Caught or Taught?

There are many times that we have students in our home who come to study through international exchange programs. This year is no different. We have a sweet young lady from France who recently arrived. She is soft spoken, gentle, curious about all these new things she is being introduced to. Church, food, children, home learning….It is all so new and exciting for her! (and us too truth be told)

 

 

Today, to celebrate two of our children’s birthdays we headed to Green Bay; it was a day of riding amusement park rides, eating pizza and cotton candy and visiting with grandparents and great grandparents. Since we see them so seldom it is always a treat for the children to get to spend a day with them. Card games and cribbage and so much to talk about!

 

One of those things is Jesus. The great grandparents are not familiar with the joy of the Lord; they know nothing of this great life changing faith.  Nor do our exchange students most of the time. Often there are some awkward moments (mostly with my mother in law) who unfortunately (?) sees every encounter with others as an opportunity to tell them what they must do to be saved. While some may admire the way she “preaches to all” I fear it catches very few.

 

No doubt we are commanded to go and teach and preach boldly the message of the Gospel. Yet I ponder as I listened to her today telling our student and “unsaved” family about how they just dress and what they must do . .. Are we teaching or are we catching, for Jesus?

 

There is a difference. We are called to be fishers of men, We are called to teach. Certainly there are many out there who have a need. The question is, do they see this need? We can preach to every person we meet, every day, every place but if they do not see for themselves, this need for Christ…

 

Humility. It is humility that draws other to see a difference and to desire what we have. Certainly I do believe that we are to dress in a way that is pleasing to the Lord; I believe that there is a way to be saved and I have no doubt that we must be obedient to the commands of our Lord.

 

 

But what does it profit, to tell someone who does not even know Him, how they must be saved? We cannot preach modesty, spiritual gifts, salvation or any other, to those who do not yet desire the milk of the Word.

 

 

I jokingly said to someone that the difference between catching someone and teaching someone is that, when you catch them, they aren’t completely willing. Perhaps they sit and listen for a time; maybe they agree with some of what you say, but they are not seeking. They may be pacifying – seeking to keep peace – they do not feel invited though so much as they perhaps feel trapped.

 

 

Teaching on the other hand, is something that happens when someone is pursuing a curiosity. Those we meet, as we learn of them and they learn of us, we are teaching. They are teaching. We learn and share, gently, together. We show the humility of Jesus. It is our work to encourage and inspire them; just as he served so ought we to serve. In humility.

 

Perhaps there are times we believe we are being humble; we ought to be cautious though. Why are we speaking? Is it out of pride because we feel we know more? Do we speak in a way that makes our faith sound tiresome? I consider the times I have engaged in conversation about the things I do, the ways I do them … Was I glorifying Him or me?

 

 

 

Can we stop and consider if we are being gentle and patient. Let us not be as the Pharisees – telling others all that we do and seeking glory from man – let us rather show grace. To them and to one another. We all have so much to learn. As I read and study more and more about the meekness and humility of Christ, I am sure, that there is so much more I must learn. I have no doubt we must pray more and more for humility and for meekness, of Christ, within ourselves.

 

 

And so this is my prayer. I do not want to catch them. I want to walk with them. I do not want to be in a hurry. I do not want to be bothered by all that they “need” to know and to do. I want to know them, as He knows them. Learning of them as they learn of Him. Walking by faith in patience and in love. One step at a time. ❤

 

 

Night, Night Farm ~ FlyBy Promotions Review

We love books. My little girls (18 months and 5 years old) love to snuggle up and read a good book with momma.
So I was so excited to have the chance to review a copy of  Night, Night Farm. 

We have had this one in our house for awhile now and it has been a huge hit from the moment it arrived. It’s a traveling companion as we are out and about.

Its a favorite read for sure; we enjoy it at bedtime, even during the daytime hours! 🙂

Between teaching on thankfulness and on farm animals, there is so much we enjoy about this book.

 

This is a super sweet and very colorful book; the story is so simple and yet so powerful.

 

 

As we read, we see each little one,from the kittens to the cows, thanking God for those little things that are a part of our every day.

How often do we forget to thank God for those little things? Apples and good dreams (my daughter prays for good dreams every night now) and for momma and daddy; warm beds and baths and the moon….

 

This is a wonderful little board book; a soft padded cover and so many bright colors and images to see! Very eye catching  ~ this is one I would grab for a closer at the bookstore…  Just to see more  The illustrations are done by Virginia Allyn and they are so amazing.

 

 

 We have solutely adore this book! If we paid at the beautiful illustrations. And every page is such a sweet words. And let’s not forget the important lesson with in this little book. Let us thank the Lord for every little thing. Especially little ones.   

“I Love You Just Because” Review

“I Love You Just Because” by Donna Keith is a book about a family of bears; all very different yet all together in one place, for God’s purpose.

“Three very different bear cubs live together in one place,

Each chosen for these parents by God of love and grace.

And when the cubs ask why they’re loved, their parents often say,

‘We love you just because you are God’s gifts for whom we prayed.’”

 

This is such a wonderful lesson for all of us when we feel we just don’t belong or perhaps we cannot understand why we are where we are. Our family is such a blessing; God knits us together. How priceless, for our kids to know, that God chose them. To be my son and daughter. God chose them to be the brother and the sister. He chose their momma and their daddy. All things are by His design and for His purpose.

 

This book is full of sweet, gentle illustrations by Alison Edgson and rhyming text, “I Love You Just Because” will help little ones understand their parents’ love for them and God’s too.  That love isn’t something to be earned but that which is given. It is simple and unconditional. A true gift. With the same friendly bear family from Donna Keith’s first two books — “I Love You All the Same” and “I Love You Even When” — the sweet story of this book will remind you that family members love each other … just because. No matter how different we may be; no matter the struggles we may face, we all love one another. Always.

 

 
This 20-page board book is for children 4 to 8 years old and was published by Thomas Nelson on June 7, 2016.

 

 

 
Learn more about this book and others on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Learn more about Donna Keith on Facebook.

The Everywhere God Giveaway!

Have you heard of The Everywhere God?  I was so excited when I was invited to be a part of the mini-launch for this sweet new book!

The Everywhere God is a book of hope written for children. Originally done for his young granddaughter, Pastor Bob Nelson wanted to be sure she knew God was with her no matter what was taking place in her life. NO matter the circumstances, the message is clear, God never leaves us or forgets us.  His love never ends. More than 20 years after it’s original writing, Pastor Bob Nelson’s daughter remembered this treasured poem and feeling, as her father did, that its message needed to be shared, determined to make her fathers poem (and dream of publication) a reality. Full of colorful and fun images and such beautiful poetry, The Everywhere God is a simple and lovely story of a God that will never leave us.

 

 

 

 

This giveaway will have 4 winners. The grand prize winner will receive a new Fire 7″ Tablet loaded with the Kindle edition of The Everywhere God.  The Fire tablet includes:

• Beautiful 7″ IPS display (171 ppi / 1024 x 600) and fast 1.3 GHz quad-core processor. Rear and front-facing cameras.
• All-new Amazon Underground, a one-of-a-kind app store experience where over $10,000 in apps, games and even in-app items are actually free – including extra lives, unlocked levels, unlimited add-on packs and more
• Enjoy more than 38 million movies, TV shows, songs, books, apps and games
• 8 GB of internal storage. Free unlimited cloud storage for all Amazon content and photos taken with Fire devices. Add a microSD card for up to 128 GB of additional storage.
• Updated user interface – Fire OS 5 designed for quick access to your apps and content plus personalized recommendations that make it easy to discover new favorites
• Up to 7 hours of reading, surfing the web, watching videos, and listening to music
• Stay connected with fast web browsing, email, and calendar support

 

Three more winners will each win a print copy of The Everywhere God.

 

 

The Everywhere God is a book about hope for children of all ages. Written for his young granddaughter during a particularly difficult time, the late Pastor Bob Nelson wanted to be sure she knew God was with her no matter what else was happening. Despite people and circumstances, his message is clear, God never leaves or forgets about us and His love never ends. Upon it’s completion, he knew it was something special and wanted to make it a children’s book. Unfortunately, time passed and things never fell into place for his vision to come to life. He passed away in 2008 before he could see it happen.

More than 20 years after it’s original writing, Bob Nelson’s daughter remembered this treasured poem and like her father, felt it needed to be shared with the world. For many years she kept this special story in the back of her heart and always dreamed of making his vision for a children’s book a reality.

 

 

To enter the giveaway, please use the Rafflecopter below after reading the terms and conditions.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js

 

 

Terms and Conditions:

This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.  Void where prohibited by law. Must be at least 18 years of age. This giveaway is in no away associated with Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Pinterest. No purchase necessary for entry. Odds are determined by the number of entries. Selected winners will have 48 hours to respond to email notification to claim their prizes or another winner will be drawn. Entry into this giveaway will subscribe you to The Everywhere God email list.

Simplify with Spirit

I’m freaking out lately. Lol

 

Maybe not really. But I am having a hard time accepting where my home is at right now.

 

Listening to the Homemakers  Online Conference, and reading Titus 2:3-5 I am inspired and encouraged to really live it out, showing in my life glory and honor to Him.  I am reminded, even in the mess, to thank Him for the blessing of my husband and four children, and my home.

 

 

Now I never had anyone to teach me how to love my husband and my children and my home. I never thought there was anything to keeping a home that needed to be taught. I mean this is so easy right? Super simple? ha-ha

 

I am surprised daily but how much is truly involved, Biblically, in keeping and managing our home if it is really showing Christ, within. I often think of what it means to have a Christ centered home. And truthfully when I imagine it, its not much like our home.

 

I have visions of this peaceful home where everyone always gets along, we are all happy, we all are gentle and kind and share…..If I make this my focal point, I will fail again and again at making my home a place that shows His love and light.

 

I remind myself this morning that its about our love for Him, its also about embracing the truth that is Him. Because He is the word and the word is Him. And we are His so we too are his word. He created the world with words; we create our world with our words.

 

So our home isn’t always what we imagine it to be but today (and my kids and I began our day this way) we will speak His words. We will speak of the Spirit.

 

M oldest wrote out a list of words that He has God speak to his life. He wrote of the joy God has given him, his love for worship and prayer and the word.  He wrote about him being enthusiastic, eager and loving of God. He wrote of how he was chosen by God. He was created by God in His image, to be His worker. These are precious words for a little man to write.  They are powerful too.

 

We must know who we are. Its so simple to organize our life by the very One who gave it to us. Who called us and inspired us. It is His Spirit that ought to guide everything every moment and every word. Its a new thing we are doing: To begin eat day speaking those words of life, God inspired, to ourselves, and to one another. To speak blessings just as those priests did, over their people, so shall we.

 

 

What can we do when bespeak and do in the Spirit instead of in the flesh? I had a to do list for this morning but instead I tore it up. I spent time in prayer and in worship and now I am writing this….In the Spirit. And my list has been written anew, in the Spirit, a list that encourages and only speaks what will be done.

 

We cannot complicate things; let us be done with making things so complex.

 

We are His masterpiece; we cannot fail for if He says we are mighty, we are mighty And He says so much about us. Let us embrace it and speak it ourselves!

 

Galaxy Buck: Mission to Sector 9 ~ FlyBy Promotions Review

We love Veggies Tales! And we love What’s in the Bible? too!!  So I was so excited (my kids were too) to see this one!  As my oldest son said, “Its like Star Trek preaching to the galaxy which is what they should be doing! This is them doing what God wants.”  Great little mind 🙂

 

 

Galaxy Buck: Mission to Sector 9 is a must-see for all ages.  A great new video from VeggieTales creator Phil Vischer! My oldest son loved all of the Star Wars and Star Trek implications he found in this one. And what a wonderful way to share what really matters; the value of sharing the love and purpose God has given us, with others. Galaxy Buck is a fabulous way to share deep truths in a way that is simple for all ages to understand.

 

This is such a fun movie! My kids all watched this one, a few times, and every time the laughs just kept coming!  Buck and his fellow crew members travel through deep space, to Sector 9, and along the way they learn some amazing and powerful lessons. In a way that is just super exciting!!

 

https://player.vimeo.com/video/139391452?wmode=opaque

 

 

 

“In only 40 minutes your children get to travel the galaxy, into deep space. Share Buck Denver’s simple dream – to save the galaxy. As he works for the Galactic Mission Board, he dreams of carrying God’s love to every corner of the Milky Way! Except he doesn’t have a starship. Or a crew. Or even a captain’s license. He just needs a chance. But when that chance comes and Buck finds himself leading a real mission into deep space, things don’t go at ALL like he imagined! If he’s doing what God wants him to do, why is everything going wrong?

 

 

From VeggieTales® and What’s in the Bible? creator Phil Vischer, Galaxy Buck: Mission to Sector 9 is a wild, galactic adventure that teaches kids a powerful lesson about trusting God with everything – even our dreams!”

 

Get Social with them!

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

OFFICIAL TRAILER

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

INSTAGRAM

Sharing the love of God and the truth of His love for us makes everything that we do, no matter how small, bigger than we can ever imagine!  When we trust in God and follow Him everything that we do is BIG! ❤

Give Them Grace ~ Chapters 5-6 {Book Discussion}

Okay, I am a bit behind in this 3 month discussion of  Give Them Grace: Dazzling Your Kids with the Love of Jesus by Elyse M. Fitzpatrick and Jessica Thompson in the Family Discipleship Facebook group. If you missed the discussion of the foreword, intro, and chapter one, you can find that here, and chapters two through four here. I’d love to hear your thoughts—here and on Facebook. Below is the schedule we’re following in the group.

In Chapter Five discipleship is broken down for us into five separate categories: Management, Nurturing, Correction, Training and Promises. I love charts myself; I need those visual reminders (I admit it) if I am going to stick with something! So the fact that they have charts in this book which direct us to the scriptures relating to a given incident s well as examples and references for each area of discipleship – Its so very helpful to me!  And there are questions too in case at times you struggle with which category of discipleship, exactly, you are dealing with in your circumstance.

 

 

Honestly, this is all so new to me, and yet so exciting for me! But I feel such a strong desire to follow this more and more in my home.  And the timing, some things really are of God, this I do believe is one of them. When I seek after, and ask Him to guide me, in a better way, for my children, He provides. All that I have read thus far, it reminds me of His love and training with each and every one of us.

 

One of my absolute favorite quotes thus far is:

 

Paul’s command to “bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” means this: that parents are to think about and remember Jesus Christ and then train their children to understand how everything in their life—their joys and sorrows, their trials and labors, their doubts, sin and shame—is to be understood in the light of Jesus Christ, who descended from David rather than from Levi, died, and rose from the dead. That is the best news any child could hear. Distinctly Christian parenting must be accomplished in the environment of the good news about Jesus Christ or it is not Christian parenting. It may work for a while, it may make your life manageable, and God may use it, but it is not “of the Lord.” (Give Them Grace, page 93-94)

 

Our children need to know and understand the Gospel for themselves. We need to bring them up in the fear and admonition of the Lord. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of their journey, their experience, with the one true living God!

 

It reminds me of something I heard this morning that said: Worship involves all of our life… 

Worship is more than just a moment. Its more than this thing we do for a couple minutes before service or a few words uttered about how great and mighty God is. We worship Him in all that we do and say, every moment of our day.  We worship Him when, in difficult times, we seek Him and love Him.  We worship Him when someone wrongs us and we pray for them and love them anyway. We worship Him when we show our children the grace and mercy and love He pours out on us every day. Because we too are sinners. We too need to endure to the end to be saved.

This chapter is such a powerful reminder that love covers all sins. And that without love, we are nothing but noise….

Chapter Six is another very meaty and rich chapter. There were tough questions asked of us, such as: “Is this sin or weakness and immaturity?”  We need to realize how simple our teaching can really be.  It is broken down into four steps:

1) Teach your kids to respect authority

2) Teach them the gospel

3) Trust God to work in your children

4) Confess your own sins

These are very valuable, powerful methods. So simple I am a bit embarrassed I did not see these things before now. But I thank Jesus for this book which helps me to see these things today. Because today is a blessing ~ As is His wisdom and grace. ❤

“We are not telling you to ignore bad behavior; nor are we saying that sinful behavior should not be corrected. We are saying that we should teach our children that sinful behavior does not alter their relationship with us. If our parenting is modeled on the gospel, then their sin, hardness, and unbelief will grieve us, we will seek to discipline and correct it, we will pray for them about it, and we will continue to love and welcome them in spite of it. But we will not demand a show of repentance before we welcome them back into relationship.” (Give Them Grace, page 105)

 

 

Ouch! I don’t know about you but I admit I am guilty of focusing on rules more often than not. With a new baby and a to-do list a mile long…I tend to forget that there are more important things than having a perfectly tended yard or garden. I look past the sad or hurting child to what we have to do right now. *sigh*  This was such a revealing chapter for me. SO much truth that I needed to read. And as I read I was reminded again and again of how important God says it is for us to have that right relationship. With Him, with our husband, with our children. It matters so much more than we know. Our children need to know that no matter what, we still love them. They need to hear, in their times of trials, that they are loved. When we are struggling, we need them to see us, show love and repentance too.

 

I really appreciated this chapter’s constant emphasis on the need for gospel-motivated instruction and how it differs from so many other approaches out there that we use. We need to bring about heart change. It does not matter what we do, or how we do it, if ultimately we do not have a “first love”.  Our children need that relationship, just as desperately as we do, that they may know Him and love Him.  It starts with love.

  

 

 

Leave a comment with your thoughts or feel free to join discussion at Family Discipleship Community!  It’s not too late 🙂

The Art of Being “Old Fashioned” ~ A Review

 I admit it, until this review came along I had never hear of the movie, Old Fashioned.  However, reading the summary of this one, I was quite intrigued. While m children are younger, this is a subject that I know will one day need to be addressed.  And it will come faster than expected.  But this touches on so many things that are quite dear to my heart (and so very important for our children to understand and have for themselves) Ideas of self-respect, determination, commitment, purity, commitment to God, morality and strong virtuous character, and being able to stand and be sure of what you believe.  These things matter!

Old Fashioned encompasses all of these things.  It is a gentle but firm reminder of the value of living purposefully and standing firm.  We see again and again the importance of knowing what is true and pure, and standing alone on these values if we must.  Doing the right thing is always the right thing to do.

Chivalry is a beautiful thing. Courtship is precious and beautiful, seek those things.

 

 

Old Fashioned focuses on Clay Walsh, former frat boy who gives up on his reckless ways and runs an antique shop in a small Midwestern town. He soon becomes notorious for his lofty and outdated theories on love and romance and a devout belief in God. When he meets Amber Hewson, a free-spirited young woman with a restless soul, who rents the apartment above his shop, she finds herself drawn to his strong faith, something new and intriguing (is’t this how the world ought to see God’s people?) and while Clay tries, to deny it, he just cannot resist her passionate embrace of life. Watch as Clay steps out from behind theories and Amber overcomes her fears and wounds.  See how the two of them, attempt the impossible: an “old-fashioned” God-honoring courtship in America today.

 

This is such a beautiful story; so well done. This is quite pleasant with lovely music.  The only thing I think they could have done better would be to show Clay’s faith more strongly. You never see him go to church; there seems to be little sharing of Gods word with this you woman he becomes so fond of.  So there are some biblical discrepancies in this one; it is lacking in a strong show of values but it is still a very worthy story.

 

 

Official Website – http://www.oldfashionedmovie.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OldFashionedMovie

Twitter: @OldFashionedVow

Purchase Here: http://pureflix.christianbook.com/old-fashioned/pd/033610?event=DVDs||

What IS the Hope?

It saddens me when I post something, meant to inform, and a firestorm of anger breaks out. People begin fighting; words are thrown around sarcastically and the meaning and purpose of the posting itself is lost.  My post this morning was about living for God; being aware of what His word says so that we are not deceived. And yet one line within that video caused a friend, to become angry and tell me I am speaking “the devils words” to her….. We need to be humble, we need to be teachable. Always. If I am in the church for 2 months or 20 years, I pray I will always remember His calling ad keep that hope in me. How important it is TODAY or us to be aware of His Word, and to live it and speak it BOLDLY.

 

I hope this timely reminder inspires you, and sets a fire within your soul, to live in a greater way today, than you did yesterday ❤

 

Oswald Chambers writes:
“…that you may know what is the hope of His calling… —Ephesians 1:18
Remember that you have been saved so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in your body (see 2 Corinthians 4:10). Direct the total energy of your powers so that you may achieve everything your election as a child of God provides; rise every time to whatever occasion may come your way.

 
You did not do anything to achieve your salvation, but you must do something to exhibit it. You must “workout your own salvation” which God has worked in you already (Philippians 2:12). Are your speech, your thinking, and your emotions evidence that you are working it “out”? If you are still the same miserable, grouchy person, set on having your own way, then it is a lie to say that God has saved and sanctified you.

 
God is the Master Designer, and He allows adversities into your life to see if you can jump over them properly— “By my God I can leap over a wall” (Psalm 18:29). God will never shield you from the requirements of being His son or daughter. First Peter 4:12 says, “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you….” Rise to the occasion— do what the trial demands of you. It does not matter how much it hurts as long as it gives God the opportunity to manifest the life of Jesus in your body.

 
May God not find complaints in us anymore, but spiritual vitality— a readiness to face anything He brings our way. The only proper goal of life is that we manifest the Son of God; and when this occurs, all of our dictating of our demands to God disappears. Our Lord never dictated demands to His Father, and neither are we to make demands on God. We are here to submit to His will so that He may work through us what He wants. Once we realize this, He will make us broken bread and poured-out wine with which to feed and nourish others.”

 

Give Them Grace ~ Intro & Chapter One ~ Talk Time!

It’s May! And so our 3 month discussion of the popular Give Them Grace: Dazzling Your Kids with the Love of Jesus by Elyse M. Fitzpatrick and Jessica Thompson in the Family Discipleship Facebook group has begun! It’s not too late to join us if you would like to.   Check out the schedule below, and then let’s talk about the foreword, the introduction, and Chapter One!  🙂

 

 

I absolutely love the quote Pastor Tchividjian begins the foreword with from Michael Horton in Christless Christianity:

 

What would things look like if Satan really took control of a city? Over half a century ago, Presbyterian minister Donald Grey Barnhouse offered his own scenario in his weekly sermon that was also broadcast nationwide on CBS radio. Barnhouse speculated that if Satan took over Philadelphia (the city where Barnhouse pastored), all of the bars would be closed, pornography banished, and pristine streets would be filled with tidy pedestrians who smiled at each other. There would be no swearing. The children would say, “Yes, sir” and “no ma’am,” and the churches would be full every Sunday… where Christ is not preached.” (Give Them Grace, page 11)

 

Tchividjian goes on to say that we are not meant to train our children to be externally obedient, “nice” “good” people, but rather that they are able to grasp the truth of the Gospel.  What good is the law after all if it does not point us toward God’s grace?  Sanctification or becoming holy, is not possible without justification through faith, by grace, in Christ alone. We are able to change because of Jesus. And Jesus is the one who changes us.

 

 

This reminds me, painfully, of how often I tell my children that they need to “obey”.  I expect them to apologize for wrong doings and be polite; I tell them to use kind words and to speak in love. When they are being stubborn, or disobedient, I remind them (too often) of the need for them to “just do it” because it is what needs to be done. None of us mean to teach our children things that are contrary to the Word of God but when I think about it, as I read, ultimately, I am teaching them (unconciously) that they need to do these things on their own. Truth is, they need Jesus with them, because it is through Him all these things can be.

 

Introduction ~ by Elyse M. Fitzpatrick and Jessica Thompson

 

Fitzpatrick and Thompson begin, no holds barred with the following question:

…should a Christian’s response differ significantly from what we might hear from a loving Mormon mom or a conscientious Jewish father?

 

What do you think? I didn’t have to think hard on this one. Of course, the gospel should be the center of all that we do.  If it is not, what does that say about our faith?

 

We need to give them the Gospel.  It should be something that we love so much, we desire to give it to our children again and again, seeing the great value within it for them. Its how we help them to live for Jesus – ensuring that they can see their NEED for a Saviour, just as we once did.  Can we remember the feelings of relief and joy that came from knowing that this battle we are in, He is there, fighting for us? How much peace did it give us knowing that this is not about our ability but rather His power.

 

Chapter One ~ Sinai to Calvary

I was quite compelled by how obedience was divided into various areas in this book such as: Initial Obedience, Social Obedience, Civic Obedience, and Religious Obedience. Certainly these are all necessary to learn to live successfully in the world, to be safe, and to develop strong relationships in our family and community. But none can save a child; if we consider their value eternally, there is so much more to all of this.

I loved the examples they share as to how we can communicate the gospel to our children, rather than focusing on their obedience to the law. (It’s what most of us do; not meaning to perhaps, but still….)

 

I love how they write:

 

Yes, give them God’s law. Teach it to them and tell them that God commands obedience. but before you are done, give them grace and explain again the beautiful story of Christ’s perfect keeping of it for them.

 

As my children get older I see more and more the value and need for Biblical training in their lives.  And I see, glaringly, my own imperfections, in them so often.  Training our children is so important. Consistent, grace filled, loving, Biblical training.  We cannot use the Bible as nothing more than a rule book rather we must use it as a way to share the complete message of the Gospel – the love and mercy; the grace and the law.  We cannot have one without the other.  It isn’t just about “being good” and they must know that (we need to too!) so that hearts may be transformed. ❤