And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ – Acts 20:35 (NKJV) In today’s world, it seems that most of the focus on raising children centers around what we can do for them.  The truth is, children learn much more by what they do for others and by participating in events rather than simply being onlookers. As Christmas approaches, let us incorporate children in as many activities as possible.  There is actually more self … [Read more...]

How many times have we heard adults complain about children not appreciating what they have?  I’ve heard it over and over.  When those remarks are made, they are often made suggesting that it is all the fault of the children that they don’t appreciate what they have.  With Thanksgiving approaching, perhaps we should think a little deeper on this subject.  Perhaps it is not the fault of the children, but rather how the children are being raised.  Following are some things that I believe … [Read more...]

“…The Lord does not look at the things people look at.  People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” –  I Samuel 16:17 (NIV) Halloween presents a dilemma for Christian parents.  Do they really want their children celebrating a holiday that was begun by people who were not worshiping our Lord?  Not only that, the history of Halloween has many undesirable things associated with it.  Yet, is it fair to a child to restrict them from enjoying what seems so harmless … [Read more...]

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” – 2 Timothy 2:15 KJV It is easy to become so concerned with our hustle and bustle as parents that we forget the feelings that children have as they prepare to return to school.  Yes, parents worry about clothes, supplies, schedules, etc.  But what about the children, and what they are feeling and thinking? It is good to remember when we were in school.  The worries of … [Read more...]

But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. – Galatians 4:4-5 (NKJV) When my husband and I were dating many years ago, we often helped some missionary friends who had a children’s home for American Indian children.  These children had come from homes where there had been problems with alcohol, etc.  We often said that we thought it would be best … [Read more...]

“Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them. – Colossians 3:18,19 When my husband and I were first married, I told him that I did not want to be in first place in his life.  What I preferred was to have him always put God in first place, then I would know that I would always be in second place.  God plans everything perfectly, if we would only follow His ways! Many would argue that women should not have to … [Read more...]

For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Mark 8:36 (KJV) There are many people who think all problems can be solved by money.  Not so!  However, children do need to learn a healthy respect for money. When children earn their own money, it means much more to them and they learn that money doesn’t come easily.  There are ways that even elementary school children can earn money.  On one occasion, I remember, after grocery shopping, our … [Read more...]

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” – Psalm 119:105 Many parents spend a great deal of money on the most up-to-date books for children.  Many of the recent books I have seen do no more for children than give them practice in saying words.  Some even have underlying philosophies that Christian parents should try to avoid for their children.  I remember my daughter telling me that someone gave our granddaughter a book about a person who really wanted to be a model and … [Read more...]

“If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.” – Matthew 5:29 (NKJV) How do we feel when we see someone who is mentally or physically challenged?  Is our first feeling one of pity?  What does our pity do to help the individual? There are many parents wondering, “Why me?”  “Why did God give me this child to raise?  Is He punishing me for something I … [Read more...]

“Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.” – Psalm 127:4-5 (NIV) The Bible tells us that children are a gift from God, but sometimes it is tough to parent that gift!  None of us would want to give up those precious little ones, but raising them is not always easy! My husband and I worked on the Navajo reservation in the late 50’s and early 60’s.  He was responsible for the children in one dormitory and I was … [Read more...]

Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it. – Prov. 22:6 (NKJV) It is interesting to watch today’s children’s Christmas programs and compare them to those of long ago.  It seems that many of those today try to make it entertaining for the children so much that the real meaning of Christmas is sometimes lost.  Why do we assume that children today all want something that is “jazzed up” so they can have a fast beat.  Children will like the music … [Read more...]