This morning, Camden got yogurt out of the refrigerator; I told him to put it back because we were having apple muffins and eggs for breakfast. He didn't want to, but he brought it back and put it on the counter. Then he lay down in the floor and cried.
We as parents are often confronted with situations like this, the nature of which seem petty in retrospect. Something that's not petty though is teaching our children the importance of obedience.
Obedience is perceived as a nasty word in the society that we live in. In this time in which following your heart and feelings over all else is not only commonplace but encouraged, and in an era in which many don't believe in any form of absolute truth, obedience is scoffed at.
Yet times will come in all of our lives in which success in life can not be achieved without obedience, in school, at work, or in your walk with your Creator, for those who are blessed to have that.
One of the most empowering things that I've learned in my Christian walk is that I can act right even when I don't feel right. Such a simple notion, but one that so few actually grasp.
When we give in to our children even over the little things, we're setting them up to be self-centered whiners and complainers with no regard for anyone or anything beyond themselves.
When we require them to do the right thing, regardless of how they feel, we're teaching them that there are times in which they need to submit to authority.
The more they learn about God's love and his plans for their lives, not only will they learn that it's possible, but also that it's beneficial for them to submit to His authority.
It would be prudent for us all to partner with Him in the process.
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Friday, August 16, 2013
Encouragement for teachers...
Not long ago, a friend of my children and I were talking, and he in reference to a sibling said that he hoped she wouldn't grow up to be like a child of the same name who had been in his classroom that year. He said that his teacher, Mrs. ______ would make a statement in reference to the child along the lines of certain people being crazy, and that every time after, she would look at that one particular little girl.
Because of this teacher's blatant condescension toward this child, the whole class came to view her in that negative light. Who knows how long this reputation of being "crazy" will follow this child, maybe throughout her whole school career.
With school starting back in a lot of places this week, I want to encourage teachers to remember something. You have the power to fill little hearts with peace, harmony, and good will toward each other, or to do just the opposite. You should treat each child in your classroom just as you would want your own to be treated. Also, to turn the other way when you see bullying or ugliness, makes you just as guilty as the aggressor. You're missing the point of your job if you do not address issues as much as you are in power to do so.
I know that most of my teacher friends would never do anything like this, and I don't mean to be negative but having seen and experienced this when I taught as well, I felt like it was something that needed to be said.
I pray for you today, that in your classrooms you will be a beacon of light for your children, that you will be blessed, and that you will be a blessing. Have a great school year!
Because of this teacher's blatant condescension toward this child, the whole class came to view her in that negative light. Who knows how long this reputation of being "crazy" will follow this child, maybe throughout her whole school career.
With school starting back in a lot of places this week, I want to encourage teachers to remember something. You have the power to fill little hearts with peace, harmony, and good will toward each other, or to do just the opposite. You should treat each child in your classroom just as you would want your own to be treated. Also, to turn the other way when you see bullying or ugliness, makes you just as guilty as the aggressor. You're missing the point of your job if you do not address issues as much as you are in power to do so.
I know that most of my teacher friends would never do anything like this, and I don't mean to be negative but having seen and experienced this when I taught as well, I felt like it was something that needed to be said.
I pray for you today, that in your classrooms you will be a beacon of light for your children, that you will be blessed, and that you will be a blessing. Have a great school year!
Redeeming the Time
Prayer and the reading of God's Word are the hinges that hold my day together. I've found that if I don't want to come "unhinged," I'd better be consistent with both.
Overindulging in things of lesser value without meeting with God at some point in your day for study and prayer is a frivolous waste of your time. The consequences will persist in your life or throughout your whole day, whichever fits, in your thoughts, attitude, relationships, and in your fleshly created land of misplaced priorities, and hyper-focus on things that are of no lasting value.
Wasted time adds up to a wasted life. Redeemed time results in a life that is redeemed. Lovingly, I pray that today, because no matter how much of your life remains your time is still short, that you choose well and live wisely.
Overindulging in things of lesser value without meeting with God at some point in your day for study and prayer is a frivolous waste of your time. The consequences will persist in your life or throughout your whole day, whichever fits, in your thoughts, attitude, relationships, and in your fleshly created land of misplaced priorities, and hyper-focus on things that are of no lasting value.
Wasted time adds up to a wasted life. Redeemed time results in a life that is redeemed. Lovingly, I pray that today, because no matter how much of your life remains your time is still short, that you choose well and live wisely.
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