Crimson Red Sports

Not sure if this is the premium forum for such a discussion, just curious what some of you might think about the matter. I enjoy the anonymity here, encourages me to be more honest. I am a father of 2-year olds. Most all my life I have proclaimed Christ as my Lord, my Savior, my Redeemer and my Hope. Thing is, I haven't really been living like I believe all that stuff since the kids were born. With all of me I want my kids to know Jesus. I don't know what they can know. I don't know how to teach them. How can I tell them about someone they can't actually see? If I talk about Thomas or Percy or Snuffaluffagus they know exactly what I'm talking about. They are 29 months old. When can I do what? Maybe I just need prayer, maybe someone can redirect me to some good information.

You might ask Bro Ricky or walk into a church of your choice and ask those questions.
God Bless

Look for some Christian story books.  My nephew is 14 now and I know we found a lot of age appropriate books for him from the time he was able to sit up an look at a book (6 mos) and we found a lot at Dollar Tree.  His favorite was called Jonah and the Big Fish, it was one of those board books they make for very young children.

My earliest memories of learning about the Bible were from my grandparents reading Bible stories to me.  They had a set of Bible encyclopedias with a couple of children's volumes.  I clearly remember asking Granny to read to me about Baby Moses again and again.

Can you tell we're a family of readers?

The most important thing to do is to take them to church.  Let them participate in Sunday School, sing the songs (I still remember all of them and sometimes think they're the most important) and begin to interact in the church environment. 

 :pray:

I agree with MDB.  Reading is one of the best tools available. My daughter, who is now 26 years of age, was read to from the day we received her. (we adopted her while in the Philippines). There was so many stories that she loved. So many cute catchy songs that she loved. There are several cd's out there with  great short tunes. Veggie Tales dvd's and books are also good books.

Good luck and I'd like to say congrats to you for wanting to raise your children in the Lord. :)

I've raised four , check that , my wife raised four I just did what I was told .
I/we found that being evolved in the Church helped a lot
by that I mean helping with the activities at Church, like
VBS , playing softball , youth group meeting , getting the food , organizing events/trips and such .

we started them a young age and I think us being evolved made it easier on them
once they got a little older they were telling us ideas and stuff to do for Church .

there are many here , Ricky , that can help more than me but this is what we did .

the book idea is a wonderful one , it works great ! the kids loved the stories
even when I  ad-libed a little , don't ask ...

Prayers sent !

 

^^^THIS^^^

Find a church that has lots of other toddlers and fun stuff for them to all do together.

As for the part about talking to them about something they cannot see... well they can't see Santa Clause, the Easter Bunny, or the Tooth Fairy.  But I bet you have no problem talking to them about that.  It is just much easier to talk about those things because they are insignificant and trivial in the grand scheme of things.

The issue here is not that they can't physically see God or Jesus.  This is spiritual warfare, make no mistake about it.  You are being bullied, and you are intimidated... afraid to discuss your beliefs with your children.  But the eternal future of your children is at stake.  Don't settle for ignoring this issue because you are uncomfortable talking about it.  The Holy Spirit has put this on your heart or you would not have come on here asking for advice.  Stand firm with courage.

There is nothing wrong with being uncomfortable or feeling awkward about having these discussions.  I think you will find that the critical thing here is to just start.  Don't sit them down and give them a big speech about it or anything like that.  Just introduce them little by little within the context of your daily life.  Over time you will become more and more comfortable talking about this with your kids, and more importantly they will grow up feeling comfortable discussing important issues with you as things come up in life.  In the meantime, keep them in a fun church and surround them with people who are not the least bit intimidated by talking to kids about Jesus.  This will give you time to get your sea legs, so to speak.

Finally, the best advice I can give you is to just ALWAYS be honest with them and lead by example.  If you don't know the answer, don't be afraid to say so.  The next time you make a mistake and they see it, make sure you also admit your mistake in front of them.  Also, don't be afraid to apologize in front of them or even to them if the situation warrants even a small apology.  It has been said that no man stands taller than when he bends down on his knees to help a child.  I will add to that and say that no man stands taller than when he gets down on one knee, looks a child in the eye, and apologizes to them for an honest mistake they may have made.  After all, we all make mistakes from time to time.  As they get older they will come to respect you for your honesty and humility, which will serve you well 10 years down the road when they are teenagers.

This is my prayer for you:

Father, this man has come here tonight with an honest and open heart seeking advice and your wisdom on how to raise his children.  This is a good thing, and your word teaches us that no good thing will be withheld¹.  Your word also teaches us that if any man lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him².  Father, I pray that your will is accomplished in his life and the lives of his family, for that is truly the only thing that matters.

I will leave you with this scripture taken from Matthew 7:11 NIV:


Now, consider this issue settled in your own heart and trust in the Lord Jesus to bring it to pass.

1.  Psalm 84:11 NIV:  For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.
2.  James 1:5 NIV:  If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

P.S.  I also highly recommend Veggie Tales.

:D

Well these are all good answers, what I would like to add is this. Get in a Church that is comfortable to you, but make sure they Preach the Blood and believe what the Bible says, All of the Bible not just parts. If your not sure tell the Preacher you are not sure and ask him those questions. what do they believe. If he is a God called Preacher he won'r mind and he will have a smile.
Next, take the time to spend daily with your children and wife if possible and read a few scriptures, i.e. Everyday. Some people have Golf or ballgames or etc. you have a once in a liftetime chance to put your children first.
Next, let your children see you pray so they will understand and ask why. You can tell them God is the Master and is a Good God but he answers on his time.
Next really important. DON"T be ashamed to let them see you cry. Crying in front of your children  is love and is Not a Weakness. It is the strongest form of Strength there is, it takes a mighty big man to cry with his children.
Next try to explain love between people, show love, talk about love, your love for them, and your Wife.
Next, when you get in Church, if the Lord moves you don't be afraid to go to the Altar and pray some people think it is a curse they are so scared, so the children never learn what the true meaning of the Altar in God's House is really for.
I am so proud of you, and for you. One thing to remember, never go to a place you would not want them to go or wear clothes you would not want them to wear. Realy big no language you wouldn't want them to say. They are so sharp with DAD they will follow him in all his travels to an age.
This is what the Lord put on my heart. You made my day. I will be praying for this all over and I hope you know this. God Bless.
If you want to talk you can have my e-mail or phone numbers. As God says we love you and family. God Bless!

My wife and I started reading Bible stories to our son when he was about 18 mos. old (both from the Bible and a children's story book). He also attends SS, which I think has re-enforced what we have told him at home better than anything. We also have been able to get him to memorize some scripture (he is almost 4 now, by the way), with my wife putting the words to a simple musical tune. I am not completely sure that he understands everything he hears about God, but I think he has some grasp of who He is and who Jesus is. One of the best things in the world is for him/her to see how much YOU love Christ and how He is the priority in your life. Children learn so much through watching you, and I guarantee God will use you to reach out to them. God Bless you in desire to see that your kids know our Savior.

These are some great recommendations already listed above. I will make mine short and sweet.

1. Get them in a good church that has a good kids program.
2. Read bible stories to them. Read anything to them for that matter.
3. Show you love them.

Amen!

Great advice everyone.

The only thing I would add is just remember that the way you live your life is the BEST teaching tool there is.  Show them that you love the Lord with all your heart.

Amen!

yes sir ... Amen !

and LW , I really like that pic of Coach Bryant  , that is how I remember him  8)

I worked in the daycare at my daughter's Christian School. I had the 2 year old class. At that age, even though the attention span is short, they are just soaking up information.  My 10 children learned a Bible verse every week. They would recite it to their parents on Friday's when the parents picked them up. We colored pictures and I read stories about the verse all week. I think that was one of my most rewarding jobs. I KNEW I was helping the children.

Thank you all for your advice and encouragement. I've been thinking about each post as they appear, already had written out a reply twice. Took me a long time, and I wanted to attach a picture so you all could see the little guys and girl we were talking about. Both times, when I thought I was attaching the image, everything went away. I gave up, but again, I am grateful for all the thought, effort and insight that went into each post.

Here is the picture:

(http://www.crimsonredsports.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=766.0;attach=188)

You sir, are a blessed man.

#+

You are absolutely right!!! These guys are like air to me. No wonder I want to be a good Daddy, huh? Thank you Supercoach.

God has Blessed you so well. Just remember what you do for them today is going to be a reward or a bad judgement tomorow. You and wife should share a family pic sometime and see them beam in your smiles. God Bless.

What beautiful children. I bet they are a handful. I am sure you will do a fine job raising them.

I see a future Bama cheerleader, quarterback, wide receiver and linebacker in that picture.

She is already falling into the role of the quarterback. ;)

If she has a good arm maybe she can pitch for the softball team.  ;)

Adorable children, misfit. And well parented it seems, since three of four have Bama attire on. :D

misfit, having raised two boys, I can tell you that your kids are an absolute sponge at this age. Not just for what you say - how you conduct yourself. I am far from perfect, but I can give you a little advice. First of all let them see that you love their mama. They need to see a strong husband/wife relationship. Second, but more importantly, let them see you love the Lord. There should be no question of how you handle situations in your life - let them see a Godly man in every aspect of your life. Thirdly, don't just take them to church - get the whole family to a church that teaches God's Word and has a loving environment. Finally, read Biblically based books to them. I agree with one of the other posters - Veggie Tales rocks!

Thanks Carl, great advice...you and coach both mentioned veggietales....song stuck in my head now..."if it doesn't have a tail it's not a monkey, if it doesn't have a tail it's not a monkey it's an ape."  amazing all the kids songs I've learned, tough sometimes not to sing them at work where it's all big people..."got a wiggle in my toe, oh Barney don't you know, I'd love to stop the wiggle, cause it makes me want to giggle..."
Seriously though, I do need and appreciate all the insight...from everyone. Especially about treating their mother the way God intends for me to.