Day 2 - How do we effect others? Do you understand that every action, every word, every decision is effecting others?

GENESIS 4:1-5:32; 1CHRONICLES 1:1-4; GENESIS 6:1-22 (NIV): Day 2

After reading these passages today I learned that every thing we do effects those around us. Even when we don't want it to or intend on it touching some one else. Just think, how we treat our children, how we talk to our children, how we talk to those around us... it is picked up, learned, and used by our children. Have you ever sat and talked to a good friends, lets say, 5 year old? When they are telling you a story does their body language, their tone of voice, their eye connection, and/or their words sound familiar? Does it remind you of your friend? I hear the words I say come back back to me 99% of the time from my children. Not only the good ones such as I love you, thank you, please, but more often the bad ones... I said no, don't ask again, how many times do I have to tell you... Although at times it is hard not to laugh that they are saying the very words I have spoken, I teach a double standard in telling them to not talk to me in that manor! Many times have I said something to my kids to think to myself at the very end of the sentence, "Man I sound just like my mom!". I can just see each of my kids now telling their kids the exact things I have said to them instead of having the patience, the time for, and the love for... What am I teaching my kids when I am too busy doing something that seems important to me at the time and not stop what I am doing and help my child, play with my child, or just be there for them?
In today's reading we start with Cane and Abel. Cane's offerings were not in the Lords favor although Abel's were. Cane could not except that he needed to work harder and do what the Lord was calling of him to receive the Lords favor. Instead, he took his brother to a field and killed him. Cane's sin took hold of his life. How true is Romans 6:23a " . . .the wages of sin is death."? Sin that is not dealt with, not confessed, grows and takes control. When you stop sin and confess it cannot grow. We need to rule over our own life and determine do what is right. We need to recognize what sin does to us, confess, and over come!
As I look at my kids, all four of them, I do not want any of them to feel as though I am looking upon one with favor and not the others. There are different things I love and adore about each one of my children. Sean, he is a strong young man who looks to his father for guidance while trying to make a life for himself. Brooke, she is so beautiful inside and out! She loves the tender touch when you walk past her. Brianna, she is the most strong willed child we have! She is rarely indecisive, she knows what to say that will push your buttons, and she has a tendency to try to rule the house. Yet, when Brianna wants to be close to you she can say the most sweet words, give the greatest hugs, and know what you need when you need it. Jayce, our little man, he 3, we are learning more and more about him. He gives the best kisses, and I find that he compliments and says positive things to people. Each of my children are different, yet they are all loved the same. The journey each of them have gone through so far in life has come with love and the desire to be raised in a Christian home. My prayer for my children is that they all feel the love that is shared in our home. That they continue to love one another! I want to be a mother after Gods own heart and listen to His calling for my childrens' lives! Living a Godly life, teaching by example, and Teaching the Love of the Bible!

Very Respectfully,
Leslie

Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. - Ephesians 4:32