Today we’re kicking off a month of encouragement for moms! Proverbs 31 Ministries is partnering with D6 Family Conference and Ministry, along with Focus on the Family, Barna Research Group, Dave Ramsey, John Trent, Angela Thomas and many more who believe that moms (and dads) have the most important job on earth.
God has entrusted moms and dads with an amazing calling, yet the by day-to-day demands on our time and attention often consume all that we have to give. In survival mode, we lose sight of the clearest command God’s given to us as parents in (D6) Deuteronomy 6:5-9, to make daily deposits of faith into our children’s lives and leave a spiritual legacy.
Mom, there is no one else who can take your place. Being a parent is the most important investment of your time and attention. But don’t let that overwhelm you. You don’t have to do it all and you don’t have to do it alone. Most of all, you don’t have to do it perfectly! This month our hope is to make it more “doable” for you. So, I’ll be writing about my personal journey as a mom, and featuring guests who will share lessons they’ve learned along the way that have helped their family incorporate D6 moments into every day life. And I hope you’ll share yours!!!
Before we get started, I want to share why we think this is so important. Please take a few minutes to watch this video and come back to let us know your thoughts.
We want to hear from you, so let us know what’s on your mind and what your greatest needs are as a mom. How does this video make you feel? What does it evoke in your thoughts? Does it make you want to ask anything?
We’ll be drawing names based on your thoughts and questions from this post today through Friday. Saturday morning we’ll announce the winner of a D6/P31 family gift pak that includes a cool D6 family coffee mug, a D6 t-shirt, a year’s subscription to the P31 magazine for mom and a year subscription to D6 Clear magazine for kids. And be sure to come back for more encouragement and give-aways all month!
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AMEN!!! After watching the clip, I want my whole church to see this. Since having children of my own I realized that my parents did the best they knew how but oh, did they miss the mark on teaching me outside of the times we met at church. I thank them for planting that basis in my life but I want to take it to a whole nother level with my children and it has made a huge impact on my parents. The biggest was the fact that I only wanted our children to listen to Christian music and my parents grew up in the 60’s and 70’s and my father loved his hard-core rock stations but he no longer listens to it.
A friend and I are the leaders of our church’s children’s programs and we try so hard to keep the children focused on worshiping the Lord and helping other people. Not what can I get out of this, but what can I do to help someone else or how can I show God’s love!! I always said I was not a teacher but oh, how God has made me eat those words by showing me, I teach every moment of the day. Thank you for your encouragement!
I agree with the video 100% and I fail in this area myself sometimes. I try to be consistent with it and then I falter. It seems so much eaiser to push that “easy button”, as our youth pastor said in a sermon one night at church. In our busy lives we don’t stop and take the time we need to to teach our kids or discipline our children. I know for me the Lord has been dealing with me on some things such as, unity with my husband , letting my yes be yes and no be no. It is our responibility to train up our children in the way they should go and when they are old they will not depart from it. God never promised us it would be easy but He did promise He would always be there to help and see us through. I share with my kids all the time about “Who they are in Christ” among other things but I don’t do it as often as I should. I believe that the D6 teaching will help alot of parents including myself as I do not do it all right but I try and pray and leave the results up to God.
To “Will someone stand by me?” I want to tell you that you cannont give up you have taught your children and God holds them in the palm of his hand and their walls are continusouly before Him. He will bring them back from their capitivity. (Jeremiah 29:10-14) Hold on to the promises that God has spoken to us from His word. If he said it He will do it and if He spoke it He will bring it to pass. Keep praying, believing, and speak what you seek in them. Love them through the tough times. I am speaking to myself as much as you… I will stand with you in prayer our greatest weapon.
With Love in Christ,
Sandra
Wow, I've been praying about this and my husband and I discussed this very subject at church on Sunday morning. To find your site and watch this video this morning I know God is speaking to me.
I'm a new believer, just a couple of years. I was not raised in a spiritual home. My father occasionally took my brother and I to church but my mother never attended. My parents never had a bible in the home. We never prayed.
I've been blessed to have some wonderful Christian women in my life recently and through them I was led to the Lord. My husband is not a Believer but will go with us to Church. We have two children, 6 & 10. When I try to discuss raising our children with a Spiritual foundation, praying together, reading the Bible, etc. he doesn't disagree but doesn't want to be involved either. He says at least coming to Church is better than nothing. I can't wait to share this video with him. I try my best to teach our children God's principles at home but I'm such a new Believer that I'm still learning. I can't quote much Scripture yet and teachable moments have to be planned for me because I need to research the bible first. Its difficult but I'm trying. Thank you for your website. I look forward to learning more this month.
Amen! Excellent video. I am currently in the process of a divorce and am raising my three children, essentially, alone. It has always been very important to me that my kids learn about God and His word in our home and throughout our daily activities. In fact, just last night my 13 y.o. daughter and I had a wonderful conversation about Proverbs that resulted in us spending over an hour reading and discussing the many wise words of Solomon. But I am also the Education chairperson for our church and a Sunday School teacher. I agree whole-heartedly that spiritual learning cannot just be limited to one hour a week at church. In fact, I have been working on a letter to send home to our families regarding just this! I was led to your blog today through your devotion on Proverbs 31. I am so glad I decided to click on the link to your blog. I will certainly be reading through the information on D6 and sharing with my education team and working filtering the information to our church families so that they too, will understand how important they are in their own child’s spiritual growth (as well as their own!) Thank you for the post and the video!
As a youth leader, I spend 1-2 hours a week with “my kids” – and every week it seems I have to start all over again – simply because many of them are not getting what they need from home. I get calls and texts and Facebook comments all week from them – and I do what I can. Now, after hearing about D6, I can’t wait to share with their parents that they have resources and hope to becoming a real part of their children’s lives! Rules without relationship=Rebellion – WOW! That sums up my teenage years – I know the parents of my youth are going to love this!
Wow! This is one of my hearts cry being a mom who struggles….my husband says he is a believer..but no proof as the way he lives…I grew up in a home that went to church every time the doors were open…but we never prayed together except before dinner, never read the bible together…my husband grew up with none of that…so its so hard to do this with our family now….D6 looks like like help…looking forward to following this…going to share this with others!
I really enjoyed watching this video.I am a Pastor’s wife and was a youth leader and truly believe that it is up to the parents to train their children in many things especially spiritual. SOME parents feel that if they just give their children to the church once or twice a week then they will turn out fine and that isn’t true. I have two little boys in elementary school and they quickly adopt habits that we do not practice at home and I have to make the changes right away before it sticks with them. I feel that as a leader in the church we can show them the way and give caution, but it’s up to the parents to hold them by the hand and take them where they need to go. Believe it or not sometimes the parents themselves wind up hindering their children with the examples they live! But as more parents become aware of the reality and truth of their responsibility and going against what the world teaches our children we will be victorious.
Thank you for sharing that clip. I have so much work to do. When my children were younger, I was very active in their spiritual development. I see the fruit of those efforts in my 24 year old, for she loves the Lord and is a faithful tither. I think I slacked off with my youngest child, for the two are seven years apart. My son has accepted Jesus as his Lord, however, he is not active at all with the church’s youth group. That is directly my fault. He goes away to college next year, so I have a lot of work to do. I thank God for the early years in which he was active, for I know God’s word does not return void. Thank you so much for reminding us of our responsibility. I am going to start by upgrading his “children’s bible” to a teen devotional bible. I will pray and ask God how to go from there. I spend so much time developing the women in my women’s group, somehow my son fell from my radar. Thanks again so very much.
Hello,
I have spent years and years of time with our four children. We don’t have much t.v. and we have put our children through Christian school. I have talked with our children about Jesus throughout their lives. I talk about Him…He is real to me…struggles, good times and all. But right now (our children from pre-teen to post teen) seem to all have drifted. We try to have meals together, I try to talk to them at various times and share what I know about God.
It feels as though I (we) have failed. My husband has been much less involved with them in these ways although he has done some. It has been much more of a priority (the relationship with Christ) with me than with him as relating to the children.
Now I have grown weary. This video has made me cry…I feel i have tried so hard and when I look at the “fruit” it appears I have failed. One child is unkind, combative and unwilling to help at home. He refuses advise and struggles with porn at times…which scares me. One child will help out and shows some kindness but tries to “hide” to avoid having to do anything that is outside their comfort zone. Another hides behind reading and video games and will usually help out when asked but doesn’t show initiative with looking toward the future and need to find work, etc. and the last would rather play than work and seems to connive to avoid it.
I feel as though I have failed miserably as a parent…even though I have tried my hardest. I know I have made mistakes through the years…but I fear for my children’s futures.
signed
“Will Someone Stand By Me?”
[email protected]
Renee, My parents have always worked toward leaving Christ in our hearts as a their legacy. I am also working towards that goal. I realized these last few days back to the regular schedule that a few of our good together time habits have fallen to the side. Tonight I will intentionally be picking them back up. I have tried since my 7 year old was born to every day pray for him and with him and also with my 5 year old. At bed time each night we say the “Lord’s Prayer” as they are tucked in and I am able to spend a little time with each one just chatting. I am a full time stay at home mom with a part time job at our chuch in Children’s Ministry – I am so fortunate to know and be reminded by this D6 ministry how important these verses are in our lives and the ones that we are responsible for. I am encouraged by the knowledge that if I lead my life according to God’s Word that my children will also want to do so. I am also hoping that by seeing them excited to learn about Christ that their father will some day share that excitement. Leading by doing is not hard, God intended for this so I believe he will provide for it’s success. Thank you for seeing this need throughout our World and addressing it. I will be praying for you and all the other parents that are trying hard everyday to share God with their kids.
Renee,
I am so excited for this posting. My heart has been heavy for the hurting state of our country and our world. I was feeling overwhelmed with the helplessness I felt. This post reminded me of where my first and most important job is. I know God showed me this post this morning for me to embrace D6 in my heart and also to live it out. I am also in the Children’s Ministry at the church I attend. I am always looking for was to inspire and encourage parents, and this is wonderful. Children and Families are so close to my heart but, sometimes I get over run with useless business and loose focus. Thank you for this month of parenting posts. I can’t wait to see what God is going to show us!
Renee – what a blessing you and this group are for me right now. I have been struggling with my 5 year old daughter and helping her to read. They are teaching her at school – but she needs help at home too. Sometimes I get so frustrated that I yell at her and tell her she is going to be left behind if she doesn’t get this. I feel guilty afterward and I ask God for help and I believe He has sent me help through the D6 Family! I am my children’s teacher – both spiritually and otherwise. I have to be an example to them in all areas and that means I have to show them the great love that God shows me daily. I truly need to take the time and sit with my children and incorporate what they learn at church into our home environment – and that goes for reading as well. Thank you so much for sharing this with us – God is talking to me and I am listening!
Yasmin*
Hello Renee. I really enjoyed this clip. Felt like it was just for me. It is amazing how God knows just what you need each day. I am married and have 2 children from a previous marriage ages 10 (girl) and 7 (boy) and my husband has 2 children from a previous marriage ages 6 (boy) and 4 (boy). I never realized how hard it could be having a blended family. We have become a very spiritual family just over the last 1 1/2 years. God has really done AMAZING things for our family in this time. I have been born again since I was a teenager, but got away from the Lord for a few years. Now, we are trying to instill in all our children how important it is to make God FIRST in your life! We pray daily with them and are looking for ideas we can do as a family to worship him other than going to church. Since there is such a big age difference between the girl and boys in the house, it is hard to include her in the same worship time as the younger boys. The mother of the younger boys does not attend church and the father of my two does not attend church..so it really is a challenge for me and husband to teach all the children to worship the Lord at ALL times, even if you are not taken to church. I hope one day I am able to attend the D6 conference! I will share this post will all the families I know and I look forward to reading your blog all month, it is really an eye opener!
This is incredible timing for me as well. My youngest son (3) has just started pre-school today, and I have mornings to myself for the first time. I’ve been praying that God will guide me and show me where I should be putting my energies – and what do I get? This video – reminding me that being a Mum is still my most important role. I have a lot to learn, and look forward to studying with you all. God bless you. Fiona.x
Wow Renee!
What an amazing group God has gathered for this D-6 concept. It has truly allowed me to pause this morning and reflect on my serious role as a mother. To perhaps pray more specifically about this – plans, opportunities, just being intentional – in guiding, listening, and sharing with each child. Thank you for listening to his Will in spreading the word. Amazing to think that parents DO need to be more intentional, but it truly is the world we live in today.
Have a blessed week!
As a youth leader, I spend 1-2 hours a week with “my kids” – and every week it seems I have to start all over again – simply because many of them are not getting what they need from home. I get calls and texts and Facebook comments all week from them – and I do what I can. Now, after hearing about D6, I can’t wait to share with their parents that they have resources and hope to becoming a real part of their children’s lives! Rules without relationship=Rebellion – WOW! That sums up my teenage years – I know the parents of my youth are going to love this!
Thank you for sharing that clip. I have so much work to do. When my children were younger, I was very active in their spiritual development. I see the fruit of those efforts in my 24 year old, for she loves the Lord and is a faithful tither. I think I slacked off with my youngest child, for the two are seven years apart. My son has accepted Jesus as his Lord, however, he is not active at all with the church’s youth group. That is directly my fault. He goes away to college next year, so I have a lot of work to do. I thank God for the early years in which he was active, for I know God’s word does not return void. Thank you so much for reminding us of our responsibility. I am going to start by upgrading his “children’s bible” to a teen devotional bible. I will pray and ask God how to go from there. I spend so much time developing the women in my women’s group, somehow my son fell from my radar. Thanks again so very much.
This is incredible timing for me as well. My youngest son (3) has just started pre-school today, and I have mornings to myself for the first time. I’ve been praying that God will guide me and show me where I should be putting my energies – and what do I get? This video – reminding me that being a Mum is still my most important role. I have a lot to learn, and look forward to studying with you all. God bless you. Fiona.x
Renee
Wow- something that we as Christian parents need to be reminded of.
As a SAHM of 3 under 5.. I am with my children the majority of the day.. ( 2 are in preschool in the mornings).
This has given me pause to think about .. am I really finding the teachable moments and using them with my 5/4 yr old…
What is the best way to do this in ways that they will understand???
What about my 2 yr old.. I know there are moments .. I need to find them…
As a family..we don’t do any type of family devotions or bible time with the kids before bed..
As a few other women have said on here.. I have an awesome, Godly husband.. but I need him to lead in this.. which seems to be .. I will mention doing something with the kids/he agrees.. but its almost like its left to me to do it.
I don’t want to lead.. please pray that God will stir his heart in this area.
With 2 boys.. they need to learn by example….
He was not raised in a Christian home.. He has been saved for over 20 yrs.. but I don’ think he was ever taught about leading in this way.
I have tried to encourge this… but nothing.
What can I do???
Please pray that I will find/use those teacheable moments.
Chrissy Gunning
I’m with Lisa V. It brings me to tears. I grew up going to church on Sunday and Wednesday. We never prayed other than before meals. We didn’t read the bible or talk about God either. I was much older than Lisa though when reconnecting with Christ. It’s only been 3 years and I’m 37. My 18 year old son just got baptized right before Christmas but I feel he’s missed sooo much. It makes me sad. Even with my 9 year old, I just want to be the role model that I need to be. It’s very important for the parents to be the primary source of leadership. It’s their responsibility. If we the parents are living a Godly life, then it shouldn’t be as hard as it sounds. Thank you so much for this.