The crossroads between faith and parenting has been a hot topic in the blog and social media world lately. Moms and dads are raise up children who love the Lord and are hungry for advice and resources to help in that area.
Include me in that list.
This parenting deal isn’t for couch potatoes or cowards. Raising the gifts God has given us takes work, courage and PRAYER – I could go on and on.
I think this helps explain the recent success of sites such as The MOB Society, Raising Homemakers, and the soon-to-be MOD Squad. Connection with other parents in the same boat gives us ideas, encouragement and hope.
I was so honored to be part of the Gather Inspirit web TV show this past Tuesday on the topic of faith and parenting. You can watch the replay here (look for it in the right-hand column) and hear from myself and Brooke, members of the MOD Squad and sweet, sweet Abby from Tommy Nelson.
And today, Gather Inspirit is hosting a link up about this very subject – faith in parenting. So I thought I would add my two cents.
I think there is a natural intersection between parenting and faith – in no other area of my life have I been made more aware of the great love of the Father, not to mention my immense need for Him.
And in my search to discover the “best” way to raise my boys to love the Lord, God has led me to another natural intersection – that of my boys’ everyday life and faith.
Our four-year-old’s life and personality provide for two perfect openings.
#1 – He loves to talk.
#2 – He is ALWAYS watching.
Pair these two together and we have LOTS to talk about. And plenty of opportunities to bring faith into the conversation.
But here is the key: I have to be LISTENING and WILLING TO ENGAGE when these opportunities present themselves.
I’ve seen God open major doors in these precious moments. Even when the conversation started with Toy Story.
I am by no means in a place to give advice about this crazy adventure of parenting, but I am thankful for a God who uses us just as we are when we make ourselves available.
To Him and to our children.
Want to read more about this topic? Head on over to Gather Inspirit to check out other bloggers’ thoughts on faith in parenting!
And if you like what you read here, you can get more of Home with the Boys in your reader or by e-mail!
I'm Erin, a wife, boy mom x 3, writer, and runner in Nebraska! I'm excited to share all my favorites relating to faith, family, fashion, and fitness in this space! Enjoy! 
“This parenting deal isn’t for couch potatoes or cowards. ” Love that quote! So true!
There is nothing that brings me to my knees asking God for help than parenting my girls. I know that I cannot do it without Him. It is a crazy adventure, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Thanks for the great article on faith and parenting. Found you through the BuzzHive. Following you and hope you’ll follow back at http://www.coolestmommy.com.
Thanks!
“Raising the gifts God has given us takes work, courage and PRAYER”
Amen sister, Amen!
Loved my time with you on Gather TV! Cheering you on as you raise men of God!
Stacey
Oh wow Erin! So true we do have to be willing to listen and engage. Take the opportunities when the come available. We never know what they will learn from those opportunities God gives us! I love this post! 🙂
Parenting is much harder in so many ways than I imagined it would be.
“But here is the key: I have to be LISTENING and WILLING TO ENGAGE when these opportunities present themselves.” What a GREAT reminder… thank you! ♥ Michelle
Great post. What’s most interesting for me is that my 5 year old takes after his dad…he doesn’t like to talk. And I LOVE to talk, so it’s hard for me to understand. But when he DOES start chatting about school or friends or anything at all…I’m ALL EARS! Sometimes I think he really benefits more from having someone listen intently than all the times I’m trying to teach him some thing about Jesus by all my talking AT him.
I’m your newest follower from Gather Inspirit. Great post! I love your comment about listening and being willing to engage. That’s how the teachable moments occur!