Happy Mother's Day!

I've been greeted "Happy Mother's Day" for the last 6 years now. You would think I'd be used to this greeting by now. While I sincerely appreciate the gesture, there is just something about it that makes me feel, well,...old. I'll always be a kid at heart!


Here is an outline of a powerful message that mothers/parents must take to heart. It's something that I know I'll need to revisit more often than I think I should.

It contains the 7 P's of Parenting:

A Mother’s Greatest Gift
by Charles F. Stanley
Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:1-7

A. Introduction: Mothers are givers by nature, so throughout life, there are all kinds of things they offer their sons and daughters. But the most important thing a godly mom can give her children is the motivation to believe in God and know Him intimately (Deut. 6:1-3, 5-7).

B. To pass your faith on to children and grandchildren, give them:

1. Principles: If you want your children to survive the secular society in which we live, teach them biblical principles. Most important is, “Obey God, and leave all the consequences to Him.” Teach children the truth, and they will recognize lies.

2. Pattern: Children must see you consistently live out your faith, or they will think you are a hypocrite. Children often follow in their parents’ footsteps (e.g., Eve and Cain, Rebekah and Jacob, and Jochebed and Moses).

3. Persistence: Even if kids don’t “get it” the first time, keep teaching, disciplining, and exemplifying faithful living. When your family faces hard times, use adversity as an opportunity to demonstrate faith by praying together. It’s through difficulties that kids learn how to live out Christianity.

4. Participation: Get involved in your kids’ daily lives by doing the things you want them to do. (e.g., Dr. Stanley’s friends’ parents didn’t go to church with their children, which sent a message that it wasn’t important.)

5. Praise: Encouragement is more effective than condemnation. (e.g., Dr. Stanley’s mother never shamed him for bad grades if he had done his best.)

6. Prayer: Children need to hear you pray for them, call their names before God, and make specific requests for them. Nothing you do for your children is more powerful than prayer. Also, be sure to pray with them.

7. Planning: If you want to pass your faith on to the next generation, you must set aside time to read the Bible as a family and talk about spiritual truths.

C. Closing: Parents, it’s your responsibility to raise godly children. Thankfully, you are not alone. The Father sends the Holy Spirit to enable, strengthen, and encourage you.