Connecting With Your Kids

I love love love chatting with my 22 year old daughter. Of course, that wasn't always the case. Back in her teen years, she was a nightmare. But I was no better. Looking back, so was I - a legalistic parent. What a terrible combination. Yet, in God's great mercy, He brings restoration. 

Reflecting over the Christmas season, my  other daughter (love chatting with my teens, too) mentions how her friend didn't know that Christmas was really about Jesus' Birthday. Wow. Thankfully, God gave her the opportunity to enlighten her. Apparently, my other daughter's fiancé didn't know that either. Holy Guacamole! What part of CHRISTmas did they not get? Oh how the Enemy likes to keep everyone from knowing our Savior!

That brought the conversation with my eldest daughter to another matter - church. Please, please, please bring your children to church and teach them about Jesus. There are so many kids out there that don't know the basics - God made you, God loves you and God sent Jesus on Earth to show you the way and also died on the cross for the punishment of your sins. Most importantly, Jesus has risen! (Don't correct my grammar, please)

And then another topic was added to that - youth ministry. Oh the stories she tells me of the things that went on during those 3 day trips and Catalina Island. Yeah, there are some young wolves out there in the church that wreaked havoc. I was one of those parents who relied heavily on youth ministry to help me raise my kids in the way of The Lord. Well, not anymore! Don't get me wrong. Attending church is important as well as scriptural. But you, parents, are the real mentors. So don't sweat it if your kids aren't part of a youth group yet. There's a season for everything. Just keep praying for God's wisdom, hear your kids' heart, and connect with them always...no matter how ugly they get.