Parenting, Home Relationships, and Today’s challenges LLC Home and Family Workshop October 19-21, 2012

Parenthood Children are God’s gifts. – Ps. 127:3, Gen. 33:5 Faith in the Creator is the central matter – God gives life. – 1 Sam. 2:6, Deut. 32:39 Children bring work but more than that they bring joy and blessings. – Ps 127:3-6 The child is an example of faith. – Mark 10:13-16

Parenthood The foundation for relationships in the home is the relationship between spouses. – Eph. 5:22-25 Relationships are based on honor, trust, and consideration for each other. – Rom 12:10 Parents’ responsibilities are to raise and teach the children and root them in faith and God’s Kingdom. – Ps. 78:4,7, Eph. 6:4

Parenting There are situations in each of our lives that influence the way we choose to do things, consciously and subconsciously. This includes parenting. How we were raised, when we were raised, and where we were raised are all factors that play an important role in childrearing. Thus the challenges of two people, with two different life's experiences raising their children together. No two children are alike. What works for one child may not work for another. Parenting is a lifelong job of trials and errors and hindsight is always 20/20. Important to turn to God’s word for guidance in raising children.

Parenting Responsibilities Teach the child what is right and wrong. Limits are love. By placing limits the child feels the love and protection of predictable rules and routines. When placing limits it is important that the child is valued and respected. Then limits are placed purposefully but gently. Limits when set properly bring lasting fruits. – Heb.12:11

Values of the Home Values of the believing home are based on God’s word. Biblical values include: – Love – Respect for parents – Sobriety – Faithfulness – Respecting life – Forgiveness of sins – Truthfulness God’s word guides to love our dear ones. Everyone has the right to a safe home.

Values of the Home The tone of the believing home is forgiving love. When as people we fail and fall into sin, we can nurture one another with the gospel of the forgiveness of sins. The home is where family members spend time together, sharing both joys and sorrows. Basic openness and trust feed one another.

Values of the Home Responsibility of the well-being of the home and common activities belongs to each family member. When there is love and warmth in the home, matters and responsibilities are shared. “Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned.” 1 Tim. 1:5

In the Midst of Diverging Values In today’s world, we see: – Selfishness – Hard-heartedness – Entertainment – Challenging authority – Materialism This causes uncertainty and insecurity in people’s minds.

Relationships within the Home The relationship between spouses requires caretaking. Problems often come from difficulty in communication. Lack of mutual discussion can lead to differences in how to raise children. A breakdown in relationships might even result in violence or abusive behavior.

Relationships within the Home Home and family need other believers’ support in burdening situations. Children’s suffering has increased. – Lack of sleep from busyness and hurry of life. – Difficulties in everyday communication. – Relationships with others The relationship between the parents and children should be nurtured. Establishing a family requires commitment.

Difficulties in Homes and Families All homes/families will experience difficulties. In addition to the traditional family; – Families may be broken through separation. – Single parent. – Different cultures/religions. – Unbelieving children. A childlike mind guides to love in grace and truth.

Discussions of Faith and Life We need situations where it is possible to discuss matters of faith and life. Time for visiting with our children. Important to identify sin. Time to work and play. Services at home.

The Goal is Heaven Above all, living faith keeps hope and the future in our sights. In the midst of all stages of life we can have childlike trust that God will help. The Old Testament prophet expressed the thoughts of the Lord toward His own - thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give them a future and hope. (Jer. 29:11)