God's whisper today

 

So as I write this blog entry, my daughter is folding clothes. The dishes are put away, beds are made and Doug is sitting in the living room talking with Kobe. 

PEACE...

Clean house...

Calm...

But you see yesterday this was not the case in our home. Yesterday there was chaos. There was frustration. There were clothes in the dryer, dishes piled up, mess on the floor, and bedrooms unkept. We had parents who were exasperated, kids who were getting in trouble, and a home in disarray!

What changed you ask?  Well, let me remind you that today is TUESDAY!  And today is the day my hubby and I keep our little secret that I wrote about last week. Things seem to happen on Tuesdays! 

Today I spent some time in God's word. I prayed for Him to whisper in my ear (or scream in my face!). Our family wheels weren't running smoothly...we had disarray...what do we do Lord?  

Today it came...as I sat on my porch with my Bible and cup of coffee...it came...

Psalm 23:4b "...your rod and your staff they comfort me!" 

I am sure there is some theological meaning for this verse. I am sure there is a commentary on the true meaning of this verse. But, today, on the porch, God whispered...

"Jen, you have the staff...you are using it like crazy with your kids...talking with them, explaining to them, giving positive reinforcement, teaching them my word. But Jen, your kids also need the rod. They need the discipline. The hard consequence. The tangible consequence to their behavior. Something they can feel. They need to know what is expected of them and they need to "feel" a consequence when they don't comply!"

                                                                   -God to me...

Now, let me explain. I am not saying God told me to spank my children! 

I am saying that He reminded me that both the positive guidance and the hard consequences will BRING COMFORT to my children!  My children might "feel" the consequence by having to go to bed early, or having to miss a football game, or not being able to play Wii. They simply were not feeling it from our words and explanations. God reminded me through His whisper that the rod also brings comfort.Kids thrive on explicit expectations, structure, routine and tangible consequences. 

THE STAFF AND THE ROD!

I have known this. I have taught on this. I needed the reminder! 

Thank you for the whisper Lord!