There’s Only Two Things a Parent Can Do

Jan 21, 2015 by Jim and Jerolyn Bogear

 

I had lunch with a friend today whose son is on an around the world trip and has been for the last year. He’s 19 years old. She was telling about the wonderful adventures he has had and some of the pictures she has seen of him. Like him hanging onto the side of a cliff face. Or using couchsurfing.com to find a place to sleep for the night. I finally said, “Can you imagine how you would feel as a mother if he didn’t know the Lord and was out doing all that?”

You see, there are many things from which we can protect our children. We can control their TV watching, what friends they hangout with, the food they eat and the time they go to bed. But even that is not perfect. Short of locking them in a bubble, we cannot protect them from everything.

We have only two options: Do what we can in establishing a solid, loving foundation and trust God. That’s it.

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Praying With Your Children…not just for them

Nov 5, 2014 by Jim and Jerolyn Bogear

 

This week our son, Shay, once again had shoulder surgery. The first shoulder surgery, a few years ago, did not correct the problem. We are praying this one works as the doctor indicated clearly there were still problems from when Shay tore his labrum.

His mom was able to be with him and assist as needed since they are living in the area, and Haley, his wife, is out of the country.

I was privileged to simply pray with Shay before he left the house. He is still and always will be “my boy” no matter how old and big and strong he gets. It reminded me again of this privilege of not only being a parent but also praying over and with our kids.

Maybe this is just for me, but I would invite you to lean over my shoulder and listen in to the lesson I was reminded again of praying with and for our kids:

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What is the Most Important Parenting Action?

Oct 20, 2014 by Jim and Jerolyn Bogear

 

We talk a lot about ways to raise your children – establishing a vision for your family – establishing a list of values – training your children in these values – modeling the values for your children, etc. But today is about the most important action you can take to help your children grow into the healthy, loving, productive adults we all want them to be.

Sometimes you resort to this activity when you are at your wits end and have no idea what else to do. But this is something you should be doing at least once a day for your child.

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Beyond Lip Service

Jan 15, 2014 by Jim and Jerolyn Bogear

 

Several years ago when the kids were small, we were visiting my brother and sister-in-law in Ohio. One day while I was watching my nephew’s baseball game, our two oldest, Lauren and Shay, were playing tag in the beautiful park in which the ball field sat. Giant oaks filled the park with wonderful places to escape from being tagged. Suddenly a piercing scream filled the park.  It was my son. When I got to Shay, blood was pouring from his face. He had been running full-tilt from his sister. Turned to look back to see where she was. Then turned forward again to meet an oak tree head on.

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