As we discuss discipline in our Thursday Bible Study, we want to look to God’s Word as we consider a dilemma many parents seem to face. I recognize the need for heart change, but as the mother of unregenerate little ones, I also realize that in spite of my best efforts to reach their hearts, [...]
Filed under: Discipleship
Thinking about rights and bullies has started me inspecting my own life, and how often I help my children learn humility in this area. I think perhaps they do better than I do. In some areas, I think I’ve got this under control; in other areas, I think I could use more work. I’m most [...]
Filed under: Getting Along, Humility, In the Car and on the Go
Yesterday I mentioned I wasn’t happy with how I responded to a child who was bothering my daughter during storytime. Here is what I did: I quickly walked over to them, pulled his hand off my daughter, and said, “She asked you to stop poking her. Stop poking.” He got the message. Afterwards, I finally [...]
Filed under: Getting Along, Humility, In the Car and on the Go
This morning we went to storytime at the library on our air force base. Both David and Bethel were listening well, but just as the story was starting to wind down, several of the children became fidgety, and one little boy started to poke Bethel. She told him to stop (quietly [shock], probably too quietly [...]
Filed under: Getting Along, Humility, In the Car and on the Go
I’ve been challenged once again to think about the relationship between our dependence on other believers and our dependence on God. Both are present in the Bible, and both are important for us mothers to cultivate. I have many questions forming in my mind. Are we talking about the same kind of dependence? Do the [...]
Filed under: Mentoring
Lee is gone for the weekend on a retreat with our church men. I know when Lee is gone that I’ll need more grace, more time with God today. With David, I must say “The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God my strength, in whom I will trust; my [...]
Filed under: Mom Time
There’s much to be learned from Hebrews 12:5-11. This passage is a common enough proof text for spanking discussions, but if we’re not careful, we can miss some foundational truths that help guide our discipline decisions. Two truths stand out: First, the end goal of God’s chastening is found in verses ten and eleven: that [...]
Filed under: Discipleship
Today in our Bible Study we began the chapter (part 1) on discipline. I’m a little nervous about this chapter because I’m fairly certain I don’t fit in the non-spanking camp, but neither do I fit squarely in the spanking camp. In short, I have a great desire to be faithful to the Word of [...]
Filed under: Discipleship
I’m certain that God gave my social, happy daughter to my precise, occasionally moody son. He’ll probably use them to teach each other. Lately, I’ve noticed David’s frequent instruction: Bethel, do not talk to me. Bethel, I do not want to play with you. Bethel, stop singing. On one hand, I understand very well his [...]
Filed under: Child Development, Discipleship
Today I had a rare serious conversation with my dear two year old. She was sitting on the potty, and I wanted her to try to go. She kept saying “I can’t” and I kept saying “Yes, you can.” At some point, my dull brain realized I had a problem. She really doesn’t believe she [...]
Filed under: Potty Training, Practical Parenting
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