Parenting

Parenting – Is It the Job of a Parent to Teach Their Children the Truth About God?

Parenting – Is It the Job of a Parent to Teach Their Children the Truth About God?

Be a Parent that Brings Blessings for Generations to Come!

Parenting BlessingsParenting children is one of the

greatest responsibilities on earth.

Our children are a precious gift

from God and it is our job as parents

to train them up to live productive,

healthy lives; spiritually, physically, and financially.

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” 
— Proverbs 22:6

Is God faithful and trustworthy? What does that mean to you and your children? As parents we need to know and teach the truth about God to our children; it is our job.

If Not You, Then Who?

Oh, the times, they are busy, chaotic, and confusing! And because of this it is very important to understand that the chances of our children learning the truth about God and about Jesus Christ may not come if we don’t teach them.

We need to make it a priority to be living examples and share the vital truths with our families. There is nothing more important in our lives than salvation for the loved ones we care about and are responsible for. It is dangerous to live with the belief so many have; that they will go to heaven just because they are a good person.

The simple fact is; we are responsible for what our children learn and are taught. Even if they go to school, Sunday school, etcetera, it is our job to make sure they have been taught what they need to know and that they have been taught correctly.

“Do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.” 
— Deuteronomy 4:9

The Buck Stops Here

It is very easy in today’s society to “pass the buck.” We just send the kids off here and there and let someone else do all the work. There is nothing wrong with others teaching our children, but it is up to us to determine and choose who and what.

Ultimately, if our child graduates from high school and cannot read, it is our fault as a parent, it is not the fault of the school teachers or school system. If our children only know about Jesus and do not know Him personally, it is not the fault of the Sunday school teacher; it is our fault as parents.

And think about this: Parents who love their children deep enough will be concerned for their children’s welfare and will build a solid spiritual foundation for them during their childhood years. (Psalm 78:4-5)

The Bible is important and declares the truth about God; it is His Word. God our creator wants us to let His Word speak to us and our families. He wants to equip and empower us with knowledge, wisdom, and truth so that we have a firm foundation and will not be deceived.

“That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep His commandments.” 
— Psalm 78:7

It gets even better. God has a unique plan for each of us, including our children; a plan to prosper us and give us hope. He left us with instructions for right living so that we can please God and enjoy His promises and blessings in our lives. Parenting can be a difficult job when done right, but a job done right as a parent brings many blessings for generations to come!

May you as a parent, teach your children the truth about God and His Word, so that your family through many generations may enjoy His abundant growing prosperity!

God bless you –

Cheers,
Brenda

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Christian Parenting – Stop Using Negative Verbal Attacks and Start Parenting with Words that Prosper!

Christian Parenting – Stop Using Negative Verbal Attacks and Start Parenting with Words that Prosper!

Parenting With the Power to Help Our Children Prosper

Parenting with a healthy pattern of communication is possible.

Do you want to help your children prosper?

Just as the world around us has harmful elements, so do our homes; even our Christian homes.

As unfortunate as it is, we often hurt each other, especially our children, with our words.

Did you grow up with parents who used words as verbal attacks?

If you did, I’m sure you hoped you wouldn’t do the same with your children. But the truth is, you will probably repeat the pattern unless you purpose to take action and stop it.

Stop the Negative Communication Pattern of Parenting

Changing your parenting communication pattern from one that uses negative verbal attacks is possible. Developing healthy patterns of communication, which reflect the presence of Jesus Christ, is key!

I’m sure you would agree that the cruel, degrading, judgmental, hurtful words we use to communicate with our children must stop. It is like verbal poison that wounds and destroys our children emotionally. Our words are often negative attacks at a child’s behavior, intelligence, appearance, or value as a person.

Verbal attacks can be direct or indirect. The following statements are some common examples:

  • You’re worthless and will never amount to anything.
  • Don’t act so stupid. Can’t you do anything right?
  • You are no good. Why can’t you be like your brother?

Just because we can’t see the inner damage that verbal attacks cause in our children, does not mean a negative impact still isn’t left lingering in them.

Parenting With Words That Prosper

How do we change a negative parenting communication pattern to one that is positive and helps develop our children into prosperous individuals?

Acknowledging the need to change is the first step. The next step is identifying abusive words we use. Then we need to begin exchanging the destructive, hurtful words with constructive, guiding, nurturing, and encouraging words.

James said the tongue is full of deadly poison and out of the same mouth proceeds blessing and cursing. (James 3:8-10) We need to lean on God’s help to keep our words, words of blessing and encouragement.

When our words are full of nurture and encouragement, our children know we are standing with them and not against them. Children need their parents to believe in their potential as they guide and discipline them.

Believe in your children. Help your children see themselves the way God sees them. Help them find their unique, gifted potential and you’ll also find they begin to respond in ways you desire. Once they discover you are standing with them, a healthier communication develops.

Yes. Our children try our patience, irritate us and sometimes humiliate us in ways we never thought possible. Problems, difficulties, disappointments, heartaches and failures are an unavoidable part of parenting. But we can choose to respond with words that heal instead of words that wound.

Bottom line: A parents words have power. We can make our children feel worthless or we can choose to learn how to parent with a healthy pattern of communication; one that helps them think as highly of themselves as God does, and helps them prosper.

May you parent your children with words of love and enjoy a family blessed with growing prosperity!

God bless you always,
Brenda

P.S. Feel free to share your comments…

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Godly Dads Video – D. James Kennedy

Godly Dads Video – D. James Kennedy

Happy Father’s Day!

This video is based on a Father’s Day sermon by D. James Kennedy.

Dads are important and have one of the most important jobs in the world…
and unfortunately it has gone largely unnoticed.

Today we celebrate all fathers and pray that you are all godly dads!

Happy Father’s Day!

God bless you,
Brenda

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Dad, If You Only Knew by Josh Weidmann

Dad, If You Only Knew by Josh Weidmann

Dad, If You Only Knew: Eight Things Teens Want to Tell Their Fathers (but Don’t)

In honor of the upcoming Father’s Day, I was looking for a video to celebrate all dads out there.

In the process I ran across this video and book and decided to do a separate post. For anyone who had, or currently has a Father who is an active part of your life; you know how important your dad is. And for those who don’t, you also know the great struggle that loss can cause in life.

The book: Dad, If You Only Knew: Eight Things Teens Want to Tell Their Fathers (but Don’t)” by Josh Weidmann and coauthored by his dad James Weidmann, sounds like an excellent resource for helping dads connect with their children.

Someone on Amazon commented that it is a great resource for both parents, and not just dads. The older I get, the more I also appreciate the positive influence of friends and family when it comes to raising children. Especially with so many single parent families. Raising healthy children is a job that requires utilizing all the help that is available.

Here is the description for the book “Dad, If You Only Knew”:

Listen Up, Dads! Your Teen Is Talking to You!

As exasperating as parenting can be during these volatile years, your teen is depending on you for steady faithfulness, love, and guidance. And because teens often find words elusive and expression difficult, they probably haven’t told you the things they wish you somehow automatically knew. So let Dad, If You Only Knew… be your guide. Josh Weidmann, just out of the teen years himself, joins his father, James, to help dads understand where their kids are coming from. It’s a messy world they live in, and meeting them in it is no simple task. But knowing these essentials now makes fatherhood eight times easier!

Welcome to Your Teen’s World

It doesn’t matter if you have the most picture-perfect, ideal-in-every-way teen or one who’s in full-swing rebellion. That teen you love is a “riddle wrapped in a mystery.” No father can know what his teen is really thinking.

That’s why youth communicator Josh Weidmann teamed with his father, Jim, to help you bridge the gap. In Dad, If You Only Knew…you’ll get an open, honest glimpse inside the teen mind. Josh’s extensive research, combined with pointed direction from a father’s heart, provide you with the practical guidance you need to establish a healthy, thriving father-teen relationship. It’s one you desire, your teen needs, and you both can’t afford to miss.

Story Behind the Book

“The resounding cry of teens for their fathers rings in my ear. I have been speaking to youth for five years and the greatest void I see in teens’ lives is the one left by their dad. I am only twenty-three years old myself, and to this day I can say that my dad is the most influential man in my life. Because of his impact, I have asked him share in this book. We have written this message in hopes of helping dads reengage in the vital father-teen relationship.”
— Josh Weidmann

God bless you –

Cheers,
Brenda

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Happy Mother’s Day – We Love You Mom!

Happy Mother’s Day – We Love You Mom! Video

Celebrating Mom Today!

Happy Mother’s Day!

~ Celebrating all moms today and letting you know we love you and appreciate you from the bottom of our hearts. ~

Have a Blessed and Wonderful Day!

God bless you,
Brenda

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Now What? After Your Child Graduates and Starts a New Season of Life

Now What? After Your Child Graduates and Starts a New Season of Life

My Little Girl Is Growing Up

Within the last few months I celebrated my oldest daughter’s 18th birthday and her high school graduation. graduation

She is very smart, talented, and beautiful. I’ve always been proud of her in many ways. Especially her ability to stand for what is right and make smart decisions.

Within the last six months or so, though – I’ve seen her decision making waver.

My heart has always gone out to other parents who have a child or children that stray from what they know is right and get wrapped up in the dark things of the world. I can now relate to what those parents are going through in a much deeper way. My daughter this year got hooked up with a bad group of friends and overnight turned into someone I hardly recognize. It broke my heart.

Thanks to a praying pastor, friends, and family, she is coming back around and I believe she will prosper in the good plans God has prepared for her.

Earlier this year I had a friend remind me that as much as I love my daughter  – she is also a child of God and He loves her and cares for her way more than I do.  I don’t know how to even explain how much that comforted me, but it still does  . . .

I picture God watching over her and holding her at all times. Something I can’t do. So I continue to pray and trust God to take care of her.

Some Powerful, Encouraging Scripture Confessions to Pray Over Your Child in Accordance With The Word of God:

I pray that in all things my child is more than a conqueror through Jesus who loves her.
Romans 8:37

I pray, God, that You have put a new song in my child’s mouth – praise to her God.
Psalm 40:3

I pray that my child has the mind of Christ.
1 Corinthians 2:16

I pray that my child is confident that You, God, who have begun a good work in her, will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:6

I pray that, Lord, Your faithfulness will establish my child and guard her from the evil one.
2 Thessalonians 3:3

I pray, God, that You have sent Your word and healed my child and delivered her from destruction.
Psalm 107:20

I pray that my child will be strong in You, Lord, and in the power of Your might.  I pray that she will put on Your whole armor, that she may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  For she does not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of the age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 6:10-12

I pray that my child realizes that You, Lord, know how to deliver her out of temptations.
2 Peter 2:9

I pray that You, God, will heal my child’s broken heart and bind up her wounds.
Psalm 147:3

I pray that my child loves You, God, because You first loved her.
1 John 4:19

Go ahead and personalize these with your child’s name.

In good times or bad, we need to continue praying God’s will for our children. Then we’ll see growth take place in their lives to become all that God intends them to be!

God bless you & your children,
Brenda

P.S. Is there a verse not listed above that has helped you? Please feel free to share . . . Thanks!

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Happy Mother’s Day Mom!

Happy Mother’s Day Mom!

To the best mom in the whole world. Here’s Celebrating You Today!! :0)

Here is a fun video that all moms are sure to enjoy. They showed it at church today and I wanted to share it…

I Love You Mom,
Brenda

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Stop the Enemy from Attacking the Prosperity of Your Teenager

Stop the Enemy from Attacking the Prosperity of Your Teenager

How to Get Your Teenager Back on the Path to Prosperity

When you are on the path to a prosperous life, you quickly discover there is resistance. Attacks of all sorts pop up along the way to prevent your success. This is common to everyone seeking prosperity. It also seems that the closer you get to your desired result the greater the challenges.

Often times, we find ourselves successful and prospering is several areas. Our diligence and determination begins to produce results. However, the enemy likes to play dirty and if he can’t get to us personally he will go for our children.

Teenagers already experience a great set of challenges of their own. New changes are constantly happening in their lives. They experience physical changes in their bodies, they get jobs, learn how to drive, begin new classes and activities at school, struggle with peer pressures of all sorts, have to make decisions for the future, and begin acquiring new responsibilities, just to name a few.

As parents we want the best for our children and to see them prosper. We invest in them to the best of our ability regardless of how demanding it can be at times. Anyone that has raised a teenager knows that many a time your mental, emotional, and physical reserves will be zapped. Yet, we continue to get up each day and give them the unconditional love they need.

Yet, what do you do after you’ve taught and instructed them in the way that will prosper them and then the enemy takes over? Through temptations, addictions, and rebellion they are on a path to destruction. This is a great turmoil in life to see a child that you love go through. It creates an overwhelming feeling of hopelessness and helplessness in a parent.

There is hope, however, regardless of your situation. Our children are a blessing from God. And God has power over the enemy and we need to stand on His Word to activate this power.

Meditate, confess, and stand on the following verses from God’s Word in faith daily:

“Thus saith the LORD; A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, and bitter weeping;
Rachel weeping for her children refused to be comforted for her children, because they were not.

Thus saith the LORD; Refrain thy voice from weeping, and thine eyes from tears;
for thy work shall be rewarded, saith the LORD; and they shall come again from the land of the enemy.

And there is hope in thine end, saith the LORD, that thy children shall come again to their own border.”
Jeremiah 31:15-17

Stop your weeping. Keep serving the Lord. Refuse to let the enemy have your children. Don’t give up. Put your trust in God and His Word. If He says there is hope, then believe there is hope and that your children will come back from the land of the enemy. God’s plan is for you and your children to prosper.

May you and your children experience growing prosperity as you serve the Lord!

God bless you with hope & encouragement,
Brenda

P.S. If you have a personal testimony of getting your child back out of the hands of the enemy or any advise in this area … please comment and share. I’d love to hear from you as I’m standing on the above scriptures for my daughter to come back!

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