“Do not be stiff-necked, as your ancestors were; submit to the Lord. Come to his sanctuary, which he has consecrated forever. Serve the Lord your God, so that his fierce anger will turn away from you.” – 2 Chronicles 30:8 (NIV) We’ve all seen the “pouty face” of children when they didn’t get their way!  Not a pretty sight!  However, it may be an indication that someday they may be a leader.  If we can turn their desires toward pleasing God, it may actually be a good thing! According to … [Read more...]

“For man was not made from woman, but woman from man. Neither was man created for woman, but woman for man.” –  I Corinthians 11:8-9 (ESV) Many times when I have done book signings, a dad will pick up a book, look at it and put it down.  When I mention that the books are helpful for family devotions, most often I have gotten the response, “My wife usually makes those kind of decisions”.  The Scripture cited above makes it clear that God intended for the dad to be the head of the home and … [Read more...]

“Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.” – Luke 12:27 (NKJV) Isn’t it amazing how God created the world and everything goes together?  It is hard to understand how anyone could think that it all could “just happen”.  Children can learn much from nature, such as how God planned for it all to work together, gave it the nourishment needed, and an example of the resurrection. God … [Read more...]

The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand. – Psalm 37:23,24 (NIV) When my younger sister had her first child, she sent me a picture of the baby with lots of lace and a pretty blanket.  On the back of the picture was written “The next Miss America”.  I still chuckle about that picture.  She didn’t become Miss America, but she became an excellent teacher/ counselor at a high school and is now … [Read more...]

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...]