Parenting and Religion

Being thankful, especially in the midst of all the chaos and economic stuggle going on in the world today, is more important than ever.
I have found myself thinking a lot about all the things that have been left out of the news, all the things that need to be thought about, and appreciated, on purpose.
Among the most important to me, are things that are easy to take for granted;

The restoration and forgiveness offered through Jesus Christ, that restores us to right relationship with our Father, if we accept this precious gift.
My family, Dan, my kids, my parents, my brothers, my sister, and all my extended family. I know that when people are always there, they are easy to take for granted. I have determined to not do that in my heart. I am truly thankful for each individual. Each person in my family means so much to me, and they have all been a blessing to me- each in different ways.
My life in general. I have a wonderful marriage, the best kids in the world, and can do what I love to do for my income. Sure, there is a lot of financial struggle at times, but all our needs have been met. I have what many people want, and I am thankful. I love my life.
Friends. I have friends, and I love my friends. Life long friends, new friends, best friends. All of them important to me.

Having an attitude of gratitude is my goal for 2009. I want to make sure I don’t take anyone, or anything, for granted.
I lost a friend this week, but only temporarily. I will see her again, in my future. I am thankful that she was a part of my life. And I am thankful that she knew and accepted Christ as her saviour. I will see her again.
I have a lot to be thankful for. And for that, I am thankful.

This devotional, received from CFAITH Daily Devotional, is a great reminder to us that we need to be teaching our children the Word.

From Childhood
By Tim Davidson

And that from childhood you have known the sacred writings, which are able to give you the wisdom, that leads to salvation through faith, which is in Christ Jesus.

(2 Tim. 3:15 NASB)

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Not all of us have had the privilege of knowing the Word of God from our childhood. This verse shows the impact that such a background can provide. The salvation and faith, which is in Christ Jesus, should be imparted to our children.

The Message Bible says: Why, you took in the sacred Scriptures with your mother’s milk! There’s nothing like the written Word of God for showing you the way to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

From childhood, we can know the Holy Scriptures that are able to make us wise enough to have faith in Christ Jesus and to be saved. A life of pain and sorrow awaits those who don’t have a clue. We receive revelation and strength from the scriptures. Parents, make sure you’re doing your part to see that your children learn the Word of God. Don’t just tell them, but show them.

Today’s Thought to Take With You:
The Word of God reveals wisdom that leads me to salvation from every sin. It works for my children as well as for me.

Whether you voted or not, you too will have a new President in January.
Whether you wanted this guy or not, a fact is a fact, and he will be the President of the United States.
Now, what are we to do?
Many people who didn’t want Obama to win, are not only saddened, but many of them are fearful about what he will bring to this country.
Even among believers there is a lot of talk about the bad stuff that might happen, and there is a general feeling of fear and dispair.
Here’s some thing to think about: Obama is not God. He holds no power over what can harm or help us. He makes no decision for us that God can’t ultimately take control of.
Our focus is to be on God, not on any man and what he can or can’t do.
Our job is to pray for our Government leaders.
That’s it. Our little bit of say in the matter is done. Prayer is the only job most of us have left.
And prayer is also the thing that will make more difference than anything else we might be able to come up with on our own.
Prayer moves the hand of God, and Prayer changes hearts.
New President, New Focus, Now.
And you know what, if the election had gone the other way, our focus would still be the same- to pray and then to pray some more.
So, let’s pray!

Sometimes I think that I must be God’s favorite. I mean, even though there are a lot of things I want, and some things I think I need, He has a way of making me feel like He loves me best.
Isn’t that the way it should be for all of us?
If you have never experienced this feeling that God loves you best, maybe it’s because you haven’t taken the time to spend with Him that will help grow your relationship.
I know that as a parent, I like to spend one on one time with each of my kids. This can be difficult, but even with only a few minutes once in a while, it is possible to make the kids feel special.
When I can, I like to take only one kid to run errands with me. When that happens, I almost always make a point of giving that child a special treat. Somethig as simple as make your own sundae at our local ice cream shop, or stopping at Taco Bell or Pizza Hut. Then I tell them that it’s a secret and not to tell the other kids about it.
Every little thing we do with our kids, just one at a time, will go a long way in making them each feel like we love them best. And that’s a good thing.
My mom did that. She would take me out for a treat, and tell me not to tell the other kids. I felt so special the few times that happened. Now, as adults, my brothers and sister and I have compared notes, and to our surprise, she did that with each of us.
We all were treated like the special one at different times, and we all kept the secret-until the last couple of years.
If you want to feel like you are God’s favorite, it will take you being willing to spend that special, one on one time with Him.
He is always willing to spend time with you. As a matter of fact, He yearns to spend time with you. I can guatantee you this; the more time you spend with Him, the more you allow Him to speak to your heart through His word, the more you will be convinced that you are indeed His favorite.
After all, we all are.