Week 4 we will read chapter 5.
MONDAY
Here is a link to Sally Clarkson's video related to the chapter we're reading this week: Video clip
THURSDAY
Remember to post a comment sometime this week. :)
FRIDAY
Here is a link to what other mom's have said about this/these chapters: Coming . . .
DAILY (Optional)
Scripture verses for the SOAP method:
John 17:18
Eph 2:1 - 2
Matt 4:19
Luke 14: 27 - 30
Matt. 6: 19 - 21
If you need a reminder about what the SOAP method is click HERE
As our kids have hit the teen years, one thing we have started to pray for them, more in earnest, is that God would reveal to them some of His purposes for their lives. Not to necessarily know the future, but to know the "next steps" to take to prepare for that future. We want them to willingly invest their time in those things, rather than have it be "forced" upon them. It's hard for them to go outside their comfort zone, especially when they already feel awkward in a growing and changing body - but with each step they take I can see their confidence build and see personally how the Lord is there to help them do what He's asked them to do. As a result, their relationship with the Lord builds and that's really what it's all about.
ReplyDeleteThis chapter also brought to mind the Edith Schaeffer book, What is a Family. She has a whole section on parents needing to remember that their saved children have a direct relationship with God, and as they get older and make decisions to follow the Lord's leading in their life, He may lead them down a path we don't want them to go -- marrying too young, going abroad in missions, pursuing blue-collar work when we'd rather have them pursue white-collar work, etc. -- not sinful - just maybe something that seems "unwise" in our eyes as parents. She does a wonderful job explaining that we can give advice and prayer, but the ultimate decision is a personal one between our child and the Lord.
Sally's book is a great encouragement that an open, honest, mutually caring relationship with our kids is the key and it has to start now while they're little. If I want my kids to share and listen to me when they are older, I have to listen and share with them now - not just about what I care about, but also about what they care about. Even if it's Legos :)
I loved the section of this chapter where Sally says " . . . God didn't give them such skills and talents just to use on themselves, but to glorify him and bring others to him through the stewardship of their lives." I think that sentence felt like a mirror and a reminder to myself about whether or not I am being a good steward of my life. Then this part "Deep in their hearts, however, they also long for a special place to belong, a place to feel their worth, and they need us to help them find it." Inspiring.
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