Slow down!!

What's up with the fast paced hustle and bustle of life? The constant rush to get ahead? And not just in adults but also in children.
Why do we feel it is so important to make them grow up so quickly. Why can't we just be content to let them be little?
We live in a different age than when I was a kid and we could roam the streets safely. Where we could leave the doors unlocked and rest easy. The world is set in a downward cycle and the crimes have worsened to a sickening level.
Sure, we should educate our children and teach them to be safe, but it is our job to keep them safe. More than that it is our job to make them feel secure.
The bible says to train your children in the way you want them to go. I have strong convictions in raising my children. And letting them be little. The world is a nasty place but home shouldn't be. Here are a few basic guidelines to raising your children with moral values, while letting them choose who they want to be.
1. Teach them to look in the mirror and say "I am beautifully and fearfully made. ". Holy cow! We were made by the creator of the entire universe and he took the time to make each and everyone special. We shouldn't look in the mirror and feel pressure to be someone we aren't. We should be proud of who we are and stand firm on the ROCK that created us.
2. Don't keep up with the fads. Kids have to learn to go against the grain instead of struggling
To fit in. They will develop their own interests and likes and be strong and firm in them.
3. Play with them. Get loose and silly every once in a while. Let them be silly! Let them get dirty!
4. Teach your children, especially your daughters, the value of modesty. Our body is a temple. A temple to and from God, not a temple for man to gaze at. Teach them when they are young how to dress appropriatly. They can still look plenty cute and not have a ton of skin showing.
5. Grace, grace, grace! Everyone messes up. It's part of learning to be an adult. But just like God to us, our grace and mercies should start fresh each day. We can't hold onto anger.
My big thing with this is to ask myself "Is this really going to make a difference in 10 years?". Or "Will I even remember this in 10 years?". If the answer is no, let it go.
6. Love them like there is no tomorrow. If tomorrow doesn't come, do they know how much they mean to you? Compliment them constantly. Love them unabashedly.
7. Be open and honest with them. If they have a question, answer it honestly (or as age appropriatly as you can). Never. Ever. Lie. To. Your. Children. Build a trust while they are young that develops into a deeper trust as they grow.
8. Teach them the traits of a strong man/woman. Grace, humbleness, strength, courage, honesty, and optimism. No matter what life throws at them they will persevere.
9. Pray for them. Pray for their health, safety, and faith. Pray for their future spouses. Pray! Pray! Pray!
Above all, remember these beautiful blessings were bestowed upon you so you could raise them up to be what HE wants them to be.
Just like there is no such thing as a perfect adult, there us no such thing as a perfect child. We were made by a loving and wonderful
GOD, not a factory assembly line. It is through our imperfections that his perfection is clear. Have a little faith, and let them be little.


-- Post From My iPhone