Sharing Truth With Your Child
If you are joining me here today from the Proverbs 31 “Encouragement for Today” welcome!
We all want our child to grasp hold of our faith, but sometimes it seems hard to know how to do this in a way that they can receive. I often make the mistake of wanting them to understand and act on my faith like I do…but they are only teens! As my husband says, “You expect her to have the faith of a 44 year old when she’s only 14!”
So how can we pour truth into their hearts in a gentle flow and not a fire hose? Here are some ideas that work for me:
1) Share what God is doing in your own life.
One of my favorite parts of the day is sitting down with one of my girls and hearing about what happened in their day. Even better is when that is over a Starbucks’s (which is why today, I am giving away a Starbuck’s gift card to one commenter!) Last Friday we made it a Chick-fil-a peppermint shake for the holidays!
When I give them my undivided attention to hear about their day, it opens a door for me to then share with them about mine. I try to specifically share what God is doing in my life or teaching me. In this way, I’m not really teaching but sharing which seems to go over well!
2) Reading God’s word
Each morning as my girls are eating their breakfast, I read to them out of a daily devotional. This works really well because I have a captive audience! I am really excited because next year at this time I will be able to read to them from my new book being released in September “A Revolutionary Year: 365 Devotions for the Radical Girl”.
3) Having a small group with their friends
Every other Monday, Madi and five of her freshman girlfriends come over and we study God’s word together. Right now we are going through “His Revolutionary Love”. This is a great way to teach my girl and those in her life about Jesus’ crazy love for them as well as a way to be in touch with the in’s and out’s of teen life.
Would you consider investing in your child and a group of their friends? The start of the new year would be just the time to get a group like this started and I’d love to help! Just click here for your free leadership guide to “His Revolutionary Love” and well as other free resources. This group might be just the thing to put a smile on your face as well as your girl’s in what for some is a long month!
Today, I’m giving away a copy of my CD “Building a Bridge to Your Child’s Heart” as well as a $10 Starbucks gift card to one person who shares. Let us know how you share God’s word with your child by clicking on “comments” below. If your Christmas to do list is just too long for that, just say “I’m in!” Be sure to leave me your email address to I can let you know that you are a winner!
I love the captive audience at breakfast idea. I have very small children and work full time. We try our best to squeeze in devotions in the sprint to bed. My two year old daughter came up to me yesterday out of the blue and said,” He’s coming back you know.” Multi/tasking and half-way listening, I answered,”Who?” Raising her dimpled little hands to the sky she yelled,”Jesus Christ our Lord!” What sweet balm to a mother’s heart, as often I feel as if I’m not giving my 4 kids enough spiritual food. If she can articulate this from our hit and miss sessions, imagine what she’d get from consistent daily devotions!! Breakfast is worth a try!!
Wow Holli! Out of the mouth of babes!
I’m in! A step mom to a 10 year old daughter. Daily prayer for my husband as he navigates with his daughter and her mother. [email protected]
Dear Lynn: I so enjoyed your devotion this morning. Had to read Deuteronomy 6. Your devotional message was a God-sent message to me. I love that God does that for me. Then I had to visit this site. Loved the message My oldest granddaughter just turned 10 and her mother is already experiencing the difficulties that our young girls face. I need to pass this resource on to them. Thank you for your ministry to teens and moms. Praise God
Thanks for sharing today Martha! My prayer is to come alongside others as we raise our girls. I haven’t arrived, but am willing to share any truth the Lord shares with me!
I’m in…I’m trying to get my 14, 11, and 9 year old daughters, to have the same faith as their single 51 year old, newly faith inspired myself…does that make sense? Thank you for your sharing this morning, I really needed the encouragement.
new perspective having teenager who left home move back…a time for do overs
Jesus…give Wendy strength and wisdom!
I also read a quick devotional to my children at breakfast. It is an animal devotion book because each of my children love animals. We then share prayer requests on the drive to school.and they each pray on different.days of the week.
Hi Lynn, Your new book sounds amazing! I’ve done breakfast devotions once in a a while, but your message today has motivated me to do it daily. I’m a busy mom with four kids (girls that are 16, 14 and 7 and a son that turns 12 this week!) Life is crazy and super busy and I have to admit I’m not balancing it all like I would like to. I’ve been trying to brainstorm some new Christmas traditions that will really resonate with my kids. Any suggestions?
Shirley, I need some too! Any friends today have some good ideas on how to keep the truth of Christmas fresh?
I’m in, thanks!
Great advice for mothers of teen girls. Mine is almost 20, however, and is growing into a fine young woman of God. Praises lifted up! I still have a son, aged 17, at home. Any advice you can offer for that “very different creature” would be welcome as well. Thanks!
Susan, my son is 20 years old. I really taught him the same truth that I taught my girls although I haven’t seen the fruit of it yet. I know that is is coming though!
We use a lot of children’s books. My oldest is 7 1/2 so I’m starting to be able to give him a reference and have him look it up and tell me about it. It’s so much more meaningful to him to see it in the Bible himself, rather than hearing us say “the Bible says” – now he knows it’s really in there!
I have 3 girls ages 9, 7, and 4. I share God’s Word with them by using scripture put to upbeat and fun songs. A few summers ago, I bought several of these cd’s and while we drive to school, piano practice, or shopping, I put it in the cd player. I am amazed at how quickly my girls learn these and then sing them at random times throughout their days. It comforts me to know that while they are at school, He can bring these songs to their minds!
This is so true! Last night while looking at Christmas lights, my 17 year old was singing all of the words to a veggie Tales song. It sticks!
I am a single mom, and have a teenage son. I model to him the Christian way by regularly taking him to church and then discussing what he talks about in his “Christian boys’ group” after church in the car. It’s difficult, because I’m a chatterbox, but sometimes he doesn’t feel like talking, so we just listen to music in the car. When he’s ready, he tells me more about his group and life. Listening is a skill that I believe God is using to draw me closer to my son. 🙂
Terrific Deetta!
I’m in! I’m mentally and emotionally exhausted but I’m in! We have 7 kids – 3 biological, 4 adopted. 3 teenage girls – 17, 15, 13 – and most recently gone through some extreme family trauma with our newest adopted son. Long story – big heartache.
I’m in.
Father, Supernaturally pour into Debbi today exactly what she needs to be replenished. You have given us these children, though some days we feel we are in over our heads! Rejuvenate her Jesus! Amen
I’m in – would love to give this to my daughter-in-law for for my granddaughter. Happy birthday, Jesus!
I raised two daughters, and worked hard to remind them, God was to be The man in their lives. Growing up without a father, I turned to my heavenly Father, and as a result have become a thankful child of His. I stand firm on His word, and encourage my girls to do the same.
Yeah Michelle! You raised them right!
We have three handsome boys. They all are different . The oldest one is 11 year old and another boy is 9, so we read Bible together and then discuss what we read. We share real – life examples and draw a parallel between the situation and what God’s Word says about it. With youngest , who is 6 years old, we try to use every good moment to talk about God and his Word either we’re on the way to school, playing or walking. We do our part with prayer and see how our God bless us and our children.
WOW! Part of my personal testimony is that I was single til 28 and really believed that if I had a husband, then my life would be ALL peachy and roses! I LOVE my hubby more than anything, BUT, he does NOT fill me like Christ does! NO one or thing can fill that void. We are all humans and will disappoint each other many times. But, Jesus NEVER disappoints and NEVER lets us down! PTL for HIS love. Being married with kids IS great, but NOTHING compares to Jesus and how HE feels me up ALL the time! There are times when hubby is at work or just doesn’t understand me. But, I know that I can call on Jesus anytime and that HE will always understand me! Thank you SO much for your ministry and this devotion! LOVE Proverbs 31 Ministries!! GOD Bless and Merry CHRISTmas!!!!
My 13 year old is really starting to question and “own” her faith. We have had some great heart to hearts lately. I find what works best is when I share from my own experiences. Our kids love to hear about when we were kids and things we did.
I like the idea of a study with friends! I’ll approach her about that.
Your devotional on Proverbs 31 today was an answer to prayer. I found your website and can’t wait to start digging in deeper. I have a 14 year old daughter who I am struggling to connect with during this first year of high school. We have always had what I thought was a good and open relationship, but my heartaches as I find new ways that these teen years seem to be driving a wedge between us. More than anything I want to continue to help her grow in her relationship with Christ. If only I could get her to understand how HE fills every void. I would like to try to get a small group of her friends together and work through your book after the new year. Thank you for encouraging me today!
I’m in! Thank you!
I’m in!
Thank-you!
thank you for sharing . i did not have godly parents and have just received Christ in apr of 09′ . we have been blessed with 6 children 5boys and 1 girl . i had to learn these lessons as an adult i’m so excited to be able to teach my daughter (11 yrs old ) of Jesus love in her early years.
I have two teen boys (19 and 13) and a 3 year old daughter. I’ve raised them with the faith that I have, but I’m also waiting to see the fruit of it with my 19 year old. I pray daily that God will reveal himself to him and that people with faith will be in his life to help influence him to follow God’s word. I talk to them every chance I get. However, sometimes I feel I’m speaking on deaf ears. 🙁
Loresa, I too pray for the Lord to send others to invest where we have plowed and sown. We can trust he will as he loves our kids even more than we do!
What a great idea to read to them while you are all eating breakfast that is something that I never did when the kids were small. A great suggestion . would love to win your cd 🙂 thanks
I’m in!! Yes I want to keep that bridge open to my child’s heart. These are critical years for my girls ages 10 & 12. Going through so much right now. Lord please show us the way!
It’s great to have such valuable information for Christian parents available. Our only girl is almost 3 so it’s still easy to plant little seeds of faith. However, I know as she gets older this will be much more challenging especially with the influences in our world today. I’m thankful for you and others that use God’s talent to provide resources we all can use as we try to raise our kids with a solid Christian foundation.
Here are a few of my favorites:
1. We serve in ministry together. Both my teenage sons, my husband and I serve in our church’s fifth and sixth grade ministry.
2. We serve the community together. Tonight we’re shopping for two families we adopted for Christmas. My guys (and little gal) are learning that they are blessed, that giving is a bigger blessing, and that Jesus gave. The boys are contributing their own funds to the cause these days — each purchasing one of the gifts on the list themselves.
3. We forgive and ask forgiveness, a lot.
If I win, I’m at [email protected]. Thanks!
Another thing that I do is serve in our student ministry, behind the scenes, but my kids know I’m investing in them and their friends.
When we value student ministry, our kids are more likely to value it too — and want to be there for all the right reasons. The kids whose parents aren’t involved at all really seem to struggle with deciding if Bible study is valuable or just something to do to get them out of the house.
More than once, teens have said to me that they wish they had a mom like me. That breaks my heart. I’m not perfect… just willing to go wherever God needs me to go to ensure my kids know HE is truly worth pursuing.
My Christmas prayer is for parents to wake up and lead their kids. (I hope it’s okay that I’m this blunt)
So thankful to find this website. Love all the great, important info for my daughter here. Love the book too!
The way I share the word with my children is by God’s grace “living it”. It doesn’t matter how much you may know, it’s are you living it that matters!
So very true! The other day, my girl pointed out hypocritical behavior in our family. It stung, but she is so right!
This link is to the Christmas Story as if origionally shared via Social Network on fb. Mary, Joseph, Elizabeth, & the sheperds all have posts. Very cool. Young folks especially will “get” this, Since God came to the middle of life as we know it, this is likely how it could have played out if He came today.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sghwe4TYY18
I dont have kids, as I am nearly 42 & still single, but have such a heart for them. Would love to share your resource with those I volunteer with and the sweet kiddos of my friends who are such a light in my life!
Thanks so very much Kelly both for sharing and for loving on kids!
My girls are ages 11, 14 and 15. About three nights a week, after dinner together, we will read and discuss devotions that I have set aside. It makes for a very pleasant, family-oriented evening. Rarely do I have comments about not wanting to come due to outside activities. It’s really part of our family life.
Once a month, my girls each invite two friends for a sleepover. Most every month, it’s the same two girls for each of them. We plan the night together with about an hour going towards a Christian devotion book directed at teenage girls. We just finished yours in August! Anyway, the evening includes a movie, lots of snacks and way too much talk.
Spending time with my girls is priceless. We look forward to your next book!
Gisella, what a great idea! Thank you so much for using “His Revolutionary Love” I feel honored!
I am excited about writing “A Revolutionary Year”. I could take any prayers you can offer!
This morning I was getting my hair done. My hair stylist (who is also a church member and friend) and I were discussing our spiritual lives and our daughters. We were talking about this very thing. She asked me how I had grown up and how my mother helped me spiritually. We also discussed how important children and youth workers are at our church. They along with my mother mentored me through a tough childhood with an alcoholic father. Those spiritual investment in other people do make a difference. My husband and I have been in youth ministry for over 20 years and have seen it over and over.
Thanks for your devotional and dedication to mentoring!
Leigh
Leigh, Women like you, who are willing to invest in young girls are an answer to my prayers! Even though I mentor young girls, I also rely on others to pour into my own girls. I am so glad that the Lord has sent mentors into their lives as well!
I could really use this book right now. Sounds awesome!!
I have a 2 yr old that i read stories too out of his toddler bible. I hope he gets the idea of who God is and what he can do!
He is, Jenni! Keep it up! I read to my son from the time he was in my womb. I believe each and every word is buried in his heart and the Lord will bring fruit from it one day.
Great advice for moms of teen girls! My girls are 13 & 15 – on many occasions I feel the need for help and guidance in their spiritual lives. I try to set good examples and be there for them. Many times it is so difficult. Thank you for the post.
I have my son read a devotional book called “Devotions for boys” And from each one he reads we go over it and I find real life examples for him to think about and relate to.
On Sunday eves my 15 yr old dau and I have been reading your book His Revolutionary Love together! I also have been sharing with her how God is working in my heart. Thanks for your leadership!
I am so happy to hear this Kim! I hope it is drawing both of you closer to our precious Jesus!
I’m in! I want to learn to be that gentle flow instead of the fire hose!!!
Hi Lynn,
I just found your blog from Proverbs 31 ministries and am thrilled! This is exactly the relevant advice to share Jesus’ love for them that I’m looking for right now for raising our two daughters who are almost 13 and 7.
This is a wonderful resource for learning new ways of communicating this truth to them. I’m looking forward to your devotions book with them when it comes out!
The breakfast devotion sounds wonderful! We try to have our time at night ( since it is just me an dmy daughter now) but sometimes school work takes most of that evening time. The sleepover night is a great idea. We have some girl sin our youth group who do not have the Christian home life.
Lynn,
I really loved today’s message because it is what I try to do with my children everyday.
I too, find mornings to be a great time to do a devotional with my kids.
We also talk about how they can apply the daily devotional and bible verse to their everyday lives.
My kids are 10 and 8. They love verse memorization!
I’ll give them the verse for the day and I am impressed that at the end of the day they still remember it
And they even tell me how they have shared it with their classmates.
I love my time in the car with my girls. We use this time for scripture memory…having a scripture we are memorizing as a family…that we work on when we get into the car. I enjoy this precious time with them and am NOT looking forward to any of them driving. Talk about a captive audience!!!
I enjoy your post today. I have had a nudging of my heart to start a bible study with my daughter and some of her friends. So this post really hit home to me today. I am struggling with where to start. My daughter is 10, would “His Revoluntionary Love” be appropriate for that age group? If not do you have any suggestions.
Thanks so much for your encouragment!
Anne, we see young girls looking for attention from boys younger and younger. The minute you begin to suspect she is interested in boys, it’s time for “His Revolutionary Love”. Other great resources for tweens are Dannah Gresh’s “Secret Keeper Girl”.
My husband and I have 3 girls, 10, 9, and 6 and a boy, 3. While we are a Christian home, neither my husband nor I grew up in Christian homes so we struggle with a lot of Christian traditions, like devotions. We would love for gospel sharing to flow in our home, naturally and at every opportunity. My greatest fear is losing my kids in the teens, getting out of touch with their hearts. Intimacy doesn’t come easily to me, though Father is teaching me more each day. I try to learn all I can from moms like you that are successful in this area. 🙂
Amber, I wish I could tell you that if you do everything “right” your kids will not turn away from God in their teens years and turn out great. It’s just not so. God gave our kids free will just like he gave us, making it their decision to love him or not. If they choose not to, it doesn’t necessarily mean we did anything wrong. It means they exercised their own free will. If we find ourselves in this place, we stay on our knees for them, just like we did before, and continue to ask the Father to draw them to Himself.
For the past five years each Monday evening (during the school calendar year) my daughter now 17 and my son now 11 and I have attended a non-denominational bible study. During the week we each study the same scripture and we work on our answers together & sometimes on our own. We share with each other what God has given to us about the lesson and on Monday nights we share with our peers. Our family has been drawn closer because of His word. My husband says he can tell a difference in our relationships with each other and Praise God for all He is doing in our lives! Merry Christmas!
Forgot to include address, it is [email protected]
Thank you!
I’m so thankful the Lord led me to Proverbs 31 ministries and then to you! I’m searching for material to use for a jr. high girls Bible study and I can’t wait to get my a copy of “His Revolutionary Love.” It sounds like exactly what I need to teach young ladies about the love of Christ! Thanks so much.
I’m definitely in!
That is so great Karen! Be sure to check out the free leadership guide under “freebies”.
Wow I really loved you devotional today it gave some insight on how to share with my family. Thank you so much
My son is 5, and he loves to talk in the car while we are driving home or to the store or wherever. We live about 15 miles out of town, so we often have good talks on the way home. I am his captive audience, and vice verca. Lately i have been noticing some selfish behavior come from him that he could have only gotten from my influence, so I decided to aproach it as both of us working together to overcome this sin in both of our lives. I am excited to get into the word with him and figure out what the Lord has to say about our selfish behaviors and how to turn them around.
Love your humility, Aimee!
I’m in… It’s hard for my daughter and I to have our own time together. This book might be just what we need…
I hope you’ll give it a try, Denise! The free leadership guide is found under “freebies” on my site.
I love all your reminders! The key is being consistent and prepared to give out God’s word.
That means I need to sit at God’s feet first. I like to pick a scripture verse to memorize with the kids.
Sometimes we sing it, play games with it; or take turns reciting it. At bedtime, we whisper this “secret”
into each others ears.
I don’t share as often as I would like (or should for that matter!) but car rides to and from school/activities (which are many) allow me to ask about what is going on at school and how they are dealing with the teenage issues. Your advice has been a blessing to me.
I find that I can most capture my teen daughter’s attention to share the truths of what I have learned when we are outside the home…Panera Bread and Starbucks are our two most favorite spots!
I’m in today!
I loved hearing about your discussion over a Starbucks because my daughter and I often make a quick detour to Starbucks to talk about our day. I’ve been praying about leading a group of her friends through your book…maybe one of my New Year’s Resolutions. Thank you for your investment in young girls.
I am at a point in my life where we have 2 children out of the house and two still at home. I don’t feel like I have done enough spiritual enrichment outside of church activities. I am looking for something that I can share with my children and we can all grow closer to God and to each other.
We do devotions at bedtime.
Great devotional today. I read a short devotional with my boys, age 13,12, and 11 at dinnertime. I read with my four year old daughter at bedtime.
I have two boys, ages 14 and 12. However, I know a handful of girls that I would love to try this group with. It’s hard to find the time and then to justify it that I’m not doing it with “my” kids. I’m really feeling called to helping some of the girls I know. Some of them have such hard lives. Honestly, time is the biggest issue–not sure what to do.
Teresa,
Ask the Holy Spirit to give you clarity. If you are to do it, ask him to give you the time, place and the names of the girls. If he is not calling you, ask him to give you a release and peace in your heart. He will!
Thank you, Lynn!
My14 year old granddaughter lives about 600 miles from me, but when I see a verse that the Holdy Spirit puts on my heart as one for Ashley, I send it to her via email and call her so we can talk about it…helps me to feel closer and an active part of her spiritual growth…
Sue, What a great grandma you are! My kids both have great grandparents, they should learn this idea from you 🙂
Thank you for your inspiring devotional today. 3 of our 5 children are girls : 15, 10, and 4. I pray every day that the love of Jesus will fill their cup to overflowing! Your 365 day devotional sounds amazing… can’t wait. Thank you for speaking truth to my heart today!
I love to read a story from our children’s bible as we share breakfast each morning. We talk about it and often my toddler asks for another story! I love starting the day off with my two girls (8mo and 2.5 years old) and pray this will pave the way in the future for open conversation about any challenges they might be going through.
Thanks for the inspiring website!
Great post!! I was so excited to have your book arrive in the mail today…giving it to my niece for Christmas! And may just have to borrow it when she’s done!! Your words today reminded me of a recent story…the other day I said something to my 4 year old about waiting for Jesus to come during a conversation about Christmas. Anyway her response surprised me, ”Mom, we don’t have to wait for Jesus; He’s already in our hearts!!!” Wow, they really do listen more than we think sometimes!!!
Jill…thank you so much for investing in your niece! I pray that “His Revolutionary Love” revolutionizes her life!
I’m in! Thanks! 🙂
Thanks! I am a grandma of a beautiful 9 year old girl and 3 gorgeous boys too! Will share with their mama!
I’m in! I hope to share your info with my goddaughter who just started her preteen years in a broken but being mended home. Please pray for Hailey. Thank you!
Jesus, Thank you for the work you are doing in the life of Hailey. Help her to grow in her relationship with You and may she know very young that You are crazy about her!
My son and I watch Christian movies together for quality time 🙂
At night when I tell my son that I love him, I tell him that God lives him too.
What a great reminder, you are such an inspiration for me to teach my daughter and show her through how God is working in my life.
I’m in.
Lynn, I am so excited to learn about your resource, His Revolutionary Love! I have often thought of how I can fully explain how God works in us to our girls. Sometimes they don’t understand why he loves them so but doesn’t always give them what they want. I am looking forward to looking at your study guide as well. I love the devotional reading idea. I always feel guilty when I rush them to bed or rush to get out of the house and am so focused on all else.
Thank you for the encouragement today!
In this age of Facebook, I like to comment on my granddaughter’s postings with a little wisdom from God’s word or just share grandma’s love with them. I know they read them and I am also hopeful that some of their friends on FB will also gain something from them.
I love the posts about investing in your child’s “faith future”. It’s SO important. Thanks for the tips and insights on how to do this.
I love your blog and just found it today!!!! I have a 12 yo daughter and an 8 yo daughter and we do the same “breakfast thing” every morning. Right now we have been going through the book “Window on the World” that highlights different countries and missionaries, cultural needs, income, etc. Makes you really thankful for our blessings as well as aware of other kids, cultures, etc. I would LOVE to do your book with my girls. And start a small group with my 12 yo and some friends. Great Idea!!! Thank you soo much for sharing!!
My boys are 2 and 4, and my baby girl is only 3 months old. The boys both respond very well to Scripture songs, which I love to break into sporadically. From the day she was born, I have quoted verses to Ella Cate whenever we have a few moments to ourselves. I so desire that the truth’s of God’s Word and His love for her are ingrained so that she has the tools to fight the world’s attacks on her mind and heart. I plan to start reading a devotion to them each morning at breakfast; great idea!