where you feel defeated, run over by the culture of our world, fear not! It is ok to be the parent. Do not be their friend. You'll have plenty of time for that later. They need a parent TODAY! We must equip and prepare ourselves for this journey.

2 Timothy 3:16-17, "All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work." (NLT)

I'm so excited to share with you some hard stuff and some great stuff! Come along for the journey and I would love to hear where you are in your season of parenting!

Sherry

For more blogs check out The Nester.

Caramel Apple Ice Cream Topping

Yes, can we all agree its time for Fall? Yes fall with a capital F! You can't walk into any store these days without being overwhelmed with Christmas decor already on the shelves. Yikes! So, with that I feel it is perfectly within my rights to begin all the Fall Activities! Although in Florida, you have to look a little closer, dig a little deeper and Google a little more to find Fall things to do. I myself love a good hayride, apple picking and looking around for a good place to pick some pumpkins. I love sitting on my back porch in the mornings with my pumpkin coffee laced with pumpkin spiced creamer. In the evenings, I'm always looking for a quick dessert. And when I mean quick, I mean, "I am hungry for something a little sweet and won't totally make a mess in the kitchen." In addition, something that won't totally wreck my healthy eating streak...you know the one that we are all in. wink...wink...

Here is my favorite way to whip up a dessert in a hurry. Chances are you have everything right now in your pantry to head right to your kitchen and make a batch. Believe me, the oohs and ahhhs from the family are worth every bit of the trouble! Ok, you get to eat some too!

Here is what you'll need
3-4 Granny Smith Apples
1 Cup Brown Sugar
3 Tbsp Butter
1 tsp cinnamon
2 Tbs Fresh squeezed lemon juice (optional, but I think it really adds a little zip and freshness to the dish)
Vanilla Frozen Yogurt (or your favorite vanilla ice cream)

Start with washing and peeling the granny smith apples and cutting into small slices. While you are slicing, get a pan ready on the stove under medium heat. Slide the butter and brown sugar into the pan and allow to melt just a little. Add in the apples and cinnamon. Continue stirring while mixture comes to a full boil. This will only take about 3-5 minutes. You will start to see the apples soften and the caramel mixture turn a little dark amber to brown. Squeeze the lemon juice at this point and turn off the heat.

Scoop up a few pretty scoops of low-fat frozen yogurt (my favorite is from Publix) and place in a pretty bowl or cup. Pour hot apple mixture over the apples and ooh la la, you have yourself one tasty and quick dessert. I literally took this into the hubbster and he thoroughly enjoyed every last bite and even went back for seconds. This was a great way to end a hectic evening while dreaming of the upcoming Fall season. Oh how I love me some Fall..and apples...and pumpkin...and leaves...and pumpkin....and apples....yum yum!

I'd love to hear about how this turned out for you, or share a quick dessert in the comments below. Don't forget to head over to Facebook and give my page a like! Thanks sweet friends!! Enjoy!

Caramel Apple Ice Cream Topping

Easy Pumpkin Craft for Fall

I came across these fun pumpkins that the kids and I crafted a few years back and wanted to share them again. How fun! I'm always looking for ways to make the pumpkins last longer without cutting into them. This is a great way to make that happen and get the kids involved. Bonus: It won't make a huge mess! This is a great way to get started early and place these out on your front entrance with some other Fall goodies!

I bought Felt that had adhesive on the back. I used bamboo skewers to stick the felt to for the spiders legs. As you can see, the combination is endless. Cut out your design and if you have a white or silver marker you can make dotted lines on the felt. This is a super easy craft to do with your children after you go to the pumpkin patch!

Items needed
Pumpkins
1-black felt with adhesive
1-white felt with adhesive
2-10 bamboo skewers
1 white tipped paint pen
1 silver tipped paint pen

Cut your pattern out of regular printer paper and then place on felt. This allows you to make adjustments on your pumpkin before you begin cutting the felt. Don't ask me how I know this...but trust me! Place the pattern on the pumpkins to make sure you have the right dimensions. Then, cut out your pattern. Make any lines or drawings with your paint pen and let dry. For those parts that need skewers, cut double. You will stick the two parts together placing the skewer between the felt. I made spider legs and the pirates hat with the skewers. Once the parts are all cut, start to stick your pattern pieces on the pumpkin. Then add the skewers, carefully pushing deep into the pumpkin. Stand back in awe of your creation and be sure to post a picture for all to see! Your options are endless! Have fun!

I might be pushing the Fall button a little too soon, but I love getting into all things PUMPKIN!!


Previous post!

 We actually got these done on Halloween Day.  Kennedy helped me cut the felt and helped stick them on the pumpkins.  These aren't your ordinary pumpkins, I might add.  They came all the way from my dad's first ever pumpkin patch in Missouri.  They were able to visit the week prior to Halloween and we had a grand time at Disney.  I thought they turned out great and it was much less messier then cutting them open.  It was also cheaper than the PB version online. 

Pumpkin Banana Paleo Muffins

I do love trying new recipes, especially when I realize I have everything in the pantry for said recipe! I found this awesome muffin recipe and because I have a few friends who are gluten free and I'm sorta lactose intolerant, this muffin satisfies both. I also always look for easy muffins to throw together when the Girls come over for Coffee and Conversation! This one really tasted great and with Fall hopefully on its way...its all about the PUMPKIN baby!!! Off we go!

I gathered all the necessary ingredients. Although, you see applesauce in the picture, I didn't end up using it. The recipe was sweet enough with honey and stevia.

I mixed all the dry ingredients first, just to get out any lumps and then started in with the wet items.

Once mixed, scoop into a lightly greased muffin tin and top with chopped almonds or walnuts (your choice).

 

Bake for about 20-25 min in a 350 degree oven and Boom!

They looked wet at first, but these are a very moist muffin with good texture, for a mix that uses only almond flour.

These are definitely going on the "What to make when the Girls come over for coffee" mornings!

 

Pumpkin Banana Paleo Muffins

(adapted from fitcupcaker.com)

• 1 cup almond flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 2 eggs
• 3/4 cup pumpkin
• 1 mashed banana
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 Tbsp honey
• 1/2 tsp stevia (I used 2 small packs)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix all dry ingredients together in a bowl with a whisk. Place all wet ingredients into the dry and mix gently until combined. Spray muffin tins and use a regular scoop to fill each individual muffins. Top with chopped almonds or walnuts. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Enjoy!

 

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Freshly Brewed

Isn't it amazing how good a fresh cup of coffee smells? The sweet aroma wafts from the pretty cup picked out especially for today! You feel a wave of joy and peace rush across your body and you breathe in deeply.....wait for it....this is right when you realize that you forgot to make the kids lunches, take the dog outside, wake the kids up and forgot to put the clothes from the washer that you thought you would remember before you went to bed in the dryer!!!! I'm sure this never happens to you. But as I'm settling in to the school routine again I find myself somewhat aloof to all those details I need to remember.

If you are even a little like me and might start to go down the road of condemnation and a little bit of guilt creeps into your heart, take those thoughts captive and remind yourself of God's promises. In Lamentations 3:22-24, we are reminded God's love never ends, and his mercies never cease! His mercies begin afresh every morning....just like your freshly brewed cup of coffee. Each day, through Jesus Christ we are being made new. (Shout in your best southern gospel voice, Hallelujah, thank you Jesus!!)

You are so precious, sweet friend. I love how The Message translates Isaiah 43:1-4, "Don't be afraid, I've redeemed you. I've called your name. You're mine. When you're in over your head, I'll be there with you. When you're in rough waters, you will not go down. When you're between a rock and a hard place, it won't be a dead end, because I am your personal God...I paid a huge price for you...I'd sell off the whole world to get you back, I'd trade the creation for you!"

I'm so glad I get a new start each day! There are so many days in which I feel like I need a do-over! Do you? I found this saying from Robert Lewis Stevenson recently and I recite it on those do-over days....Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant!

Now, go plant some seeds, I'll be over here making another Freshly Brewed cup of coffee!

I'd love to hear how you start your days and any tips you have to keep your family running smoothly!!

Sherry

 

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Am I Qualified??

I'm testing out a new blog posting format today and thought I would share what I did this past weekend. My daughter K and I attended a unique event called Capture Her Heart. It was for mothers and daughters 7-12 years old. It was an amazing opportunity to begin praying with my daughter and to start this journey with her on a Biblical foundation. I prayed over her when she was a tiny baby to do my part to have an amazing relationship with her as she grows older. As we face the tween/teen years I am feeling unequipped to tackle what lies ahead. Having two boys first seemed to be easier to deal with than the drama that my daughter constantly engages in lately. Any moms out there who can relate?? We all have a past, a story we could tell about our own childhood and those not so good relationship missteps. I want things to be different for her and I. How do I ensure we can build a strong mother-daughter bond? It is through the Holy Spirit working in both of us. I'm thankful that she chose Jesus as her personal savior earlier this year. Nothing, and I mean nothing of this world can compare to seeing your children choose Jesus. But it doesn't stop there!

As a mom I need to step up and do my part. I need to remember that it isn't about being right, but about capturing her heart and helping her see Gods design for her life. It means working on my journey with Christ and allowing him to work through me. Humbling myself to him shows me how to humble myself before my children too. Helping her to see Jesus working behind the scenes of her life is as important as any school homework assignment. The question in my head is, "Am I really qualified for this!" On most days my answer is no. Then I think of the nearest room I can go to and shut the door and never come out! Oh, dear parent, be encouraged today that we can look to the perfect parent for wisdom and direction.

Remember this dear friend, "By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds. For no one can lay a foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, or costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire and the fire will test the quality of each mans work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. It it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping from the flames." (1 Corinthians 3:10-15)

Lets continue to build on God's foundation as parents. Let Jesus capture their heart first! This journey was never meant to be easy, but we can do life together. Let us encourage each other as parents and build an amazing relationship with our children!!

 

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Day 25-31 Days of Health-Discipline

I came across this sticker--and truly laughed! Are you serious---I don't love discipline. It is hard to get, hard to learn, hard to keep, hard, harD, haRD, hARD, HARD!

One of the themes that God keeps bringing me back to is Discipline. Becoming a woman of discipline seems to filter through whatever I'm reading, whomever I'm chatting with and what I seem to be studying. It causes the goose-pimples on my arm to come to attention....it seems to be everywhere. Do you find this word constantly creeping into your world?

God loves us so much and desires full devotion in every area. When we are truly real with ourselves, you know, in those moments that God is speaking right to the very core of your being, we realize just how much we are lacking discipline in our lives.

Let's break it down into a few areas.

Time: Do you take advantage of your time? Do you use it or waste it?

Money: Do you use the resources God has given you to the fullest? Do you use it wisely or spend foolishly?

Relationships: Are you intentional with those persons God has placed in your path? Do you lower your relationship walls in order to let others in? Do you seek God daily-investing in the most important relationship of all?

Physical: Do you pay attention to what you put into your body? Do you fully realize it is a temple given unto us from our Creator? Do we take care our health or do we foolishly think our good health is everlasting?

Discipline is hard. Anything worth having is hard. The more I study and follow Christ-the more I understand that apart from Christ-I am nothing-I can do nothing-I can't have discipline without HIM!

Amazingly-I don't have to be. I know that with Christ--I can be disciplined in all these areas. I can ask for His help and I can continue to lean upon His guidance in all these areas.

Daily, I am dying to my flesh; who wants to keep me from being disciplined. Daily, I remind myself that God is bigger than my flesh. Daily, I can call upon the Lord for his mercy and grace.

Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth.

“I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me. (John 17:17-21,NIV)

Jesus knows that discipline is good for us. Is there an area of your life that you have failed to let God have, because you know He will ask you to be more disciplined in this area? I do. I struggle...then I beat myself up over it.

Today is a new day. Keep God the focus, pray about these areas and ask God to show you how to be more disciplined.

Be blessed-Less Stressed-and repeat after me---I heart Discipline!