Comments on: Reality Parenting

By: kmcc

kmcc — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 15:54:01 +0000

What a wonderful testimony, Elizabeth! Thanks so much for your feedback!

I’m not too far behind you (the ripe old age of 52), and I know how it feels to look back at our many mistakes – but especially how wonderful it is to know the hope of Jesus Christ! Keep walking, sister, and you know the Lord will lead you into one victory after another!

By: elizabeth carano

elizabeth carano — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 15:40:55 +0000

Keith –

Thanks for the articles. I’m a grandmother now – was not raised in a Godly way and failed to raise my own child as I should have. But, at the ripe old age of 56, Jesus came to me. So, now I have a different attitude about my grandchildren, both of whose parents are non-believers deeply in the world. Your articles are giving me help, hope and practical advice, and I pledge before Jesus that I will be more faithful this go-round.

And, for the first time in my life, God has put me in a community of good Christian families – strong fathers and mothers being faithful. I’ve never seen it before! What a difference! They are wonderful models.

Betty from the Dayton Xenos home church

By: kalie.b

kalie.b — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 15:39:57 +0000

Thanks for these insights about instilling permanent love values in others. I often wonder if I give disciples too many present love feelings and not enough permanent love values. I’m sure this is a result of the wrong ways I prefer to be loved. But since love ethics I’ve been thinking about how to provide both in discipleship relationships, and this article helps a lot.
I also have been wondering about how to raise spiritually mature kids lately. Although I’m not there yet in my life, I know it’s coming and I’m already worried about it. Obviously it isn’t simple or easy but it’s great how you clarified the goal and laid out some principles to reach the goal in this and your last article. Thanks.

By: kmcc

kmcc — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 15:06:15 +0000

Lisa, I really appreciate that wonderful feedback. You’re not the only one confused about this. I was an Infantile for way too long, and could never figure out how to “feel significant” until I started walking with Christ and learning how to love unconditionally. It just doesn’t make “natural sense” that you gain significance by giving sacrificially. You’re a wonderful and loving mother that any kid would be proud to have, too, and your little Infantile monsters will realize that soon enough. That’s the “Faith Component” of Love Ethics we’ll certainly cover under “Permanent Love Values.”

By: l.beech

l.beech — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 21:31:32 +0000

I’ve gotta say – excellent article. I was just thinking about some situations here at the old homestead.

It is so sad that generations of families have deviated from teaching healthy biblical parenting – my own family has severe dysfunction going back three generations to my great grandparents.

Although I have learned so much about God’s perspective and view on parenting and genuine significance and sacrifical love – it is not natural for me to act in accordance with these precepts.

It is indeed an act of faith to step out and love others – to imput significance to them. This concept was difficult for me to grasp; I actually had trouble understanding that my presence in someone’s life actually gives them significance. To offer someone a role in your life and to invite them into a relationship was mind-blowing for me. Strange that an adult would not be able to fully grasp this – but it was true.

I believed so many lies – I struggle today with these lies. I used to think that my presence was a burden to others – so that they must view my presence in their lives as unwanted or bothersome. I did not want to be a burden on people who were struggling – so I would not impose. I saw people as too busy for me – so I had to get busy too. And boy,did I ever get busy! These lies hindered my growth both as an adult and in Christian ministry. I was running around so hurried – but not connecting with anyone. Satan had me and my family right where he wanted us.

Each day is a step of faith – not only in parenting my boys. At times I feel so inadequate – because I am. I am so grateful to this body of Christ for not only loving me – but my boys – my delightfully wacky sons! It is so good to have the sound biblical judgment of believers to confide my doubts or to share my struggles.

Thank you – from the heart – for this wealth of sound, godly wisdom.

By: kmcc

kmcc — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 18:50:23 +0000

Wow, great find, Joe! I simply must include a few references to your fascinating find. Thanks.

And yes Joe, this material is so relevant to Christian discipleship, especially those of us engaged with Millennials or Gen-X-ers. I think alot of Christian leaders get frustrated raising disciples, not understanding what they’re really fighting against. This is especially evident when the Christian leader is perpetually spoon-feeding (showing up to teach, but never calling for them to teach, for example).

By: Joe

Joe — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 18:15:29 +0000

Very interesting, Keith. I have been thinking about this too since we have been talking about it. I tend to be a demander, which is something I need to work on before the kids come. I will be reading this article again. It will be very helpful in dealing with my two disciples.

BTW, did you see my post on the child who killed his father because his dad took away his myspace?