Am I Doing This Right?

Am I Doing This Right

Notes from the Hearts at Home 2010 Session

with Sharon Autry and Laurie Hillard (momandlovingit.org)

Proverbs 22:6 - Train up a child in the way he should go

train - aim at a goal or objective - decide what we want the end to look like so we know what to do now.

In America, we spend lots of time on the mind (school & tutors) and the body (sports at early ages), but what's most important to you?

What are three things you want your children to be known for when they're grown up? (List your own)

1) Strong relationship with Christ (faithful)

2) Respectful

3) Generous (helpful) with everything - time, talents, money

The HEART is most important to God

My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words.

Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart;
for they are life to those who find them and health to a man's whole body.
Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.

Prov. 4:20-23

But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."

1 Sam. 16:7

Shouldn't your child's heart be most important to you too?

How do we reach the heart?

These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

Deut. 6:6-7

Rules without a relationship = rebellion

Kids don't care how much we know until they know how much we care.

Communicate Along The Way

Written notes, journal with your kids (http://www.momandlovingit.org/MeMs/MeM_2009-10w.html), e-mail or text if you have to because you need to be in THEIR world. Be creative and think outside of the box.

Laugh Along The Way - Lighten up!

Smile more - it's healthy for you and your home. Even say "no" with a smile.

Be a "yes" mom whenever you can

Dream with them

Do a "Pajama Run" (wake the kids up after you've put them to bed and go out to get ice cream)

Sometimes you just need to scream

Read books together

Sometimes you need to get on their level

Cook together

Be Patient Along The Way

Kids know if you're really listening

Don't see the stuff that bothers you - Lord, give me your eyes to see them as you do.

Find out your child's love language - touch and affection, encouragement, gifts, acts of service, or quality time - and make an effort to use it.

What you say about your children in front of someone else is what they'll remember.

Introduce your child in a positive way

Your children are more important and precious than a broken plate or spilled drink.

Pray Along The Way

For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. Colossians 1:9

Pray about their fears with them, even the monsters under their beds. Pray daily and consistently!
Praying Daily for your Children Calendar - http://www.momandlovingit.org/MeMs/MeM_2009-10w.html

6 P's to Pray for your Children

Passion for God

For them to know their Purpose in life

That they would have good Peers that they hang around with

Future Partner

Purity

Praise - that they'll learn how to be grateful to God in all circumstances

Practice Along The Way

Spiritual Applications - use life illustrations to share Christ with your children.

Scripture Memory - Dry erase on mirrors

Scripture Songs - Hide 'Em In Your Heart - songs that sing the scripture.

Model It

Life and love today, because we only have these days!