My boys may look alike and share a common love for God and basketball, but don’t let that fool you…they are VERY different.

One is structured, the other is free spirited. One likes people but appreciates his ’alone time,’ the other thrives around people and could be around them 24/7. One takes quite awhile to fix his hair, the other combs it on his way out the door.

I think you get my point.

So, in raising these very different young men, there certainly isn’t a one size fits all guide to parenting…but thankfully, there are Biblical principles that apply across the board.

The first time I heard Tommy Nelson‘s teaching, “The Eight Essentials of a Healthy Home,” I was in my mid twenties, not married and not even thinking about having children. In fact, I was at a singles Bible study. 

To my surprise, I loved the teaching so much, I bought the CD (remember those?) and listened to it over and over again. 

Talk about #parentinggoals (and this was before hashtags were a thing) 

To this day, no other parenting message has STUCK with me and given me practical parenting instruction like this has.  

I recently found the teaching on the Focus on the Family website and I listened to it again (and again). I tell you, Biblical Principles never get old! 

It’s my go to parenting guide and I highly recommend it to anyone, whether you’re seeking parenting advice or not. 

Here’s a little teaser of what you’ll hear…

What do you do if your child has a hard time “listening” to you? 

Proverbs 22:15 says,  “Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far away.” 

Pastor Tommy Nelson (with his strong Texas twang) says it this way, “A child can have earwax buildup…but if you’ll heat his rear end up about 15 degrees, it’ll melt right out. It’s amazing!” ???

You’ll laugh, you’ll cry (I know I did)…but most importantly, you’ll learn.

May we all become better parents, aunts, uncles and even grandparents through the teaching of God’s Word.

Click on the links below to listen to the full teaching. (You might have to copy & paste the link to your internet browser, but it’s worth the effort)

– Binu

#titus25initiative

? credit: JustInspiredVisuals