Deuteronomy 6:6-7 has been showing up over and over for me the past week or so. Pastor Jim preached on making lasting impressions last weekend and then that night I came home and read ch. 6 in the book and there it was again. "These words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up." I like that she brings up that this should be done in a comfortable and conversational manner not formally, strictly, or legalistically.
I think she made an interesting point about whining. It is an issue of self control. We do not put up with whining in our house! Occasionally though I feel like all I do all day is correct the whining. I like her suggestion on pg. 69 ...the example of what she did with her daughter when she was whining. Lately Jackson has been making a conscious effort to ask almost everything in a polite big boy voice. He has learned that whining gets him nothing (except for in trouble) and asking nicely is his best bet.
Since reading this chapter a week or so ago I've really been trying to watch my attitude even when I have just had enough. I am trying diligently to 'count it all joy' when I have the opportunity to point Jackson toward Christ. (I just had the opportunity in the middle of writing this post.) I am trying to be careful that Jackson's sinful behavior does not cause me to have a sinful attitude.
Her list of responsibilities for parents is great. What loved the most was her parrell between John the Baptist and our number one role as parents. We are to prepare the way for Jesus to come into the hearts of our children. If their hearts are filled with God's Word the way will be prepared for the day when they make him their Savior.
I found this chapter to be very encouraging and uplifting. It really helped me shift my focus off of the everyday discipline and put my focus on the ultimate reason we are doing the discipline.
What were your thoughts?
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This is an online book club that discusses the book by Ginger Plowman 'Don't make me count to Three'. We talk about practical ways to raise Godly children through heart-oriented, Scriptural parenting.
2 comments:
I too really liked what she had to say about whining. I have never thought about it being am issue of self control but, thats exactly what it is! Right now, I feel like its hard for me to go through a long explaination because I think it might be way over her head. What do you guys think is an appropriate age to reprove and apply scripture?
Its interesting and enlightening to me how she says to use sinful behavior as precious opportunities. Sometimes in my head I find myself asking "why does she act like that?" I will now try to replace it with "what am I going to do about it?" Its so true what she said aboout parents excusing their childen for bad behavior. I hear it constantly at the mall, grocery, everywhere. It very easy to make exuses when your child is sinning. I'm going to remind myself of this next time:
Jess, I think she is plenty old enough to understand simply statements like "Ava you are not obeying Mommy. You need to listen and obey." She is too young right now for the whole question and answer bit, but I think if anything it is just good for you to get into the practice of the correct termanology and order of the reproof...then it will come naturally for you when she is able to communicate better. You will be surprised...she knows and understands more than you think:) Just my thoughts on the subject:)
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