Quotes of note…

“The heart is the source of everything you feel, think, say, or do.”

Definition of heart: “the causal core of your personhood.”

“There’s nothing that comes out of the mouth of a drunk that wasn’t in his heart when he was sober.”

“Lasting change in a human being always travels through the pathway of the heart.”

“Your words always reveal your heart.”

{from Session 3: Targeting the Heart, Getting to the Heart of Parenting, Dr. Paul David Tripp}

These quotes were all part of a lesson on parenting. Why? Because we need to stop trying to control and managing our kids’ behavior and start working toward changing their hearts. Heart change deals with the source, whereas behavioral change deals with the symptoms of a “rotten” heart and can only be controlled so long as the individual is in a controlled environment.

Everything a person says and does is a result of his {her} heart overflowing. Whatever controls his {her} heart will shape his {her} behavior.

The problem with targeting heart change is that it takes a lot more time and effort because heart change is progressive – not instantaneous. As parents, we tend to be lazy and selfish, looking for quick fixes to our kids’ behavioral issues, often settling for temporary fixes {via threats, manipulations, and/or guilt trips} in lieu of delving into the heart issues behind the behaviors.

As Christian parents, we must seek progressive long-term change in our children – this is the goal of parenting.

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Hiding God’s Truths in My Heart

{If you can’t see the video, please visit the blog.}

If you’ve hidden God’s truths in YOUR heart this week, be sure to link up below.

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1000 Gifts…

#61 – Miraculous Moments for Moms {2.5 hours of free childcare}

#62 – God-given direction and guidance for my next eBook

#63 – two hours of uninterrupted writing time

#64 – our local library

#65 – making connections with potential for growing my platform

#66 – Starbucks dates with my best friend during AWANA

#67 – a friend who watches David on Wednesday nights during AWANA

#68 – my DVR

#69 – having a Christian college in our “backyard” = quality babysitters available

#70 – a husband who is as excited about the adoption process as I am

#71 – last minute openings that fit our crazy schedule

#72 – peace in the midst of a potential crisis

#73 – said crisis being a non-issue

#74 – Skype

#75 – long car rides that grow my patience

#76 – safety in travels

#77 – good times with family

#78 – a mommy who I can still cuddle with and share my heart with {even though I’m 27 years old, married, and have kids of my own}

#79 – a beautiful celebration of a Christian marriage

#80 – not getting carsick when I read in the car

#81 – my husband being willing to drive so I can read on long trips

#82 – hearing “Thank you for dinner!” and not being taken for granted

#83 – the gift of music

#84 – a wonderful body of believers with whom I gather each Sunday

#85 – praise and worship songs that lead me to the throne of God

#86 – gifted speakers that are able to fill the pulpit to give our pastor a break

#87 – an opportunity to get to know friends better over food and fellowship

#88 – a “restful” Sunday afternoon

#89 – downtime with my husband

#90 – cuddles with a sleeping little man

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Link up your Hiding God’s Truths in My Heart Posts:

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