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.
Our children are OUR greatest, most important disciples. Brian and I are continually learning how to most effectively shape our children. If Z is having an attitude we prune back that branch. If he is learning how to not call people names we prune that branch. This list goes on an on. What I am learning as I type this, like plants our children are going to grow, but year after year we are going to have to shape them until they become what they are becoming. Really though it doesn’t stop when they are grown. It is our job to teach them how to listen to the Father so that He can more effectively shape who they are. 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!
To those of you who are getting ready for it: I’m praying for you!