FAMILY PRIORITIES

We all share some very important priorities!

"Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it." ~Proverbs 22:6

Like yourself, I love my family more than anything else in this world and it's my desire that they all be as safe, happy, healthy and as prosperous as they can be in everything that we do; at home and in the public circle. We can all admit that it is a day to day challenge, but most days it goes pretty well considering all that could happen that doesn't. I hope that you are able to experience some harmony as well, whether you are married, separated or divorced. I know that it is possible to find harmony regardless of your status, if we just don't give up trying! It's our responsibility as a parent to be aware of everything that could eventually have an impact on our families. Particularly those things that pose a threat to our peaceful existence and steal our joy. We also must realize that those threats could come from outside the home, but they can also come from within our homes, hearts and histories.
We have people coming into our world from all walks of life. There are teachers, coaches, family members, schoolmates, influencing peers and others. Some have good intentions and some do not. These people all have different priorities and moral standings that may differ from your own and they can have a tremendous effect on how our children think about life, feel about the world around them and how they behave right now, as well as the way they will act as adults. The media is also a powerful source that can undermine morals and values in even the strongest of families if we don't purposefully take care to control and counteract those messages. We must make sure that we aren't threatening our families from within by our own lack of adjustment, poor priorities and an absence of leadership. We should also make sure that we aren't using negative products and techniques of our own upbringing, if you find this in your past as a child growing up. We're not the only influence in our children's lives so we need to make sure that we are the best and the most persuasive influence.
Some people think that family life is a thing of the past, but I'm here to tell you that the family is even more important today than in the past generations and it's erosion is totally unacceptable. It sometimes seems like a fight. Well, it's a fight that you can and must win! As a parent, the power is yours to set your child on a course for success. You may not be feeling very powerful as a parent right now, but if you will find the courage to rise to the challenge, I know that your child can and will be blessed beyond belief. The Word of God tells us that a child will remember. When? It says that they will remember when they are older! So don't become discouraged or give up trying! God will give you the patience, long suffering and even peace when we lay carry our children to the Lord in prayer.
Do you wish you knew how to decide what's good and what's not good for the children in your home? I'd like to end with a few verses that will help you to see a little more clearly how to judge the good from the bad influences. I memorized these verses for a class I was taking a while back and it really made a difference in how I decide what is clearly wrong for the children and for some, even the grandchildren.

"Blessed is the man that walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scorner. But his delight(his joy is found) is in the law of the Lord; and in his law does he meditate day and night.(all the time) And he will be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also will not wither; and whatever he does will prosper." ~Psalms 1:1-3

Isn't that awesome stuff parents? Tomorrow we will talk some about the tree planted by the rivers of water. I'd really like to share something unique that God showed me about the trees that grow along a river. So join me tomorrow for my life application with this particular tree and how it applies to you and your children. Until then, keep your chin up and your knees bent as you seek the Lord for strength and guidance!