All the Marbles Day 42

When my girls were babies, I searched high and low for resources related to their development stages. I researched: what to feed them, how to get them to sleep, how to discipline them, what physical milestones should they be reaching, etc. Unlike today with the internet and a billion “experts” on the subject, and all the information you need at the simple beckoning of Siri or Alexa or a Google search, I had to find books the old fashion way. With the lack of motivation to go to the library or bookstore, I got the opportunity to talk to moms who had already been through the phase I was entering and gathered wisdom (evaluated experiences) based on their adventures.

What I learned: every child is different. No one approach fits each scenario. There are suggestions and guidelines, but each child is uniquely created. Some of the things I did are taboo today, but all 3 of my girls: sleep in their bed, eat green food, exercise regularly, have eliminated donuts from their standard breakfast meal, swim like a fish, and love Jesus and others well.

You see, I didn’t have all the answers, but I did have access to prayer and a God whom I trust who knows and loves my girls, even more than me. He gifted them to Lee and me, and we were to be good stewards of them. That doesn’t mean it has always been easy (all 3 have learning differences—a story for another day) nor that we didn’t fail often, nor that they haven’t had to find what loving Jesus and others is all about on their own as they have grown. But, in this fallen world, they are doing the best they can, they know that they are not perfect but that they are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. Spiritually they have the foundation of being a disciple of Jesus, and I cling to His promise that He will never leave them.

Would I do things differently now with all the “expert” advice and “tools” out there? Maybe. But, the mentoring from my grandmas, mom, aunts, sisters, sisters-in-law, “older” ladies from church and friends was awesome. Cups of coffee and their storytelling of their experiences blessed me. They reminded me, “I am not the only one experiencing this,” and as they listened to my trials....well, let’s admit it, just to be heard often solves a lot of the anxiety and fear we have. Dads, the same goes for you!! Lee has had amazing men walking with him as he has ventured through life with 3 girls!

You can do this! Find those older wiser moms and DON’T become them but get them to share their stories and listen to their parenting experiences. We are better together as we raise the next generation of disciples.

If you are interested in a simple “journey guide” to use in discipling your children, sign up for “All the Marbles” at the top of this blog post, and an email will come straight to your inbox. Discipling is a journey, I encourage you to start with Day 1 of the Blog, but more importantly, I encourage you to start!

Today’s Disciple Moment

(1) As a family, we have been looking at Genesis 1-11. Yesterday we looked at how quickly man spiraled after choosing to disobey God and wanting to be God instead of in a relationship with God. How often do we rebel against God? (Every time we choose our desire over Gods.)

(2) Read the story of Cain and Abel in the first book of the Torah, written by Moses, in our Bible (collection of Books) Genesis 4.

(3) Why did Cain kill Abel? (Pride, jealousy) Could it get any worst? (Yes! Read Lamech’s poem)

(4) The spiral is continuing. We will look at Noah next.

(5) Review: Continue to review Questions 1, 2, and 3 from day 37.

Even if you don’t use anything written here, use your Bible and disciple your children!!! It is a great honor and our responsibility as parents!

I am praying for you and your family, and this journey together!