Spirituality- How effective are your prayers??

How effective are your prayers??

2 Kings 19:14-19

Hezekiah was a good and faithful king. He consulted God about every aspect of his life whether it was personal or business. He remained faithful and obeyed all the commands the Lord had given Moses, the Lord was with him. He placed his faith in God's strength.

Hezekiah often became the target of warring nations. The king of Assyria, which was a much more powerful nation, made plans to overthrow Hezekiah’s kingdom.

Throughout the stressful time in leadership, Hezekiah consistently used the same battle plan.

He went before the Lord in prayer. Hezekiah relied on prayer to rule his life. This king knew how to pray and he prayed in a way that got results.

What can we learn from listening in as Hezekiah prayed?

1.Hezekiah got alone with God. There is prayer like we do at church, and there is prayer where a few are gathered. But probably some of the most effective prayer time of your life will be the time you invest alone with God.

Hezekiah’s prayer was immediate. His prayer wasn’t an afterthought. It was prior to making his plans. We are so geared to react when we are faced with problems that it’s hard for us to go first to God. He may be second or third but more often than not, not first. We need to develop a discipline and habit to make God the first place we turn in our lives no matter what the situation may be. Like Hezekiah.

2.Hezekiah’s prayer was open and honest. Hezekiah was transparent before the Lord. Hezekiah took the letter, went to the house of the Lord, and spread it out before Him. How often do we write our problems down and take them before the Lord?

3.Hezekiah’s prayer was honoring, humble, and respectful of who God is. Hezekiah knew his place as king—and he knew God’s place in the Kingdom. Hezekiah was king of a nation and that is an important job, yet Hezekiah willingly humbled himself in prayer, because he knew his place before the King of kings.

4.Hezekiah’s prayer was bold. He said, “Give ear, O LORD, and hear; open your eyes, O LORD….” Hezekiah had the kind of relationship with God where it wasn’t a surprise when Hezekiah showed up to pray. They talked frequently; probably throughout the day. Because of that relationship, Hezekiah didn’t wonder if God would be there when he came before Him. He knew he could ask God to act on his behalf.

The more you grow in your relationship with God, the bolder your prayers can become, because the more your heart will begin to line up with God’s heart.

5.Hezekiah’s prayer was dependent. In verses 17–18 he prays, “It is true, O LORD, that the Assyrian kings have laid waste these nations and their lands.” Hezekiah knew he was out of his league facing the Assyrians. From the way I see that Hezekiah responded to life, however, I don’t think it mattered the size of the battle. Hezekiah was going to depend on God. Every time. In every situation.

6.Hezekiah’s prayer was certain. Because it was based on his personal faith and trust in God. In verse 19, Hezekiah prayed, “Now, O LORD our God, deliver us from his hand, so that all kingdoms on earth may know that you alone, O LORD, are God.”

7.Hezekiah had a faith in God that allowed him to pray with confidence. You need to understand that faith is always based on the promises of God. Some things God has promised to do—and some He hasn’t. God has promised to always get glory for Himself and always work things for an ultimate good.

Even when Hezekiah was sick and near death, (2 Kings 20:1-6) he believed that if he went boldly before God and wept, the God that he served would answer his prayers. And indeed God added on 15 more years to his life.

What sort of relationship do you have with God? What sort of challenges are you facing right now? Do you truly believe that if you take your problems before God, he will surely answer your prayers?

Get alone with God and request a one on one with him, spread your problems before him, honestly, humbly and boldly, then allow his will to be done, as you wait in him for his response.  Be blessed.

Entering into your child's world

The saying "No time to play", emphasizes the need to be part of our children's everyday life.
Every child deserves the best possible start and support to live out his/her potentials in life. Children experience their most rapid physical, cognitive, social, emotional and spiritual development in their formative years and family has the most significant influence on young children. Which is why parents need to create time to be part of their children's everyday life from cradle, this helps you to identify and meet their daily needs.

Facets of child development.

   Children develop in four areas- increase in  wisdom (intellectual), stature(physical),in favour with God (spiritual) and man (social). When a child is born into this world he is underdeveloped.  The parents and other caregivers support and promote his development by meeting his basic human needs. The child's basic needs can be grouped into 4 categories.
1). Socio-emotional development.  As parents, you need to help him learn how to relate to his environment and co-exist with people around him. Teach him to love, respect and appreciate others.  Teach him social etiquette and the use of polite qnd respectful words like, "Excuse me", "I am sorry", "Thank you" and please.  You also meet his emotional needs by showering him love,affection and appreciation.

2). Physical development. You must provide your child with nutritious and health food, good water,appropriate clothing and clean, conducive living environment. Ensure he gets regular medical checkups and enough exercise to remain physically fit.

3). Intellectual development. As  a child grows and develops,he becomes very inquisitive about his surrounding. As parent, you should assume the place of an alternative teacher and help the child to acquire formal education.  You should be available to answer his numerous questions and enlighten him about things that of interest to him and those that pose a threat to him. Spend time to understudy him to know what he enjoys and do those things with him, even if you dont enjoy them. Provide materials to that will help build his intelligence quotient(IQ) by tasking his brain purposefully and positively.

4). Spiritual and moral development.  Education without christ is incomplete.  Your child will never live a balanced and fulfilled life if he doesnt know Jesus. So lead him to the saviour and teach him spiritual principles such as obedience to God's word and abstaining from all appearance of evil..

Source:-unknown

Please accept my apologies. ......

Welcome back. I'm apologizing for the long silent.  It was due to some technicalities. Glad to be back.

Thinking corner......
close yours eyes and imagine the best version of you possible. That's who you really are, let go of any part that doesnt believe it.-C.Assaad

Ten virtues you should teach your children.

It is very important to teach good virtues to growing children.  It helps them to build good characters leading to a happy and successful life.
You can teach them these virtues by tell stories that brings out these strong characters in them and  you know a story told to a child sticks to their memories.

1.Honesty
They say its the best policy.  Teaching a child to tell the truth no matter what is great gain even if they still get punished .
2. Cleanliness
They say is next to Godliness.  They have to learn to always be clean in body, clothings, study area,after playing in a room-tidy it up.
Teach them basic chores of cleaning up after themselves and the negative effect of being untidy or unhygienic.
3. Non violence
Children need to know that word or action  taking in anger  or envy has equal consequences.  They have to be as polite and calm as can be. Teach them no violence in action,thoughts and speech. Teach to love, forgive show mercy and compassion to others.
4. Contentment
Children need to be taught to be satisfied with what thier parents provide for them. If they learn to be contented with thier food,snack,toys etc it will discouraged the act of stealing. Contentment leads to happiness.
5. Consciousness
Children must be taught that life has a purpose and there is a higher being -God,controlling there universe.  They should be aware of their purpose and be focused on fulfilling It.

6. Self analysis
You must teach your children to listen to their thoughts, speech and consider their actions always. Self analysis will help them to be guided by themselves and improve themselves.
7. Non possessiveness
This is the act of giving and not expecting anything in return.  Teach them -it is more important to serve. They should not have more than they  need that a time.
8. Satisfaction
Children should know, when they are content with what they have,they are like kings and king who Is not satisfied with what he has is like a beggar.
9. Self surrender
Teaching children to self surrender to God brings out amazing talents in them especially at a tender age. Although its not easy to explain it to them. Self  surrender to God leads them to faith and sincerity.
10. Austerity
Teaching children Austerity of the mind helps them to be free of negative thoughts or ideas.  You can also teach them Austerity of the physical body -engaging in sport activities helps build discipline, endurance, obedience and strengthens the body. Teaching them how to choose words wisely and effectively is Austerity of speech and communication.

The ability to inculcate these virtues in them will help be successful people, you would be proud of.

10 Ways to Make Your Child Eat Vegetables

10 Ways to Make Your Child Eat Vegetables

Toddlers and young kids do not want to eat vegetables. For parents it becomes a difficult task to make their children eat healthy. Read on to learn simple and proven ways to make your child eat vegetables.

When it comes to persuading your child to eat vegetables, it is advisable to be determined, but if you are pushy, things might get worse. Just remember that your purpose should be to make your child like most vegetables so that she is able to make healthy choice on her own in life.

So, try to help start your child develop healthy eating habits so that the bonding begins. Keep in mind that if you show her how much you enjoy the produce, she will get encouraged and enjoy the food a lot.


10 Simple Ways to Help your Child Like and Eat Vegetables

Here is how you can help your child like eating vegetables.

1. Set an Example

Research shows that children usually model the eating habits of their parents. So, if you opt for lots of vegetables and fresh fruits as well as other healthy eating options, your kids are going to like them too. Moreover, healthy eating is going to benefit you no matter what the reason would be to switch to it.

2. Make Sure Your Child is Hungry at Meal Time

For this you will have to make sure that your child does not opt for any filling snack or lot of junk, at least 2 – 3 hours prior to meal. Children eat well and what they are served when they are hungry.

3. Make a Schedule

Children need feeding in every three to four hours. So, it is advisable to make a schedule and let your child know what she is going to have for the next meal or snack time. For snacks also you can prepare something healthy at home and add vegetables to them as well.

4.Cut Down on Fast Food

Children obviously get attracted towards fast food and there are many reasons behind that. However, if you do not allow fast food items in your house and take children out once in a while for that, your children will understand that fast food can be consumed on rare occasions. This will automatically draw them towards eating healthy food including fruits and vegetables.

5. Educate Your Child

Even if your child is not old enough to understand about vitamins and minerals, you should tell her which of the vegetables is good for bones or blood or any other important part of our body. When your child will know what a specific vegetable does when eaten, she will definitely start eating it and after some time she will start liking it as well.

6. Plan Meals Beforehand

It is always good to plan what you are going to cook beforehand so that you have enough time for the preparation. This will save you from cooking anything on short notice and also save you from serving something unhealthy to your child. On the other hand if you will plan meals in advance you will be able to pay attention to cooking a balanced meal.

7. Involve Your Kids

Children like the meal that they help prepare or even serve. Engage your child not only when cooking, but also when you go buying vegetables and grocery. If you have some space in your backyard or even on terrace, start a kitchen garden and teach your children how to plant and harvest. This will make them have a sense of pride and will make them more enthusiastic and cooperative during meal time as well.

8. Make Food Enjoyable

If your child is young you can relate healthy foods to fun things that your child recognises and loves. You can also turn feeding vegetables into a game so that she has sufficient amount of green stuff for the day.

9. Reward Good Behaviour

It is human nature to get encouraged when praised. So, whenever you find that your child has behaved well especially during meal time, you should reward your child. You will find that praising your child has helped her keep trying new vegetables. You will find that your child rates food positively often.

10. Have Patience and Keep Trying

Some children are difficult as compared to others especially when it comes to eating vegetables. However, you should not give up trying. Instead, have patience and put in more effort with a positive attitude. Try to solve picky eating problem as early as possible.

When you are trying to make your child eat vegetables, you should not forget that children do not see the world as adults do. They are not aware of health and about the impact of food on health. So, you need to make them understand the importance of green vegetables by using their style. This will make your effort more effective.

Source :- India Parenting.com

Parents Worst Nanny Nightmares

Published On February 22, 2015   By Yetty Williams » 

One of a parents worst nanny nightmares is probably finding out that your nanny is abusing your baby or child. It is a universal problem as discussed on a recent ABCs 20/20 when a mother, Whitney Matney from Springdale, Arkansas discovered just this. Read on for some of the ways a parent can protect themselves and their children from this danger.

• Do an in-home trial. In addition to screening through interviews as well as employee references and background checks (these are necessary), it is essential to spend time observing her in the home prior to hiring. Remember, anyone can be great in an interview. During the trial, ask the nanny to do everything that will be required of her while you are out of the home. Observe her, leave, and pop back in unannounced. Have others drop by unannounced as well. If you have a video camera, monitor how the candidate is doing.
• State the obvious. Early on openly lay down the laws at the outset for what you expect and what you will not tolerate. For example, you might say, “We do not want you to ever raise your voice or hit our child”.
• Monitor. During the first few weeks, monitor your nanny.  If you do not have a camera, ask friends, family members or other babysitters to drop by unannounced often and regularly to see what is happening in the home.
• Look for a child’s change in behaviour. if your child displays a radical shift in behaviour, immediately investigate. There will be some natural time to get used to a new caregiver but you do not want to overlook any changes in behaviour which can affect your child negatively down the line.
• Create a work agreement up front. Your nanny’s main job is to care for your child. It is best to outline that cleaning or other household tasks should only be done when the child is sleeping. By creating a work agreement, you can talk through what is expected. 

There are many wonderful nannies out there and it is important to remember this, time to screen, monitor and communicate with a nanny can usually reduce the incidences of bad stories that one hears.
Read more from Yahoo Parenting
 

source- Lagosmums