August 15 – James 3:17

James 3:17 Amp But the wisdom from above is first of all pure (undefiled); then it is peace-loving, courteous (considerate, gentle). [It is willing to ] yield to reason, full of compassion and good fruits; it is wholehearted and straightforward, impartial and unfeigned — free from doubts, wavering and insincerity. I had planned on this verse following the July 23 “if... Read More

August 14 – Mom's aside

A few years ago I was the recipient of a habit-training process. Your daddy wanted me to begin putting all the bills that came in the mail each day in a certain spot instead of just leaving them on the counter or desk, like I’d done for years. At first he would ask me each day. Then later he would add something like, “It’s important that you remember.”... Read More

August 13 – Mom's aside

I learned something when I was at a new friend’s house one day. Her young daughter was sucking on a pacifier, and, when she was done, she put it up on the counter — which she was so young she could hardly reach. Wow. That was a well-disciplined….mom. Because that’s who has to be disciplined in order to train those habits in children. At first the training... Read More

August 12 – Mom's aside

I believe a child learns to say no to himself (SELF-control) when parents have the courage (courage, because, at the time, it’s easier to give in) to say no. When the “no” is given with wise and fair reasons, it gives him guidelines for himself, although I don’t believe EVERY “no” requires a spoken reason from the parent. When whining and crying... Read More

August 11 – Mom's aside

I told you if my comments were from me, I’d let you know. Indulge me while I take a day or two… or four!…to just say my own thing, ok?! The first thing is that, in determining your response to a child’s misbehavior, know whether what you’re facing is rebellion, foolishness, or just immaturity. Accidentally spilling his milk is immaturity, standing... Read More

August 10 – I Samuel 2:29

I Samuel 2:29 There are a few words in I Samuel that are scary to me. God is talking to the priest Eli and told him that you “honor your sons above Me.” For their own sakes, children need to know their place. “God is first in my life, and my relationship to your daddy is next. What they say is important to me. When they say no, I say no. When they say yes,... Read More

August 9 – Proverbs 22:6 (Amp)

Proverbs 22:6 (Amp) Train up a child in the way he should go [and in keeping with his individual gift or bent], and when he is old he will not depart from it. Each child is an individual, with his own giftings and bents hard-wired into him from the Lord. Keep your heart tuned to looking for them. Ask God to open your eyes. As in — is he a reason-oriented or feelings-oriented... Read More

August 8 – Ephesians 6:4 (Amp)

Ephesians 6:4 (Amp) Fathers, so not irritate and provoke your children to anger — do not exasperate them to resentment — but rear them [tenderly] in the training and discipline and the counsel and admonition of the Lord. What might provoke a child to anger? Making him do something that he isn’t trained to do. Requiring something of him that you fail to require... Read More

August 7 – Hebrews 12:12-13

Hebrews 12:12-13 Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. “Make level paths for your feet,” so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed. This is the point of all that has gone before in the last several verses in this chapter. And I think it’s a point we need to teach our children: how to respond to discipline. I’ve seen over-reaction... Read More

August 6 – Hebrews 12:11 Proverbs 29:17

Hebrews 12:11 Proverbs 29:17 Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Discipline your son, and he well give you peace; he will bring delight to your soul. Here is discipline bringing peace to both giver and receiver. I’ve always wondered about the phrase “to those who have been trained by it.”... Read More