Lego people and sex. Yeah, this is going to be a good post.
So, two of our kids are playing with their immense Lego collection. Apparently, they made a house, and one said something about putting the boy and girl being in the same bed. The other one said, "OK, but nothing sexual."
My wife heard this as she worked on the computer (I was reading to the third child). She pulled me aside and explained what happened. And she turned it over to me.
So I pulled aside Child to talk. It took some prodding to get Child to remember and repeat what was said. Our conversation continued something like this:
Child: I think I said, "Nothing sexual." Me: Do you know what that word means? Child: I think it has something to do with love and marriage. Me: You're right. But it's more than that. Where did you hear it from? Child: I guess I just heard it around. Me: From other kids? Child: Yeah. Is it an inappropriate word? Me: No. It's not inappropriate. But God does want sexuality to stay in the context of love and marriage. Some people treat it outside of marriage, and that is not honoring and pleasing to God. But inside of marriage, it's a wonderful thing. Does that make sense? Child: Yes. Me: So, we can talk about it. Nothing to be embarassed about. But it's probably not best to use it in front of other kids. OK? Child: OK. Can I go play now? Me: Sure.
Should I have been upset that my kids picked this up from their peers? No way. As with this Birds and Bees conversation, we see conversations about sexuality as one bigger conversation, that continues over years and years.
@givethemgrace:The best example we can give is one of repentant sinner. We don't have
it all together, kids know it, show them where to run when we fail.
@ChrchCurmudgeon: Worship team practice. Vocalists are working on their "pained grimace" look.
@JamieTheVWM: If you only love people when things are going your way... well... you're
like a child - because that's what a *child* does. #GrowUp
From Me:
Picking up a kid on the team to take him to school. Missed the bus. My Buick is like a taxi nowadays. #happy
2 weeks ago, I thought I jammed a finger. Turns out I tore a tendon in
my knuckle. I'm such a klutz, I get hurt COACHING football. This gap in assistance for #adoption needs to be closed. buff.ly/PSPrrA
"When Jesus instructs us to go out and make disciples of all nations, that includes our children -- our closest disciples." "I was convinced that I had valued my children's well-being more than I had valued Jesus. I trembled at the realization that the comfort and safety (even the spiritual safety) of my children, had become more important to me than the person of Christ. Their 'godliness' was a higher priority in my own life than was Christ's glory." "How do we set a good example of a disciple before the eyes of our children so they can emulate us? It's not about making Jesus our priority. It's about showing our children that our identity is in Christ."
"Love 10 year old girls who still like to play dress up!"
(Joanna had invited over a handful of girls that we've come to know through camps and after school programs.)
Then, on August 20, she posted:
"Thinking how different today would be if I was
sending my oldest off to middle school and my youngest to Kindergarten.
It's a weird feeling and it makes me glad we are home schooling all
together."
Today, Hannah is 11 years old. Not fully a child, not yet a woman. What an interesting phase. She still likes to dress up, play with Lego bricks, and make "fairy houses" outside. But she is more into shopping and clothes. But not boys, yet. She can go from fun and playful and adventurous, while also occasionally becoming emotional and upset. (I guess she's not much different than her parents, huh?)
Adolescence is an interesting time. As the speaker in this video explains, during this phase the brain changes rapidly and immensely.
What does that mean for my dearest daughter? I think about the untapped potential that is within her brain, her heart, her soul.
I think about the culture's expectation that the teenage years are meant to be merely survived. But then I think about how so many mentors have shared that the teenage years are to be awaited for, not dreaded.
I think about how my role is shifting from director to coach, from giving commands to giving non-binding counsel. Not sure if I'm ready for this.
It must be a scary time for her. I know it is for me.
"Hannah" means grace. That's what she is to me -- God's gracious gift. She'll always be a treasured gift to me, and to others.
PS -- I've also decided (and warned Hannah) that 11 is the official age when I'm allowed to start embarrassing her in public. It's on.
The Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur will begin on September 25, at sundown. The name translates as Day of Covering, and has to do with being covered and protected from the judgment of sin. Hence, it's often called "The Day of Atonement."
Though I am proudly Jewish, we don't observe every holiday. However, I do try to take moments to teach my kids the gospel through these times. For example, you can read about a time I taught my kids about Yom Kippur using stuffed animals.
Some Jewish and Gentile Christians believe that all Jewish feasts should be celebrated. I don't. For me, observing these holidays is one meaningful way to worship. And while these can be wonderful ways to draw near to God in intimacy, to proclaim that it's mandatory would be narrow-minded, if not legalistic.
Are you consistent with Bible memorization? How about inductive Bible study?
I'm pretty good with the latter. I learned hermeneutics (the process of interpreting the Bible) from a guy who discipled me years ago. While I do less Bible study and more reading today, I still enjoy breaking down Scripture passages to understand them better.
But when it comes to Bible memorization, I've been pretty slack. When I was in college and even for a years afterward, I was much more diligent, having a system that helped me learn and review Bible verses. I even had about 75% of the book of James memorized.
I know it's important to hide God's word in my heart (Psalm 119:11), and to disciple my children to do the same. We did some when they were little, but have not stayed consistent.
That's why I'm excited about a book that we'll be going through with Hannah and Elijah this year. Boy, Have I Got Problems! is part of a series of inductive Bible studies for kids, by Kay Arthur and Janna Arndt.
This resource will guide our kids in studying of the book of James. The book is broken down into seven weeks of material (five days per week), and is set up to help a child memorize key passages from this book. Based on a plan suggested by our homeschool material, we will alter this plan slightly:
We will stretch out the material over the entire school year.
We will have them memorize the entire book of James.
Of course, Joanna and I will be going through the material with them, and will also be memorizing James. We're looking forward to growing in our knowledge and love of God's word, together.
Looking for a resource to help your children grow in Christ? Get a copy of this book (one for each child) today!
