Elizabeth George's Blog, page 5

Life Management of the Heart

 

 

 I’ve made a life-long study of time and life management. This subject became so interesting to me because the first 30 years of my life, and early stages of marriage, were characterized by miss-management, lack of direction, and frenzied frustration.

But this discussion will include nothing about day-planners or to-do lists. Surprised? I found that the state of the heart has the greatest impact on the way I prioritized the daily tasks in my life—and that nothing makes as big of a difference in living a peaceful life as contentment.

While not always realizing it, discontentment guides a lot of the activity and busyness in our lives. We are often working more, spending more, scheduling our kids for more, and pressuring others for more because of an insecurity or feeling of lack in our life. To better assess necessary versus unnecessary activities in our lives then we must look at what is driving our hearts.

The Apostle Paul tells us in 1 Timothy 6:6 that “god­liness with contentment is great gain” and gives us these instructions on contentment from his own life, “I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound” (Philippians 4:11).

Contentment is learned. Paul says he learned to be content! This gives us hope and encouragement. Contentment is not something that comes automatically with salvation. And con­tentment is not a fruit of the Spirit which we enjoy when we are walking in the Spirit. No, contentment is learned.

Contentment is not based on circum­stances, but on the person of Christ. You and I possess all the true riches of heaven, both here on earth, and held in trust for us in heaven to come. In God, precious one, you and I have all that we need both now and forever, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).

Contentment is required whether you have little or much. Do you think that having much would cause you to be content? Or do you ever erroneously think, “If I just had a tiny bit more, I’d be content?” Well, the answer is no. In fact, having much can breed a strong desire and lust to have even more. Our desire should be God’s provision of “just enough.” Proverbs 30:7-9 says, “Two things I ask of you, Lord; do not refuse me before I die…give me neither poverty nor riches—but, give me only my daily bread. Otherwise I may have too much and disown you, and say, ‘Who is the LORD?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and dishonor the name of my God.”

Contentment should guide our actions. “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8).

These verses tell us where our priorities should lie. They also give us a guide to what our schedules should be full of—His every good work! In our busyness, we should be about the Lord’s business. We know He will provide for our every need rather than us scrambling to fill our every insecurity and discontent.

Better than the latest day-planner or iPhone app, God’s instruction for the heart is the best time-management advice ever! **

RESPOND:

Lord, thank you for providing my every need. Help my heart to be content in You. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES:

“Growing In Wisdom and Faith” by Elizabeth George will help you to develop a faith that won’t crumble in life’s trials.

REFLECT:

When you asses your priorities and desires do you find yourself operating out of contentment or discontent?

REMEMBER:

God’s instruction for the heart is the best time-management advice ever.

Choosing the One Thing Needed

Luke 10:42 says, “And Jesus answered and said to her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But, one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.'”

Today, let’s take a closer look at someone who sat at Jesus’ feet and received His praise. Can you imagine that—receiving God’s praise! The attitude of Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, demonstrated for us the meaning of a heart devoted to God. What did Mary do that moved our Savior to praise her?

Mary discerned the one thing needed. The events leading up to Jesus’ words set the scene for us to look into Mary’s heart (Luke 10:38-42). Jesus, probably accompanied by His disciples, arrived at the home of Mary’s sister, Martha, for a meal. I’m sure it was a joyous and festive time. Imagine, God in flesh coming for dinner! He was total love, total care, total concern, and total wisdom. It would be heaven on earth to be in His presence—the presence of God.

But Martha, Mary’s sister, didn’t discern the miracle of God in the flesh. Consequently, she marred His visit by her behav­ior. She crossed over the line of graciously providing food and became overly involved in her hostessing. When Jesus opened His mouth to impart words of life—the Word of God spoken by God Himself—and Mary slipped out of the kitchen to sit quietly at His feet, Martha broke. She interrupted the Teacher, her guest, to say something to this effect—“Don’t you care that I’m putting this meal together all by myself? Tell Mary to help me!” Martha failed to discern the priority and importance of time with God.

Mary, a woman after God’s own heart, made the choice that indicated her heart’s devotion. She knew it was important to cease her busyness, stop all activity, and set aside secondary things in order to focus wholly on the Lord. Unlike her sister, who was so busy doing things for the Lord that she failed to spend time with Him, Mary put worship at the top of her to-do list.

Mary chose the one thing needed—Because Mary was a woman after God’s own heart, she was preoccupied with one thing at all times—Him! Yes, she too served. And she too tried to fulfill her God-given responsibilities. But there was one choice that Mary made that day in Bethany, a decision to do the one thing that mattered most: Mary chose to spend time worshiping God. She knew that nothing can take the place of time in God’s presence. Indeed, time spent sitting at His feet fuels and focuses all acts of service.

Today, let’s not allow the demands on our lives, the busyness of our choices, or the significance of our service steal the “one thing” that will bring us closer to Christ. Time spent hearing from and worshiping God can never be taken away, for it is time spent in eternal pursuits, time that earns permanent and everlasting divi­dends. Mary chose to spend that precious time with Him. Let us also join in her worship of our Lord today and everyday of our lives!

RESPOND:

Lord, thank you for the chance to worship You in this life. Help me to remember that a life spent in worship is a life well lived. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES:

This printable is a lovely reminder to spend time in God’s word:

REFLECT:

How do I let the busyness of life take away from time with God?

REMEMBER:

Choose to spend time every day in worship to our Lord.

Getting Through Difficult Days

One of my favorite words in the English language is “bittersweet.” It’s sort of like the well-known announcement, “I’ve got good news and bad news. Which do you want first?” This picturesque term always reminds me that many occurrences in life fall simultaneously into the glad/sad category, bringing forth both emotions at once.

When my husband pastored and taught a senior citizens’ Sunday school class some years ago, he heard many of these dear people share one particular verse that comforted them after a spouse or relative or friend died. It was from a description of the new heavens:

“God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4).

This scripture describes the reality and angst of suffering in life, and also the welcomed delights and promised well-being that await God’s people as they spend eternity in His presence.

We may wonder how something can be both bitter and sweet at the same time. It can only be so because of God’s great power and grace! You have probably already experienced that it is God, and God alone, who is able to sweeten what is bitter (Exodus 15:23-25), to make the one who is sad become glad (Psalm 30:11), and to turn something bad into something good (Romans 8:28).

When you are wrestling with despair or when all seems hopeless, put your God-given faith to work and trust in the Lord. Remember to turn to Him in prayer. Your bitter ordeal will be sweetened. In your bad times, when your soul is hurting and your need for God’s gentle touch is at its greatest, or when your heavy heart is the most sensitive, your prayers will be the most sweet and rewarding. Some of your most meaningful fellowship with God will come when you contend with Him over your hurting heart. Step into the heart-wrenching cries of Psalm 55. It contains much-needed instruction for your own hurting, bewildered heart.

RESPOND:

Give ear to my prayer, O God, and do not hide Yourself from my supplication. Attend to me, and hear me; I am restless in my complaint, and moan noisily…my heart is severely pained within me (Psalm 55:1-2, 4). Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES:

Remind yourself of God’s faithfulness and presence during difficult times with this printable.

REFLECT:

How has God heard your prayers? How has God been faithful to you during a time of suffering?

REMEMBER:

God is able to sweeten what is bitter.

Times of Suffering

“I’m done. This is just too much. I can’t believe this is really God’s plan for my life!” This is not an uncommon confession among Christian women. But it is true: suffering is part of this life.

Every one of us will face times of trial and loss. Job’s lament is a testimony to the physical, moral, and spiritual suffering he experienced. But through his trials, Job experienced a reaffirmation of his faith and, in the end, saw his life and family restored and his possessions doubled.

Are you enduring a time of suffering? Let Jesus’s words in John 16:33 encourage your heart: “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” Jesus does not promise you an easy life when you choose to follow Him. But in times of suffering, you can experience His peace and know great joy.

Whenever you are disheartened, look to the Lord for your peace and joy. Rejoice in the truth that He has overcome the world and its brokenness, and look to the future glory He promises His suffering children. These are promises for you.

Peter also has a powerful and hopeful message for us as we suffer. He gives us three reasons why we can withstand anything that comes our way.

Reason 1: We can stand anything because of what we are looking forward to: our magnificent inheritance of life with God.

Reason 2: We can stand anything if we remember that every trial is a test…and trials make our faith stronger and more resilient.

Reason 3: We can stand anything because at the end of our lives, when we’re with Jesus Christ, we will receive our rewards from Him—His praise and glory and honor.

Regardless of past or current trials, remain joyous in the goodness of the Lord. It is in His strength that you can stand strong and persevere.

RESPOND:

Lord, You know my suffering right now, and You saw untold suffering during Your days on earth. But, You have overcome the world, and in Your strength I can persevere and overcome. Thank You that good cheer and great hope are available to me because You are my Lord. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES:

This beautiful printable is a reminder to trust in God at all times. Find more information about this and other printables here.

REFLECT:

How have I seen God’s faithfulness during times of suffering?

REMEMBER:

Each of us will experience times of trial and suffering, but God’s promises still remain true.

Waiting Eagerly for the Word

In the country of Taiwan, Jim and I were blessed to experience the Bible come alive. For years I had been reading Proverbs each day…which means for years I had been reading Proverbs 8:34, “Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.” Several days after arriving our sponsor arranged for us and our two preteen daughters to go to a local university to sit and converse with students who were learning English.

There was just one catch. These English lessons were open to anyone and everyone. Those who came did not have to be enrolled as students in the university.

At 5:30 a.m. we went into shock as we neared the gated walls of the university. Thousands of people were crammed around the school’s gates that would open at 6:00 a.m. for free English lessons. It was actually a little scary as we were escorted through the crowd and led to a special door by guards so we could set up for the lessons by six o’clock.

Truly, I was seeing a Bible verse come alive. This scene and experience was a living illustration for me. It showed what it means to value and crave wisdom. To watch daily at Wisdom’s gates and to wait at her doorposts and to listen attentively. These dear people desired to learn English so badly they put it as the first thing of the day. So they rose in the dark and journeyed to a location. They hoped to be among the limited number before the cutoff was reached. To be there before the gates closed.

This is how we should approach each day—rising early, making any and every sacrifice to read God’s Word. To listen to His wisdom, to watch and wait eagerly for every word that proceeds out of His mouth.

This practice of eagerly listening to the Word of God is essential to cultivate the fruit of joy in the Lord in our daily walk with God. Offer a sacrifice of praise to God continually—even when you don’t feel like it (Hebrews 13:15). Through the power of the Holy Spirit, this act of seeking wisdom with thanksgiving transforms our prayers into praise.

Give thanks in everything (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Whatever is happening—good or bad—give thanks to God for His sovereignty, His perfect timing, His per­fect plan, and His unconditional love.

Bless the Lord at all times (Psalm 34:1). Offer unceas­ingly the sacrifice of praise (Hebrews 13:15). The Spirit can—and will—use your praise to touch you with God’s joy.

Focus on the reality of God’s promises. Every time you open your Bible, read and look for powerful promises that can change your out­look to one of joy, as you seek wisdom.

RESPOND:

Lord, thank you for the gift of Your Word and for the wisdom that we find in knowing Your Son. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES:

In “Relying on the Power of the Holy Spirit”, Elizabeth George writes about incredible examples of God's Spirit at work in the lives of His people from the New Testament book of Acts.

REFLECT:

How can I spend more time in the pursuit of wisdom?

REMEMBER:

Make every sacrifice to spend time in God’s Word.

Pursue Your Dreams

It’s so much fun to pursue your dreams while you are young! It’s an opportunity to discover what you love to do—and what you are good at. And the Proverbs 31 woman (see Proverbs 31:24) gives you these three points to keep in mind as you pursue your own dreams:

Don’t neglect your responsibilities. Be sure you take care of your relationships and duties at home, any college classes or schoolwork, and any other commitments you have. Your responsibilities come first—then dive in and work on your projects.Give it time. Start small. Watch for pockets of time you can fill with your projects. You can laze around and watch another show, or you can slip into your own space to do your thing. One idea is to work on your project on a table, not isolated from your family or roommates. That way, you are still present with your loved ones, able to join in for conversations and time together, but you are making progress on your goals and developing your skills. Also, make a habit of carrying items that you need for working on your projects in your backpack or a tote bag for those moments you spend waiting.Plan specific time to work on your own projects. Set aside time each week after your other responsibilities are completed that is just for you to work on your new project or goal.

Now you’re ready to start spreading your wings in your new adventure! Talk your dreams and desires over with your friends, parents, or people you respect. You will need them all to encourage you and support you and cheer you on. Then take the initiative.

It takes initiative to:

Make the phone call to enroll in a class or join a group that will help you develop your skills.Go to a specialty store and purchase a magazine that targets your area of creativity.Bring your dreams down to earth and finally set up a work station, the sewing machine, or the easel.Find out where to send your samples of greeting cards, your manuscript, your book ideas, or your magazine article.Enter your painting or sculpture in an art show.

As Proverbs 16:3 advises, “Commit your works unto the Lord.” Then determine what your first step will be!

RESPOND:

Lord, help me to plan and follow through in my pursuit of learning new skills and making new goals. Thank you for the gift of new dreams. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES:

This printable is a simple reminder that basic daily steps can help make your dreams a reality. Purchase and download this printable here.

REFLECT:

What is the first step I need to do to start pursuing my dreams?

It’s so much fun to pursue your dreams while you are young!

REMEMBER:

Commit your dreams to the Lord!

Putting on a Heart of Patience

I know there are a lot of jokes made about patience (“Patience is the ability to count to ten before blasting off!”, “I need patience—and I need it now!”), but when you’re the one who’s forced to wait while you suffer—or suffer while you wait—it’s no laughing matter. But, my friend, as the verse below says, we need to wait patiently on the Lord.

In the New Testament, James talks about patience. To illustrate his point, he presents a farmer.

“Be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand” (James 5:7-8).

Even if some of us don’t get closer to a farm than the produce stand at a local market, we can take a look at the many ways a farmer has to employ patience. He plants his crops…and then waits for the providence of God to provide the necessary rain. Finally the early rains of the fall and the late rains of spring come.

When we’re suffering, we too are to wait patiently until the coming of the Lord. How are you at waiting? Is there something God is asking you to be patient about right now?

Where is your gaze fixed during this time of waiting and patience? Downward, on the suffering you must endure? Or upward in the direction from which Jesus will come? Or do you seldom think about it? Your patience will be helped when you look forward to the promise of His return. You and I live with “what is,” but we have the promise of “what is to be.” And in-between is the waiting time.

The hope we derive from the promise of Jesus’ coming helps us to wait patiently.  When He arrives, He will set everything in order. He will make things right. He will correct all abuses. He will bring deliverance from our suffering. Let the certainty of the Lord’s return encourage your heart as you endure hard times, moments that seem endless, and the unknowns of tomorrow.

I pray you’ll choose to do what God says! “Be still [be patient], and know that I am God [the Lord who is coming again and the Judge who is indeed standing at the door]” (Psalm 46:10).

RESPOND:

Lord, I’m making the decision to be still and to trust in Your promises. Today is hard, but I will wait for the rain of Your love to fall upon me. I will wait with hope for Your grace to show me the way You want me to go. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES:

“Finding God's Path Through Your Trials” by Elizabeth George acknowledges the hard times we all face and reveals how we can "count it all joy," through understanding trials are not punishment, and realizing God's grace is sufficient to get us through trials.

REFLECT:

Is there something God is asking you to be patient about right now?

REMEMBER:

You and I live with “what is,” but we have the promise of “what is to be.”

Train Up A Child

When I taught elementary school, I could not “wing it” when teaching my students. I had to think ahead about the year’s schedule. I had to search for effective teaching materials and look up creative ideas. I spent hours planning each lesson to give my students the building blocks they needed to succeed in the next grade and beyond.

Likewise, God gives parents the job to prepare our children in their spiritual lives. We cannot leave this vital teaching to Sunday school teacher or educators. As parents, we must provide guidance as much as possible.

Why Should Parents Train Their Child Up?

Outside of your home—at school, with neighborhood children, or with others out in the world—there will be times when your children will be influenced by people who are somewhat beyond your control. Your children will encounter influences that are ungodly. That’s why we must commit and seek to teach them about God’s ways.

Eventually our children will grow up, and leave home to go to school or start a job. Leaving the nest is natural and normal. But it means that you’re not always going to be there for your children. They will be in situations that require them to make some life decisions on their own. Before that happens, we parents need to give them wisdom for spiritual discernment and teach them how to make godly choices on their own. Isn’t that our main goal as a godly parent?

How to Train Your Child Up

As our children grow, we should be training their spiritual sensitivity so they can “distinguish good from evil” (Hebrews 5:14). If you are a parent, think through what’s going on in your home. Who are your children’s friends at school? Where are they spending their time? What are they reading and viewing?

As you instruct your children in God’s ways, put these practices into place:

Plan to some extent how you will accomplish this goalSchedule a time each day for some kind of formal Bible timeEncourage your child to have some time alone with GodCoach them in ways to have daily devotionsSearch for age-appropriate materials and ask other parents for ideas for helping children grow spirituallyPray daily about this mission from God, this teacher role He has personally given you

Whenever you and your child are together, take this opportunity for you to teach your child about Him. Be purposeful with the gift of such times. But, if these times are too few and far between, plan, schedule, and determine to make them happen, as if it were your most important job on earth—for it is!****

RESPOND:

Dear Lord, thank You for the gift of my child and the time that I have with them. Help me make the most of it, teaching them Your Word and Your Ways. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES:

“A Girl After God’s Own Heart” by Elizabeth George will help guide your young daughter as she seeks to become a godly woman.

REFLECT:

What discussion or activity can you plan today to guide your child into a better understanding of God?

REMEMBER:

“Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6)

Pass On God's Word to Your Children

God tells us in Deuteronomy 6:6-7 to, “Teach them to your children diligently.” The “them” is what you are to teach—God’s Word and His commands. And “diligently” is how you are to teach—with purpose, and conscientiously as a task or duty.

Be the primary role model and teacher of truth

What are you diligent about? Some people diligently floss their teeth. Others are so diligent they would never miss their daily exercise, or be late to work, or miss an oil change, or fail to pay a bill on time. On and on goes the list of life instances in which we choose to be diligent instead of careless, or lazy, or negligent.

Now remember that God says to be diligent to teach spiritual truth to your children rather than leaving this all-important assignment to someone else. You, Mom or Dad, are to be the primary model and teacher of truth to your sons and daughters. No matter who you are, or what you do or don’t know about teaching—or how busy you are—God expects you to pour God’s Word out of your heart and into your child’s heart.

God knows that most parents don’t have a degree in education or training in teach­ing. Instead, He tells us how to teach and what this teach­ing involves. He says, “You…shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way” (Deut. 6:7).

Teaching your children through the simple act of talking

Talking?! That’s all? That’s it? Yes, that’s it—by talking. Now I ask you, how hard can talking be? And note where all our talking and teach­ing is to take place—at home. Nothing could be easier or more natural or more convenient than home sweet home! You don’t need elaborate plans. You don’t need to dress up or go anywhere. You don’t need to start the car. And you don’t need to spend any money. No. God simply says that “when you sit in your house,” you are to talk about Him.

You sit to relax. You sit to eat. You sit to visit. You sit to read. You sit to work on a project together. And you sit whenever you’re in the car together. No matter what your child’s age is, these natural, low-key, sitting instances pro­vide prime opportunities to talk about the Lord and His love, His promises, and His Son.

What to talk to your children about

“When you walk by the way,” you are to talk about the Lord. From babyhood, to toddler times, to little boy or girl, to school age, you’ll be walking with your child. That’s your special time for talking about the Lord.

Got a newborn? You will walk, and walk, and walk each time you calm your crying, ill, or restless baby. So go ahead and talk all you want. It will develop the habit in you—and tune your child’s heart to your voice.

How about a school-age son or daughter? If you walk your child to school or to and from the school bus stop, you get to talk about the Lord. Tell how He will help them through their time at school, with a test or report, with making friends. Chat in the park about the wonders of the Lord and what it means to know Him. Let them know how they can trust Him and talk to Him any­time, anywhere, and ask for His help. Take every oppor­tunity to talk about God and His provision and blessings.

And then come the teen years. Hopefully you and your child have developed the habit of talking to each other about any and every thing, and especially about the Lord. So during the teen years, when things can get a little weird, you can still talk because of your history of talking. Believe me, if you are available, and care, and give your love and attention, they will come to you, not others.

Fill their minds with loving wisdom

If you haven’t developed this early habit of talking, don’t worry and don’t give up. Just be sure you start now. Start talking, even if your child doesn’t seem to be listening. They do hear, and what you say in loving wisdom will be filed away in their mind and heart. They won’t be able to shake it or forget it.

Don't lose heart

Draw your strength from the Lord and speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). And if your child won’t talk to you or goes their own way, do not lose heart. God knows and is talking with them in their walk too.

RESPOND:

Thank you for showing us in Your Word how to teach our children diligently. Help me as I tell my children about Your promises. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES:

In “Raising A Daughter After God’s Own Heart”, Elizabeth guides a mother's development of her daughter's spiritual life of faithfulness, obedience, and joy. Get it here.

REFLECT:

When is the best time right now to talk to my child about God’s promises?

REMEMBER:

Draw your strength from the Lord and speak the truth in love.

Parenting Adult Children

When our children are growing up in our home, we seek to train their spiritual sensitivity so they can “distinguish good from evil” (Hebrews 5:14). We examine what’s going on in our home. We desire to protect them from ungodly influences and dangers. Then they leave the nest.

Godly Adult Parenting

When our children first leave home it’s natural to struggle with our roles as their parent. While we must allow them to grow and mature on their own, we still feel a need to give guidance and direction. However, once your child becomes an adult, your relationship should change. We must trust that the Godly principles we’ve taught them as children will manifest in their adulthood; that those seeds we’ve planted in this good soil will grow and flourish!

As our children reach this stage, we would do well to remember that we are no longer the authority they need to look to. They must seek God and His authority. They must use the wisdom we’ve instilled in them to learn for themselves how to self-discipline and seek God for their direction in life. We can no longer impose our direction upon them.

Responsibilities of Parents of Adult Children

Even though our children are at the stage of life where they must make decisions themselves and face the consequences of those decisions, there are tangible things we can do to assist them.

Pray for them. Never stop praying for your children. Though the circumstances may seem dire at times, God’s word does not return void and it accomplishes what it is sent forth to do (Isaiah 55:11). We must trust God’s timing.Adjust your expectations. Sometimes, our expectations are unrealistic. They don’t allow room for our children to grow into their own purpose, and at times they will urge them to rebel against you. If you believe this is happening to you, seek God in prayer on your own behalf. Ask Him to remove the scales from your eyes so you are able to look at the circumstances through His perspective. Make sure your heart is open to this.Rejoice in the little successes. While it may be bittersweet to know our child is able to afford his own apartment, rejoice in that. Especially if it is not the place or location you would have chosen. This is something they’ve accomplished on their own, and it is a stepping stone to something greater for them. Don’t be a stumbling block on their way to God’s plan and purpose for their life. We don’t get to define what their journey looks like.

Trust the Holy Spirit to guide them in this new stage of life, and look for ways to celebrate your kids as they journey through their own life.

RESPOND:

Lord, help me to trust You as my children step out on their own. Thank You for Your faithful leading and guidance. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES:

In “A Mom After God's Own Heart”, Elizabeth George offers practical tips and encouraging advice to help you raise children of all ages in the knowledge of the Lord. Get it here.

REFLECT:

What expectations do you have of your adult child that can be adjusted to be more in line with God’s Word? What little successes can you celebrate with them?

REMEMBER:

Once your child becomes an adult, your relationship should change. We must trust that those seeds we’ve planted in this good soil will grow and flourish!