Wake up early to start each day with the Lord. Yes, that is one of my New Yr Resolutions, and I thank God for a dear friend who gladly volunteered to be my partner in this commitment. Previously I’d wake at 6am, prepare S for school then do my devotion after he leaves.

This year, I will try – really really try – my best – discipline myself – thank you dear buddy – to wake early – 5am (we’re starting 5.30 first then move backwards) to do devotions BEFORE anyone else wakes so that I’ll truly start the day with the Lord first. We’re also going to do proverbs31 daily devotions and feedback with each other on our journey. http://proverbs31devotions.blogspot.com/ 

Today was our 2nd day. Received her sms at 5.25am. Struggled less than yesterday in keeping my eyes open, prob partly due to an earlier bedtime at 11am. I tell myself I have to commit to an even earlier bedtime in order to have a fresher mind to talk with Him.

Today my devotion was consisting of mainly one request -

“Lord, take away all my tendency for fleshy response to my kids. I am all too easily fired up and before I know it, I will have blown and regret later. Help me stop and ask for a gentle spirit so that all my responses will be those that build and encourage.”

Read through Proverbs31devotions links on Anger and was rather ministered by it. This part that I found on parenting stood out:

“Their children will be successful everywhere; an entire generation of godly people will be blessed.” (Psalm 112)

Did you catch that? Reread today’s key verse above, then read verse 2. I had to read and reread these verses several times. As I pondered them I realized the truth in the message: the success or lack of success in the life of my children rests on me, in fact, generation to generation. The future of the children God has entrusted to me and the children they will bring into this world (my grandchildren) is affected by my willingness to obey the Lord’s commands and to reverently fear Him. The reality of this truth makes me more eager than ever to obey the Lord, not just obey but delightfully obey Him.

I haven’t read very many “raising kids books.” I don’t know much about the reputation and integrity of the authors who write them. I can boast with great confidence, however, in the Author of book that taught me today’s truth. His reputation is impeccable and His record is unblemished. His advice on childrearing is trustworthy and when followed will produce the results promised.

I don’t know about you, but I am not willing to risk the success of my children and grandchildren on my own plans and ideas for their future. My plan is to put today’s key verse into practice, sit back and watch what happens.

Following the words of the Author not only blesses your children and the future generations, but also pleases your Heavenly Father and gives Him the desire to bless you for your obedience. A two-fold blessing – you can’t get any better than that!