Week 15!

Challenge: There is a music group out right now that is popular with toddlers called The Fresh Beat Band. We have their CD and Havana and Jonah love belting out the songs. There is this one song, Freeze Dance, where when the music stops you are supposed to stop dancing. Well, Jason and I have taken it upon ourselves to dance like crazy during the music and then we will freeze in silly positions. This makes both Havana and Jonah laugh hysterically. The other day during this whole family dancing/freezing episode Havana laughs and says, "This is my favorite!!!!" and then when the song was over she says, "Freeze Dance makes me happy."

Both Jason and I thought that was very profound of her to be able to articulate how that song makes her feel - and we both think it is because it is something we all get into together. It is something special just for our family. It makes me wonder, though, how many other things is she excited about or interested about that I don't join in with her? Am I missing more of these opportunities to enjoy doing what she likes to do. Another example is our son Jonah - he loves sports and playing with any ball. I personally love basketball and so I've often thought, "I hope Jonah plays basketball... it would be so much fun to go to all the games." But what if Jonah doesn't play basketball - what if he plays football or baseball (or any other sport I'm not that interested in)? I want to get in the habit now and being excited and interested in the things my children are excited and interested about. I want to be there to experience it with them, a listening ear as they tell me all about it, and I want them to know what is important to them is important to me too. My challenge is to use those times my children want to play, talk, or do something that I think is incredibly boring or a waste of time or whatever my personal opinion is as a growing opportunity for me to join in with them. I want to make a choice to get excited about what they are excited about. I want to spend time with them doing the things they are passionate about.

Dear Lord, thank You for being the God of the universe and still having personal knowledge of each one of us. Thank You for caring about what is important to us. I pray that I would learn how to be a better parent by Your example. Help me put up on the shelf the activities and games that I find interesting and help me enjoy what my children are enjoying - no matter how simple. Help me capture the moments to express to them Your love through my love. I pray this in Jesus' Name. Amen

Prayer:
Father God, this world tries to tell us what is important: social status, relationships, wealth, tolerance, happiness, and selfish gain. Yet, You clearly state in Your word a very different standard. While my children are growing up in this fallen world, I pray that they would know that the things that society values are actually foolishness in Your sight (1 Corinthians 3:19). Help them to not conform to the patterns of this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of their minds so that they can test and approve what Your good, pleasing, and perfect will for them is (Romans 12:2). I pray that my children would hold firmly to the trustworthy message of the Bible so that they can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it (Titus 1:9). And, Lord, I know that by having my children "side" with Your standards - they will become enemies of this world. I pray that You would give them the strength to handle that challenge. Help them remain confident that You have chosen them out of the world (John 15:19) and that there is no only holy like You, there is no one besides You, and that there is no Rock like You, God (1 Samuel 2:2). I pray this in the powerful name of Jesus. Amen.