Parenting from Proverbs: The Importance of Marriage

Proverbs 5:15-18:

Drink water from your own cistern,
And running water from your own well.
Should your fountains be dispersed abroad,
Streams of water in the streets?
Let them be only your own,
And not for strangers with you.
Let your fountain be blessed,
And rejoice with the wife of your youth.

Throughout Proverbs 5 Solomon warns of being enticed by an immoral woman. Solomon certainly should have known about being led away by immoral women (1 Kings 11:4). The idea of Proverbs 5 is clear: be satisfied with your own wife [or husband] and do not look to anyone else in place of your spouse.

The world around us certainly ignores the admonition given in Proverbs 5. The world tells us that if for any reason we are unsatisfied with our spouse that we should just simply find someone else. The world also encourages sinful ideas such as the “need” to live together before you get married in order to ensure a more “successful” marriage. A relationship that is outside of God’s authority is not successful.

I have to teach my children the emphasis and value that God has placed on marriage. God designed marriage to be one man and one woman for life. Although God allows for divorce in cases of adultery (Matthew 19:1-10), God does not desire separation in a Biblical marriage. I must instruct my children about God’s design for marriage, but also remove all the filth that the world has placed in God’s beautifully designed marriage. My instruction shouldn’t end at teaching about marriage,though. I need to also teach my children what to look for in a spouse, and also how to behave Biblically as a spouse.

Parenting from Proverbs: Avoiding Evil

Proverbs 4:14-17:

Do not enter the path of the wicked, And do not walk in the way of evil.
Avoid it, do not travel on it; Turn away from it and pass on.
For they do not sleep unless they have done evil; And their sleep is taken away unless they make someone fall.
For they eat the bread of wickedness, And drink the wine of violence.
But the path of the just is like the shining sun, That shines ever brighter unto the perfect day.
The way of the wicked is like darkness; They do not know what makes them stumble.
My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes;
Keep them in the midst of your heart; For they are life to those who find them, And health to all their flesh.
Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.
Put away from you a deceitful mouth, And put perverse lips far from you.
Let your eyes look straight ahead, And your eyelids look right before you.
Ponder the path of your feet, And let all your ways be established.
Do not turn to the right or the left; Remove your foot from evil.

I need to teach my children to be like the blessed man of Psalm 1 who turns from every way and path of evil and sin. Psalm 1:1-2: “Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; ² But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night.” I need to teach my children to recognize evil by having a knowledge of God’s Word. However, beyond teaching my children to recognize evil, I must teach them avoid it, to not engage in  it, to not even “stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of the scornful.” They need to know the danger of even being near evil and sin and the destructive influence those things can have on their life. Instead, I need to guide them to fill their hearts with God’s Word – with a life that embodies the thoughts of Philippians 4:8: “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” I need to instruct them to “ponder the path of [their] feet.” They need to understand that God has blessed us with the opportunity to choose our paths, and that we need to choose the path that follows God. I must guide them to “keep their heart with all diligence” and to “let [their] eyes look straight ahead” so that they learn to live lives obedient to God.

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Parenting from Proverbs: The Motivation for Correction

Proverbs 3:11-12:

My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord,
Nor detest His correction;

For whom the Lord loves He corrects,
Just as a father the son in whom he delights.

“For whom the Lord loves He corrects, Just as a Father the son in whom he delights.” This verse is such a great encouragement and reminder to me about the reason for discipline and correction. As a parent, I correct my children because I love them; because I delight in my children. And, although I know these are reasons that I correct my children, it can be very discouraging and tiring to correct my children from day-to-day. There are days where I feel like every minute of my day is correcting my children in one form or another. Ultimately, though, I correct them because I love them; because I want to see them do right; because I want them to obey the Gospel when they are older; and because I want them to spend eternity in heaven.

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Parenting from Proverbs: Teaching Application

Proverbs 2:1-5:

My son, if you receive my words, And treasure my commands within you,  So that you incline your ear to wisdom, And apply your heart to understanding;  Yes, if you cry out for discernment, And lift up your voice for understanding,  If you seek her as silver, And search for her as for hidden treasures; Then you will understand the fear of the Lord, And find the knowledge of God.

Proverbs 2:2 instructs us that we must not only incline our ear to wisdom, but also apply our heart to understanding. One of the most daunting tasks to me as a parent is teaching my children to apply knowledge in their lives. And, while I want my children to be able to apply knowledge in all aspects of their lives, the most important knowledge they must apply is spiritual. I don’t want my children simply to have knowledge of God and the Scriptures: I want them to live their lives according to God’s Word because they do have knowledge of God and the Scriptures. As a parent, I must seek to not only teach them God’s Word, but how to implement it in their lives so that they can truly live for God and bring others to Him.

This starts with me: if I’m not living in accordance with God’s Word I cannot expect them to live in accordance with it. However, it goes beyond me simply living as an example for them. I must discipline them appropriately when their actions do not line up with Godly actions. I must instruct them as to why it is important to follow God’s Word, not just simply tell them to do it. I must make it a priority to pray for their souls – privately, but also with them to help them see the concern and importance of their soul.

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Parenting from Proverbs: Seeking Counsel and Wisdom

I started a new personal Bible study today – studying through Proverbs. One type of application I’m specifically looking for is how the wisdom from this book pertains to parenting, and how I can apply it in my life to be a better Christian parent.

There are many ideas that could be considered from Proverbs 1, but I specifically considered Proverbs 1:5.

A wise man will hear and increase learning, and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel.

Proverbs 1 is filled with information about wisdom, and how to gain wisdom in one’s life. Proverbs 1:5 states that a wise man will not only hear, but also increase learning as well as that a wise man will seek wise counsel. Parenting is a difficult task, and I know I can gain much by seeking wise counsel about parenting. Where can I go for wise counsel on parenting?

First, I need to look to God’s Holy Word and His example as our Father. Only a couple of verses down, Solomon writes in Proverbs 1:7: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” I must have the proper view and reverence for God. God is the perfect example of a Father for us, and through His Word He has given us “all things that pertain to life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3). This includes parenting.

Secondly, I can look to the instruction and counsel given to me by my parents. I am blessed with Christian parents, and I’m thankful to be raised in a Christian home and to be taught the wonderful gospel of Jesus Christ. Solomon writes in Proverbs 1:8-9: “My son, hear the instruction of your father, And do not forsake the law of your mother; For they will be a graceful ornament on your head, and chains about your neck.”

Additionally, I can look to other Christians for guidance in parenting. I think about Titus 2, and the instructions given to Titus by Paul to “speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine” (Titus 2:1). Titus was to instruct the older women to teach the younger women: “the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things— that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children,  to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed” (Titus 2:3-5). On the surface, it might appear that only one of the items in the list – to love their children – would involve instruction about parenting; however, instruction in all the areas mentioned would encourage better parenting. For example, I think part of my duty as a Christian mother is to exhibit how to love and be obedient to my husband, and without doing such things I would certainly be lacking as a parent.

The last section of Proverbs 1 warns about the danger in not heeding instruction and wisdom, and concludes with the blessing that can come if one does seek wisdom: “But whoever listens to me [wisdom]  will dwell safely, And will be secure without fear of evil” (Proverbs 1:33). As a Christian, I need to be seeking Godly wisdom in all my endeavors, including parenting.

Happy 23 Months Troy!

Wow, one month. One month and you’ll be two! Where has the time gone? In some ways you still remind me of my little baby boy, but mostly you show me just how big you really are.

You love to dip your food these days. Most meals we sit down to eat you immediately ask for dip: “Dip! Dip!” You’ve gotten a lot better at using utensils this month, and have continued to show your favoritism for your left hand. You also love watermelon.

We’ve had a cricket infestation around our area this summer (thankfully not at our house though!), and love to hunt down crickets as well as point out all the crickets every where we go. Hopefully there won’t be crickets around much longer. : )

Lately you’ve been hating to take baths. I’m not sure what happened, but you went from loving to take baths to absolutely hating it this month. I’m hoping this is just a short phase!

You love to get sugars from our dog Reeses. Reeses tolerates you, at least some of the time. You get SO excited about her, as well as about other things, and you’ll grin, run off, and laugh to show your excitement.

You are getting so big in your chair in your Bible class. You’ll be moving up to the two year old class when the quarter changes.

We’re about to have to make a big transition to a toddler bed – you climbed out of your crib this month. I guess it doesn’t surprise me too much because you like to climb. We also found you’d made a tower out of your toys and blankets one day in your crib.

You love to give hugs, and often walk up and give me or your dad (and even others on occasion) leg hugs (which melt my heart!). You also love to give Ella and some other kids your age hugs which is precious!

Signs you do: more, finished, milk, hungry, thank you, please, thirsty, sleepy, bath

Words you say: No way I can even count or name them! You say so many things!

Animal noises you make: chicken, duck, cow, dog, horse, frog, pig, cat

Body parts you identify: nose, eyes, mouth, ears, hair, head, hands, belly, shoulders, teeth, tongue (you love to point out your teeth and belly)

Favorite foods:  Generally your favorites are yogurt, cheese, peaches, beans, chicken, and crackers. You also LOVE to dip.

Favorite activities: walking, running, and tip-toeing to explore everything, especially following Ella or chasing a dog; mimicking Ella; reading books; watching Mickey Mouse or Finding Nemo or Cars or How to Train Your Dragon; playing with balls (you love to throw any kind of ball); playing outside; playing with toys, especially talking on the phone or putting things over your head or playing with the kitchen stuff; trying get any electronics or drinks you can spot.

Troy @ 22 Months

Ella @ 23 Months

Sweet Ali

We adopted a scared mutt name Jitterbug over ten years ago. Although we weren’t sure how old she was at the time (we guessed around a year old) or even exactly what breed she was (although we thought maybe a cross between a Papillion and a dachshund) we knew one thing was sure – this dog had been abused. She would cower at the slightest motion in her direction (any kind of motion). Our hearts were saddened by the thought that someone would hurt any dog, but especially this one.

The name Jitterbug didn’t fit this small, shy dog, so we renamed her Ali. She became the best dog I’ve ever known, and not just because she was our dog. She was tough, but sweet; protective, but kind. She was also loving and precious.

About four years ago, after being out for a while, we came home and noticed that Ali wasn’t acting right. She acted like she was sick, but also very scared (she was shaking a lot). It was very late at night, so we decided we’d wait till the morning to see how she was doing to decide if we needed to take her to the vet. When we woke up that morning, Ali couldn’t move her back legs (she had been able to the night before). The vet diagnosed her with intervertebral disk disease. She had emergency surgery in hopes of restoring activity to her legs, but she remained paralyzed from her mid-back down the rest of her life. Despite her paralysis, Ali was able to get around quite well. She earned the nickname “Scooter” and was very fast scooting around. Her paralysis definitely presented many challenges, but Ali was worth handling those challenges.

Sadly, we had to put Ali down a little less than two weeks ago. I was sad, very sad, but her health was deteriorating quickly, and we didn’t want to see her suffer anymore. I’m so thankful for having Ali in our lives.

Wordless Wednesday

 

These glasses are a favorite in our family. : )

Happy 22 Months Troy!

In less than two months you will be two years old. Two years old!

 

You love Ella, but y’all are not very good at sharing things. I definitely struggle with how to teach a 3 year old and an almost 2 year old share toys. We’ll get there though. : ) You and Ella have a lot of fun chasing each other, singing together, and hiding together. You love to mimic Ella, and it is really cute! Speaking of your singing, you have started singing quite loudly during services. I love it! You sing so loud that several people have commented that they hear you during the service.

You continue to talk up a storm, and you have the sweetest little voice (as long as you aren’t mad!). Even your animal noises are so sweet sounding. You’ve started saying “yuck” and “shoowee” when we change your stinky diapers. We feel like you are finally starting to turn the corner with being more able to handle situations. For instance, you’ve been a lot better in the car lately, as well as when we are out shopping or eating. You still get frustrated and mad sometimes, but you really seem to be able to handle being tired a little better than in the past. You’ve also started doing a lot better during church services. We don’t always have to take you out, and you even fell asleep on me once during the service (which is a major deal!).

This month you have a new favorite food: yogurt. You ask for it ALL the time, and get upset when we don’t have any. Most of the time, the yogurt generally ends up in your mouth when I let you feed yourself, but one day I left the room and came back to the scene below. It was pretty funny! You’ve gotten a lot better at using utensils this month, and you love to use a fork and spoon when you eat.

You have been able to climb for a little while now, but your confidence in climbing has really grown. For instance, when we are at Chick-Fil-A, you instantly climb straight to the top of the playscape, and are even pretty good at climbing down. You’ve also figured out how to climb up some steps by actually taking steps (rather than climbing on your knees).

Signs you do: more, finished, milk, hungry, thank you, please, thirsty, sleepy, bath

Words you say: No way I can even count or name them! You say so many things!

Animal noises you make: chicken, duck, cow, dog, horse (you’ve been loving horses lately), frog, pig

Body parts you identify: nose, eyes, mouth, ears, hair, head, hands, belly, teeth, tongue (you love to point out your teeth and belly)

Favorite foods: You are a pretty good eater, but you can still be pretty finicky at times (although I think it is getting better). Generally your favorites are yogurt, cheese, peaches, beans, chicken, and crackers.

Favorite activities: walking, running, and tip-toeing to explore everything, especially following Ella or chasing a dog; mimicking Ella; reading books; watching Mickey Mouse or Finding Nemo or Cars; taking baths; playing with balls (you love to throw any kind of ball); playing outside; playing with toys, especially talking on the phone or putting things over your head or playing with the kitchen stuff; trying get any electronics or drinks you can spot.

Troy @ 21 Months

Ella @ 22 Months