Wise Words for Moms

If you follow my blog, you know I made reference a short while ago to a book, Praying the Scriptures for your Children.  If you didn't get to read that, you can go here.

A few years ago, I was at a MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) meeting.  Our mentor, Dana, gave out some practical tools to use at home with our children.  One of them has been a great tool.  I don't use it as much as I should (and I plan to remedy that!), but I definitely used it when the boys were smaller.  It hangs on the side of our refrigerator.  Here is a picture:

It gives you scripture to use for specific behaviors - for example:  if the child is complaining, the "heart questions" are - 1) Is your child showing thankfulness and contentment? and 2) Rather than complaining, what can you be thankful for in this situation?.

The second section is verses for reproof of that behavior -so for complaining it gives Philippians 2:14 "Do everything without complaining and arguing".

The third column is is for encouraging - so for complaining it encourages thankfulness with 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18 "It is God's will that you be thankful and joyful in all circumstances".

It gives practical use for scripture that is pertinent to the situation.  The bible tells us that  "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16).
When we are without direction, we can always turn to the WORD for truth!  What better way to instill in our children a love for God and use of his Word then to show how it should impact and direct our everyday life, choices, attitudes, and thoughts?

If you have an iphone, a friend recently shared that there is an app for this tool for $1.99.  If you are interested in ordering one of these charts (there are a couple of pages), you can go to www.shepherdpress.com and purchase it there.

BUT be warned - using this with your children WILL also change you!  If I have learned anything through parenting, it is that I usually learn the same lessons my children are learning.  It never fails, if I am frustrated with them for a lack of patience, God usually reveals to me that I am also lacking patience.  When I don't understand why they are being stubborn or unforgiving, a light bulb goes on in my head that I too am exhibiting those characteristics.  We are constantly having to redirect our hearts and minds back to God and his Word.