Gatekeeper II Chronicles 23:19

Today's chapter in the book, "Loving our Kids on Purpose," talked of being gatekeeper of your household. Danny Silk used the illustration of gardners who fence their gardens as opposed to gardners who don't. The deer invaded the gardens without fences. The owners of the fenced gardens were able to enjoy the deer in their yard as they fed them instead of the deer feeding themselves. There is definitely so much here. I am sure I need to mull all this over. What I saw right away was that how I set boundaries in my home will predict how big of an intruder can make it's way in. According to this story of Joash becoming crowned King, Jehoida thought that the protection of who and what came in and out of the temple was directly related to the King's relationship with God. How amazing to know that boundaries are freedom!
The story I liked best from the book today was the "Fun or Room" story. He used this story to show how he instilled self - control in his toddlers. When they would act out, he would say, " fun or room." His point was that either we have fun around each other and respect that there are two people here, or we can't be around each other. The first time he did this, his toddler went to his room. They started throwing their tantrum, etc. He went in and said, "fun or room." They finally got his picture and said, "fun" and this phrase ended up being all he would have to say if his toddler acted out.
Here's one for teenagers that looks too simple; but probably works. He gave a few one liners like this: "Probably so", "I know", "That could be"; to give teenagers when they say, "It's not fair!", "This is the meanest thing you've ever made me do!", etc. I don't have teenagers; but I hope I am in control enough when my teenager is disrespectful to use these. In the book it says that these statements say to the teenager that I am going to manage me while you struggle with you. The moment I show how I hate their disrespect, I lose the battle.

Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty

I started out today reading in Numbers about Balaam and the donkey. I found it quite humorous today, possibly because of the circumstances in my life. God used a donkey to bring Balaam to his senses. However, before he came to his senses, he beat the donkey for protecting him from being slain by the angel. "Lord, give me the wisdom to know when you are using people to protect me and help me, rather than think everyone has an agenda, is wrong, or just won't do it my way." Psalm 6 came next and that was a psalm I prayed several times before I could get up and move on with my day. After devotions, I read a few pages in the book, "Loving Kids on Purpose" by Danny Silk. What I read challenged me to do everything in love rather than by punishment or demanding obedience. This was hard since I am programmed from my childhood to get results by punishment or demanding obedience no matter what. Here's a quote from the book, " When children grow up in an environment where their parents are scared of sin, they learn to fear failure." I am supposed to be building love not fear in my child and home. The book went on to say that by doing this, I will create a child who will be free in Christ because he will know how to control himself from the inside. The Bible tells me in II Corinthians 3:17 ,"...where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." Now I was able to come out and face my day. Todd helped me make oatmeal for all 8 children who showed up for daycare. He was great at following directions as I let him pour the oatmeal and then the raisins and the maple flavoring and cinnamon into the pan. We cleaned breakfast up and got the daycare room ready for preschool. After preschool we played with the lite brite and then made play - doh. We had lunch and now everyone is down for naps. I feel God has been in control every step of the way as I tried to lead the children carefully by just loving them. I have always loved them, but reading a book about it in the morning helped me stay focused and not get in that rut of saying, "that's a time out," or "go to your room," etc. Good day for now.

Psalm 144

Tony and I have been talking a lot lately about rearing Todd and God gave me this nugget this afternoon. Psalm 144:12a says,"That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth;" I googled the phrase, "plants grown up in their youth," and this verse came up. In the English standard version it interpreted the phrase as such: may our sons be a full grown plant in his youth. This phrase seemed to give me a greater understanding. I began to wonder how do I begin to "plant, water, etc." so he is a fully grown plant in his youth. As I cross referenced, my eye stayed on Psalm 1:3 and one thing stood out in particular. The phrase,"...his leaf also shall not wither..." is stuck in my craw if you will. Somehow making him a strong plant seems to have something to do with making him a fully grown plant. I will keep searching and see what God sends me. To me this seems like only half a post; but I needed to write down what I had so far. I don't keep journal and maybe I should start.