Monday, July 11, 2011

See God's Grace in your Children Everyday


Awhile ago Allen and I came to the conclusion that there were some major flaws in our parenting. Who am I kidding, we come to that conclusion everyday?!?! Well, at this point, we realized that we were correcting and disciplining 90% of the time and encouraging our children in what they were doing well about 10% of the time. We felt the Lord prompting us, saying, "this should not be."

At the same time, most of the resources that we employed always started with the negative, what the kids were doing wrong. If they are tattling, do this. If they are not willing to share, ask this question. If they lie, prompt them to do this, and so on.

So...I decided to come up with my own little chart to help us as we were trying to grow in this way. I started with the positive, an encouraging attribute that we were seeing in our kids (or one that we could exhort them towards) and then came up with a way to say that to them (so they would understand it) and short scriptures for them to hear and memorize. It wasn't meant (in any way) to be a formula, just a starting point for us as we were trying to remain faithful.

A few people have come over and seen this chart in our kitchen and asked for copy of it. We actually did it for a craft in my MOPS group (choosing scrapbook paper, laminating and attaching a cute ribbon to it).

And following that, I made an individualized chart for my 3 kids to prompt me to recognize evidences of God's grace in them, areas where they are struggling (and communicating that to Allen so that we are on the same page with the things we are training them) and specific scriptures for their area of struggle. I have enjoyed being challenged to choose at least one area of growth I am seeing in our children per week and letting them know, "God is working in you in this way...". They also delight in hearing the way God is working in them. It's hard enough to recognize areas in our own lives where God is growing and changing us, imagine if you are a child! What a blessing to hear that God is being faithful to them and changing their hearts. I have loved this tool and I pray that you will also.

Leave a comment with your email address and click "Follow" on the left hand side of the blog and I will email you the Virtue Chart and the supplement that we use.


Blessings,
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37 comments:

  1. I love this idea!!! Thanks for sharing! Klynnowen@gmail.com

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  2. Chris and I were just talking the other day about how many times the word "no" comes out of our mouth, mostly to Aiden in his terrible two's stage! I love this idea, especially because God has been tugging on my heart about this specific issue.
    I would love a copy of it!
    Miss you, friend!

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  3. What a cute idea! rhapes (@) gmail.com

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  4. i have the chart, but would love the supplement!

    thelopasclan@gmail.com

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  5. Anonymous12:35 PM

    Pauljuls@eylerz.com

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  6. thanks!!!

    jennifer.k.patterson@gmail.com

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  7. I keep reminding myself of the same thing - for each time I say "no" and correct, am I encouraging/complimenting even more? Thanks for sharing all you do with us :) awalker2004@gmail.com

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  8. you are so creative....I would love it
    allison_jensen@hotmail.com

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  9. Rachel Webb1:50 PM

    Love this idea. Thanks for sharing! webbs.rachel at gmail.com

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  10. Love this idea. You are so creative! pierson0407@hotmail.com

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  11. This is a great idea, Kendra. I was just thinking about this after seeing something similar, but much more basic, at a friend's home while we were traveling last month. I would love to read yours. Thanks! rachel at supercinski dot net.

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  12. I love this. We're struggling with the terrible almost 3's right now.
    jennietannehill@yahoo.com

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  13. Me please! This is an especially spirtually "fertile" time for us since this is this the week of VBS. Thank you for sharing this Kendra :) juliaclaire80 at gmail.com

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  14. Love it! claire_bellington@yahoo.com

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  15. I need something like this! Great idea! aamsmile@yahoo.com

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  16. Kendor! I want a copy! Miss you!

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  17. Thanks for sharing!
    Chesleygarcia@ymail.com

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  18. I would love something like this! Thanks for sharing!
    themosiers@gmail.com

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  19. Love it! This would be so helpful because during our family devotion times each day, Scott and I try and point out something we noticed about the boys that day, but I feel like I say the same thing a lot; having an actual virtue rather than an act would be great!
    msjones07@gmail.com

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  20. Hi Kendra,

    It's been too long since our PC days, but I love "catching up" with you through your blog. Would love to use this chart for my little man... adrian.pattillo@gmail.com!

    Hope you are having a great summer!

    ~ Adrian

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  21. Leslie A5:13 PM

    LOVE this! I am in the same boat and would definitely like to try this with my two. Thanks for your great idea and your wilingness to share.

    appling111@sbcglobal.net

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  22. love it!!!
    Kerri.Mommy4Him@gmail.com

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  23. Thanks for sharing what God showing you and Allen as you strive towards godly parenting. I love it! heidievje@yahoo.com

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  24. Anonymous12:56 PM

    Kendra - I check in every once & awhile to see how you guys are doing. Say hi to Allen from me & Wachelle at Sunwest! I'm always so proud of you both and inspired by these projects. I'd love to use this for my 3 almost 4 year old! :-)
    melliott@sunwestpr.com

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  25. This is great. Thank you Kendra...

    my email is
    carissavann@hotmail.com

    -C

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  26. Anonymous3:27 PM

    I have been following your blog for about a year now and I really enjoy the content. I love this idea and could see this chart becoming a great resource in our home.

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  27. thanks for posting such a terrific idea...

    i would love a copy of this chart please...(when you have time)

    just food for thought...someone said to me once, the better mother you want to be, the harder it is...

    thanks again

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  28. I'd like a copy, please!
    Rachel Watters
    concretegirl1 at gmail dot com

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  29. OH MY! I love LOVE LLLOOOOVVVE this idea :) please share!! I already follow your amazing blog :)

    stepner4@gmail.com

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  30. Anonymous8:07 PM

    Great idea!! So effective and simple. erinillian@hotmail.com

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  31. Homesweetgrown and DF:

    Could I get your email addresses so I can send you the goods?

    Thanks!!!
    Kendra

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  32. Thanks for the reminder! thebenchfamily@yahoo.com

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  33. Hi there,
    Thank you so much for sharing... Would you send me the virtue chart? I would love to use it with my kids!! Blessings...

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  34. you are so inspirational! lmartinkrystal@aol.com

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  35. What a wonderful God honoring blog! heathernorris75@gmail.com

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  36. I would love this chart. Thanks so much. Erinmarsee (at) yahoo.com

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  37. I would more than LOVE a copy of your chart. katiehasara@hotmail.com

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