Say Cheese!

If I think back to the years growing up in my family {with my mom, dad, and sister~}, there are a few things that appear in my mind like a "snapshot" of the times.

I picture my mom sitting on her bed in the afternoons reading her Bible, and making notes in a spiral notebook. I should have been napping-but snuck out of my room (several times~) and found her like that.

Or~Another mental "snapshot" I have is waking up early to get ready for high school, coming downstairs to use the shower, and seeing my dad kneeling at the family room couch praying. Every morning.

Those are just a couple of the "snapshots" I visualize when I think of my parents and their faith...It was just how "life" was in my parent's house growing up. It was more than them just 'talking' their faith, but living it~

"My son, keep your father's commands and do not forsake your mother's teaching. Bind them upon your heart forever; fasten them around your neck. When you sleep, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you. For these commands are a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the corrections of discipline are the way to life."

~Proverbs 6: 20-23

{Wait. You thought we were going to talk about the Book of John, right?}

I promise-I am getting there!

The study of the Book of John (specifically John 1: 19-51) made me think about what I want my kid's mental pictures one day to be as they head into adulthood. I want them to know their purpose in this life-what they were designed to be~

~And I see my job as their mom is to give them a mental picture of what GOD wants for their lives.

John the Baptist knew his purpose in life. He emphatically stated he was NOT the Christ, he was Not the Messiah-BUT~He pointed the people to Christ every chance he got:

"John replied, in the words of Isaiah the prophet, 'I am the voice of the one calling in the desert, Make straight the way for the Lord.' "

~John 1: 23

That is what I want my boys to come to the knowledge of as they grow to adulthood. They have a purpose-and it is to point the way to Jesus Christ in all they do. They can choose to be a dump truck driver, or a PH.D in whatever- but what they each have is a purpose on this earth.

John didn't just wake up one day and discover he was to be the one to point to the Messiah-it was prophesied from his birth. (Luke 1: 13-14: "But the angel said to him: 'Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John. He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord.' ")

Imagine the stories John the Baptist heard about his birth! His parents surely invested time, communication, and prayer over their dear son's purpose for his life. How could they not have?? An angel told them what their son would do one day!

He grew up knowing that his life had a purpose. He did not waver in his faith in the Messiah. He did not try to be the Christ, but his excitement pointed the way to Jesus every step of his life...even to the end~

That is what I pray God helps me and Tin Man do with our boys-Give them a mental "snapshot" of how important our faith in Christ was to us, so they want what we have. I also want to instruct them, and guide them in the ways of the Lord. I want to encourage them in all the moments we have together so they KNOW their life has a greater purpose.

I know they are here for a purpose! (I know your children are too!) As Parents~We have our work cut out for us, don't we??!!

" "I baptize with water," John replied, "but among you stands one you do not know. He is the one who comes after me, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie." "

~John 1: 26

So my question for you today is:

Say Cheese! What is the mental "snapshot" you hope your kids will remember later in life so they realize their purpose is to point others towards a relationship with Christ?

{Homework: Read John 2: 1-25. See you next Tuesday for Bible Study. Bring your thoughts and a cup of coffee. I'll even share my favorite creamer!}