the choice is yours...

 


Deuteronomy 6:6-9 And you must commit yourself wholeheartedly to these commands I am giving you today.  Repeat them again and again to your children.  Talk about them when you are home and when you are away on a journey, when you are lying down and when you are getting up again.  Tie them to your hands as a reminder, and wear them on your forehead.  Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

 

Many years ago I attended a Family Life Seminar conducted by famed authors, Tim and Bev LaHaye. While I don't remember the exact statistics they quoted, I do remember them talking at length about the affects the actions of one generation has on the next. During my children's formidable years, that thought never really left me. I didn't live a perfect life, but I tried to lead one that I wouldn't be ashamed of as the years passed and new generations were formed. I think I have accomplished living a lifestyle that has not been a corruptive influence on my children and grandchildren. At least I hope so. When my time on this earth is passed, I hope my grandchildren and even great-grandchildren will say, Let me tell you about my Grandma Pat...

 

She was awesome!

 

Recently I had an opportunity to have a special date with five of my grandchildren, ranging in age from 6 to 16. We spent the day at the mall, attending a movie, shopping and having dinner. By the time the tab came for dinner, my 14 year-old-grandson declared, I am never taking 5 people on a date!


Yes, our date was costly, as most things in life are these days, but the quality time spent and the memory created was priceless. I will treasure that memory in my heart always

 

I was recently reminded of that seminar and the lessons I learned. The moral chaos of our society sends messages to children that cannot be completely avoided, but what children will become is strongly influenced by what they learn by the values taught in the home.

 

I firmly believe the choices we make as a parent will directly affect our family for generations to come. But sometimes grownups do make bad choices. Plain and simple... We find examples of this in our newspapers every day. What happens when these people have an impact on our children's lives is often heartbreaking, to say the least.

 

But there is hope! The Bible teaches that we can trust God to bring good out of bad situations.

 

It is imperative that parents mold even their youngest child to show reverence to God by worshiping Him and praying to Him. When negative choices affect children, they need to know that there is Someone they can turn to. Philippians 4:6 teaches us, Don't worry about anything instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and think Him for all He has done.

 

When children learn to recognize God's voice when He speaks to them, they learn to make SMART CHOICES by seeking His guidance. Cycles of bad behavior that passes through generations can be STOPPED when we turn to God.

 

April 2007