Keys to Healthy Parenting

This weekend Matt gave me the awesome privelege of speaking on 'keys to healthy parenting'.  I am so thankful for his leadership in our church and our family.  I am the wife and mom I am today because of his leadership.

If you joined us this weekend, you know I didn't quite get to all my points, so here are the three main points of the sermon and some practical steps to follow for each point.  Click on this link and I will talk you through the main points or,  you can also check out the live feed for the full message.

Remaining points-click here to listen

1. Start Now –

2 Timonthy 3:15 (NLT)  You have been taught by the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus.2 Timonthy 3:15 (NLT)  You have been taught by the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus.

Hebrews 4:12  For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.Hebrews 4:12  For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Joshua 1:8  Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.Joshua 1:8  Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

*Parents, if you want your kids to be successful in math and history, encourage them to memorize scripture.  His Word promises success and prosperity if we do. 

*Dad’s especially need to read God’s Word to your kids.

*Mom & dads who have little kids – let them act out the stories.  Read Queen Esther to your daughters – let her act it out and be the princess.

*Read about David killing Goliath/War stories from the Old Testament – Gideon who became a mighty warrior

*Get kids worship CDs- fill your home and your car with praise and worship.

*Put your kids in children's ministry and student ministry - we are here to partner with your kids.  Allow us the opportunity to do that.  You don't let your kids choose whether or not they will go to school, so don't let them choose not to go to children' church.  Be the parent!

2. Live Consistently – 

Psalm 145:13 (NIV)….The Lord is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made…

Psalm 145: 17 (TLB) The Lord is fair in everything he does and full of kindness

*We try to be the same at home and at church.  Don’t be satan during the week and try to be saintly at church.

*Be consistent in discipline – don't threaten and not follow through.  Do what you say you are going to do.

*Inconsistent parents produce insecure children and bitter children.

*Most of what a child learns is caught, not taught - what do they see you doing?

*You want them to read the Bible -  you have to  read the Bible - be the leader in your home

*Pray - for your kids and with your kids

*Serve - join a ministry team and let them see you making God's House a priority

*Blow it – there will be times you need to ask your kids for forgiveness because you've blown it - there will also be times you need to extend forgiveness because your kids has blown it.

*Love your spouse – how do you want your son to treat his wife?  How do you want your daughter to be treated? That is how you should love your spouse.

3. Look for teachable moments -

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (NLT)   And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today.  Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up.  

*Show them God in every teaching situation (even when you discipline) 

What are we working on now?

*It’s a new season – we are not home schooling 2 of our 3; we have one in high school one in middle school and one in elementary – new phase of life and we are seeking God for wisdom along the way.

Family Nights - We want to be intentional to build our relationships with our kids.

Family Meetings - We are all busy and a family meeting allows you to be proactive.

Family Traditions  - being intentional with vacations.

What stage is your family in?  Start there.  Seek Godly wisdom and advice from HIs word.  We believe that the Bible has the solution to everything we go through in life.  Be in God's Word and allow Him to teach you how to be Godly parents. 

Remember, there are no perfect parents, but we have a perfect Father who loves us and is cheering us on!

Martha

Comments

[Lynn Thomas]

Thanks so much Martha for sharing and pointing out some excellent Biblical Priciples for us!

[Terri Roy]

Martha, I absolutely loved the message yesterday! I could so understand and relate when you talked about them turned 12 and things changing...I have homeschooled all of their lives and noticed a big change around then and had a lightbulb moment when you mentioned letting Dad talk to them! Thank you so much for encouraging us parents and teaching us! Blessings! Terri Roy

[www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1385214795]

Martha, I applaude your courage to speak the truth directly from God's word when so many others are worried about offending. His law is law, despite our feelings.

[Betsy Otero]

Martha,I just wanted to say Thanks for reminding me the importance of memorizing God's word. I started to this morning (Romans 12:9-11)As I read this passage (Love must be sincere.) God showed me that sometimes my love is not sincere, and so I began my journey to sit at Jesus feet everyday and hear,learn and memorize God's word,as it makes me more like Jesus. Thanks Betsy