Tuesdays with God! You're Not Just Raising Kids, You're Cultivating Future Legends!

Alright, beautiful women, gather around for a chat that’s a bit like turning your daily coffee into a superhero elixir. Kinda like the book, Tuesdays with Morrie, do you remember that book? Well, today is like that book only we are meeting with God. 

You know how life sometimes feels like it’s trying to pull a fast one on you, especially when it comes to worrying about your kiddos and their journey of faith? Well, guess what? Every challenge you face is not just a stumbling block; it’s a stepping stone. And each stone is like a secret note from God, helping you and your kids level up in this epic adventure called life.

Think of it this way: Knowing who you are is like being the queen of your very own castle (yes, with an actual throne and a crown, because why not?). Everything awesome that flows your way starts with the sparkle you've got inside. When Jesus did His victory lap, it was like He handed over the keys to a magical kingdom, where you get to guide your little ones into understanding their royal identity and unlocking their superpowers.

The friends you choose and the heroes you look up to set the course for your family’s faith journey and how quickly your hopes soar. Picture your spirit as a treasure chest, brimming with heavenly wonders, your soul as the most enchanting bridge between the now and the extraordinary, and your body as the vehicle on this wild ride, transforming bit by bit until the grand finale.

Dive into God’s Word like it’s the most enthralling storybook, filled with tales of heroism, love, and power-ups for your soul. It’s there to refresh your mind, making it as zippy and bright as a Saturday morning cartoon that both you and your kids can’t get enough of. And, just like the greatest storyteller, the grand planner of the universe—the One who plots the stars and writes the days—God’s got this incredible plan to steady your heart, fine-tune your hope, and light up your life with deep, undeniable truth.

Here’s the scoop: teaming up is way cooler than going solo, especially when it comes to raising your kids. Sharing the love is way better than keeping it all to yourself. Moving forward with purpose trumps just talking about it, and listening—really listening—is like giving a hug with your ears. When you share truths about faith, love, and life’s big questions, do it with clarity and a sprinkle of fun, because that’s what makes the message stick, strengthens your squad, and sparks those little lights in your kids’ eyes.

And if you can wrap all that truth in a giant bear hug of love, steep it in kindness, root it in prayer, and let the Holy Spirit guide the way, then you’re setting the stage for miracles. You’re not just avoiding the pitfalls of doubt and worry; you’re building a launchpad for your kids’ faith to take off, soaring into the skies of belief and trust.

Let's keep those spirits high, hearts hopeful, and remind ourselves that with a dash of faith, a sprinkle of laughter, and a whole lot of love from heaven, we're not just dreaming of a brighter future for our kids—we're actively shaping it.

As a parent aiming to nurture children in the ways of God, infusing faith into the heart of family life is both a privilege and a profound responsibility.

Here are 10 practical ways to shape your children’s lives with faith, laughter, and love, creating a foundation that’s deeply rooted in God’s love:

1. Start with Scripture: Make Bible reading a fun and engaging part of your daily routine. Use children's Bible storybooks, apps, or animated videos to bring the stories to life, making the lessons accessible and enjoyable.

2. Prayer as a Priority: Encourage open communication with God by integrating prayer into everyday activities. Pray together at meals, before bedtime, and during family devotions. Let your children lead prayers to express their own thoughts and needs to God. Pray as you go!

3. Worship Together: Participate in worship as a family, whether it’s during church services or through family worship at home. Sing hymns, worship songs, and encourage dancing and playing musical instruments to make praise a joyful experience.

4. Serve Together: Involve your children in community service projects.. Whether it’s volunteering at a food bank, cleaning up a local park, or helping a neighbor, show them how faith and love translate into action.

5. Create a Gratitude Practice: Encourage a spirit of thankfulness by starting a family gratitude journal or a thank-you God jar where everyone can drop notes about things they’re thankful for. Review these blessings together regularly.

6. Faith in Conversation: Talk about faith in everyday conversations. Share how your faith influences your decisions and discuss biblical responses to everyday challenges. Make faith a natural part of dialogue rather than a formalized discussion only. Share as you go!

7. Model Forgiveness and Grace: Demonstrate the importance of forgiveness within the family. Show grace in your responses and encourage siblings to forgive each other. Discuss how God forgives us and why it's important to extend that to others. Even better do this in the moment when the example is fresh. 

8. Lead by Example: Show your children what a life led by faith looks like. Let them see you reading the Bible, praying, making decisions based on your beliefs, and treating others with kindness and respect.

9. Emphasize the Joy of God's Creation: Spend time in nature to appreciate the beauty of God's work. Teach your children to care for the environment as a form of stewardship and gratitude towards God.

10. Encourage Questions and Doubts: Be open to discussions about faith, including doubts and questions. Providing a safe space for these conversations shows that faith can withstand scrutiny and encourages deeper understanding. Show unconditional love and maintain a sense of humor within your family. A home filled with laughter and love reflects the joy and peace of God, nurturing your children's spirits in a powerful way.

By implementing these practical steps, you can build a strong spiritual foundation for your children, filled with faith, joy, and the deep, unconditional love of God. This approach will not only nurture their spiritual growth but also equip them to handle life's challenges with hope and resilience.