Respect Them!

Colossians 3: 21

“…do not provoke your children to wrath, lest they become discouraged.”

I was so blessed to be at ladies Bible study today!  In the next few days the teaching will be uploaded to Calvaryftl.org under women’s ministry.  You will want to listen to every word by April Halleran.

April’s topic was “Respect.”  She shared many personal stories.  April talked about the fact that children are called to respect their parents. 

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She said as parents we must set the rules for our children.  We must demand they comply to our standards in order to make our families work.

From the above verse, April challenged the listener to consider how we can show respect to our children.  She asked us as parents to evaluate how we respect our children, their interests, hobbies and desires. 

I loved the story April told of her oldest son Patrick.  April recalled that she and her husband, Charlie yearly attend a Christian leadership conference.  While making plans to attend this year, Patrick brought to their attention the playoffs for his soccer team was the same weekend. 

April pointed out Patrick is on the varsity team but he is a freshman, making him the smallest and least experienced of the team.  She said he spends more time as a “bench warmer” than on the field.  However, due to Patrick’s love of the game he acts as if he is in every play. 

After praying about the upcoming conference April’s husband Charlie said he felt they needed to miss this years conference in order to honor Patrick’s play offs.  April said Patrick immediately stood a little more proud. 

As Patrick walked on the field she and Charlie noted that he looked like he had grown.  The game had barely started before Patrick was put in and scored his first goal.

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April and Charlie felt like the Lord had rewarded them for putting value on Patrick’s play offs.  By putting value on what was important to their child, God seemed to honor their decision by allowing Patrick to score.

Moms, this week find a way to place value on what your children do.  If its collecting baseball cards, sit with them and really talk about the players and why they like them.  If your child enjoys art, join them in their hobby.  Let your child know that you support them and value what they do!

In showing value to our children we will exemplify respect. It is amazing how much easier it is for them to respect us when we respect them!

Taken Away by Technology

Our family LOVES technology. We have the IPHONE, IPAD, MAC computer, and all the gadgets that go along with each one. Amazing apps have been created that my children absolutely love (i.e.  Easy Bake Cupcake- which my two year old has now learned how to successfully post to Facebook). Some apps are even educational and tutorial in nature which helps in having an interactive home schooling experience.

The Lord has recently pressed on my heart just how consumed my life has become with technology. How consumed our family has become with this wonderful invention and helper. One day I noticed how much it had become an idol in my life.  In my family's life. 


Definition of idol:
                  "anything that people worship as a god instead of God."


I found myself wanting to check my email and Facebook many times a day. I was investing my time into something with no eternal return/reward.  I was reading status updates of people I barely knew. I was checking my email. I was consumed. I made it an idol in my life.  I allowed it to become an idol in my family's life as well. I sat and thought of how my boys are ALWAYS enamored with going on "Daddy's IPAD" or phone to play games and had they had been sucked in by the "idol" as well. 

I stepped back and pondered what I was doing. Rushing in to check in on the computer instead of rushing in to check in with my heavenly Father. Why wasn't I spending those few moments quickly reading a verse or two. Lifting up a much-needed prayer. Doing those things that would truly help  me when I struggle through my day as a mommy.  Because I had allowed something else to take HIS place.  


I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. - John 17:4


I don't want to miss any of the "work that you gave me to do" Lord because my eyes were focused elsewhere. Please  help me to cling to you when other things try to steal my heart and devotion. Allow me to seek your face in those few free moments I have so that I am able to glorify you here on earth. Help me to instill in my kids the value of spending even a few moments in your WORD and the impact it can have on my day.