Thanking God on Fridays

** I am thankful for Shepherding a Child's Heart. I've said this before, but this is by far one of the best books I've ever read. This is a book I will read again and also keep in a place that is easily accessible. SCH focused on the hearts of our children..."Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." Proverbs 4:23. The author explained that what your children say and do is a reflection of what is in their hearts, as outlined in Luke 6:45..."The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks." So, if you address the heart biblically, the behavior will be impacted.

I love how the entire book is biblically based, right down to spanking. It doesn't deal with simply the behavior but the reason for the behavior and truly addressing that with you child.

One part that really stuck out to me was about having well-behaved children so that others don't think negatively about your parenting. Yes, our children should behave as God has instructed them but not because of what others think, but because of what God thinks. The author said that having a well-behaved child is not a worthy goal...that it is a secondary benefit of biblical child rearing, but not a worthy goal in itself.

I learned a lot from this book and now I have scripture to support what I've learned. HIGHLY recommended for all parents.

** I am thankful for Aunt Roni. I don't know what I'd do without her and this week I got of cool taste of her love for my family. I took a few days off to be with my sister and Aunt Roni was there too. One day she made lunch for all of us...grilled cheese. That may sound simple but it was a really good sandwich and I didn't have to cook it. Plus she brought grapes to share and they were extra tasty. The next day she brought Kool-aid, again simple but so yummy. I felt like a spoiled child! I can see why my kids love for her to come over each day. Other than the food she just took care of us, so motherly, and it was nice to be able to spend some time with her and the kids.

** I am thankful for prayer. This is something that has been on my heart that I want to share with you. Prayer is powerful. When things go really right or something "bad" happens where we need prayer, we (myself included) are more inclined to pray extra hard, more often and with great feeling. But when the event is over our prayers tend to weaken. But that family that received pretty good news about the cancer diagnosis still needs our intense prayer, for strength, for ultimate healing, for patience. That family who just moved into their new house still needs prayer about things going smoothly, bills being paid on time, etc. I have been trying to put in the same effort of prayer ALL OF THE TIME and not just in those moments. It has helped me to stay connected to God and to others. Join me.