What's So Good About Good Friday?

                      

As a kid I never understood why Good Friday is called good. Did you ever wonder about that? I could see Good Friday called black Friday, or sad Friday, or even sacrifice Friday, but Good Friday? 

My God, My God, Why Have You Forsaken Me (Matt. 27:46)? That is the question on that Friday so long ago. It could also be how you and I feel when the storms of our life come rolling through. 

Have you ever felt alone? I mean really alone? That is a question I am pondering this Good Friday. Yes, I have felt alone, even in a crowded room full of people. 

Some of you know what I mean... Have you ever had the loss of a parent to death, divorce, or abandonment as a child and wondered, "how are we going to LIVE without mommy or daddy providing for us and loving us." What a helpless feeling... 

What about a spouse who loses his or her lifelong partner. That, "one flesh" thing is not a joke! it is REAL. A person morns their lost loved one emotionally, physically, and spiritually when they are separated due to a permanent separation. They may say they are okay, but they will never truly be the same again.

How about those who have lost a child to miscarriage, still birth, or due to some tragedy, or illness. Or, maybe the realization a child one has raised through devoted love, sweat, tears, and pouring their very soul into a child's whole life.... Only to find they walked away from everything they have ever taught them or a rejection of the truth of Jesus in their adult life, that their parents longed for them to possess? They now having to live with the knowledge there is no hope for their child without Jesus atonement for their rebellion? There too, is a sense of aloneness and heartache.

How about an illness that others cannot fathom (or see) the pain you endure? The comparison of your pain to their minor headache, is a joke at best. If only they really knew the pain your endure. The pain that causes you to sweat and causes your face to have a constant frown because you do not have anymore energy to bring a fake smile to your face. The smile you force only to lie and say you are fine, when really you wish the intense pain would be relieved for just one second. One second of relief is all you are asking for... but never receive it. Yes, some of you know exactly what I am talking about. 

ALONE... Is the perfect word, "No one understands" is what you are thinking. At least that's how you and I feel. No one (not even the people who try) can comfort you in these dark and lonely places. You feel alone, yet the whole world surrounds you.

Even still, no matter the pain or suffering we have endured through these trials, compares to the depth of grief, pain, and aloneness that Jesus felt being separated from the Father on that dark day of Good Friday, over 2000 years ago. NOTHING.... Think about that for a minute. There is absolutely no comparison that would come close, except for maybe a glimpse (at best) of the pain we have endured in this incomplete list of trials I've mentioned above. 

Imagine the perfect parent, the perfect spouse, the perfect child, the perfect life, no death, no pain, no sin, no tears, the perfect oneness with your loved ones. If only that could be the way it could be... right? 

Well, that was exactly what Jesus had with the Father (John 1:14, Phil 2). In fact, they are so close they are one person! Yep, oneness - perfection in relation to one another (John 10:30). 

This concept of God's oneness is hard for us to grasp because we have never truly known it to the extent that God has. The total unity of God. But that is exactly how the Godhead is. He is one God in three persons (Deut. 6:4, Genesis 1:1, 26, 3:22, Isaiah 6:8, Matt. 3:16-17, 28:19, 2 Cor. 13:14, are just a few of the references we can point to). The Father, the Son, and the Spirit are indeed one. Marriage can describe it very well, but so can a mother and child's symbiotic relationship during pregnancy. However, marriage and oneness of mother and child can illustrate this concept, but only scratch the surface of the reality of the unity and the harmony of Trinity. Analogies can only give a glimpse of the closeness of the Trinitarian God.

The Bible tells us Jesus left the perfect life-scenario - the heavenly realm. The ultimate utopia. He left it because of love... because we were ALONE, seperated from God's eternal love. Destitute and without hope because of sin - inherited and willful sin. Like the parent listed above who loves their child and only wants what's best for him or her, God so loved us by sending Jesus to the world. His one and only Son. His beloved... Moreover, on Good Friday they completely were separated while Jesus took upon Himself the pain and the anguish of the whole world's sin... The just wrath from a Holy God. God the Father being Holy, imputed the world's sin onto His Holy Son, causing Him to receive the wrath against the unholiness of humanity. Think about that for a minute and let it sink in... 

Past, present, and future generations and all of the sin humanity has ever thought, said, did, or will do, came pouring down on Jesus. Even the wrath for the most vile of sin was upon His shoulders. He bore it all. The pain from that weight itself must have been unbearable (Matt. 26:36-56).Never has anyone known such pain, anguish, or aloneness, than Jesus did that Good Friday (the weight of sin coupled with the crucifixion). Nor, will anyone else have to suffer such aloneness (separation from God), if they trust Jesus' sacrifice in their stead (Act 2:21, Romans 10:13,Matt. 28:20). 

I have come to understand as an adult, what I did not understand as a child. The good in Good Friday is just that, GOOD. In fact, it should be (in my estimation) called great Friday or awesome Friday! God, the only one who is good - holy  (Luke 18:19) has imputed to those who accept this payment of Jesus' atonement for their sins, to be one with the Godhead... Yes, it's hard to believe. Jesus even prayed to that end (John 17).

       Why would the perfect union of the Godhead want a messed up individual like myself or any one for that matter, to be in their shared perfect unity? The answer can only be love... The love for the absent parent, spouse, child or loved one, is just a glimpse into the love God has for us. That is amazing my friends - utterly amazing. This is truly how God feels about us. In fact, He rose again from death so that you and I could be victorious over death, over pain and over suffering and to live an abundant life and live eternal life together with Him. Sound like a fairy tail? It is, but this one is true! That's the good in Good Friday! Thank you Jesus. We never need to feel alone again. Sunday is coming... up from the grave He arose with a mighty triumph over His foes. God is so GOOD! 

Happy Good Friday,

Darla J. Smith 

Depression in the Bible

Off the top of my head, biblical people who showed signs of depression:

1. Adam &Eve - desperately looking to their offspring to get them back to Eden - yet God blessed them.
2. Cain - killed his brother over jealousy - God protected him with a mark.
3. Noah - got so drunk his sons had to cover him - yet considered righteous by God.
4. Abram - so disappointed he was without child took matters into his own hands and lost his firstborn son. He almost gave his estate to his servant.
5. Isaac - mourned his mother's death and only a wife could comfort him.
6. Jacob - wanted his daddy's love and blessing so much he became deceptive and lost all of his immediate family over it.  He became Isreal the father of tribes of Isreal.
7. Joseph - I'm sure went through several depression periods, but the biggest one we see is when he left the room hysterical full of grief when he then revealed his true identity to his brothers.  He also took comfort  by taking a wife.
8. Moses - killed an Egyptian out of dispair. Was depressed about his speech impediment and refused to do what God asked of him (the Living God appeared to him I need a bush illuminated by fire that didn't burn the LIVE bush!). He also, became overwhelmed with the multitude on several occasions.  Hit the water supply out of dispair of the clamoring multitude and then was denied entrance into the promiseland but could only see it from afar (that would make anyone depressed). 
9. Joshua - having the faith to tackle the giants but being punished with the ones with little faith (those 40 years were emtional filled, I'm sure). 
10. Naomi - lost her whole family. Yet a few generations later, King David was her heir.
11. King David - just read the psalms... depression haunted him! Yet, "He was a man after God's own heart." Hmmmmm
12. Jeremiah - the lamenting prophet.
13. Hosea - His wife was a prostitute, yet he bought her back! Uh yah... no words for that one.
14. Job - Just read the book! His helpmate told him to curse God and die! I think she was depressed too! Uh, yeah...  beyond depressed.
15. Actually all of the prophets were depressed... just READ them.
16. Mathew & Zacheaus were despised by their own countrymen because of their profession. It had to be depressing even though it made them rich. Wealth doesn't bring contentment.
17. Peter - denied Christ after he swore he would die for Him.
18. John - stood and watched Jesus die with Mary's heart  being pierced. Dispair...
19. Judas - 30 shekels clanging to the ground as he realized he sold his soul and he hung himself. Highly doubtful he converted or was a believer. - only God knows.
20. Martha - sad and depressed that her sister got to just sit there while she did all the work.
21. James, Jude and Jesus' other siblings... Can you imagine having a sinless  brother?!?
22. John the Baptist - living all alone in the desert spells depression. But we really see it when he asks for a sign while he was waiting in prison. In depression he desperately FORGOT the Father said in his hearing, "This is My Son in Whom I am well plessed."
23. All of Jesus' disciples...
24. Paul - I don't think he ever got over the persecution of Jesus followers. Read Romans 7
25. Timothy was the pastor at Ephesus where John the beloved was an elder... I mean, that intimidation alone can make your stomach hurt. But there were also, "wild beast in Ephesus!" I could only image what that meant... power hungry leadership trying to run the church? Pagan influences attacking the church? Not sure, but Paul fought them and warned Timothy about them.
26. Philemon - had to accept his run away slave as a brother. And the letter was read in front of the church so he let him free I'm sure.
27. The Thesselonias - thought, "Why work?" Jesus is coming back. Yet, he wasn't there yet... Paul had to get them refocused to do Gospel work.
28. The Hebrews addressed in the book of Hebrews, were stuck in complacency;  only taking in the basics of the faith, instead of going deeper and instructing others.
29. The hallmark of the faithful in the book of Hebrews... none of them saw the fulfillment of the promises given to them here on earth. Just read Hebrews 11... we are surrounded by a cloud of witnesses.
30. John the beloved fell to the ground in dispair with the vision of the angel, and of the vision of Heaven. He wept (in utter dispair) because of the 7th seal! Read Revelation 5.
31. The whole world. Read Revelation 6-18.

After reading these  breif reference that I just remembered off the top of my (there are many more in the Scriptures). There is a connection between being poor in Spirit and finding God, read Matthew 5:1-12.

When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain; and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him.
2 He opened His mouth and began to teach them, saying,
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
5 “Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.
6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
10 “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.
12 “Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Don't miss the correlation of depression and the need of God to save. Romans 10: 9-10.

My great need helped me look for Jesus and it was in that despair I found Him. My sorrow turned to gladness, and my despair turned into joyful song. 

Darla J. Smith

How "God Said Let There Be You" Can Benefit Your Church and Community

                                      

Church Leader,

Please consider using “God Said Let There Be You” by Darla J. Smith as a resource in your church. This book will help to build a biblical worldview for children of all ages and how much God loves and created each of us. Here are just a few ways you and your church can do that:

1.      Church library

2.      Nursery/preschool rooms

3.      Parent/baby dedications

4.      Local outreach to a pregnancy centers

5.      Minister’s hospital visits

6.      Outreach to families with preschoolers at visitation times

7.      Bible story time about creation

8.      Mother’s Day Out story times

9.      Vacation Bible School/story presentation

10.  A child/person suffering with low self-esteem issues in counseling sessions

11.  And the list could go on…

You can watch the YouTube Presentation Here: http://youtu.be/lS3AgTyhphQ

Website is: www.darlajsmith.com

**5 star Amazon customer said: "Great easy to read for kids. Application to child makes them feel like part of the story so the Bible come alive for them!" (Amazon.com customer review)

God bless your ministry as we serve His Kingdom together,

 Darla J. Smith

 

Is Your Child “That Kid” in Public Places? Three Ways to Combat this Issue for You and Your Child

When your child is the kid that enters the room and the teacher or sitter has a look on their face that says, “Oh no, not that kid again,” what should you do?

1.       My first instinct would be to react defensively and protect my child from the misconception happening in the classroom.

2.       I might be tempted to just pull my kid out of that teacher’s class or fire that sitter.

3.       Another possible response would be to overreact toward my child and constantly harp on my kid because evidently he or she is the “bad” kid of the given environment.

But what if this happened in every environment he or she was involved in?

In my experiences while working with children, parents tend to overreact in three ways:

1.       The first way is to deny that their child can do anything wrong. This happens a lot to parents who take a defensive attitude and try to protect their children from the criticism of their peers or teachers.

2.       The parents tend to prematurely protect their child by taking that child out of the environment that seems to be the problem. Now, I am not saying not to remove your child if he or she is in emotional and physical danger, but I am saying that this situation can be a learning experience for everyone involved, even you as the parent. But especially for your child because, let’s face it, there are difficult people in our adult lives and we do need to know how to deal with them. How do we learn how to deal with them? Experience, plain and simple, experience in socialization with people in authority and/or peers.

3.       Some parents tend to verbally or physically beat up Johnny or Julie. What do I mean by that? I mean the parent is embarrassed at their child’s behavior, as if it somehow reflects poor parenting skills, and makes the parent feel bad about themselves and they inevitably destroy their child’s self-confidence. This choice can even affect the way the child thinks about God. Kids coming from these homes usually grow up thinking that God is a harsh and cruel God instead of a loving and merciful Father, because they feel God made them “wrong” since they believe that, “even Mommy and Daddy say I am bad.” If the parents convey this message of grievance against their child then the child feels as if they must somehow be a mistake.

All three of these choices are easy choices without even being aware you are doing them. How then should we react to our children who others view as “that kid?” I suggest these three counteractions to your thoughts and nurturing:

 

1.       Reveal to your child how much they are valued and loved by God and you as his or her parent. Always affirm that they are a gift to you from God, and that God has a purpose for their life, that you can discover together as they grow and mature. This God-given purpose will be the most important thing in his or her life.  

2.       Realize your kid is going to mess up (sin). We all are sinners and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). This is not a reflection on you or your parenting in general. It is a reflection that your child is a human being who has, like the rest of us, chosen to disobey God, parents, and whatever other authority that is set up. Why? Because that is who we are as human beings. We have free will and our very nature is self-centered and we want our way or the highway. Yet, we live in a society, so we need to get along with others, and in doing so there must be law and order. Therefore, think of your child needing the lesson of law and order and that is why we must obey the rules. We obey the rules and our teachers because they protect us or help us. Sometimes this may not be fun but we must obey because this is what our loving God expects us to do and we want to obey Him because He loves us and created us to be loved.

3.       Do not worry about what others think about you or your child. Period. Your child will continue to mess up because that is how they learn and some kids are more intense learners than others. It usually comes down to the child wanting to know “why is this wrong or right?” Or, “why do we have this rule or that rule?” If we take the time to explain over and over again, your time explaining conveys to the child that you care about them enough that you desire they know right from wrong, although they may not say it quite like that. So instead of worrying about what others think about you or your child, focus on what God thinks. If you do not know how He feels, read the book of John or read the Bible to your kids. The Bible is God’s love letter to you and your child revealing that your worth (and your child’s worth) is greater to Him than Heaven itself.

 

I am not saying that your child will turn around and then never do wrong or be a hardship in the classroom; remember that some kids are intense learners. They need to learn the hard way and that way is sometimes the difficult way with discipline needed or intense rules for the intense learner.

I cannot leave this blog without saying one more thing. If the intense learning is not getting through and you suspect there is a learning disability you may need to seek professional advice from counselors and doctors, but please, please make sure the teachers and or sitters realize this and that they in turn give the same positive feedback mentioned above.

Finally, if your child does have some handicapping situation, please always convey to him/her that God does not make mistakes. Each individual has a purpose just the way he/she was made by God and it is our job as parents to help each child find his or her God-given purpose.

15 Assurances of the Believer

 

15 Assurances of Salvation for the Christian

1  Deuteronomy 31:6, Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."

2  Deuteronomy 31:8, The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

3  Joshua 1:5, No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.

4  1Kings 8:57, May the LORD our God be with us as he was with our fathers; may he never leave us nor forsake us.

5 1Chronicles 28:20, David also said to Solomon his son, "Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the LORD is finished.

6  Psalms 37:28, For the LORD loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones. They will be protected forever, but the offspring of the wicked will be cut off;

7  Psalms 94:14 (For the LORD will not reject his people;he will never forsake his inheritance.)

8  Isaiah 41:17  "The poor and needy search for water, but there is none; their tongues are parched with thirst. But I the LORD will answer them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them.

9  Isaiah 42:16  I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.

 

10 Matthew  28:20 "Teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

 

11 Romans 8: 37-39  No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.  For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

 

12 Romans 10:9-10  If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.

 

13 2 Timothy 2:13 If we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.

14  Hebrews 13:5  Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

 

15 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

 

* If you believe the Word of God and you truly have asked Jesus into your life for the forgiveness of sins, He will never leave you nor forsake you. No looking back. It (your salvation) is finished (completed by Jesus on the cross John 19: 30.

 

Momma Got Ran Over by a Lawnmower

     I don’t know about your life, but my life seems to be in the fast lane most of the time. If I am not working, I’m gearing up so I can work. If I am not working at my job, I am working at taking care of my family. But you know, that is just how life is, isn’t it? Fast, fast, fast lane. We think technology helps only to find out it can be a ball and chain in our life.

     I was helping my husband with the mowing of our yard the other day, and I was the one who was chosen to ride on the riding lawnmower. He actually hates for me to help because the riding mower is the only fun part of the weekend lawn maintenance.

     When I help I usually run it on the rabbit speed, but we have some birds that nest in the ground. I did not want to run over the baby birds, so I put it toward the turtle setting on the mower. After all, I did not want to kill the birds. Meantime, in my own life I am running myself on the rabbit setting.

     I thought of this while I was on the turtle setting: Why don’t I slow down in my life more often? Why don’t I set my life speed on the turtle mode?” Unknowingly, my blood pressure was going up. My ears have been pulsating with my heartbeat and I have been having tightness of the chest. This

made me take time to go and see the doctor. I am having blood pressure issues and because of family history my doctor wants me to see a cardiologist. I will see him in a few weeks for an evaluation. This makes me think of the turtle setting on the lawnmower. Thank goodness I can stop and smell the roses and start telling people no, doing what is required of me, but balancing that with taking care of my health.

     I know you are probably in the same boat. You go from the time you get up, to the time you go to bed. Even if you stay at home with your kids or work from home, you probably fill up every second of your day and at the end of the day you are completely spent. I am starting my days on the turtle setting and going to enjoy my days in that speed. What I get done, I get done. What I do not get done, I just do not get done. Sounds easy, doesn’t it?

    It won’t be easy for me and it won’t be easy for you either, but we must try. I have future grandbabies I want to see and enjoy. So, what do you say? You want to go to the turtle setting with me? I’m tired of the rabbit setting, going so fast I run over myself in the process. I pray I can slow down and I pray you can too. We do not have to be the donkey below. Jesus says His burden is light and his yoke is easy. What we do not get done, will get done by others or the Lord. Rest well, my friends, and enjoy life.

Thank you for taking the time to read my contemplations.

 Blessings,
©Darla J. Smith
Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Djconnersmitty
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My Church: www.fbcjustin.org

7 Ways to Prepare Your Preteen for Adolescents

1.       Pick Your Battles – As parents we should endeavor not to nit-pick our kids for stuff that doesn’t matter in the grand scheme of life. I still have to remember this concept. When our kids are young we should correct and steer our kids in the right direction, giving small choices. As they get older we strive to give harder choices to make on their own.

     Pick serious toned instruction with subjects that truly matter. We should not badger our kids for little things. Not everything is a big deal. Too many times I nit-picked my kids about hair style, being messy, etc. In the grand scheme of things, who really cares that their hair was not perfect all of the time, or the house wasn't neat and tidy. Will an excellent hairstyle cause them to make good decisions, or keep them out of harms way? No. Although a clean room might. Not really, that was a little humor.

            If we nag all the time they will not listen to us when it really matters. My husband and I both have our picky areas and they thankfully are not the same. When I want to nit-pick the kids about things that bother me, he is there to nudge me to choose my battles and I do the same to him on the issues that grate his nerves.

       2. Love Their Quirkiness – understand that the sweet little child that could bat their eyes and once melted your heart, has temporarily vanished. You will probably only see glimpses of that individual in the next several years. But that sweetness will return when they become young adults.  

 

3.       Focus on Morality – do so with less nagging and more informal instruction. Concentrate on things that will help them be good decision makers and leaders in the home and society.

 

                  Do not spoon feed them information, ask open ended, life impacting questions, such as: “Johnny what do you think about such and such?” Or “How would you handle this or that?” Start with smaller issues and as they increasingly mature tackle larger issues. Examples of this would be: The younger preteen: "Emily why do you think the church has a dress code for camp?" The older preteen: "Emily what are your thoughts about girls having boyfriends, kissing boys, or kids who do drugs." Hopefully you have already explained God's and subsequently your view on such subjects.

 

            Keep dialogue age appropriate by answering their questions and not giving too much information at one time on a given subject. Our discussions on these subjects should be throughout childhood, giving bits and pieces along the way. It's not about all the information flooded at once and then that's the end of the discussion on the given matter. Discussion at pivotal points or moments of query are crucial.

 

     Stand firm on Biblical truths. Moral issues are a hill worth dying on. There should be no movement or hesitation on your Biblical worldview in rearing your children. People who say, "I'm letting my children choose their own faith." These individuals do not choose a spiritual foundation and have in reality chosen a faith for their child. That faith is for their child not to have faith at all.

     Help your children to own their faith by asking questions to analyze where they are spiritually. Encourage Scripture readings and open dialogue about the meaning of the biblical text. When they ask you what you think, tell them. Although, when you tell them what you think, please do not forget to tell them why you believe what you believe.

     The why is just as important as the what. If we forget the why and only focus on the what, it loses the chance to show our kids how to reason and make wise decisions. This shows our decision making with a purposeful outcome. Actually, it reveals to our children who we are.

4.       Give Rite of Passage Statements – These are statements like: “Now that you are 11… you are old enough to have this or that responsibility.” Hold them accountable for completing a certain standard in their performance, yet not expecting perfection. Give them authority or leadership over younger kids or in community or church with you guiding them in the process. Another statement would be: “Now that you are 13 we expect more out of you, Julie. In the Jewish culture 13 year olds are official adults. This means you are capable of adult decision making. I am going to be watching to see all the great decisions you will be making! I am here for you if you ever have any questions.”  Also, compliment them in front of others. This bestows confidence in them. Giving validity to the fact they are a contributing part of the community at large and progressing in their efforts of maturity.

 

             If your child rebels your responsibility delegations, respond with statements such as: "My job as your parent is to prepare you for adulthood, not to be your best friend." or "The reason we give you responsibility is because we know you can do it." or  "God gave you to us because He made you with potential, and has instructed us to see to it that you use that potential."

 

 

5.       Think of Your Child as Your Apprentice – You are preparing them to take over the family lineage after you pass on.  Actually, I believe this is the very reason why we were given the chance to be parents.

 

     Talk to them about the future and how special they are to carry on the family spiritual heritage after you are gone. This empowers them and gives them a sense of belonging that can only come thru your family. This process teaches them how to be a spouse, parent, member of society, and a local church.

6.       Chill out and seek God’s wisdom for times of your impatience, because parental impatience is a reality in everyone's life. Why do we get impatient? Because we:

a.       Love them.

b.      Do not want to see them get hurt.

 

c.      We do not want to look bad in front of our friends, church, or family members. We take our kid's behavior as a reflection of our parenting skills or take it personally in some way. I have done this and I am sure you have too.

 

             It’s ok. Our children have free will and are their own individual person with individual personalities that are transforming into who they are becoming as a future adult. Adam, Eve and the generations of us who came after them, have the perfect parent; God. Yet, we still mess up and make mistakes. Thank God for His Grace in such times. Our message should be love even in the midst of discipline.

7.       Repeat this process over and over again until they move on to college. When the children go to college, use these principles from afar. We should always be there and never let go of our kids through the college years. We choose the fine line between accountability and grace, just as our heavenly Father does. We are always His child, saved by grace, but are guided by His loving stern hand in times of disobedience. He never leaves us nor forsakes us. I know I take comfort in that fact, and so does my children.

              I'm praying for you as you parent your preteens into adolescence and into adulthood. I pray they are individuals who follow and love the Lord their God. Children are indeed an inheritance from the Lord.

 

Thank you for taking the time to read my contemplations.

 Blessings,
©Darla J. Smith
Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Djconnersmitty
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My Church: www.fbcjustin.org