Raising our children the best way we know how~

Raising happy, well grounded ,intelligent, loving, caring and above all christian children. I'm sure this is something that runs through most parents minds. You can walk through a book store and view title after title on ones secrets to achieving this.

....Now that I'm a mother I realize all of those parents that I thought must have known it all, just because they were, well parents -didn't. They were praying, researching, praying some more and then going with what ever their gut was telling them to do. I know this because I'm doing all of the above and have been since the day I became a mother. Although the topics of prayer have changed as the years passed, they are always geared toward whats best for our children. Whats going to add to their raising. Creating as I said before happy, well grounded, intelligent, loving, caring and above all christian individuals. Individuals that will thrive in life, and one day being reunited with Christ in heaven.

.....This topic has surfaced after prayer and thought over Little Man, our nine year old. He is such an amazing kid, but lately has had hints of a different personality. Making statements of what is cool and want is not. I reply to him with, what ever you like on your own is whats cool. God made us all different and wanted us to have separate interest. This keeps us individuals. We talked about making sure you personally think something is neat because its something you like. Not because someone else likes it. Its funny how we as people work. We can change our own opinions just because its popular. Sadly, this usually doesn't stop in adulthood.

...We want our children to know if everyone were the same, we would not be living as our true selves. God made us unique so that we can serve him in different ways. This is the reason for our creation. To serve Christ. So make sure to live as God has made you to be, not the one sitting next to you. His purpose is completely different then your own.

....Talking with Little Man, Allen then asked him what makes someone cool?

Many people may think they get to do something you don't, or they have a nice car and expensive clothing. Some may even think this because someone is funny, loud or tuff. Maybe they play baseball well or skate faster then anyone else.

It can get confusing. Some of these topics are good to have, as in talent and personality.

When you see someone with great talent or personality, be happy for them and know you have your own gifts form God.

The other topics of acting out pretending to be tuff and wanting what others say is the best materialistics are not good at all. If someone is acting out, its to get your attention. Pray for that person and always know its never worth acting out a sin, hurting God and yourself just to look cool.

...We then went on to tell him materialistic items do not define you. They can not breath, love, teach, or serve the Lord. They are non living. Sure many of them have a purpose, making our life easier. The key is remembering the purpose. Clothing, it covers your body. So why have 20 shirts. Vehicles, they get you from point A to point B. So why judge yourself or others for what someone drives. The list can go on and on.

...Allen and I are hoping if we teach our children the purpose of every item and the reason behind every act. Then they hopefully will learn that materialistics do not define people and just being the person God made you to be, is a gift. By the grace of God each of us are granted these gifts~

...Oh how I know this is the first of many talks to come. I pray that I can understand the tools Gods has given us to guide our children into Christan lives and know when to let go and let God~