God's Kid

Theme for October: Identity
Verse:
"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!"

1 John 3:1a

Mom's Musing:
Today is Halloween. A day when lots of kids dress up to be someone they are not. Many children identify themselves by saying: "I'm smart, I'm dumb; I'm fat, I'm skinny; I'm tall, I'm short; I'm straight, I'm gay." Yet we are not to be identified by  intelligence,outward characteristics, or behavior. Our identity is rooted in being a child of God. Because we are God's child we have great worth. Never forget he knew us before we were born and he knows us down to the very number of hairs on our head.
If your child or even teen is struggling with self worth issues remind him he is precious in God's sight, created for a special purpose. Max Lucado has a terrific children's book title, I'm Special. Read it to your child if he is possesses a low  view of himself.
Parenting Tip:
Encourage your child to see value and worth in himself  because God created him and loves him.

Claiming and Defending

Theme for October: Identity
Verse:

"We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the faint hearted,

help the weak, be patient with everyone."

1 Thessalonians 5:14 NASB

Mom's Musing:
While sitting at a crowded high school football game I overheard a group of four kids making comments about the dance-line. It was half-time and the dancers were performing. The comments were highly negative. The four adults directly in front of the students were shuffling in their seats. Finally the older woman turned around, looked directly at the boy making the most offensive remarks and said,"That's my granddaughter you are talking about." She stated that fact gently and firmly. The kids were embarrassed and apologized.
I had to resist the urge to give Grandma a high-five. She handled the situation with grace, love, and truth. My instinct would have been to "Let 'em have it." That wouldn't have been effective. With her seven words she put a stop to the ugly comments, caused the kids to think about their ridiculing words, and she defended her granddaughter.  Go Granny!
Parenting Tip: When defending family members speak up but be gentle and firm using few words.

Divine Encounters

Theme for October: Identity
Verse:

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds."

 Hebrews 10: 24

Mom's Musing:
"I'm  from Ethiopia," the taxi driver informed us. My daughter and I were riding in his cab from the airport to our hotel in Phoenix. He dropped us off and wished us well. Kendra and I were in Arizona to check out college campuses. A few hours later, after getting settled, we ventured out. We made our best attempt to find the light rail station that would take us from Phoenix to Tempe. Standing on the corner and looking around, we were perplexed. We were able to find the west bound train but not the east bound. Then our cabby pulled up to the corner! "What (are) you looking for?" Our confusion was evident. He was concerned and took time to assist us. With his help, we made our way to correct location.
This week in the Bible study (BSF) I attend we are studying Acts 8:26-40. Philip is directed by an angel of the Lord to take a bit of a detour to meet an Ethiopian official. During that encounter the man came to a saving faith in Jesus.
The detours or interruptions in our life may be life changing for us or another person. Just as our Ethiopian driver took time to help me and my daughter, Philip answered God's call to take a different road in order to help the Ethiopian. The Ethiopian gained a new identity.
While at a Hearts at Home Conference, Jill Savage said, "When we start looking at our husbands or children as interruptions, something is out of sync." The interruptions and detours are where life happens.
Parenting Tip: Look at life's interruptions as opportunities. Our family is more important than our list of items to accomplish. The detours could be life altering moments.

"That's What We Do."

Theme for October: Identity
Verse:

Therefore encourage each other. 1 Thessalonians 4:18a

Mom's Musing:

A few years ago a friend of mine opened her home to a high school exchange student from Australia. She was treated like one of the family. Abi joined in  all family functions, chores, and routines. She even attended her "American sister's" cross country meets. I mentioned to my friend, Julie, how great it was that Abi came to support Aly. She replied, "It's what we do." Julie had a clear vision of her family's priorities and was communicating those values to her Australian daughter. In their family, supporting each individual's endeavor is important.

Parenting Tip: Define your family's priorities and live accordingly.

What's Your Name?

Theme for October: Identity
Verse:

"A good name is more desirable than great riches." Proverbs 22:1a

Mom's Musing:

Homecoming was last week for my daughter's high school. There were lots of extra activities and different daily themes through out the week. The purpose was to promote school spirit and student bondin. Cars we tagged with the question, "Who we be?" Then the answer, "We be D-Ridge." Individual students identified themselves with their high school, Dakota Ridge.

While working on my next project (with co-author Becky Danielson), Becky told me about a strategy one dad used with his family. He would talk to his children about "The Smith Family Values." He'd follow up with, "You are a Smith." When the children would leave the home he would call out, "Remember your name."

Parenting Tip: Promote family spirit and family values. Encourage your child to remember his/her name.