Metro Moms

More Practical Ideas

Here are two more ideas to help inspire your children to love and worship God.  Enjoy!

"When my children were little we started our homeschool day in my bedroom with worship and devotions.  I tailored the devotional materials or books we were reading to the older children and prayed the little ones would catch something along the way.  I so often knew little Jake (then a toddler) was understandably bored and distracted by materials that were over his head. But, at 17, he now recalls things we studied back then.  I’m amazed at how much the Lord caused his young mind to remember!  His dad and I attribute his love for doctrine and truth to those mornings when he was 'too little to understand.'" - Sheree

"Since we are in the car a lot, we have invested in all of the “Hide the Word” CD's.  We sing them together as we are driving. They have been a wonderful springboard for discussions about different situations each of us are facing, and they have promoted worship by drawing our attention back to our God and our Savior.  Our children often sing the songs in response to each other.  It is a great way to keep God's Word central." - Angie

More Practical Ideas

Here's an easy idea from Kristen on creating a atmosphere of worship at home and teaching scripture to your kids!  Click on the link for ordering info.  Thanks, Kristen!

"So far I have found that just having worship CD’s on and singing with them around the house or in the car is the most helpful in having them learn the songs.  They can then enter in better on Sundays if they know the songs.  One of my favorites is Steve Green’s “Hide 'em In Your Heart” Scripture CD's.   They are really good -- not too sing-songy and not too advanced either.  My girls, ages 6 and 3,  are really learning a lot of Scripture that way. 

Then, I am able to remind them of their songs when we are facing everyday situations.  A recent example was when my 6-year-old, Katelyn, spent the night at my sister's house. She was scared while she was there and called me around 11:00 pm. I was able to sing to her the song “When I Am Afraid I Will Trust in Him.”  She told me the next day that she laid there and sang that song to herself.  The next thing she knew she was asleep!" 

Practical Ideas

Today two mom's share with us how they "make a joyful noise to the Lord" in their homes with their young children. 

"JJ (age 2) and I worship Jesus together everyday. It is fun for me and comes naturally to play music and jump around and sing. The hard part is taking away the music and using my attitudes and actions to worship God. I'm not so naturally gifted in that area! Some practical things JJ and I do on a daily basis are sit in his room, put on worship music and jam on instruments. Also, youtube has a lot of good worship videos.  JJ will ask to hear worship at different times during the day. It is so sweet when he says, "Hear more Holy God mom." So we sit in his room,  play guitars and worship to the gospel song. Those are the sweetest times of the day."   - Rachel

"When my kids were little, we would put on a worship CD and get out the pots and pans.  We didn't have any instruments but that really didn't matter.  A wooden spoon and a cooking pot served us well.  Although it was a little loud the kids were learning to worship their God and that is all that matters. Today, we worship around the piano as our 13-year-old, Erika, plays the piano and sings.  But every once in a while her younger brother, Josh, gets out a pot and a wooden spoon.  It’s still loud, and I wouldn't have it any other way." - Tammy

 

A Week of Practical Suggestions

Last week we talked about reasons why we want to inspire our children to be worshipers.  A few practical suggestions were mentioned.  This week we'll focus on more suggestions. 

As ladies, we face common temptations when we hear what other moms are doing with their children.  We can allow ideas meant to inpsire us to produce regret, self-pity or attempts to repeat what others do without having the heart behind these actions.  We too often focus on what we should have or could have done...instead of how we can now change or do some new things to promote growth in ourselves and our children.

As we learn from some of the simple, practical ideas that have helped others to create an atmosphere of worship in their homes and families, let's remember that ideas are just that...ideas.  God may lead you to duplicate some of what you read.  But He may not.  We have to remember not to emphasize personal practical over biblical principle.

Through prayer and conversations with our husbands we will discover how to practically implement the principle of inspiring our children to be worshipers in the way He desires for our families.

So check back in this week for some great ideas.

Posted by Sheree

Are they there?

Today let's look at another quote by Noel Piper from Debi's post on Tuesday: "Not everything children experience has to be put on their level in order to do them good."

What happened when there was no children's ministry?  No "on their level" DVD's or sing-along CD's?  I'm certainly not suggesting these tools are wrong; they can actually be helpful at times.  But our entertainment saturated culture can tempt parents at times to think children can't be expected to sit respectfully and patiently unless cartoons or puppets or catchy music are involved.

What experiences might our children be missing if they are too frequently left with a babysitter or thought as "too little" to sit through a sermon, prayer meeting or extended time of worship?  I'm certainly not suggesting it's wrong to take advantage of these things.  My children loved children's ministry!  But as parents we can't let culture dictate the decisions we deem best for our children.  And our culture says they must understand.  They must be entertained.  Things must be on their level.

Just because they can't yet read the words to the worship songs on the screen or understand what the pastor is preaching about or comprehend what's happening at a corporate prayer meeting doesn't mean they are not experiencing God.  What about the tears they notice coming down the face of the woman who catches their eye across the aisle on Sunday morning?  The "funny feeling" they have the first time they sense conviction over their sinful attitudes during a time of ministry?  The future impact of watching Daddy walk to the front while other men gather around to pray for him, or seeing Mommy write really fast in her big journal while Pastor Jones preaches?

Moms, expose your little ones to everything church life has to offer!  Train them at home to sit still for increasing amounts of time so you can expect them to sit patiently through meetings.  You never know when the Holy Spirit is going to touch their tender hearts. 

When our children were small there were few babysitters and limited children's ministry.  Toddlers in the church sat relatively patiently beside their parents and infants slumped over in umbrella strollers because there was nowhere else for them to go. 

Recently one of our sons reminded us of an encounter with God he had when he was young and we didn't even notice.  Wow.  We're glad he was there.

Posted by Sheree

Do I "Cherish the Hour?"

Yesterday Debi provided some insightful comments from Noel Piper on training our children to be worshipers.  She began with this quote: 

"The greatest stumbling block for children in worship is that their parents do not cherish the hour."

I've been contemplating what it means to "cherish the hour."  Noel is obviously not suggesting that worship is limited to an hour on Sunday morning.  But she is putting a rightful emphasis on the church gathering together to worship God.  As we have all been taught for years, there is something mysterious and special about the gathered church coming together on Sunday morning to worship God and hear His word taught.  This is why the scriptures command us not to "forsake the assembling of the believers together."

So how can we moms "cherish the hour?"

• Talk about it throughout the week.  When our children were young we talked throughout the week about going to Worship Jesus and, specifically, how many "sleeps" were left until Sunday morning.  We all talk about what is important to us (reminders to pick up the toys, speak kindly to one another, use "inside voices," sit on your bottom until all your lunch is finished).  Talking about and anticipating the Sunday meeting builds excitement and demonstrates to small children that Sunday is the best day of the week!
• Prepare for it.  Sunday morning can be hectic in a house with small children.  Doing simple things like getting the kids shoes, socks and clothes out and ready on Saturday night; putting cereal and bowls out before going to bed so they're quickly available the next morning; packing the diaper bag and placing near the front door; and having your and your husband's clothes accessible can go a long way to make Sunday mornings more peaceful for the whole family.  It's hard to arrive at the meeting ready to eagerly worship the Lord when the morning has been rushed and stressful.
• Roleplay it.  Family worship times are a great time to train the children "how" to worship.  Until their hearts are regenerated, resulting in genuine and heartfelt worship, they need help and training.  Put on a cd or do your best at the guitar or keyboard.  Let the children dance and sing!  Enter in with them with exuberant singing, clapping, lifting of hands and shouting.  Then on Sunday morning if they seem distracted or disinterested, they'll know what Mommy or Daddy mean when they say, "Come on, honey, stand up with Mommy and let's worship the Lord!"  The Bible gives us pictures of what worship "looks like" and we can train our children in these areas at home so Sunday morning will be an extension of the example and teaching they receive there.
• Use the car ride for training and reminders.  We always lived near the church building so as soon as we got on the road the "training" began.  Because Benny always left early on Sunday mornings I had the joy and responsibility of reminding the children we were finally going to Worship Jesus!  We talked about what we do when we go to Worship Jesus.  Their responses varied, but indicated years of repetition.  "We look in people's eyes and greet them!"  "We don't run and be wild!"  "We clap and sing!"  "We don't ask for food all the time!"  (That was usually Jesse.)  "We stand up and we don't act bored!"  And then there was the morning three-year-old Joey's contribution to the ride was, "We don't fight and punch and sit on each other!"  (Hmmmm....that must have been the week I had called Benny to inform him that "his sons" were in a fist fight over legos and I didn't know whether to discipline them or keep laughing.) 
• Encourage!  Encourage!  Encourage!  Last Sunday morning my granddaughter Kayla stood close to me during worship.  (Ahhhhh....pure joy!) I quickly noticed the fruit of her parents training.  In the past, like most toddlers she was distracted and wiggly.  But today was different.  She was trying to sing and was mouthing random words when she didn't know the real ones.  She was standing and clapping.  When she (and I) sat for a few minutes during a prophetic word she quickly responded to my prompting to stand and sing again.  What a joy it was for me to quietly encourage her throughout the worship.  "Kayla, you're doing such a good job standing and worshiping the Lord."  "Wow, look how you're trying to sing the words...you have such a pretty voice!"  "Honey, the Lord is so pleased as He watches you worship Him!"  Her eyes lit up, her clapping got even harder, and the mumbly words continued. 

In the coming days young moms are going to share practical things they do to elaborate on the above suggestions.  I'm sure you'll be inspired! 

And remember, there's only 5 more sleeps till Sunday!  Woo hoo!

Posted by Sheree

Practical Advice

I recently came across an article by Noel Piper (wife of John Piper, pastor and author) that encourages parents in the privilege of training their children to worship God.  It has been many years since my own children were little, and I was busy with this task.  It was helpful to hear a few reminders from this godly woman and pastor's wife.  She shares several points worth considering:

The greatest stumbling block for children in worship is that their parents do not cherish the hour.  Children can feel the difference between duty and delight. Therefore, the first and most important job of a parent is to fall in love with the worship of God. You can't impart what you don't possess.

Worshiping together counters the contemporary fragmentation of families. Hectic American life leaves little time for significant togetherness. It is hard to overestimate the good influence of families doing valuable things together week in and week out, year in and year out.  Worship is the most valuable thing a human can do. The cumulative effect of 650 worship services spent with Mom and Dad between the ages of 4 and 17 is incalculable.

To sit still and be quiet for an hour or two on Sunday is not an excessive expectation for a healthy 6-year-old who has been taught to obey his parents. It requires a measure of discipline, but that is precisely what we want to encourage parents to impart to their children in the first five years.  Children can be taught in the first five years of life to obey their father and mother when they say, "Sit still and be quiet." Parents' helplessness to control their children should not be solved by alternative services but by a renewal of discipline in the home.

Not everything children experience has to be put on their level in order to do them good. Some things must be. But not everything.  Sunday worship service is not useless to children just because much of it goes over their heads. They can and will grow into this new language faster than we think—if positive and happy attitudes are fostered by the parents.

A deep sense of the unknown and the mysterious can rise in the soul of a sensitive child in solemn worship—if his parents are going hard after God themselves. A deep moving of the magnificence of God can come to the young, tender heart through certain moments of great hymns or "loud silence" or authoritative preaching. These are of immeasurable value in the cultivation of a heart that fears and loves God.

What a joy it is to be on this side of parenting - having three grown children who love to worship God and have embraced a passion for the local church!  It is an unexplainable mystery as to why God would use us in developing a heart for worship in our children.  A good friend of ours, Lewis Seifert, once said at a homeschooling parents meeting: "What is not passionate to us as parents will become optional to our children!"

May we exhibit passionate worship to our God who alone is worthy of our praise!

Posted by Debi

9:59 AM

It's 9:59 AM on Sunday morning and the meeting is about to begin. We've only been up for hours...but it feels like days.  We look down at a 6-year-old with his hands stuck deep in his pockets. The 3-year-old is already asking for a snack and some juice.  The just turned one-year-old is jumping up and down on the chairs.  Wouldn't it be easier to just get them all a snack and a drink, followed by some crayons and books so that they will just sit still?  Maybe it's so we can worship.  Maybe it's so we won't distract those around us.  Maybe it's just for a break. 

Fast forward 13 years.   A 19-year-old is home sleeping in.  A 16-year-old is chewing on a wad of gum as an excuse not to sing.  And a 14-year-old is being told again to stop texting friends during the meeting.

I make myself think about the future.  It puts a whole different perspective on worshiping with our children. Yes, it is hard work. I may not be able to raise my hands in worship some mornings because I'm training my children to stand and participate. Training them to be respectfully quiet when someone is praying or reading scripture. Training them to listen to what is being said and asking questions about what they are hearing.  This takes time and effort. It takes listening at home to songs that we sing on Sunday morning (my kids do so much better when they know the songs we are singing). It takes talking about worshiping on the way there.  It takes living a life of worship throughout the week that helps to make my children excited about the time we have together on Sundays.

I don't want to give up.  I know you don't want to either.  Let's keep praying for and training our children together.  Let's all pray that this emphasis on worship over the next few weeks will inspire us to work diligently alongside our husbands to cultivate in our children a heart to worship God.

Posted by Taraleigh

Going to "Worship Jesus"

 "When is Worship Jesus, Mommy?" 5-year-old Josh asked as we finished up his bath. 

"Actually, it's tomorrow, honey.  This is Saturday night, so tomorrow is Sunday," I replied.

"YEA!!!" he shouted.  "I get to have a doughnut!"

Benny and I wanted our children to learn at a very early age that the church wasn't a building...it's the people of God coming together to worship Him through singing, hearing God's word, giving offerings, and enjoying one another.  So we didn't go to church because we were the church.  The Sunday meeting became Worship Jesus. For as long as he could remember, our firstborn had left early for Worship Jesus so Daddy could look over his message notes and greet people as they arrived.  And Daddy's weekly 7-11 coffee stop resulted in Josh having his Sunday morning doughnut. 

At 5, our son anticipated going to Worship Jesus mostly because it meant no oatmeal or Cheerios.  He got a chocolate doughnut!

Josh is now the father of two.  He stands behind us on Sunday mornings with his wife and children worshiping Jesus.  During the break in our meeting he often enjoys a chocolate doughnut with his 2-year-old son, JJ.  (The tradition now includes my children and grandchildren; thankfully, there's a Dunkin Doughnuts near our building where I now buy a dozen each Sunday morning.)  But Josh no longer looks forward to Sunday mornings because of the doughnuts.  He's a passionate worshiper of His Savior and is modeling joyful and affectionate worship of Him to his son -- a son who wants to copy daddy in everything. 

Right now JJ's "worship" includes playing air drums and jumping up and down like Daddy.   But I see the day in faith when his regenerated heart will explode in worship, his hands will reach heavenward in praise, and songs filled with sound doctrine will fill God's ears (and mine) with joy.

Just like Daddy.

Posted by Sheree

P.S. Be sure to keep reading below for our latest Spring Cleaning Contest entry...you still have time to enter.  The deadline is this Friday!

The Miracle on Shumard Oak Ct. (Allura's Garage)

The biggest clue that our garage needed to be cleaned out was that there wasn’t even a 12 inch path to walk through anywhere!  It’s been so cluttered with boxes of Christmas stuff that still hadn’t made it up the ladder into the attic (we knew the ladder was there somewhere, but couldn’t see it!) and old scooters and bikes that the boys hadn’t ridden since they were 10.  Add to that the ton of things I like to keep handy for when I’m babysitting.  Brian usually keeps the garage fairly clean, : ) but because of added responsibilities at work, things piled up.  And before we knew it, we were waist deep in clutter.  We had set aside this past weekend to work on it, but were dreading the task until our daughter mentioned the cleaning contest!  Suddenly, we had a reason to do the hard work ahead of us! It took five of us about seven hours, and there were so many trash bags we lost count.  Everything we want to sell in our Mission X garage sale was placed in a pile, and Jenn told us we have one month to get rid of it or she’s calling the Salvation Army! (And if you know her, you know she means it!) : ) We were thrilled to finally be able to park a car in our garage!

Lost and Found:

In 2002 Brian and I went to Hilton Head with his job for the World Com Golf Classic.  It was a lot of fun and very romantic. : )

A few years later I finally got around to putting together an album of pictures and souvenirs, but I had misplaced the official World Com luggage tag (and who knows? It could be a collector’s item since World Com doesn’t exist anymore!).  So you can imagine my surprise when we found it under one of the shelving units in the corner of the garage! 

 

 

Training Little Ones to Worship Jesus

I was raised in a denominational setting where worship involved congregational singing of rich hymns led by a song leader, choir and organ.  The words to these hymns still come to my mind and I'm often surprised by how easily I remember them, even if it's been decades since I last sung them.  By God's grace, from my toddler years He placed in me a love for worship.  My father used to warmly and humorously talk about the night at age 5 I decided to spontaneously join the song leader on the stage in our little church building to lead the people in worship -- with director's hands waving and singing to the top of my voice.  I'm grateful to have had parents who loved God's church and who encouraged my childlike affection for worship.

My children and grandchildren are experiencing a different style of worship.  A band leads the worship while people clap, raise their hands, dance and typically sing songs that were written last year, not in past centuries.  (Although I still enjoy singing those old hymns sometimes.)   In fact, when our children were young we called our Sunday morning meeting "Worship Jesus."  (More about that tomorrow.) The style is different but the heart is the same.  Whether you worship God with organ and hymnal or with a contemporary band and words flashed on a projection screen, the question is the same:  Are we passing to a new generation a passion for worshiping the One who took the wrath we deserve?

For the next two (or more?) weeks we are going to talk about worship.  Some questions we want to consider are:

• Are we modeling passion for worshiping God for our little ones?
• Do our children view Sunday mornings primarily as a time to do crafts during children's ministry and run around with friends, or as a time when God's people come together to worship Him?
• Does our mandate to "train" our children include training them to worship?  If so, how do we do that without teaching them to simply imitate our or others behavior? 
• How can we inspire them from a young age to cultivate the heart of a worshiper?

Please join us for this discussion as we look into our own hearts for areas of possible needed change and explore the joys of raising future worshipers! And, as always, please post anything that will help others as we seek to influence our little ones to love their Savior affectionately.  (And, as a granma, I'm back into thinking of this topic regularly as I stand alongside my little grandchildren while they learn to become worshipers of Jesus.)

Posted by Sheree