Courageous Parenting (from the Rainey's)

June 18 Courageous Parenting (Part One) Wait for the LORD; be strong and let your heart take courage. PSALM 27:14 One of my favorite conversation starters when I'm eating with other men or with a group of couples is "What is the single most courageous thing that you have ever done in your lifetime?" When most people think of courage, they think of heroic deeds—like those done on battlefields distant in time and geography. But I think we need massive doses of courage if we are going to raise families according to the Scriptures. Courage is demanded of parents who desire to do the following: Establish godly standards and boundaries for how their sons and daughters are to relate to the opposite sex Impart God's perspective of sexual identity for men and women in contrast to a culture that is promoting perverted distortions of what God created "Intrude" into the lives of their children when they sense something isn't right Avoid conforming to the values of other Christian parents in terms of curfews, acceptable dress, movies, language, Internet use, etc. Parental courage is needed if we want to raise a generation of young people who know how to withstand sexual temptation. It takes a battlefield mentality if we are going to give our children the kinds of standards they need to maintain sexual purity. It takes courage to look your sons in the eye when they're 13, 18 or 24 and ask them if they've been looking at pornography on the Internet. But your sons need you to ask them. And, Dad, you need to be able to ask them with your own conscience clean. It takes courage to talk to your sons straight about keeping their hands off the girls. And it takes courage to meet with a young man who wants to take one of your daughters out for the evening—asking him to keep his hands and lips off your daughter! The easiest thing to do is nothing. But that's how battles are lost. DISCUSS What is the most courageous thing you've ever done? PRAY Ask God for the courage you need to stand strong in the battle for the souls of your children.   June 19 Courageous Parenting (Part Two) Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. DEUTERONOMY 31:6 It takes courage to raise children today according to biblical standards, especially when the culture doesn't exactly support us in our striving to courageously protect our sons and daughters. So what's a parent to do? First, resolve that you will not be a parent who does the easiest thing: nothing. Loving children today will mean that you will make some mistakes. Perhaps you will go too far in setting some standards; but if your child has a secure, loving relationship with you, then I would rather you challenge your children to a high standard rather than one that is too low. Second, pray. Someone has said, "Courage is fear that has said its prayers." Parents need to pray that they will be courageous. Barbara and I did—continually. We needed God's wisdom and strength. Third, meet as a couple and establish courageous boundaries for your family. Set some clear rules about the following: •Movies •Use of the Internet and the phone •Dating (i.e., if so, when, how and whom to date?) •Relating to the opposite sex (i.e., how far do you want your child to go with the opposite sex prior to marriage?) •Curfews • Dress Remember the question I mentioned yesterday? Whatever courageous acts you have accomplished in your lifetime, it could be that the most courageous is determining that you will remain involved in the lives of your children. Being a parent calls for repeated, heroic action. Doing your duty. In the struggle against evil, our generation needs men and women who can stare at critical choices and not blink. It's this private brand of courage that should set a Christian family apart—the fortitude that turns a mom and dad into spiritual warriors on behalf of their family. DISCUSS What biblical standards would require the most courage to uphold in your family right now? PRAY Ask God for the courage to take specific steps to uphold these standards

Me Without You

Yes, we survived (all of us, except for the snake) and we have been enjoying time as a family, working outside (yard, garden, chickens), and praying concerning the many opportunities to demonstrate faith lately. It's been interesting. One of those things that I hope I learn this lesson and not have to repeat it kind of interesting. LOL!
Anyway, this song played on the radio the other day, and I was in awe of it's message. I felt like crumbling, but this song reminded me of where my hope is and where my strength comes from. Without God's strength, I could not do what I am doing. Hope you enjoy it too!