Comments on: Your Child’s Heart

By: Shannon

Shannon — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 13:32:46 +0000

I know this post is 6 months old, but I’m just now finding it. I love this series that you’ve done, Kimberly (Kim?) I think Jama (3rd commenter) said it well. We’ve been working on this with our young daughters (ages 2 and 4). I think I pretty much have my son’s heart – he’s 5 months old. lol.

With my 4-year-old I notice when I need to work on re-capturing her heart during times when she’d rather hold a friend’s hand than mine, when going for a walk, or when she’s upset to sit in church with us, rather than go to her 4-year-old class. Or when we pull in the driveway and she’s upset to come home, rather than being with other people, doing something else.

With her being the oldest, I think we’re often harder on her, expecting more of her than her sister, and I have to guard against that. I think part of capturing/keeping her heart is helping her believe that we are 100% FOR her, no matter what.

This past weekend, I had the privilege of hearing Michelle Duggar speak at the Baby Conference. She talked about using praise when they train their children. And she said this one thing that I’ve been pondering on ever since: “The person who praises your children has their heart.” Words of wisdom from a fine example.

By: celee

celee — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 14:31:55 +0000

This is so important to us, as well, but I have to remind myself almost daily that the goal is NOT behavior modification, but changed hearts. We’re also aware that we can’t change their hearts, but the Lord can. This is why, as you said, our time in the Bible and with Scripture memorization is more important than math or language arts. God’s Word will not return void and the Lord through His Word and His Spirit is able to do what we are not. I praise God for my precious children and pray that we will always be as close as we are now.

By: Kimberly @ Raising Olives

Kimberly @ Raising Olives — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 11:07:59 +0000

Shepherding a Child’s Heart is the only parenting book that Mark and I have read that we can whole heartedly recommend. I haven’t read the others, but should probably looked into them.

Anytime you want to come over for coffee, your invited.

By: Kimberly @ Raising Olives

Kimberly @ Raising Olives — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 10:56:01 +0000

Thank you for your sweet encouragement!

By: Kimberly @ Raising Olives

Kimberly @ Raising Olives — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 10:55:30 +0000

Thank you for your prayers. Our reading through in 90 Days is no more important or special than you reading through in a year or someone else going through and studying slowing. You are being faithful in what God has called you to and we are being faithful in what God has called us to. This challenge is just different than the year challenge.

Thank you for taking the time to encourage me!

By: Kimberly @ Raising Olives

Kimberly @ Raising Olives — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 10:53:00 +0000

I have not read this book, but have heard wonderful things about it. Our family loves Shepherding a Child's Heart by Tedd Tripp.

By: Rachel

Rachel — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 17:15:27 +0000

Wowsers! We have a ton in common! That’s one of the primary Reasons my hubby and I have decided to homeschool as well!

Have you read the book “Shepherding the Child’s Heart” by Tripp? Love it! And Everyday Talk and Wise Words for Moms. They are all great books to remind me to correct their heart (or rather point them to Christ the Heart Healer) rather than just effect behavior.

By: The Redhead Riter

The Redhead Riter — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 03:56:39 +0000

Sometimes you just need to hear it… You are a beautiful woman, inside & out. You are an exquisite mother, who can make a way out of no way. YOU ARE A GREAT MOM !!! You are doing a fantastic job and are very loved!!!♥ ♥ ♥♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ post this on the blog of moms…Mom’s who always put their kids first and who balance it all. I just did!

By: GapGirl

GapGirl — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 03:56:01 +0000

Off topic, you and your family have been on my mind alot lately and close to my heart.( I just mentioned you in my blog without actually naming names if thats ok) That 90 day challenge has intrigued me to the fullest and won’t leave my thoughts. As I read my “one year” challenge, I often think of the great quest you and your family are on. I hope to one day join you. You have 9+ kids…”I don’t have the time…” doesn’t stand a chance as an excuse. I will continue to pray for you all as you continue on your journey and I really look forward to updates as to how its going, how you manage to find the time…quiet time!!! To read so much. And the wonderful blessings God has bestowed on you because of it
xoxoGapGirl

By: Autumn Beck

Autumn Beck — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 03:22:30 +0000

A few months ago a friend recommended a book on her blog about angry children. Her recommendation left me wanting to read it for myself but I had forgotten about it until now. Here is the link: http://gratefulforgrace.blogspot.com/2009/10/heart.html

The book is called The Heart of Anger by Lou Priolo.

By: Christine

Christine — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 02:54:00 +0000

Thank you for writing this. My oldest is 2-1/2, and she is very quickly developing her (sometimes strong-willed) own personality. I love her with all of my heart and I hope I’ll be able to teach her and show her how to be the person God wants her to be, and also I hope to have a close relationship with her. I love your blog- I am inspired by you and your family!

By: Kimberly @ Raising Olives

Kimberly @ Raising Olives — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 01:50:30 +0000

By: Kimberly @ Raising Olives

Kimberly @ Raising Olives — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 01:50:10 +0000

I’m actually posting on this topic because I’ve been recognizing many of my missed opportunities with our children. Yes, God is forgiving and He gives us so much more than we deserve and for that I’m grateful. Now I pray that I can be faithful in raising these children that He has blessed me with.

By: Esther

Esther — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 01:18:57 +0000

Hungarian, not Hungaryian. Mis-typing…:)

By: Esther

Esther — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 01:18:07 +0000

I am a Hungaryian momma. I have 4 boys so far, from ages 1 to 7. We started homeschooling last fall so this is our first ‘schoolyear’. These days, I struggle with obedience-issues with all of them, and that was not the case always: their behaviour was much better some months ago. Readind this post I realized that it is so much to do with our relationships. I know, that me and my husband have missed so many opportunities nowadays to really listen to them, to show them how much we love them, to show them we understand them and we feel them. I am ashamed, and I want to make it better. I know God is forgiving, and He cares for my weakness, and guides me through. I love your blog. It inspires me so much.

By: Kimberly @ Raising Olives

Kimberly @ Raising Olives — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 01:17:04 +0000

Your comment made good sense. You are digging out of a hole right now, but in time…. Keep up the good work.

By: Kimberly @ Raising Olives

Kimberly @ Raising Olives — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 01:16:05 +0000

God gives parents who seek Him the wisdom that they need. Blessings to your family.

By: Kimberly @ Raising Olives

Kimberly @ Raising Olives — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 01:12:10 +0000

Blessing to you as you walk this road of parenthood. Remember that God will thoroughly equip you for what He has called you to do. He is good.

By: Kimberly @ Raising Olives

Kimberly @ Raising Olives — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 01:11:09 +0000

Yes, that makes perfect sense. I also remind myself of the big picture when I’m overwhelmed. Most of what I’m overwhelmed with is the unimportant parts.

Thank you Roan for your friendship!

By: Kimberly @ Raising Olives

Kimberly @ Raising Olives — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 01:09:27 +0000

Our oldest is only 13 also, so I’m hoping for more input from moms with older kids. I am not sure where this topic will lead because while we have ideas and thoughts, we’re still learning and growing and waiting to see how we’ve done.

By: Kimberly @ Raising Olives

Kimberly @ Raising Olives — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 01:07:42 +0000

The Maxwell’s books are very good at making me think much deeper about many issues. I don’t think I’ve read that one, but it’s probably one that I would enjoy.

Thanks.

By: Kimberly @ Raising Olives

Kimberly @ Raising Olives — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 01:06:08 +0000

Thank you Jama.

By: Kimberly @ Raising Olives

Kimberly @ Raising Olives — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 01:05:39 +0000

Thanks Kaycee. I’m so thankful that God is gracious to our children despite our mistakes. That’s one thing I’ve noticed during the 90 Day Challenge. God poured out amazing blessing on men who, in many ways, failed miserably. God is so good.

By: tara

tara — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 20:49:13 +0000

I love this post! Something very dear to our hearts as well. And our reason too for why we do things differently! We want our children to “own” their convictions! We do not want them to merely be something that momma and daddy want or believe! and as such, we make an effort to show and explain. We must be what we want our children to become! Their greatest example is us! More is caught than taught! If we are more attentive to our children’s hearts, praising them for good character, then they will more likely want to do the good. And then, when they mess up, they are willing to accept correction! Because they know we love them and want what is best for them. It is not always easy though. it is a commitment to gaining their hearts even when they are not acting nice. I am so excited to hear what you and others have to say on this! Blessings to you!

By: Hannah

Hannah — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 20:37:24 +0000

I can’t wait till we get to the point where hearts are healed enough to be “got”. Right now, things are in such a survival mode that we are just trying to train up basic behaviors. Both of our boys have very tender hearts for the Lord, it’s just a matter of making things relevant to what they need at that moment…such as addressing the fear or anger behind behaviors.

This comment doesn’t seem very coherent to me. Oh well.

Blessings!

Hannah