As mothers, I’m sure we’d all agree that
the greatest desire of all our hearts is that our children would grow up
to love and serve the Lord…above all else. I’m here to tell you that He
has done just that for me. Though I truly don’t deserve such a
wonderful blessing, He has taken our, my husband’s and my, feeble
efforts, and by His great mercy and grace did a wonderful work in the
hearts of our children, for I believe they each love Him wholly.
What I want to share is….just a little bit
of our home….during those child-rearing years. (we have 3 children…our
youngest will turn 30 in just 2 weeks) The things we did, maybe some
things we didn’t do.
But let me say a couple of things…
First of all I am in NO way “tooting my
own horn”. We did try to do our best to guide them to Him, but we (my
husband and I) realize 100% that it was ALL Him. HE receives ALL the
glory for whatever my children are in Him. Perfect, without mistakes?
NO, of course not, but YES, SO thankful for mercy…and grace!
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits…Psalm 103:2
Secondly, this post is in no way pointing
toward any of you who read concerning things you may…or may not do in
your home. I’m just sharing mine.
We were very strict. Not necessarily just
in the disciplinary area, but very watchful, careful, and with sobriety
made choices about what they were exposed to.
First of all, our children never wondered
what we would do come Sunday. I’m so thankful for a husband who loves
the Lord and led our family in His ways. I must say we learned
faithfulness early, so it was just natural to be in church Sunday
morning, Sunday night, Wednesday night, revivals, or anytime the church
doors were open.
Our children never attended public school.
Before our firstborn was school age, great conviction was placed in our
hearts that she would go to Christian school. All 3 attended Christian
school, but their last years were spent homeschooling. We, nor they,
have ever regretted it.
Our children watched very little TV.
Saturday morning cartoons weren’t a ritual. The few cartoons or movies
we did watch together were very much under scrutiny. If we saw a witch,
or some other wicked looking thing, or we thought it too violent, or
something was taught we knew was wrong, we’d turn it off. Here is a
place to be so careful, for seemingly innocent programs often slip in
things that can play in a child’s mind to maybe make them doubt God’s
Word. A cute, simple cartoon available now…Dinosaur Train…is no longer
watched in my home by my grandchildren because they teach….millions of years ago…
So what was their entertainment? Besides
dress up? Besides building a “clubhouse” in the woods? Besides going off
by themselves on a picnic? Besides pretending they were in the
Olympics? Besides playing church where the brother preached and the
sisters led the singing and took up the offering? Besides making up and
putting on plays?
Much of their lives were filled with Children’s Bible hour “tapes” (remember…tapes?) and Patch the Pirate. We
probably had all the CBH tapes, and most of Patch…at that time. So
their minds were filled with things that taught them good character….the
Word of God. We spent more time listening to these stories and songs
than anything else! Gospel music, and some classical, is all they ever
heard in our home, and that is their conviction today!
These few things, dear Moms, I believe had
much…most to do with the shaping and molding of our children in who
they are today and I just felt this is what the Lord wanted me to share
(as now, I’m sure I fit the category of the aged women) And
you may think it harsh, sorta roll your eyes, think them
deprived…because they truly didn’t have NEAR as many toys as children do
today. We just couldn’t afford many “things”. But no harm done.
How DID they turn out you say? First let me say they are by no means perfect…and certainly not above falling…..but for the grace of God…..
Our oldest, a girl, is the mother of 6 boys….homeschooling mom. She can play the piano and she often sings solos in church.
Our second, our son, is Youth leader in our church, a preacher. He can play the piano as well and also the guitar.
Our youngest, a girl, is a Pastor’s wife,
mother of 2 boys and 2 girls…homeschooling mom also. She, too plays the
piano and sings, and even gives piano lessons.
Each of them has a spouse who I believe wholly loves the Lord, too.
My family is a tremendous blessing to my heart~
I know these are very simple things,
especially with all that is available to kids today. My advice….monitor
closely. Keep Godliness before your children. There’s SO very much
opposition by the devil against the family. He wants nothing more than
to have your child’s heart…and it can happen in such a subtle way…it
won’t be easily seen. We are entrusted with their very souls, so we must
do all that is within our power to point them to Him.
I have….. no greater joy…..
May you, sweet Mom, be able to one day say …”My children….walk in truth.”
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