Welcome to my "Month of Encouragement for Moms" sponsored by D6 and Proverbs 31 Ministries. If you found your way here from my P31 devotion, I'm so glad you stopped by. And if you're one my regular blog readers, thanks for being here each day. Your comments encourage me when I don't know what to write; your thoughts and thanks let me know it's making a difference. I am loving this journey with you as we find practical ways to connect spiritual truths with everyday life experiences - for us and our families.
In last Wednesday's post, I talked about God giving me hope as a mom by giving me a new perspective of parenting. He challenged me to stop focusing on my kids' habits and invest in their hearts by looking for ways to notice and nurture their character. From that day forward I looked for ways to learn and live God's truths in everyday life lessons. Today's devotion came after that commitment. One day I was reading about Davids passion for treasuring God's Word in His heart, and thinking about my kids passion for a treasure hunt. I decided to combine the two and encourage my boys to approach reading the Bible like ooking for a treasure in a field, and find ways to share that treasure with others. One night around the dinner table, we talked about the character trait of KINDNESS. Here's a little family devotion I wrote as a result:
Todays' Treasure of Truth: 1 Thessalonians 5:15, “Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.”
Kindness means being nice to others with your actions and your words.
The Map of God's Word: Read John 1:43-49. While Jesus was walking down the road with his disciples, Philip saw his friend Nathanael. He was so excited to tell Nathanael that they had met Jesus. Nathanael’s first response was sarcastic and unkind. As soon as he heard where Jesus was from, Nathanael said, “Nazareth! Can anything good come from Nazareth?”
Instead of returning Nathanael’s comment with an insult, Jesus responded with kindness. When He saw Nathanael coming toward him he told the others that Nathanael was a person of character, true on the inside and out. Nathanael was surprised by Jesus’ kindness. He wondered how Jesus knew about him. When Nathanael saw the kindness in Jesus’ heart that formed the words on His lips, his sarcasm turned into faith. He returned Jesus’ thoughtfulness with kind words of his own.
A Nugget of Wisdom: Kindness is easy when others are being nice to us, but Jesus wants us to be kind no matter what.
Making Character Count: Developing God's character isn’t just about doing good things; it’s about being Christ-like in our attitudes and actions. Talk as a family about the importance of having a heart like Jesus, remembering that before we can offer others what God has given us, we need to take time to acknowledge and thank him for His kindness towards me and
Prayer: Jesus, thank you that your love is patient and kind. Please help us to be kind to each other and those outside of our family. Help us to think of ways we can show kindness each day. And please remind us of how kind you were with your words and actions to those who were not kind to you. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Ways to live and give the treasure of Kindness:
- Say thanks when someone does something kind or gives something to you.
- Say please when asking for something.
- Offer to help a friend or sibling with homework.
- Tell someone else what you like about them.
- Let someone in line before you.
- Be friendly by saying hello and smiling at people.
- Give a thoughtful gift to someone for no reason.
Today's Mom Give-Aways
Today we are choosing winners from the comments and giving away two D6 mom resources - a copy of my "Mining for Gold in the Heart of Your Child Chart and George Barna's "Revolutionary Parenting". Please include your email so we can reach you if you win.
We'll be giving away gifts every weekday, so be sure to come back for more mom encouragement and resources from D6 and Proverbs 31 Ministries!
102 Comments:
Renee, this is so great! Our church has just started D6 and we love it. Our motto at home is J.O.Y. (Jesus first, Others second, Yourself last) so your message hits close to home. :o) Thank you for sharing your heart. As my 8 children and I enjoy our 'snow day' today, I will searching for 'nuggets'. ;o) Thanks again!
Just want to say that Joshua and Andrew have one terrific Mom! A Mom who IS living and giving God's treasures of truth to so many to encourage us in our daily walk.
Love, prayers and hugs,
Joy
I just recently started reading your blog and am so glad to have found it through Proverbs 31. It seems like you always know exactly what to say and its always directed at something that is going on in my life! Thank you!!!!!
Irene
burnsxiaa@gmail.com
Your blog is one of the first things I check out each morning. I appreciate your wisdom and encouragement as I try to parent 2 little ones.Thanks!
ml4estsmom@yahoo.com
It's amazing how you keep hitting the nail on the head for me, old friend. :o) I have always tried to teach them to be kind to others, especially on those play space things/playgrounds. When someone hurts you, respond with kindness back... What I need to focus more on is how to get them to think about being kind to each other! To be initiative in it! Maybe I should draw out the "secret" card - have them do their acts of kindness in secret for each other...
Julie W.
sweettea.n.ice@gmail.com
EA, 12
EB, 10
{MR 1999}
EA, 8
IA, 22 months
Hello, My name is Debraand I so much needed to put my troubled mind in the hands of Jesus and let him do the work. I have a 26 year old son that is now facing life in prison or worse and I have struggled for the pssed year dealing with this outcome. Satan snatched him up in his young age of 9 and held him, making him believe in all his dececful ways but Thank the Lord that Tdoay he is now learning the power of Pray and Believing in the word of God. We tryed along with him to beat the devil and change his beliefs that were being pumped into him eachand every day from satan but than it went too far. We tryed to get him the help and detox that he needed and justcounldn't break the bridge for him to cross over, that he would be forgiven, the system of our laws that are written before us are more Satans than our lord Jesus christ and than came the day when he finally got the grip on him, along with 2 other young men, of cource the others that were there that day ran but my son, being under the consumtion of drugs was theonly one that got caught up into to this murder somehow, for noone ryr witnesses, but for ome reason i believe that Jesus said that Nathan, this is your lat chance to be saved and learn the word. It has been almost a year now, he is still sitting in Jail awaiting trial for first degree murder,willful kill and robbery with a firearm, which is not all the truth but my son now has the Power of the word of God running thru his veins instead of the drugs and he has been forgiven by the Lord Jesus and the Power of prayer and as we sit and wait to go to trial he is devoted his life to reading and believing the word and my youngest son, who is so disarayed by all this , to become strong and listen and learn the ower of the word and pray of Jesus in his name. God I do pary today for all the young and old to pick up on this word of mine today for I feel this is what Jesus wanted me today to send this message out , even iof it just helps one person today, he is making a statement for them to hopfully be heard.
for the other boys involved that have not turned thm selves in nor have the officials even tried to find, put a wisper in there ear to finding out all the truth in this testimony for all to hear. I do hope it helps someone, somewhere in the world today and each and every day grow on to more lost souls to give themselves to Jesus and to believe and pray and ask for ofrgivness, for Satan is a very powerful Demon but if you start believing from this day forward and give yourself to Jesus and ask to put this all in his hands, your prayers will be ansered in some ways maybe not even seing the change at first but one day you will see the light and the reason for everything that happens to us and it is the Power and the Word of God is the Only way to be truely forgiven and to carry out his word. God Bless
Debra
Renee ... your blog has been such a blessing to me! As a mom who struggles with chronic pain, patience is something I have very little of some days. I am struggling to find the nuggets of kindness that I know are in my heart to share with my little one. She is very fragile and so completely moldable. Thank you for your transparency and your honesty.
Thank you! Thank You! We are having a snow day up here in Pa! Thank God because my 15 yr old has refused to stay home and rest battling a cold, it's b-ball season for her. Anyways...yesterday I left work discouraged and feeling sad because I personally see everyday the importance of effective and proactive parenting in the lives of a children through working in a public elementary school. Our area is economically stressed and just by reading your blog today I saw where I can make a difference. Our small town is building a volunteer library...I have numerous books of inspiration to share, some on parenting. My goal for this year is to collect more and pass them on. Thanks for bringing a ray of hope to me this morning...I was down but now uplifted!
hhhhh...More ways to help our community library and make a difference has popped into my head.
God Bless!!!! Even as adults we need prompts to move us past an obsticle!
Thank you for the message of "kindness" today. I know that this truth needs to be more evident in my own life before it will be manifested fully in my children's lives. It is so easy to respond impatiently or reactively to words that hurt. "A gentle answer turns away wrath"--would be a great verse for me to remember when I'm tempted to defend myself.
MMERoth@aol.com
Thank you for taking the time to share with us each day. I so look forward to checking out what you have to say each day. You are a blessing to me (and obviously many others). Thank you for using your gift and for living out God's purpose for you each day. He is reaching many through you!!!!
Judy
jbtolsma@sbcglobal.net
I just have to say how lucky women are today to have websites to go to for support, love, and encouragement. We never did when I was raising my children. It saddens me when I think back, how I treated them somedays. I want my grandchildren to grow up with all this knowledge. I love your comments about searching for "gold" in them all.
What a wonderful devotional! I love the way your devotional is set up. I can easily do it with my 3 year old. He is such a kind soul, but I definitely need to work on my responses when he is just being a boy. Thanks for the encouragement. I read your devotionals every morning with my cup of coffee.
susanlanthrip@knology.net
I just found your blog from the P31 devotional. I have 2 boys and love the thought of searching scriptures like we search for a treasure chest. Great idea!
Thanks so much for your encouragement.
Debbie
johndebesl2008@yahoo.com
Wow, what a great way to look at hiding God's word in your heart. Today I am not working, and so I think I will get into our toys here and pick a couple things out that Eli hasn't played with in a while and use them for a treasure hunt... He always loves to go looking for things. Thanks for the idea! Oh, and about last weeks devo from you... it hit me hard! Renee, for the past 3 or 4 weeks my life has been a whirlwind... having Lilly and Zach only a year apart... now Zach is walking and heading into his "terrible/terrific" two's it has made it doubly hard. Lilly is aldread there and a strong willed child in that stage. I have been beating myself up, I have been so impatient... I have been raising my voice towards my two little children, I have been pulling back from the world. just two days ago I was on my face before the Lord... admitting as you have... "I can't do this... I can't do this... please take over". What a release after that time of reflection and openness with the Lord. it was the Lord's hand leading me to open the e-devo that day... I didn't want to and for the past couple months I haven't been opening them... but I did last week and HE SPOKE through your words. Thank you for sharing your struggles, because it is through those that I am able to hear the Lord clearly sometimes... when I'm a bit foggy and overwhelmed and ready to give up.
Have a great day... See you sunday, if you're in town!
Christy
Thank you for all your wisdom that you share. I am currently going through some medical struggles and remembering to be kind is also a daily struggle when you don't feel well. But, I have to say that Jesus finds little reminders throughout those tough days that He is in control and I give it all to the Greatest Doctor of ALL. He is the only true Healer and I pray that He guides my doctors and helps give the wisdom. I have met so many people on this medical journey that are so unhappy. Though I have tough days, I still have Jesus who encourages me to be kind to those who may not know Him and who are unhappy all the time. My children 13,11,7 struggle with being kind to each other especially during all these snow days we have had, but He is always in control and your devotions help encourage me of new ways to encourage my children. Thank you!
Thank you for sharing your creativity with us! I appreciate all the ideas we can incorporate into our own families.
boys-r-us4@hotmail.com
Such a good devotional for today. I always try to teach my son kindness but as hard as I try (and he tries) it never seems to come out right. He is very good at saying "excuse me" if he needs to get by or someone is in his way but it's his tone that kills him everytime. He just can't seem to understand that saying excuse me as if someone is a bother to you still isn't being kind...even though he said excuse me. We'll keep working on it though and he will get it!
Thank you for sharing such wonderful tools to help us all become better mothers. I have four young children and am always in need of ways to help them grow in their faith.
Your blog is a joy to read!
Last Wednesday's devotion that you wrote was God's answer to my prayer. So often I look at our children's short falls. The devotion made me try to see and point out the good that my children do.
I appreciate the encouragement you give through your blog. May God continue to use you for his work.
Julie
julieanne0709@yahoo.com
I have just discovered your blog and must say it's a wonderful find. I worry and pray for daily about my children and how they will be when they grow up. Their daddy is a minister and I've seen first hand how some pks can turn out, my cousins were pks and now they reject God's truth, and that scares me. I want nothing more for my daughters than for them to truly have given their lives to God when they are older. My oldest daughter (who is 15) does not "treasure" her relationship with God, when I suggest reading the Bible she looks at it as an inconvenience.
So I want to thank you for this blog ministry.
Thanks
I found your blog today while reading my daily morning devotional through email.
It is great to find a parent who shares their walk with God in everyday life.
I am a mom of 4 boys, and I love todays Todays' Treasure of Truth: 1 Thessalonians 5:15, “Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.”
It seems that these days, even with my kids, we forget to have compassion for one another. This is a verse I will use often.
Thank you.
I'm the proud mother of a 2 year old & I'm constantly trying to make sure that my son is stands on a firm Christian foundation. Although my husband supports whatever I do, he's not an "active participant" in the process. I really appreciate the suggestions you have listed - my son may be too young but it never hurts to try! Thank you!!!! Mary
joeandmary.foley@yahoo.com
My name is Regina and I live in North Carolina. I have 3 children...Alecia 21, Joe 18 and Devin 10. Devin was born with 6 heart defects and has undergone 4 open heart surgeries. I am struggling right now with a marriage that I feel is putting me and keeping me in bondage. I am just not happy. Sometimes I think I am but something always happens to show that I made the wrong decision. I need prayer for strenght, and guidance. My whole body is wreaking havoc...I feel sick in every inch that I have. I love reading the daily encouragements..thanks for all you do
I loved the P31 devo and your post today :) Your writings always give me awesome ideas to share God's love in my own house!
Thanks so much for stopping by my blog! :) I really appreciate it!
Enjoy the rest of your day!
Blessings,
Kate :)
Renee,
Thanks again for the inspiration to be a D6 mom! I know you write your devotions for your family but you should seriously consider publishing a Family Devotion Book (if you haven't already, and if you have please let me know!) I had a hard time finding a suitable family devotional that would work for my family. I have a 5,4,2,and 10 months, so unfortunately my brain is not in a place where I have the thoughts or creativity to come up with a devotion such as yours. Really, you should publish those! The best book I could find at the bookstore was Step Into The Bible by Ruth Graham. Since being introduced to D6 parenting through your blog, my husband and I have committed to doing family devotions with our children. It's going well so far! I would welcome suggestions for other family devotionals that we might use when we finish Step Into The Bible. Or maybe you could hurry really fast and publish a new one for us :)
nikki.shoemaker@gmail.com
Plain City, OH
I am very thankful God has led me to your blog. I find it totally amazing how God has used the Proverbs 31 devotions to be so on point in my life. It never fails when I ask God for something or there's something He's trying to teach me that the devotions enforce the message. God is so awesome! Just the other morning I asked for wisdom, and the devotion came through with "If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you." James 1:5a. We're presently faced with our 14 year old son's issues of the heart, and again the devotions and your blog have been so on point. Thank you for allowing God to speak through you to so many!!
Renee,
I loved the P31 devotion this morning. It was great. I can so see your boys getting excited about a treasure hunt. My kids would love that, too.
"Kindness is easy when others are being nice to us, but Jesus wants us to be kind no matter what." What a simple but strong statement. We read it and nod our heads saying "yep" but when it comes down to it we have to ask ourselves if we are living it. Thank you for such great insight this morning.
Carol
Whoo-Hoo! Great stuff!
Rebecca
tiggerdaisy@gmail.com
Thank you for your insight. I am a mom of two young boys 3yr and 1 yr. I am always looking for great resources and godly wisdom to help me as I care for these two great gifts. Thanks.
Alicia
Thanks for the reminder to focus on my kids' character and not their behavior. It's hard to break that negative cycle.
Kristy
kasiddel@bellsouth.net
Very nice...
Thanks for letting your light shine!
Pam, mom of two beautiful boys, in North Carolina
pjoyreed@hotmail.com
Renee
I started a bible verse journal yesterday, and was happy to add your verse today. (1Thess.5:15) along with the example from John 1:43-49. I have older children, and I felt writing verses down and meomorizing them will help me to apply them to everyday situations. Thank you for your great ministry.
Shirley
I just found your blog on Proverbs 31. I am a mother of 4--2 bio 2 adopted from Guatemala. We just started a class at church called Intentional parenting and my commitment has been renewed to look for ways to teach and inspire my children. Thanks for all you do to help moms and dads accomplish this goal!
Thank you for sharing Renee about kindness, these are things I can teach my six grandkids as I spend time with them!
Renee, I love your blog....I am now a daily reader and love the words of wisdom I receive from you each day. I am the mom of two lovely daughters, 10 & 2. My 10 y.o. is doing Upward Basketball so we are going to tie in her bible verses and lessons from that program into our family dinner discussions. I love your ideas and the ideas I get from the comments left by your other readers. God Bless You!
tfhowell65@aol.com
Thank you so much for the blessing that your blog is to me. I recently found it & have been so encouraged.As a homeschool mom & being pregnant right now I am struggling, so your site is exactly what I need! Thanks=)
I started reading your blogs recently and trying to make it more of a habit. Thanks for the encouragement. It is so needed for mothers today.
Laura V.
lojo8@embarqmail.com
Hi Renee, I just stumbled upon your blog through Proverbs 31 devotions. I went back and read some of your archived posts. You have such an uplifting spirit. I have three children, ages nine, six, and four months. I have been praying that God will show me the areas in which I need improvement as a mother and wife. God has used your words to speak directly to my heart. Thank you!
Thank you I needed the devotion for my children. My kids range from a 5-6 year difference and they have a tendency to not be as kind to each other as I would like. The oldest one Snaps at the middle child who inturns snaps at the youngest child as well as acts out in school. So thank you for the devotion i can share with my childen on kindness
Oh - REvolutionary parenting is on my to buy list.....one of the few that I don't have. :)
Thanks for the devotions. I am using them with my children. I so enjoyed hearing you speak in Houston! Thank you for giving away those tickets!!
Thank you for your blog today. I have 4 children and my husband has been having us work through the Fruit of the Spirit and we are working on kindness...I read parts of your blog to them today as we have no school because it is a snow day.
smccasl@hotmail.com
Thank you for encouraging moms to teach their children God's Word. It truly is a treasure. I mentor mommies of preschoolers and am always looking for material to help them get into God's Word with their children. I am interested in your Mining the Heart of the Child materials, but I would like to see a sample before I can recommend it to the mommies. Do you have a sample I could see? Thank you. Keep searching for those nuggets!!
I had to share that same lesson yesterday with my 11 year old son. He still has a hard time with people picking on him. He knows to act kindly but yesterday he decided to pick back. I told him it was wrong for him to stoop to their level and that when they say or do something ugly it is his chance to say something nice in return. God is so good to keep all of us on the same page a lot of times and is always sending resources to help. That is exactly what your blog was for me- a resource. Thanks!
Renee,
I have enjoyed your P31 devotionals for a long time and am grateful to have recently discovered your blog... I too often focus on the dirt in my kids, rather than the nuggets. Thank you for challenging me and encouraging me to help my kids see the Bible as a treasure map for living and a relationship with Jesus as the ultimate prize. Blessings to you and your family~
I just want you to know how much I appreciate your devotions. Being the mom of 3 boys is challenging, and you always seem to have a word of encouragement just for me. I am trying to focus on the gold in my children. God is so good and He is always faithful. Thanks for sharing with us.
Barbara
jasgirl30@yahoo.com
Perfect for a devotional tonight! My 13 year old said they studied the Fruit of the Spirit at MYF this past Sunday night. His fruit was kindness! He said his group had to come up with examples. He thought his were lame. We talked about it on the way home that night. This will bring it home even more. Awesome!!!! Thanks!!!!
I found your blog through the Proverbs 31 devotional. What a wonderful devotion this is! I will definitely be back... as I am the mom of 5 year old twin boys and I love the ideas you are sharing to reach our children's hearts...
Thank you and Blessings!
I found your blog through the P31 devotional. Thank you for giving encouragement without making me feel guilty!
I dido everything Mary Lynn said except I have 2 older ones. :)Thank you again for all these great things to do as a family.
Have a peaceful day!
cswartz12@msn.com
Just want to say thanks! Found your site through Crosswalk.com and I will be back. As a single mom of 9 yr old twins I don't always have time for lots of things, but your thoughts are always easy to put into use. Thanks again!
Renee,
I loved your devotional today. Treasure hunting is an awesome way of looking at the Bible. Thanks again for sharing. I love all the time that you are devoting to parenting.
I am enjoying a "snow day" with my kids as well.
carlson2398@roadrunner.com
Love the devotional you wrote on kindness. I want to share it with my family. I also want to keep your attitude of always looking for a way to make adventures, activities or anything in life relate to the Bible. I'm going to pray that the Lord will help me to do that. Thank you for your e-devotional! :)
I just started reading your blog and am excited about your emphasis on family and kids. Our family is planning on homeschooling because we feel our children need more time with us...our family needs to be united.
I forgot to leave my email address.
cora_sykes@yahoo.com
Hi, it's my first time reading your blog but not the first time reading Proverbs 31-Girlfriends in God. I love it! It gives me hope in times when I just can't take another step. I am thinking of using this message of kindness to my intermediate students in their next meeting at church. Thank you very much and may God continue blessing you!!
lots of hugs
Wow! God's timing was perfect this morning as I read your devotion. We are having an unusual amount of snow here in Newport, Ky, and just as I finished reading, my 8 year old son was next to me looking out our window. He said, "Mommy, look! My footprints from yesterday are covered up by the new snow today"! Instantly God gave me a beautiful example to share right then and there with Him about His perfect love for us and Jesus' perfect sacrifice on our behalf. I explained to him that those old footprints in the snow can be seen like the sin in our lives, the lives that were intended to be perfect. And since we could do nothing ourselves to erase or cover up those "footprints", God, in His amazing love for us, covered our "footprints" Himself, with Jesus, just like He covered all those footprints from yesterday with a new, beautiful blanket of snow. His eyes lit up as he really understood, and we gave thanks together for what Jesus did for us.
So please, sweet Renee, keep writing! God is using you more than you know!
Thanks so much!
Sarah
(kevsarah@fuse.net)
Thank you so much for the truths that you share with us. You give practical, simple, yet impacting examples of how to apply His truth & let Him love others through us. A friend passed on your "Finding God's Treasures" post from this morning, and I was really impacted by " I want my kids to see the Bible, not as a book of rules to follow, but like a map that leads us on God's great adventure." What a GREAT focus! Thank you! Nancy Kenaston alivingpeace@gmail.com
Thank you so much for these words on kindness. You are such an encouragement and I appreciate the time you take to minister to all of us. Just think if we all used these principles on kindness, what a difference we could make.
I just found your blog and I have been SO encouraged as I have explored past posts. I have been needing a 'pick-me'up' and Go dhas used your ministry to help me see me TRUE role as a Christian Mom- I am not just a SAHM- I am in Full Time Childern's Ministry! :)
It seems sometimes that I am more kind to a stranger that my own family. Becoming impatient with my children's antics or accidents, frustrated at another family member for some reason or another... I often read the devotionals on the Proverbs 31 website and thank God for the godly women who write them. Hearing another moms' prespective sure helps in remembering to go to God early in the morning and praying that he would help us to be kind and helpful too everyone--especially our family!
It seems sometimes that I am more kind to a stranger that my own family. Becoming impatient with my children's antics or accidents, frustrated at another family member for some reason or another... I often read the devotionals on the Proverbs 31 website and thank God for the godly women who write them. Hearing another moms' prespective sure helps in remembering to go to God early in the morning and praying that he would help us to be kind and helpful too everyone--especially our family!
Your messages are always awesome!!!
Thanks,
gramblinggradcbh@yahoo.com
Lynchburg, Virginia
I came upon your blog from the Proverbs 31 website, and I am so glad to have read your devotional this morning! I have an almost 2 year old whom I truly want to have God's Beautiful treasures in his heart. That is my heart's cry, that he would desire this more than anything this world would try to offer him. This devotional was such an encouragement to my heart. Thank you so much for your ministry.
I've just discovered your blog today, and what a wonderful inspiration it is!
stampified@sbcglobal.net
I've just discovered your blog today, and what a wonderful inspiration it is!
stampified@sbcglobal.net
Thank your for your help teaching our kids about God and the treasure of His word.
skransberger@yahoo.com
I try every day not living in the mommy guilt. I work during the day...sometimes long hours, and try not to blame myself for this! The way I get encouraged NOT to do this is to come to your blog everyday!
Today's devotion is so touching. Reaffirms things I try to teach and instill in my 5 year old daughter.
Living life sometimes comes down to be nice and loving one another...thanks for the affirmation!
Samina
samina@kingwoodcable.net
Renee,
Your words always penetrate my heart and encourage me to go deeper with my walk with the Lord and even more important to teach my daughters about who God really is.......not just the words in the Bible but a living God who is more amazing that we can imagine.
Thank you again Renee,
You are a WONDERFUL woman of God.... and I am thankful for Proverbs31.
amandakiehl@yahoo.com
I so want to read through your whole chart! I think I need to do this whole thing just for me - I'm having particular trouble with the 'kindness always no matter what' thing this week. Thanks for the very timely reminder!
lehrerin@charter.net
Thank you for the focus of kindness, this is something that is such a struggle in our house as my 6 year old son is "acting out" his frustration with circumstances that he is not haooy with on a daily basis. I am always looking for ways to help him tap into the kind boy that he is on the inside and your devotional really helped when I feel competlety depleted of more ideas of how to make the things I'm telling him, real to him so that he can understand. Thanks so much.
jenniferroskamp@gmail.com
I have been struggling with my ten year old and trying to motivate him to be the best he can be--as a Christian, student, etc. I receive p31 devotions daily, but our laptop crashed last week, so this was the first time I had time to catch up on my emails. Your devotion today speaks to me so loudly. I rarely go to "blogs" as I just don't have the luxury of time, but today I found yours and look forward to your pearls of wisdom and your scripture baseed insight. Thank you God for sending me here today
Renee, thank you so much for your encouragement and wisdom. I do so want my children to treasure God's Word and hunger for it, but just telling them isn't making it happen. Thank you for sharing the treasures God has showed you.
Thank you for your encouraging post Renee. I am rejoicing today because I had an opportunity to share unexpected kindness and words of hope with a stranger in need yesterday - and it just so happened that both daughters were with me and so were the recipients of wonderful life lesson. It was even more wonderful when I was able to share with them after we were in the car and on our way home that I had just prayed that morning that the Lord would allow me to be his "hands and feet" somehow today. Gotta love it when prayers are answered so immediately! I am loving your posts this month...keep them coming!!
pitkin5@comcast.net
I really do continue to enjoy your blogs since being introduced to Proverbs 31 and subsequently following the link here. I find comfort and inspiration in your words.
Thank you!
theological.thinking@yahoo.com
Renee, I have really enjoyed your recent devos! As a new mom of a 10 month old, the responsibility of introducing my little guy to Jesus sometimes feels overwhelming. I want to be a good mom and always lead him to the Lord, but am aware of my own frailties. Thank you for the reminder that God's Word is a treasure and that we can encourage our kids to seek Him out!
Katherine
Thanks for the encouragement!
Jonda
seehisface07@yahoo.com
I am striving to nurture a kind heart in my children and in myself....I want to model the selflessness of Jesus to those that don't know Him, but boy, do i need His help!
Thanks for blessing me today with your words.
Cathy
LLLCathy@gmail.com
Mtn. Grove,MO
Once again such a timely blog entry. God has been teaching/ convicting me of my own tenancies to gossip, slander and fault-find. Teaching a lesson is such a great way to learn a lesson.
Please enter me in the drawing.
sarahlscott@gmail.com
I recently found your blog & D6 ministries through Proverbs 31. I am loving it! Thank you for your advice, wisdom, and examples!
Tammy
tammyh78@gmail.com
I would love to start doing this with my 5yr old son. It is easy to be kind when others are kind to us, but being kind when others are not so kind is the hard part. Thanks for your daily encouragement!
Sarah
slyoung04@hotmail.com
Thank you so much for the reminder of kindness. I've been doing pretty well with my five homeschooled children, but my poor husband! He needs a little kindness from me. Thanks again for the devotional.
Lisa
learnwithem@gmail.com
I am so glad I found your blog! Thanks for the encouraging words!
Today is my first day reading your blog and I am very inspired. I am a stay at home mom who is trying to do the right thing with my little ones and I am always looking for the treasures. It is so important to teach them that Christ is the true treasure. Thank you and I look forward to much more inspiration.
In Christ,
Thank you for today's article. I am always looking for ways to bring my children closer to His Word. I, like you, want it to be a natural and enjoyable activity to live and learn more about the Lord. Thank you again.
c_shell@att.net
Renee, This was a wonderful lesson both for parent ,teacher and child. You find ways to reach the heart of a child and the adult as well. This month my lesson plan for school (for my 3 year olds) is loving kindness and finding was to show love to your friends and family. I am always blessed when you deposit nuggets I can use with my own daughter and the kids in school.Prefering others before your self is the message of Christ and teaching it to our children early is the beginning of training up selfless littles ones.
Love in Christ Didi Gray
didianderica@yahoo.com
Another good word...great idea.
thepadens@cox.net
Renee, my friend and I attended the girls night out in Houston last week and were inspired and blessed. Being the mom to three beautiful children and the wife of a minister, life can at times seem crazy and overwhelming. But, I know that my God is in the center of it and has anointed me for this specific time. Thank you for answering God's call, saying yes to him, and sharing your heart with us!!!
Leah
outx@sbcglobal.net
You have so much wisdom to share with these young moms, Renee! Thanks for sharing such sweet nuggets of advice!
Renee, I have to tell you what a blessing your comments on Kindness were to me. I have been doing a study on the fruits of the Spirit, and decided to do it with my kids at home, 21, and 14; then expand it to study other Biblical character traits using an online study I've used in the past. This info. from you gave me the encouragement I needed to start this study with my kids.
I want to tell you to what I blessing reading your blog and your devotionals has been to me. I needed something like this when my kids were all little (the oldest is 30) Sharon
Renee--
This devo is so awesome! Is it one from the Mining for Gold or is it one of the family devotionals from D6?
I love it, girl! The more I get to know your heart, the more I love it!! You encourage many!
lisa@andrewsmithteam.com
Proverbs 31 Ministry is a blessing thank you. Please sign me up for todays give away Mining Gold in the heart of your child.
Your sister in Christ,
Angela Hink
Kansas City, MO
snubar5@yahoo.com
Reading encouraging devotionals is so easy! Planning to apply them in your own, small life is harder, but really live them is difficult! But who doesn't want to?
I was praying for easy to follow ideas for my children Sunday School group ... and today I found at least two of them ... I would love to study them in more details and translate them in Romanian so the families around me would be able to have and enjoy them. I"m part of a big church with an increasing number of children ... and the materials are not great, but the desire to raise Christ lovers is huge.
Mining for Gold in childs life would be an increadible material for us to follow, and I would love to introduce in my next parent meeting of my group. Looking forward to the upcoming of the idea!
I have loved your Proverbs 31 emails and have found them to be a wonderful encouragement and full of great truths. This is the first time I've made it to your site. The treasure hunt topic made me curious. I long for my children to be hungry and excited to read and apply The Word. For them to treasure Gods Word in their hearts... and have excitement doing it. Thank you for united passion and your resources(possibly free today!). I'll be back to your site for future treasure hunting of my own.
Holly
mother of Megan 9, Nathan 8
hollyplatte@sbcglobal.net
Renee,
I wanted to let you know Sandy at God Speaks Today has quite the GNO recap on her blog. She wanted to tell you herself but the winter storm hit them in Kentucky and they are without power for possibly a week. She's having blog withdrawal already.
Paula G. <><
I think it is a really good idea to focus on building positive character traits in our children rather than focusing on getting rid of the negative. Yes, we need to deal with the things they do wrong but most of the time if the focus is on what they should do right then there are less wrongs to deal with.
Father God,
Thank you for Renee and the women of Proverbs31 who share our struggles and ensourage us along the way. Please bless them especially for being the beacons they are.
I lift up the moms struggling through the everyday roller coaster and pray You will bless them with strength and courage to continue. Bring joy to their hearts today and help them see their children as You do.
I lift up those moms hurting from the real pains of life and I pray Lord, that You will hold them close and let them feel Your presence today. Remind them Who they belong to and help them know for certain that You care and are with them through these difficult times. I pray for their children and families that they may see You through their perserverance and come to know You in the midst of their pain.
And Lord, I thank You for the moms who share their struggles. They teach us so much and offer us the opportunity to serve one another and lift each other up in prayer.
In Jesus precious name,
Amen
Thank you Renee for sharing your family devotion on kindness with us. I look forward to sharing it with my family around the dinner table. I am feeling very convicted to focus on my daughters' hearts--to better discover what drives their positive and negative behaviors and to help shape godly character in them. awsohio@gmail.com
I really enjoyed today's post and reminded me of a plaque I have hanging in our kitchen simply saying "kindness matters".
Kristy
kasiddel@bellsouth.net
RAK... is something that we are trying to instill in our kids with each other .. on their level.
Trying to get them to be kind to each other is not always easy.. but there are times when they suprise us.....
We really want to fine tune this in the home so that they will carry this with them to preschool/church.
Chrissy
cgunning94504@adelphia.net
Kids: 5, 4 and 2
Renee, your blog has become one of the highlights of my day, it blesses me so much. Last Sunday while wearing my "1/168" t-shirt I informed members of my church at both services that we were going to become a D6 Family church (I am the chair of Christian Education)- I am so passionate about this and your blog encourages me even more. I want so much to attend the Sept. conference! I am going to share your ideas with my church family as well as my own. Thank you so much, God bless you always.
Kelly in Gahanna, OH
krtsinohio@aol.com
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