Don’t Make Me Count To Three! – Appendix A, B, and C

Wow!  I can’t believe this book study is at an end!  However, my journey through the hills, valleys, and curves of parenting will continue.  It’s been good for me to take a nosedive into this book and work to write my weekly reviews.  I appreciate you tagging along while I’ve been working some things out in my heart.  I hope this has been beneficial to you as well.

Appendix A

I am glad that Ginger included a clear explanation of how to become a Christian.  After all, living as a Christian and obeying God’s commands is the foundation for this entire book.  Perhaps someone picked this book off the Barnes & Noble shelf because of the catchy title, but they have never truly learned what it means to follow God.  It is also helpful to use her simple language when talking to our children about becoming a Christian.

Appendix B

This appendix spoke to my heart.  I have often witnessed children “walking the aisle” and being baptized, but not truly having the understanding (or sometimes desire) to live and grow in the faith.  Giving our children a false assurance of salvation simply because they prayed a prayer or made a commitment at youth camp can be a huge stumbling block.  The best way for our children to understand what it means to live as a Christian is to give them an example in the way we live our life.  Spending time in the Word, praying, repenting and asking forgiveness when we sin against our children, and striving to please God are the best ways for us to demonstrate God’s plan of salvation to our children.  What a huge responsibility!  Like Ginger, I would encourage parents to be thankful and encouraging when children make a profession of faith, but not be so quick to baptize and join the church until there is evidence of a desire to please God in their life. 

Appendix C

My favorite part of this appendix was the section called “What Should We Pray?” on pg. 148-150.  I made a copy of this and I am going to keep it on my bedside table as a constant reminder of all the ways I want to pray for our daughter.  All 15 prayer requests that Ginger listed are things that I want to be answered for our daughter, Grace.  According to her unique personality, the ones that stand out to me are:

• #1 – Pray that our children would come to salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.
• #4 – Pray that the Lord would implant into their hearts a hunger and thirst for Him.
• #10 – Pray that they would use their gifts and talents to honor the Lord.
• #11 – Pray that they would have freedom from fear as they trust in the Lord.
• #13 – Pray that the Lord would bring godly mates into their lives.

The only thing I would add is to make sure that I am praising God and giving thanks for the privilege of raising her.  There were many years that I thought we would never be able to have a child, and I just can’t stop being grateful for becoming a mom, even though at times I feel wholly inadequate.  I know that I will never be a perfect parent because I have a sinful nature, but my desire is to raise her as faithfully as possible, showing appreciation for my answered prayer.

Thanks again for riding along on this journey through the book and reading my ramblings!  I’d love to hear feedback about your experiences or thoughts after finishing the book.  I’ve enjoyed reading the comments and e-mails that I’ve received over the past weeks.  It’s nice to know I’m not alone when facing all those tough parenting issues!  Many blessings to you along the journey!