Build ‘Em Up – Bringing Faith To Life

Welcome to the first entry of the Build ‘Em Up series!

I’m so excited to partner with Kelly, Erin and Jennifer to bring the goodness of motherhood. We are trying to break the misconception that good equals perfect.

 

This blog post was tough to narrow down because it’s basically the entire reason for my blog. If you don’t get ideas on “bringing your faith to life” regularly when you visit this space – then I’m missing the mark.

I have a crazy passion for:

• my faith (follower of Jesus Christ)
• my kids and their journey of faith
• all moms – empowering you through innovative ideas
• your kids and your families – the potential of changing little lives

I need to do my full testimony for you another day – which for non-churchy people means my “story of faith.” It would explain how a girl doing keg stands at Auburn has a blog that includes the word “Jesus” roughly every 2 lines.

Ah, it’s a good story. I promise I’ll write it – before 2014.

Today, I want us to share my favorite way to “bring faith to life” with my girls.

I hope it will take some pressure off you – because it’s something each of you can do (assuming you are in a personal relationship with Jesus yourself).

TEACH AS YOU GO

Deuteronomy 6:7

The Message (MSG)

6-9 Write these commandments that I’ve given you today on your hearts. Get them inside of you and then get them inside your children. Talk about them wherever you are, sitting at home or walking in the street; talk about them from the time you get up in the morning to when you fall into bed at night. Tie them on your hands and foreheads as a reminder; inscribe them on the doorposts of your homes and on your city gates.

This verse took major pressure and guilt off me. I have a long history of being a perfectionist, performance-based kind of gal. That’s a tough habit to break – and continues to be something I have to battle. I don’t need to do ANYTHING to get the love of my Heavenly Father. Sure – reading my Bible, praying and going to church helps me know Him better… but HE LOVES ME! Period.

So, as I thought about discipling my children – I knew I wanted to be very involved (with my husband right there of course). I didn’t want to leave it up to the church. I was afraid I wouldn’t do enough family devotions, know enough Bible stories or answer their questions adequately, etc.

THIS VERSE WAS FREEDOM. 

Walk with them, each day – teach.as.we.go.

As I have walked along the road and put my kids to bed and asked about their day – God has truly given me the sweetest moments with my kids. I have been able to share and talk about what faith looks like in real life and it’s just so natural. It’s not forced, “you will sit down and you will do this!”

There is certainly a slew of rules and discipline that stems from the Bible that are good (uh hello – my favorite verse to sling is below!)

However, I want some of their earliest memories of Jesus and God and the Bible to be of joyful moments. I want them to experience love and grace and mercy in our home and know it’s because we follow Jesus. I want them to serve and give along with us and realize we do that because of the God we adore.

It’s FUN to praise when prayer requests are answered! It’s daunting, but memorable to involve your kids in a decision about moving cities. Ask their opinion, explain we will trust God, pray together and march forward with confidence when clarity comes. Laugh, dance and giggle during praise songs.

Walking in nature provides the most beautiful setting to discuss His creation. When, I’m tracing their face at bedtime – it is so very easy to just talk about how God made them so very unique. When they share about their day – it’s such a perfect teachable moment to insert truth and perspective. It’s not the way all families do it – but it’s the way we do – because we follow Jesus.

There are so many things I’d love to discuss and we can. Prayer, Scripture Memory, Creative ideas in the home, Favorite bible. Serving, Schools, Asking Questions and more.

I just want to encourage you that you were made by God, uniquely. You are loved AS YOU ARE no matter where you are on the journey. Just take one step closer towards Him and invite your kids to the party. He’ll show up.

Keep your eyes peeled today – the opportunities for teaching them simple truths of their wonderful Lord are everywhere.

You can read what Erin, Jennifer and Kelly had to say here!

(Next up: March 26 – The Joy of Playing With Our Kids)

Now, your turn! LINK UP!

Write your blog post and link up below (little blue button). Be sure to include the link of the actual post on this topic – not just your blog URL.

NOTE: If you don’t see the LINK option right below this with thumbnail pictures of everyone – mine is having technical difficulties. Pop on over to  Erin, Jennifer or Kelly. It’s all connected.

‘);