Lindsey Karuku

REVIVAL NIGHT WEEKEND IS HERE! This Friday & Saturday! Share, share, share- https://mailchi.mp/c69f6a4622bb/revival-night-weekend

Haven’t been on this page I’m so long!! I’ll start using it again. Let’s start with this… Just because you CAN doesn't mean you SHOULD.

This is why it is so important for us to hear the voice of God for ourselves. He leads and guides us in practical ways everyday when we allow Him to and we tune into His voice above all others.

1 Corinthians 10:23 is a verse that my Mom has quoted to me time and time again. It's a great one to help us learn how to manage the freedom God gave us. And yes, He wants us to be free. It says this-

KJV: All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient. All things are lawful for me, but all things do not edify.

Amplified Version: All things are lawful [that is, morally legitimate, permissible], but not all things are beneficial or advantageous. All things are lawful, but not all things are constructive [to character] and edifying [to spiritual life].

God's Word Version puts it this way: Someone may say, “I’m allowed to do anything,” but not everything is helpful. I’m allowed to do anything, but not everything encourages growth.

It's true, you have freedom to do whatever you want. God actually created you that way BUT not everything that you could do is helpful or beneficial. When you learn to hear the voice of God He can direct you on what you SHOULD AND SHOULD NOT be doing. I love practical examples so here we go...

- Just because you can v**e doesn't mean you should.
- Just because you can marry that person doesn't mean you should.
- Just because you can live alone in isolation doesn't mean you should.
- Just because you can skip reading your Bible doesn't mean you should.
- Just because you can go off on someone doesn't mean you should.
- Just because you can withhold forgiveness doesn't mean you should.
- Just because you can choose a lifestyle of sin doesn't mean you should.
- Just because you can lie and "get away" with it doesn't mean you should.

Does this make sense? The examples go on and one. You can do anything you want but sometimes there will be bad reactions or consequences for you or others because of what you decided to do. JUST BECAUSE YOU CAN DOESN'T MEAN YOU SHOULD.

The Bible is full of advise on how to deal with certain situations and what we should do as Christians. If the Bible doesn't specify on a certain topic you should seek Godly counsel AND God directly. Be prepared because it's not always what you want to hear but when you submit to it anyway the benefits are incredible. Also be prepare because the benefits are usually not seen immediatley. In fact, things can be quite uncomfortable for a season because things may not agree with your own emotions and thoughts but that doesn't mean it's bad.

The Bible always points us to the higher road, to be above reproach, to walk with integrity and to be free from sin. Jesus died for that. His desire is that you would know the TRUTH and the TRUTH WOULD SET YOU FREE. He desires that you would have the fruit of the Spirit evident in your life which counts our sinful nature. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. These are things that are given to us by God. They're not always fun but TOTALLY NECESSARY.

I used to be a VERY FEARFUL person. One of the ways I've gotten over fear is by doing exactly the opposite of what I feel. I learned that from my Dad the day he told me, "I'm going to take you on this roller coaster until you're not afraid anymore". We went over and over until the park closed. I've applied this principle to many other areas in my life to intentionally develop the lifestyle of a believer- the one we read about in the Bible. These are some of my internal conversations....

- You're afraid? If it's not sinful, do it anyway.
- You're hurt? You want to react in anger? Forgive anyway.
- You don't want to trust anyone anymore? You have to learn to trust.
- You don't want to submit? If it's not sinful do it anyways.
- You are impatient and want to do things your way? Be patient anyway.
- That person doesn't deserve your love? Love them anyways.
- You're angry? Calm down and shut your mouth.

This is part of how we develop the Fruit of the Spirit in our lives. We read it AND most importantly: APPLY IT! Remember, JUST BECAUSE YOU CAN DOESN'T MEAN YOU SHOULD.

WHAT TO DO: Our kids are home for the next 2 weeks just like yours! What I did yesterday is have each of the kids grab a piece of paper and write a list of all the things they CAN DO while they are are home. This doesn’t include technology or going out anywhere (unless it’s just outdoors at our house).

Even though everyone is excited to not have school I know it’s just a matter of time before I start hearing “I’m bored” complaints. So we got on it right away... anytime they feel bored they can look at their list and find something to do. Their lists are about 30 items long. By the end of these 2 weeks they will feel accomplished and be proud of themselves for checking things off their list and staying away from their phone and TV.

Needing ideas??? Let me know!

Do you know why it’s SO IMPORTANT for children to learn to obey their parents? The Bible says a few things:

1) It’s good to obey
2) It pleases the Lord when we obey.
3) It’s the right thing to do.
4) There a promise of a long and fruitful life when we obey.

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.” Ephesians‬ ‭6:1‬

But, I believe this next verse in Genesis holds the answer for WHY we need to obey our parents.

“Now therefore, my son, obey my voice according to what I command you.” Genesis‬ ‭27:8‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Our job as parents is to teach and train our kids to be wonderful, God-fearing members of society; to bring the kingdom of heaven to the earth, for each child to one day walk fully in the calling that God has for them, to know the voice of God for themselves.

One day, our children will need to know how to live life in college without their parents, to live in a different house or different state, or to continue living after you pass away. The only person who will remain with your child till the very end is GOD HIMSELF.

When you are living a life of obedience to God and teach your children to obey what you tell them (in the Lord) they not only see what obedience looks like but also begin to model that behavior.

One day it will be just them and God. That is where obedience is needed the most. Did they learn how to obey when they were children? When you’re not around the voice that matters most will be God’s voice. If they learn how to obey when they’re children it won’t be as difficult for them to obey God’s voice when they’re older.

Yes, it’s not always the most fun thing but OBEDIENCE IS KEY.

Great Biblical examples of obedience are Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego. They needed to know how to obey God under the worst pressure and they did it ❤️

Ephesians 6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. | American Standard Version (ASV) | Download The Bible App Now Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.

Quote of the day comes from Jemimah: “Mom, you’re right. It’s good to be bored.”

The kids from time to time (sometimes often) complain about being bored. When Phoebe says it she actually means- I’m tired. For Jemimah this statement comes after months of conversations of why it’s good to be bored. She doesn’t always like homeschooling and the routine of assignments can be rather boring. With winter she sometimes runs out of things to do. After passing her assessments with flying colors and making huge improvements she is happy to say, “Mom, you’re right. It’s good to be bored.” She was so proud of herself and what she had accomplished while “being bored”. The cool thing is that boredom always provokes creativity and imagination. It’s amazing what they can come up with when they’re bored. Lots of learning and growing happens in those moments.

We live in a time of overstimulation and entertaining ourselves to death. Please remember even as adults it’s good to be bored. That’s when you think things through, problem solve, process what happened through the day and plan the next. When you’re bored you can even come up with inventions and your creativity is at an all time high. It’s good for you and your brain.

Photo: Matching kitty jammies for an early Christmas gift. Just pajamas get them going with their imaginations, role playing and creativity.

1) Parenting is more about the parent than the child. Everything the parent does, everything the parent says directly impacts a child for better or worse.
2) Parenting is just like leadership. There are people following your lead. What you do impacts them. We need to think about the standard we are setting for our kids/followers. This is why the Bible says that you need to know how to manage your home before you can be a leader in the church. There are almost the exact same thing.

Don’t judge yourself so harshly. There is much grace and always ways to turn things around if you don’t like the way things are going.

I will be exploring these 2 points in the next 2 weeks ❤️

Don’t wait to know your kids when it’s too late! They grow up so fast. Talk to them and get to know them when they’re young and of course maintain that as they get older. This way your not shocked and blindsided one day by how much they’ve grown. One day they will say:

- I want to date this girl.
- I take my drivers test tomorrow.
- I found the man of my dreams.
- Can I go to the mall with just my friends?

Many times a child is ready for things before we are and we automatically tell them “you’re too young”. Sometimes this is true but many times we say “you’re too young” when really we mean “I’m not ready”. Getting to know your child will help you navigate through the big changes that are coming inevitably. Open conversations about everything help us to prepare them for these times. They also help us as parents know where our child is in terms of maturity and what they can handle.

We were in bed ready to sleep and Jemimah asks this...
Jemimah: Mom, can we put worship music on and pray?
Me: OF COURSE!
Jemimah: Can you put on the song that has the big hand print?
Me: Sure that’s one of my favorites too.

I put the song on and Jemimah & Phoebe both lift their hands and begin to worship and pray. After about 20 minutes Jehu joins us. I get to explain what the song means.

Children are watching us. Everything that we do. Let’s set an example for them of how to pray and worship. And not just that. Sometimes we just stop there. They need to see what it means to be LED BY THE SPIRIT. Walking out our faith everyday. They may be shy now (especially in public) but they’re developing into mighty spiritual warriors. I pray they live out this song for the rest of their days!

https://youtu.be/ABWnLjXer10

Spirit Lead Me (Lyrics) ~ Michael Ketterer & Influence Music Spirit Lead Me (Lyrics) ~ Michael Ketterer & Influence Music DOWNLOAD THE ALBUM : https://rma.lnk.to/touchingheaven • music meets heaven • 🕇 "...apart from Y...

Treat your kids the way you want them to treat others now and in the future.

One of the rules in our house is that the kids need to have certain things completed before they can go anywhere with friends, go to a movie, play outside, etc. These are the things;

1) Their homework must be done.
2) They must practice their instrument.
3) Their room must be clean.
4) Chores need to be done.

It provides extra motivation to get simple tasks done. This is extra helpful through the summer months when the kids tend to slack off. There are other things they're responsible for besides this list but these are the main requirements.

As I've stated in other posts, consistency is key so they know that what you say is what you mean. Even if they throw a "tantrum" as a teenager they know the rules and there are no exceptions. This will save you from unnecessary arguments.

PRACTICAL PARENTING IDEAS YOU CAN TRY AT HOME: Your child can start to learn responsibility from the time they are about 1 year old. Rules, responsibility and expectations are a good thing. Don't think you're being "mean' by having these things in your home. Children that don't learn responsibility usually have an entitled and spoiled attitude MEANING... others do everything for them and they deserve it.

If your child(ren) are not used to being responsible try this.....

ASSIGN SIMPLE TASKS: Find simple and short tasks that take 10 minutes or less. When your children are young (under 5ish) do the tasks with them so they can learn. When they finish applaud them and celebrate their work. Make sure to reinforce the cooperation and the good feeling they have such as, "Doesn't it feel great to have a place to sit." or "Wow, your room is so clean, now you can get to your closet." They don't always notice these things unless you point them out. Accomplishing their tasks should be accompanied by this good feeling.

➡️ To make it more interesting and game-like you could set a timer to see if they can get it done before the timer beeps. Just be realistic with the time you give them. If they are emptying the dishwasher give them more than 2 minutes. If they're young they may also take more time. Basically make the amount of time reasonable and attainable.

➡️ Giving one task at a time is best rather than giving them too much to do at once. Children can often feel overwhelmed and get distracted. This would cause them to not accomplish the tasks you've assigned.

➡️ You could also add a reward for when they finish their tasks. Like, "You can have ice cream when you're done" or other things. Just make sure you follow through with your promise if you do this.

➡️ The younger you start the better. Training them while they are young is best. Anyone with older kids and teenagers understands what I'm talking about. This could be as simple as making their bed, helping you cook or putting their toys away. If Barney the purple dinosaur irritates you, keep in mind that he gave us the "Clean Up Song" which is VERY useful in training while having fun at the same time. Everything is better with music.

🔴 I'd love to hear your thoughts on this topic!! Below feel free to ask questions or share helpful things that you have done to make the culture of your home better.

TIP #5: Did you know that children are happier when they have responsibility? Shocking right?!? When a child does not have things they are responsible for they usually say they are "bored" and also start acting out.

Children are the next adults and there are some things they need to learn while they're young. For example, how to be responsible for their actions, their words, their things and assigned tasks.

A "bored" child could be one of many things. I've found with my own children that "bored" could mean they're actually tired, hungry or just don't know what to do with their time.

A child feels proud of themselves when their parents are proud of them and it makes them want to be more helpful. It also takes care of the "boredom" issue.

📕 STORY: Recently, I asked my boys to clean up all the dog p**p in the front yard. OBVIOUSLY, this request is no one's favorite!!! I told them to figure out how to get it done (without a p**per scooper) and let me know when they're finished. They cleaned that front yard and even checked the back yard for p**p. They came to tell me it was done. I went and inspected it. They did a fabulous job and without complaining. They were proud of their accomplishment! After that, they came to where I was doing yard work and I asked them to remove the dead branches from the ground under the trees. I told them it's a great job for young men like them. Again, this was a job they could work together AND decide for themselves how it would get accomplished. They did a great job! They had fabulous attitudes the rest of the day and were much more helpful. I try to look for opportunities like this for them as often as possible.

In the next few days I will post more examples of things you can try at home to help improve the culture of your home environment and have happy kids.

LOVE YOU ALL! HAPPY PARENTING!

TIP #4: Did you know that children are happier when they have rules to follow? Shocking right?!? Having a bad attitude is exhausting. Whining and throwing tantrums are too. Screaming and get screamed at are also exhausting on both children and parents. Children don't like that environment.

Sometimes children act out because they don't know what the rules are OR because parents are so inconsistent that they rules don't mean anything. Rules set an expectation that everyone can follow, including children.

As a parent you have to decide what kind of culture you want to have at home. If yelling, bad attitudes and disrespect are what you want, you can have it EASILY! If you don't want that then IT CAN BE CHANGED even if it seems to be an uphill battle. Once you decide on the culture then you MUST stay consistent in maintaining that culture. To do this you set up rules, which then bring expectations, which then bring peace and joy when everyone follows them. When this is repeated OVER AND OVER kids are happier because of the peaceful environment in which they live.

I know it's not cut and dry as I just explained but it's the foundation for creating or changing the culture of your home! Make your home what you want it to be. LOVE YOU ALL! HAPPY PARENTING!

Do you want your child to stop whining for things?

TIP #3: Help your child develop good behavior by staying consistent. If you say, "No, you cannot have more ice cream" and they start begging or throwing a fit DO NOT GIVE IN. Sometimes they will even change their tone and say "Plllleeeeaaasssse mom" with a smile and all. Still do not give in. They might have been sweet but originally you said NO. Stick with it so they know that your NO means NO. This is something my mom used to tell me ALL THE TIME when my older kids were little. If you do this you will save yourself from some unnecessary arguments when your kids grow up. The same goes for YES!

Do you want your child to stop whining?

TIP #2: When a child is old enough to communicate verbally, teach the child to "use their words". Once you have taught them what that means do not give them anything until they "use their words" and ask nicely using words like "please". At first, your child might throw a tantrum or scream (especially if this is a new expectation) but when you show consistency they will change to what you've taught them. (Personally, I'd much rather see a parent being consistent with a child reacting in a tantrum than see a parent giving into their child's tantrum only because I know the repercussions. Kid's really like to act out in public cause they think you'll do whatever they want to avoid embarrassment- consistency.)

REMEMBER: If you are not consistent they will continue their old behavior rather than change to the one you've taught them. There will be no need for them to change because they get what they want no matter what.

Do you want your child to stop whining?

TIP #1: Sometimes a child whines because they can't actually communicate what they want. Maybe they can't even speak yet.... one great way to help them be understood is teaching them simple sign language for basic words like "more" and "all done". When they start whining and you know that they want more food for example, show them the sign for "more" and repeat the word. When they do it cheer for them and give them more food. They don't always catch on right away so this may need to be repeated for several days/weeks. You may also need to make the motion with their hands so they can learn it. In this case, do the motion and say the word at the same time then give them what they're asking for until they can sign it themselves.

REMEMBER: If you give in to their whining they will just keep doing it because they know how to get what they want. Hold your ground.

If you want a child to respect you then SHOW them respect.

As an adult and/or parent you want to be respected and obeyed by your own children and others but if you just demand respect and do not SHOW it they will likely not respect you. Children are much better at doing what they see rather than doing what we say. They will copy either your good or bad behavior and then treat you and others accordingly.

This snow is AMAZING! If you don’t like snow or usually don’t go out in this snow with your kids I challenge you to bundle up and GET OUT THERE! You don’t even need snow pants.... 2 layers or sweat or pajama pants will do just fine! Imagine the fun! Parents are THE BEST at making jumps for sledding, snow forts, piles of snow to jump in, snow angels, snowmen or just hanging out. WHO’S GOING TO TRY IT???? Send a pic ❤️❄️ Afterward going inside to warm up, have some hot chocolate and a movie.

One of my favorite quotes!
"Anger is fake power" Danny Silk

Anger gets things done but in the wrong way. The outcome is usually not what we want. It creates fear, disunity and intimately ruins relationships.

What has been your biggest parenting struggle? Maybe you've solved it and maybe you haven't. I'd love to hear from you!

When your child is acting out it's usually because he/she needs attention. Although we don't want to feed into negative attention there is so much that can be fixed by giving the attention needed on a regular basis. That one-on-one attention that everyone craves and needs.

You are not God. Flaws are part of who you are. Embrace them. Work on them. Be the you that God created you to be.

PARENTING.... Yes, it's hard sometimes but constantly feeling like a failure will never get you anywhere. Learn from your mistakes and try something new. It's never too late for God to turn things around. Change starts with you.

The greatest gift you can give your child is to help them know Jesus personally. I'm not talking about just a mealtime prayer or giving thanks to God when they win a game. Teach them His character and point it out to them when you see it in action. Teach them how to pray and know the heart of the FATHER. It will completely transform their lives and your whole parenting experience.

LOVE is more powerful than HATE. GRACE is more powerful than ANGER. Things to teach our children. Jesus taught it best!

I know this with every fiber of my being ❤️ 🔥

When a child seems the most unlovable it’s usually when they need love the most ❤️

Part of your responsibility as a parent is to be sure your children don't live this life as victims. Victims are powerless. God says they can change the world. God says he created them with a unique purpose. God says they have power, love and a sound mind. Declare that over your children today. They need to know and understand this. They are above poverty, racism, sexism, etc. God is the one who gives favor, not man. Teach them to live by faith and not by sight. Teach them to forgive those that wrong them. Teach them to LOVE unconditionally and bless the lives of those around them.

STORY: There was a time 2 of my kids were struggling to get along for months. Lots of anger directed at each other. It was exhausting! Every morning. Every evening. The whole house was held hostage to their drama. I got frustrated cause nothing I did helped the situation. Months into the problem I realized that I had prayed for everything BUT THAT! I took the problem before God and asked for His help. He responded quickly (it’s not always fast). He told me that my daughter feels like she lost her best friend and that’s why she was reacting with anger. WOW! I thought to myself.... REALLY???? That’s simple. When I brought it up in conversation the fountain of tears began. Healing was taking place right there in the car (my favorite conversation spot). Then I got the 2 together and we had another emotional conversation. They made up and there has been peace ever since. MY MY! God is so wise and so good. We need Him in parenting everyday.

We don’t always have answers for the problems we face as parents. In those moments we need to stop and pray. God is wise and has an answer for any problem you face. Sometimes we need to just take time out, breathe and ask God. Then patiently wait for His response. You’ll be amazed!

Sometimes as parents we lack self-control. Sometimes our children are just mimicking the lack of self-control they see modeled before them. Let's think this through.