I Visited Atlanta, GA For One Specific Reason

I was in Atlanta for the first time this past weekend. I've heard a lot about how nice it is there, how there's plenty to do, but that wasn't my reason for going. I have been feeling pretty strongly about not taking things for granted ever since August 2007 when I was in the hospital. My husband drove 6 hrs so I could be seated in Dr. Charles Stanley's church on Mother's Day. I have the upmost respect for this man of God. I have listened to his teachings for years and I always wanted to hear him teach in person, walk inside his church, sit in his sanctuary. And, let me tell you, it was so cool to see him in the flesh instead of on my television screen. Kinda sounds like I'm idolizing, I know, but I'm really not. I idolize no man or thing. But there are people I do admire and Dr. Charles Stanley tops that list.

Since it was Mother's Day, the message was about training up a child. I took notes as I always do when I attend church, and I'd like to share them. Dr. Stanley spoke and I kept on writing even if he didn't say to write this down. I'm sure I missed a few things, but this is what I have in my notebook:

Every child is a gift from God
We're raising children in a warfare. The enemy (Satan) has them targeted and if they're not raised well they will be destroyed by the wicked

Do not let anyone undermine your faith

Proverbs 22:6 - Train (dedicate yourself to that child) up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it

If you don't train your child someone else will - deal with your children with purpose and a sense of direction

Doesn't say train them all the same way (referring to those who have more than one child) - each child is different; can't pull them all into the same mold

Read Deuteronomy 6:1-9 (verse 7 is especially important)

Continually talk to your children about Jesus, teach them diligently - our relationship to God should dominate every aspect of our lives

Christians are to live by the Word of God - demonstrate the life of Christ

It's our spirit, our desire; not how much we know as far as quoting Bible verses

Have a heart for your children

Generation of technically minded children, but a lot of them need Jesus

Don't give your kids everything they want, but what they need - love & attention. Parents have an awesome responsiblity; a kid who feels unloved never knows where he/she is going. Love is a powerful thing. When children don't feel it they will find some way to fill that void.

Don't just pass on information, give of yourself

Teach children to love and obey, discipline them because you love them

The Bible is God's authority, not just another book - it is the Word of God Christians should live by

A Godly mother wants the best for her child and she will sacrifice not even seeing it as a sacrifice.

Do not be careless with the most precious thing God has put in your hands.

Training Up Children

1. Spend quality (wisely invested) time with your child

2. Listen carefully to what they say

3. Admit when you're wrong - it will not lessen or degrade you; we're all wrong at some point

4. Love them unconditionally (because they know the difference)

5. Discipline them motivated by a desire to protect, not because you're angry -

do not allow Satan to take you down

6. Motivate them (so that they desire to do their best, be their best)

7. Carefully lead them to accept the truth that they are accountable to God -

do not give them any reason to rebel against you.

8. A personal relationship with Jesus is the most important thing - make sure they know this

9. Spending time with God every day on their knees (honoring God) is necessary

10.God has a plan for their lives

11. Obey God and leave all the consequences to Him

Lord willing, this won't be the last time I visit Atlanta. I went with my husband and youngest son this time. Next time I hope my oldest will be able to join us. We plan to stay longer than just the weekend. We may visit the aquarium and whatever else I really don't know (if you have any suggestons feel free to leave a comment), but we certainly will visit First Baptist Atlanta again.