Entitlement. It’s a word that gets used a lot lately. As in “you parents are raising a bunch of entitled kids – it’s ruining our world”. While our culture is pushing that message, it’s also telling us how awful it is that “mothers are told to sacrifice their desires to be a good mom” or “tell your kids to be ‘who they are’ and go for ‘what they want'”. Talk about mixed messages!
God is very clear about the attitudes and behaviors He wants from His people regarding their wants, their needs, their desires and how to balance those with the needs of others. From Philippians “in humility, count others more significant than yourselves” to “Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor” (Corinthians), it’s obvious God wants us to sacrifice our needs for the needs of others.
In mid-summer there is a point when the weeds can overtake a garden or flower border. Even in the spring, small weeds can be found. In colder months, weeds may occasionally sprout in house plants that were left outdoors in the warmer weather.
Christian parents often feel overwhelmed. They are already expected to parent in ways that run counter to the culture in which they are raising their kids. They feel an urgency about teaching their children about God and helping them build strong spiritual foundations. Then they read a blog or hear a speaker talk about the importance of daily family devotionals.
Story time is a parent child bonding activity that has existed probably since Adam and Eve told their kids stories. It’s a great way to calm kids at the end of a hectic day so they can sleep. It creates fun childhood memories. It can even strengthen the bond between you and your kids.
Baskets play a roll in several interesting Bible stories. You can have a fun family devotional using things you probably have around your house. The devotional is flexible, because you choose which Bible story and application principles you want to teach your kids.