Let's Talk Manners: Don't Be Rude

Choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold. ~ Proverbs 22:1

     

     We need to encourage our children to be a godly example for others.  As they play and talk with their peers, they need to show them love, respect, and kindness.  Our goal is for us to train our children to show the love of Jesus where ever they go.  Rather it be on a soccer field or in the lunchroom at school, they should exhibit the fruits of the spirit, so others will see a Light in them.  

     When we see our children acting in a way that is unlovely or rude, we need to step in and correct them.  If we catch them being good, we need to be sure to tell them how much it pleases us and God when they act this way.  Our children respond to our words.  If we tear them down, they will have low self-esteem and will tend to do the same to others.  If we encourage and build them up, they will respond accordingly.  They will want to do the same for others.  

     Our responsibility as parents is to set a godly example for them so they can go into the world and be a light in a dark world.  We need to let them see us treating others they way we would like to be treated.  They must see us loving others just like Jesus.  

     How do you encourage your children to behave properly? Do they put others above themselves? Are they considerate of other's feelings? Do you set the right example for them to follow?   Just a couple of questions to leave you with today. 

Here is a great free coloring page for you to save and print as a reminder to always think of others.

To save these images, hover over it, right click and choose "save image as...".

BIBLE VERSES AND QUOTES {FREE PRINTABLE PDF}

     Today I decided to sit down and make a free printable PDF file for everyone.  This file contains verses and quotes that will help us conquer fear and worry.  In a world with so much confusion and disarray, we need to be reminded of where our hope lies. To download this file, just click on the link under the photo. Enjoy and God bless you!!!

FREE PDF TO PRINT

Let's Talk Manners: Learning Respect and Consideration

     According to the Bible we are to respect our elders.  The word respect actually means to place a great value or high price on something.  In our world today, I do not see people respecting others.  I see inconsideration for those who are in authority over us or are older than we are.  We do not want to think of others first. We only want to please ourselves.   

     Disrespect is a huge issue.  If we allow our children to disrespect us and those God has placed over them, then they will disrespect God and His commands as well.  I believe most acts against others, like stealing, lying, and even murder,  stems from disrespect and a disregard for the value of others and their belongings.  

     1 Peter 5:5 ~ Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for 

“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

      Children learn to be respectful by our example.  If they see us dishonoring our bosses, leaders, or pastors, they will think that is appropriate behavior.  We must exhibit respect or deference towards those God has placed in authority over us.  Our kiddos are watching us even when we do not realize it.  They listen to our words.  They hear contempt in our voices when we speak poorly of people.  They will mimic our attitudes, actions and vocabulary.  

     When our children are trained to be in control of their attitudes and words, they will be able to establish good relationships.  No one wants to deal with someone who has a belief that they are entitled to act in a way that is haughty and prideful.  Everyone enjoys being around those who are humble and who puts others needs above their own.  

      As your children are learning this concept, be sure take opportunities to teach lessons in humility.  When they see that most times they are displaying a lack of respect is derived from an attitude of egotism, they will be able to figure out ways to change and improve their dispositions.  You can ask them questions on how they could have handled a situation, or how their attitudes could be more pleasing to God.  Together you can look up verses in the Bible on how to act and react properly towards those in authority, and pray that next time they will have the right response.

Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would

 certainly not be for your benefit. 

~ Hebrews 13:17

To save this image, hover over the picture, right click, and choose "save image as..."

For more great information, please come check out our Facebook page: Training our Children in Godly Character

Let's Talk Manners: Being Helpful and Compassionate

  

      Do you find things that need to be done and do them, or do you wait around to be told to do something?  We need to be looking for things to do for others.  We do not want to be lazy in how we serve others.  Our children are watching us, and will do what they see us doing.  If they see us shrugging off our duties, they will do the same.  If they see us being servants for the glory of God, they will serve.

     We need to be helpful in many areas.  Physically, we need to get things done that are not being finished.  Emotionally, we need to show compassion and help others who are hurting by talking with them and praying.  Spiritually, we need to share the gospel with those who do not know Christ and disciple those who are new in their walk with Him.  Being helpful is serving where we are needed.

    As we are being helpful, we need to be compassionate as well. Compassion is responding to a need with diligence to meet it.  One reason I believe we go through difficulties and pain is so that we can be compassionate towards others dealing with similar situations.  Jesus was so very compassionate.  He saw a need, and He was loving in meeting it. Rather the need was a physical, emotional or spiritual , He was there to help.  We need to follow His example.

     So, how do we cultivate a compassionate heart?  First, we need to focus on the great love and compassion our God has for us.  Even though we deserved to die for our sins, He took that debt and paid it in full.  Second,  we must open our hearts and look for needs that others have.  We need to take time and maybe even money to meet those needs.  Third, use the hurts of our past to help others who are hurting and going through things.  And last but not least, we need to pray for others on an daily basis.  Our hearts will grow with compassion as we pray.

    Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.  Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. ~ 1 Peter 3:8-9

     Let's get out there, be helpful, and show compassion everywhere we go!

To save this picture, hover over the image, right click, and choose "save image as..."

For more great information, please visit our Facebook page Training our Children to Have Godly Character

Let's Talk Manners: Clean up & A Lesson in Responsibility {Free Printables}

  As parents we have  great responsibilities.  Raising our children in a godly home is our greatest one.  We need to be an authority figure in their lives that is a good example of Biblical principles.  The definition of responsibility is the state of being dependable.  We need to meet our obligations.

     As Christians, we have responsibilities as well.  We are to submit to God, care for our families and others, tell others about Christ's great love, and honor those in authority over us.  We need to be good examples to those around us by taking responsibility for our thoughts, actions and words.  Our attitudes and motives should illustrate of our decision to follow Christ.

    We who are strong must be considerate of those who are sensitive about things like this. We must not just please ourselves.  We should help others do what is right and build 

them up in the Lord. ~ Romans 15:1-2

     Responsibility is doing what we are suppose to do, even when we don't feel like it.  We need to teach our children this quality as they are growing up.  As a mom of 6, I have found this quality one that needs to be worked on consistently and constantly.  They need to see the need for others to be able to rely on them to do what they are told, or what they have said they would do.  The first way to teach this character trait is to give your child/children chores.  Make sure they understand that being part of a family means we all need to work together to get things accomplished, so we can have time to do other things.  From a young age you can teach them to care for themselves, and this will get them ready to take on more responsibilities as they get older.  They can get dressed, comb their hair and brush their teeth.   They can make their bed and help with laundry.  As they get older add more age appropriate chores.  

      Making a chore chart with incentives like extra TV time or video game time, is a great way to help them learn this character quality.  Kids love to be encouraged and they enjoy earning rewards for their effort.  Chore charts also keep them organized and gives them a place to see exactly what they are expected to do.   Having a pet is also a great way to teach this trait. Have them care for their pet by feeding them, cleaning up after them, and making sure they are getting attention everyday.  You need to be sure they understand the moment they stop caring for their pets, that they will be taken away.  You don't want your children's lack of responsibility to harm their pets.  If you child refuses to take his responsibilities seriously, there must be consequences.   Taking away privileges seems to work best for older children, while time outs or writing sentences/Bible verses works well for younger ones.  

      We need to remember that this quality will  be one that is cultivated over years not days or even weeks.  The more they see you exhibiting responsible behavior, the more they will want to follow in your footsteps.  This takes time!  Be patient and consistent.   

      Here are some great printables to help you figure out what chores are appropriate for different age levels.

Here is our worksheet on Responsibility:

Please come visit our Facebook page Training our Children in Godly Character

Monday Mornings with Jesus: I Pour Out My Heart

From the time we wake up......

     "Lord, my heart is aching. I see people hurting each other on a daily basis.  They injure one another with knives and guns, but mainly they harm each other with the words that comes out of their mouths.  Sharp, unkind, unloving words that cut deeper than any knife ever could.  When I speak to those who are hurting, my heart breaks.  It all stems from selfishness.  Why do we do this?  Why can't we have the love of You shine through us?  Okay, so I know why.  It is because we don't know You well enough to have the love you have for us.  We don't spend enough time with You.  We forget to pray and read our Bibles.  We don't take time out of our busy days to sit down and just be with You.

      Oh Lord, I am so sorry that we neglect You.  Your birthday is coming up soon and even then we forget to celebrate the great gift You gave to us.  Your birth is how the beautiful gift of salvation was put into action.  It was through your birth, life, death and resurrection that we are offered the most amazing gift of eternal life.  All you ask is that we believe in You with all our hearts.  Your motives are so pure.  Oh how I wish we could have pure motives every time we set out to do something nice for someone.  Instead we tend to have ulterior motives.  Most of the time we give in order to get something, whether it be a gift in return or applause from others.  Lord forgive me!  I don't want to have selfishness in my heart.  I want to be more like You.  Lord, I want to lay down this life of mine and be used by You.  I never want anyone to see me.  I want them to see You shining through me.  Jesus, I am Yours!" 

      This is my prayer today.  When I woke up today, my heart was just overwhelmed with everything I have been seeing and reading the last few weeks.  My heart is so heavy.  I want to be used by the Lord to help others heal from the wounds they have endured.  I no longer want to be a part of the problem but instead a part of the solution.  I will be using my words more carefully.  I will pray that the Lord closes my lips when I am not speaking words of life.

       Won't you join me in praying that the Lord use us in a mighty way?  We can make a difference in the lives of many.  All we have to do is be willing to surrender our lives into the hands of a loving and awesome God.

       Our children are watching us everyday and whether we want to admit it or not, they will do as we do.  They will say things we say.  They see us as their leaders and they do follow our examples.  We need to do as we would have them do.  Teaching with our words is not enough.  Our lives, words, and actions must show them how to live.

Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant. ~ Galatians 1:10

to the time we go to bed....

We will trust in the Lord.

For more information on Training our Children in Godly Character come see our Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/TrainingInGodlyCharacter/

Let's Talk Manners: Paying Attention

     In a world that is so loud and busy, we forget to pay attention.  If we forget, it is hard for our children to learn this important manner.  Many times we are looking at a phone or computer while trying to have conversations with our loved ones.  That is RUDE!!!!  When someone is talking to you, it is important to give them your undivided attention.  Put down the phone, walk away from your computer and just listen!!!!

     If we don't teach our children to listen with intent, how will they learn to hear from God.  His still small voice telling them what is right.  His direction for their lives. His promptings when they are tempted to sin.

     Our kiddos learn to be attentive by watching us and when we remind them to look at us when we are speaking to them.  If they see that we don't care enough to give them our eye contact, they will think that is okay.  In our society today, I see many people having more conversations with the digital world than with their families sitting right beside them.  Are you ready to change that so your children will know how to pay attention?  

     I have made a worksheet for our manner today.  I hope it helps you in teaching your children to be attentive.  

To save this image, hover over the picuture, right click and choose "save image as..."

For more great information on Training Your Child in Godly Character, please come to our Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/TrainingInGodlyCharacter/