2 Timothy 3:16
All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness.
When I think of the times I'm at my lowest and in desperate need of teaching, rebuking, correcting and training...this verse reminds me that my answer is the Word that has already been spoken by the Living God, for me. He anticipates my need every time and because He loves so deeply...has made a way before I ever know my need is there.
The funny thing is...these days, as a mother of four...my need seems to be constant. I'm constantly aware of where I fall short, where I need help, where I can't do it on my own, where I will fail without His help, and I'm just now beginning to believe...that's a good thing. I am designed for dependence. If life was meant to be lived in my own strength, Jesus would not had to have come. Since He did, I trust God knew I needed some serious help...because sending His SON...that's a serious intervention.
I know I'm in need...how often though do I celebrate my strengths and find comfort in my achievement over the blood washed victory I have in Jesus...the identity I have as one of HIS.
I want my kids to know it too. I want them to know that their mama is only as ALIVE as the God who made her...the One who breathes life into her being day after day has divine PURPOSE for the moments He graciously gives.
A dear friend called me the other day and we got to have a long chat. One of those chats that goes beyond the typical exchange of current events and right down deep into the condition of our hearts...I love those. We chatted about life, marriage, our kids and what a challenging yet God-inspiring task it is to be entrusted with their lives. She started talking about the way she has been using scripture to train her kids up in righteousness, and it reminded me of a book I read that has helped me so much in my journey with my own kids. In it, Ginger Plowman helped me see the Word of God as a practical tool to be used in the everyday training of my kids. I love it, because it takes the authority I speak with to a whole new level. Not only does mama say this is how you should act...not only is this our family's way of behaving...but the One who designed us, who knows us, who gave His life for us...says, This is my way, now walk in it. It really doesn't get any better than that.
I can't help myself...sounds like it's time for another giveaway!
Leave a comment, if you'd like to be in the running for these two wonderful resources in training up your children in His WORD. Along with your comment if you would be so kind as to join our Facebook community, I would love to journey together more regularly.
Don't Make Me Count to Three! is a book with wisdom in raising your child up in scripture and looking at misbehavior as heart issues to be dealt with first and foremost. Wise Words for Moms is a calendar sized flip chart that lists behaviors your child may struggle with (anger, selfishness, lying) and lists the accompanying scripture to help pray with your child through the heart issue that behavior reveals...these really are two of my favorite resources I've ever used in helping my kids draw closer to Jesus in the midst of the brokenness their poor behavior reveals. I can't wait to send these to one of you next week! Entries will be gathered through 12 noon on Monday, February 27th...then those cute little hands I love will write down any names entered and choose one winner! Enter away! {They need the handwriting practice} :)
Congrats to Kirstin for winning the giveaway!
With two precious boys and a sweet little girl on the way, I know the Lord has good plans to put His words to use in the life of your family!
I'll leave you this week with your second verse to commit to memory...
Joshua 1:8
This book of instruction must not depart from your mouth; you are to recite it day and night, so that you may carefully observe everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in whatever you do.
There is nothing I can say more motivating than the WORD straight from the mouth of our Living God! Let's write it on the door frames of our hearts this week, so we'll be prepared...in the midst of the battle...to use His INSPIRED Word for the training up of our children to the glory of a GOOD God!
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Join our community in memorizing 100 verses in 2012!
Every Monday is Mindful Monday around here.
We want to keep our mind fixed on His Word and are committed to writing it just about anywhere to make sure it says in our minds and on our hearts throughout each day we're given.
The verse selections are taken from Robert J. Morgan's book 100 Bible Verses everyone should know by heart I hope you join us!
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Every Monday I count my blessings from the last week...adding to the week from the past...Reaching one thousand gifts by the end of the year is my goal...
22: for a husband who loves me and has promised me forever
23: for the imagination of children who find joy in the smallest of things
24: for the rain washing the world anew
25: for a friend who opened the deep places of her heart so He may get glory
26: for new readers who have found this little place
27: for changes in John's dissertation, and the life the newness has brought him
28: for the way heartbreak drives us to our knees
29: for the journey of obedience of this friend whose story has brought hope to many
30: for the fresh breeze of a new day
31: for the steadfast love of the Lord
32: for soccer games in the living room
33: for snuggling under a blanket, while imaginations open to Narnia for the first time
34: for four little bodies so independent yet content to be together
35: for four walls and a roof over our heads
36: for quiet mornings and promises of grace
37: for sweet little smiles and voluntary hugs and kisses
38: for the resources needed to help Cole's along his journey
39: for feverish bodies who just want to be held
40: for a little girl who's voice is becoming her own
41: for a job my husband loves
42: for this new place...may God get all the glory!
Love your blog, Danice. I need all the help & "words of wisdom" I can get.
My hubby and I are looking for resources now so we can start preparing for the challenges of raising our daughter. We feel we need to begin early!
-Kathryn Frenken
What a great give-a-way and to be drawn on my birthday to boot! Yes please!
Elizabeth Beesley :-)
Ok, that is the second time today I have read about "Don't Make Me Count to Three" and I had never heard of it before. Seems that the Lord is pointing me toward a resource! One way or another I think this will be joining my personal library soon.
Hey Danice! I'd love to be included in the drawing. I began doing scripture memory with Ezzie about a month ago. It has been really good for both of us :)
I would love to be included in the drawing!!! I had not heard of Ginger Plowman before or these resources and I like hearing about other good tools to add to my toolbox! :) Hugs Danice! Kirstin
oh! I have the book but would love the "Wise Words" to go along with it!
As I'm writing this comment I just said "Cade put that down!" lol. I could definitely use some wisdom in raising this active 2year old boy!
Thankful always for your words Danice! xo Silvia