Sunday Scripture

"Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it."
 ~ Proverbs 22:6

I don't think there's anything more daunting than becoming a parent and realizing you are totally responsible for this little person.  Then I realized I was also responsible for teaching these little people about God.  I didn't even know where to begin!  I kind of just began reading from our story Bible from the very beginning.  I remember sitting with Carson on one side and Emilynn on the other in their bouncer seats reading to them each morning.  They were so small!  We prayed with them, yet you never know if they are paying attention.  Then it happens, those little hands clasp together to say the blessing.  I don't know if a parent could be more proud when that happens!  Henry has now started doing it.  When we sit down to eat, he clasps his chubby little hands together and declares loudly and proudly- "Amen, Amen!"  It's so precious and never fails to make us smile.  I remember one day going down the road and Emilynn's sweet little voice starting singing "How Great is Our God" from the back.  Only she was just saying "our God, our God" over and over with the song.  It was so cute and one of the first moments I remember thinking, I can do this, I can teach them about God.  It will just take time and lots of daily reminders and lessons.  Now, as we begin our homeschooling journey, it's fun to see the twins actually remember their memory verses!  The above verse is one I've always heard in reference to raising children.  It really is an encouragement to parents I think, I know it is to me as I try to raise my children to love the Lord.   Children definitely absorb things when we don't realize they are and will repeat it to surprise you!  Like our little "Amens" for a blessing.  We have shared so many laughs when Henry comes out with something and it shows he has been listening all along and understanding what we are saying.  The other morning I asked who was going to help me with the chickens and he yells "ME!" and grabs his little boots for me to put on his feet. 
I guess my point in all of this is just to simply express how important it is to raise children to love the Lord and teach them all about Jesus.  It came to me as I was sitting in church today, so thankful that our little family of 5 was able to worship together today.  I am also a bit nervous these days because my kids talk now.  A lot.  You know how during children's message kids talk and talk and say things to embarrass the parents?  I feel like my kids are that age now!  I love that my kids feel at home at our church and are loved by so many.  I think the greatest compliment as a parent will be if my children are grown and share that they were "raised in the church" and that Dustin and I were good examples of Christians to them.  That will always be my goal. 

Have a blessed day!