Anyone who
is around my family knows that “2” has been a very LONG and eventful year
chasing Ezekiel! He was the epitome of
the phrase. You know the one, I don’t
even need to say it. At the same time
he has the sweetest most loving little soul.
Like his Daddy, I can already tell that words of affirmation are one of
his strongest love languages. He is
constantly complimenting saying phrases such as “He’s a handsome baby”, “He’s
so cute,” “Momma, I love you,” or “He’s the best friend I ever saw!”
I believe
the Lord has already been dealing with me on how I say things to him. This discipline thing has been one of the
hardest things I have ever done in my life, far surpassing childbirth! Brian and I have said before that it seems
like each stage has gotten a little more challenging. I’m constantly checking myself, my tone of
voice, or if I just got after him because I was inconvenienced or because he needed
guidance or correction because what he was doing could potentially be of harm
to him. Spanking appears to have little
effect, time outs work for about 30 seconds, and it seems as if he keeps coming
back for more and is constantly stepping over his boundaries.
I read an article on strong-willed
kids and the author stated, “Strong-willed children whose will isn’t broken
often become leaders.” I know my baby is
a leader! I want him to be a
leader. I want him to love Jesus. I also want him to be obedient.
In the book Building Stronger
Marriages and Families, Pastor Billy Joe mentioned, “If a child isn’t obedient to
his parents, how can/will he be obedient to the Lord?” It’s spring and we have
been working on our yard and flowerbeds.
As I was pruning back all of the old branches and leaves on one of the
plants I couldn’t help but think about John
15.
I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away;[a] and every branch that bears fruit He prunes,
that it may bear more fruit. 3 You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to
you. 4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of
itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.
5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit;
for without Me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me,
he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you abide in Me, and My words
abide in you, you will[b] ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. 8 By this My Father is glorified,
that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.
I do know one thing though and it was confirmed to me while listening to Bill Johnson’s Intentional Parenting. I need to keep speaking over him. I need to keep praying and prophesying over my children’s lives. In Matthew 16:18 Jesus called Simon- Peter the Rock. Even after this powerful statement Peter would make mistakes and deny the Lord, but he did become a great leader of the church.
Jesus spoke to Peter as a Rock while he was living as Simon the “broken reed” – Bill Johnson
Speak to your
children now as they have already become what they are becoming. What we speak into our children’s lives could
be the game changer!
So
right now I declare:
My boys Ezekiel James and Levi John are going to serve the
Lord. They love Jesus. They are obedient
to the Father and to His word. Likewise
they are obedient to their parents and are respectful to those around them.
I pray for increasing patience in my life during each season of
their lives! I thank you for a godly
husband and father for my children.
Strengthen his walk with you Father.
Help me to be a better wife, and a stronger “neck”.
And that you will forever get all the glory!
In
Jesus Name,
Amen
Those of you who have been through this stage: Pray for me!
Such powerful words, I have been reminded that my words continue to shape my children. Thank you for share what is on your heart.
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