Nurturing Our Future: Guiding Our Children Through the Long Holiday

 

 Nurturing Our Future: Guiding Our Children Through the Long Holiday

Scripture:

Psalm 95:3 AMPC 

For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods.

Prayer:

Lord, I thank You for the gift of children. Thank You for entrusting them to us. We are grateful for the academic year that we have had and the progress You have brought them. We appreciate Your provision, protection, and their total wellbeing. Thank You for the good plans You have for their lives this holiday. We trust that You are protecting them and safeguarding them all around. Lord, thank You for blessing them in all things, and we look forward to a great holiday together with our children. We declare that no weapon formed against them shall prosper, and any tongue that rises up against them You shall condemn in Jesus' name. Thank You for the heritage that belongs to our children, for indeed You will bless their going out and their coming in from today henceforth. In Jesus' name, amen.

Shalom ☕💖

Action Points for Parents

1. Express Gratitude Daily: Take a moment each day to thank God for your children and the progress they have made. This practice fosters a positive mindset and acknowledges the blessings in your life.

2. Pray for Protection and Guidance: Regularly pray for your children's safety, wellbeing, and guidance. Trust that God is watching over them and has good plans for their lives.

3. Engage in Meaningful Conversations: Use this holiday period to have deep and meaningful conversations with your children. Discuss their experiences, dreams, and any concerns they might have.

4. Plan Family Activities: Organize activities that the whole family can enjoy together. This strengthens family bonds and creates lasting memories.

5. Encourage Positive Affirmations: Speak positive words over your children. Affirm their strengths and encourage them to pursue their passions and interests.

6. Monitor Their Wellbeing: Keep an eye on your children's physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Ensure they have a balanced routine that includes rest, play, and learning.

7. Create a Safe Environment: Make your home a safe and nurturing space where your children feel loved and secure. Address any issues that might cause them stress or anxiety.

8. Celebrate Achievements: Celebrate your children's achievements, no matter how small. This boosts their confidence and motivates them to keep striving for excellence.

By incorporating these action points into your daily routine, you can create a supportive and loving environment for your children to thrive. Remember, your role as a parent is crucial in shaping their future. Let's make this holiday season a time of growth, joy, and togetherness.  

Let us raise a Godly Generation!

Honor

Ephesians 6:1-3: "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 'Honor your father and mother'—which is the first commandment with a promise—'so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.'"

Honoring parents is not a pleasant suggestion to children; it is a command that has a promise attached to it. Failure to follow this command affects the quality of life our children live and their longevity (Proverbs 20:20: "If someone curses their father or mother, their lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness").

As parents, we must be vigilant to what is happening in the lives of our children. Pride and selfishness are idols that drive our children to dishonor us as parents. Whereas it may not look dangerous as it begins, any form of disobedience is a building block for those idols. What may look cute and harmless can grow into an oak of a habit that is not desirable in the life of the child as they grow into adulthood (Proverbs 22:6: "Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it").

Parents must take firm action on any behavior that does not honor God, no matter how harmless it may look (Proverbs 13:24: "Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them"; Proverbs 29:15: "The rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left undisciplined disgraces its mother").

Action Points for Parents

1. Model Respect and Honor: Demonstrate respect and honor in your own relationships, including how you treat your spouse, parents, and others. Children learn by observing, and your behavior sets a powerful example (1 Peter 2:17: "Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor").

2. Consistent Discipline: Implement consistent and loving discipline that aligns with biblical principles. Address disobedience promptly and appropriately to prevent small issues from becoming larger problems (Hebrews 12:11: "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it").

3. Open Communication: Foster an environment of open communication where children feel safe to express their thoughts and feelings. This helps build trust and allows you to guide them effectively (James 1:19: "My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry").