31 Days :: The Parenting Handbook

Weeks ago, I was on The Nester's blog (love her). Do you know the Nester? Well, she invited her reader's join her in writing 31 days of something - anything. Thirty-One days...one topic...everyday in October.

The Nester's blog is all home decor and interior design. My blog is not. So I shunned the idea at first. Writing for 31 consecutive days is daunting to me. Writing for 31 consecutive days about one topic...really really daunting.

But. As the Lord often does, He wouldn't let it rest. What would I write about for 31 days, Lord? I'm no expert on flower arranging. Or sewing. Or decorating. Or organizing.

What about... 31 days to lovin' Jesus? Or 31 days of drinkin' coffee? Maybe 31 days of raisin' boys? 31 days of what Lord?

Then I remembered. Hiding in my heart has been a topic. One that I often think on, sometimes write about and am constantly seeking in my life.

Here's the deal. I know God has entrusted my children to me. Yes? He has entrusted your children to you, too. But do you ever feel as if you birthed them. Left the hospital. Got them home. And then...um. "Honey? We have a little human."

These once little people are now growing up into big people. Big people who I'm in charge of training, encouraging, shaping, molding, disciplining, loving, not strangling, feeding and shepherding their hearts toward Christ.

No small task.

So maybe the doctor didn't give us a manual. He didn't need to.

A greater Physician had already written the Book. And we've had it all along.

The Word of God - The Greatest Parenting Handbook ever written.

Do you see? We are equipped. God didn't drop us off at the front door with our babies and say "Good luck with that! Call on me if you get in a pinch."

No. He says, "My grace is sufficient for you for my power is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9.

Your God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

Parenting NOT excluded.

I believe this with all of my heart.

For thirty-one days we will move toward the Word of God as parents. Let us bring to Him all of our discipline hardships, frustrations and fears.



What does God have to say about sibling rivalry? Back talk? Secrecy? Forgetfulness? Dealing with nightmares? Separation anxiety? Laziness?

In order to discipline our children according to the Handbook, we must first know the Handbook.

I am no expert on this. By no means. But I feel strongly enough about it that for the next 30 days I am committed to this topic.

Here is a sneak peek of what we will address this month:

Establishing Biblically Based Household Rules
Obeying Quickly
Controlling Anger
Unhealthy competition
Arguing Authority
Honoring each other
Serving others
Obeying quickly
Working hard
Being compassionate
Fearfulness
Bragging
Nagging

What does the Parenting Handbook have to say about these things? How do we point our children to Scripture in the midst of a disciplining? What do we say to them? What are the appropriate verses to present them in a teachable moment?

Let's find out together.

Will you do something for me? Please leave a comment with your answer to the following question: What are two or three discipline problems you'd love to address with Scripture?

Will you join me on this 31 day journey through the Parenting Handbook?

I hope to see you back here tomorrow.

And ... if you aren't a follower of The Word of God and a Cup of Joe, link up below and follow along. I'd be honored to have you.