While I was driving the other day with my son and daughter, my son was talking about the Disciples and was naming them off.  My daughter, who never likes to be left out of a conversation, pipes up from the back with “and don’t forget Frank the Disciple!”.

One of the most important jobs we have as parents is to build a strong spiritual foundation.  I am a strong believer in children discovering Gods awesomeness in their own way.  For them to develop a relationship with Him that is their own.  For them to learn to lean on Him and follow His word.  It is our job to give them the tools to grow that relationship.  I love talking with my children about God.  I love the questions they ask and I love hearing the excitement in their voices when they learn something new or see a blessing.  I love worshiping with my children, singing along together in the car.   Two of the most amazing, most awesome days in my life was when my children opened their heart to God and made the decision to follow Him.

Deuteronomy 11:19 states, “Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”

Building a strong foundation can be intimidating, even scary.  The fear that we may somehow do it wrong or that they may never make that decision can be overwhelming.  There are easy, natural ways to prepare your child to begin a relationship with God and make one of the most important decisions they will ever make.

• Openly talking about God and what He is doing in your life, sharing the faith and trust you have in Him and even sharing your struggles

• When an event happens in life, let your children hear you discussing it, let them hear your take on it, and how you process it from God’s perspective. You’re children need to see and hear God in your life.

• Worshiping with your children and establishing the importance of worship

• Participating in church, installing in them the importance of fellowship

• Talk to your children about how God has a special mission for their lives. He has gifted them with abilities, personality, and certain qualities that will help accomplish His plan

• Pray with your children.  Share with them how you pray for them.  Make it a part of daily life and events

• Share  favorite Bible passages with your child — ones that describes God or how He feels about us.

• Encourage them to read the bible.  Hearing is not enough. Reading is not enough. Memorizing is not enough.    Help your child to really understand God’s Word, its relevance today and how you apply it

• Use teachable moments. Typically, when your kids are enveloped in emotion-packed situations, they are the most ready to grow.   When circumstances provoke feelings of fear, sadness, anger, exhilaration, awe or wonder, be ready to help them see how God is working.

Oh what a joy and privilege we have as parents!  We are participants and witnesses to the molding of our children’s hearts!