Trading spaces –

Video – Nathan and Hannah, Rick and Diane.

Parenting purpose – Teaching and training your children to leave. Hit home for me this week – Joy’s graduation, upcoming marriage. Diane is the one to whom the credit goes for good in our kids lives.

 I hope that some of you considered or tried this over the

past week – if not, I encourage you to in the weeks ahead – just thinking about it was traumatic for me! Wrestled with the getting up front part a bit – but we want to share with you some of her insights –

            TRADE UP:  My Objective for God’s Perspective – Proverbs 22:6 Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:6- Train up – Show my kids the way of the Lord – Daily Jesus times with them until they are old enough to have them on their own (with regular reminders). I need to model Christianity in front of them with my speech and my choices.

Trade offs – Matthew 6:33

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” My Activities for God’s Priorities

There are times when we aren’t able to be their buddy because we have to say no. I say this to folks working with kids as well. It is a tough lesson to learn in ministry of any kind. Some of your stances or decisions will be unpopular! Joy’s prom date, Movie choices.

Eliminations – Eliminated activities that interfered with church time. Not my job to take the kids everyplace they want to go and to do everything they want to do. Put God’s ways 1st and ours after – Don’t let activities dictate our priorities but vice versa!

Trade in – My Lemon for His Limo -  Galatians 2:20 (NKJV)

“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”

Trade in my way for his – my lordship for his. Seeking God makes us a successful parent – When I seek my way instead of seeking God, it is in those times that I am not successful!

Prayer of Blessing for Mom’s