Dan Seaborn - Once-A-Day Nurturing Great Kids Devotional: 365 Practical Insights for Parenting with Grace

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ZONDERVAN

Once-A-Day Nurturing Great Kids Devotional

Copyright 2014 by Dan Seaborn

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Zondervan, 3900 Sparks Drive, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546

Published in association with the literary agency of Credo Communications, LLC, Grand Rapids, Michigan, www.credocommunications.net.

ePub Edition October 2014: ISBN 978-0-310-43193-0

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

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contents

Dan Seaborn founded Winning At Home in 1995 to develop marriages and families by producing media resources and hosting special events. Prior to establishing Winning At Home, Dan served at a large church in Michigan as Pastor of Student Ministries and then as Pastor of Family Life. Dans mission then and now is to encourage individuals and families to build Christ-centered homes.

Dan is the Director of the Marriage and Family Network for the American Association of Christian Counselors where he provides leadership to the nearly 50,000 members worldwide. In addition, he holds a Masters degree in Christian Ministries. Dan has authored eleven books and has established himself as a radio and television personality in West Michigan and around the country.

As a featured speaker at various churches and large-scale events, Dan has earned recognition as a powerful and passionate communicator. At marriage and family conferences, including the Winning At Home signature events The Marriage Rendezvous and The Wonders of the World of Parenting his practical illustrations and memorable real-life examples show others how to win at home.

Dan talks openly about family life often by revealing his own struggles and failures. His sincerity leaves audiences nodding in agreement, and his quick wit leaves them laughing. But ultimately, Dan hopes he achieves his one desire in life: to teach practical, Biblical insights to families and to grow and live that example himself.

Dan and his wife Jane have four children and live in West Michigan where they like to golf together, take long walks and spend time with their family.

This work would not be possible without the guidance of Timothy J. Beals, our project manager, and his valued advisor, Susan Lewis.

CHANGE IT UP

Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom ofheaven.

MATTHEW 18:3

Throughout the Bible are lessons that point to making changes when we arent living up to Gods standards. Jesus was serious about change, and he expects you to have a teachable spirit like that of a little child. Then, when you do make changes, you are greatly rewarded.

But if nothing changes, nothing changes. For instance, as a parent you will find yourself in situations where you know a change is needed if your child is going to make progress. Its tempting to sit back and wait for that change to somehow occur instead of intentionally implementing change so you do nothing. But what will develop if you do nothing is a pattern of bad behavior that becomes the norm.

The cure for this downward spiral with your child is moving forward with change. You must create a new environment or a new pattern for healthy patterns to be established or to re-emerge. Go do it. Dont think about it; just do it! The short-term pain of adjusting to the change will result in long-term gain.

PARENTING PRINCIPLE

If nothing changes, nothing changes.

POINTS TO PONDER

How flexible are you when it comes to making changes? Do you only talk about change without taking action?

Do you have a teachable spirit? How do you think God wants you to develop such a spirit?

What is a pattern of behavior with your child that could use a change?

LIVE HONESTLY

Keep me from deceitful ways.

PSALM 119:29

One of the greatest weapons of destruction for a parent-child relationship is deceit. That word often conjures up thoughts of a child who is lying or sneaking around behind their parents back. Although that can be true, the childs behavior may not be the source of deceit.

As parents, we need to first live by the standards we expect our children to meet. If you expect honesty from your child, that should be the standard for you. Children have built-in lie detectors. You may fool them with deceit for a while, but you will be the fool in the end.

Live a lifestyle of honesty in front of your children, and you will have set the bar high for their future behavior.

PARENTING PRINCIPLE

The truth will set you free is not only an axiom. Honesty is a scriptural mandate.

POINTS TO PONDER

Do you expect honesty from your child but allow yourself a little leeway when it comes to your own behavior?

If you do have any areas of deceit in your life, what are they?

How are you establishing the expectation of honesty in your family?

GOD GUIDES

Direct me in the path of your commands.

PSALM 119:35

Sometimes making the right decision as a parent is next to impossible. If you choose one path, it may have undesirable consequences. On the other hand, another decision may net equally negative results. Parenting is filled with these moments.

Another difficult aspect of making decisions for your children is the input from other parents and friends who would not have made the same decision you did. They will often tell you why because people usually arent afraid of sharing their opinions.

This difficulty may not have happened to you yet, but it will. In those moments, your peace will come from knowing you have prayed and listened for God to direct your path. At times, it will be the only peace you feel. Thats why its important to remember that he does see your need and he will guide you as you seek him. Its his promise.

PARENTING PRINCIPLE

Only with Gods strength can crooked paths be straightened.

POINTS TO PONDER

Have you ever felt all alone in making a decision for your children? Did you still have peace? Why?

How do you respond when other people disagree with a decision you make?

For what decision do you need to seek Gods wisdom right now?

SEE CLEARLY

Turn my eyes away from worthless things.

PSALM 119:37

The thought in Psalm 119:37 is often used for conventions on pornography or other objectionable material. However, to stop there is to sell this thought short. Our world is full of worthless things and temptations.