Week 2 we will read chapters 1 & 2.
MONDAY
Here is a link to Sally Clarkson's video related to the chapters we're reading this week: Video clip
THURSDAY
Remember to post a comment sometime this week. :)
FRIDAY
Here are some links to what other moms have said about this/these chapters: Domestic by Design No Ordinary Moments
DAILY (Optional)
Scripture verses for the SOAP method:
Monday: 1 Peter 4:8
Tuesday: John 21:4 ‐14
Wednesday: Matthew 22:37 ‐ 40
Thursday: Romans 2:4
Friday: John 14:1
If you need a reminder about what the SOAP method is click HERE
I do struggle with this: knowing when to choose grace and when to draw a hard line for the lesson to be learned. The lesson this week, along with a real-life example with one of my children, reminded me that granting grace doesn't mean ignoring something or letting it slide. It's still putting forth effort to teach, admonish, discipline, etc - the difference can be seen in how those things are carried out. Rather than a lecture, maybe a situation is best met with a hug and some encouraging words. Or, as in my specific example, a "yes" when I wanted to say "no", and a question: "what are you going to do to make sure this doesn't happen again?" I just wish there were a "how-to" book with the specifics :) Unfortunately - or fortunately - each child is different and each situation is different. Praise the Lord that He is present everyday and that He answers prayers for wisdom, discernment, and all those fruits of the Spirit that seem to be hard to find some days. I hope to apply the question "How can I apply grace to this situation?" to my parenting to help keep my reactions in check :)
ReplyDeleteThis past week what really stuck out to me was on page 28 when she says "to God, relationships are always a top priority." It was a good reminder for me as one of my weaknesses is that I am more task-oriented than people-oriented at times (even a former employer noticed that once!). Sometimes I let the tasks of the day (including getting school work done) take over being mindful of nurturing and protecting relationships. It's an area where God has stretched me and I see growth but one I still need to work on at times.
ReplyDeleteI also struggle with where the line of giving grace and serving my children is vs. helping them develop responsibility by doing chores, helping out around the house, and discipline. I think I tend to go to one extreme and then the other at times in my quest to find balance. Grace is tough for me - not something I really grew up knowing a lot about and because of this, it's hard for me to do well but one in which I would love my children to possess.
Overall I think it comes back to relationship -- if the relationship is there and solid, then grace will come as well...
It is so hard to slow down and listen to what my kids are saying. My mind and body are going in a million different directions through the day to "serve" them (clothes, food, clean living space, trying to engage their learning styles, etc). It is an act of reminding myself over and over to take time "serve" them in their own language (AKA: to listen for the 35th time about Lego Universe - or to take the time to understand what my 3 year old is trying so very hard to communicate to me. God help me!) This week's reading reminded me that listening and serving them is laying the footwork for them to hear my heart when an opportunity comes to speak God's word into their life.
ReplyDeleteI second what Shan & Kristie are saying about knowing when to give grace and when to stay the line. Some books say that rules must be rules and if you give in to them they will always ask for exceptions . . . ugh! There's another book that I've seen around called Giving them Grace, I hope to study that book as well. Maybe it will give me more insight.
This has been a challenge for me too. I wish we could just stay on this lesson for a few weeks until I establish good habits. Just like my kids need to practice new skills. I think some of it is in the attitude that we take when correcting our children. I can say no to something with kindness as a response to their actions without getting angry about it. It does take some thought and not just reacting with emotions.
ReplyDeleteHelp us, Oh Lord, to give grace, as it has been given to us.
I would be interested in reading the book you wrote about too, Sheryl.
I checked the Anoka County library website and I don't see it there but here's the title if you want to pursue it. Otherwise I'll pick it up sometime (probably not for some time though) and I'd be willing to pass it around if anyone wants to borrow it.
ReplyDeleteGive Them Grace: Dazzling Your Kids with the Love of Jesus
by Elyse M. Fitzpatrick & Jessica Thompson
I can definitely relate to what all have you posted in some fashion. Where is the line of grace and discipline? I never thought of the concept of grace with my children until recently. I suppose i have done it but just have not consciously though of it as grace. I love that God gives me grace and I am able to turn it around and show that same grace to others. Sometimes it feels easy and other times not. For example just this last week, after a series of very preventable events Grant still could not practice self control, and ended up fracturing Caroline's front perm tooth. Yikes, my first reaction definitely was not grace :(
ReplyDeleteAnd i love to serve my children, but often i ask myself if i am really serving them how they need it. Frankly my 6 year old could probably care less about how many chores i have to get done and all the cleaning that goes into maintaining the house...what he cares about is my attention and what i have thought about more lately is how i hardly ever sit down with him and just play like i used to do with my first child. When my time with him is more intentional and focused, our relationship is stronger and he is more obedient, just as when i am more intentional and focused w/God, I am more obedient...Funny how that works :)