Discipline and My Strong-Willed Son

     The first part of our homeschool day is always to read the Bible together.  Afterwards, My kids would write their reflection on the chapter that we studied.  I was reminded of this verse after I read what Aethan wrote.  “Behold, how happy is the man whom God reproves, So do not despise the discipline of the Almighty." Job 5:17 

     He wrote:
"This is me when I'm an adult. I am happy cause I was disciplined. Like how God's people discipline their children, I should also discipline my future children, too.  When I have my own children, I should discipline them and tell them what God's law and word are."

     I  was blessed to know that this is how Aethan views discipline now.  Afterall, he is a strong-willed child. There was a time when he questioned our every command and would willfully disobey.  It was also difficult for him to say "sorry" when he commits something wrong. He would test our limits over and over again. I cannot count how many spanks he received while growing up.

     Prov 13:24 says  "He who withholds his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines him diligently."   God loves our children more than I can ever love them.  We discipline our kids in obedience to God's command because we know that He knows what is best for my kids, We spank them as needed even if it is difficult.   But we do not spank in anger but in love and as we learned in our church, we should do so only for 2 reasons - disrespect and disobedience.  Now, I praise God that spanking sessions have become a rarity in our household....the kids, especially, my strong-willed son, have grown more mature and more obedient, all by God's grace.

     Michael, my eldest, said before that my words hurt him more than my spanks so now I guard my tongue more.  My husband and I are very careful not to exasperate them (Colossians 3:21). There was a time I thought I did.  There were times when I thought I have broken  their spirit.  I have asked their forgiveness a lot times but in my mind, I was afraid that my words have scarred them for life.  I lifted my fears to God and prayed that my careless words won't have an impact on them as they grow up. I always pray that my kids will remember how much their dad and mom loves them that is why the one-on-one session that follows each "spanking episode" is longer because we want them to understand fully the purpose in what we did and assure them of our love and that we have their best interest in mind.  We end this time by hugging, kissing and most of the time, wrestling and tickling - because that is where we generate the most laughter. :-)  That is why Aethan's reflection meant so much to me.  It's an affirmation from the Lord that we are on the right track.

     Thank you, Jesus! All glory to You.

     "For those of us who have decided to follow Christ as our only hope for gaining truth, purpose, direction, and eternal security, there is no obligation that has greater significance than PARENTING. -George Barna

     The Layout was made using Leaving a Legacy Design's Halloween Glam kit. Yup, it's a Halloween kit but since we don't celebrate Halloween, I decided to make a non-themed layout for it. (Just shows how versatile the kit is, right?)  It's newly released today and it's 30% off!

Grab it HERE: 

This is the other layout I made with the kit.

Our family at Sambokojin - 09.16.13

     And here's a freebie for you! I hope you would like the torn papers that coordinates with the Halloween Glam kit.

DOWNLOAD HERE