"Good bye sweetie"

We have recently put Madeline in public school, after homeschooling for 2 years. She's having a great time getting to know other kids her age. When I dropped her off she said to me, "Good bye Sweetie! I mean Mommy! I love you!" with a big grin on her face. That's what I say to her every morning, "Good bye Sweetie! I love you!" It occurred to me again that children are little sponges and they soak up what we as parents, and children's leaders, say and do. Kids often echo the adults in their lives. They are also soaking up the TV and media that they are watching. Not only do we need to be careful about what they are watching but what we are saying, whether it's gossip, slander and critical, or loving, compassionate and kind. Be intentional about planting words of hope and security in your kids' lives today. They need to know you love them and that Jesus loves them. Today I am praying this for my kids: Psalm 5:11, "But let all who take refuge in You be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread Your protection over them, that those who love Your Name may rejoice in you. For surely, O Lord, You bless the righteous; You surround them with Your favor as with a shield." Let my words and actions reflect the Lord so that my kids' lives will as well. As they grow they will know Him at a young age.