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Welcome to my podcast, Live With Eternal Perspective, I'm Terri Hitt. This podcast is for women who want to learn more about how to raise godly children and deepen their walk with the Lord. EPISODE TRANSCRIPTIONS Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode 153 - Change From a Good to Godly Woman and Mother Read Now Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode 146 - Praying Scripture - Part 1 replay Read Now Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode 145 - How to Know Truth in a Mixed-Up World of Pride Read Now Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode 144 - Life Lessons Through my Dog Read Now Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode 143 - Prayer (replay) Read Now Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode 142 - How Do My Actions Reflect God to Others? Read Now Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode 141 - Why Should I Seek Jesus Early in the Morning? Read Now Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode 140 - How to Identify False Teachers Read Now Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode 139 - Are You Really a Christian? Read Now Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode 138 - Christ, The Master Builder Read Now Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode 137 - Renewing Inwardly Through Christ Read Now Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode 136 - How to Thrive as a Christian in a World of Unbelievers Read Now Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode 135 - May It Be As You Desire, God Read Now Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode 134 - You've Trusted God with Eternity - What About Today? Read Now Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode 133 - The Power of Your Story Read Now Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode 132 - Am I Hearing You God? Read Now Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode 131 - An Eternal Perspective Life Read Now Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode 130 - Practicing Gratitude While Life Happens Read Now Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode 129 - Don't Let Lies Keep You From Living in the Fullness of Christ Read Now Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode 128 - Living to Flourish through Christ Read Now Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode 127 - Living Fully in the Moment Read Now Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode 126 - Developing a Humble Attitude Read Now Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode 125 - Willing Steward Read Now Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode 124 - Solace in Silence Read Now Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode 123 - Engaged With Eternity Read Now Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode 122 - Trials and Tragedies Read Now Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode 121 Facets of Faith Reading of Hebrews 11 Read Now Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode 120 - What the Lord Requires Read Now Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode 119 - Conquer Overwhelm Read Now Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode 118 - Biblical Friendship and Connection Read Now

Sometimes we each need someone to reach out, place an arm around our shoulder, and lead us to a resource that meets us where we are. On this page you will find materials mentioned in the podcast, and other helpful resources created to deepen your personal walk with God, designed to help you choose Christ over culture, and parent with godly confidence and connection. RESOURCES Subscribe to get exclusive updates Email* Join Our Mailing List I want to subscribe to your mailing list. Sometimes we each need someone to reach out, place an arm around our shoulder, & lead us to a resource that meets us where we are. I hope you find that embrace here. On this page you will find materials mentioned in the podcast, & other helpful resources created to deepen your personal walk with God, help you choose Christ over culture, & parent with confidence & connection. When you select “download now,” you'll be asked to sign up as a member of my email list. It doesn't have to be a long commitment; you can unsubscribe at any time. Once you've signed up, you'll have access to all current and future free resources. The goal of my heart is to continue sharing resources that reveal the joy of living with your eyes & heart focused on eternity and help you choose Christ over culture with a purpose that allows you to live & parent with confidence & connection. GOOD to GODLY: A 31-DAY SCRIPTURE & PRAYER GUIDE FOR MOMS I invite you to begin this 31-Day Scripture study designed to equip your mind and heart to shift from being a good mother to become a godly mother. The Scriptures included in this guide are shared for the purpose of drawing you closer to Christ. Discover How Your Identity is Sabotaging Your Children Do you ever get frustrated, angered, or hurt by the behaviors of your children? Is busyness reflected in your relationships and reactions? You may have unknowingly built identity on self, rather than Savior. The way you build identity will likely be passed to your children. Remember, little eyes and ears know your identity is exposed through all you do and say; how you act and react. This resource is a sample of my Set Apart Collective program for mothers who desire to parent with eternity in mind. When you discover how identity in Christ equips you to be the set-apart mother God created you to be, you'll be equipped to teach your children to be set-apart in Christ with identity built on Truth. HELP YOUR CHILD DEVELOP (GODLY) CONFIDENCE We live in a world that tells your child to trust feelings to define who they are, but God's Word instructs differently. How to Help Your Child Develop (Godly) Confidence will give you tips and Scripture to equip you to build confidence that will last and strengthen your child (and yourself) through identity in Christ. PRAYERS FOR MY CHILD Would you like to experience the power of God's word in the life of your child? Download the "Prayers for My Child" resource to learn how to offer God's word to Him as prayers designed to transform the heart of your child or grandchild into the wise and loving hands of our Heavenly Father.

I'm Terri Hitt, Christian Motherhood Mentor. I equip women to STOP being good moms - and become GODLY moms who parent with a heart for eternity and raise kids who chase Christ over culture. a Purposed Parenting Plan™️, learn a Motherhood Mindset Model™️, parent the heart of your child, not just the behavior, and learn to disciple, not punish. I also offer a weekly podcast, Purposed Parent Connected Child. Break the LIES that keep you TRAPPED... 🔗LEARN HOW IN MY BOOK Culture is competing for your child's heart. Are you intentionally shaping the faith of your child, or is culture doing it for you? Make sure you lead your child to Christ with clarity and conviction. Generational faith is never accidental. It is built intentionally. BEGIN HERE You want your children to reflect the fruit of the Spirit—but fruit grows from roots. The spiritual direction of your home begins with your identity in Christ and the condition of your own heart. If you are not purposed in forming the faith of your children in Christ moment by moment, culture will craft their identity. What are their words and actions showing you about the condition of their heart? Culture defines good by appearance, approval, and achievement. God defines good by holiness, obedience, and surrender. Which holds the most influence in your home? If the world subtly sets the standards of your home, it will shape the souls of your children. Say Good-Bye to the “Good” Mom: Discover the GODLY Woman you were created to be. You’ve listened to society, friends, and even family define what it means to live well and raise children successfully—yet you feel overwhelmed instead of overjoyed. Your home feels more chaotic than Christ-centered. Your children are more influenced by peers than by parents. Here is the truth: Nothing changes until He changes you. The way you parent flows from the condition of your heart. If your identity is shaped by the world, your motherhood will reflect it. But when your identity is anchored in Christ, your influence shapes hearts to reflect Him. I will help you discern the difference between “good” motherhood and godly formation, so you can inhale Christ’s truth and exhale His likeness into the lives of your children. Godly ways to renew your HOME & HEART Raise girls to become godly women Become the woman who seeks Him moment by moment Parent to affect generations for Jesus Strengthen connection with your children through intentional discipleship. Lead them toward Christ with clarity in a culture of competing voices. Parent with eternal perspective instead of reacting to the moment. Through Godly Girlhood, Godly Motherhood, and Godly Womanhood, the Collective equips women to build identity, refine mindset, and cultivate generational faith with purpose. TELL ME MORE! Testimonials "I am always amazed, encouraged, and inspired by listening to Terri's podcasts. She is like your modern Esther of the Bible. Terri embodies such a love for the Lord and a strong clarity about life in a confused culture. Her messages and topics are timeless and relevant. Her mission to mentor women on choosing Christ over culture and to raise children to love and follow the Lord is contagious. I have followed Terri for some time, and I am always in awe at the wonderful things stored in the treasures of her heart. May God continue to bless the work of her hand." Liz - heaven4thehome.com Remember: Your Children Were Entrusted to You Your children were entrusted to you by God for intentional discipleship and eternal influence. You were created for deep connection—with them and with Christ. Every child longs to be known and understood according to their unique design, personality, and needs. Yet no strategy, personality insight, or parenting method can substitute for spiritual formation. Only Christ’s truth can transform you into the attuned mother they need. Here is the reality: If you are not intentionally knowing Christ and showing Him to the next generation, the world will shape what they believe. Identity will be formed. The only question is by whom. Christ or culture. The world or the Way. I once wanted to be a good mom. Losing my firstborn daughter reshaped my perspective. While raising her, I believed I was following Christ. Yet in the busyness of daily life, I often responded more from cultural influence than from the Way. Grief opened my eyes. I no longer desired to be merely a good mother—but a godly one. Choosing Christ over culture is not a slogan for me. It is an ongoing commitment. If you are here, I believe you desire the same. The Story Behind My Mission Here is the truth : Christ designed connection. He knows that the way to your child’s heart is through Him. You have been entrusted with the privilege and purpose of intentional discipleship. That is why I equip you with a strategic path—tailored to your child’s design and anchored in eternal truth. JOIN THE COLLECTIVE "And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up." Deuteronomy 6:5-7 WHY being a good mom isn't enough ... FREE EBOOK GET THE FREE EBOOK You're on your way to becoming a GODLY mom! Make sure to check your spam folder so youdon't miss your free e-book! Christian Parenting Author Terri Hitt Good to Godly Book Step 1 Send me an email at info@terrihitt.com Next Steps Step 2 Fill out the application I send you. I WANT TO AFFECT GENERATIONS FOR JESUS Step 3 You're on the path to become a GODLY mom! Statement of Faith Terri Hitt believes Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior. At Terri Hitt Co., LLC, we seek to know Him more clearly and humbly depend on Jesus more each moment. We joyfully strive to equip women to leave a legacy of Christ for their family and future generations. We believe in the Truth of God’s Holy Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17) and strive to follow Jesus in life, as well as in our mentorship.

Do you desire to stop reacting in the moment and parent with purpose? Are you ready for a deeper connection with Christ and your child? Purposed Parent/Connected Child episodes focus on educating and equipping you to recognize the unique individual God entrusted to you and will empower you to partner with Him to parent with eternal perspective. Live With Eternal Perspective View all episodes Godly Motherhood View all episodes Do you desire to stop reacting in the moment and parent with purpose? Are you ready for a deeper connection with Christ and your child? Godly Motherhood episodes focus on educating and equipping you to recognize the unique individual God entrusted to you and will empower you to partner with Him to parent with eternal perspective. All episodes Are you in need of hope? Is your spirit lacking joy? Do you seek peace? Are you tired of comparison? The Live With Eternal Perspective podcast was created for women to sharpen their understanding of Jesus and uncover all He desires for us to live a rich life and deepen our love for Him. Uncover how eternal perspective extends beyond our personal walk. Cling to the truth that Jesus has a unique plan for your life and learn how to choose Him over culture. Future episodes will continue to emphasize an intentional, eternal perspective lifestyle while focusing on faith, life, relationships, parenting, and simply sitting at the feet of Jesus to mature our hearts in genuine worship and gratitude. All episodes FIND WHAT YOU NEED

< Back Purposed Parent/Connected Child Podcast Episode 009 - Uniquely Christ's Welcome to the Purposed Parent/Connected Child Podcast Episode #009 – Uniquely Christ’s Are you yearning for greater connection with your child? Would you like to parent beyond the moment with eternal perspective? Let’s grow together now with practical tips, scripture, and stories geared to draw your heart to Jesus and guide your child into His arms. Because I homeschool, I’ve been able to spend much more time with my two youngest daughters than I was able to be with my oldest children, who attended public school while I worked full-time. When you stay home with your children, plus serve as their educator in the classroom, you have the opportunity to craft a special relationship with each child. Not only do I know their natural inclinations toward learning and life, but I understand their attitude and desires. I have a front row seat to viewing when lessons and material stick and when we need to work harder; I get to be present when they accomplish big goals and look them in the eye to share successes in the moment. Just as I have memorized the faces of my beautiful daughters, their spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical states are well known by me. Our closeness comes from time spent together and by pursuing relationship through thick and thin. I know what lights them up and what dims their interest. God clearly shows Himself to me daily through my interactions with them as I recognize His mighty hand in the way He crafted them with special talents, interests, and dreams that can only come from Him. Some may believe that all people are created as “blank slates” with potential to become anything they desire. While part of that statement can be considered true, if we look to scripture, we see that God actually purposed to craft uniqueness into each of us. Psalm 139:13-16 says, “ For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” When we examine this passage closely, we are able to detect the intimacy of God and begin to understand how He planned for and brought each of us into existence. God created our “inmost ” being, meaning our intimate thoughts, our deepest desires. As he formed each of us, we were knitted together, meaning His actions were designed uniquely for each specific human He thought of and created. Every single person is exceptional and exclusive, complex, and created for a purpose designed by the Great I Am. God, the Author of Life was involved in planning and forming each inmost area and outer detail of our soul and body. As the passage of scripture in Psalm 139 continues, we read affirmation that God planned us, saw us, and formed us. He knew all the seconds and days our life would hold before we even came to be. It is no coincidence that you are paired with and have the particular child you were given at the exact time they came to be with you. Whether by birth or adoption, God knew you would parent exactly who you do. Over my extended years of parenting I have found comfort and direction in these verses from Psalm 139. I hope they bring you peace and strength in your parenting journey, as well. Not only are we able to find assurance and affirmation in self-worth for ourselves, but most importantly, for our children. This passage of scripture leaves no doubt that we are each cherished and planned. Your child is not an after-thought. His or her life matters. God purposed for your children to exist. He planned each of us, made each of us, knew us before we were born, and knew the exact second each of us were conceived. Even more, God is present at every moment of formation and development for everyone. He knows when we are born and He knows when we will leave this earth. There is no greater method of teaching your child that her life matters and that God has specific plans for her than through this section of Psalms. Of course, most parents wouldn’t argue the fact that their child is special. Yet, the way we view “special” in earthly or secular terms versus how God defines unique is often quite different. Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do .” Combining the passage we read earlier from Psalms with this verse from Ephesians proves that we, and our children are each alive and purposed for special plans that can only come from the Father and are to be used for the Father. Ephesians 2:10 affirms again that we are God’s workmanship and are created in Christ for good works, which were prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Because of our relationship with Jesus, believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to do the good works predestined for them to accomplish through Christ. It is very interesting that the word “workmanship” translated in Greek becomes the word poiema (poyeema), which is the root of the English word, “poem.” I find two definitions for the word “poem” to be beautifully interesting in light of the context we are seeking here. The first definition of “poem” is, “a composition in verse, especially one that is characterized by a highly developed artistic form and by the use of heightened language and rhythm to express an intensely imaginative interpretation of the subject .” The second definition is: “composition that, though not in verse, is characterized by great beauty of language or expression .” How God loves each of us and our children to compose us in such specific, artistic ways that showcase His imagination and sovereignty . How clearly He values our individuality and purpose . How deeply He yearns and calls for us to honor Him with what we do and how we use what He has instilled within us. As Christians, we can earnestly believe that we are to raise our child to honor Christ, yet be stuck in how to do it. How is a parent supposed to find the ways each child is unique? 1. Relationship with you – Spending time with your child, observing their tendencies and giftedness. The most important part of this piece is to observe your child through God’s eyes and heart to find what may be used for Him. 2. Play – We all know God works hard, but He also allows Himself to relax. Just seeing the playfulness of each of God’s creations, not only in people, proves that He crafted and understands the importance of play. Children deeply need time to process and understand life, relationships, feelings, and emotions. Try to spend at least a small portion of each day doing some type of play with your child. Much will be discovered during this personal time spent together. If your child is older, play time includes their love language: shopping together, visiting coffee shops, sitting in their room together, chatting and laughing, or enjoying a sporting event or physical activity together. It doesn’t include just going to watch them in an event. Make time to hang out together to deepen your relationship together and get the opportunity to really observe and enjoy your child. 3. Feelings and Emotions – Through much time spent together in playful and serious moments, you will witness your child will express a variety of feelings and emotions. As they express joy or pour out their thoughts or show you through actions, you have the opportunity to see how they are constructed. Are they quiet, do they withhold feelings, do they need time to process, or do they spill and regret? 4. Interests – What lights up the eyes of your children? What makes them excited? What disappoints or scares them? Do they repeatedly seek the same things or like new adventures? Is there a skill or talent that shines through them? How do we help our child to recognize the ways God has made him unique? 1. Healthy parent – When we have and are building a strong, mature relationship with Christ and we show our child the importance of relationship with Him, it will become important to our child. Accepting the gifts and talents God crafted within us is crucial. If we put ourself down and show no value in the way God has constructed us, our child will not find value in himself. As a parent, I believe we also have a very important responsibility to continue seeking God, allowing Him to develop and alter us. We cannot help and enable our children to become what God requires of them if we are not giving our needs to the Lord in humble, loving submission and allowing Him to graft Himself throughout us. Society often reminds us we can only do our best, but I don’t want your best or my best for our precious children. I desire God’s best for us so that they receive His best, as well. 2. Self-esteem – Whether we brag about our abilities or complain about what we feel is wrong with us, neither is the type of confidence Christ would have for us or our children. Building self-esteem through the Lord builds our walk with Him and becomes an example to our children, teaching them how to rely on Christ and trust that He has placed value within them. Helping our child to build their esteem through Jesus is the greatest foundation they will have. They must understand Who they belong to and what to craft their life around. Actively building that relationship with you and Christ together daily enables your child to recognize their godly potential and step out in faith to continue building it. How do we guide our child to use their giftings, interests, or talents for God? 1. Safety – When we are focused on constructing and maintaining strong relationship with our child and Christ, our child feels safe to learn and grow with us. It is much easier to trust Jesus when your child knows she can trust you. When we remark on their abilities and strengths and offer suggestions as to how to use them for the Lord, our child hears and listens to our suggestions and feels safe enough to trust our encouragement and testimony to pursue their own faith. 2. Encouragement – Acknowledging the strengths of our children and offering glory to God for them teaches them to do the same. 3. Relationship with Jesus – When our child discovers faith and purposely develops it as their own, relationship with Christ will slowly mature. As they see, hear, and remember the way we have taught them to respect how God made them individually and for a purpose, and see how we use our own giftings for the Lord, they will believe their Heavenly Father can guide them in the way to honor Him. As we continue to love God with all our heart, all our soul, all our mind, and with all our strength, and humbly seek His way in building relationship with our children and allowing Him to continue transforming us moment by moment, our children are taught by example. As we recognize and help them develop the interests and talents God specifically chose to craft within them, then teach them the joy of serving God through them, we honor our Lord in ways that last for eternity. Dear Heavenly Father, how great You are! Thank you for entrusting us with the talents and gifts You crafted within each of us and for the ones You gifted to our children. Help all of us to see and use what You have given us and enable our children to use them in mighty ways for Your kingdom and purpose. May our children delight You in the way they use the creativity and interests You chose for them. Your word tells us that before You formed our children in the womb You knew them, before they were born You set them apart, just as You did for us. What a holy honor to walk in the plans You have set for us. Help us to be so close to You, help our children to choose You and walk in Your ways that we each easily discern Your purpose and ways. Your word assures us that even the very hairs of our head are all numbered . You tell us that You, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, You are the potter; we are all the work of Your hand . In so many ways You make it clear that You are the Great I Am, but You also show how deeply and clearly You love us and chose to be with us. How thankful we desire to be. Help us please You as we understand more clearly moment by moment just how good You are, just how lavishly You love. In the precious name of Jesus we pray. Amen. Thank you for listening to this podcast. If you pray for your child, please look for my free ebook, “Prayers for My Child,” available on the website under the “Resources” page and is designed to guide the heart of your child to the feet of Jesus through scripturally-based prayer. The Purposed Parent/Connected Child podcast is now available at terrihitt.com, where you can access the episodes housed in one convenient location, receive access to blog posts, read transcripts, and find additional resources designed to mature your walk with Christ and equip you to raise or influence connected children through Him. God knows that we are not capable of successful parenting on our own. As we rely on Him, releasing doubts and expectations, and humbly bow to His guidance and experience, we find greater clarity in parenting and a wondrous walk with our Creator that will extend to our children and those around us for generations . I pray this podcast helps you parent with purpose and deepen your connection to Jesus and your children as you intentionally place Christ above culture or self. Allow Him to work through you for true connection that will draw your children to Him and build a maturing relationship with Christ and your child that lasts for eternity. Previous Next

< Back Purposed Parent Connected Child Podcast Episode 037 - Life Lessons From my Teen Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Purposed Parent/Connected Child Podcast Episode #037 – Life Lessons From my Teen Thank you for listening to the Purposed Parent/Connected Child podcast. My prayer is that you and I will parent with purpose and confidently connect with Christ and our children moment by moment. Since my middle daughter recently graduated from high school, I enjoy listening to her thoughts on childhood and her upbringing. While sharing a walk in the neighborhood recently, I spontaneously asked her to share 3 things she thought I did well while raising her. Would you like to hear her response? The top 3 things my daughter believes helped shape the morals she holds as a young adult were: 1. Church/Service – Because she was raised going to church out of reverence and love for God, and we were very active in many activities and committees as she was growing up, my daughter believes it taught her to make God a priority and that serving in the areas He calls you to at church is an act of love and obedience. Every committee meeting I could bring my daughter to, I made sure she was present. Sometimes my husband took her to his. My daughter helped set up for events, she danced at meetings and programs, and she helped make decorations. When I prepared materials for VBS, she helped. When I had to clean up after VBS, she helped. When we opened our home several times to house out of town college students, she was part of the conversations we had. Everything she could take part in, we allowed. Now she is a four-time Presidential Gold Service Award winner and has hours logged in other years that she never submitted for awards. Serving is natural for her and now, as an adult Christian she knows that she is serving for Him above all. 2. Awareness – Because we taught her to be selective and careful about what clothing she wore and what types of music she listened to, my daughter believes she learned a foundational understanding of being conscious of how she presents herself and what she allows to reside in her mind. She believes that how she learned to manage what she allowed into her mind taught her to carefully consider what she listens to or watches. For example, we taught her not to wear a bikini out in public as we did not want her to desire wearing scanty clothing when she was a tween or teen. We didn’t allow short shorts or shorts and sweats with writing on the bottom. Looking forward to the future with present decisions made a huge difference in what she came to desire as she matured. 3. Respect – Because my daughter feels that my husband and I respected the gifts and talents God placed within her, and that we helped and encouraged her to find and pursue them, she feels very blessed for our support. My daughter believes that when parents truly respect the child as a whole and unique person created by God, it makes it much easier to find the passions He crafted within and allows a stronger parent/child relationship. She felt that we actually paid attention to who she is and not what we wanted her to be or become. I enjoyed hearing her answers so much. I want to state that I didn’t know what she would say and truly, her answers surprised me. They weren’t the answers I thought she would give, but I’m so thankful for the ways God spoke to us while raising her. I thankful for the tiny acts that we made consistently over the years. They paid off for her and us in the best ways now that our daughter is facing young adult years. Please mothers, use what I shared to remember that what you do matters ! Continue to seek God’s Word and use it in practical, godly ways. Proverbs 4:5 says, “Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them .” Ask God for the wisdom to raise your children wisely. Ask Him to lead you in raising godly children who know and honor Him. Ask Him to keep you consistent in pursuing and shining Him to your children and family. Making God a priority and remaining in Him over the years will teach your children that your faith is real because God is. If you’d like to hear more, I will release an interview with my daughter this summer. I’ll be sure to let you know when it airs. Remember, I’m not sharing this with you because I think I’m the greatest mother. I share because anything that worked well came from God. I know anything I did well came from His wisdom. Mothers, continue looking Up and seek Him in all decisions. Although I fall short, He still lifts up what I offer and multiplies beyond my wildest dreams. He will absolutely do the same for you. Dear Heavenly Father, Your goodness to us is overwhelming. Your love is beyond what we can comprehend. How faithful You are. I thank you for all You are and do in our lives. Father, even when we absolutely do not deserve Your best, You still offer it. Thank you. Lord, please help me, help each of us to continue to seek You through Your Word, prayer, and service in all the ways You call and desire. Help us to hear You clearly because we seek You consistently. May we, and our children, please You more each day. In the precious name of Jesus I pray. Amen. Thank you for listening to the “Purposed Parent/Connected Child” podcast. This summer the episodes will be shorter and I may occasionally offer favorite replays as I spend time with my family and follow a special collective I believe God is calling me to complete for Him. Remember, this podcast, and the “Live With Eternal Perspective” podcast, may be found at terrihitt.com, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, and they are part of the Spark Media Network. Both podcasts may also now be found on the Edifi app, where you can hear thousands of the best Christian podcasts in one place for your listening enjoyment. Have you rated or reviewed my podcasts on Apple Podcasts yet? Did you know that when you review my podcasts on Apple, it helps to elevate the standing of the podcasts online so that more people are allowed to find and hear them. Will you please take a moment to follow the shows and think of someone you can share the podcasts with and encourage them to follow and share, as well? Remember, if we are not purposed in knowing Jesus ourselves and showing Him to the next generation, the world will sway them away from Christ. I pray that what you hear on this podcast draws you nearer to God and helps you cling to Him, despite any circumstances in your life. Until next week, keep looking Up while focusing on new ways to Parent and Connect With Eternal Perspective. Previous Next

< Back Purposed Parent Connected Child Podcast- Episode 107 - Why It's Important to Teach Your Child to Prioritize Jesus Welcome to the Purposed Parent/Connected Child podcast – Episode 107 – Why It’s Important to Teach Your Child to Prioritize Jesus Thank you for sharing your day with me. I pray this podcast gives you the awareness and tools you need to STOP being a GOOD mom and BECOME the GODLY mom God entrusts you to be. Then you will be the SET-APART woman PURPOSELY raising children to chase CHRIST over culture. Just a quick reminder as we start, if you enjoy Purposed Parent Connected Child podcast episodes, would you please share this episode or others with a friend or family member? When you graciously take a moment to do that, and leave a rating or review at Apple Podcast, you are ensuring that others will find the podcast. When you do, you’re helping affect generations for Jesus. Now on to this episode about why it’s important to teach your child to prioritize Jesus… One of the highlights of my days is sharing Bible study with my two youngest daughters. Teaching the truths of God, maturing our faith together, and viewing their faith growth is a gift and blessing I never take for granted. Because we share this time, I get to hear their questions and answers, see those “aha” moments, and watch them practice their faith in daily life situations. I know I’m not responsible for their faith in Christ, for God does the work within each of us. But I do know that one decision my husband and I made years ago became the foundation upon which their faith is grounded. We committed to raising our child for Him, no matter what obstacles life threw at us. When we knew God was calling us to adopt our sweet baby girl from China in 2005, we prayerfully and purposely created a parenting plan that would be the root of biblical training she (and a sister we brought home ten years later) would receive. Because we had already parented one set of children and experienced maturing faith in Christ, my husband and I had the gift of knowing what we wanted to change and what we thought worked well the first time we parented. You probably know that I often talk about being a good versus godly parent. When I tell you that I was a good parent the first time and a godly parent in my second round of parenting, I mean that I no longer rely on self. This parenting shift has nothing to do with my children, but everything to do with honoring God with the children He entrusted to me. As my personal faith grew and I realized how parenting values in this world are so far from what God desires, I knew what I offered was a shadow of what God commands. When raising my first two, I loved the Lord, but got sidetracked without knowing it. I never realized I was a good mom who unintentionally valued the world more than the Word . How is your life? Are you intentionally living with an eternal perspective that propels you to invite Jesus to rule over your life moment my moment? Maybe you’re His, but you haven’t really submitted to daily living under His Lordship. It’s not too late. Do it today. Do it now. You see, in order to desire to raise godly children, then complete that high calling, you must be intentional . Purposed . Jesus must be the focus of your parenting . You can’t simply hope to raise kind, successful, well-adjusted kids, because they’ll be raised on the standards of this world . Without purposely teaching your kids strong and intentional identity through Christ, your children won’t have lasting joy, hope, or peace. Those qualities and gifts are only present when your child is filled with the Holy Spirit and submitted to Christ themselves. As parents, we can know we love God, be His through salvation through Jesus, but still unknowingly focus on world more than Word. How? Because we are human. We get distracted. We think that just because we love Jesus and have called Him to be our Lord and Savior that our children will do the same. But with hectic schedules and all that comes with work, home life, raising kids, fostering relationships, and you know the list goes on…unless you commit to God and with your spouse that you will do whatever it takes to raise your children for Jesus with purpose each day, time will slip away. This is why it’s important that you prioritize Christ. Moment by moment. That’s how you will teach your children to prioritize Jesus. Deuteronomy 6:5-8 says, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. ” Consider your home life…honestly. Do your days reflect you and your spouse loving God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength? Are God’s commandments on your hearts moment by moment? Is God top of mind or is it the newest designer bag or the errands you need to run? God made His command for parents very clear. Love Him with all your heart – with all your soul – with all your strength . You can’t do that if you don’t have a purposed relationship with Jesus. One that is growing , widening , and deepening moment by moment. Know God and His Word so you can teach your children His truths . Study God’s Word daily. Teach Him to your children moment by moment. This world is filled with deceit. How will you – how will your children recognize deceit if you don’t know God’s Word? You simply can’t . You will not recognize the lies of this world, of culture, of society, of flesh unless you know and follow God’s truths. Plant God’s commands on your heart. Impress them on your children. Not as a sword raised over their heads, but as truth you know, believe, love, and follow moment by moment. Consider this truth: You are the first Jesus your children see . How are you representing Him? Are you drawing your children toward God and His Word? Or do you ignorantly send them into the world to absorb deceit as truth? Talk about the Lord at home , on the road , when you lie down , and when you get up . Weave Him into your soul so that you breathe Him into all you do. What does this look like? This means you know Jesus well through fellowship and submission to the Word, God’s truths, and that you love and honor the Lord so much that you prioritize Him and place Him on the throne of your day. Start with Bible study, even if you have to get up earlier or listen instead of read some days. Make sure you are inhaling truth so that you can exhale truth to your children . Knowing and teaching God’s truths creates a solid foundation for your child to build on. Because you are teaching His Truth , you will begin teaching respect for God. You will teach honor and obedience to Him. Psalm 111:10 says, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts have good understanding. To Him belongs eternal praise .” What else does this look like? Showing godly character even when no one is watching. It means following God when you relax as a family. The shows you watch, the music you listen to, the books and magazines you read should be evaluated through a lens of Christlike scrutiny. It sounds challenging. I know. We’re human. But as you submit to God in these areas, you will see the difference He makes in your life, the life of your spouse, and the life of your children and family as a whole. When you profess Jesus as your Savior, it takes effort to grow that relationship, just like it does with each person in your life. It’s frighteningly easy to drift away from the Lord and close relationship with Him. All it takes it you doing nothing. Falling into a pattern or not reading the Word, not praying, not listening for His voice and not obeying immediately when you do hear instruction. It’s taking shortcuts because you say you’re too busy, but we all know deep down that we can make time for what we really want to do. God deserves your attention. He deserves all glory and praise. As you are careful about how you live, as you teach your children about God, about relationship with Jesus, and to know truth and recognize deceit, you will also teach respect and praise for God. Ephesians 5:1-20 says, “Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them. “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ .” How convicting this passage is. We need to be convicted by God’s Word, lest we continue to fall away in ways we consider small day by day…and lead our children with us . We cannot lead our children to the Way unless we live the Word. There are several important, simple truths you can easily weave into conversations with your children. These will undergird the foundation you build on Christ. Discuss these during Bible studies, show them in your words and actions daily. I’ll share some now. · God has good guidelines or commands that we must obey. · God gives Mom and Dad guidelines, too. The most important is to teach our children about Jesus. · We must fear God - which means loving and respecting Who He is. · God gives grace. · Jesus is the way to relationship with God. · The Bible (God’s Word) leads us to His truths and relationship with Jesus · Relationship with Jesus gives us the Holy Spirit. · The Holy Spirit guides us in all truth and gives us the fruits of the Spirit. · We receive godly wisdom when we obey God. · We cannot make wise or godly choices without God’s truths and wisdom. · God is truth, so He perfectly guides us in truth. · The book of Genesis in the Bible gives us the keys to a godly life that is pleasing to our Father. · The book of Romans in the Bible shows God’s righteousness. Exodus 20:12 says, “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you .” Also lovingly teach your children that they respect God when they honor, respect, and obey you - their parent. Then do not exasperate them . Do not ignorantly show your children the world instead of the Way. God has many reasons for calling children to respect parents. When children respect God, they desire to please Him . When a child desires to please God, they build more connection and stability within the family. When family members are all respectful of and loving to one another, they honor God. A family unit is built that shines Christ in society. When this happens, the community is strengthened because family is a central component to building a strong culture, government, and world. Your children must understand that God is sovereign . They won’t learn that fact unless you believe and teach it. God must be honored. He is the Creator of all. He deserves honor and praise. As each person is created in God’s image and for His good purposes, we must intentionally treat one another with love, honor, and respect. When we direct our children to prioritize Him above all else, we train our children to rely on God and His strength within them. As they travel through life, no matter what they face, this godly mind and heart attitude will teach them to submit to their Heavenly Father. Instead of walking beside Him, they will invite Him to carry them. Assess which areas you should place focus to strengthen in 2025. Look at where you may have failed in the past. Look at the strengths you hold for building relationship with Jesus in your home. Prayerfully seek God and ask what He desires you to release. Where does He want you to focus so that you and your family see and shine Him more freely and diligently? How can you joyfully (and with open hands) direct your children to prioritize Jesus? What will you change now so you will guide your children to His Word, Truths, and feet? It’s timely that this episode is coming out just before Christmas. As you run around doing tasks such as decorating and cooking, buying presents, and having parties, enjoy yourself! Have fun experiencing the holidays, but please remember to think of this season as we imagine God does. Jesus is first. Forgive the cliché, but He is the reason for the season. We experience Christmas in the ways of the world, and as parents, we try to make the holiday a memorable and beautiful one. I’m sure God loves to see us give and spread happiness, but true joy only comes from Him – the Holy Spirit living within us. Praise God for Jesus. Thank you, Jesus for all You sacrificed for us. Please remember to stop this year (if you haven’t already) and allow your focus to shift to an eternal lens. Put Jesus first and foremost in your activities. Create new traditions that shine more focus on Him – where it needs to be. Allow your children to experience the wonder of Christ and help them deepen their walk this Christmas. It’s the only gift that will last into eternity. Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word that guides and guards us. Thank you for Jesus who enables us to have joyful relationship with You that lasts into eternity. Help us to be godly mothers who place Jesus first as we progress through our days. Each moment is gone so quickly that time passes before we realize we haven’t focused on what You deem important. Forgive us our negligence and disobedience. Help us seek You more intimately and openly. Help us shine You into our families in ways that change generations for Jesus. In His precious name we pray. Amen. Raising children is challenging. No one has all the answers because each child is unique as are parenting styles and family dynamics. By connecting with and knowing your children as you maintain purposed growth in Christ, you will be better prepared for any situation you face. That’s why you hear me share about the Set-Apart Collective in this podcast. I work with professionals who care about making Jesus known to their children. Are you a high-achieving woman who loves Jesus, but is so busy with the rush of work and daily life that you feel like you’re being drained like the water in your bathtub? Do you yearn to get closer to Jesus and show Him to your kids so you will create a love that will last into eternity? The desire is there, but your days spiral out of control before you even think about opening your Bible. Do you ever stop to think that you are the first Jesus your child will see? Let me remind you there is hope. There is a way you can be equipped to raise kids who chase Christ over culture. If you want a connected relationship with Christ and your children that leads them to your side and His feet, instead of them seeking validation from peers, I have an 8-step program to move you from frustrated to fulfilled. I will show you how to reflect Jesus in a way that attracts your family to a connected relationship that lasts into eternity. Remember, godly parenting is rooted in relationship with Christ and the mindset you carry. If you don’t want peers and culture to be the main influence over your child, if you desire to parent to “prepare” your child for eternity with Christ, not repair your relationship with them, the Set-Apart Collective will arm you with a Christ-centered Motherhood Mindset Model™, and create a Purposed Parenting Plan™. You’ll also deepen your identity in Christ so you can mentor the way for your children to do the same. You will be a purposed mother with an intentional mind and heart set on Christ and your family and you will have the tools to raise set apart kids as you parent the heart, not simply the behavior. Does this sound like a lifeline to help you be that set-apart mom God has entrusted you to be? Visit terrihitt.com/coaching and click the link for a free, no obligation conversation call with me. This is a strategic call where I will hear your biggest struggle and show you how to turn it into a blessing that will bring you closer to Christ and your children. It’s time for believing mothers to be purposed in preparing their children for a lifetime pursuit of Christ. Time is short. Make yours matter for eternity. One last thing to remember - if you’re not purposed in knowing Jesus and showing Him to the next generation, the world will sway your children away from Christ. I pray that what you hear on this podcast enables you to stop being a good mom and focus on being a godly parent. Until next week, keep looking Up while focusing on new ways to parent with eternal purpose and connection with your children and Christ. Previous Next

Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #057 – God’s Mission for Parents Thank you for entrusting and investing your precious time with me to grow in Jesus together. I am blessed to be back with you to discuss more ways to live with eternal perspective. Would you like to know one of the highlights of my days? It’s when the girls and I share Bible and devotional time. The topics change with different studies, but right now we are studying Revelation. As powerful as it is to experience studying God’s word together, I know this is not enough to ensure that they have a solid foundation on which to build a life of passionate devotion to God. Prayer time together always precedes Bible study, and we frequently pray together through the day as needs arise or if we hear of someone who needs prayer. We always try to stop what we are doing and pray in that moment. I also ask my girls to pray for me. I want them to know I rely on the Lord to provide what I need and I want them to see that it is acceptable to not have all of the answers or abilities on their own. I want my chldren to be comfortable relying on God , no matter the need. Despite enjoying the blessings of purposely sharing this study time together, my youngest was not hungry to search the scriptures alone. It was time to encourage her to commit to the next step because I know she has a growing love for Jesus, but it cannot flourish if she does not root herself in God’s word. I knew had to reach her through one of her love languages. So now, before she receives any evening screen time, she has to have read from her Bible that day. It was time to develop the pattern that would give her the lifeline she will need to cling to in this world. Here’s the truth: we all have time for what is deeply important to us. I want God and His truths and words to be the oxygen required to make it through her day. How will she crave God if she doesn’t acquire a taste for Him? We settled on a schedule and I guided her with several suggestions to begin reading. Do you know what our best surprise was? My girl realized the joy of seeking and learning from God on her own. She learned it was fun to discover more about the wisdom of God and the people highlighted in the Bible. As she read Proverbs, she found the wisdom so fascinating that she read beyond the scheduled reading sections. As you may know, I am raising my second set of children. Like you, I learn as I go. Since I had my first two at 18 and 21, my parenting skills were similar to how my husband and I were parented. We made changes from what we didn’t like or appreciate growing up, but the rest was patterned after what we had experienced. I was not a follower of Jesus as a young mother. Thankfully, over the years, I have been blessed to discover and accept Jesus and to allow Him to mold me as He desires each moment. Jesus reveals mistakes and ideas to me often, as He does to all who seek Him diligently. I’m honored to be able to share what I have learned through trial and error, plus what God has revealed as I have studied Him and attempted to model my life after Jesus. Mothers, in order for our children to live a life that God would deem successful, we must continuously sharpen our personal skills to live each day with a perspective beyond the moment. Our heart and mind must be set in alignment with a compass focused on God, our True North. We are responsible for ensuring we have done everything to make Him known. Many children leave home without strong faith to set them apart in this world or one that equips them to cleave to God and allow Him to handle their decisions and battles. Ultimate parenting is God-centered and focused. Make each moment you have with your child count for eternity. You do not need to have all of the answers, but it is your duty and opportunity to guide your child to the One who does. The Bible is a God-inspired, perfect source of guidance, wisdom, and direction for parents. God purposely and generously offered His word to us as a guide for life, parenting, and relationships. As we study the Bible, and come to know Him more clearly, we develop skills needed to realize God’s commands, promises, and guidance consistently and introspectively. We feel and notice Him resetting our mind, heart, attitude, actions, thoughts, and behavior. As the Holy Spirit lives in us and we access and release His power through a maturing walk with God, others notice, as well. Each change we experience can impact the eternity of those around us, especially our spouse and children. When we read the Bible, we must consider the meanings and truths beyond what we see. There is a depth that exposes every need we have, as well as the solutions to living a God-centered life complete with joy and peace. Our children were not an after-thought. God provides for our need, as well as theirs, through His guidebook of life, the Bible. Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.” In order to direct our children to Him, we must already know God. Today, I want to read from one of my favorite areas of the Bible. The instructions God reveals are integral to pleasing our Heavenly Father and completing the task He has for parents and followers of Him. In Deuteronomy, God clearly directs us in what we are to hold as a sacred parental responsibility. This duty should be seen as a privilege when we already strive to live with a heart and mind set for Him. I want to share some of my favorite passages, because the words are such clearly instructive verses we are wise to follow. Deuteronomy 6:1-2a says, “These are the commands, decrees, and regulations that the Lord your God commanded me to teach you. You must obey them in the land you are about to enter and occupy, and you and your children and grandchildren must fear the Lord your God as long as you live.” God graciously gifts His people with formal, authoritative orders for our guidance and protection. What may seem binding or restrictive is meant to free us. Reverent fear for the Lord God isn’t mentioned often in society today. People, and many churches, tend to pass it by in favor of what they consider the “feel good” love of Jesus. Instead of facing God’s sovereignty, they tend to prefer speaking of gentleness and humbleness. Yet, God is a jealous God who wants our complete devotion. The author of excellence and creation, who created each of us for a purpose, deserves it. When we teach our children and grandchildren to humble themselves before the Lord and love and serve Him as He desires, we are gifting them beyond measure and for eternity. Deuteronomy 6:4-5 says, “Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength.” The greatest act of obedience we offer God is to love Him freely and passionately. In this passage, we are commanded to love God with our heart, soul, and all of our strength. This act is foundational for all of living. Do you believe we can be commanded to love? You may have heard that love is a choice. I believe that to be true. The best definition I’ve read about the love God offers and commands from us came from Dr. David Jeremiah. He wrote that, “Love in Hebrew is not confined to feelings; the term heart centers on the intellect, sensibilities, and will. So when God commands that His people love Him, it means to decide to cleave to Him, and Him alone. The command includes soul, which here is a synonym for heart – the true essence of a person. Strength translates a phrase that means, Give it all you have!” We are to love God with everything we are and have. God deserves and is worthy of our passionate love. Deuteronomy 6:6-9 says, “And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” Breathing God in as the air we must have to sustain life, allowing Him to be head of our life, sharing Him naturally with our children, yet maintaining awe, and teaching them to honor and respect the Lord should flow naturally and readily because we love Him. Obeying the command to love God is a lifetime action of passionate devotion that becomes more meaningful daily as our love deepens. The God of all creation is not to be an after-thought. We are to willingly include Him in all. Deuteronomy 6:20-25 says, “In the future your children will ask you, ‘What is the meaning of these laws, decrees, and regulations that the LORD our God has commanded us to obey? “Then you must tell them, ‘We were Pharaoh’s slaves in Egypt, but the LORD brought us out of Egypt with his strong hand. The Lord did miraculous signs and wonders before our eyes, dealing terrifying blows against Egypt and Pharaoh and all his people. He brought us out of Egypt so he could give us this land He had sworn to give our ancestors. And the Lord our God commanded us to obey all these decrees and to fear Him so He can continue to bless us and preserve our lives, as He has done to this day. For we will be counted as righteous when we obey all the commands the Lord our God has given us.” Mothers, we are God-assigned managers and stewards of His children. God commands us to love Him and teach our children to love Him. We are to mentor that passionate, devoted love for God that is for Him, and Him alone. Our children are to experience us loving God without the entrapment of idolatry in this world as we seek Him with our mind, heart, emotions, talents, time, and purpose. We are to live a lifestyle of worship as we seek, love, and follow Him so passionately that they will, too. When we pass on the love God commands, what He has done for us, and a strong faith to sustain and mature it, God lives fully through us and attracts our children more strongly than the world. Psalm 34:8 says, “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!” When our child sees us live with a passionate and consistent love for Christ that lovingly flows through all we are and do, they begin to recognize the difference He makes. Heavenly Father, we thank you for Your word and the Holy Spirit that lives inside believers. You have offered everything we need to equip us to live with a passion You deserve. Help us to clear our heart and mind to focus on what is important to You and show it to our children and others around us. Help us to study and know Your word so that it stands as our guide against the noise and distractions from this loud, harsh world. Teach us to live our life with the eternal perspective Jesus carried so that all we do honors and pleases You. May we bring you joy. May you carry that through to our children as we teach them to love and obey You, as well. In Your holy and precious name we pray. Amen. Thank you for listening to this episode. Please visit terrihitt.com to access podcast episodes housed in one convenient location, read blog posts, transcripts, and access additional resources designed to mature your walk with Christ and encourage you to raise or influence children to chase Jesus instead of this world. Be sure to sign up for my email list to be notified when my next resource, “Scattering Seeds: Planting Character and Faith in Your Child” releases soon. This eBook is an excellent encouragement and support for mothers or grandmothers of young children. I pray this podcast draws you nearer to Jesus and helps you cling to Him, despite any circumstances in your life. Until next week, keep looking Up and find new ways to Live With Eternal Perspective. Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode 057 God's Mission for Parents Listen to Episode Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #057 – God’s Mission for Parents Thank you for entrusting and investing your precious time with me to grow in Jesus together. I am blessed to be back with you to discuss more ways to live with eternal perspective. Would you like to know one of the highlights of my days? It’s when the girls and I share Bible and devotional time. The topics change with different studies, but right now we are studying Revelation. As powerful as it is to experience studying God’s word together, I know this is not enough to ensure that they have a solid foundation on which to build a life of passionate devotion to God. Prayer time together always precedes Bible study, and we frequently pray together through the day as needs arise or if we hear of someone who needs prayer. We always try to stop what we are doing and pray in that moment. I also ask my girls to pray for me. I want them to know I rely on the Lord to provide what I need and I want them to see that it is acceptable to not have all of the answers or abilities on their own. I want my chldren to be comfortable relying on God , no matter the need. Despite enjoying the blessings of purposely sharing this study time together, my youngest was not hungry to search the scriptures alone. It was time to encourage her to commit to the next step because I know she has a growing love for Jesus, but it cannot flourish if she does not root herself in God’s word. I knew had to reach her through one of her love languages. So now, before she receives any evening screen time, she has to have read from her Bible that day. It was time to develop the pattern that would give her the lifeline she will need to cling to in this world. Here’s the truth: we all have time for what is deeply important to us. I want God and His truths and words to be the oxygen required to make it through her day. How will she crave God if she doesn’t acquire a taste for Him? We settled on a schedule and I guided her with several suggestions to begin reading. Do you know what our best surprise was? My girl realized the joy of seeking and learning from God on her own. She learned it was fun to discover more about the wisdom of God and the people highlighted in the Bible. As she read Proverbs, she found the wisdom so fascinating that she read beyond the scheduled reading sections. As you may know, I am raising my second set of children. Like you, I learn as I go. Since I had my first two at 18 and 21, my parenting skills were similar to how my husband and I were parented. We made changes from what we didn’t like or appreciate growing up, but the rest was patterned after what we had experienced. I was not a follower of Jesus as a young mother. Thankfully, over the years, I have been blessed to discover and accept Jesus and to allow Him to mold me as He desires each moment. Jesus reveals mistakes and ideas to me often, as He does to all who seek Him diligently. I’m honored to be able to share what I have learned through trial and error, plus what God has revealed as I have studied Him and attempted to model my life after Jesus. Mothers, in order for our children to live a life that God would deem successful, we must continuously sharpen our personal skills to live each day with a perspective beyond the moment. Our heart and mind must be set in alignment with a compass focused on God, our True North. We are responsible for ensuring we have done everything to make Him known. Many children leave home without strong faith to set them apart in this world or one that equips them to cleave to God and allow Him to handle their decisions and battles. Ultimate parenting is God-centered and focused. Make each moment you have with your child count for eternity. You do not need to have all of the answers, but it is your duty and opportunity to guide your child to the One who does. The Bible is a God-inspired, perfect source of guidance, wisdom, and direction for parents. God purposely and generously offered His word to us as a guide for life, parenting, and relationships. As we study the Bible, and come to know Him more clearly, we develop skills needed to realize God’s commands, promises, and guidance consistently and introspectively. We feel and notice Him resetting our mind, heart, attitude, actions, thoughts, and behavior. As the Holy Spirit lives in us and we access and release His power through a maturing walk with God, others notice, as well. Each change we experience can impact the eternity of those around us, especially our spouse and children. When we read the Bible, we must consider the meanings and truths beyond what we see. There is a depth that exposes every need we have, as well as the solutions to living a God-centered life complete with joy and peace. Our children were not an after-thought. God provides for our need, as well as theirs, through His guidebook of life, the Bible. Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.” In order to direct our children to Him, we must already know God. Today, I want to read from one of my favorite areas of the Bible. The instructions God reveals are integral to pleasing our Heavenly Father and completing the task He has for parents and followers of Him. In Deuteronomy, God clearly directs us in what we are to hold as a sacred parental responsibility. This duty should be seen as a privilege when we already strive to live with a heart and mind set for Him. I want to share some of my favorite passages, because the words are such clearly instructive verses we are wise to follow. Deuteronomy 6:1-2a says, “These are the commands, decrees, and regulations that the Lord your God commanded me to teach you. You must obey them in the land you are about to enter and occupy, and you and your children and grandchildren must fear the Lord your God as long as you live.” God graciously gifts His people with formal, authoritative orders for our guidance and protection. What may seem binding or restrictive is meant to free us. Reverent fear for the Lord God isn’t mentioned often in society today. People, and many churches, tend to pass it by in favor of what they consider the “feel good” love of Jesus. Instead of facing God’s sovereignty, they tend to prefer speaking of gentleness and humbleness. Yet, God is a jealous God who wants our complete devotion. The author of excellence and creation, who created each of us for a purpose, deserves it. When we teach our children and grandchildren to humble themselves before the Lord and love and serve Him as He desires, we are gifting them beyond measure and for eternity. Deuteronomy 6:4-5 says, “Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength.” The greatest act of obedience we offer God is to love Him freely and passionately. In this passage, we are commanded to love God with our heart, soul, and all of our strength. This act is foundational for all of living. Do you believe we can be commanded to love? You may have heard that love is a choice. I believe that to be true. The best definition I’ve read about the love God offers and commands from us came from Dr. David Jeremiah. He wrote that, “Love in Hebrew is not confined to feelings; the term heart centers on the intellect, sensibilities, and will. So when God commands that His people love Him, it means to decide to cleave to Him, and Him alone. The command includes soul, which here is a synonym for heart – the true essence of a person. Strength translates a phrase that means, Give it all you have!” We are to love God with everything we are and have. God deserves and is worthy of our passionate love. Deuteronomy 6:6-9 says, “And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” Breathing God in as the air we must have to sustain life, allowing Him to be head of our life, sharing Him naturally with our children, yet maintaining awe, and teaching them to honor and respect the Lord should flow naturally and readily because we love Him. Obeying the command to love God is a lifetime action of passionate devotion that becomes more meaningful daily as our love deepens. The God of all creation is not to be an after-thought. We are to willingly include Him in all. Deuteronomy 6:20-25 says, “In the future your children will ask you, ‘What is the meaning of these laws, decrees, and regulations that the LORD our God has commanded us to obey? “Then you must tell them, ‘We were Pharaoh’s slaves in Egypt, but the LORD brought us out of Egypt with his strong hand. The Lord did miraculous signs and wonders before our eyes, dealing terrifying blows against Egypt and Pharaoh and all his people. He brought us out of Egypt so he could give us this land He had sworn to give our ancestors. And the Lord our God commanded us to obey all these decrees and to fear Him so He can continue to bless us and preserve our lives, as He has done to this day. For we will be counted as righteous when we obey all the commands the Lord our God has given us.” Mothers, we are God-assigned managers and stewards of His children. God commands us to love Him and teach our children to love Him. We are to mentor that passionate, devoted love for God that is for Him, and Him alone. Our children are to experience us loving God without the entrapment of idolatry in this world as we seek Him with our mind, heart, emotions, talents, time, and purpose. We are to live a lifestyle of worship as we seek, love, and follow Him so passionately that they will, too. When we pass on the love God commands, what He has done for us, and a strong faith to sustain and mature it, God lives fully through us and attracts our children more strongly than the world. Psalm 34:8 says, “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!” When our child sees us live with a passionate and consistent love for Christ that lovingly flows through all we are and do, they begin to recognize the difference He makes. Heavenly Father, we thank you for Your word and the Holy Spirit that lives inside believers. You have offered everything we need to equip us to live with a passion You deserve. Help us to clear our heart and mind to focus on what is important to You and show it to our children and others around us. Help us to study and know Your word so that it stands as our guide against the noise and distractions from this loud, harsh world. Teach us to live our life with the eternal perspective Jesus carried so that all we do honors and pleases You. May we bring you joy. May you carry that through to our children as we teach them to love and obey You, as well. In Your holy and precious name we pray. Amen. Thank you for listening to this episode. Please visit terrihitt.com to access podcast episodes housed in one convenient location, read blog posts, transcripts, and access additional resources designed to mature your walk with Christ and encourage you to raise or influence children to chase Jesus instead of this world. Be sure to sign up for my email list to be notified when my next resource, “Scattering Seeds: Planting Character and Faith in Your Child” releases soon. This eBook is an excellent encouragement and support for mothers or grandmothers of young children. I pray this podcast draws you nearer to Jesus and helps you cling to Him, despite any circumstances in your life. Until next week, keep looking Up and find new ways to Live With Eternal Perspective.

< Back Purposed Parent Connected Child Podcast Episode 117 - Should Kids Be Spanked? Welcome to the Purposed Parent/Connected Child podcast – Episode 117 – Should Kids Be Spanked? Thank you for sharing your day with me. I pray this podcast gives you the awareness and tools you need to STOP being a GOOD mom and BECOME the GODLY mom God entrusts you to be. Then you will be the SET-APART woman PURPOSELY raising children to chase CHRIST over culture. Just a quick reminder as we start, would you please share this episode with a friend or family member who would enjoy learning more about raising kids for Christ? Also, many have promised to leave a rating and review for the podcast, but life happens…and they don’t. So, if you haven’t already, would you please take a moment to leave a rating or review at Apple Podcast? Sharing episodes and leaving a review ensures that others will find the podcast. Then guess what? You’re helping affect generations for Jesus. Now on to this episode with an important and controversial question with an often divided answer…should kids be spanked? First, I want to start with a story. I was on a neighborhood walk recently when a loose dog was crisscrossing the street and a screech of brakes alerted me that it was almost hit. Terrified by the sound and the loud voice of the driver, the dog stood frozen in front of the car. When the owner heard the commotion and saw his dog standing in the roadway, he lovingly called from his yard for the dog to come to him. Seeing his beloved, trusted master and hearing his sweet call, the dog quickly ran home, expecting safety. Instead, as soon as the dog reached him, the owner beat his dog and yelled at him for being in the street. Will this act change the behavior of the dog? As you know, the topic of this episode is spanking, so you might wonder why I opened with this story about a dog. You could argue that a dog and a child can’t be compared as they don’t reason the same. However, according to developmental tests reported by NBC News, even the average dog has the abilities of a toddler. In some areas, dogs are even more intelligent than preschoolers. Speaking of preschoolers, according to a study by the American Psychological Association, they’re the most likely group to be spanked. I don’t want to make this episode one that shames, but I do want parents to realize the gravity of the gift we’ve been given. We are raising children for the Great I Am. We want to be good parents. Of course we want to do our best. But remember, our best falls far below the standard of our holy Heavenly Father . That’s why we must , as those entrusted to parent for God, stop and evaluate the reasoning behind why we make specific decisions and why we take certain actions. Why do some parents choose to spank instead of correcting their children in another way? What do we think we’re teaching our children when we respond with such forceful correction? As we ponder these questions, it leads me to the next ones. Should spanking be the first act a parent takes when a child needs correcting? Are parents behaving biblically when they spank? Or are they succumbing to frustration? Or last resorts when they grab the belt, hair brush, or use their hand in an effort to teach their child? Most parents who spank were spanked as a child. It’s the way they were raised, so it’s what they revert to. But does that mean it is the best method for training God’s children in righteousness? Is spanking the choice we should make to build connection with God and us? Many parents also share that the reason they spank is to cause pain that changes the behavior of their child. We have to consider what type of changes will occur. Surprisingly, research also indicates that parents will hit their child more frequently when they are an active or strong-willed boy between the ages of three to four. When you hear that statistic, how does it make you feel? The common phrase, “boys will be boys” seems appropriate in this application. Does the fact that boys disrupt quiet or make messes make them targets for spanking? Does spanking make them better men when they grow up? Or does a relationship of teaching and connection make the necessity to spank disappear? The answers to these questions are what parents should seek before deciding to spank. We’ve talked about some of the reasons parents choose to spank. The frequency of spanking also varies based on parental or child age, race, gender, education, or socio economic status of the family. The topic of spanking is a divisive one. Most people have feelings one way or another. As I shared earlier, those feelings often stem from the way parents were disciplined as a child. One Bible verse is often quoted as evidence to back pro-spanking parents. Proverbs 13:24 says, “Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.” If we look at the verse with an observant, knowledgeable heart and take our thoughts captive for Christ to prayerfully seek God’s wisdom in this area, we may come to a different conclusion about spanking. For example, Strong’s Lexicon, a type of concordance, teaches that the rod was generally a stick used by shepherds for protecting and guiding their flocks. Shepherds used the rod to steer the sheep in the right direction, or to keep them gathered when they strayed. The rod was also used to fend off predators or warn and comfort the sheep. Used these ways, the rod isn’t a tool for inflicting injury. Instead, it is a tool for loving, protective guidance . When many parents hear the word discipline, they imagine spanking or another form of punishment. However in biblical days the meaning was quite different. In the semitic root, the word rod refers to a type of measuring stick. In the same way we use a yardstick today, the rod was used to measure distances to danger or to measure the growth of sheep in the shepherd’s care . The rod was not intended to inflict pain upon people or sheep. The word rod is also used for scepter. Although the verse from Proverbs 13:24 is usually interpreted as a directive to spank children, when we consider how a scepter was used, we understand that it could be used to extend grace and mercy or death by the King. Since the king wouldn’t speak much or at all to his subjects, he would often make his intentions or directives known by his scepter, the recognized symbol of authority. Whether it was the king or an appointed servant using the scepter, it was understood that the instrument held authority. So as we read Proverbs 13:24 we can see that the rod is seen as the idea of authority , not a literal rod. If you also consider that it was Solomon who penned the verse in Proverbs, you must remember that he was a king. His terminology would have been written with the mindset of one who used the scepter for the purposes I just shared. As king, Solomon was an authority figure to many, but remember, he was also a father, or symbol of authority to his children. Using this frame of thinking, we can reason that Solomon wasn’t condoning beating children, but instead encouraged using the rod, which would be showing love or direction. So, when parents extend the rod, we are paying attention to what our children are doing. We are considering the current situation, as well as looking forward to the future. We are choosing to extend mercy by correcting the behavior, not simply punishing. Dealing with the situation we need to address doesn’t mean to beat or spank. It doesn’t mean to ignore the actions of our children, either. Just as God extends mercy and forgiveness to us when we are disobedient, He also allows us to suffer consequences. Consequences will differ depending on the act and repercussions, but God doesn’t desire that we beat down children. His discipline is always designed to reach and transform our heart for Him. Just as we should intentionally strive to do with the children He entrusted to our care. Correcting our children means to instruct and guide in ways that lead to Christlikeness and connection through heart change . Remember, lack of discipline can cause destructive or ungodly morals and behavior. So does the wrong kind of discipline. Discipline offered in anger can destroy connection and confidence in the parent, then ultimately in Christ. Spanking doesn’t show loving discipline that exhibits clear connection between the action of the child and the consequence. Spanking is often given in anger or bitterness, frustration or embarrassment, or even because of a feeling of disrespect. Spanking often resembles beating and can inflict injury, but doesn’t reach the heart of the child. Also, parents often spank in the heat of the moment and can accidentally abuse their child. Since spanking isn’t tied to natural consequences of the behavior, it has often been shown to increase aggressiveness in children. Instead of resorting to spanking quickly, pay attention to the times your child is misbehaving. Could it be when you’re very distracted or busy and your child is trying to get your attention? Is your child misbehaving because he is tired or hungry? Look for the root cause and discipline to bring about godly discipleship. Remember, discipline should be loving guidance and correction that disciples the heart , not a form of punishment. Discipline comes in many forms. Children are unique. There is no “one size meets all requirements” approach. But I do believe every parent should see the word discipline as discipleship to keep them accountable to building relationship and connection between their child and God. All godly correction should allow children to grow up with closer connection to Christ and family, and a joy-filled life with respect for their Heavenly Father and society. Discipline should be a step that builds transformation of the heart of your child. If a parent still intends to spank, I do not recommend it as a first form of correction. Just as I said earlier, children are unique on purpose. Just as God reaches each of us in different ways over time, parents must find what form of discipline works for each child. Be careful not to use a strong-willed child as an excuse to spank. Find ways to craft that strong will into a strong heart for godliness and with connection for Christ. Your child’s will must be guided, not squashed into rebellion. Alternate means of correction might be: loss of privileges, time out, time in, stern looks, hand signals, a hushed voice, work, or redirection of behavior. Use your situation to find natural consequences for teaching your children, but always remain mindful of the objective of stepping them closer to God and changing their heart for Him through the form of correction you choose. When a child consistently misbehaves or disobeys, it’s important to locate theroot cause in order to reach their heart for change. Remember, discipline should be correction and training toward discipleship, not punishment. Discipline should be designed as an instrument that assists in correcting behavior and facilitating heart change . Spanking doesn’t get to the core of what needs correcting. Correcting behavior (which stems from the heart of your child) allows you to draw your child’s heart nearer to Christ. Addressing heart issues moves the child closer to transformation, both in the heart and in the behavior that stems from it . Spanking punishes, but doesn’t change the heart, except perhaps planting bitterness that can place a wedge between parent and child, or more importantly, between Christ and child. Proverbs 9:10 which says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding .” Apart from the Lord we don’t have wisdom or understanding. Both are needed as you prayerfully determine whether God calls you to spank His children. Remember, that in order to change behavior, children should also see that their parents acknowledge their own personal sins. They need to understand that Mom and Dad repent to God. Then they understand that correction is a lifelong process for both children and adults. They begin to understand that we all need behavior that is fitting to the Lord. Everyone needs to honor God and submit to Him so we develop obedience and closer relationship with Him. Consider this thought - spanking doesn’t teach children to obey the parent or obey God out of love, trust, and obedience. We know that God’s grace and mercy should be the motivator used to discipline children. Discipline should be intended to draw the heart and mind of children nearer to the heart and mind of God. Using discipleship as discipline is the way to reach the heart. God’s Word teaches, corrects, trains, equips, and forgives. Our method of correction should do the same and build a foundation for our children to desire God’s Word and ways. Make sure you and your spouse are prayerfully aligned, so you’ll follow how God instructs you to discipline to disciple. Dear Heavenly Father, we praise You for Your mercy and goodness to us. Thank you for gifting us with the honor and privilege of raising Your children. Thank you for Your patience and forgiveness in our lives. Please show us the way to mentor our children with Your loving kindness. Don’t let us forget the holy authority You entrusted to us with the responsibility of parenting Your precious children, even on the most challenging days. Help us to seek You in every way, including the way we discipline to disciple. Help us keep You in the forefront of our mind so we remember the truth that discipling should be correcting and directing, not punishing. Help our children love, trust, honor, and obey You because they see us do the same. Show us the way to the hearts of the children in our care. Transform us daily because we continue to seek You and rest and abide in Your capable arms. In the precious name of Jesus we pray. Amen. This is the part of the episode that you usually hear me talk about the Set-Apart Collective. Today I want to share about my new mini program called “Establish Identity.” Why? Your identity is a major force behind what you do. Who you believe yourself to be, and who you find your identity through affects the way you live, parent, love, serve, and discipline. Your identity is one of the lifelines, a pulse point of your home. Do you ever stop to think that you are the first Jesus your child will see? Even if they are grown, your identity affects your child. The way you think, speak, and react is rooted in your identity. Send me a message at info@terrihitt.com if you’d like details or go to terrihitt.com and join my email list. You’ll get updates before anyone else and hear a little about what makes this so important. If you join the email list you’ll also be able to access free resources such as my new Good to Godly: A 31 Day Scripture and Prayer Guide for Moms. One last thing to remember - if you’re not purposed in knowing Jesus and showing Him to the next generation, the world will sway your children away from Christ. I pray that what you hear on this podcast enables you to stop being a good mom and focus on being a godly parent. Until next week, keep looking Up while focusing on new ways to parent with eternal purpose and connection with your children and Christ. Previous Next

Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #054 – Parenting His Purpose Thank you for entrusting and investing your precious time with me to grow in Jesus together. I am blessed to be back with you to discuss more ways to live with eternal perspective. A few days ago I was working on the podcast, but stopped and began listening with a smile when I heard my daughters giggling together over something in the kitchen. Their carefree laughter brought such joy to my spirit. It brought to mind how God must feel each time we eagerly seek His presence and take joy in learning more of Him. Just as the girls were authentically sharing moments together, God wants us to invite Him to share both large and small memories with Him. Our Heavenly Father created us for special fellowship together. Since the fall of creation, this world we live in has been warped and broken. Our spirits have been yearning to reconnect with God in the intimate ways He designed for us. The Good Father created us on purpose with a purpose. As we know, before Adam and Eve sinned in the garden, they shared a very unique and special relationship with God that carried privileges we have never experienced. 1. Adam and Eve were privileged to walk and talk with God daily. 2. Adam and Eve saw God through the pure lens God desired. They were not confused or misled by sin, as it had not yet entered their lives. 3. Adam and Eve lived with a richness and fullness that God intended for their spirits and minds, unaffected by our now-fallen world. After disobeying God, sin damaged and severed their perfect relationship with God. The intimate bond and communion Adam and Eve shared with God was destroyed. After they chose to believe Satan, and made choices that tore them from God’s perfection, their knowledge and understanding of God became twisted. Although they once walked with God in abundant life, they now hid in the shadows of their once peaceful world, as death entered their world and altered their existence. Our lives are now positioned on what occurred through Adam and Eve’s choice and what the world became after the Fall. Every man and woman has been separated from God, we are not wise to the truths of God, and we are each condemned to not only a physical death, but a spiritual death as well. Thankfully, because of Jesus, we have a Redeemer and Rescuer who has brought us back into a beautiful fellowship with God. We don’t have to live alienated from God, ignorant of God, condemned to death, or without hope or purpose. So why do so many Christians who rejoice in the fact that they are saved through Jesus and proclaim to love the Lord neglect to live a lifestyle that focuses on eternity with a heart and mindset like Jesus? Why don’t we teach our children to live with a mindset and purpose that is set for eternity and raise them for Jesus? Because, just like Jesus said in Luke 23:34a, “Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” Just as Satan’s words to Eve contained partial truth (although it was twisted), the devil uses the same tactics with us today. Satan tempts humans by appealing to our desires. Often, mothers want so much for their children that we forget how very little they really need. We are so busy trying to do and get all we can for them. All they really need is a firm foundation set on Jesus and a life that seeks and reflects Him. The same truth applies to us. Our life should not be defined by how much our children have or what they do. Stop trying to present them with the best or the most and commit to loving them as God calls. Help them build a firm and solid foundation on Jesus. God will equip and lead you to give them what they truly need and He will also surprise you with blessings beyond as you follow Him with a joyous and honoring heart. As a woman who has raised two sets of family over a span of forty-two years, I’ve watched fads come and go, and I’ve seen the way current culture affects home and family. I’ve experienced the consistency of a firm foundation settled on Jesus, as well as life without much thought to Him. No strategy, no amount of love or attention, no hope, no plans, no relationship with a human, nothing carries the value and hope that a maturing relationship with God through Jesus holds. When we live a life connected to Jesus, it builds a lifeline between our children and the Lord. Philippians 3:8 says, “Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For His sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ.” If we really believe that verse, why don’t we live like it? Why don’t we ensure that our children know Jesus and teach them that nothing in this life lasts, nothing matters but a firm foundation built on Him? Do you understand what the word foundation means in relation to our child and his relationship with and dependency on Christ? Really take a few moments to soak in the importance of the word and meaning. A life built on the foundation of Jesus will have a life-affirming, truthful basis for a belief system, stability, support, and a life patterned after the Authority and Creator. For a year I have written podcasts set to build our relationships with God through maturing our walk with Jesus. Without Him, this world has no hope, no peace, and cannot offer love or understanding. Look at the way our culture continues to change and the effects it has on us, let alone our children. Media, shows, books, magazines, fashion, education, celebrities, and superstars all desensitize our precious children and we are to blame, as we ignorantly or lazily let it continue. Many kids grow up wanting fame at the cost of anything, including morals, reputation, relationships, and life. Instead of humbly following the Lord, they follow strangers who lead them far away from where a true believer and follower of Christ should be. Our children have time for phones and social media, but make no time to invest in growing and deepening a walk with Jesus. We have ourselves to blame if we have not allowed Christ to rule our life and modeled Him humbly and purely to them daily. Most of the time, our children pattern themselves and their life choices after what they see us do. I hope that if you are listening to this podcast you are either already maturing your walk with Jesus through an intentional, continuous basis or that you are very interested in doing so. I have known Jesus for 39 years. My walk with Him has not been perfect, but Jesus has never left my side. It is my honor, and frankly my duty, as I know where God is calling me, to teach you what God has shown to me, as well as to lead you straight to Him through the practical ways I’ve shared over the last year. Heavy on my heart at this time, as I know God has laid it there, is the knowledge that He is calling me to walk with you in the way our children are raised. Am I saying I have all of the perfect answers to raising children? Absolutely not! But I know Who does and how to guide you to Him. I have seen the truth of God’s word come true over and over again. Everything in the Bible is truth and God is not mocked. We do reap what we sow. Our children are affected by what we believe and the actions we choose. As you raise and provide for your precious children, be certain of what you believe and stand for, how you represent Jesus, and what you model for your children. I’m going to list questions that each of us should regularly remember to ask ourselves and evaluate honestly. These are vitally important, not only for us, but for those around us, especially for the children God entrusted to our care. 1. What do I believe? Do I know my beliefs and how they affect my eternity? Have I thought about how they shape the eternity of those around me? If I am a believer in Jesus, it is imperative that I am clear in these areas and striving to grow in Him daily and make Him clearly known to my children. 2. Is it apparent that I am a Christian? What does that word mean to me? Have I accepted Jesus as my personal Savior? How do I represent Christ each day? Do I say one thing and do another? Am I consistent in my attitude and heartitude, making my maturing relationship with Jesus loving and evident? 3. What are my children learning? Do they know Jesus as Savior? Are they lovingly and intentionally maturing their walk with God through Jesus each day or are they Christians in name or claim only? Do I see fruits of the spirit continuously ripening in them? 4. Am I actively helping my children grow in Jesus daily or expecting the church or someone else to help them grow in maturity? How are they seeing me intentionally grow my walk with Christ? What kind of relationship do they see? Am I making Jesus known to them in real and personal ways? Do I regularly model and mentor them in Jesus in a loving and godly way? Let’s think back to the points I made at the beginning of this podcast when I discussed Adam and Eve in the garden. 1. Adam and Eve were able to walk and talk with God daily. As mothers who believe in Jesus, it should be our deepest desire to see our children walk and talk with God daily. 2. Adam and Eve saw God through the pure lens God desired. They were not confused or misled by sin, as it had not yet entered their lives. We should desire that our children know the word of God and His love through Jesus so that they are not confused by sin and are not attracted to what this world shoves at them. 3. Adam and Eve lived with a richness and fullness that God intended for their spirits and minds, unaffected by our now-fallen world. Godly parenting looks for ways to fill the minds of our children with the fullness of joy God intends for them and looks for ways to help our children mature and shine fruits of the Spirit. 4. Adam and Eve looked forward to spending time with God. Getting to know the Lord should not be a chore or something we barely make time for. Our relationship with God should be a priority so that it becomes one for our children. How can we, as humans, fill these demanding roles? Only through the power and presence of Jesus in our life. Parenting is hard. I think of our loving Heavenly Father, who always stands ready to carry us. God never leaves our side. If you are a parent, grandparent, or person of influence over a child’s life, I urge you to acknowledge that there is nothing more important you can do for the one you love than to allow God to work through you to form their soul and eternal relationship with Him. God did not pick you because you have it all together. He is allowing your influence on His child, because God trusts that you will allow Him to work through you. When I became a mother at the age of 18, I did not have a relationship with Christ. I thought I was so mature for my age, and I was to a point. But as Jeremiah 9:23 says, “This is what the Lord says: “Don’t let the wise boast in their wisdom, or the powerful boast in their power, or the rich boast in their riches.” Likewise, Proverbs 3:13 says, “Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding.” And listen to this wisdom from Job 28:28, which says, “And this is what he says to all humanity: ‘The fear of the Lord is true wisdom; to forsake evil is real understanding.” One of my favorites is Luke 2:52, which says, “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” How blessed we (and our children) are if God can proclaim that our children are growing in favor with Him! It is up to each one of us to have such a close, honoring, and obedient relationship with the Lord that we must equip our children to develop deep and wide-spread roots of faith. When the storms of life come, and they will, our children will be able to withstand the trials of life because the soil they embed their life in is rich and their roots are straining to the depth and width strong faith requires. Trees with weak root systems and poorly cultivated soil will weaken and “hollow-out” as life attacks them. Storms and winds, pestilence and disease are strong when the tree is not lovingly watched over and provided for. When the root system of a tree is not carefully guarded, the tree fails to thrive and often dies. In contrast, a healthy root system can even sprout new trees when the above ground part of the tree is burned. It is imperative for our children to have strong faith roots in order for them to know, honor, follow, and shine Jesus. We are the gardener, working directly for the Master to ensure that His trees are raised to bloom healthy and strong in and through Him. Life in this world will not prepare our children for a lifetime of following Jesus and living a rich life blessed with the fruits of following Him. As the mothers entrusted to protect, nurture, and train God’s precious child, we must grasp the weight of the holy work our Heavenly Father God has allowed us to participate in. Jesus is our strength and guide. In order to properly guard and counsel our children, it is imperative that we are attuned to Him through a close and maturing walk ourselves. We live in a world that is in direct opposition to what God desires for and requires of us. An example of this comes to mind when I think of how our schools have taught a warped science that excludes God and religion. How can you teach a subject without including the author of that subject? Science and religion are not separate. Educators use textbooks that teach subjects without divine inspiration from the author of creation, and they are unable to speak His word or truths in school. Our children are victims, living without wisdom or values from God and striving for the emptiness of this world system, which will never fulfill them. Mothers, it is imperative that we take a stand. One day each of us will stand before God and be held accountable for the way we influenced His children. Your future relationship with your child and their eternal future depends on the decisions and priorities you establish and adhere to right now. As you may know, I homeschool. It has made a critical difference in my ability to reach my children for the Lord. An education at home has allowed me the benefit of studying and understanding my children at a depth I would not have been privileged to observe and discover if I sent them away for hours to go to school elsewhere each day. I see the character and attitudes of my girls clearly and honestly, and the same is true in reverse. They see the passion I have for Jesus, and my loving desire and reasons for them to know, honor, love, and obey Him. My children are receiving an education based on morals and integrity taught from God’s Holy Word and learning the basis for what we hold to be standards for right and wrong. Character formation is a difficult, but worthy and holy task. I am blessed to work at it at great lengths daily in our time together. I have also raised children through the public school system. I also know many Christians who have. I pray that each of us will trust God to provide and guide, and not make decisions based out of fear or ignorance. Allow Him to choose where and how your child will be educated, but understand that the decision will influence how much “clean up work” you will be involved in. Many children have been raised through the public school system or private schools and they have stayed true to the faith taught by diligent parents, however, I know it is becoming more and more difficult to combat the lies and unbiblical actions thrust at our children every day for years. When I was a young mother and a new Christian, I foolishly believed that the church was where my children learned about God. I thought that if they know I loved Jesus and we went to church each week, that they would be raised as followers of Jesus. How naïve! This world, school systems, peers, social media, strangers, and others have much access to the ones we love most and we must have a plan in place to teach them the truths and joys God desires for them. God provides freedom from this world, not restriction. He bestows grace, not condemnation. Teach the truth because it is absolutely certain that others are filling your children with deceit. Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for lovingly entrusting your precious, specially-crafted children into our hands. I pray we have the mindset you desire to raise them and lovingly teach them of You. Help us to perfect our walk with you more and more daily, mentoring the way for our children to have an even stronger walk with You. May each generation become stronger and deeper in faith and reach many as You work through them. Show us the way You desire us to love and teach each unique child you have allowed us. Make it clear where we need to change and grow in You ourselves, and may we admit our mistakes and change our course. May we shine You so well that our children cannot turn away. In Your precious name we pray. Amen. Thank you for listening to this episode. The Live With Eternal Perspective podcast is currently linked to terrihitt.com, where you can access the episodes housed in one convenient location, as well as receive access to blog posts, transcripts, and additional resources designed to mature your walk with Christ and equip you to raise or influence children with love and purpose through Him. If you would like another episode specifically about parenting children, you may like listening to “Equipping Children,” Episode #7 of the Live With Eternal Perspective podcast. I pray you intentionally continue to draw nearer to Jesus and cling to Him, despite any circumstances in your life. Until next week, keep looking Up and find new ways to Live With Eternal Perspective. Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode 054 Parenting His Purpose Listen to Episode Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #054 – Parenting His Purpose Thank you for entrusting and investing your precious time with me to grow in Jesus together. I am blessed to be back with you to discuss more ways to live with eternal perspective. A few days ago I was working on the podcast, but stopped and began listening with a smile when I heard my daughters giggling together over something in the kitchen. Their carefree laughter brought such joy to my spirit. It brought to mind how God must feel each time we eagerly seek His presence and take joy in learning more of Him. Just as the girls were authentically sharing moments together, God wants us to invite Him to share both large and small memories with Him. Our Heavenly Father created us for special fellowship together. Since the fall of creation, this world we live in has been warped and broken. Our spirits have been yearning to reconnect with God in the intimate ways He designed for us. The Good Father created us on purpose with a purpose. As we know, before Adam and Eve sinned in the garden, they shared a very unique and special relationship with God that carried privileges we have never experienced. 1. Adam and Eve were privileged to walk and talk with God daily. 2. Adam and Eve saw God through the pure lens God desired. They were not confused or misled by sin, as it had not yet entered their lives. 3. Adam and Eve lived with a richness and fullness that God intended for their spirits and minds, unaffected by our now-fallen world. After disobeying God, sin damaged and severed their perfect relationship with God. The intimate bond and communion Adam and Eve shared with God was destroyed. After they chose to believe Satan, and made choices that tore them from God’s perfection, their knowledge and understanding of God became twisted. Although they once walked with God in abundant life, they now hid in the shadows of their once peaceful world, as death entered their world and altered their existence. Our lives are now positioned on what occurred through Adam and Eve’s choice and what the world became after the Fall. Every man and woman has been separated from God, we are not wise to the truths of God, and we are each condemned to not only a physical death, but a spiritual death as well. Thankfully, because of Jesus, we have a Redeemer and Rescuer who has brought us back into a beautiful fellowship with God. We don’t have to live alienated from God, ignorant of God, condemned to death, or without hope or purpose. So why do so many Christians who rejoice in the fact that they are saved through Jesus and proclaim to love the Lord neglect to live a lifestyle that focuses on eternity with a heart and mindset like Jesus? Why don’t we teach our children to live with a mindset and purpose that is set for eternity and raise them for Jesus? Because, just like Jesus said in Luke 23:34a, “Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” Just as Satan’s words to Eve contained partial truth (although it was twisted), the devil uses the same tactics with us today. Satan tempts humans by appealing to our desires. Often, mothers want so much for their children that we forget how very little they really need. We are so busy trying to do and get all we can for them. All they really need is a firm foundation set on Jesus and a life that seeks and reflects Him. The same truth applies to us. Our life should not be defined by how much our children have or what they do. Stop trying to present them with the best or the most and commit to loving them as God calls. Help them build a firm and solid foundation on Jesus. God will equip and lead you to give them what they truly need and He will also surprise you with blessings beyond as you follow Him with a joyous and honoring heart. As a woman who has raised two sets of family over a span of forty-two years, I’ve watched fads come and go, and I’ve seen the way current culture affects home and family. I’ve experienced the consistency of a firm foundation settled on Jesus, as well as life without much thought to Him. No strategy, no amount of love or attention, no hope, no plans, no relationship with a human, nothing carries the value and hope that a maturing relationship with God through Jesus holds. When we live a life connected to Jesus, it builds a lifeline between our children and the Lord. Philippians 3:8 says, “Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For His sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ.” If we really believe that verse, why don’t we live like it? Why don’t we ensure that our children know Jesus and teach them that nothing in this life lasts, nothing matters but a firm foundation built on Him? Do you understand what the word foundation means in relation to our child and his relationship with and dependency on Christ? Really take a few moments to soak in the importance of the word and meaning. A life built on the foundation of Jesus will have a life-affirming, truthful basis for a belief system, stability, support, and a life patterned after the Authority and Creator. For a year I have written podcasts set to build our relationships with God through maturing our walk with Jesus. Without Him, this world has no hope, no peace, and cannot offer love or understanding. Look at the way our culture continues to change and the effects it has on us, let alone our children. Media, shows, books, magazines, fashion, education, celebrities, and superstars all desensitize our precious children and we are to blame, as we ignorantly or lazily let it continue. Many kids grow up wanting fame at the cost of anything, including morals, reputation, relationships, and life. Instead of humbly following the Lord, they follow strangers who lead them far away from where a true believer and follower of Christ should be. Our children have time for phones and social media, but make no time to invest in growing and deepening a walk with Jesus. We have ourselves to blame if we have not allowed Christ to rule our life and modeled Him humbly and purely to them daily. Most of the time, our children pattern themselves and their life choices after what they see us do. I hope that if you are listening to this podcast you are either already maturing your walk with Jesus through an intentional, continuous basis or that you are very interested in doing so. I have known Jesus for 39 years. My walk with Him has not been perfect, but Jesus has never left my side. It is my honor, and frankly my duty, as I know where God is calling me, to teach you what God has shown to me, as well as to lead you straight to Him through the practical ways I’ve shared over the last year. Heavy on my heart at this time, as I know God has laid it there, is the knowledge that He is calling me to walk with you in the way our children are raised. Am I saying I have all of the perfect answers to raising children? Absolutely not! But I know Who does and how to guide you to Him. I have seen the truth of God’s word come true over and over again. Everything in the Bible is truth and God is not mocked. We do reap what we sow. Our children are affected by what we believe and the actions we choose. As you raise and provide for your precious children, be certain of what you believe and stand for, how you represent Jesus, and what you model for your children. I’m going to list questions that each of us should regularly remember to ask ourselves and evaluate honestly. These are vitally important, not only for us, but for those around us, especially for the children God entrusted to our care. 1. What do I believe? Do I know my beliefs and how they affect my eternity? Have I thought about how they shape the eternity of those around me? If I am a believer in Jesus, it is imperative that I am clear in these areas and striving to grow in Him daily and make Him clearly known to my children. 2. Is it apparent that I am a Christian? What does that word mean to me? Have I accepted Jesus as my personal Savior? How do I represent Christ each day? Do I say one thing and do another? Am I consistent in my attitude and heartitude, making my maturing relationship with Jesus loving and evident? 3. What are my children learning? Do they know Jesus as Savior? Are they lovingly and intentionally maturing their walk with God through Jesus each day or are they Christians in name or claim only? Do I see fruits of the spirit continuously ripening in them? 4. Am I actively helping my children grow in Jesus daily or expecting the church or someone else to help them grow in maturity? How are they seeing me intentionally grow my walk with Christ? What kind of relationship do they see? Am I making Jesus known to them in real and personal ways? Do I regularly model and mentor them in Jesus in a loving and godly way? Let’s think back to the points I made at the beginning of this podcast when I discussed Adam and Eve in the garden. 1. Adam and Eve were able to walk and talk with God daily. As mothers who believe in Jesus, it should be our deepest desire to see our children walk and talk with God daily. 2. Adam and Eve saw God through the pure lens God desired. They were not confused or misled by sin, as it had not yet entered their lives. We should desire that our children know the word of God and His love through Jesus so that they are not confused by sin and are not attracted to what this world shoves at them. 3. Adam and Eve lived with a richness and fullness that God intended for their spirits and minds, unaffected by our now-fallen world. Godly parenting looks for ways to fill the minds of our children with the fullness of joy God intends for them and looks for ways to help our children mature and shine fruits of the Spirit. 4. Adam and Eve looked forward to spending time with God. Getting to know the Lord should not be a chore or something we barely make time for. Our relationship with God should be a priority so that it becomes one for our children. How can we, as humans, fill these demanding roles? Only through the power and presence of Jesus in our life. Parenting is hard. I think of our loving Heavenly Father, who always stands ready to carry us. God never leaves our side. If you are a parent, grandparent, or person of influence over a child’s life, I urge you to acknowledge that there is nothing more important you can do for the one you love than to allow God to work through you to form their soul and eternal relationship with Him. God did not pick you because you have it all together. He is allowing your influence on His child, because God trusts that you will allow Him to work through you. When I became a mother at the age of 18, I did not have a relationship with Christ. I thought I was so mature for my age, and I was to a point. But as Jeremiah 9:23 says, “This is what the Lord says: “Don’t let the wise boast in their wisdom, or the powerful boast in their power, or the rich boast in their riches.” Likewise, Proverbs 3:13 says, “Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding.” And listen to this wisdom from Job 28:28, which says, “And this is what he says to all humanity: ‘The fear of the Lord is true wisdom; to forsake evil is real understanding.” One of my favorites is Luke 2:52, which says, “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” How blessed we (and our children) are if God can proclaim that our children are growing in favor with Him! It is up to each one of us to have such a close, honoring, and obedient relationship with the Lord that we must equip our children to develop deep and wide-spread roots of faith. When the storms of life come, and they will, our children will be able to withstand the trials of life because the soil they embed their life in is rich and their roots are straining to the depth and width strong faith requires. Trees with weak root systems and poorly cultivated soil will weaken and “hollow-out” as life attacks them. Storms and winds, pestilence and disease are strong when the tree is not lovingly watched over and provided for. When the root system of a tree is not carefully guarded, the tree fails to thrive and often dies. In contrast, a healthy root system can even sprout new trees when the above ground part of the tree is burned. It is imperative for our children to have strong faith roots in order for them to know, honor, follow, and shine Jesus. We are the gardener, working directly for the Master to ensure that His trees are raised to bloom healthy and strong in and through Him. Life in this world will not prepare our children for a lifetime of following Jesus and living a rich life blessed with the fruits of following Him. As the mothers entrusted to protect, nurture, and train God’s precious child, we must grasp the weight of the holy work our Heavenly Father God has allowed us to participate in. Jesus is our strength and guide. In order to properly guard and counsel our children, it is imperative that we are attuned to Him through a close and maturing walk ourselves. We live in a world that is in direct opposition to what God desires for and requires of us. An example of this comes to mind when I think of how our schools have taught a warped science that excludes God and religion. How can you teach a subject without including the author of that subject? Science and religion are not separate. Educators use textbooks that teach subjects without divine inspiration from the author of creation, and they are unable to speak His word or truths in school. Our children are victims, living without wisdom or values from God and striving for the emptiness of this world system, which will never fulfill them. Mothers, it is imperative that we take a stand. One day each of us will stand before God and be held accountable for the way we influenced His children. Your future relationship with your child and their eternal future depends on the decisions and priorities you establish and adhere to right now. As you may know, I homeschool. It has made a critical difference in my ability to reach my children for the Lord. An education at home has allowed me the benefit of studying and understanding my children at a depth I would not have been privileged to observe and discover if I sent them away for hours to go to school elsewhere each day. I see the character and attitudes of my girls clearly and honestly, and the same is true in reverse. They see the passion I have for Jesus, and my loving desire and reasons for them to know, honor, love, and obey Him. My children are receiving an education based on morals and integrity taught from God’s Holy Word and learning the basis for what we hold to be standards for right and wrong. Character formation is a difficult, but worthy and holy task. I am blessed to work at it at great lengths daily in our time together. I have also raised children through the public school system. I also know many Christians who have. I pray that each of us will trust God to provide and guide, and not make decisions based out of fear or ignorance. Allow Him to choose where and how your child will be educated, but understand that the decision will influence how much “clean up work” you will be involved in. Many children have been raised through the public school system or private schools and they have stayed true to the faith taught by diligent parents, however, I know it is becoming more and more difficult to combat the lies and unbiblical actions thrust at our children every day for years. When I was a young mother and a new Christian, I foolishly believed that the church was where my children learned about God. I thought that if they know I loved Jesus and we went to church each week, that they would be raised as followers of Jesus. How naïve! This world, school systems, peers, social media, strangers, and others have much access to the ones we love most and we must have a plan in place to teach them the truths and joys God desires for them. God provides freedom from this world, not restriction. He bestows grace, not condemnation. Teach the truth because it is absolutely certain that others are filling your children with deceit. Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for lovingly entrusting your precious, specially-crafted children into our hands. I pray we have the mindset you desire to raise them and lovingly teach them of You. Help us to perfect our walk with you more and more daily, mentoring the way for our children to have an even stronger walk with You. May each generation become stronger and deeper in faith and reach many as You work through them. Show us the way You desire us to love and teach each unique child you have allowed us. Make it clear where we need to change and grow in You ourselves, and may we admit our mistakes and change our course. May we shine You so well that our children cannot turn away. In Your precious name we pray. Amen. Thank you for listening to this episode. The Live With Eternal Perspective podcast is currently linked to terrihitt.com, where you can access the episodes housed in one convenient location, as well as receive access to blog posts, transcripts, and additional resources designed to mature your walk with Christ and equip you to raise or influence children with love and purpose through Him. If you would like another episode specifically about parenting children, you may like listening to “Equipping Children,” Episode #7 of the Live With Eternal Perspective podcast. I pray you intentionally continue to draw nearer to Jesus and cling to Him, despite any circumstances in your life. Until next week, keep looking Up and find new ways to Live With Eternal Perspective.

Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #132 – Am I Hearing You, God? Thank you for entrusting and investing your precious time with me to seek, find, and follow Jesus together as we live with purposed eternal perspective. January, 2018 was the last time I spoke to my father-in-law. Sadly, he passed from cancer shortly after his 80th birthday. One of his best qualities and one of the things I loved most about him is that he was always ready to talk about Jesus to anyone at any time. Beyond the gospel or how Christ has changed my life, I also enjoy sharing what I call God-stories. The Lord has done so much in my life, changing me from the inside, and has provided for me beyond my wildest dreams. One of the ways He has done this is by speaking directly to me and helping me learn to love, worship, and obey Him. People have often asked me how I know when God is speaking to me. How do I know I am hearing Him through the noise, distractions, and fleshly desires that seem to be so much louder in this world? When I think about hearing from God, I think of our perfect example, Jesus. What a beautiful mentor for showing us how to hear God! I’m far from the example Christ set, but Jesus surely showed us the way to mature every aspect of our Christian walk and our relationship with the Father; especially how to hear the voice of God and respond in obedience to Him. Did you know that Jesus did not begin His earthly ministry until He was 30 years old and filled by the Holy Spirit? Philippians 2:5-7 says, “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.” If we pay attention to and study Scripture, we see that Jesus showed us how to walk with and hear from God. Through Him, we learn that the Holy Spirit, who lives inside every believer will guide us in the Truth. John 16:13 says, “When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth, for He will not speak on his own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak, and He will declare to you the things that are to come.” When we become believers of Christ, the Holy Spirit living within us will help us to hear from and to speak to our Heavenly Father. Romans 8:26-27 says, “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.” Jesus teaches us that: 1. God desires personal relationship. John 8:47 says, “Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.” John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” 2. God calls us to repent and listen. Proverbs 3:6 says, “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.” 3. God calls us to connect through prayer. Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” 4. God calls us to know Him. Psalm 119:160 says, “The sum of Your word is truth, and every one of Your righteous rules endures forever.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” 5. God wants us to get rid of distractions and focus on Him. Proverbs 3:5-7 says, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.” 6. God calls us to renew our mind so it is in alignment with His. Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” 7. God calls us to humble ourselves before Him. John 10:27 says, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” 8. God calls us to seek His wisdom, discernment, and guidance. Psalm 27:11a says, “Teach me Your way, O LORD, and lead me on a level path.” Jeremiah 33:3 says, “Call to Me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.” 9. God speaks in different ways to each person, but always in alignment with Scripture. Isaiah 30:21 says, “And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.” Deuteronomy 13:4 says, “You shall walk after the LORD your God and fear Him and keep His commandments and obey His voice, and you shall serve Him and hold fast to Him.” 10. God assures us that those who love and follow Him will hear His voice. John 10:4-5 says, “When He has brought out all his own, He goes before them, and the sheep follow Him, for they know His voice. A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from Him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” John 10:27 says, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” How Can You Ensure You Hear From God? 1. Study His Word – Read and study the Bible so you know God’s Word, His character, commands, promises, holiness, sovereignty, and love. Then you will recognize and respond to Him. We make time for what we want to do. 2. Recognize His Voice – Once you recognize His voice, remember that God can speak loudly, as a warning to keep you from danger or to provide and protect – or He can speak softly, depending on the need and situation. He also finds personal ways to speak to each believer and follower. Situations, people, and whispering in your spirit may be some of the ways. He may speak differently to you, but God will never speak anything to you that goes against His holy Word. Know His Word and know Him, then you will recognize Him speaking to you. 3. Focus on God – Thoughts, desires, hurts, confusion, and a variety of other things can keep you from centering your mind on Him. Staying in His word, studying God’s Word, consistent prayer with Him, and intentionally maturing your walk are ways to quiet your spirit and prepare to meet and hear Him at any time. 4. Pray Scripture – Even if you have to read verses from the Bible as you speak to God, pray His powerful words to Him. As you read and pray about the splendor, holiness, sovereignty, and love of God or read His promises and truths, it becomes easier to focus on pleasing Him, praising Him, serving Him, and obeying Him. 5. Talk to God and Listen For God – Spend quiet time with the Lord, but also abide with Him through each day. Share with God. Ask Him to speak to you. You must have the desire to hear God before you will listen for Him. Be prepared to listen, pray, and obey. Make sure to check what you believe God is saying to you against Scripture and the character of God. God does speak to His children. Sometimes He fills our mind and heart with His desires, sometimes He whispers gentle commands for us to obey. Other times, God places people in our path to direct us. At other times, God may issue loud warnings in our spirit. Sometimes a Bible verse or passage may be the exact word we need. Sometimes events happen that are so personal and unique that we know the finger of God has extended to earth. These are not the only ways God works or speaks. I know the ways He usually reaches me. I’m forever thankful for my Father and pray that I am always able to hear His voice and follow His commands more clearly and quickly each day of my life. What are some benefits of making sure you clearly hear God? God’s Word and Voice Give Peace. Philippians 4:7 says, “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” God’s Word and Voice Hold Wisdom. Proverbs 11:14 says, “For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.” and Ecclesiastes 7:12 says, “For the protection of wisdom is like the protection of money, and the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of him who has it.” God’s Word and Voice Convict. John 16:8 says, “And when He comes, He will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment.” God’s Word and Voice give Rest. Matthew 11:28-30 says, “Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” God’s Word and Voice Remove Fear. John 14:27 says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” God’s Word and Voice are Truth. John 14:6 says, “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” God’s Word and Voice Discern. Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” God’s Word and Voice offer Strength. Psalm 73:26 says, “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” God’s Word and Voice offer Hope. Hebrews 10:23 says, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” The closer we draw to Christ, the clearer we hear our Father speak. Jesus shows us the way to God and the way to clearly hear His voice. Our patient Father waits for us to seek His wisdom, guidance, and discernment. Know He personally speaks to each of us, but also remember that His voice always aligns with Scripture and His character. Dear Heavenly Father, You are so good. Your patient guidance calls to us to seek You and follow where You lead. Thank you for the personal and intimate care You long to offer each of us who know and follow You. God, Your loving kindness is overwhelming. We pray that Your voice is the one we seek and hear. We pray that we hear You more clearly than our desires and demands. May we draw ever nearer to Christ and allow You to carry us to the heights You have purposed for us because they glorify You and draw others even nearer to You and Your ways. Father do not exalt us, but fill us with Your beautiful promises and provisions. Bring others to You. Help us walk and stay within Your guidelines and grow in the ways You purpose so that we may hear Your voice. In the precious name of Jesus we pray. Amen. Thank you for listening to the “Live With Eternal Perspective” podcast. Remember that you may find transcripts online at terrihitt.com. On the website you may also find my “Purposed Parent/Connected Child” podcast and transcripts. Both podcasts are also available on iHeart Radio, Spotify, and they are part of the Spark Media Network. Both podcasts may also now be found on the Edifi app, where you can hear thousands of the best Christian podcasts in one place for your listening enjoyment. Have you rated or reviewed my podcasts on Apple Podcasts yet? When you review my podcast on Apple Podcasts, it helps to elevate the standing of the podcast online so that more people are allowed to find and hear it. Will you take a moment to follow the shows and think of someone you can share the podcasts with and encourage them to follow and share, as well? Remember, if we are not purposed in knowing Jesus ourselves and showing Him to the next generation, the world will direct them away from Christ. Live With Eternal Perspective helps us to find, trust, and follow Christ more intimately. Purposed Parent/Connected Child shares biblical, practical truths for parents and grandparents to influence and mentor Christ over culture. I pray that what you hear on this podcast draws you nearer to God and helps you cling to Him, despite any circumstances in your life. Until next week, keep looking Up while focusing on new ways to Live With Eternal Perspective. Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode 132 - Am I Hearing You God? Listen to Episode Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #132 – Am I Hearing You, God? Thank you for entrusting and investing your precious time with me to seek, find, and follow Jesus together as we live with purposed eternal perspective. January, 2018 was the last time I spoke to my father-in-law. Sadly, he passed from cancer shortly after his 80th birthday. One of his best qualities and one of the things I loved most about him is that he was always ready to talk about Jesus to anyone at any time. Beyond the gospel or how Christ has changed my life, I also enjoy sharing what I call God-stories. The Lord has done so much in my life, changing me from the inside, and has provided for me beyond my wildest dreams. One of the ways He has done this is by speaking directly to me and helping me learn to love, worship, and obey Him. People have often asked me how I know when God is speaking to me. How do I know I am hearing Him through the noise, distractions, and fleshly desires that seem to be so much louder in this world? When I think about hearing from God, I think of our perfect example, Jesus. What a beautiful mentor for showing us how to hear God! I’m far from the example Christ set, but Jesus surely showed us the way to mature every aspect of our Christian walk and our relationship with the Father; especially how to hear the voice of God and respond in obedience to Him. Did you know that Jesus did not begin His earthly ministry until He was 30 years old and filled by the Holy Spirit? Philippians 2:5-7 says, “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.” If we pay attention to and study Scripture, we see that Jesus showed us how to walk with and hear from God. Through Him, we learn that the Holy Spirit, who lives inside every believer will guide us in the Truth. John 16:13 says, “When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth, for He will not speak on his own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak, and He will declare to you the things that are to come.” When we become believers of Christ, the Holy Spirit living within us will help us to hear from and to speak to our Heavenly Father. Romans 8:26-27 says, “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.” Jesus teaches us that: 1. God desires personal relationship. John 8:47 says, “Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.” John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” 2. God calls us to repent and listen. Proverbs 3:6 says, “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.” 3. God calls us to connect through prayer. Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” 4. God calls us to know Him. Psalm 119:160 says, “The sum of Your word is truth, and every one of Your righteous rules endures forever.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” 5. God wants us to get rid of distractions and focus on Him. Proverbs 3:5-7 says, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.” 6. God calls us to renew our mind so it is in alignment with His. Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” 7. God calls us to humble ourselves before Him. John 10:27 says, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” 8. God calls us to seek His wisdom, discernment, and guidance. Psalm 27:11a says, “Teach me Your way, O LORD, and lead me on a level path.” Jeremiah 33:3 says, “Call to Me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.” 9. God speaks in different ways to each person, but always in alignment with Scripture. Isaiah 30:21 says, “And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.” Deuteronomy 13:4 says, “You shall walk after the LORD your God and fear Him and keep His commandments and obey His voice, and you shall serve Him and hold fast to Him.” 10. God assures us that those who love and follow Him will hear His voice. John 10:4-5 says, “When He has brought out all his own, He goes before them, and the sheep follow Him, for they know His voice. A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from Him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” John 10:27 says, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” How Can You Ensure You Hear From God? 1. Study His Word – Read and study the Bible so you know God’s Word, His character, commands, promises, holiness, sovereignty, and love. Then you will recognize and respond to Him. We make time for what we want to do. 2. Recognize His Voice – Once you recognize His voice, remember that God can speak loudly, as a warning to keep you from danger or to provide and protect – or He can speak softly, depending on the need and situation. He also finds personal ways to speak to each believer and follower. Situations, people, and whispering in your spirit may be some of the ways. He may speak differently to you, but God will never speak anything to you that goes against His holy Word. Know His Word and know Him, then you will recognize Him speaking to you. 3. Focus on God – Thoughts, desires, hurts, confusion, and a variety of other things can keep you from centering your mind on Him. Staying in His word, studying God’s Word, consistent prayer with Him, and intentionally maturing your walk are ways to quiet your spirit and prepare to meet and hear Him at any time. 4. Pray Scripture – Even if you have to read verses from the Bible as you speak to God, pray His powerful words to Him. As you read and pray about the splendor, holiness, sovereignty, and love of God or read His promises and truths, it becomes easier to focus on pleasing Him, praising Him, serving Him, and obeying Him. 5. Talk to God and Listen For God – Spend quiet time with the Lord, but also abide with Him through each day. Share with God. Ask Him to speak to you. You must have the desire to hear God before you will listen for Him. Be prepared to listen, pray, and obey. Make sure to check what you believe God is saying to you against Scripture and the character of God. God does speak to His children. Sometimes He fills our mind and heart with His desires, sometimes He whispers gentle commands for us to obey. Other times, God places people in our path to direct us. At other times, God may issue loud warnings in our spirit. Sometimes a Bible verse or passage may be the exact word we need. Sometimes events happen that are so personal and unique that we know the finger of God has extended to earth. These are not the only ways God works or speaks. I know the ways He usually reaches me. I’m forever thankful for my Father and pray that I am always able to hear His voice and follow His commands more clearly and quickly each day of my life. What are some benefits of making sure you clearly hear God? God’s Word and Voice Give Peace. Philippians 4:7 says, “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” God’s Word and Voice Hold Wisdom. Proverbs 11:14 says, “For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.” and Ecclesiastes 7:12 says, “For the protection of wisdom is like the protection of money, and the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of him who has it.” God’s Word and Voice Convict. John 16:8 says, “And when He comes, He will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment.” God’s Word and Voice give Rest. Matthew 11:28-30 says, “Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” God’s Word and Voice Remove Fear. John 14:27 says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” God’s Word and Voice are Truth. John 14:6 says, “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” God’s Word and Voice Discern. Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” God’s Word and Voice offer Strength. Psalm 73:26 says, “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” God’s Word and Voice offer Hope. Hebrews 10:23 says, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” The closer we draw to Christ, the clearer we hear our Father speak. Jesus shows us the way to God and the way to clearly hear His voice. Our patient Father waits for us to seek His wisdom, guidance, and discernment. Know He personally speaks to each of us, but also remember that His voice always aligns with Scripture and His character. Dear Heavenly Father, You are so good. Your patient guidance calls to us to seek You and follow where You lead. Thank you for the personal and intimate care You long to offer each of us who know and follow You. God, Your loving kindness is overwhelming. We pray that Your voice is the one we seek and hear. We pray that we hear You more clearly than our desires and demands. May we draw ever nearer to Christ and allow You to carry us to the heights You have purposed for us because they glorify You and draw others even nearer to You and Your ways. Father do not exalt us, but fill us with Your beautiful promises and provisions. Bring others to You. Help us walk and stay within Your guidelines and grow in the ways You purpose so that we may hear Your voice. In the precious name of Jesus we pray. Amen. Thank you for listening to the “Live With Eternal Perspective” podcast. Remember that you may find transcripts online at terrihitt.com. On the website you may also find my “Purposed Parent/Connected Child” podcast and transcripts. Both podcasts are also available on iHeart Radio, Spotify, and they are part of the Spark Media Network. Both podcasts may also now be found on the Edifi app, where you can hear thousands of the best Christian podcasts in one place for your listening enjoyment. Have you rated or reviewed my podcasts on Apple Podcasts yet? When you review my podcast on Apple Podcasts, it helps to elevate the standing of the podcast online so that more people are allowed to find and hear it. Will you take a moment to follow the shows and think of someone you can share the podcasts with and encourage them to follow and share, as well? Remember, if we are not purposed in knowing Jesus ourselves and showing Him to the next generation, the world will direct them away from Christ. Live With Eternal Perspective helps us to find, trust, and follow Christ more intimately. Purposed Parent/Connected Child shares biblical, practical truths for parents and grandparents to influence and mentor Christ over culture. I pray that what you hear on this podcast draws you nearer to God and helps you cling to Him, despite any circumstances in your life. Until next week, keep looking Up while focusing on new ways to Live With Eternal Perspective.

Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #021 – Peace That Passes Understanding Thank you for entrusting and investing your precious time with me to grow in Jesus together. I am blessed to be back with you today to discuss more ways to live with eternal perspective. Our topic today. Peace that passes understanding. Who doesn’t want to claim that? In the midst of writing this particular podcast episode, I experienced a morning that was far from peaceful. Are you a believer that there is spiritual warfare in the world? Ephesians 6:12 says, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” It was real today. But, as we know, God always has the final victory. Does it mean things always turn out the way we want them to? No. In fact, sometimes things get worse before they get better. But God has already and will always be the victor. Several things went wrong as I attempted to start my day and work on this episode. After I had breakfast I tuned in to listen to the podcast I had just released. I don’t always listen after the episode releases, but I kept having little thoughts that I should. About three minutes in, I realized the unedited version was aired instead of the final cut. “Oh my gosh. Oh my gosh, No, no, no.” I kept repeating. Stunned that the wrong version was being played to anyone tuning in, I was so upset. After the podcast episode was removed and the correct one aired, I realized I was still sad inside and wondered how many people had heard how terrible it sounded. I strive each week to write, record, and produce episodes that I believe God is calling and directing. I want to quality to continue to improve each week. When I heard the episode with several mistakes, it really hurt. I didn’t want people to think I didn’t care about what went out or to get too focused on the errors to hear the value behind what I was trying to say. Anxiety does not visit me often, but oh, I could feel it rising in the pit of my stomach that morning. I had to make myself focus and sit down to pray. I asked God to remove the feelings I was having and to allow me to absorb His peace, knowing that this mistake was not the worst thing that could ever happen. I stayed, and resting in God’s presence, talking to Him, until I felt His peace cover and protect me. Although it was distressing to have, and to work to quickly resolve the episode mix-up, the person most affected throughout the day was my husband. It seemed that everything he tried to do brought more problems that he had to tackle or correct. One after another issue popped to his attention and took up his time until evening arrived and it seemed he received a reprieve. You know those days. We all get to experience them. While we cannot escape the dreaded, “bad day,” we can monitor and shift our attitude and heartitude to remember what Jeremiah 12:3a says, “But as for me, Lord, you know my heart. You see me and test my thoughts.” We must continue to train ourselves to allow obstacles to extract bitterness, anxiety, and dissatisfaction from within us. We must pray for them to as we place them in God’s capable hands. Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” When we, as believers, release our anxiety to God we are trusting Him, believing that our Heavenly Father will give us His peace. Even more than just calmness, we receive God Himself, the Holy Spirit within us extending His presence, comfort, and protection. Have you felt it? The deepest tranquility flowing through you, extending past our level of understanding. Isaiah 26:3 says, “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” When our mind is fixed on Him, when it “stays” on Him, He is faithful to His word. We have to remember Him – His strength and not rely on our own limited abilities. The verse from Isaiah relays the truth well. He keeps us in perfect peace when our mind is fixed on Him. When we trust that He will carry our loads, that He is able and desirous, we readily release our burdens to Him. Whenever I experience the slightest awareness of fear or stress, I must remember to immediately stop what I am doing and realize that means that I am attempting to carry concerns or hardships myself, which prompts me to pray. John 14:27 says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” God’s peace cannot be defined by the standards of the world. His ways are above our logic or limited understanding. John 16:33 says, “I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!” Pay attention that Jesus did not say, “If you have trouble.” He said, “When you have trouble.” Afflictions, burdens, irritations, and concerns will come. Even Jesus had hardships and troubles. Why should we expect anything less? Remember, obstacles are opportunities that press us into the arms of Jesus. We have the freedom to choose to let the experience, whether large or small, cause us to draw nearer to Him and grow in Him. Colossians 3:15 says, “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.” Peace is a gift extended as we believe and ask our Father to carry our loads. Hebrews 13:20-21 says, “Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. God so intensely desires peace to inhabit us that He is called “the God of Peace.” Peace is part of Who and What our Heavenly Father is. As believers carrying the indwelling Holy Spirit, we have that peace within us. As frail, sinful humans, we often forget that power and source because we rely on self unless we intentionally focus on Him and live with an eternal perspective mindset that pertains to all that we have been given or that affects us. Peace is absent in many, yet each of us desire it. When peace is not present in our life, it is often due to the pace we are living. Are we moving too fast? Do we set ourselves up to experience calmness or tranquility? Peace cannot exist when we move too fast to fix our spirit on God. Busy schedules and lifestyles don’t allow us time to fix our gaze above. Our heart must be given the opportunity to seek Him above all else. 2 Thessalonians 3:16a says, “Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way.” To experience peace we must abide in the Source. Isaiah 48:17-18a says, “This is what the Lord says—your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go. If only you had paid attention to My commands, your peace would have been like a river.” God knows what is best for us, and because He is a loving Father, we should listen to Him. Peace flows to those who pay heed to what God teaches and directs. We must seek to know Him in order to obey Him. As believers, it is our duty to seek Him. The closer we draw to Jesus, the more deeply we desire Him to lead our life. As we allow Him to work through us and we begin to experience the riches of a Christ-centered life, our love for Him deepens, causing us to aspire to higher obedience. Therefore, if peace is absent from our lives, there are certain questions we should stop to consider. 1. Who do I rely on? Self-reliance and reliance on God cannot co-exist. Peace cannot be present when we rely on self instead of God. 2. What do I hold in my heart? Are bitterness or unforgiveness weaving a thread through the tapestry of my emotions? Forgiveness is sometimes easily extended, but at other times, the hardships and pains of this world are too excruciating to release without total reliance on Jesus. Without erasing the disobedience of unforgiveness and bitterness from our spirit and heart, we cannot carry peace. 3. What are you afraid of? God does not give the spirit of fear. 4. How do I handle mistakes? Am I a perfectionist? Only God is perfect. Stop trying to be Him. 5. What do I value? Does materialism have a grip on me? What do I value? Where do I spend my time and money? 6. Who do I choose to grant time to? Who are the people I am with most? What kind of influence do they have on me? 7. What do I choose to grant time to? 8. Am I able to handle my emotions? Am I even-tempered? 9. What does my heart seek? 10. Where do I find my worth? Does the world carry more weight with my thoughts and actions or does the Holy Spirit living inside me influence my emotions and behavior? 1 Corinthians 13:11-13 says, “When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” As we intentionally mature in our Christian relationship through Jesus, we see more clearly all that the Lord has for us. Our walk leads us closer to Him in fresh ways as we discover life is not about our selfish whims and desires. Through study of His holy word, we learn ways to grow in and through Him to understand Him more clearly to please Him. As we do so, we draw the peace promised by God into our lives. 1. Know the Bible. In order to develop and deepen our on-going relationship with Jesus, we must read His word. In order to know Him and all that He desires, we have to know His word and seek and recognize His truths. Psalm 119:165 says, “Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing causes them to stumble.” 2. Pray. Prayer is an integral and continuing responsibility and privilege for believers. Pray for God’s will and purpose in our life. Pray to see, know, and understand Him more clearly. Pray to make Him known to others. Pray for His peace and guidance. Psalm 85:8 says, “I will hear what God the Lord will speak, for He will speak peace to His people and to His saints; but let them not turn back to folly.” We hear God speak when we are close enough to listen. 3. Search our self and motives to ensure we live according to God’s ways and purposes. Proverbs 16:7 says, “When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.” 4. Release our dreams to Him. God created us and knows exactly what will truly fulfill us. Trust Him and His design for our life. If we live in opposition to what God desires for us, we never find peace. 1 Corinthians 14:33a says, “For God is not the author of confusion but of peace.” 5. Believe that obstacles are opportunities. Treat them as such. Our positive mindset allows the peace of God to reside within us. Allow Him to carry the burdens and fears. Matthew 11:28-30 says, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” 6. Obey God. Seek to please and rely on Him. Seek Him to know His will and ways and put them into effect in our life. Turn away from sin that may be restricting the peace of God. Ask God to seek your heart and reveal areas to you that need to be turned away from or repented and given to Him. 1 Peter 3:11 says, “Let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it.” 7. Gratitude, despite surroundings or events should be reflected in our heart, mind, words, and attitude. Isaiah 26:12 says, “Lord, You will establish peace for us, for You have also done all our works in us.” 8. Serve others less fortunate. When we look at others with a heart for and from the Lord, we seize the ways we can shine Him to others and it allows us to live with more grateful hearts. When we serve others, it causes us to examine our relationship with those we serve, and with God. Serving erases division and unites. James 3:18 says, “Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” Romans 12:18 says, “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” Romans 14:19 says, “Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.” 2 Corinthians 13:11 says, “Finally, brothers rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.” 9. Go outdoors. Sometimes a steady heart naturally flows through us when we seek solace in His creation. Ezekiel 34:25 says, “I will make a covenant of peace with them, and cause wild beasts to cease from the land; and they will dwell safely in the wilderness and sleep in the woods.” 10. Relax. God never called us to perfection. Learn to distinguish between what does not matter and can be let go. Concentrate on what God calls to attention in your life to reduce anxiety or stress. Psalm 29:11 says, “The Lord will give strength to His people; the Lord will bless His people with peace.” Other important questions to ponder are: Where do I find my peace? Is it ever-lasting? Does it come from trusting Jesus and my relationship with God through Him or from my surroundings and circumstances? God says He will give peace to His people. He longs for harmony and contentment to be fixed in our spirit and life. His encompassing peace truly can be well with our soul when we surrender regularly and naturally to God’s sovereignty over us and maintain a closeness that remains committed to keeping Him on the throne of our life. I want to share one more verse that is actually a promise from God. Isaiah 9:6 says, “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Prince of Peace. Jesus, the Prince of Peace lives within you when you are His. There is absolutely no greater power to give you or restore peace within you than Him. Did you enjoy this episode? If so, would you please make time to leave a review and rating for the show? Send me an email at thedoovermom@gmail.com if you don’t know how and I will walk you through step-by-step. I pray you find value in our weekly topics. In order for others to be able to hear about Jesus through Live With Eternal Perspective, I need the support of listeners who will invest a few minutes in subscribing and reviewing to lift this podcast higher on the charts so that the platform shows it to everyone. Right now, because the podcast is new and the following is small, listeners won’t find it unless they specifically know the name to search for. Can you think of a friend who might enjoy encouragement? If so, please share this podcast with them so that they will also find new ways to Live With Eternal Perspective. Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode 021 Peace That Passes Understanding Listen to Episode Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #021 – Peace That Passes Understanding Thank you for entrusting and investing your precious time with me to grow in Jesus together. I am blessed to be back with you today to discuss more ways to live with eternal perspective. Our topic today. Peace that passes understanding. Who doesn’t want to claim that? In the midst of writing this particular podcast episode, I experienced a morning that was far from peaceful. Are you a believer that there is spiritual warfare in the world? Ephesians 6:12 says, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” It was real today. But, as we know, God always has the final victory. Does it mean things always turn out the way we want them to? No. In fact, sometimes things get worse before they get better. But God has already and will always be the victor. Several things went wrong as I attempted to start my day and work on this episode. After I had breakfast I tuned in to listen to the podcast I had just released. I don’t always listen after the episode releases, but I kept having little thoughts that I should. About three minutes in, I realized the unedited version was aired instead of the final cut. “Oh my gosh. Oh my gosh, No, no, no.” I kept repeating. Stunned that the wrong version was being played to anyone tuning in, I was so upset. After the podcast episode was removed and the correct one aired, I realized I was still sad inside and wondered how many people had heard how terrible it sounded. I strive each week to write, record, and produce episodes that I believe God is calling and directing. I want to quality to continue to improve each week. When I heard the episode with several mistakes, it really hurt. I didn’t want people to think I didn’t care about what went out or to get too focused on the errors to hear the value behind what I was trying to say. Anxiety does not visit me often, but oh, I could feel it rising in the pit of my stomach that morning. I had to make myself focus and sit down to pray. I asked God to remove the feelings I was having and to allow me to absorb His peace, knowing that this mistake was not the worst thing that could ever happen. I stayed, and resting in God’s presence, talking to Him, until I felt His peace cover and protect me. Although it was distressing to have, and to work to quickly resolve the episode mix-up, the person most affected throughout the day was my husband. It seemed that everything he tried to do brought more problems that he had to tackle or correct. One after another issue popped to his attention and took up his time until evening arrived and it seemed he received a reprieve. You know those days. We all get to experience them. While we cannot escape the dreaded, “bad day,” we can monitor and shift our attitude and heartitude to remember what Jeremiah 12:3a says, “But as for me, Lord, you know my heart. You see me and test my thoughts.” We must continue to train ourselves to allow obstacles to extract bitterness, anxiety, and dissatisfaction from within us. We must pray for them to as we place them in God’s capable hands. Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” When we, as believers, release our anxiety to God we are trusting Him, believing that our Heavenly Father will give us His peace. Even more than just calmness, we receive God Himself, the Holy Spirit within us extending His presence, comfort, and protection. Have you felt it? The deepest tranquility flowing through you, extending past our level of understanding. Isaiah 26:3 says, “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” When our mind is fixed on Him, when it “stays” on Him, He is faithful to His word. We have to remember Him – His strength and not rely on our own limited abilities. The verse from Isaiah relays the truth well. He keeps us in perfect peace when our mind is fixed on Him. When we trust that He will carry our loads, that He is able and desirous, we readily release our burdens to Him. Whenever I experience the slightest awareness of fear or stress, I must remember to immediately stop what I am doing and realize that means that I am attempting to carry concerns or hardships myself, which prompts me to pray. John 14:27 says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” God’s peace cannot be defined by the standards of the world. His ways are above our logic or limited understanding. John 16:33 says, “I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!” Pay attention that Jesus did not say, “If you have trouble.” He said, “When you have trouble.” Afflictions, burdens, irritations, and concerns will come. Even Jesus had hardships and troubles. Why should we expect anything less? Remember, obstacles are opportunities that press us into the arms of Jesus. We have the freedom to choose to let the experience, whether large or small, cause us to draw nearer to Him and grow in Him. Colossians 3:15 says, “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.” Peace is a gift extended as we believe and ask our Father to carry our loads. Hebrews 13:20-21 says, “Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. God so intensely desires peace to inhabit us that He is called “the God of Peace.” Peace is part of Who and What our Heavenly Father is. As believers carrying the indwelling Holy Spirit, we have that peace within us. As frail, sinful humans, we often forget that power and source because we rely on self unless we intentionally focus on Him and live with an eternal perspective mindset that pertains to all that we have been given or that affects us. Peace is absent in many, yet each of us desire it. When peace is not present in our life, it is often due to the pace we are living. Are we moving too fast? Do we set ourselves up to experience calmness or tranquility? Peace cannot exist when we move too fast to fix our spirit on God. Busy schedules and lifestyles don’t allow us time to fix our gaze above. Our heart must be given the opportunity to seek Him above all else. 2 Thessalonians 3:16a says, “Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way.” To experience peace we must abide in the Source. Isaiah 48:17-18a says, “This is what the Lord says—your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go. If only you had paid attention to My commands, your peace would have been like a river.” God knows what is best for us, and because He is a loving Father, we should listen to Him. Peace flows to those who pay heed to what God teaches and directs. We must seek to know Him in order to obey Him. As believers, it is our duty to seek Him. The closer we draw to Jesus, the more deeply we desire Him to lead our life. As we allow Him to work through us and we begin to experience the riches of a Christ-centered life, our love for Him deepens, causing us to aspire to higher obedience. Therefore, if peace is absent from our lives, there are certain questions we should stop to consider. 1. Who do I rely on? Self-reliance and reliance on God cannot co-exist. Peace cannot be present when we rely on self instead of God. 2. What do I hold in my heart? Are bitterness or unforgiveness weaving a thread through the tapestry of my emotions? Forgiveness is sometimes easily extended, but at other times, the hardships and pains of this world are too excruciating to release without total reliance on Jesus. Without erasing the disobedience of unforgiveness and bitterness from our spirit and heart, we cannot carry peace. 3. What are you afraid of? God does not give the spirit of fear. 4. How do I handle mistakes? Am I a perfectionist? Only God is perfect. Stop trying to be Him. 5. What do I value? Does materialism have a grip on me? What do I value? Where do I spend my time and money? 6. Who do I choose to grant time to? Who are the people I am with most? What kind of influence do they have on me? 7. What do I choose to grant time to? 8. Am I able to handle my emotions? Am I even-tempered? 9. What does my heart seek? 10. Where do I find my worth? Does the world carry more weight with my thoughts and actions or does the Holy Spirit living inside me influence my emotions and behavior? 1 Corinthians 13:11-13 says, “When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” As we intentionally mature in our Christian relationship through Jesus, we see more clearly all that the Lord has for us. Our walk leads us closer to Him in fresh ways as we discover life is not about our selfish whims and desires. Through study of His holy word, we learn ways to grow in and through Him to understand Him more clearly to please Him. As we do so, we draw the peace promised by God into our lives. 1. Know the Bible. In order to develop and deepen our on-going relationship with Jesus, we must read His word. In order to know Him and all that He desires, we have to know His word and seek and recognize His truths. Psalm 119:165 says, “Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing causes them to stumble.” 2. Pray. Prayer is an integral and continuing responsibility and privilege for believers. Pray for God’s will and purpose in our life. Pray to see, know, and understand Him more clearly. Pray to make Him known to others. Pray for His peace and guidance. Psalm 85:8 says, “I will hear what God the Lord will speak, for He will speak peace to His people and to His saints; but let them not turn back to folly.” We hear God speak when we are close enough to listen. 3. Search our self and motives to ensure we live according to God’s ways and purposes. Proverbs 16:7 says, “When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.” 4. Release our dreams to Him. God created us and knows exactly what will truly fulfill us. Trust Him and His design for our life. If we live in opposition to what God desires for us, we never find peace. 1 Corinthians 14:33a says, “For God is not the author of confusion but of peace.” 5. Believe that obstacles are opportunities. Treat them as such. Our positive mindset allows the peace of God to reside within us. Allow Him to carry the burdens and fears. Matthew 11:28-30 says, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” 6. Obey God. Seek to please and rely on Him. Seek Him to know His will and ways and put them into effect in our life. Turn away from sin that may be restricting the peace of God. Ask God to seek your heart and reveal areas to you that need to be turned away from or repented and given to Him. 1 Peter 3:11 says, “Let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it.” 7. Gratitude, despite surroundings or events should be reflected in our heart, mind, words, and attitude. Isaiah 26:12 says, “Lord, You will establish peace for us, for You have also done all our works in us.” 8. Serve others less fortunate. When we look at others with a heart for and from the Lord, we seize the ways we can shine Him to others and it allows us to live with more grateful hearts. When we serve others, it causes us to examine our relationship with those we serve, and with God. Serving erases division and unites. James 3:18 says, “Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” Romans 12:18 says, “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” Romans 14:19 says, “Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.” 2 Corinthians 13:11 says, “Finally, brothers rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.” 9. Go outdoors. Sometimes a steady heart naturally flows through us when we seek solace in His creation. Ezekiel 34:25 says, “I will make a covenant of peace with them, and cause wild beasts to cease from the land; and they will dwell safely in the wilderness and sleep in the woods.” 10. Relax. God never called us to perfection. Learn to distinguish between what does not matter and can be let go. Concentrate on what God calls to attention in your life to reduce anxiety or stress. Psalm 29:11 says, “The Lord will give strength to His people; the Lord will bless His people with peace.” Other important questions to ponder are: Where do I find my peace? Is it ever-lasting? Does it come from trusting Jesus and my relationship with God through Him or from my surroundings and circumstances? God says He will give peace to His people. He longs for harmony and contentment to be fixed in our spirit and life. His encompassing peace truly can be well with our soul when we surrender regularly and naturally to God’s sovereignty over us and maintain a closeness that remains committed to keeping Him on the throne of our life. I want to share one more verse that is actually a promise from God. Isaiah 9:6 says, “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Prince of Peace. Jesus, the Prince of Peace lives within you when you are His. There is absolutely no greater power to give you or restore peace within you than Him. Did you enjoy this episode? If so, would you please make time to leave a review and rating for the show? Send me an email at thedoovermom@gmail.com if you don’t know how and I will walk you through step-by-step. I pray you find value in our weekly topics. In order for others to be able to hear about Jesus through Live With Eternal Perspective, I need the support of listeners who will invest a few minutes in subscribing and reviewing to lift this podcast higher on the charts so that the platform shows it to everyone. Right now, because the podcast is new and the following is small, listeners won’t find it unless they specifically know the name to search for. Can you think of a friend who might enjoy encouragement? If so, please share this podcast with them so that they will also find new ways to Live With Eternal Perspective.

Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #063 – Praying Scripture – Part 1 Thank you for entrusting and investing your precious time with me to grow in Jesus together. I am blessed to be back with you to discuss more ways to live with eternal perspective. On a recent Sunday evening, I asked my family to sit with me for a special prayer time. Are you this way? Do you need to share your heart with your family to get their support through prayer? That is exactly how I was feeling. I knew I could pray on my own, but I had ideas to ponder, emotions to share, and needed input from the people who know and love me the best and who would agree to pray with me because they also believe in the power of lifting requests to our Heavenly Father. At our house, my youngest receives electronic privileges before bedtime. When we all sat down to talk, it was less than an hour before her scheduled time to play, but I felt fairly certain we would be finished before she would see the clock ticking into her special time. As I began sharing all that I was experiencing and the needs I wanted my family to pray about, the clock chimed eight o’clock and we were still talking. After sharing all the feelings and thoughts that were heavy on my heart, Brooklyn asked if we could pray. Assuming she was antsy to get finished, I agreed that we could go ahead and pray at that time. We decided who would pray first and who would end, and began. Several minutes later, we finished, and I told our girl she could be excused to play. Wanting to stay with us, she looked a little surprised. I was blessed to hear her say that she wanted to stay and finish the discussion with us. So often, we assume we know what others are thinking or what their motives are. How wrong we can be. Brooklyn had wanted to get our prayer started because she knew I needed it. My heart was emotionally needy for what only God could provide, and recognizing this, she jumped ahead to get guidance and assistance from God started immediately. If you also pray regularly with your family, I bet you will agree that it is difficult to imagine life without this simple act of obedience and faith. Praying together has grown each of us individually and collectively in ways only God can explain. He goes before us, paving ground that we need later and providing for us in intimate ways only the Lord can know. James 5:13-16 says, “Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises. Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord. Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven. Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” Praying together opens our hearts to God in ways that invites His intervention. We also create deeper intimacy with our loved ones as we pray together. Whether we are suffering hardships, living in fullness of joy, praising, in need of healing, or forgiveness, God desires our heartfelt and faithful pleas to intercede with His will. The Lord honors a parent raising their children for Him and delights when we teach them to rely on Him for all of their needs and are living examples as to how to do so. Matthew 18:20 says, “For where two or three gather together in My name, there am I with them.” God delights in blessing families who invite Him into their midst to pray together. Praying together is essential. Do you know what makes prayer time more effective and meaningful? Using scripture to pray. Although my family is good about praying together, I want us to become stronger at praying God’s word daily. Praying scripture enables us to become stronger at knowing God’s word and allows us to release His power into our life. Specifically seeking His word and utilizing it in our prayers is a faithful and trusting act of obedience as we rely on God’s powerful words and truths. To pray His word, we must know it, study it, and claim it. By purposely connecting our heart to God’s and intentionally praying His words, we are beseeching our Heavenly Father to use His will, just as Jesus modeled for us. In order to prepare ourselves or our family to deepen prayer time individually and collectively by drawing nearer to God and using His word as ours, we may need to examine and adjust the way we pray. Prepare your heart and mind to connect with intimate devotion to God by crafting your language to align with scripture. Here are a few examples of how to enter the presence of the Lord and initiate your prayer. Ephesians 3:12 says, “Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence.” When praying scripture, we simply craft God’s words and truths into the prayer we speak to Him. When entering God’s presence through prayer, we may use this verse from Ephesians to say, “Father, because of your gift to us through Christ, and the faith I have in Him, I thank you that I can now boldly and confidently enter into Your presence.” Hebrews 10:19-23 says, “And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place. And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God’s house, let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water. Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.” Using this passage, our prayer could be, “Gracious Heavenly Father, because of the blood of Jesus, I know I can enter Your Most Holy Place. By His death Jesus has given me intimate and holy access to You. I enter Your presence with a sincere heart of trust knowing my guilt has been covered through the sacrifice of the blood of Jesus. I know that because He has washed me with pure water, I can hold tightly and without waver to the hope You have affirmed and that I can trust You to keep Your promises to me.” Romans 8:26-28 says, “And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” Our prayer through this passage might be, “Holy Spirit, I trust that You help me in my weakness. Draw near to me. My emotions are too complex; I cannot utter what I need to pray. Please intercede and express my needs in groanings that cannot be expressed by mere words. My Heavenly Father, Who knows all hearts, will understand as You plead for me in harmony with His will. I believe that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Thank you for Your goodness and faithfulness to me.” Psalm 18:30 says, “As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.” This beautiful verse can be spoken as we enter into prayer or call upon His truths from this verse when we need protection, reassurance, or comfort. “Father God, Your way is perfect; Your word is flawless. You are my shield when I take refuge in You.” Do you see the beauty and inspiration God’s word brings? Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Praying God’s living, active word releases His profound power as we believe, trust, and call upon it to judge our intentions and do the work God wills. Why don’t most of us utilize this method of prayer more often? Probably because our lives are so fast-paced that we tend to believe we can come to God with requests when we need to. We do not stop to consider that we possess privilege and strength in God’s holy word. By relying on self, even though we do not consciously realize we are doing it, we lose the strength, peace, joy, and relief we could access at any moment, as well as the power released when we pray God’s word. We also miss the blessing of a more personal and intimate relationship with our Heavenly Father, who created us to enjoy fellowship with Him. 2 Samuel 22:31 says, “As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.” Let’s examine several Bible verses and how we can accept God’s invitation to seek refuge in Him through His perfect word and ways. Most mothers pray not only for themselves, but seek God through prayer for their spouse, children, and family. We also offer intercessory pray for friends, co-workers, strangers, and elected officials. Possibilities for prayer are vast. So is God’s omnipotence. Imagine the authority and blessings we miss when we consider ourselves too busy to delve into His word and claim His truths as our provision in every area. Praying scripture strengthens our bonds with God as we trust His word and rely on Him for every need as our mind and heart align with His. Ecclesiastes 5:2 says, “Do not be quick to speak, and do not be hasty in your heart to utter a word before God. After all, God is in heaven and you are on earth. So let your words be few.” When we begin praying with God’s word, our mind and heart are directed toward His desires and will for us and others. We should not hastily come before Him with our own agenda. God’s word allows us to see with His eyes and submit to His heart and sovereignty. Isaiah 55:6-9 says, “Seek the Lord while He may be found; call on Him while He is near. Let the wicked man forsake his own way and the unrighteous man his own thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that He may have compassion, and to our God, for He will freely pardon. “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.” Studying, then using God’s word as the groundwork for our prayers allows us to absorb His truths and righteousness in ways we may have never experienced. As we use the verses from Isaiah 55, our prayer could be something like this. “Father, I seek You while You may be found, I call on You while You are near. Help me forsake my own way, will, and thoughts and return to You while You have compassion and will freely pardon. My thoughts are certainly not Yours, as my ways are not Yours. As the heavens are higher than the earth, Your ways and thoughts are higher than mine. I submit to You and Your ways for me.” Approaching God, our Father, the Creator of heaven and earth with a sincere and humble heart ready to accept His will for us and genuinely craving to please and follow Him changes the way we pray. It alters our desires. It cleanses our heart and mind and prepares our spirit for His cleansing and higher growth in and for Him. Prayer exposes our core belief system. Kneeling before our Lord in supplication, whether literally or through our heart, mindset, and actions, is a natural extension of our personal relationship with and our trust, faith, and belief in Him. Our reliance on God through the act of prayer exhibits our dependence on our Heavenly Father, humbling our position with Him, and improving the level of our reliance on Him. How do we establish this lifestyle of prayer? The important word to ponder shouldn’t be how, but rather, Who. Jesus is our life and prayer model. When God sent His son to earth as a sacrifice for our sins and to form a way to Him, it was the most extravagant gift He could give us. Our sovereign God stepped into this world through flesh to exist and walk among us. He came to show us exactly how to live, suffer, love, rejoice, and how to pray. Each day should bring us closer to the Father’s heart in numerous ways, prayer included. As we depend on the Father through the act of prayer, we humbly seek Him in new and deeper ways by using His sacred, living word as a guide for submission, conversation, and conversion with Him. Prepare to connect with God in intimate devotion by shifting your heart to align with scripture, our Father’s will. 1. Jesus’s prayers were an example for us to follow. Jesus is God in human form. Jesus did not need to pray, yet He lived and suffered as a human, relinquishing everything for us, even to the point of death, modeling the ways we are to live as we trust in and rely on Him. 2. Jesus prayers were the perfect instruction in communication. Every prayer He uttered is a holy framework for us to follow. 3. Jesus’s prayers modeled submission in the purest form. Jesus genuinely shared all: His heart, fears, pain, sorrows, hopes, anything. Yet, He did not expect to get His way. Jesus trusted God’s sovereign will and ways and yielded His desires to the Father. 4. Jesus’s prayers proved reliance on God. Rather than complaining or protesting, Jesus accepted the will of God and honored what He was called to do, despite great suffering and personal cost. Prayer instructs us in holiness. Just as Jesus modeled for us, we must pray in specific ways. As we offer God’s holy words back to Him through prayer we accomplish the ability to do the following: 1. Pray with sincerity. 2. Pray with submission to holy preeminence. 3. Pray with faith. 4. Pray with trust in God’s timing. 5. Pray with heart, but yield to God’s will. 6. Pray consistently. 7. Pray with focus. Isaiah 55:11 says, “So My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and it will prosper where I send it.” May the prayer we offer be like this, “Father, I know that every word that proceeds from Your mouth will not return to You empty. Your words will prosper as they accomplish what You please. Help my thoughts and attitude be as Yours are and my words be Yours as I speak my heart and requests.” Now that we realize the importance of praying not only the words of our soul, but of aligning our heart, mind, and words to match God’s through study of the Bible and growth of our relationship with Him through Jesus, may we deepen our walk even more through scriptural prayers. Join me next week as I share several verses, scripture passages, and craft prayers from each that will help us study, learn, and use God’s words as the backbone of prayer time with our Heavenly Father. Heavenly Father, Hallelujah! How good it is to sing praises to You, our God. How pleasant and lovely our words are to You as we lift praise and submission to Your will through Your holy words to us. Thank you for allowing us Jesus as our perfect sacrifice and mentor to bring us to You. Your words are faithful and true. Help our hearts be the same as we draw nearer to You. Help us hear and lift Your words as a sacrifice and offering to know and follow You more deeply. Thank you for sending us truth, love, and hope. In Your precious and holy name we pray. Amen Thank you for listening to this podcast. If prayer is a topic you would like to learn more about, you may enjoy listening to episode 18, “Prayer.” Please visit terrihitt.com to access podcast episodes housed in one convenient location, read blog posts, transcripts, and access additional resources designed to mature your walk with Jesus through an eternal perspective and encourage you to raise or influence children to choose Christ over culture. I’m thrilled to share that my latest free resource, “Scattering Seeds: Planting Character and Faith in Your Child” has released! This eBook is an excellent encouragement and support for mothers or grandmothers of young children. I encourage you to visit my website to access and download it soon. I pray this podcast draws you nearer to God and helps you cling to Him, despite any circumstances in your life. Until next week, keep looking Up while focusing on ways to Live With Eternal Perspective. Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode 146 - Praying Scripture - Part 1 replay Listen to Episode Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #063 – Praying Scripture – Part 1 Thank you for entrusting and investing your precious time with me to grow in Jesus together. I am blessed to be back with you to discuss more ways to live with eternal perspective. On a recent Sunday evening, I asked my family to sit with me for a special prayer time. Are you this way? Do you need to share your heart with your family to get their support through prayer? That is exactly how I was feeling. I knew I could pray on my own, but I had ideas to ponder, emotions to share, and needed input from the people who know and love me the best and who would agree to pray with me because they also believe in the power of lifting requests to our Heavenly Father. At our house, my youngest receives electronic privileges before bedtime. When we all sat down to talk, it was less than an hour before her scheduled time to play, but I felt fairly certain we would be finished before she would see the clock ticking into her special time. As I began sharing all that I was experiencing and the needs I wanted my family to pray about, the clock chimed eight o’clock and we were still talking. After sharing all the feelings and thoughts that were heavy on my heart, Brooklyn asked if we could pray. Assuming she was antsy to get finished, I agreed that we could go ahead and pray at that time. We decided who would pray first and who would end, and began. Several minutes later, we finished, and I told our girl she could be excused to play. Wanting to stay with us, she looked a little surprised. I was blessed to hear her say that she wanted to stay and finish the discussion with us. So often, we assume we know what others are thinking or what their motives are. How wrong we can be. Brooklyn had wanted to get our prayer started because she knew I needed it. My heart was emotionally needy for what only God could provide, and recognizing this, she jumped ahead to get guidance and assistance from God started immediately. If you also pray regularly with your family, I bet you will agree that it is difficult to imagine life without this simple act of obedience and faith. Praying together has grown each of us individually and collectively in ways only God can explain. He goes before us, paving ground that we need later and providing for us in intimate ways only the Lord can know. James 5:13-16 says, “Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises. Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord. Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven. Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” Praying together opens our hearts to God in ways that invites His intervention. We also create deeper intimacy with our loved ones as we pray together. Whether we are suffering hardships, living in fullness of joy, praising, in need of healing, or forgiveness, God desires our heartfelt and faithful pleas to intercede with His will. The Lord honors a parent raising their children for Him and delights when we teach them to rely on Him for all of their needs and are living examples as to how to do so. Matthew 18:20 says, “For where two or three gather together in My name, there am I with them.” God delights in blessing families who invite Him into their midst to pray together. Praying together is essential. Do you know what makes prayer time more effective and meaningful? Using scripture to pray. Although my family is good about praying together, I want us to become stronger at praying God’s word daily. Praying scripture enables us to become stronger at knowing God’s word and allows us to release His power into our life. Specifically seeking His word and utilizing it in our prayers is a faithful and trusting act of obedience as we rely on God’s powerful words and truths. To pray His word, we must know it, study it, and claim it. By purposely connecting our heart to God’s and intentionally praying His words, we are beseeching our Heavenly Father to use His will, just as Jesus modeled for us. In order to prepare ourselves or our family to deepen prayer time individually and collectively by drawing nearer to God and using His word as ours, we may need to examine and adjust the way we pray. Prepare your heart and mind to connect with intimate devotion to God by crafting your language to align with scripture. Here are a few examples of how to enter the presence of the Lord and initiate your prayer. Ephesians 3:12 says, “Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence.” When praying scripture, we simply craft God’s words and truths into the prayer we speak to Him. When entering God’s presence through prayer, we may use this verse from Ephesians to say, “Father, because of your gift to us through Christ, and the faith I have in Him, I thank you that I can now boldly and confidently enter into Your presence.” Hebrews 10:19-23 says, “And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place. And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God’s house, let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water. Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.” Using this passage, our prayer could be, “Gracious Heavenly Father, because of the blood of Jesus, I know I can enter Your Most Holy Place. By His death Jesus has given me intimate and holy access to You. I enter Your presence with a sincere heart of trust knowing my guilt has been covered through the sacrifice of the blood of Jesus. I know that because He has washed me with pure water, I can hold tightly and without waver to the hope You have affirmed and that I can trust You to keep Your promises to me.” Romans 8:26-28 says, “And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” Our prayer through this passage might be, “Holy Spirit, I trust that You help me in my weakness. Draw near to me. My emotions are too complex; I cannot utter what I need to pray. Please intercede and express my needs in groanings that cannot be expressed by mere words. My Heavenly Father, Who knows all hearts, will understand as You plead for me in harmony with His will. I believe that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Thank you for Your goodness and faithfulness to me.” Psalm 18:30 says, “As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.” This beautiful verse can be spoken as we enter into prayer or call upon His truths from this verse when we need protection, reassurance, or comfort. “Father God, Your way is perfect; Your word is flawless. You are my shield when I take refuge in You.” Do you see the beauty and inspiration God’s word brings? Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Praying God’s living, active word releases His profound power as we believe, trust, and call upon it to judge our intentions and do the work God wills. Why don’t most of us utilize this method of prayer more often? Probably because our lives are so fast-paced that we tend to believe we can come to God with requests when we need to. We do not stop to consider that we possess privilege and strength in God’s holy word. By relying on self, even though we do not consciously realize we are doing it, we lose the strength, peace, joy, and relief we could access at any moment, as well as the power released when we pray God’s word. We also miss the blessing of a more personal and intimate relationship with our Heavenly Father, who created us to enjoy fellowship with Him. 2 Samuel 22:31 says, “As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.” Let’s examine several Bible verses and how we can accept God’s invitation to seek refuge in Him through His perfect word and ways. Most mothers pray not only for themselves, but seek God through prayer for their spouse, children, and family. We also offer intercessory pray for friends, co-workers, strangers, and elected officials. Possibilities for prayer are vast. So is God’s omnipotence. Imagine the authority and blessings we miss when we consider ourselves too busy to delve into His word and claim His truths as our provision in every area. Praying scripture strengthens our bonds with God as we trust His word and rely on Him for every need as our mind and heart align with His. Ecclesiastes 5:2 says, “Do not be quick to speak, and do not be hasty in your heart to utter a word before God. After all, God is in heaven and you are on earth. So let your words be few.” When we begin praying with God’s word, our mind and heart are directed toward His desires and will for us and others. We should not hastily come before Him with our own agenda. God’s word allows us to see with His eyes and submit to His heart and sovereignty. Isaiah 55:6-9 says, “Seek the Lord while He may be found; call on Him while He is near. Let the wicked man forsake his own way and the unrighteous man his own thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that He may have compassion, and to our God, for He will freely pardon. “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.” Studying, then using God’s word as the groundwork for our prayers allows us to absorb His truths and righteousness in ways we may have never experienced. As we use the verses from Isaiah 55, our prayer could be something like this. “Father, I seek You while You may be found, I call on You while You are near. Help me forsake my own way, will, and thoughts and return to You while You have compassion and will freely pardon. My thoughts are certainly not Yours, as my ways are not Yours. As the heavens are higher than the earth, Your ways and thoughts are higher than mine. I submit to You and Your ways for me.” Approaching God, our Father, the Creator of heaven and earth with a sincere and humble heart ready to accept His will for us and genuinely craving to please and follow Him changes the way we pray. It alters our desires. It cleanses our heart and mind and prepares our spirit for His cleansing and higher growth in and for Him. Prayer exposes our core belief system. Kneeling before our Lord in supplication, whether literally or through our heart, mindset, and actions, is a natural extension of our personal relationship with and our trust, faith, and belief in Him. Our reliance on God through the act of prayer exhibits our dependence on our Heavenly Father, humbling our position with Him, and improving the level of our reliance on Him. How do we establish this lifestyle of prayer? The important word to ponder shouldn’t be how, but rather, Who. Jesus is our life and prayer model. When God sent His son to earth as a sacrifice for our sins and to form a way to Him, it was the most extravagant gift He could give us. Our sovereign God stepped into this world through flesh to exist and walk among us. He came to show us exactly how to live, suffer, love, rejoice, and how to pray. Each day should bring us closer to the Father’s heart in numerous ways, prayer included. As we depend on the Father through the act of prayer, we humbly seek Him in new and deeper ways by using His sacred, living word as a guide for submission, conversation, and conversion with Him. Prepare to connect with God in intimate devotion by shifting your heart to align with scripture, our Father’s will. 1. Jesus’s prayers were an example for us to follow. Jesus is God in human form. Jesus did not need to pray, yet He lived and suffered as a human, relinquishing everything for us, even to the point of death, modeling the ways we are to live as we trust in and rely on Him. 2. Jesus prayers were the perfect instruction in communication. Every prayer He uttered is a holy framework for us to follow. 3. Jesus’s prayers modeled submission in the purest form. Jesus genuinely shared all: His heart, fears, pain, sorrows, hopes, anything. Yet, He did not expect to get His way. Jesus trusted God’s sovereign will and ways and yielded His desires to the Father. 4. Jesus’s prayers proved reliance on God. Rather than complaining or protesting, Jesus accepted the will of God and honored what He was called to do, despite great suffering and personal cost. Prayer instructs us in holiness. Just as Jesus modeled for us, we must pray in specific ways. As we offer God’s holy words back to Him through prayer we accomplish the ability to do the following: 1. Pray with sincerity. 2. Pray with submission to holy preeminence. 3. Pray with faith. 4. Pray with trust in God’s timing. 5. Pray with heart, but yield to God’s will. 6. Pray consistently. 7. Pray with focus. Isaiah 55:11 says, “So My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and it will prosper where I send it.” May the prayer we offer be like this, “Father, I know that every word that proceeds from Your mouth will not return to You empty. Your words will prosper as they accomplish what You please. Help my thoughts and attitude be as Yours are and my words be Yours as I speak my heart and requests.” Now that we realize the importance of praying not only the words of our soul, but of aligning our heart, mind, and words to match God’s through study of the Bible and growth of our relationship with Him through Jesus, may we deepen our walk even more through scriptural prayers. Join me next week as I share several verses, scripture passages, and craft prayers from each that will help us study, learn, and use God’s words as the backbone of prayer time with our Heavenly Father. Heavenly Father, Hallelujah! How good it is to sing praises to You, our God. How pleasant and lovely our words are to You as we lift praise and submission to Your will through Your holy words to us. Thank you for allowing us Jesus as our perfect sacrifice and mentor to bring us to You. Your words are faithful and true. Help our hearts be the same as we draw nearer to You. Help us hear and lift Your words as a sacrifice and offering to know and follow You more deeply. Thank you for sending us truth, love, and hope. In Your precious and holy name we pray. Amen Thank you for listening to this podcast. If prayer is a topic you would like to learn more about, you may enjoy listening to episode 18, “Prayer.” Please visit terrihitt.com to access podcast episodes housed in one convenient location, read blog posts, transcripts, and access additional resources designed to mature your walk with Jesus through an eternal perspective and encourage you to raise or influence children to choose Christ over culture. I’m thrilled to share that my latest free resource, “Scattering Seeds: Planting Character and Faith in Your Child” has released! This eBook is an excellent encouragement and support for mothers or grandmothers of young children. I encourage you to visit my website to access and download it soon. I pray this podcast draws you nearer to God and helps you cling to Him, despite any circumstances in your life. Until next week, keep looking Up while focusing on ways to Live With Eternal Perspective.

Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #094 – Interview with Emily Hladik – Understanding American History – Part 2 Thank you for entrusting and investing your precious time with me to grow in Jesus together. I am blessed to be back with you to discuss more ways to live with eternal perspective. The feedback for the Part 1 episode with Emily Hladik from last week has been wonderful. I appreciate those who give input and let me know the ways God is speaking to you through the episodes. Today I air Part 2 of my interview with Emily. If you haven’t listened to Part 1 yet, I suggest you do before listening to this one as we pick up right where we left off last week. Emily has so much wisdom and knowledge to share and I don’t want you to miss any of it! As a brief reminder, let me share that my guest for this podcast is Emily Hladik, a wife, follower of Jesus, and a homeschool mother who shares her passion for truth through eLearning to reach the next generation of American patriots. Emily doesn’t care much for shopping and decorating, but is passionate about Jesus, history, politics, and is the founder and curriculum creator of Great American Studies. I appreciate her directness and wise, godly views on history and what we must do to honor and uphold it in society today. In Part 2 of this interview, we dig deeper into American history, politics, religious history in America, the truth about separation of church and state, God’s longsuffering and judgement, and parental rights. So much to cover in such a short interview, but we do it. I could speak to Emily for hours and from the response I’ve received, I think you could listen to her for hours, as well. Listening to Emily reminds us that living with eternal perspective also includes keeping a heart and mind focused on authentic history and remembering what has occurred so that we preserve the freedoms set and allowed by God Himself for His purposes. Nothing we receive or own comes from our own hand. God allows the privileges we carry and the reasons are not for selfish gain, but for the good of His kingdom and purposes to honor Him. That we have enjoyed so much because of the suffering of Jesus and the patriots before us is a heavy burden. We must understand and appreciate our privileges in order to preserve them for the next generation. We are alive and living in this period for such a time as this. -----------------------------------------------INTERVIEW----------------------------------------------------- What a wonderful conversation with Emily! You can learn more about her or Great American Studies at www.greatamericanstudies.com or on Facebook at Great American Studies. https://www.facebook.com/greatamericanstudies/ I will leave the links in the show notes. Emily’s courses are great for home or traditionally educated students, as well as parents who want to refresh their mind on history never taught to them, or learned long ago. I plan to complete her course with my family soon. May we each view history with truth and greater clarity, eyes on Jesus, and a heart for what matters to God. May we view the future in the same way with a godly desire for Jesus that propels us to act as He calls. Father God, Your mercies are everlasting. Your kindness to us immense. You are the Great I Am, yet You look on us with such love. Yet, as a Good Father, You also call us to obedience and You discipline those You love. Father, help us to clearly see Your will for us and not flinch or run from it. Help us to cling to You, drawing nearer consistently, whether times are hard or easy. May we be open vessels for You to pour into, allowing us to be Your hands and feet in a parched world that needs Your living water. God, my heart cries for the ways we let You down, the ways we do not recognize the mercies of Your hand or the gifts You lovingly dispense. Open our eyes and hearts, allow our mindset to shift to Yours. May we be hurt by what hurts You and compelled to act where You call. May we stand for what You stand for, and may we rely on You to prompt and carry us, to strengthen us for the battles ahead. May we kneel to You and not this world. May we crave Christ over culture and lovingly exemplify You in our thoughts, words, actions, and lifestyles. Father, may we adore You and shine You like the sun as we carry You within us each day. Draw others to You through us. In the precious name of Jesus we pray. Amen. As always, please feel free to let me know if you have specific questions I may be able to answer or if you need information or encouragement about a specific topic related to the podcast or interviews. You can reach me at info@terrihitt.com. Thank you for listening to this podcast. Please visit terrihitt.com to access podcast episodes housed in one convenient location, read blog posts, transcripts, and access additional resources designed to mature your walk with Jesus through an eternal perspective and encourage you to raise or influence children to choose Christ over culture. I pray this podcast draws you nearer to God and helps you cling to Him, despite any circumstances in your life. Until next week, keep looking Up while focusing on new ways to Live With Eternal Perspective. Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode 094 - Understanding American History - Interview with Emily Hladik - Part 2 Listen to Episode Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #094 – Interview with Emily Hladik – Understanding American History – Part 2 Thank you for entrusting and investing your precious time with me to grow in Jesus together. I am blessed to be back with you to discuss more ways to live with eternal perspective. The feedback for the Part 1 episode with Emily Hladik from last week has been wonderful. I appreciate those who give input and let me know the ways God is speaking to you through the episodes. Today I air Part 2 of my interview with Emily. If you haven’t listened to Part 1 yet, I suggest you do before listening to this one as we pick up right where we left off last week. Emily has so much wisdom and knowledge to share and I don’t want you to miss any of it! As a brief reminder, let me share that my guest for this podcast is Emily Hladik, a wife, follower of Jesus, and a homeschool mother who shares her passion for truth through eLearning to reach the next generation of American patriots. Emily doesn’t care much for shopping and decorating, but is passionate about Jesus, history, politics, and is the founder and curriculum creator of Great American Studies. I appreciate her directness and wise, godly views on history and what we must do to honor and uphold it in society today. In Part 2 of this interview, we dig deeper into American history, politics, religious history in America, the truth about separation of church and state, God’s longsuffering and judgement, and parental rights. So much to cover in such a short interview, but we do it. I could speak to Emily for hours and from the response I’ve received, I think you could listen to her for hours, as well. Listening to Emily reminds us that living with eternal perspective also includes keeping a heart and mind focused on authentic history and remembering what has occurred so that we preserve the freedoms set and allowed by God Himself for His purposes. Nothing we receive or own comes from our own hand. God allows the privileges we carry and the reasons are not for selfish gain, but for the good of His kingdom and purposes to honor Him. That we have enjoyed so much because of the suffering of Jesus and the patriots before us is a heavy burden. We must understand and appreciate our privileges in order to preserve them for the next generation. We are alive and living in this period for such a time as this. -----------------------------------------------INTERVIEW----------------------------------------------------- What a wonderful conversation with Emily! You can learn more about her or Great American Studies at www.greatamericanstudies.com or on Facebook at Great American Studies. https://www.facebook.com/greatamericanstudies/ I will leave the links in the show notes. Emily’s courses are great for home or traditionally educated students, as well as parents who want to refresh their mind on history never taught to them, or learned long ago. I plan to complete her course with my family soon. May we each view history with truth and greater clarity, eyes on Jesus, and a heart for what matters to God. May we view the future in the same way with a godly desire for Jesus that propels us to act as He calls. Father God, Your mercies are everlasting. Your kindness to us immense. You are the Great I Am, yet You look on us with such love. Yet, as a Good Father, You also call us to obedience and You discipline those You love. Father, help us to clearly see Your will for us and not flinch or run from it. Help us to cling to You, drawing nearer consistently, whether times are hard or easy. May we be open vessels for You to pour into, allowing us to be Your hands and feet in a parched world that needs Your living water. God, my heart cries for the ways we let You down, the ways we do not recognize the mercies of Your hand or the gifts You lovingly dispense. Open our eyes and hearts, allow our mindset to shift to Yours. May we be hurt by what hurts You and compelled to act where You call. May we stand for what You stand for, and may we rely on You to prompt and carry us, to strengthen us for the battles ahead. May we kneel to You and not this world. May we crave Christ over culture and lovingly exemplify You in our thoughts, words, actions, and lifestyles. Father, may we adore You and shine You like the sun as we carry You within us each day. Draw others to You through us. In the precious name of Jesus we pray. Amen. As always, please feel free to let me know if you have specific questions I may be able to answer or if you need information or encouragement about a specific topic related to the podcast or interviews. You can reach me at info@terrihitt.com . Thank you for listening to this podcast. Please visit terrihitt.com to access podcast episodes housed in one convenient location, read blog posts, transcripts, and access additional resources designed to mature your walk with Jesus through an eternal perspective and encourage you to raise or influence children to choose Christ over culture. I pray this podcast draws you nearer to God and helps you cling to Him, despite any circumstances in your life. Until next week, keep looking Up while focusing on new ways to Live With Eternal Perspective. https://www.greatamericanstudies.com https://www.facebook.com/greatamericanstudies/

Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode 017 Tara Dickson Interview Listen to Episode http://www.taradickson.com

Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #145 – How to Know Truth in a Mixed-Up World of Pride Thank you for entrusting and investing your precious time with me to seek, find, and follow Jesus together as we live with purposed eternal perspective. I can’t believe it’s already June! I have always loved summer! When I was a little girl, I always secretly wished that my birthday was in June instead of November. Now I have a grandson and a daughter with June birthdays. Guess what? Ironically, my youngest daughter wishes she could trade with me and have a November birthday. Why did I want the June birthday? Well, I highly dislike cold. Winter is my least favorite time of year. Although I can honestly say that I try to honor God and appreciate the beauty of snow falling and covering the ground in fluffy white silence, He and I both know I would trade that beauty for a warm summer day in a microsecond! I love the weather, the carefree summer days, the ease of dressing and going out without cumbersome coats, boats, gloves, and having to drive slowly in inclement weather. I even dislike the color of the November birthstone and have always been an admirer of creamy pearls that grace the birthstone of June. Summer flowers, scents, and activities are favored over any in cold months one, too. Well, I think I’ve given enough evidence for why I highly favor June, the month that ushers in summer. In current society, however, the month of June has been overtaken with a new meaning injected by 21st century culture. Instead of a time that brings freedom for kids as they move into warm weather adventures, they are bombarded with daily Pride Month agendas and advertisements. It’s not enough to indoctrinate publicly ran educational institutions, now kids are hit when watching television, listening to music, playing games, and shopping. In this mixed-up world of agendas that seek to break apart and redefine what family is, God is unheard and pushed away. No matter what society attempts, God cannot be erased, and He certainly will not be mocked. Proverbs 16:1-7 says, “To humans belong the plans of the heart, but from the Lord comes the proper answer of the tongue. All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord. Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans. The Lord works out everything to its proper end—even the wicked for a day of disaster. The Lord detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.” I find it curious that those who developed Pride Month chose the name they did. As believers, we know that Scripture says, “pride goes before a fall.” Throughout Biblical history, we have learned that pride deceives, pride steals, and pride divides. This is certainly so of the LGBTQ alphabet soup of letters agenda and all that flows from it. Love has been redefined and questioned by deceitfulness, identities have been stolen, and families have been divided. In this sinful world, God’s Word remind us of the truth in Jeremiah 17:9, “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? Hearts have been shattered and lives have been altered by LGBTQ pride teachings and beliefs. People say that “love is love.” But that doesn’t make all love Biblical or defined by God. Humans can love each other without agreeing or accepting what another person’s definition of love is, just as God loves each one of us without condoning the sin we allow ourselves to entertain or wallow in. He sees us in what He defines as sin, and calls us to come out of it, not “come out” for people to accept what is done against His commands simply because someone “feels” a certain way. In Proverbs 8:12-14, God’s Word says, “I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion. To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate arrogant pride, evil conduct, and perverse speech. Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have insight and strength.” God’s Word is very clear on the subject of same sex marriage or relationships. In our sinful world, where people are angry and dismissive if they are living outside of the boundaries God has set, and someone doesn’t agree with their decision to do so, they direct the anger on the one they believe is judging them. While that is common, I suppose that even more hurtful, cruel anger must be subjected to themselves and God. It cannot be joyful or peaceful to live against what God calls, even when one doesn’t profess to know or follow Him. Proverbs 8:32-36 says, “Now therefore, my sons, listen to me, for blessed are those who keep my ways. Listen to instruction and be wise; do not ignore it. Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at the posts of my doorway. For whoever finds me finds life and obtains the favor of the LORD. But he who fails to find me harms himself; all who hate me love death.” As believers, we must strive to know, love, and honor Christ, growing in wisdom and discernment daily as our relationship with Jesus matures. While we cannot expect those who do not know Him to understand why Christians do not agree with specific lifestyles, we should strive to believe as the Bible states, which means we need to be in it – studying it daily. God’s Words are like nonsense to those who do not know Christ. I do believe that believers can love others involved in compromising lifestyles without compromising God’s truths or Word, and we can use discernment without being judgmental. Each of us sins in some way daily, whether we follow Jesus or not. Those who do not know Christ in a deep relationship believe that Jesus came in love, but believers know that Jesus came with Truth. He loved without compromise, but was clear about teaching God’s Word and commands and He uncompromisingly lived them every moment. 1 Thessalonians 2:13 says, “And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe.” God’s Word is Truth. Scripture is Holy - formed and given by God. The Bible is not simply words written by men. What we believe does not matter. What we feel does not matter in the context of truth. Why? Truth comes from and is defined by God. God’s Word carries power - Holy power that: Saves Teaches Trains Guides Counsels Revives Restores Warns Rewards Nourishes Judges Sanctifies Frees Enriches Protects Strengthens Wisens Rejoices Prospers Psalm 19:7-11 says, “The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb. By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward.” In this month where culture and the cross collide in such blatant ways, rest in His truth. Love without judgement, yet seek to make Him known without compromise. None of us are without sin, but we should never attempt to draw others into what goes against God’s commands and teachings. For a group that demands respect, I have not seen any given to those who disagree. For a group that commands that others allow them to express themselves, I do not understand why it must be done to the detriment of others. If one does not want to hear about my God, I should be able to say that I do not wish to see them mock and ridicule Him without retaliation. If love is love, I’d like to see a passionate, affectionate respect for those who do not agree with the agenda or the movement. I believe a sex life should be lived behind closed doors, and should not influence my children or feed them with messages they are too young to understand. I believe we as Christians should not judge, yet I do not want to be inundated with beliefs that attempt to force me to accept a lifestyle that goes against God’s Word just because someone else desires to live in that way. I would compare it to a non-believer not wanting me to publicly proclaim a month of Christianity that would shove the Bible at them day after day. Just as God gives each of us free will to live the way we desire, I respect each person’s right to choose. I also believe that it is my right to not want to hear about the LGBTQ agenda and transitioning every day. It is my right to teach my children God’s Word and values. It is my right to teach my family about God’s view of sexuality and purity, not the group with the loudest voice. The truest love was quiet, yet forceful when needed and never strayed from God’s Word or commands. Mothers, what you believe, say, and do makes a difference. Know the Word, study the Word, and speak the Word over your children, with your children, and to others. If you are not set-apart for Christ, your child most likely will not be. Confusion and pride are not from Christ. He provides true and lasting joy and peace. Without Him, the Holy Spirit will not reside inside and pride and deceit will overtake wisdom and truth. Dear Heavenly Father, We love you. As we seek You, You fill our heart with greater desire for You, just as You promise. How great You are, how merciful, forgiving, and wise. Thank you for Your Holy Word that guides and provides, protects and nourishes our lives. We need You so much more than we understand or imagine. Be with each of us; those who know You and those who don’t. Help believers to speak up where needed, where You command. Help us to be compassionate like Christ, yet fearless and Holy. Give us the words You desire we speak and the heart needed to show You clearly and point others to You in the ways You desire in a darkening world. In the precious name of Jesus we pray. Amen. Thank you for listening to the “Live With Eternal Perspective” podcast. You can find this and other transcripts online at terrihitt.com. Remember that both of my podcasts are available on the website. You can also find them on Apple Podcast, Spotify, and they are part of the Spark Media Network. Both podcasts are also found on the Edifi app, where you can hear thousands of the best Christian podcasts in one place for your listening enjoyment. Have you rated or reviewed my podcasts on Apple Podcasts yet? When you review my podcast on Apple Podcasts, it helps to elevate the standing of the podcast online so that more people are allowed to find and hear it. Will you take a moment to follow the shows and think of someone you can share the podcasts with and encourage them to follow and share, as well? Remember, if we are not purposed in knowing Jesus ourselves and showing Him to the next generation, the world will direct them away from Christ. Live With Eternal Perspective helps us to find, trust, and follow Christ more intimately. Purposed Parent/Connected Child shares biblical, practical truths for parents and grandparents to influence and mentor Christ over culture. I pray that what you hear on this podcast draws you nearer to God and helps you cling to Him, despite any circumstances in your life. Until next week, keep looking Up while focusing on new ways to Live With Eternal Perspective. Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode 145 - How to Know Truth in a Mixed-Up World of Pride Listen to Episode Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #145 – How to Know Truth in a Mixed-Up World of Pride Thank you for entrusting and investing your precious time with me to seek, find, and follow Jesus together as we live with purposed eternal perspective. I can’t believe it’s already June! I have always loved summer! When I was a little girl, I always secretly wished that my birthday was in June instead of November. Now I have a grandson and a daughter with June birthdays. Guess what? Ironically, my youngest daughter wishes she could trade with me and have a November birthday. Why did I want the June birthday? Well, I highly dislike cold. Winter is my least favorite time of year. Although I can honestly say that I try to honor God and appreciate the beauty of snow falling and covering the ground in fluffy white silence, He and I both know I would trade that beauty for a warm summer day in a microsecond! I love the weather, the carefree summer days, the ease of dressing and going out without cumbersome coats, boats, gloves, and having to drive slowly in inclement weather. I even dislike the color of the November birthstone and have always been an admirer of creamy pearls that grace the birthstone of June. Summer flowers, scents, and activities are favored over any in cold months one, too. Well, I think I’ve given enough evidence for why I highly favor June, the month that ushers in summer. In current society, however, the month of June has been overtaken with a new meaning injected by 21st century culture. Instead of a time that brings freedom for kids as they move into warm weather adventures, they are bombarded with daily Pride Month agendas and advertisements. It’s not enough to indoctrinate publicly ran educational institutions, now kids are hit when watching television, listening to music, playing games, and shopping. In this mixed-up world of agendas that seek to break apart and redefine what family is, God is unheard and pushed away. No matter what society attempts, God cannot be erased, and He certainly will not be mocked. Proverbs 16:1-7 says, “To humans belong the plans of the heart, but from the Lord comes the proper answer of the tongue. All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord. Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans. The Lord works out everything to its proper end—even the wicked for a day of disaster. The Lord detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.” I find it curious that those who developed Pride Month chose the name they did. As believers, we know that Scripture says, “pride goes before a fall.” Throughout Biblical history, we have learned that pride deceives, pride steals, and pride divides. This is certainly so of the LGBTQ alphabet soup of letters agenda and all that flows from it. Love has been redefined and questioned by deceitfulness, identities have been stolen, and families have been divided. In this sinful world, God’s Word remind us of the truth in Jeremiah 17:9, “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? Hearts have been shattered and lives have been altered by LGBTQ pride teachings and beliefs. People say that “love is love.” But that doesn’t make all love Biblical or defined by God. Humans can love each other without agreeing or accepting what another person’s definition of love is, just as God loves each one of us without condoning the sin we allow ourselves to entertain or wallow in. He sees us in what He defines as sin, and calls us to come out of it, not “come out” for people to accept what is done against His commands simply because someone “feels” a certain way. In Proverbs 8:12-14, God’s Word says, “I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion. To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate arrogant pride, evil conduct, and perverse speech. Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have insight and strength.” God’s Word is very clear on the subject of same sex marriage or relationships. In our sinful world, where people are angry and dismissive if they are living outside of the boundaries God has set, and someone doesn’t agree with their decision to do so, they direct the anger on the one they believe is judging them. While that is common, I suppose that even more hurtful, cruel anger must be subjected to themselves and God. It cannot be joyful or peaceful to live against what God calls, even when one doesn’t profess to know or follow Him. Proverbs 8:32-36 says, “Now therefore, my sons, listen to me, for blessed are those who keep my ways. Listen to instruction and be wise; do not ignore it. Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at the posts of my doorway. For whoever finds me finds life and obtains the favor of the LORD. But he who fails to find me harms himself; all who hate me love death.” As believers, we must strive to know, love, and honor Christ, growing in wisdom and discernment daily as our relationship with Jesus matures. While we cannot expect those who do not know Him to understand why Christians do not agree with specific lifestyles, we should strive to believe as the Bible states, which means we need to be in it – studying it daily. God’s Words are like nonsense to those who do not know Christ. I do believe that believers can love others involved in compromising lifestyles without compromising God’s truths or Word, and we can use discernment without being judgmental. Each of us sins in some way daily, whether we follow Jesus or not. Those who do not know Christ in a deep relationship believe that Jesus came in love, but believers know that Jesus came with Truth. He loved without compromise, but was clear about teaching God’s Word and commands and He uncompromisingly lived them every moment. 1 Thessalonians 2:13 says, “And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe.” God’s Word is Truth. Scripture is Holy - formed and given by God. The Bible is not simply words written by men. What we believe does not matter. What we feel does not matter in the context of truth. Why? Truth comes from and is defined by God. God’s Word carries power - Holy power that: Saves Teaches Trains Guides Counsels Revives Restores Warns Rewards Nourishes Judges Sanctifies Frees Enriches Protects Strengthens Wisens Rejoices Prospers Psalm 19:7-11 says, “The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb. By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward.” In this month where culture and the cross collide in such blatant ways, rest in His truth. Love without judgement, yet seek to make Him known without compromise. None of us are without sin, but we should never attempt to draw others into what goes against God’s commands and teachings. For a group that demands respect, I have not seen any given to those who disagree. For a group that commands that others allow them to express themselves, I do not understand why it must be done to the detriment of others. If one does not want to hear about my God, I should be able to say that I do not wish to see them mock and ridicule Him without retaliation. If love is love, I’d like to see a passionate, affectionate respect for those who do not agree with the agenda or the movement. I believe a sex life should be lived behind closed doors, and should not influence my children or feed them with messages they are too young to understand. I believe we as Christians should not judge, yet I do not want to be inundated with beliefs that attempt to force me to accept a lifestyle that goes against God’s Word just because someone else desires to live in that way. I would compare it to a non-believer not wanting me to publicly proclaim a month of Christianity that would shove the Bible at them day after day. Just as God gives each of us free will to live the way we desire, I respect each person’s right to choose. I also believe that it is my right to not want to hear about the LGBTQ agenda and transitioning every day. It is my right to teach my children God’s Word and values. It is my right to teach my family about God’s view of sexuality and purity, not the group with the loudest voice. The truest love was quiet, yet forceful when needed and never strayed from God’s Word or commands. Mothers, what you believe, say, and do makes a difference. Know the Word, study the Word, and speak the Word over your children, with your children, and to others. If you are not set-apart for Christ, your child most likely will not be. Confusion and pride are not from Christ. He provides true and lasting joy and peace. Without Him, the Holy Spirit will not reside inside and pride and deceit will overtake wisdom and truth. Dear Heavenly Father, We love you. As we seek You, You fill our heart with greater desire for You, just as You promise. How great You are, how merciful, forgiving, and wise. Thank you for Your Holy Word that guides and provides, protects and nourishes our lives. We need You so much more than we understand or imagine. Be with each of us; those who know You and those who don’t. Help believers to speak up where needed, where You command. Help us to be compassionate like Christ, yet fearless and Holy. Give us the words You desire we speak and the heart needed to show You clearly and point others to You in the ways You desire in a darkening world. In the precious name of Jesus we pray. Amen. Thank you for listening to the “Live With Eternal Perspective” podcast. You can find this and other transcripts online at terrihitt.com. Remember that both of my podcasts are available on the website. You can also find them on Apple Podcast, Spotify, and they are part of the Spark Media Network. Both podcasts are also found on the Edifi app, where you can hear thousands of the best Christian podcasts in one place for your listening enjoyment. Have you rated or reviewed my podcasts on Apple Podcasts yet? When you review my podcast on Apple Podcasts, it helps to elevate the standing of the podcast online so that more people are allowed to find and hear it. Will you take a moment to follow the shows and think of someone you can share the podcasts with and encourage them to follow and share, as well? Remember, if we are not purposed in knowing Jesus ourselves and showing Him to the next generation, the world will direct them away from Christ. Live With Eternal Perspective helps us to find, trust, and follow Christ more intimately. Purposed Parent/Connected Child shares biblical, practical truths for parents and grandparents to influence and mentor Christ over culture. I pray that what you hear on this podcast draws you nearer to God and helps you cling to Him, despite any circumstances in your life. Until next week, keep looking Up while focusing on new ways to Live With Eternal Perspective.

< Back Purposed Parent/Connected Child Podcast Episode 030 - How to Teach Your Child to Listen for God Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Purposed Parent/Connected Child Podcast Episode #030 – How to Teach Your Child to Listen for God Thank you for listening to the Purposed Parent/Connected Child podcast. My prayer is that you and I will parent with purpose and confidently connect with Christ and our children moment by moment. Listening for the voice and direction of God has become one of my favorite aspects of living the Christian life. I adore how intimately God speaks to His children. Scripture makes that evident, but so does a life of obediently following Christ. As we experience what the Word says through deepening our walk and communication with the Lord, we will hear Him more completely and clearly. It's very interesting to me to hear how the voice of our Heavenly Father reaches each individual person. One of the best ways believers can be certain that we have heard direction from God is by experiencing the peace that passes understanding. I believe God’s peace can be the foundational connection that erases uncertainty as to whether a person has clearly heard instruction from God. Let’s examine peace first. Philippians 4:7 says, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus .” Three facts to remember about peace are: 1. Peace is not built upon or affected by circumstances. 2. Peace is based upon God’s promises and truths. 3. Peace isn’t an emotion – it is a miraculous benefit promised by God How do we set ourselves up to experience this supernatural peace that passes our human understanding? 1. By studying , not just reading Scripture 2. Open, honest communication with God through prayer 3. Utilizing God’s Word and maturing our desires to reflect His 4. Deepening our faith through relationship with Christ 5. Claiming the truth and inerrancy of God’s Word and promises Isaiah 26:3 says, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You .” Before we can teach our children to listen for and recognize the voice of God, we must purposely deepen our own walk with Christ. As we reflect and experience a godly lifestyle and communication with the Lord, we can confidently mentor the way to hear the Father. We’ve already discussed how one of the precious gifts of following Christ is the underlying peace God provides. Although believers are blessed with an ability to abide in perfect peace as we trust in and follow God, we can also experience moments where we feel extra close to Him. My deepest peace is often felt early in the morning when I awaken. My soul cries to begin the day with God and it helps me to get out of bed early when I think of spending private time together. Sometimes in the middle of the night I will awaken and feel a great peace, knowing my God is watching over me and I will spend sweet time with Him in a few hours. We want our children to know and trust that God is always present, but to anticipate special moments with Him. His peace can abide within them at all times, but they can also cherish intimate and personal moments with Him as they develop and mature their walk together. When we have walked with God longer, it’s logical to feel closer than at the beginning of our faith journey. Our children are beginning a relationship and are getting to know their Heavenly Father and trust Jesus as Savior. Because of that, they may experience moments where they don’t feel the presence of God at all. This can even happen to believers after they have spent years walking with Christ. In fact, many people, depending on what they are experiencing in life have had moments where they did not feel closeness to God or His peace. Because we trust God’s inerrant Word, we know that we are the ones who move away from God, not the other way around. We should also remember that just because we “feel” a certain way, it doesn’t mean it is true. That is why the steps I mentioned earlier are so important for us to master. This enables us to teach our children the truths of God in order to equip them to feel the peace and hear the voice of God. As we parent and encourage our children in their walk with Christ, we have the privilege of helping them grow to live with an underlying sense of constant peace based on faith, trust, and truth. Until then, we can help them decipher when they feel an underlying peace versus uncertainty or indecision . Discovering how to pay attention to the difference is one of the ways they will learn to listen to and for God. Remember, trials and tragedies will always be a part of this broken world, but they do not have to be the dictator of our emotions, thoughts, feelings, or reactions. God truly can provide a healing and protection that fills us with peace despite what we can tend to feel or think. In order to teach our children how to look for the peace that surpasses understanding, we must know how to find and carry it deep within our soul. We must trust the Scriptures over emotions, thoughts, or feelings that can shift like the wind. As parents build personal trust and faith, we are better equipped to guide our children to build a strong lifeline of trust, faith, and hope in Christ. Without God’s peace, we tend to listen to the world or self instead of His still, calm voice. As believers build our hope and trust in the Lord we are able to direct our children to understand and remember certain truths about the character of God that enable them to hear His voice despite seasons or circumstances they may be facing in life . Let’s hear 8 truths that will help our children live with a peace that enables them to hear God speak:. 1. God desires relationship 2. God desires intimate, personal communication 3. God desires faith 4. God desires obedience 5. God desires affection – He wants to be sought - and He wants to be found 6. God desires genuine hearts 7. God desires us to remember that His voice may come in different forms to each person, but will always be in perfect alignment with Scripture 8. God desires us to listen As we teach our children about the peace of God, we must also teach them the ways God speaks. But there is one important step before they will hear the voice of God – relationship with Christ. Before coming to know Christ as their personal Savior, our children won’t recognize God’s voice. How could they if they do not know Him? A parent must prepare the heart and mind of their children to see Jesus at work in them and to desire Him in their life . By mentoring a godly relationship , cultivating a godly home , and always bringing the glory and recognition to Jesus , our children begin to understand who He is and why He is important. When our words, actions, and reactions are pleasing to God and the décor in our home, our clothing, our words, attitude, tone, and activities match the character of God, our children see and seek Him. Teach your children the ways God is transforming you, helping you, and carrying you. Help your children see the ways He is at work in their life as well. Pray specific prayers that are in alignment with God’s Word so that your children recognize you repeating Scripture and relying on God. If they believe all you do is self-focused or generated, they will never see the need for relationship with Christ. Teach your children that: 1. God speaks through Scripture – let them see you with your Bible. If possible, have a chair or special place you can sit with your Bible and a notebook for writing Scripture, studying God’s Word, and praying. Let them hear you pray for others and for them, your spouse, and yourself. Teach them to rely on God as easily as drawing their next breath. Help your children experience God’s Word with an age appropriate Bible. Remember that your children will need new Bibles purchased as they mature. This is a necessary expense. To gift them in this way is a beautiful and wise investment in eternity. 2. God speaks through Prayer – Just as we’ve already discussed in this episode, it is a privilege to pray for your children. Pray with them daily, for them daily, and encourage your children to speak to God on their own time and ask them to pray for you. 3. God speaks through the Holy Spirit – When your children come to know Christ as Savior, teach them to listen for indications that God is speaking to them. The Holy Spirit inside will speak through Scripture, people, church messages or programs, and feelings. Although feelings and emotions are not something to rely on, we can trust feelings that are within God’s character and in alignment with Scripture. God chooses to speak in multiple ways and we must teach our children to be sensitive to how God directs them. Teach them to remember that God’s peace always accompanies His presence. 4. God speaks through Others – Surround yourself and your children with trusted and godly mentors and friends. Let them experience a Christian lifestyle that extends beyond your family. 5. God speaks through Nature – God intended us to enjoy and know His beautiful creations. Have you ever gone outside for a walk and felt the peace of God as you inhale fresh air, feel the sunshine, or simply relax? Being outdoors enjoying nature allows us to relax in ways not experienced indoors. Cultivate the talents of observation, drawing, singing, dancing, exercising, or whatever fits the unique characteristics of you and your children and experience them outdoors. Relaxing in God’s intended surroundings allows a new way to hear Him speak. 6. God speaks in the Morning – Scripture taught that Jesus sought God early in the morning. I never understood why that was important until I began doing the same consistently. There is a special communication when you seek the Lord early, intentionally, and consistently. As you place Him first, you hear His voice more clearly. Faith is grown by deepening our walk with Christ. The closer we grow to God, the nearer He draws to us. This truth is the same for your children. As our faith grows and our walk with Christ matures, we are able to hear His voice and mentor the way for our children to do the same. Dear Heavenly Father, Your Word speaks truth. We thank You for Your Son and for Your perfect peace and protection. We thank You for Your constant care and guidance. Help us to draw nearer to You daily and show our children how to do the same. Teach us to cast our own cares on You so You will sustain and mature us so that we will mentor You to our children in ways that please and honor you and draw our children ever nearer to You day by day. Let them never be shaken and help them to always look to Your perfect wisdom and instruction. Help them clearly hear Your righteous voice and obey You as they rest in Your peace that passes understanding. Help us to mentor the way to You and clearly teach the way for them to hear You speak to their heart and mind. May our relationship with You draw them nearer to You and to us. In the precious name of Jesus we pray. Amen. Thank you for listening to the “Purposed Parent/Connected Child” podcast. This and my “Live With Eternal Perspective” podcast may be found at terrihitt.com, iHeart Radio, Spotify, and they are part of the Spark Media Network. Both podcasts may also now be found on the Edifi app, where you can hear thousands of the best Christian podcasts in one place for your listening enjoyment. Have you rated or reviewed my podcasts on Apple Podcasts yet? Did you know that when you review my podcasts on Apple, it helps to elevate the standing of the podcasts online so that more people are allowed to find and hear them. Will you please take a moment to follow the shows and think of someone you can share the podcasts with and encourage them to follow and share, as well? Remember, if we are not purposed in knowing Jesus ourselves and showing Him to the next generation, the world will sway them away from Christ. I pray that what you hear on this podcast draws you nearer to God and helps you cling to Him, despite any circumstances in your life. Until next week, keep looking Up while focusing on new ways to Parent and Connect With Eternal Perspective. Previous Next

Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #022 – Discerning Truth/Detecting Lies Thank you for entrusting and investing your precious time with me to grow in Jesus together. I am blessed to be back with you today to discuss more ways to live with eternal perspective. My youngest daughter should be nicknamed, “Shadow.” She follows me around the house at least 95% of each day, watching everything I say and do. I believe one of her strongest skills is the power of observation. Due to her background and history before us, she had ample time to hone this ability. Time with her has been short, but her desire and strengths have allowed her to catch up in several areas of deficit much quicker than anticipated. Seeing her learn through the gifts of examination and consideration have been powerful and insightful for me as a mother. It impresses upon me even more strongly the importance of what she sees through me daily. Sticking so closely to my side allows her the opportunity to see every action and hear every word I offer. My eyes and heart need to remain fixed above so that I have a greater ability to shadow the actions and intents of Jesus for her to model. As parents, we all strive to teach certain skills to our children before they leave our care. We easily think of the obvious abilities they will need to live alone, such as washing and mending clothing, keeping a clean home, balancing their money, and other necessities like these. However, when we consider the intentionality of teaching our children to pursue an eternal perspective lifestyle, we also desire to teach them proficiency in spiritual skills such as discernment. During a conversation with my other daughter last week, she shared with me that she would appreciate learning more about living with outstanding judgement and understanding through God’s viewpoint. I was pleased with her request, because she is wise for her age, an old soul, yet she still wants to live with pleasing values and intentions that rely on and draw from God’s wisdom. How do we ensure that we live in ways that are pleasing to God? What must we do to make sure we live in ways that observe and draw from His wisdom? When we intentionally think with God’s truths, we actually exercise outstanding judgment and understanding. We look at the world and occurrences through the guidelines of His truths. We observe and ponder that which is obscure to the wisdom of this world (or self) and perceive or grasp it through eternal perspective insight given by God so that we are able to comprehend and discern how God would call us to act, speak, or believe. Godly discernment is vitally important. We must know God’s truths because of our relationship with Him through Jesus. We must read and study his word to prevent us from being deceived by this unbiblical world. We must desire to develop the mindset of Christ, not this world we are traveling through. Unbiblical minds and hearts lead to disobedient and unfruitful lives of sorrow, bitterness, judgements, and chaos. Proverbs 1:1-7 in the New Living Translation expresses the truths of the book and what we should strive for in life very simply. “These are the proverbs of Solomon, David’s son, king of Israel. Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise. Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just, and fair. These proverbs will give insight to the simple, knowledge and discernment to the young. Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. Let those with understanding receive guidance by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables the words of the wise and their riddles. Fear of the LORD is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.” King Solomon is said to be the wisest man (besides Jesus) who ever lived. Yet, although God blessed him with much wisdom and wealth, Solomon still made dreadful mistakes in his walk with God. Anyone who takes his eye off of God will fall victim to sinning against God, despite the intentions we set out with or the gifts He has blessed us with. The opposite of God’s wisdom is ignorance, foolishness, and absence of discernment resulting in mistakes and disappointments. As Proverbs clearly shows us, a foolish person will ignore God’s wisdom and discernment and continue persisting in walking in their own strength and wisdom. No other section of the Bible offers as much instruction or clarity on the basics of living a Godly life than the book of Proverbs. If you desire wisdom and instruction, to perceive words of understanding, to receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, judgment, or to give prudence to the simple, and to give the young man knowledge and discretion, you must study and put into practice the words shared as you seek God, His answers, and His direction to life. The book of Proverbs stands the test of time throughout each generation with timeless cautions, insights, and truths that expose the wisdom of God, who longs to love, protect, and guide us. Beyond reading, understanding, and practicing principles taught in Proverbs, what will enable us to develop godly, biblical discernment from the Lord? In condensed form, the foundation of truths taught in this book are as follows. 1. We must be humble. Despite the intelligence God gives and allows us to possess, we do not know or understand (and never will) nearly as much as God does. Even the greatest minds the world has ever held fall way below God, who created them. 1 Corinthians 2:10-16 says, “But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one. For “who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ.” As we submit to God in humble acknowledgement of Who and What He is, the Holy Spirit is able to work within us, imparting wisdom and understanding through illumination by Him. 2. We must trust God. He is God. We are not. Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” We must train ourselves to live with stillness that allows God to be acknowledged. He is always present and has made a perfect plan for our lives. We simply have to draw near to Him with the desire to surrender through trust and obedience. 3. We must live by faith, seeking to know and please Him more each day. 2 Corinthians 5:7 says, “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” As we deepen our walk with the Lord through Jesus, learning Biblical truths and promises, and allowing God to build our worth through Him, we walk in step with Him and learn to trust that faith is enough. 4. We must pray for God’s wisdom, insight, and understanding. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.” James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” God grants wisdom and discernment to those who truly desire it for the right reasons. 5. We must desire, read, and study God’s word (as well as put it into practice) and cling closely to the wisdom of the Holy Spirit within us in order to carefully discern God’s holy truths. 1 John 4:1 says, “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” Do not deceived by this world. Many false teachings exist and the only way to discern what is truly of God is to cling tightly to Him and His Holy word, studying and examining the meanings, and the messengers. We must compare teachings and beliefs against the word of God to see whether they are in perfect alignment. 6. We must maintain good relationships with other believers who encourage us and challenge us to live for God. Romans 1:11-12 says, “For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.” 7. We must know and live in the light of God’s truth, cleaving our hearts and desires to His. Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” The word of God is a discerner means that God’s anointed words are a judge. Only the very words of God can correctly sift and measure whether our thoughts and intentions are pure and godly or born of our flesh. 8. We must observe the life of Jesus. When we understand Him, we become more like Him. Becoming more Christlike is such a priority if we want to live with eternal perspective. Jesus is our living manual as to how to navigate this world and prepare for the next. Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Isaiah 40:31 says, “But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” 1 John 2:3-6 says, “And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.” 9. We must continue to seek God’s wisdom, never falling victim to the lie that we have learned all we can. Proverbs 2:6 says, “For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” Ephesians 5:15-16 says, “Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” James 3:17 says, “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” 1 Corinthians 3:18 says, “Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become “fools” so that you may become wise.” Matthew 7:24 says, “Therefore everyone who hears these words and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house of the rock.” Psalm 90:12 says, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” 10. We must desire and pursue intimacy with God. Psalm 63:1-8 leaves a beautiful and poetic example. “O God, You are my God. Earnestly I seek You; my soul thirsts for You. My body yearns for You in a dry and weary land without water. So I have seen You in the sanctuary and beheld Your power and glory. Because Your loving devotion is better than life, my lips will glorify You. So I will bless You as long as I live; in Your name I will lift my hands. My soul is satisfied as with the richest of foods; with joyful lips my mouth will praise You. When I remember You on my bed, I think of You through the watches of the night. For You are my help; I will sing for joy in the shadow of Your wings. My soul clings to You; Your right hand upholds me.” 11. We must continue to draw near to God, despite momentary circumstances, deepening our maturity with and through the Lord. Psalms 145:18-19 says, “The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He also will hear their cry and save them.” When we test daily occurrences and hardships against God’s word, we begin to mature the ability to discern between not only right and wrong, but also the gray areas that cause such division and diversion in our lives and relationships. There is a right by God’s standards and a right by the codes of this world or our personal preference. They are vastly different. As we focus more intently on living with eternal perspective, the desires of this world shift and fade, releasing a grip on our hearts, minds, words, and actions, allowing them to be transformed through Christ. Through this process, we must diligently seek to do the following. 1. Pray steadfastly for God’s purpose and direction. 2. Allow our mind to be transformed to believe as God’s, accepting His passions, dislikes, and desires. 3. Seek wise spiritual counsel and compare it against God’s word and values. 4. Make decisions based on the shifts God has made in our mindset. 5. Do not impulsively follow our own wishes or desires rather than seek God’s through prayer. 6. Allow our setbacks and mistakes to guide and humble us as we grow closer to the Lord. 7. Choose a circle of godly friends for encouragement and reach out to those we can mentor in the Lord, as well. 8. Turn away from selfish desires and cultural trends. 9. Align our morals against the compass of God’s truths. 10. Build a fence that guards us far from the cliff of disaster. Obtaining and living with His valued judgement and understanding does not cause us to be judgmental, but rather, to access God’s discernment, holding us close to what He demands, while relying on Him to personally guide and direct us individually. Godly judgement seeks to be judged personally by God as we look Up to Him, not looking around us to evaluate or criticize the walk of another. Yet, as godly parents, we must hold closely the high call God has bestowed on us to seek, know, and follow Him as He desires, then model and teach the same values to our children and the next generation. Let me share five more verses that speak to living with discernment. 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 says, “Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.” Philippians 1:9-11 says, “And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” Hebrews 5:12-14 says, “For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” John 17:15-17 says, “I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” John 4:23-24 says, “But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” Father, I pray that You help us to desire the discernment that only You can give. May we joyfully and humbly accept Your guidelines as our own and seek godly judgement and understanding that draws us nearer to You and closer to the model Jesus set for us when He walked the earth, as well as hearing and obeying the Holy Spirit inside us. Amen. Did you enjoy this episode? If so, would you please make time to leave a review and rating for the show? Send me an email at thedoovermom@gmail.com if you don’t know how and I will walk you through step-by-step. I pray you find value in our weekly topics. In order for others to be able to hear about Jesus through Live With Eternal Perspective, I need the support of listeners who will invest a few minutes in subscribing and reviewing to lift this podcast higher on the charts so that the platform shows it to everyone. Right now, because the podcast is new and the following is small, listeners won’t find it unless they specifically know the name to search for. Can you think of a friend who might enjoy encouragement? If so, please share this podcast with them so that they will also find new ways to Live With Eternal Perspective. Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode 022 Discerning Truth, Detecting Lies Listen to Episode Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #022 – Discerning Truth/Detecting Lies Thank you for entrusting and investing your precious time with me to grow in Jesus together. I am blessed to be back with you today to discuss more ways to live with eternal perspective. My youngest daughter should be nicknamed, “Shadow.” She follows me around the house at least 95% of each day, watching everything I say and do. I believe one of her strongest skills is the power of observation. Due to her background and history before us, she had ample time to hone this ability. Time with her has been short, but her desire and strengths have allowed her to catch up in several areas of deficit much quicker than anticipated. Seeing her learn through the gifts of examination and consideration have been powerful and insightful for me as a mother. It impresses upon me even more strongly the importance of what she sees through me daily. Sticking so closely to my side allows her the opportunity to see every action and hear every word I offer. My eyes and heart need to remain fixed above so that I have a greater ability to shadow the actions and intents of Jesus for her to model. As parents, we all strive to teach certain skills to our children before they leave our care. We easily think of the obvious abilities they will need to live alone, such as washing and mending clothing, keeping a clean home, balancing their money, and other necessities like these. However, when we consider the intentionality of teaching our children to pursue an eternal perspective lifestyle, we also desire to teach them proficiency in spiritual skills such as discernment. During a conversation with my other daughter last week, she shared with me that she would appreciate learning more about living with outstanding judgement and understanding through God’s viewpoint. I was pleased with her request, because she is wise for her age, an old soul, yet she still wants to live with pleasing values and intentions that rely on and draw from God’s wisdom. How do we ensure that we live in ways that are pleasing to God? What must we do to make sure we live in ways that observe and draw from His wisdom? When we intentionally think with God’s truths, we actually exercise outstanding judgment and understanding. We look at the world and occurrences through the guidelines of His truths. We observe and ponder that which is obscure to the wisdom of this world (or self) and perceive or grasp it through eternal perspective insight given by God so that we are able to comprehend and discern how God would call us to act, speak, or believe. Godly discernment is vitally important. We must know God’s truths because of our relationship with Him through Jesus. We must read and study his word to prevent us from being deceived by this unbiblical world. We must desire to develop the mindset of Christ, not this world we are traveling through. Unbiblical minds and hearts lead to disobedient and unfruitful lives of sorrow, bitterness, judgements, and chaos. Proverbs 1:1-7 in the New Living Translation expresses the truths of the book and what we should strive for in life very simply. “These are the proverbs of Solomon, David’s son, king of Israel. Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise. Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just, and fair. These proverbs will give insight to the simple, knowledge and discernment to the young. Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. Let those with understanding receive guidance by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables the words of the wise and their riddles. Fear of the LORD is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.” King Solomon is said to be the wisest man (besides Jesus) who ever lived. Yet, although God blessed him with much wisdom and wealth, Solomon still made dreadful mistakes in his walk with God. Anyone who takes his eye off of God will fall victim to sinning against God, despite the intentions we set out with or the gifts He has blessed us with. The opposite of God’s wisdom is ignorance, foolishness, and absence of discernment resulting in mistakes and disappointments. As Proverbs clearly shows us, a foolish person will ignore God’s wisdom and discernment and continue persisting in walking in their own strength and wisdom. No other section of the Bible offers as much instruction or clarity on the basics of living a Godly life than the book of Proverbs. If you desire wisdom and instruction, to perceive words of understanding, to receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, judgment, or to give prudence to the simple, and to give the young man knowledge and discretion, you must study and put into practice the words shared as you seek God, His answers, and His direction to life. The book of Proverbs stands the test of time throughout each generation with timeless cautions, insights, and truths that expose the wisdom of God, who longs to love, protect, and guide us. Beyond reading, understanding, and practicing principles taught in Proverbs, what will enable us to develop godly, biblical discernment from the Lord? In condensed form, the foundation of truths taught in this book are as follows. 1. We must be humble. Despite the intelligence God gives and allows us to possess, we do not know or understand (and never will) nearly as much as God does. Even the greatest minds the world has ever held fall way below God, who created them. 1 Corinthians 2:10-16 says, “But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one. For “who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ.” As we submit to God in humble acknowledgement of Who and What He is, the Holy Spirit is able to work within us, imparting wisdom and understanding through illumination by Him. 2. We must trust God. He is God. We are not. Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” We must train ourselves to live with stillness that allows God to be acknowledged. He is always present and has made a perfect plan for our lives. We simply have to draw near to Him with the desire to surrender through trust and obedience. 3. We must live by faith, seeking to know and please Him more each day. 2 Corinthians 5:7 says, “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” As we deepen our walk with the Lord through Jesus, learning Biblical truths and promises, and allowing God to build our worth through Him, we walk in step with Him and learn to trust that faith is enough. 4. We must pray for God’s wisdom, insight, and understanding. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.” James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” God grants wisdom and discernment to those who truly desire it for the right reasons. 5. We must desire, read, and study God’s word (as well as put it into practice) and cling closely to the wisdom of the Holy Spirit within us in order to carefully discern God’s holy truths. 1 John 4:1 says, “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” Do not deceived by this world. Many false teachings exist and the only way to discern what is truly of God is to cling tightly to Him and His Holy word, studying and examining the meanings, and the messengers. We must compare teachings and beliefs against the word of God to see whether they are in perfect alignment. 6. We must maintain good relationships with other believers who encourage us and challenge us to live for God. Romans 1:11-12 says, “For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.” 7. We must know and live in the light of God’s truth, cleaving our hearts and desires to His. Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” The word of God is a discerner means that God’s anointed words are a judge. Only the very words of God can correctly sift and measure whether our thoughts and intentions are pure and godly or born of our flesh. 8. We must observe the life of Jesus. When we understand Him, we become more like Him. Becoming more Christlike is such a priority if we want to live with eternal perspective. Jesus is our living manual as to how to navigate this world and prepare for the next. Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Isaiah 40:31 says, “But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” 1 John 2:3-6 says, “And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.” 9. We must continue to seek God’s wisdom, never falling victim to the lie that we have learned all we can. Proverbs 2:6 says, “For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” Ephesians 5:15-16 says, “Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” James 3:17 says, “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” 1 Corinthians 3:18 says, “Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become “fools” so that you may become wise.” Matthew 7:24 says, “Therefore everyone who hears these words and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house of the rock.” Psalm 90:12 says, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” 10. We must desire and pursue intimacy with God. Psalm 63:1-8 leaves a beautiful and poetic example. “O God, You are my God. Earnestly I seek You; my soul thirsts for You. My body yearns for You in a dry and weary land without water. So I have seen You in the sanctuary and beheld Your power and glory. Because Your loving devotion is better than life, my lips will glorify You. So I will bless You as long as I live; in Your name I will lift my hands. My soul is satisfied as with the richest of foods; with joyful lips my mouth will praise You. When I remember You on my bed, I think of You through the watches of the night. For You are my help; I will sing for joy in the shadow of Your wings. My soul clings to You; Your right hand upholds me.” 11. We must continue to draw near to God, despite momentary circumstances, deepening our maturity with and through the Lord. Psalms 145:18-19 says, “The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He also will hear their cry and save them.” When we test daily occurrences and hardships against God’s word, we begin to mature the ability to discern between not only right and wrong, but also the gray areas that cause such division and diversion in our lives and relationships. There is a right by God’s standards and a right by the codes of this world or our personal preference. They are vastly different. As we focus more intently on living with eternal perspective, the desires of this world shift and fade, releasing a grip on our hearts, minds, words, and actions, allowing them to be transformed through Christ. Through this process, we must diligently seek to do the following. 1. Pray steadfastly for God’s purpose and direction. 2. Allow our mind to be transformed to believe as God’s, accepting His passions, dislikes, and desires. 3. Seek wise spiritual counsel and compare it against God’s word and values. 4. Make decisions based on the shifts God has made in our mindset. 5. Do not impulsively follow our own wishes or desires rather than seek God’s through prayer. 6. Allow our setbacks and mistakes to guide and humble us as we grow closer to the Lord. 7. Choose a circle of godly friends for encouragement and reach out to those we can mentor in the Lord, as well. 8. Turn away from selfish desires and cultural trends. 9. Align our morals against the compass of God’s truths. 10. Build a fence that guards us far from the cliff of disaster. Obtaining and living with His valued judgement and understanding does not cause us to be judgmental, but rather, to access God’s discernment, holding us close to what He demands, while relying on Him to personally guide and direct us individually. Godly judgement seeks to be judged personally by God as we look Up to Him, not looking around us to evaluate or criticize the walk of another. Yet, as godly parents, we must hold closely the high call God has bestowed on us to seek, know, and follow Him as He desires, then model and teach the same values to our children and the next generation. Let me share five more verses that speak to living with discernment. 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 says, “Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.” Philippians 1:9-11 says, “And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” Hebrews 5:12-14 says, “For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” John 17:15-17 says, “I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” John 4:23-24 says, “But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” Father, I pray that You help us to desire the discernment that only You can give. May we joyfully and humbly accept Your guidelines as our own and seek godly judgement and understanding that draws us nearer to You and closer to the model Jesus set for us when He walked the earth, as well as hearing and obeying the Holy Spirit inside us. Amen. Did you enjoy this episode? If so, would you please make time to leave a review and rating for the show? Send me an email at thedoovermom@gmail.com if you don’t know how and I will walk you through step-by-step. I pray you find value in our weekly topics. In order for others to be able to hear about Jesus through Live With Eternal Perspective, I need the support of listeners who will invest a few minutes in subscribing and reviewing to lift this podcast higher on the charts so that the platform shows it to everyone. Right now, because the podcast is new and the following is small, listeners won’t find it unless they specifically know the name to search for. Can you think of a friend who might enjoy encouragement? If so, please share this podcast with them so that they will also find new ways to Live With Eternal Perspective.

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Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast. Episode #008 – A Humble Spirit Thank you for entrusting and investing your precious time with me to grow in Jesus together. I am blessed and thrilled to be back with you today to discuss more ways to live with eternal perspective. My youngest child loves to create acronyms, especially funny ones. Lately, they have all been about me. The last couple of days she has been calling me “MAP.” We’ll come back to this. This same daughter has told me for years that she wants to be just like me. She is always saying that we are twins. This sweetheart has had a long “I want to be like Mommy” phase. I was shocked when out of the blue last night she told me that she didn’t want to be just like me anymore. I’ll admit. It hurt my ego. She’s growing up too fast, my heart protested. “Oh, no,” I said to her. “We’re not twins anymore?” “No,” she said without a trace of remorse. “Why not?” I asked. “Mommy’s work all the time. I don’t want to.” She laughs, but I immediately feel “Mom Guilt.” I don’t want her to grow up thinking all I do is work around the house. I remind her that I make time to play with her every single day, then we spend the day together in homeschool. She’s good with that; in fact, she’s not guilting me with the acronym. Having only lived a normal family life for the last four years, she is making observations and voicing her feelings. Now let’s go back to the acronym, MAP. Know what she says it stands for? “Mommy’s A Peasant.” As she laughs, the Holy Spirit gives me the best response for her. “Thank you,” I said. “What?” she asked. “You said I’m a peasant, right?” “Yes,” she said. “You think I do things for the family all day?” “Yes.” “Think about Jesus,” I reminded her. “I’m nothing like Him,” I said, “But if Jesus came to serve and not be served, I think I can try to do the same for my family.” She sat up, facing me with full attention and interest. We talked about Jesus and why He came to live on the earth among us. She’s heard most of what I said before, but just as many of us do, she was hearing the same stories in a new context. Fresh eyes and a different perspective gave new life to the tales she thought she had learned. So far today she hasn’t called me a peasant, but she has designed an acronym for herself. It’s PAP. Her nickname is Peanut, and “Peanut’s a peasant.” In fact, she has now christened her Daddy as “DAP” and her sister as “MAP,” as well. Philippians 2:1-11 says, “So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” How great God is that He chooses to gift us with such easy ways to draw ourselves and others to Him. How merciful is He that in our fallen nature where our ego threatens to rule us at every turn, the Holy Spirit lives inside those of us who love Him, so that we may be guided to hear His quiet truths and remember that life is not about us. All that we do should lift Him toward the glory and honor He is due. May He increase and I decrease. Proverbs 16:18 says, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” My goodness. I love the way God shows me where my ego gets in the way. Why did my identity feel bruised when she told me that I worked a lot? It’s because I try so hard to be there for her. I make sure we play since she didn’t have time in the important formative years. I purposely create opportunities to grow our bonds with each other. But the key point to remember is that none of it would be possible without the work of my Heavenly Father allowing the good works to come to fruition. He is the One guiding my spirit to desire what to do with her. He is also the One forming the bonds and attachment that occurs. As I bow to Him, relying on His promptings, I allow Him to flow into our lives. Instead of feeling a little wounded with the opinion she voiced, I should rejoice that she shares her thoughts so openly. I should remember that her feelings are not about me. Whenever we allow our personal thoughts or feelings twist around what someone else shares with us, our emotions with always get distorted. Have you ever been humbled by the Lord? I have. Many times. Unfortunately, I’ve been forced to learn hard lessons in the area of humility. Especially in the areas I was most competent or talented. God knows that the areas He blesses us in are sometimes our weakest spots. It’s easier for us to be deceived and think that we can handle something on our own. We tend to look to Him less, until we learn lessons in humility the hard way and learn where our true strength lies. James 4:10 says, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” 1 Peter 5:6-7 says, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” God cares for, protects, and lifts the humble. “Oh, Lord, please humble me so that I may be cared for and lifted up as You desire.” James 3:13-18 warns, “Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” My middle daughter used to participate in pageantry. Now before your mind goes to the glitzy, swimsuit, heels, and caked-on makeup look painted on a five year-old, that is not what I am referring to. If that’s your definition of most of the pageantry world, it’s truly much different. In fact, her favorite pageant system, USA National Miss is founded on, and based on principles pleasing to God. There is competition, of course, but the national director nurtures the girls to know where she stands with the Lord and to exhibit qualities that honor Him. I bring up pageant competitions because the world of pageantry is viewed as cut-throat and shallow. We experienced the opposite. However, what it did for me personally was completely change my selfish ambition of wanting my daughter to be the best and to win everything she entered, even though I never pushed or seemed that way to others from the outside. When we first started, I believed if the judges would see her, they would agree she should be the winner. As time went on, what I noticed that we found friends and that I adored all the girls and families. We began helping others, giving them tips, letting them borrow items they needed, praying with them, traveling with them, and sharing life with them. I saw how worthy they all were. I learned I was seeing them all through God’s eyes and heart. We no longer allowed my daughter in participate in pageantry hoping she would win, but so that she would develop and sharpen skills such as interview, public speaking, service, and the ability to handle obtaining or losing the end result she desired. Pageantry built the same skills as participation in any sport, for both myself and my daughter. She trained and competed maturely and responsibly, and with a gracious and kind heart, and believed that the outcome was in God’s hands. I deeply appreciate the way God used the evolution of her skills to transform my heart to be more in alignment with what He desires. Life is not about competing to be the best. It is simply an individual journey each of us walks to humbly discover, know, and become more Christ-like each day. The way we live should be viewed through that lens. We are each given different gifts and talents that we can employ however, God never wants us to use them to demean, belittle, or crush others. He doesn’t call us to “show-off” skills, but I believe He wants us to use them to work together and to find ways to honor and serve Him through them. God has a plan and purpose for each of us. He loves us all the same. 2 Chronicles 7:14-15 tells us, ”If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayer that is made in this place.” Imagine a world in which we all humbly bow to God, seeking ways to show Him though all we do. Psalm 25:8-9 tells us, “Good and upright is the LORD; therefore, He instructs sinners in the way. He leads the humble in what is right and teaches the humble His way.” Imagine a world in which we all choose to listen to and humbly obey God. Proverbs 15:33 says, “Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord; therefore, He instructs sinners in His ways. He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way.” When my middle daughter was younger, she had a dance instructor we were blessed to work with. My daughter respected her and gained so much from the talent and professional skills she taught. There was, however, a quality that I hope this teacher learned from my daughter. I remember one day when this instructor wanted to discuss with me in private that my daughter was meek and submissive to others. I knew the behavior she talked about. I could see in my mind the times my girl would hold us up when we were out in public as she stopped to open doors for others without anyone even noticing she was there. No one stopped to thank her or take the door from her so that she would be able to go on back to us. They simply kept walking through the door, not even noticing it was a child helping them. It used to irritate me a bit because I expected adults to recognize her and at least take the door. My girl still does this for others; in fact, her humble behavior now carries a quiet confidence with it. One that comes from above. She knows not everyone appreciates this simple gesture. She doesn’t need to gain their approval. The kindness is not only performed for them. Her actions are spurred by what she feels God is asking her to do. I know I have personally learned that what sometimes what appears to be weakness is actually strength cloaked in God’s desire for us to humble ourselves before Him and others. As Jesus tells us to live with the faith of a child, I believe we can learn so much from our children. Instead of teaching them to be tougher or to be more competitive, we should be learning from them and taking on the humbleness they intuitively exhibit. As we desire to grow closer to the Lord, there are questions to ponder and answers we must assess about our hearts to ensure we allow Him to shine from within us and guard against the self-sabotage of ego and self-importance. In what ways do I hear God whispering to me to change? Where has pride taken over my spirit? Do I seek to honor God in what I do? Do I seek selfish attention or have self-serving ambitions when I serve others? Is my work an attempt to make myself appear more successful and fill a hole within myself best completed by God? Do I sacrifice my family in an attempt to gain worldly attention? Each of us has areas that we need to allow God to make visible to us so we can allow His holy work to mend from within. Proverbs 11:2 says, “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.” The lessons God crafts for each of us are so personal. Whether we choose to learn from them or continue walking without a humble spirit is our choice. Although I am immensely thankful that He allows us the ability to select whether we will allow ourselves to humbly submit to Him and follow His ways, I have also grown thankful for the hard lessons I have learned. Not that I wanted to endure them, or allow others in my life to suffer, but because they have proven to me how great and gracious my Heavenly Father really is. He not only allows us the ability to choose, but the ability to learn through experience. When we fail or fall, He graciously picks us back up and loves us despite the arrogant or ignorant mistakes we make, allowing us the ability and opportunity to learn from Him and extend that grace to others. Humility comes in many forms. Studying the life of Jesus affords us the gift of seeing a grace-filled and beautiful life unfold and the humility and wisdom from our Savior to enrich our life if we accept the responsibility of trusting Him and understanding the definition of a humble life. A modest walk is not something to despise or desire to change. It is a quality that we need to savor as a gift from above and treasure it as we labor to retain and build upon it. It does not mean we have no confidence; on the contrary, it means that we have full confidence in Him and in what He is accomplishing in and through us. As we seek to live each day with more eternal perspective, a humble spirit is essential to develop and grow as we release prideful attitude and actions and adopt a Christlike view of significance. Thank you so much for listening to the Live With Eternal Perspective podcast. God has impressed so much on my heart to share. Living with an eternal perspective affects absolutely everything in my life. I am thrilled to delve into different areas with you. Since everything affects our eternity, we have a lot to discuss! I’d love to hear your thoughts. If you found value in this podcast, please subscribe so you don’t miss an episode. I also encourage you to leave a review. In order for others to be able to find this podcast, I will need the support of listeners who will invest a few minutes in subscribing and reviewing to lift Live With Eternal Perspective higher on the charts so that the platform shows it to everyone. Thank you again for sharing part of your day with me. Until next time, keep looking Upward and finding new ways to live with an Eternal Perspective. Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode 008 A Humble Spirit Listen to Episode Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast. Episode #008 – A Humble Spirit Thank you for entrusting and investing your precious time with me to grow in Jesus together. I am blessed and thrilled to be back with you today to discuss more ways to live with eternal perspective. My youngest child loves to create acronyms, especially funny ones. Lately, they have all been about me. The last couple of days she has been calling me “MAP.” We’ll come back to this. This same daughter has told me for years that she wants to be just like me. She is always saying that we are twins. This sweetheart has had a long “I want to be like Mommy” phase. I was shocked when out of the blue last night she told me that she didn’t want to be just like me anymore. I’ll admit. It hurt my ego. She’s growing up too fast, my heart protested. “Oh, no,” I said to her. “We’re not twins anymore?” “No,” she said without a trace of remorse. “Why not?” I asked. “Mommy’s work all the time. I don’t want to.” She laughs, but I immediately feel “Mom Guilt.” I don’t want her to grow up thinking all I do is work around the house. I remind her that I make time to play with her every single day, then we spend the day together in homeschool. She’s good with that; in fact, she’s not guilting me with the acronym. Having only lived a normal family life for the last four years, she is making observations and voicing her feelings. Now let’s go back to the acronym, MAP. Know what she says it stands for? “Mommy’s A Peasant.” As she laughs, the Holy Spirit gives me the best response for her. “Thank you,” I said. “What?” she asked. “You said I’m a peasant, right?” “Yes,” she said. “You think I do things for the family all day?” “Yes.” “Think about Jesus,” I reminded her. “I’m nothing like Him,” I said, “But if Jesus came to serve and not be served, I think I can try to do the same for my family.” She sat up, facing me with full attention and interest. We talked about Jesus and why He came to live on the earth among us. She’s heard most of what I said before, but just as many of us do, she was hearing the same stories in a new context. Fresh eyes and a different perspective gave new life to the tales she thought she had learned. So far today she hasn’t called me a peasant, but she has designed an acronym for herself. It’s PAP. Her nickname is Peanut, and “Peanut’s a peasant.” In fact, she has now christened her Daddy as “DAP” and her sister as “MAP,” as well. Philippians 2:1-11 says, “So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” How great God is that He chooses to gift us with such easy ways to draw ourselves and others to Him. How merciful is He that in our fallen nature where our ego threatens to rule us at every turn, the Holy Spirit lives inside those of us who love Him, so that we may be guided to hear His quiet truths and remember that life is not about us. All that we do should lift Him toward the glory and honor He is due. May He increase and I decrease. Proverbs 16:18 says, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” My goodness. I love the way God shows me where my ego gets in the way. Why did my identity feel bruised when she told me that I worked a lot? It’s because I try so hard to be there for her. I make sure we play since she didn’t have time in the important formative years. I purposely create opportunities to grow our bonds with each other. But the key point to remember is that none of it would be possible without the work of my Heavenly Father allowing the good works to come to fruition. He is the One guiding my spirit to desire what to do with her. He is also the One forming the bonds and attachment that occurs. As I bow to Him, relying on His promptings, I allow Him to flow into our lives. Instead of feeling a little wounded with the opinion she voiced, I should rejoice that she shares her thoughts so openly. I should remember that her feelings are not about me. Whenever we allow our personal thoughts or feelings twist around what someone else shares with us, our emotions with always get distorted. Have you ever been humbled by the Lord? I have. Many times. Unfortunately, I’ve been forced to learn hard lessons in the area of humility. Especially in the areas I was most competent or talented. God knows that the areas He blesses us in are sometimes our weakest spots. It’s easier for us to be deceived and think that we can handle something on our own. We tend to look to Him less, until we learn lessons in humility the hard way and learn where our true strength lies. James 4:10 says, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” 1 Peter 5:6-7 says, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” God cares for, protects, and lifts the humble. “Oh, Lord, please humble me so that I may be cared for and lifted up as You desire.” James 3:13-18 warns, “Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” My middle daughter used to participate in pageantry. Now before your mind goes to the glitzy, swimsuit, heels, and caked-on makeup look painted on a five year-old, that is not what I am referring to. If that’s your definition of most of the pageantry world, it’s truly much different. In fact, her favorite pageant system, USA National Miss is founded on, and based on principles pleasing to God. There is competition, of course, but the national director nurtures the girls to know where she stands with the Lord and to exhibit qualities that honor Him. I bring up pageant competitions because the world of pageantry is viewed as cut-throat and shallow. We experienced the opposite. However, what it did for me personally was completely change my selfish ambition of wanting my daughter to be the best and to win everything she entered, even though I never pushed or seemed that way to others from the outside. When we first started, I believed if the judges would see her, they would agree she should be the winner. As time went on, what I noticed that we found friends and that I adored all the girls and families. We began helping others, giving them tips, letting them borrow items they needed, praying with them, traveling with them, and sharing life with them. I saw how worthy they all were. I learned I was seeing them all through God’s eyes and heart. We no longer allowed my daughter in participate in pageantry hoping she would win, but so that she would develop and sharpen skills such as interview, public speaking, service, and the ability to handle obtaining or losing the end result she desired. Pageantry built the same skills as participation in any sport, for both myself and my daughter. She trained and competed maturely and responsibly, and with a gracious and kind heart, and believed that the outcome was in God’s hands. I deeply appreciate the way God used the evolution of her skills to transform my heart to be more in alignment with what He desires. Life is not about competing to be the best. It is simply an individual journey each of us walks to humbly discover, know, and become more Christ-like each day. The way we live should be viewed through that lens. We are each given different gifts and talents that we can employ however, God never wants us to use them to demean, belittle, or crush others. He doesn’t call us to “show-off” skills, but I believe He wants us to use them to work together and to find ways to honor and serve Him through them. God has a plan and purpose for each of us. He loves us all the same. 2 Chronicles 7:14-15 tells us, ”If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayer that is made in this place.” Imagine a world in which we all humbly bow to God, seeking ways to show Him though all we do. Psalm 25:8-9 tells us, “Good and upright is the LORD; therefore, He instructs sinners in the way. He leads the humble in what is right and teaches the humble His way.” Imagine a world in which we all choose to listen to and humbly obey God. Proverbs 15:33 says, “Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord; therefore, He instructs sinners in His ways. He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way.” When my middle daughter was younger, she had a dance instructor we were blessed to work with. My daughter respected her and gained so much from the talent and professional skills she taught. There was, however, a quality that I hope this teacher learned from my daughter. I remember one day when this instructor wanted to discuss with me in private that my daughter was meek and submissive to others. I knew the behavior she talked about. I could see in my mind the times my girl would hold us up when we were out in public as she stopped to open doors for others without anyone even noticing she was there. No one stopped to thank her or take the door from her so that she would be able to go on back to us. They simply kept walking through the door, not even noticing it was a child helping them. It used to irritate me a bit because I expected adults to recognize her and at least take the door. My girl still does this for others; in fact, her humble behavior now carries a quiet confidence with it. One that comes from above. She knows not everyone appreciates this simple gesture. She doesn’t need to gain their approval. The kindness is not only performed for them. Her actions are spurred by what she feels God is asking her to do. I know I have personally learned that what sometimes what appears to be weakness is actually strength cloaked in God’s desire for us to humble ourselves before Him and others. As Jesus tells us to live with the faith of a child, I believe we can learn so much from our children. Instead of teaching them to be tougher or to be more competitive, we should be learning from them and taking on the humbleness they intuitively exhibit. As we desire to grow closer to the Lord, there are questions to ponder and answers we must assess about our hearts to ensure we allow Him to shine from within us and guard against the self-sabotage of ego and self-importance. In what ways do I hear God whispering to me to change? Where has pride taken over my spirit? Do I seek to honor God in what I do? Do I seek selfish attention or have self-serving ambitions when I serve others? Is my work an attempt to make myself appear more successful and fill a hole within myself best completed by God? Do I sacrifice my family in an attempt to gain worldly attention? Each of us has areas that we need to allow God to make visible to us so we can allow His holy work to mend from within. Proverbs 11:2 says, “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.” The lessons God crafts for each of us are so personal. Whether we choose to learn from them or continue walking without a humble spirit is our choice. Although I am immensely thankful that He allows us the ability to select whether we will allow ourselves to humbly submit to Him and follow His ways, I have also grown thankful for the hard lessons I have learned. Not that I wanted to endure them, or allow others in my life to suffer, but because they have proven to me how great and gracious my Heavenly Father really is. He not only allows us the ability to choose, but the ability to learn through experience. When we fail or fall, He graciously picks us back up and loves us despite the arrogant or ignorant mistakes we make, allowing us the ability and opportunity to learn from Him and extend that grace to others. Humility comes in many forms. Studying the life of Jesus affords us the gift of seeing a grace-filled and beautiful life unfold and the humility and wisdom from our Savior to enrich our life if we accept the responsibility of trusting Him and understanding the definition of a humble life. A modest walk is not something to despise or desire to change. It is a quality that we need to savor as a gift from above and treasure it as we labor to retain and build upon it. It does not mean we have no confidence; on the contrary, it means that we have full confidence in Him and in what He is accomplishing in and through us. As we seek to live each day with more eternal perspective, a humble spirit is essential to develop and grow as we release prideful attitude and actions and adopt a Christlike view of significance. Thank you so much for listening to the Live With Eternal Perspective podcast. God has impressed so much on my heart to share. Living with an eternal perspective affects absolutely everything in my life. I am thrilled to delve into different areas with you. Since everything affects our eternity, we have a lot to discuss! I’d love to hear your thoughts. If you found value in this podcast, please subscribe so you don’t miss an episode. I also encourage you to leave a review. In order for others to be able to find this podcast, I will need the support of listeners who will invest a few minutes in subscribing and reviewing to lift Live With Eternal Perspective higher on the charts so that the platform shows it to everyone. Thank you again for sharing part of your day with me. Until next time, keep looking Upward and finding new ways to live with an Eternal Perspective.

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Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #130 – Practicing Gratitude While Life Happens Thank you for entrusting and investing your precious time with me to seek, find, and follow Jesus together as we live with purposed eternal perspective. Have you ever wondered what God thinks when He hears your inner thoughts? What about your spoken words? Are you ever embarrassed by or ashamed of what resides in your mind or comes out of your mouth? Our Heavenly Father surely evaluates the intentions of what we say or think with a different perspective than we do. In fact, we know He views what we think and say, (especially the grumbles and attitudes we carelessly let slip out) with a much higher standard and purpose than we can imagine. Think about times you verbalize or imagine complaints or dissatisfaction each day. I bet each of us have much more than we realize. To our Holy and Perfect God, those thoughts and words sound far worse than the scratch of fingernails on a chalkboard. Here ae some examples from my own life: When I think: “Every time I sit in my desk chair while wearing my warm blanket, the arm hole cut-outs grab the back of the arm rests on the chair and I become trapped until I stand to remove the blanket.” God probably says: “I blessed Terri with a sturdy, ergonomic chair for her workspace and a warm blanket to wear on cold days since I know she does not appreciate cold weather.” When I think: “Most of the time when I throw something away, I miss the trashcan and I have to get up to throw the trash away before my dog eats it.” God probably says: “I blessed Terri and her family with a new puppy when they lost their beloved dogs last year. What a joy it must be to have a new puppy to train.” When I think: “As I lay in bed and try to sleep at night, I always feel the tiniest wrinkle in the sheet and I can’t fall asleep until it is smooth.” God probably says: “I blessed Terri with a special level of sensitivity.” When I think:” Sometimes I leave my mug in the microwave too long and my cup of tea is too hot to carry.” God probably says: “Terri is blessed to have that mug that is so special to her and I’m sure she appreciates the ease of quickly and easily heating tea to enjoy.” When I say: “Every time I clean, the house is already dusty again the next day.” God probably says: “What a blessing I gave my children. The house they are in is everything they prayed for at one time and although the forest around them makes the house get dusty quickly, I’m sure they appreciate the joy of living in the midst of my beautiful creation.” When I say: “When we had trees removed from our yard, the tree service workers accidentally shattered my front storm door.” God probably says, “If the workers hadn’t shattered the door, Terri’s family would have had to purchase a brand new door when they had their house resided. Instead, they are having it replaced by Me.” When I say, “The workers putting on our new siding this summer have taken a lot longer to complete the job than we thought it would take.” God probably says: “I have enjoyed the process of watching the siding job I provided take longer than expected. I ordained the meeting of the workers with the Hitt’s. Many blessings have come from knowing the workers and sharing the stories of My love and provision and the experience has grown Terri’s awareness of me in even smaller details.” Like me, what are the things you can choose to grumble about or show gratitude for? How can you change the way you do it? I wonder whether God will have a list for us to view when we meet Him in heaven. Can’t you imagine documents that reflect an attitude or gratitude? Delays, disappointments, and demands that we complained about or grew bitter about may be what saved a life, brought an unexpected blessing down the road, or caused another to come to or fall away from Jesus by the way we reacted. Do you practice gratitude during the events of each day? Do you live life with an expectation that what happens is for your good and the betterment of His kingdom? It takes humble, intentional actions and true thankfulness to adjust our mindset to live with the high level of gratitude God desires. Have you noticed that when you tend to pout or complain about something, it’s much harder to feel grateful? Instead, when you immediately look to the Lord in all circumstances and give praise, whether situations are good or bad, exciting or disappointing, thankfulness causes an uplift to your spirit and joy is sustained or grown. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says,” Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. “ The joy in our life should not be dictated by circumstance. It’s challenging not to let what happens around us, or sometimes what doesn’t happen, affect our mental or emotional state, but prayers and thankfulness don’t have to be tied to feelings. If we look at the verse I just read from 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 with a heart to seek what God desires, we notice that we are given three commands. 1. Be joyful 2. Pray continually 3. Give thanks Every time we make the decision to follow what pleases God, we begin to view life with His perspective – an eternal perspective. Each time we follow His commands, especially with gratitude, we find it becomes easier to live with true joy and thankfulness. The truth is that when we complain, whether it be in thought, word, action, or reaction, we are choosing to place self over situation. We are silently voicing the fact that we what we want is more important than what is happening around us, or what God has allowed in our life. Each time we criticize, we place our idea of what should occur or what we should receive over the process of perfection. When we trust God to provide, we understand and appreciate that He is in control. Knowing that His perfect timing, guidance, provisions, and protection are far better than what we can envision allows joy to replace the bitterness, disappointment, and anger that threaten deeper relationship with Him. 2 Corinthians 4:15-18 says, “For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God. So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” Trials and disappointments help to work all things for God as promised in Romans 8:28, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good for those who are called according to his purpose.” Even small inconveniences may be used to strengthen our faith and trust. Without hardship could we really understand true joy and gratitude for the protection and provisions of God? Conforming to the image of Christ comes with cost. Our human flesh will always find cause to complain. In contrast, the Holy Spirit living within believers recognizes and appreciates the redeeming, unselfish cost of grace and the joy of living within the protection of abundant gratitude. Colossians 2:6-7 says, “Therefore, just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him, established in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” Because of the work of Christ and the Holy Spirit residing within, believers have the ability to see their inner self changed. Our moral and ethical behavior, as well as the way we view the inconvenient challenges in life can be shaped into the image of the mind of Christ. As we set our mind and heart on things above, we shift the way we view daily occurrences and begin to see them with eternal eyes instead of through selfish or temporal viewpoints. This different and eternal perspective allows room for gratitude to grow and be expressed far more readily than dissatisfaction or disappointment as we look at events through the eyes of Jesus and the heart of God. Colossians 3:1-2 says, “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” Dear Heavenly Father, You alone are good. You alone are Holy. You alone can lift us from the depths of selfish sin and desires and hold us close to the desires of Your heart. Lord, as we grow closer to You and allow You to shine more brightly through us, help us to change, help our gratitude to expand, overtake our selfish hearts, and craft the beauty of thankfulness within us. May the mystery of the resurrection sweep over us and change our fleshly hearts into the beauty of Christ’s. May we please and honor You with our appreciation for the good, the easy, the tears, and the joys of living the life You gave to us. May Your peace, which surpasses all understanding abide within us and guard our hearts, and multiply our appreciation. In the precious name of Jesus we pray. Amen. 1 Chronicles 16:34 says, “Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; for His steadfast love endures forever.” Lord, may our gratitude fill You with thanksgiving and praise! Thank you for listening to this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Additional episodes may be heard at terrihitt.com, but the podcast is also a part of the Spark Media Network. Now the podcast may also be found on the Edifi app, where you can find thousands of the best Christian podcasts in one place for your listening enjoyment. Have you rated or reviewed this podcast on Apple Podcasts yet? If you haven’t, would you please consider doing so? When you review the podcast on Apple Podcasts, it helps to elevate the standing online so that more people are allowed to find and hear it. Have you listened to my second podcast, “Purposed Parent/Connected Child” yet? I hope you will listen to this new podcast, especially if you are raising children or influencing grandchildren. Please follow and share both of my podcasts with friends or family who would like to choose Christ over culture and be a parent (or be a grandparent) who connects with eternal purpose. Remember, if we are not purposed in knowing Jesus ourselves and showing Him to the next generation, the world will direct them away from Christ. Live With Eternal Perspective helps us to find, trust, and follow Christ more intimately. Purposed Parent/Connected Child shares biblical, practical truths for parents and grandparents to influence and mentor Christ over culture. I pray that what you hear on this podcast draws you nearer to God and helps you cling to Him, despite any circumstances in your life. Until next week, keep looking Up while focusing on new ways to Live With Eternal Perspective. Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode 130 - Practicing Gratitude While Life Happens Listen to Episode Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #130 – Practicing Gratitude While Life Happens Thank you for entrusting and investing your precious time with me to seek, find, and follow Jesus together as we live with purposed eternal perspective. Have you ever wondered what God thinks when He hears your inner thoughts? What about your spoken words? Are you ever embarrassed by or ashamed of what resides in your mind or comes out of your mouth? Our Heavenly Father surely evaluates the intentions of what we say or think with a different perspective than we do. In fact, we know He views what we think and say, (especially the grumbles and attitudes we carelessly let slip out) with a much higher standard and purpose than we can imagine. Think about times you verbalize or imagine complaints or dissatisfaction each day. I bet each of us have much more than we realize. To our Holy and Perfect God, those thoughts and words sound far worse than the scratch of fingernails on a chalkboard. Here ae some examples from my own life: When I think: “Every time I sit in my desk chair while wearing my warm blanket, the arm hole cut-outs grab the back of the arm rests on the chair and I become trapped until I stand to remove the blanket.” God probably says: “I blessed Terri with a sturdy, ergonomic chair for her workspace and a warm blanket to wear on cold days since I know she does not appreciate cold weather.” When I think: “Most of the time when I throw something away, I miss the trashcan and I have to get up to throw the trash away before my dog eats it.” God probably says: “I blessed Terri and her family with a new puppy when they lost their beloved dogs last year. What a joy it must be to have a new puppy to train.” When I think: “As I lay in bed and try to sleep at night, I always feel the tiniest wrinkle in the sheet and I can’t fall asleep until it is smooth.” God probably says: “I blessed Terri with a special level of sensitivity.” When I think:” Sometimes I leave my mug in the microwave too long and my cup of tea is too hot to carry.” God probably says: “Terri is blessed to have that mug that is so special to her and I’m sure she appreciates the ease of quickly and easily heating tea to enjoy.” When I say: “Every time I clean, the house is already dusty again the next day.” God probably says: “What a blessing I gave my children. The house they are in is everything they prayed for at one time and although the forest around them makes the house get dusty quickly, I’m sure they appreciate the joy of living in the midst of my beautiful creation.” When I say: “When we had trees removed from our yard, the tree service workers accidentally shattered my front storm door.” God probably says, “If the workers hadn’t shattered the door, Terri’s family would have had to purchase a brand new door when they had their house resided. Instead, they are having it replaced by Me.” When I say, “The workers putting on our new siding this summer have taken a lot longer to complete the job than we thought it would take.” God probably says: “I have enjoyed the process of watching the siding job I provided take longer than expected. I ordained the meeting of the workers with the Hitt’s. Many blessings have come from knowing the workers and sharing the stories of My love and provision and the experience has grown Terri’s awareness of me in even smaller details.” Like me, what are the things you can choose to grumble about or show gratitude for? How can you change the way you do it? I wonder whether God will have a list for us to view when we meet Him in heaven. Can’t you imagine documents that reflect an attitude or gratitude? Delays, disappointments, and demands that we complained about or grew bitter about may be what saved a life, brought an unexpected blessing down the road, or caused another to come to or fall away from Jesus by the way we reacted. Do you practice gratitude during the events of each day? Do you live life with an expectation that what happens is for your good and the betterment of His kingdom? It takes humble, intentional actions and true thankfulness to adjust our mindset to live with the high level of gratitude God desires. Have you noticed that when you tend to pout or complain about something, it’s much harder to feel grateful? Instead, when you immediately look to the Lord in all circumstances and give praise, whether situations are good or bad, exciting or disappointing, thankfulness causes an uplift to your spirit and joy is sustained or grown. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says,” Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. “ The joy in our life should not be dictated by circumstance. It’s challenging not to let what happens around us, or sometimes what doesn’t happen, affect our mental or emotional state, but prayers and thankfulness don’t have to be tied to feelings. If we look at the verse I just read from 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 with a heart to seek what God desires, we notice that we are given three commands. 1. Be joyful 2. Pray continually 3. Give thanks Every time we make the decision to follow what pleases God, we begin to view life with His perspective – an eternal perspective. Each time we follow His commands, especially with gratitude, we find it becomes easier to live with true joy and thankfulness. The truth is that when we complain, whether it be in thought, word, action, or reaction, we are choosing to place self over situation. We are silently voicing the fact that we what we want is more important than what is happening around us, or what God has allowed in our life. Each time we criticize, we place our idea of what should occur or what we should receive over the process of perfection. When we trust God to provide, we understand and appreciate that He is in control. Knowing that His perfect timing, guidance, provisions, and protection are far better than what we can envision allows joy to replace the bitterness, disappointment, and anger that threaten deeper relationship with Him. 2 Corinthians 4:15-18 says, “For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God. So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” Trials and disappointments help to work all things for God as promised in Romans 8:28, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good for those who are called according to his purpose.” Even small inconveniences may be used to strengthen our faith and trust. Without hardship could we really understand true joy and gratitude for the protection and provisions of God? Conforming to the image of Christ comes with cost. Our human flesh will always find cause to complain. In contrast, the Holy Spirit living within believers recognizes and appreciates the redeeming, unselfish cost of grace and the joy of living within the protection of abundant gratitude. Colossians 2:6-7 says, “Therefore, just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him, established in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” Because of the work of Christ and the Holy Spirit residing within, believers have the ability to see their inner self changed. Our moral and ethical behavior, as well as the way we view the inconvenient challenges in life can be shaped into the image of the mind of Christ. As we set our mind and heart on things above, we shift the way we view daily occurrences and begin to see them with eternal eyes instead of through selfish or temporal viewpoints. This different and eternal perspective allows room for gratitude to grow and be expressed far more readily than dissatisfaction or disappointment as we look at events through the eyes of Jesus and the heart of God. Colossians 3:1-2 says, “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” Dear Heavenly Father, You alone are good. You alone are Holy. You alone can lift us from the depths of selfish sin and desires and hold us close to the desires of Your heart. Lord, as we grow closer to You and allow You to shine more brightly through us, help us to change, help our gratitude to expand, overtake our selfish hearts, and craft the beauty of thankfulness within us. May the mystery of the resurrection sweep over us and change our fleshly hearts into the beauty of Christ’s. May we please and honor You with our appreciation for the good, the easy, the tears, and the joys of living the life You gave to us. May Your peace, which surpasses all understanding abide within us and guard our hearts, and multiply our appreciation. In the precious name of Jesus we pray. Amen. 1 Chronicles 16:34 says, “Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; for His steadfast love endures forever.” Lord, may our gratitude fill You with thanksgiving and praise! Thank you for listening to this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Additional episodes may be heard at terrihitt.com, but the podcast is also a part of the Spark Media Network. Now the podcast may also be found on the Edifi app, where you can find thousands of the best Christian podcasts in one place for your listening enjoyment. Have you rated or reviewed this podcast on Apple Podcasts yet? If you haven’t, would you please consider doing so? When you review the podcast on Apple Podcasts, it helps to elevate the standing online so that more people are allowed to find and hear it. Have you listened to my second podcast, “Purposed Parent/Connected Child” yet? I hope you will listen to this new podcast, especially if you are raising children or influencing grandchildren. Please follow and share both of my podcasts with friends or family who would like to choose Christ over culture and be a parent (or be a grandparent) who connects with eternal purpose. Remember, if we are not purposed in knowing Jesus ourselves and showing Him to the next generation, the world will direct them away from Christ. Live With Eternal Perspective helps us to find, trust, and follow Christ more intimately. Purposed Parent/Connected Child shares biblical, practical truths for parents and grandparents to influence and mentor Christ over culture. I pray that what you hear on this podcast draws you nearer to God and helps you cling to Him, despite any circumstances in your life. Until next week, keep looking Up while focusing on new ways to Live With Eternal Perspective.

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Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #086 – Guidelines for Living Thank you for entrusting and investing your precious time with me. I am blessed to be back with you to discuss intentional changes we must seek to be well-equipped to concentrate on Jesus, and live with heart and mind focused on eternity, as we seek more ways to live with eternal perspective. As I shared on a previous podcast, our home is now filled with the curious and innocent love of a brand new furry family member. Puppies are notorious for biting, exploring, and learning their place in the family. Ours is no exception! Since it is so much easier to watch over our new little one in a confined area, and we spend so much time in our kitchen, I like to keep our new baby fenced in the kitchen with us. Using baby gates, we have blocked the two doors in our kitchen so that we know our boy is safely enclosed on the hardwood flooring, which is so much easier to clean if accidents happen, plus it is much easier to limit his exposure to distractions or dangers. Because we have the fences blocking Beau’s escape, he often goes to the gate and begins to whine. Plenty of toys, items to chew, and we, his family are inside the kitchen and around him, yet he longs to explore the rest of the house. Curiously, when the gates are open and he has free reign to come and go into the space as he desires, he is perfectly content to stay in the kitchen with us. While watching our puppy’s behavior one day, I was reminded of how often our behavior is similar to Beau’s concerning our relationship with God. Our Heavenly Father gives us guidelines, which I like to call guardrails to keep us safe. God also gives us the ability to choose to live in accordance with His good and perfect desires for us. Think of how often humans try to step outside His boundaries just because we don’t want to feel fenced in. We want to be able to do what we want just because we desire it. Just like Beau. It really doesn’t matter how many chew toys and belly rubs we give our furry boy; He still likes to run over to the gate to see if he can escape any time he has a second of time alone. It doesn’t matter how much freedom God allows us; sometimes we just want what feels good in the moment. Just like we all have rules to follow, whether it be personal rules we have set, family rules, work rules, school rules, or rules set by society, we know what is expected and we have the ability to choose whether we will obey. Obviously, as believers, we should understand that God’s precepts are the most important, and govern above anything else set. God, in His goodness and through His sovereign and holy grace, allows us to choose whether we will obey Him or turn our back on His laws and guidelines. Not only does He offer us the Ten Commandments, but a Bible full of promises and guidelines to hear, listen, and obey, if we choose. If we don’t, God clearly warns there will be consequences, yet He loves us enough to set a fence around us for our own protection in many ways. Psalm 32:8 says, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” Because His love for us is so great, God promises His followers biblical wisdom as we seek relationship with Him, learn His word, and follow the guidelines He has set for us. Isaiah 30:21 says, “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” When we are near to the Lord and seek His presence and protection in our life, we are sensitive to His commands and desires, and we listen for and recognize His voice. The Lord is merciful to those who seek Him. The Lord is delighted when our soul longs to fellowship with Him and follow His commands, not because He is a dictator who wants His way, but because He deeply loves us. God created each one of us for relationship with Him; He alone knows the desires He created us to long for and how they fit into the good and perfect plans He has lovingly set for us. Listen to these beautiful verses. Psalm 147:11 says, “The Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.” Psalm 25:9 says, “He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way." Psalm 25:4-5 says, “Show me Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths. Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; all day long I wait for You.” Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” As my puppy longs to escape the pen we created to keep him safe and to teach him guidelines to train him properly, he cannot realize that in time, his boundaries will increase. As he matures, he will be ready for more and our relationship will be close from the time we spent together as we pour love and attention into Him. He will learn the rules of safety and obedience to become all He can to ensure a happy and fulfilled life. Isaiah 48:17 says, “This is what the Lord says, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.” Psalm 143:8 says, “Let me hear Your loving devotion in the morning, for I have put my trust in You. Teach me the way I should walk, for to You I lift up my soul.” Psalm 73:23-24 says, “Yet I am always with You; You hold my right hand. You guide me with Your counsel, and later receive me in glory.” As we continue to pursue our relationship and walk with God, our maturity increases. We see more clearly the life He has set for us and we long to please Him in new ways. We begin to seek Him and His ways, instead of seeking to escape the fence we once felt surrounding us. We respect and long for God’s protection and guidance from the Source of all things pure, good, and worthy. Psalm 139:23-24 says, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 119:9 says, “How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to Your word.” Psalm 119:35 says, “Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight.” How can following guidelines bring us closer to God? 1. Obedience - Just as we maintain guidelines for Beau and begin our bonding and attachment process, God sets limitations or rules for us to abide by. When we chose to accept those limitations, we focus our gaze more clearly on the truths of God and His goodness and provisions. We internalize His everlasting love for us, exhibit our love for Him, and begin the transformation process needed to become a reflection of Him. 2. Intimacy – As we realize more clearly who God is, we respond to His love by seeking an intimate relationship with our Heavenly Father. Making His word a priority in our life, and communicating with our Father through prayer (both speaking to Him and listening for Him) allow us to cultivate a connection that transforms from who we were to who He is calling us to become. 3. Wisdom – As we transform into a likeness of Christ, we obtain more of the wisdom God generously bestows to those who love and seek His counsel. We are able to hear and respond more intimately with the Holy Spirit living inside us. 4. Gratitude – When we live with thankfulness despite circumstances, such as being penned into an area of life we do not choose, or when we live with a gratefulness for who we are through Christ and the work God is crafting inside us, our attitude and responses no longer reflect a broken human in need of grace, but of a Savior who sacrificed all so that we could live full lives of love, mercy, peace, and joy. Allowing the power of Christ control in all areas in our life, realizing that we are His and His plans are far greater than we can imagine, allows us to truly live with an eternal perspective that seeks Jesus moment by moment and transforms lives around us as we are beautifully altered. Gracious, merciful Heavenly Father, there is none like You. You are perfect, holy, and sovereign. I marvel at how You look upon us as we seek our own way, yet still desire relationship with us, exhibiting the most beautiful and sacrificial love. Thank you for modeling the way to a healthy lifestyle, a peaceful home, a joyful attitude, and a grateful heart. You crafted us, You know us, and You can fill every empty place within us if we only seek You above all else and follow Your generous guidelines. Teach us, O Lord, the way of Your statutes so that we may keep them to the end. Give us Your understanding that we may obey Your laws, and direct us in the path of Your commandments so that we may be filled with delight. Help us to meditate on Your laws with love and appreciation for all You desire for us. Keep our mind and feet free from every evil path, help us to keep Your word. Be near to us, O Lord and allow us to be ever nearer to You moment by moment. In the precious name of Jesus I pray. Amen. Thank you for listening to this podcast. Please visit terrihitt.com to access podcast episodes housed in one convenient location, read blog posts, transcripts, and access additional resources designed to mature your walk with Jesus through an eternal perspective and encourage you to raise or influence children to choose Christ over culture. I pray this podcast draws you nearer to God and helps you cling to Him, despite any circumstances in your life. Until next week, keep looking Up while focusing on new ways to Live With Eternal Perspective. Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode 086 - Guidelines for Living Listen to Episode Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #086 – Guidelines for Living Thank you for entrusting and investing your precious time with me. I am blessed to be back with you to discuss intentional changes we must seek to be well-equipped to concentrate on Jesus, and live with heart and mind focused on eternity, as we seek more ways to live with eternal perspective. As I shared on a previous podcast, our home is now filled with the curious and innocent love of a brand new furry family member. Puppies are notorious for biting, exploring, and learning their place in the family. Ours is no exception! Since it is so much easier to watch over our new little one in a confined area, and we spend so much time in our kitchen, I like to keep our new baby fenced in the kitchen with us. Using baby gates, we have blocked the two doors in our kitchen so that we know our boy is safely enclosed on the hardwood flooring, which is so much easier to clean if accidents happen, plus it is much easier to limit his exposure to distractions or dangers. Because we have the fences blocking Beau’s escape, he often goes to the gate and begins to whine. Plenty of toys, items to chew, and we, his family are inside the kitchen and around him, yet he longs to explore the rest of the house. Curiously, when the gates are open and he has free reign to come and go into the space as he desires, he is perfectly content to stay in the kitchen with us. While watching our puppy’s behavior one day, I was reminded of how often our behavior is similar to Beau’s concerning our relationship with God. Our Heavenly Father gives us guidelines, which I like to call guardrails to keep us safe. God also gives us the ability to choose to live in accordance with His good and perfect desires for us. Think of how often humans try to step outside His boundaries just because we don’t want to feel fenced in. We want to be able to do what we want just because we desire it. Just like Beau. It really doesn’t matter how many chew toys and belly rubs we give our furry boy; He still likes to run over to the gate to see if he can escape any time he has a second of time alone. It doesn’t matter how much freedom God allows us; sometimes we just want what feels good in the moment. Just like we all have rules to follow, whether it be personal rules we have set, family rules, work rules, school rules, or rules set by society, we know what is expected and we have the ability to choose whether we will obey. Obviously, as believers, we should understand that God’s precepts are the most important, and govern above anything else set. God, in His goodness and through His sovereign and holy grace, allows us to choose whether we will obey Him or turn our back on His laws and guidelines. Not only does He offer us the Ten Commandments, but a Bible full of promises and guidelines to hear, listen, and obey, if we choose. If we don’t, God clearly warns there will be consequences, yet He loves us enough to set a fence around us for our own protection in many ways. Psalm 32:8 says, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” Because His love for us is so great, God promises His followers biblical wisdom as we seek relationship with Him, learn His word, and follow the guidelines He has set for us. Isaiah 30:21 says, “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” When we are near to the Lord and seek His presence and protection in our life, we are sensitive to His commands and desires, and we listen for and recognize His voice. The Lord is merciful to those who seek Him. The Lord is delighted when our soul longs to fellowship with Him and follow His commands, not because He is a dictator who wants His way, but because He deeply loves us. God created each one of us for relationship with Him; He alone knows the desires He created us to long for and how they fit into the good and perfect plans He has lovingly set for us. Listen to these beautiful verses. Psalm 147:11 says, “The Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.” Psalm 25:9 says, “He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way." Psalm 25:4-5 says, “Show me Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths. Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; all day long I wait for You.” Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” As my puppy longs to escape the pen we created to keep him safe and to teach him guidelines to train him properly, he cannot realize that in time, his boundaries will increase. As he matures, he will be ready for more and our relationship will be close from the time we spent together as we pour love and attention into Him. He will learn the rules of safety and obedience to become all He can to ensure a happy and fulfilled life. Isaiah 48:17 says, “This is what the Lord says, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.” Psalm 143:8 says, “Let me hear Your loving devotion in the morning, for I have put my trust in You. Teach me the way I should walk, for to You I lift up my soul.” Psalm 73:23-24 says, “Yet I am always with You; You hold my right hand. You guide me with Your counsel, and later receive me in glory.” As we continue to pursue our relationship and walk with God, our maturity increases. We see more clearly the life He has set for us and we long to please Him in new ways. We begin to seek Him and His ways, instead of seeking to escape the fence we once felt surrounding us. We respect and long for God’s protection and guidance from the Source of all things pure, good, and worthy. Psalm 139:23-24 says, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 119:9 says, “How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to Your word.” Psalm 119:35 says, “Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight.” How can following guidelines bring us closer to God? 1. Obedience - Just as we maintain guidelines for Beau and begin our bonding and attachment process, God sets limitations or rules for us to abide by. When we chose to accept those limitations, we focus our gaze more clearly on the truths of God and His goodness and provisions. We internalize His everlasting love for us, exhibit our love for Him, and begin the transformation process needed to become a reflection of Him. 2. Intimacy – As we realize more clearly who God is, we respond to His love by seeking an intimate relationship with our Heavenly Father. Making His word a priority in our life, and communicating with our Father through prayer (both speaking to Him and listening for Him) allow us to cultivate a connection that transforms from who we were to who He is calling us to become. 3. Wisdom – As we transform into a likeness of Christ, we obtain more of the wisdom God generously bestows to those who love and seek His counsel. We are able to hear and respond more intimately with the Holy Spirit living inside us. 4. Gratitude – When we live with thankfulness despite circumstances, such as being penned into an area of life we do not choose, or when we live with a gratefulness for who we are through Christ and the work God is crafting inside us, our attitude and responses no longer reflect a broken human in need of grace, but of a Savior who sacrificed all so that we could live full lives of love, mercy, peace, and joy. Allowing the power of Christ control in all areas in our life, realizing that we are His and His plans are far greater than we can imagine, allows us to truly live with an eternal perspective that seeks Jesus moment by moment and transforms lives around us as we are beautifully altered. Gracious, merciful Heavenly Father, there is none like You. You are perfect, holy, and sovereign. I marvel at how You look upon us as we seek our own way, yet still desire relationship with us, exhibiting the most beautiful and sacrificial love. Thank you for modeling the way to a healthy lifestyle, a peaceful home, a joyful attitude, and a grateful heart. You crafted us, You know us, and You can fill every empty place within us if we only seek You above all else and follow Your generous guidelines. Teach us, O Lord, the way of Your statutes so that we may keep them to the end. Give us Your understanding that we may obey Your laws, and direct us in the path of Your commandments so that we may be filled with delight. Help us to meditate on Your laws with love and appreciation for all You desire for us. Keep our mind and feet free from every evil path, help us to keep Your word. Be near to us, O Lord and allow us to be ever nearer to You moment by moment. In the precious name of Jesus I pray. Amen. Thank you for listening to this podcast. Please visit terrihitt.com to access podcast episodes housed in one convenient location, read blog posts, transcripts, and access additional resources designed to mature your walk with Jesus through an eternal perspective and encourage you to raise or influence children to choose Christ over culture. I pray this podcast draws you nearer to God and helps you cling to Him, despite any circumstances in your life. Until next week, keep looking Up while focusing on new ways to Live With Eternal Perspective.

< Back Purposed Parent/Connected Child Podcast Episode 032 - Teach Your Children to Live in the Power of the Spirit Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Purposed Parent/Connected Child Podcast Episode #032 – Teach Your Children to Live in the Power of the Spirit Thank you for listening to the Purposed Parent/Connected Child podcast. My prayer is that you and I will parent with purpose and confidently connect with Christ and our children moment by moment. When I think back on my life before Christ, I remember things I did as a child or young adult that broke God’s heart. Even now, as a believer of over 40 years, I regret how I still cause God pain. So much more so before I became a believer, of course, but at that time I had no idea life could be different. When I think of how my life was before I knew Jesus, I also sometimes stop to think of the world before He lived on earth. Can you imagine living before Jesus came? Trying to learn and keep all of the laws would be so hard, and of course, impossible. Remembering to dress a particular way, not eat certain foods, sacrifice animals, and so on must have been so stressful. It’s another thing we can thank Jesus for. Through Christ, we are delivered from the law . Now we are able to serve Him with a new Spirit . You see, in the past, we bore fruit to death , but now we bear fruit to God . What does that mean? Because of Jesus, our relationship with the law is broken. We are free. Through faith in Jesus, we now submit to Him and are able to bear fruit for Him. Praises be to God that He gives us a way to Him through Jesus so we may repent, submit, and live with Him for eternity. Even better, we don’t have to wait until He brings us home. Through the Holy Spirit inside, we can experience life changes right now . Praise God for His mercy and lovingkindness toward us. Have you lived a perfect life? No. None of us have. Because of Christ, we can exist with new life through Jesus. It comes with an assurance that we are a new creation . Not only is our life renewed , but so are our minds and desires . If we choose to follow Him with humble repentance, we can also look to Him for transformation, guidance and provision. Isn’t this what you desire for yourself, but also for each of your children? As believers, we want nothing more than what 3 John 1:4 says, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth .” What can we do to ensure that our children walk in the truth? Galatians 6:7-9 says, “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up .” When believers sow to desires of the flesh instead of the Spirit inside, the sin we succumb to will always make us progressively worse in character if we continue to engage in it. This happens whether or not we are believers. Sowing to the Spirit means that we walk under or by the Holy Spirit. It means we walk in truth . We strive to please and submit to Him . There is no personal truth, as the world today likes to promote. Truth is truth and only comes from a holy and righteous God. By submitting to Christ, we gain everlasting life. This transformational truth and benefit is a by-product of the adoration and obedience we naturally offer our Lord as we honor Him. Through following God, we obtain a life that lasts forever, but we can also receive an excellent quality of life while we are on this earth. This transformed life is what our children witness . It is the life that will influence them more greatly than this world will. It is imperative that we allow the Holy Spirit to change us to be more Christlike daily as we seek and submit to Christ. That means we must intentionally pursue Him. He must be at the top of our agenda daily. Our children must see and experience what a joyful life transformed by and through Christ looks like so they will know and desire Jesus. As Galatians 6:10 says, “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers .” Let us begin with our own home. Our precious God-given children. It is no accident or coincidence that you are entrusted with the children you have. Whether by birth or adoption, God has blessed you with the privilege of influencing them for Him. Instead of viewing specific moments in which to try to influence our children (or others) for Jesus, we must understand that our entire life is an opportunity to make Him known. The consistency by which we obey and honor Him with joy, allowing His nature to be the directing force of our actions, reactions, words, and desires directly affects those we live with and come into contact with each day. It is the lifestyle we adhere to, and it becomes what is advertised and advanced for others to emulate as they come to view Jesus as they see Him appear through us . Ephesians 5:15-20 says, “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ .” Viewing life moments (hard and easy) with a perspective beyond this world enables us to remember that life is not about us. Life in this world is about maturing in Christ and if you are a parent, teaching your children to seek God through everything that occurs. During experiences of daily life, we should ask these questions: What lessons can be learned? What truths are being exposed? What mindset shift must happen? How can I ensure this draws me nearer to Christ? How can I be obedient to God through this? How can I influence my children for Christ through this? Teaching your child these truths and questions from a young age enables them to begin seeing this world with a vision more like Christ’s. They begin to understand that they are being raised to be set-apart for service to Christ . Not as a method of bondage, but freedom . If you are new to the podcast, you may not have heard a story I shared about my youngest that illustrates what I mean when I say to train your children to view this world with eyes, heart, and mind focused on eternity. When my youngest had been home with us for a couple of years, she was looking through my jewelry box one day. As I shared stories of the pieces, she picked up a star sapphire ring. “It’s so pretty!” she exclaimed. I told her that the ring was a present from her daddy the first year we were dating. “Come here,” I told her. As I waved my hand for her to follow me, I took the ring to stand under light. “Look. The ring is pretty on its own, but now under light, you can see a beautiful white star.” As she oohed and aahed over the star I continued, “It’s like our life. We can choose to stand in the light of Jesus and allow Him to be reflected in what we do and in who we are.” She gazed at me intently with the ring shining on her finger. “Or we can choose not to shine Him in our actions and the way we live.” As we choose to take each moment in life captive just as we are instructed to take our thoughts captive, we live with eternal perspective. This viewpoint of life will transform our relationship with Christ and our children. It becomes the foundation they will build to choose whether to accept Christ as their Savior and live in ways that honor and please Him. Romans 12:1-2 says, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will .” As they see Christ living through you, your children will allow Him to live through them . Children accept the gospel with innocent confidence and clarity of heart. Instructing them in the Lord from a young age allows them to begin allowing Christ to be their guide and foundation before they have even accepted Him as Savior. Helping them to seek Jesus through trials, tragedies, triumphs, and success all set their heart and mind, as well as their spirit, to be more in alignment with His. Mentoring your child in this way allows your child to live with less stress, fears, anxieties, and also sets them up with an important confidence built through the Lord and not on self. Colossians 3:1-2 says, “Since then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things .” Setting a goal for your child to live with this eternal perspective means that you are also living with a perspective set on eternity, rather than this world. As you grow in your walk with Christ and view every opportunity life brings you as one that enables you to mature in Him, you will also set this high goal for your parenting . Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for the gift of Your perfect Word. In Your infinite love and guidance You left us everything we need through Jesus, Scripture, and the Holy Spirit alive inside believers. Guard us, Father, so that we do not sow to please our spirit, but to honor and follow Yours. Help us never to grow weary of doing good, simply because we deepen our love for You with great intention daily. Thank you, Father for loving us and showing us the way to eternal life with You and great fruits of the Spirit now. May we long for You more each moment and allow our children to see what it means to truly follow You through our mentorship. Enable us to view this world and our life through your eternal mindset. Help us, Father. We need You so much more than we know. In the precious name of Jesus we pray. Amen . Thank you for listening to the “Purposed Parent/Connected Child” podcast. This and my “Live With Eternal Perspective” podcast may be found at terrihitt.com, iHeart Radio, Spotify, and they are part of the Spark Media Network. Both podcasts may also now be found on the Edifi app, where you can hear thousands of the best Christian podcasts in one place for your listening enjoyment. Have you rated or reviewed my podcasts on Apple Podcasts yet? Did you know that when you review my podcasts on Apple, it helps to elevate the standing of the podcasts online so that more people are allowed to find and hear them. Will you please take a moment to follow the shows and think of someone you can share the podcasts with and encourage them to follow and share, as well? Remember, if we are not purposed in knowing Jesus ourselves and showing Him to the next generation, the world will sway them away from Christ. I pray that what you hear on this podcast draws you nearer to God and helps you cling to Him, despite any circumstances in your life. Until next week, keep looking Up while focusing on new ways to Parent and Connect With Eternal Perspective. Previous Next

Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #088 – Godly Instruction Thank you for entrusting and investing your precious time with me to grow in Jesus together. I am blessed to be back with you to discuss more ways to live with eternal perspective. Proverbs 4:7 says, “Getting wisdom is the most important thing you can do. Whatever else you get, get insight.” Proverbs 4:1-2 says, “Hear, my children, the instruction of a father, and give attention to know understanding; For I give you good doctrine: Do not forsake my law.” Proverbs 4:10-13 says, “Hear, my son, and receive my sayings, and the years of your life will be many. I have taught you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in right paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hindered, and when you run, you will not stumble. Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go; Keep her, for she is your life.” The very first instruction a child receives comes from parents. God has ordained and established this right and privilege to us. Entrusting us to care for His precious, hand-crafted children is a gift none of us are worthy of. Remembering that it is an honor to influence and raise a human God has purposed to be in this world for exact purposes should be at the top of our mind as we make choices, educate, instruct, and correct our children. Raising them to know, love, honor, and obey Jesus is a process that demands we know Him first and love Him well. To be the greatest influence and tie to God that our child will experience is incredibly humbling and we should never take that responsibility for granted. Psalm 78:1-8 reminds us, ”My people, hear my teaching; listen to the words of my mouth. I will open my mouth with a parable; I will utter hidden things, things from of old—things we have heard and known, things our ancestors have told us. We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, His power, and the wonders He has done. He decreed statutes for Jacob and established the law in Israel, which He commanded our ancestors to teach their children, so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children. Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget His deeds but would keep His commands. They would not be like their ancestors—a stubborn and rebellious generation, whose hearts were not loyal to God, whose spirits were not faithful to Him.” Educating my two youngest children from home has been one of my most treasured blessings. Without question, humbly asking God to work through me as I homeschool my daughters has been an obedient step of faith and trust that has made the scriptures I’ve read in this podcast come alive in new ways. Choosing to hear His call to home educate my girls and sticking to the commitment has opened my eyes and heart to new depths of relationship with God and heightened my desire to hear, trust, and obey my Father. Being with my daughters to educate them at home has enabled God to work through each one of us to widen and deepen our personal walks with Him and one another. Scripture has been made alive in our lives in ways that only come from intentionally seeking and following God. We not only speak, read, and learn of Him together, but we make Him alive throughout each day, weaving the Creator of the Universe into every subject we teach. Can a parent foster the same spiritual strength without home educating their child? Of course-with much concentrated effort and intentionality. Yet, for my family, the sacrifice and honor to be at home to homeschool is one I never take for granted as I strive to praise God for the glorious ways He has and is still allowing us the privilege to do. I enjoy taking each step of obedience to honor my Lord with the children He has graciously entrusted to me. Beginning the education of your child is easier and is a more natural progression than most people believe it to be. Many adults believe or are fearful of myths. The top one being that homeschooling prevents children from being socialized. Truthfully, I have found that lie to be one of the easiest to debunk. My children receive a much superior socialization than they would if they were sitting in a classroom with teachers and peers all day every day. Especially when I think of socialization in the widely accepted definition, which is: a continuing process whereby an individual acquires a personal identity and learns the norms, values, behavior, and social skills appropriate to his or her social position. Which leads me to the next definition: social position, which is described as: ascribed status typically based on sex, age, race, family relationships, or birth. No matter which status we discuss, I seek to choose a godly social position for the child God has placed under my authority and in my loving care. That is not found in a public school setting, especially in these times. There is so much I could share about homeschooling children. Often, people contact me for support or with questions about beginning a home education for their children. I remember when I was in the same position. Scared, full of questions, and humbly seeking God for guidance and direction, I questioned others who taught their children at home and attended conferences and seminars to absorb and digest as much information as possible. The time came when I just needed to jump in and trust God to protect and carry us. I knew what God was impressing upon my heart. Be at home to raise and train my daughters in righteousness and truth. Days have been easy. Days have been hard. Every one of them has been well worth the time, financial, spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical investment. Without a doubt, my girls have flourished, and our relationships with God and each other have been eternally changed. After trying a few different educational methods, I have landed on what I believe to be the best choice for our family. The Charlotte Mason style of teaching encompasses all that is good and pure about home education and godly formation of character and soul. I rest in knowing that the Lord faithfully led me to what has been an enormous blessing in our home, as well as one of the foundations of our relationship with God and each other. Over the new several episodes, I will be airing interviews that focus on home educating children. Whether you are a homeschool parent, a grandparent of a home educated child, or a friend or relative of someone home educating, someone curious about how homeschool works, or perhaps you are a parent thrust into the homeschool arena due to Covid, I believe you will find interesting and life-changing information over the next several weeks. Perhaps you may even have some basic questions answered. Since I stated that I lean more toward the Charlotte Mason method of teaching my girls, I’d like to list a few of the hallmarks of the Charlotte Mason education, which I believe transcend teaching from home and cross into every area of life, imparting general knowledge, developing the ability to reason and critically think, nurturing and maturing spiritual health and depth, strengthening family bonds, and intellectually, emotionally, financially, and spiritually preparing children for a mature adult life. Habits – Charlotte Mason believed that if parents work to instill the development of good habits within a child, a solid foundation is being built for early education. I’d also like to add that a firm foundation is also erected for the biblical sturdiness which undergirds all areas of life. Charlotte Mason wrote that, “The mother who takes pains to endow her children with good habits secures for herself smooth and easy days.” There are no habits more important or crucial to the life and eternal future of our child than to instill godly habits that draw our child to the Father who created them, loves them, and has a good and perfectly tailored future for them. Style of Lessons – Charlotte Mason style lessons are typically short (at least in the younger years). By limiting the time spent per subject, the parent is training the child to focus fully on the work set before them. It is an easier goal to attain because the parent pays attention to the age of the child and considers what they are developmentally capable of. This is especially important as each child is unique and as Charlotte Mason taught, the educator must respect the child as a unique person. This also applies to children with special needs and best enables parent and child to work according to their abilities and builds the trust needed to stretch capabilities further. Mother and child come to know one another well. Charlotte also recommends switching subject styles. Exercise the mind and change to another topic to keep the mind energized and awake for learning. For example, do not study reading, then spelling. Instead, study math, then handicrafts or handwriting, then music study. Use different areas of the brain to keep the mind stimulated. One exception I add is that we always begin our day with Bible Study. It allows our heart and mind to focus on God first, just as we should do in life. Establishing this habit has allowed tremendous blessings on our relationships with God and each other and set the framework for smoother and easier days. Living Books – When I speak of using “living books,” I do not mean reading textbooks used in the traditional education most of us experienced. Instead, “living books” can be fictional or non-fictional literature of quality, written by an author with a passion for the particular topic. The passion, interest, and expertise that the “living book” author injects into the topic and book births “life” instead of giving your child a dry textbook that simply recites facts and details about a subject. This way, your student is drawn into the experience, giving them a reason to care, read, and learn. When your child engages with the topics through the “living book” experience, they are introduced to people and characters who inspire, teach, and present positive models to mirror. Make no mistake, there is a severe lack of quality literature for our children to read. Take a walk through bookstores and look at the young adult and children sections. Be very particular and oversee what your child reads, both in school and private time to protect their character, thoughts, heart, and mind for eternity. Narration – Narration is one of the central methods used in the Charlotte Mason education. Through narration, a child proves his ability to absorb and use what he has learned, as well as learning to think and express those thoughts clearly. Eventually, when the world hits your child with ideas and examples that are not from God’s values, she will recognize them. Of course, we teach our children to love everyone as God does, but we also train them to examine everything in light of the gospel. Our child learns to respect others, yet use critical reasoning that allows him to follow Christ and not culture. Through the process of narration, the home educator may assess what the child is catching and enable them to continue deeper learning day by day. Dictation – Spelling and grammar concepts are reinforced through repeated dictation exercises. Charlotte Mason enjoyed and recommended using quotations that inspire or scripture verses for dictation exercises. First, the child studies the passage until he is certain he can spell the words and use proper punctuation. Next, the teacher reads the dictation passage slowly as the child writes it. I personally enjoy using scripture for dictation, but also use well-written literature and fun sentences. Art and Music –Charlotte Mason believed that children should be exposed to greatness in several forms. Both music and art appreciation were intentionally introduced in her schools. One composer or artist would be studied during each term, allowing children to experience them through both music and art. They would also listen to the music, read living books about the artist or composer, and attempt to reproduce the style of the artist or composer through art and music lessons. Classical music and early hymns may also be used beautifully during periods of rest, handicrafts, or art. I have also had fun at school when playing popular, meaningful American patriotic songs and marches that are seldom heard in society now. Nature Study - Charlotte Mason strongly believed that children should spend as much time as possible outdoors, especially when they are young. She encouraged the use of personal journals used for nature study, drawings, and notes, which greatly helped the children to learn and identify the world of nature around them. We personally do not experience enough time outdoors. While one of my daughters and I take walks together, it is difficult for the other to do so, and I have to intentionally try to get her out of doors in other ways. Since she enjoys observing insects and birds very much, I sometimes set goals of sketching or observation times for her to experience nature and I have her orally narrate what she sees, feels, smells, etc. as she views creation. Charlotte Mason asked students to keep detailed nature journals and we have also used nature journals over the years. I also keep one and sketch when the girls render their drawings. I’ve even enjoyed looking back over my own sketches over time. Nature studies have changed each of us in multiple ways. When Charlotte Mason first developed her educational ideas, she ignited quite a revolution in education because she believed that a child, no matter what class of society they were born into, held a God-given right to be recognized and respected as a unique person. It was her desire that education would give each child the opportunity to acquire qualities and develop into the person God created them to be and that would reach opportunities unknown to them before. One of my favorite Charlotte Mason quotes, which is very telling of her intuition and insight is, “The question is not how much does the child know when he has finished his education, but how much does he care?” I would like to add, “How has my child deepened and widened her relationship with God? How has she formed a desire to learn for the simple sake of using the mind, gifts, and talents given to her when God thought of her and formed her? How often does she persist in learning, knowing she should expect to fail and not grow discouraged, but rely on the strength of her Heavenly Father to sustain and guide her?” As Christian parents educating our children in such a manner that respects our child as a unique person planned, created, and set apart by God for a specific journey and life, we must intentionally plan the course set before us. What is the goal we have for the life of our child? What is the goal our Heavenly Father has set for our unique child so loved by Him? We must submit to God, ask Him for guidance for each child, and allow Him to lead and inspire us to cultivate and mature strong character and spiritual formation in our children. I hope you will join me over the next several episodes to learn more about the gift of homeschooling and the eternal blessings it brings. Even if you are not homeschooling your child, the basic thoughts and principles that should be the foundation of home education are wise lessons for each of us to absorb and ponder the ways we can incorporate these treasured bits of wisdom into daily life at home with our children. Father God, I praise You for Your mighty and sovereign ways. Thank you for the wisdom, understanding, insight, and knowledge You impart to us when we ask for it. Thank you that we can trust that we will never be enough and that You fashioned us to humbly bow to You for our needs. Thank you for the gift of caring for our precious children. In reality, we recognize that they are truly Yours and are entrusted to us for such a short time, but also for just this time. You know the times we live in and the experiences and concerns we face, but You planned this time in advance for us. Please go before us. Show us the way to You and how to navigate this world and the education of our children. Let us choose what is pleasing to You. Carry us through each day in Your strength, for it makes an eternal difference in the lives of Your children. In the precious name of Jesus we humbly pray. Amen. Thank you for listening to this podcast. Please visit terrihitt.com to access podcast episodes housed in one convenient location, read blog posts, transcripts, and access additional resources designed to mature your walk with Jesus through an eternal perspective and encourage you to raise or influence children to choose Christ over culture. I pray this podcast draws you nearer to God and helps you cling to Him, despite any circumstances in your life. Until next week, keep looking Up while focusing on new ways to Live With Eternal Perspective. Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode 088 Godly Instruction Listen to Episode Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #088 – Godly Instruction Thank you for entrusting and investing your precious time with me to grow in Jesus together. I am blessed to be back with you to discuss more ways to live with eternal perspective. Proverbs 4:7 says, “Getting wisdom is the most important thing you can do. Whatever else you get, get insight.” Proverbs 4:1-2 says, “Hear, my children, the instruction of a father, and give attention to know understanding; For I give you good doctrine: Do not forsake my law.” Proverbs 4:10-13 says, “Hear, my son, and receive my sayings, and the years of your life will be many. I have taught you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in right paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hindered, and when you run, you will not stumble. Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go; Keep her, for she is your life.” The very first instruction a child receives comes from parents. God has ordained and established this right and privilege to us. Entrusting us to care for His precious, hand-crafted children is a gift none of us are worthy of. Remembering that it is an honor to influence and raise a human God has purposed to be in this world for exact purposes should be at the top of our mind as we make choices, educate, instruct, and correct our children. Raising them to know, love, honor, and obey Jesus is a process that demands we know Him first and love Him well. To be the greatest influence and tie to God that our child will experience is incredibly humbling and we should never take that responsibility for granted. Psalm 78:1-8 reminds us, ”My people, hear my teaching; listen to the words of my mouth. I will open my mouth with a parable; I will utter hidden things, things from of old—things we have heard and known, things our ancestors have told us. We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, His power, and the wonders He has done. He decreed statutes for Jacob and established the law in Israel, which He commanded our ancestors to teach their children, so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children. Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget His deeds but would keep His commands. They would not be like their ancestors—a stubborn and rebellious generation, whose hearts were not loyal to God, whose spirits were not faithful to Him.” Educating my two youngest children from home has been one of my most treasured blessings. Without question, humbly asking God to work through me as I homeschool my daughters has been an obedient step of faith and trust that has made the scriptures I’ve read in this podcast come alive in new ways. Choosing to hear His call to home educate my girls and sticking to the commitment has opened my eyes and heart to new depths of relationship with God and heightened my desire to hear, trust, and obey my Father. Being with my daughters to educate them at home has enabled God to work through each one of us to widen and deepen our personal walks with Him and one another. Scripture has been made alive in our lives in ways that only come from intentionally seeking and following God. We not only speak, read, and learn of Him together, but we make Him alive throughout each day, weaving the Creator of the Universe into every subject we teach. Can a parent foster the same spiritual strength without home educating their child? Of course-with much concentrated effort and intentionality. Yet, for my family, the sacrifice and honor to be at home to homeschool is one I never take for granted as I strive to praise God for the glorious ways He has and is still allowing us the privilege to do. I enjoy taking each step of obedience to honor my Lord with the children He has graciously entrusted to me. Beginning the education of your child is easier and is a more natural progression than most people believe it to be. Many adults believe or are fearful of myths. The top one being that homeschooling prevents children from being socialized. Truthfully, I have found that lie to be one of the easiest to debunk. My children receive a much superior socialization than they would if they were sitting in a classroom with teachers and peers all day every day. Especially when I think of socialization in the widely accepted definition, which is: a continuing process whereby an individual acquires a personal identity and learns the norms, values, behavior, and social skills appropriate to his or her social position. Which leads me to the next definition: social position, which is described as: ascribed status typically based on sex, age, race, family relationships, or birth. No matter which status we discuss, I seek to choose a godly social position for the child God has placed under my authority and in my loving care. That is not found in a public school setting, especially in these times. There is so much I could share about homeschooling children. Often, people contact me for support or with questions about beginning a home education for their children. I remember when I was in the same position. Scared, full of questions, and humbly seeking God for guidance and direction, I questioned others who taught their children at home and attended conferences and seminars to absorb and digest as much information as possible. The time came when I just needed to jump in and trust God to protect and carry us. I knew what God was impressing upon my heart. Be at home to raise and train my daughters in righteousness and truth. Days have been easy. Days have been hard. Every one of them has been well worth the time, financial, spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical investment. Without a doubt, my girls have flourished, and our relationships with God and each other have been eternally changed. After trying a few different educational methods, I have landed on what I believe to be the best choice for our family. The Charlotte Mason style of teaching encompasses all that is good and pure about home education and godly formation of character and soul. I rest in knowing that the Lord faithfully led me to what has been an enormous blessing in our home, as well as one of the foundations of our relationship with God and each other. Over the new several episodes, I will be airing interviews that focus on home educating children. Whether you are a homeschool parent, a grandparent of a home educated child, or a friend or relative of someone home educating, someone curious about how homeschool works, or perhaps you are a parent thrust into the homeschool arena due to Covid, I believe you will find interesting and life-changing information over the next several weeks. Perhaps you may even have some basic questions answered. Since I stated that I lean more toward the Charlotte Mason method of teaching my girls, I’d like to list a few of the hallmarks of the Charlotte Mason education, which I believe transcend teaching from home and cross into every area of life, imparting general knowledge, developing the ability to reason and critically think, nurturing and maturing spiritual health and depth, strengthening family bonds, and intellectually, emotionally, financially, and spiritually preparing children for a mature adult life. Habits – Charlotte Mason believed that if parents work to instill the development of good habits within a child, a solid foundation is being built for early education. I’d also like to add that a firm foundation is also erected for the biblical sturdiness which undergirds all areas of life. Charlotte Mason wrote that, “The mother who takes pains to endow her children with good habits secures for herself smooth and easy days.” There are no habits more important or crucial to the life and eternal future of our child than to instill godly habits that draw our child to the Father who created them, loves them, and has a good and perfectly tailored future for them. Style of Lessons – Charlotte Mason style lessons are typically short (at least in the younger years). By limiting the time spent per subject, the parent is training the child to focus fully on the work set before them. It is an easier goal to attain because the parent pays attention to the age of the child and considers what they are developmentally capable of. This is especially important as each child is unique and as Charlotte Mason taught, the educator must respect the child as a unique person. This also applies to children with special needs and best enables parent and child to work according to their abilities and builds the trust needed to stretch capabilities further. Mother and child come to know one another well. Charlotte also recommends switching subject styles. Exercise the mind and change to another topic to keep the mind energized and awake for learning. For example, do not study reading, then spelling. Instead, study math, then handicrafts or handwriting, then music study. Use different areas of the brain to keep the mind stimulated. One exception I add is that we always begin our day with Bible Study. It allows our heart and mind to focus on God first, just as we should do in life. Establishing this habit has allowed tremendous blessings on our relationships with God and each other and set the framework for smoother and easier days. Living Books – When I speak of using “living books,” I do not mean reading textbooks used in the traditional education most of us experienced. Instead, “living books” can be fictional or non-fictional literature of quality, written by an author with a passion for the particular topic. The passion, interest, and expertise that the “living book” author injects into the topic and book births “life” instead of giving your child a dry textbook that simply recites facts and details about a subject. This way, your student is drawn into the experience, giving them a reason to care, read, and learn. When your child engages with the topics through the “living book” experience, they are introduced to people and characters who inspire, teach, and present positive models to mirror. Make no mistake, there is a severe lack of quality literature for our children to read. Take a walk through bookstores and look at the young adult and children sections. Be very particular and oversee what your child reads, both in school and private time to protect their character, thoughts, heart, and mind for eternity. Narration – Narration is one of the central methods used in the Charlotte Mason education. Through narration, a child proves his ability to absorb and use what he has learned, as well as learning to think and express those thoughts clearly. Eventually, when the world hits your child with ideas and examples that are not from God’s values, she will recognize them. Of course, we teach our children to love everyone as God does, but we also train them to examine everything in light of the gospel. Our child learns to respect others, yet use critical reasoning that allows him to follow Christ and not culture. Through the process of narration, the home educator may assess what the child is catching and enable them to continue deeper learning day by day. Dictation – Spelling and grammar concepts are reinforced through repeated dictation exercises. Charlotte Mason enjoyed and recommended using quotations that inspire or scripture verses for dictation exercises. First, the child studies the passage until he is certain he can spell the words and use proper punctuation. Next, the teacher reads the dictation passage slowly as the child writes it. I personally enjoy using scripture for dictation, but also use well-written literature and fun sentences. Art and Music –Charlotte Mason believed that children should be exposed to greatness in several forms. Both music and art appreciation were intentionally introduced in her schools. One composer or artist would be studied during each term, allowing children to experience them through both music and art. They would also listen to the music, read living books about the artist or composer, and attempt to reproduce the style of the artist or composer through art and music lessons. Classical music and early hymns may also be used beautifully during periods of rest, handicrafts, or art. I have also had fun at school when playing popular, meaningful American patriotic songs and marches that are seldom heard in society now. Nature Study - Charlotte Mason strongly believed that children should spend as much time as possible outdoors, especially when they are young. She encouraged the use of personal journals used for nature study, drawings, and notes, which greatly helped the children to learn and identify the world of nature around them. We personally do not experience enough time outdoors. While one of my daughters and I take walks together, it is difficult for the other to do so, and I have to intentionally try to get her out of doors in other ways. Since she enjoys observing insects and birds very much, I sometimes set goals of sketching or observation times for her to experience nature and I have her orally narrate what she sees, feels, smells, etc. as she views creation. Charlotte Mason asked students to keep detailed nature journals and we have also used nature journals over the years. I also keep one and sketch when the girls render their drawings. I’ve even enjoyed looking back over my own sketches over time. Nature studies have changed each of us in multiple ways. When Charlotte Mason first developed her educational ideas, she ignited quite a revolution in education because she believed that a child, no matter what class of society they were born into, held a God-given right to be recognized and respected as a unique person. It was her desire that education would give each child the opportunity to acquire qualities and develop into the person God created them to be and that would reach opportunities unknown to them before. One of my favorite Charlotte Mason quotes, which is very telling of her intuition and insight is, “The question is not how much does the child know when he has finished his education, but how much does he care?” I would like to add, “How has my child deepened and widened her relationship with God? How has she formed a desire to learn for the simple sake of using the mind, gifts, and talents given to her when God thought of her and formed her? How often does she persist in learning, knowing she should expect to fail and not grow discouraged, but rely on the strength of her Heavenly Father to sustain and guide her?” As Christian parents educating our children in such a manner that respects our child as a unique person planned, created, and set apart by God for a specific journey and life, we must intentionally plan the course set before us. What is the goal we have for the life of our child? What is the goal our Heavenly Father has set for our unique child so loved by Him? We must submit to God, ask Him for guidance for each child, and allow Him to lead and inspire us to cultivate and mature strong character and spiritual formation in our children. I hope you will join me over the next several episodes to learn more about the gift of homeschooling and the eternal blessings it brings. Even if you are not homeschooling your child, the basic thoughts and principles that should be the foundation of home education are wise lessons for each of us to absorb and ponder the ways we can incorporate these treasured bits of wisdom into daily life at home with our children. Father God, I praise You for Your mighty and sovereign ways. Thank you for the wisdom, understanding, insight, and knowledge You impart to us when we ask for it. Thank you that we can trust that we will never be enough and that You fashioned us to humbly bow to You for our needs. Thank you for the gift of caring for our precious children. In reality, we recognize that they are truly Yours and are entrusted to us for such a short time, but also for just this time. You know the times we live in and the experiences and concerns we face, but You planned this time in advance for us. Please go before us. Show us the way to You and how to navigate this world and the education of our children. Let us choose what is pleasing to You. Carry us through each day in Your strength, for it makes an eternal difference in the lives of Your children. In the precious name of Jesus we humbly pray. Amen. Thank you for listening to this podcast. Please visit terrihitt.com to access podcast episodes housed in one convenient location, read blog posts, transcripts, and access additional resources designed to mature your walk with Jesus through an eternal perspective and encourage you to raise or influence children to choose Christ over culture. I pray this podcast draws you nearer to God and helps you cling to Him, despite any circumstances in your life. Until next week, keep looking Up while focusing on new ways to Live With Eternal Perspective.

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< Back Purposed Parent/Connected Child Podcast - Episode 002 - Mentor God's Heart Welcome to the Purposed Parent/Connected Child Podcast Episode #002 – Mentor God’s Heart Are you yearning for greater connection with your child and Christ? Would you like to parent beyond the moment with eternal perspective? Do the days seem long, but you know the parenting journey is short? Let’s grow together now with practical tips, scripture, and stories geared to draw your heart to Jesus and guide your child into His arms. When we brought our youngest home from China at the age of nine, there was nothing I could do to convince her that my intentions for her were good and loving until she spent time with me and learned my heart for her. Some of our earlier days were shared battling hours of tears and meltdowns, language confusion, and misunderstandings. Once she had consistently observed my temperament, action, and reactions, she was able to know what lay within my heart and whether or not she could trust that I had her best interests in mind. True bonding, attachment, and attunement occurred once she had a foundation of trust on which to firmly stand. Just as she had to learn to understand and trust me, unless we spend time in God’s word, learning His heart and intentions for us, we cannot know Him, show Him, and likely will not see Him grow within our child. The Bible gives us the way to follow the heart of God. Scripture allows us to be mentored by Jesus, so that we are equipped and empowered to do the same for our children. As we submit to God and allow Him to work within us, our children witness the power of Christ so that they desire Him in their life, as well. A heart must be prepared to accept God’s word. Just as we can’t expect seeds to flourish when thrust into soil that hasn’t been cultivated, God’s word cannot penetrate our spirit if we are not ready to welcome it. The same is true for our children. If we do not have a loving, trusting relationship established with them, they are less likely to trust a God they cannot see. You are the first image of Christ your child will see. James 1:21 says, “Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls .” Sin not only prevents us from receiving God’s word, but the practice of sin also actually prevents the word of God from penetrating our heart. I find it interesting that the Greek word for receive is translated several times in the New Testament as welcome . When we read or hear God’s word, we must be ready to hear and receive it, to welcome it into our life. We are only changed when the transformative power of God’s words and holy truths penetrate our heart, mind, and soul. It is then that we are filled with His desire to obey and practice what He has revealed to us. God’s word must penetrate the heart of your child for true change to occur. Simply hearing us preach about God has no effect, no power behind the words. True change and relationship blossoms when we have been transformed through the holy power of a saving God. Because of relationship with Jesus, God’s word comes alive in ways a non-believer cannot see. As we spend more time in the word, we begin to crave God more. True heart and life transformation occurs after we read , study , process , and apply His word. Character is changed or created anew when our heart is pierced with the word of God as the Holy Spirit enables us to know and follow His heart. Receipt of God’s word moves us to pattern our life after Jesus, to follow the footsteps of His teachings. James 1:22-25 says, “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves. For anyone who hears the word but does not carry it out is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror, and after observing himself goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the one who looks intently into the perfect law of freedom, and continues to do so—not being a forgetful hearer, but an effective doer—he will be blessed in what he does." If we read the Bible, then simply lay it aside to think and do whatever we please, God’s word brings no permanent value to our life. God calls us to go beyond mere listening to doing . Diligent hearers of the word intentionally dig through God’s word, searching for truths and treasures. They understand and trust that lives do not change without careful study and application of the material they read. In fact, passages in the Bible are more than words they study; scripture is God-breathed and inspired instruction just for them. 2 Corinthians 3:18 , one of my very favorite verses says, “So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.” Every new day offers a choice to believers. Do we follow our fleshly will and desires or do we obediently choose to seek Jesus and draw nearer to Him? Now that we are united with Christ, the veil is gone. We see Christ face to face. His lives within us, transforming us more and more into His glorious image…if we allow Him to do the work He started. God word is truth . A truth that testifies through the holy transformation of God with us. Jesus is the work that moves hearts and changes lives; ours and our children. Christ’s transformative work within us allows us in turn, to mentor the heart and mind of Jesus to a watching world, and most importantly, the children He has entrusted to us. Parents are to: 1. Love unconditionally 2. Love sacrificially 3. Love personally 4. Love holy This type of love is impossible without the saving power of Christ within us. Only Jesus can mentor and fill us with the love He possesses. 1 John 3:1 says, “Behold what manner of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God. And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him.” What amazing, powerful love we have within us! Agape love is not a term we use much in our time. Yet it is the most splendorous love imaginable. This is the type of love God holds for us. This love is extended to us freely with nothing expected in return. A purer, holier love will never be found. None of us are able to fathom this type of love without it abiding within us. Agape love is what we want to carry for our child. It is a love that should be directed to them for the purpose of expressing Christ to them and guiding them to His feet. John 21:15-17 says, “When they had finished eating, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love Me more than these? “Yes, Lord,” he answered, “You know I love You.” Jesus replied, “Feed My lambs.” Jesus asked a second time, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” “Yes, Lord,” he answered, “You know I love You.” Jesus told him, “Shepherd My sheep.” Jesus asked a third time, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was deeply hurt that Jesus had asked him a third time, “Do you love Me?” “Lord, You know all things,” he replied. “You know I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep .” This passage of scripture occurred after the resurrection of Jesus. In it, Jesus asked Peter to tend to His sheep, meaning lead His people to Him. Once Peter realized he had turned from Jesus and followed his own flesh, he repented and was able to embrace the gentle, yet powerful grace of God and step into the role of the powerful leader God equipped him to become. God also calls us to feed His sheep, but parents have a special calling , a high responsibility to nurture the children God has entrusted to us. Jesus commanded not to hinder the children from coming to Him. When our lives are intertwined with Jesus and we humbly allow Him to guide and equip us, He will work within and through us to reach the hearts of our children. When we submit, He crafts us to become the parents He desires, yet graciously allows us the responsibility and privilege of being the first witness of Christ our children will see. How often do you ponder that you are the first witness of Jesus your child experiences ? Focus on your personal relationship with Christ to bless your life and the life of each of your children . Once we acknowledge the agape love and power of Christ living within us, how do we begin to mentor the Master to our children? Here are 10 important tips to remember as you parent with the intention of mentoring the Master. 1. Mentors train to teach as they live . Just as an athlete trains, we must purpose to train our heart and mind to pursue Christ. Even when we don’t feel like it. Bible reading and study, exploration of passages to find how they apply to our life, solitude with God, prayer, seeking the plans God has for us and obeying them, and fellowship with other believers will enable us to train our children for their eternal future. As our lives authentically point to Christ, He will genuinely shine Him into them. 2. Know and show Jesus through the agape love we receive from Him. As our children witness our life in humble submission and calling to Christ, they begin to pursue Jesus for themselves with dedication and obedience. 3. Give testimony . If you have experienced the changing power of Christ, tell what Jesus has changed in your life. Show the ways He has transformed you. Share how you and your life are different. 4. Embrace Christ within you . Your words , actions , reactions , and lifestyle reveal all your child needs to know about whether Christ can be trusted. If you profess to be a changed person through the power of Jesus, yet live like every other person, believer or not, your child will not see the difference he or she needs to commit to a relationship with God through Christ. However, if your child sees that you are set-apart and continuing to embody Jesus more each day, they will notice and be drawn toward the love and power of Jesus themselves. Your faithfulness also builds their courage to live a set-apart life. 5. Foster connection with your child through the discernment of Jesus . God created your child for a purpose . He or she was placed with you for this time. Nothing is a mistake or accident. God chose you to parent the child or children entrusted to you. God knows you are not enough. No matter what society tells us, we were not made to be perfect. We do not have all the answers or do all things well. Only God can give you with the discernment , knowledge, understanding, wisdom, guidance, direction, insight, and love that your particular child needs. Pursue God’s best for your child as you prayerfully acknowledge God’s authority and wisdom . Petition His will for your child’s present and future. 6. Make specific prayer request lists . Pray them daily. Pray for God to give you the prayers He desires you to raise for your child. Our Heavenly Father has a good and perfect plan tailor made for your child. Imagine the godly future you desire for your child. Pray for the specifics that come to mind. Ensure that they align with God’s will. For example, don’t pray for your child to become a millionaire. You can pray for God to equip your child with a strong passion for Him. You can pray that God will provide for all of the needs of your child. Pray for a godly spouse if your child is to be married. Prayers like these are surely heard and honored by God. 7. Be mindful of the talents and interests of your child . Knowing that God has created each person uniquely with specific gifts, talents, interests, and desires, we must honor the unique person God made and placed in your care. Our children are not our mini’s. They do not have to carry the same goals and dreams we did. They are not the indicator of our success. Attunement to our child and a strong connection built through Christ will show you many glimpse of the future He may have for them. 8. Offer Biblical encouragement . As you travel a journey toward Christ together, you must remember the individuality of your child. Your faith is not theirs. Your precious child must develop a personal faith and relationship with Jesus on their own. It may be while they are living with you. It may be when they are an adult. Either way, the end goal is to restrain from judging, yet be discerning and observant as to the progress your child is making so that you can continue to parent a wholesome, genuine relationship with Jesus. 9. Pursue Jesus together . Make sure your child sees that you have a desire for Jesus and that you follow through with personal Bible and prayer time. Pray alone in front of your child. Pray with your child. Pray for your child. Ask your child to pray for you. Pray for your parenting in front of your child. Honestly, the list is endless. There are many ways to pray for your child and with your child. Maintain regular Bible study with your child. Discuss the verses you read together, as well as the study points. Allow them to hear study notes from the Bible and teach apologetics and critical thinking so that they understand the basics of Christianity and can defend their faith. The key is to involve your children so that they develop the habits of Bible study and prayer. Then a strong desire is rooted within them and a sturdy foundation is built beneath them. 10. Do not pressure your child to follow Jesus . God Himself does not demand that we follow Him. Our Heavenly Father allows us free will. Our children deserve the same. This doesn’t mean we allow disrespect, rather that we regularly fertilize, cultivate, and water the soil of their heart with the way we live, God’s word and truths, prayer, and connection built daily by wise parenting and attachment. John 16:13 says, “However, when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak what He hears, and He will declare to you what is to come .” Never forget or undervalue the powerful Holy Spirit alive within you. Submit to Christ, pursue Him moment by moment, obediently follow where He leads, nurture your child in and through Jesus, and experience a relationship with Him and your children that only comes from the gracious, agape love our Heavenly Father can bestow. Life will never be perfect this side of heaven, but it can be glorious when rooted and built on a firm, authentic foundation of Christ. Gracious, loving Heavenly Father, we come to You in humble submission and adoration. Thank you for the precious gift of Your Son for us so that we can see You, know You, and follow You more clearly. Thank you that through Jesus, we can approach Your throne of grace with confidence and clarity. Enable each of us to embody You in our parenting. Please extend to us Your wisdom, Your knowledge, Your insight, and Your understanding of each of our precious children. For we know they are truly Yours on loan to us for such a time as this. God, we cannot know them, cannot reach them without You. Anything constructed in this world without a foundation purposely built on and through You will not stand. We humble bow to Your guidance and agape love in every area You know we need. Protect our heart and minds so that they seek and reflect You and Your desires and ways. May our children run to Your arms because of the nurture and grace we pour into them and guide them straight to You. In the precious name of Jesus we humbly and lovingly pray. Amen. Thank you for listening to this episode. The Purposed Parent/Connected Child podcast will soon be available at terrihitt.com, where you can access the episodes housed in one convenient location, receive access to blog posts, read transcripts, and find additional resources designed to mature your walk with Christ and equip you to raise or influence connected children through Him. God knows that we are not capable of successful parenting on our own. As we rely on Him, as we release doubts and expectations, and humbly bow to His guidance and experience, we find greater clarity in parenting and a wondrous walk with our Creator that will extend to our children and those around us for generations . I pray this podcast helps you parent with purpose and deepen your connection to Jesus and your children. Intentionally place Christ above culture or self. Allow Him to work through you for true connection that will draw your children to Him and build a maturing relationship with Christ and your children that lasts for eternity. Previous Next

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Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode 010 Vickie Bennett Interview Listen to Episode http://@vickiebennettministries

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Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #101 – Preparation for Christmas Thank you for entrusting and investing your precious time with me to grow in Jesus together. I am blessed to be back with you to discuss more ways to live with eternal perspective. This week my youngest daughter changed her name. It actually changes each day. Her first name is now however many days it is until Christmas, while her last name is “Days.” Since this podcast releases on Thursday and Christmas is on Saturday, her name will be “Two Days.” Maybe I caused her to do this because this is the first year she has not untied the bows on the hanging decoration we usually put out for Christmas. With our puppy, who likes to grab and chew anything hanging, especially if it is soft, I made the wise decision that it wasn’t going to be used this year. Regardless, my youngest makes sure we know how many days are left before the biggest day of her year. I’m going to pause recording new episodes over the holidays and spend time with my family, worshipping our Lord, and preparing for a new and exciting project I am working on. God has been calling me to something I haven’t shared yet, and it is definitely for and through Him that I will serve. I’m thrilled to share it with you in 2022. I would like to point you, whether you are a new listener to this podcast, or one who has been listening for a while, to episodes I presented in December of 2020. If you look at episodes released on 12/10 and 12/17 of 2020, you will find “Preparing for Christmas Part 1 and Part 2. They are episodes 47 and 48. Perhaps you will enjoy listening to them as you finish last minute preparations, wrap gifts, or clean before or after Christmas and New Year’s. Draw near to Jesus as you celebrate this year. Allow Him to wash over your spirit and hold you close as you celebrate His birth. It’s so easy to get caught up in preparations and celebrations with friends or family, shopping, and baking. Yet, the only One who gives us true, everlasting, deep peace is Jesus. Make time to step back and rest in Him. He always puts life, thoughts, attitude, and actions back into perspective and soothes the concerns of our heart. He is truly all we need. Heavenly Father, gracious Lord, how we adore You. Come, let us sing with joy to, Lord. Bring us into Your presence with humble thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to You. For You are a great God, a great King above all gods. By Your hands, we have the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks that belong to You. The sea is Yours, for You made all of it, and Your hands formed the dry land. Cause us to worship and bow down; help us kneel before You, Lord, our Maker. You are our God, and we are but the people of Your pasture, the sheep under Your care. Humbly, and obediently, You came for us, a pure and innocent sacrifice we still cannot grasp enough. Thank you for loving us, for coming to us in the form of a babe, sacrificing all. Thankyou for bringing us nearer to You moment by moment as we surrender, trust, and obey. May those who do not know You see You in and through us and be drawn to You. You bless us, Lord with so much as we become more like Your image. Thank you for all You are. May we please You ever more each day. In Your precious name I pray. Amen. Thank you for listening to this podcast. If you find value in what you hear, I invite you to help others find the podcast. I have two requests. If you are able, please go to Apple Podcasts and leave a rating and review to push the podcast out for more people to find. Without good reviews, others won’t hear the episodes designed to mature walks with Christ and equip all to live for eternity now. You can also share podcast episodes with friends and family so that they can begin to listen each week. You can share my website, terrihitt.com and let others know that on it they will be able to access podcast episodes housed in one convenient location, read blog posts, transcripts, and access additional resources designed to mature their walk with Jesus through an eternal perspective and encourage them to raise or influence children and grandchildren to choose Christ over culture. I pray this podcast draws you nearer to God and helps you cling to Him, despite any circumstances in your life. Until next week, keep looking Up while focusing on new ways to Live With Eternal Perspective. Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode 101 Preparation for Christmas Listen to Episode Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #101 – Preparation for Christmas Thank you for entrusting and investing your precious time with me to grow in Jesus together. I am blessed to be back with you to discuss more ways to live with eternal perspective. This week my youngest daughter changed her name. It actually changes each day. Her first name is now however many days it is until Christmas, while her last name is “Days.” Since this podcast releases on Thursday and Christmas is on Saturday, her name will be “Two Days.” Maybe I caused her to do this because this is the first year she has not untied the bows on the hanging decoration we usually put out for Christmas. With our puppy, who likes to grab and chew anything hanging, especially if it is soft, I made the wise decision that it wasn’t going to be used this year. Regardless, my youngest makes sure we know how many days are left before the biggest day of her year. I’m going to pause recording new episodes over the holidays and spend time with my family, worshipping our Lord, and preparing for a new and exciting project I am working on. God has been calling me to something I haven’t shared yet, and it is definitely for and through Him that I will serve. I’m thrilled to share it with you in 2022. I would like to point you, whether you are a new listener to this podcast, or one who has been listening for a while, to episodes I presented in December of 2020. If you look at episodes released on 12/10 and 12/17 of 2020, you will find “Preparing for Christmas Part 1 and Part 2. They are episodes 47 and 48. Perhaps you will enjoy listening to them as you finish last minute preparations, wrap gifts, or clean before or after Christmas and New Year’s. Draw near to Jesus as you celebrate this year. Allow Him to wash over your spirit and hold you close as you celebrate His birth. It’s so easy to get caught up in preparations and celebrations with friends or family, shopping, and baking. Yet, the only One who gives us true, everlasting, deep peace is Jesus. Make time to step back and rest in Him. He always puts life, thoughts, attitude, and actions back into perspective and soothes the concerns of our heart. He is truly all we need. Heavenly Father, gracious Lord, how we adore You. Come, let us sing with joy to, Lord. Bring us into Your presence with humble thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to You. For You are a great God, a great King above all gods. By Your hands, we have the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks that belong to You. The sea is Yours, for You made all of it, and Your hands formed the dry land. Cause us to worship and bow down; help us kneel before You, Lord, our Maker. You are our God, and we are but the people of Your pasture, the sheep under Your care. Humbly, and obediently, You came for us, a pure and innocent sacrifice we still cannot grasp enough. Thank you for loving us, for coming to us in the form of a babe, sacrificing all. Thankyou for bringing us nearer to You moment by moment as we surrender, trust, and obey. May those who do not know You see You in and through us and be drawn to You. You bless us, Lord with so much as we become more like Your image. Thank you for all You are. May we please You ever more each day. In Your precious name I pray. Amen. Thank you for listening to this podcast. If you find value in what you hear, I invite you to help others find the podcast. I have two requests. If you are able, please go to Apple Podcasts and leave a rating and review to push the podcast out for more people to find. Without good reviews, others won’t hear the episodes designed to mature walks with Christ and equip all to live for eternity now. You can also share podcast episodes with friends and family so that they can begin to listen each week. You can share my website, terrihitt.com and let others know that on it they will be able to access podcast episodes housed in one convenient location, read blog posts, transcripts, and access additional resources designed to mature their walk with Jesus through an eternal perspective and encourage them to raise or influence children and grandchildren to choose Christ over culture. I pray this podcast draws you nearer to God and helps you cling to Him, despite any circumstances in your life. Until next week, keep looking Up while focusing on new ways to Live With Eternal Perspective.

< Back Purposed Parent Connected Child Podcast Episode 115 - How to Teach Your Child to Turn From Sin and to God's Grace Welcome to the Purposed Parent/Connected Child podcast – Episode 115 – How to Teach Your Child to Turn From Sin and to God's Grace Thank you for sharing your day with me. I pray this podcast gives you the awareness and tools you need to STOP being a GOOD mom and BECOME the GODLY mom God entrusts you to be. Then you will be the SET-APART woman PURPOSELY raising children to chase CHRIST over culture. Just a quick reminder as we start, if you enjoy Purposed Parent Connected Child podcast episodes, would you please share this episode or others with a friend or family member? When you graciously take a moment to do that, and leave a rating or review at Apple Podcast, you are ensuring that others will find the podcast. When you do, you’re helping affect generations for Jesus. Now on to this episode about how to teach your child to turn from sin and to God’s grace. Have you ever done something in your life that you knew was direct disobedience to God? Or maybe you didn’t know it at the time, but later your heart was pierced with grief at the way you sinned against God. Perhaps you knew at the time that you were sinning against God, but rebelled as you chose to walk in your way. Repentance goes beyond simply being sorry. Repentance drives us to our knees before God and leads to changed heart and actions. 2 Corinthians 7:10 says, “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death .” Acts 3:19 says, “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord .” In the Old Testament God demands that people turn away from their sin and wickedness, and in the New Testament we read about repentance in the stories of specific people such as John the Baptist, Peter, the disciples, Paul, and Jesus. When we consider biblical characters who sinned and repented, we can think of King David or Paul. Both of them show mighty examples of how a person can sin greatly against God and others, yet find true, life-changing repentance. In order to find such a move of conscience that leads to change bringing a deeper relationship with God, there are a few requirements. 1. We must experience godly sorrow for our sin. This isn’t simply being sorry we got caught, but a sorrow that pierces our heart with the realization that we have sinned greatly against God Almighty. 2. Next, we must confess our sin. When we have sinned against someone it is always wise to ask them for forgiveness, which sets us on the right path to come before God. 3. We must also confess before God, asking Him for forgiveness. This is the most important step in repentance. We must learn to come before our Heavenly Father with a heart for forgiveness and change. 4. As we realize we have sinned before God, and ask Him for forgiveness, we also ask Him to keep us from repeating that sin or others, we receive deeper fellowship and humble obedience. 5. In order to continue to deepen our walk with God, we must also continue seeking Him daily. He knows our weaknesses and as we step into His arms and ask Him to keep us obedient to Him, He hears our cries. Psalm 51:1-6 says, “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge. Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb; you taught me wisdom in that secret place .” Teach your child that God is merciful in little ways daily. He doesn’t wait for us to mess up so He can punish us. Instead, He waits for us to turn to Him with sincere repentance. We are all sinners, but God doesn’t leave us in that state. In His loving righteous care for us, He has given us the ability to be cleansed. Psalm 51:10-12 show us how God delights as we desire a pure heart. “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me .” Psalm 51:17 finishes with a plea we desire our child to utter before God. It’s also what we should be doing moment by moment. “My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise .” Now that we’ve discussed repentance and what it is, how do you teach your child to have a heart for seeking God and living with a repentant heart? As you build the foundation of faith for your child in all the ways we’ve discussed in previous episodes, help him or her to build faith and trust on God's Word and truths. Remind your children to turn to Scripture in every circumstance of life. Help them do that by sharing Scripture early in your time with them. Refer to God’s Word when you lovingly disciple them in their disobedience. Yes, you discipline your child, but do so with the heart of discipleship, not punishment. They will suffer consequences of their actions, but you never want to discipline for the sake of punishment. You aren’t trying to beat your child down, but are attempting to lift them up in the Lord and mold their heart for Him. Help your children direct desires and actions according to God's Word. As you teach day by day, look up passages that have to do with sin, character, integrity, and so on. Show your children how to use biblical truths and commands to guide their morals and integrity. Let your child see you do the same each day. Talk to them about how you use God’s Word to guide your daily life, choices, and actions. Show your children how you repent and ask God for forgiveness in your daily life - apologize to them and others when needed. Teach them how God deals with sin and repentance in the Bible and show them how to apply those teachings in their life. God's grace is greater than our sin, but He requires us to repent and turn away from sin through His strength. Remember, we are always parenting the hearts of our children and with the desire to help them shape character and behavior that is Christlike and pleasing to God. Everything can be used for His glory and as ways to teach for Him. Dear Heavenly Father, we are humbled to come before You and thankful for Your mighty presence in our life. Thank you for the freedom to make choices, and for the grace You offer when we make mistakes, yet come to You with a heart of repentance. Help us change to be more pleasing in Your sight. Help us to teach the qualities You desire to our children and to show them Your heart and truths. Help us teach them by our actions, desires, and through Your Holy Word. May we use Your truths as the way to their heart. May our life be godly examples they can see and may we lead them straight into Your arms. Please keep them from sinning against You. In the precious name of Jesus we pray. Amen. This is the part of the episode that you usually hear me talk about the Set-Apart Collective. Today I want to share about my new mini program called “Establish Identity.” Why? Your identity is a major force behind what you do. Who you believe yourself to be, and who you find your identity through affects the way you live, parent, love, serve, and discipline. Your identity is one of the lifelines, a pulse point of your home. Do you ever stop to think that you are the first Jesus your child will see? Even if they are grown, your identity affects your child. The way you think, speak, and react is rooted in your identity. Send me a message at info@terrihitt.com if you’d like details or go to terrihitt.com and join my email list. You’ll get updates before anyone else and hear a little about what makes this so important. If you join the email list you’ll also be able to access free resources such as my new Good to Godly: A 31 Day Scripture and Prayer Guide for Moms. One last thing to remember - if you’re not purposed in knowing Jesus and showing Him to the next generation, the world will sway your children away from Christ. I pray that what you hear on this podcast enables you to stop being a good mom and focus on being a godly parent. Until next week, keep looking Up while focusing on new ways to parent with eternal purpose and connection with your children and Christ. Previous Next

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< Back Purposed Parent/Connected Child Podcast Episode 019 - How to Help My Child Find and Live God's Biblical Truths Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Purposed Parent/Connected Child Podcast Episode #019 – How to Help My Child Find and Live God’s Biblical Truth Are you yearning for greater connection with your child? Would you like to parent beyond the moment with eternal perspective? Let’s grow together now with practical tips, scripture, and stories geared to draw your heart to Jesus and guide your child into His arms. Back in the 80’s and 90’s, when I raised my first set of children, the majority of Americans considered themselves Christians. Now only an approximate 65% of Americans identify as Christian. Even worse, I recently heard nearly 70% of born-again Christians disagree with the biblical position that Jesus is the only way to God. Haven’t they ever read John 14:6-7 , which says, “Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. If you really know Me, you will know My Father as well. From now on, you do know Him and have seen Him .” Times have certainly changed. To be honest, although it sounds judgmental, and I certainly do not mean it that way, the truth is that many who label themselves as Christian simply do not live a biblical lifestyle that supports their claim. I often tell my teenaged daughters that they are living in a generation that needs to be able to defend their faith. In this current day, not only are Christian beliefs ridiculed, but Christians carry (or should carry) a reflection of holiness, through the Holy Spirit within us, that those who do not believe are offended by. If a Christian convicts the world simply by carrying the morals and truths of Jesus, we know that the world is actually repulsed by Christ because darkness exists in their soul. In fact, the Bible warned us of this happening. If the virtues we carry are found offensive, causing us to be hated, those in disagreement will lash out in fear or shame, whether they realize it in the moment or not. As the world moves deeper into sin and away from the solid foundation of Christ, the more justified those living in transgression feel about themselves and their choices. The kingdom of darkness rules this world, and the words found in 1 Peter 5:8-9 are eternally true. “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings .” Our children are growing up in a world that does not seek truth . Look around at programs enticing our children and luring them to the world of sin such as the new cartoon, “Little Demon.” Our culture is desensitizing adults and children with television shows, movies, books, magazine, music, and even phone filters, such as one I saw this week. It actually turns the face of the viewer into a devil. What parent would ever allow their child to use such an app or filter? Obviously more than we probably think. Whether the parents realize it or not, every choice they make (or don’t make) that isn’t purposely done for Christ through an eternal perspective, their child is drifting closer to Satan. Relative truth reigns in our culture and is extracted from whatever anyone wants to believe (or hopes is real), and actually stands for nothing. Even schoolrooms promote anti-biblical agendas that are destroying the fabric and soul of our children and nation. God’s truth is the only authentic and lasting source of integrity. Authored by Truth, God’s words and ways show us and our children the only way to live with hope, love, trust, faith, and purpose. Do you desire to raise a child who walks with Jesus in truth and confidence? Or would you rather parent a confused child who will never experience the love, joy, or peace of one following the Lord? In John 15:18-19 Jesus said, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.” Do not misunderstand. As God warned that the devil is prowling this world looking for victims to deceive, we must be ever mindful or we will fall prey to his schemes. Our nation and the families within it are more divided than I have seen in my lifetime. If we are not reading, studying, practicing, and teaching God’s commands and warnings of the Bible, we are walking in step with the deceiver of this world and playing directly into his hands. Micah 6:8 says, “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” This verse is one of several lines of Scripture in the Bible in which God clearly allows us to hear exactly how He wants us to live and direct our children to Him . 1. Act justly – People will try many things in an attempt to please God, but in the ways they desire. Living with an eternal perspective, however, and mentoring that mindset to our children will lead us (and them) straight to God’s word . Instead of guessing what God desires or selfishly doing what we want, His commands clearly show us the way to please and honor Him. 2. Love mercy – When we live in ways that honor God, and we treasure His word, we will become more Christlike in character. To walk justly and love mercy means that we are fair in dealing with others and show mercy, even when it is not deserved. Our actions reach and teach our children more quickly than our words . We truly begin to live more like Jesus did. 3. Walk humbly with God – As we know God more clearly through time spent in His word , in prayer and fellowship with Him, and we listen to His voice and direction , we will step in alignment with His desires. As we obediently submit where He calls, we humbly walk with our Father. As our children see this example, and we communicate the importance of living in this way through loving ways, they will be drawn to the same attitude toward God and much more likely to choose an eternity-driven mindset and lifestyle. We cannot live in this manner through our own strength. Our children cannot live like this without knowing Christ, hopefully through our patient and loving mentorship. Only Christ can equip any of us to live in ways that please and honor our Heavenly Father. Godly influence must be present in our home or our children will follow the leadership of the world . They must have the moral compass of God existing in their heart and mind to be able to recognize the lies of this world. They must wear the armor of God to be protected from the trappings and lures of this world. That means we must be a true north that keeps our child connected to the true compass, God. Throughout the Bible, God makes the way to a joyful life that is pleasing to Him clear for us to follow. As pursue the Lord’s ways and truths, we are able to direct our children to an abundant life. Micah 7:1-2 says, “What misery is mine! I am like one who gathers summer fruit at the gleaning of the vineyard; there is no cluster of grapes to eat, none of the early figs that I crave. The faithful have been swept from the land; not one upright person remains. Everyone lies in wait to shed blood; they hunt each other with nets.” What will become of our children and their children if godly influence disappears entirely in the world? Micah 7:3-4 says, “Both hands are skilled in doing evil; the ruler demands gifts, the judge accepts bribes, the powerful dictate what they desire—they all conspire together. The best of them is like a brier, the most upright worse than a thorn hedge. The day God visits you has come, the day your watchmen sound the alarm. Now is the time of your confusion.” What will become of our children and future generations if we continue with escalating violence, along with business and political corruption? Micah 7:5 says, ”Do not trust a neighbor; put no confidence in a friend. Even with the woman who lies in your embrace guard the words of your lips .” What will our world be like when future generations live with unfaithful friendships and no allies? Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 says, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Strength is in numbers and a threefold cord is not broken.” Micah 7:6 says, “For a son dishonors his father, a daughter rises up against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law—a man’s enemies are the members of his own household.” Through all of the indoctrinations and deceit in our world today, we already see children dishonoring parents. When public schools and government officials seek to remove parental rights, teach radical thoughts and lies, remove history from schools, and introduce perverted lifestyles and values to minors, more and more families will be broken, hurting, and separated from each other and our Lord. Micah 7:7 says, “But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me .” Our only hope comes from a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. As the world continues down a slippery slope of our own selfish and distorted making, nothing will change hearts except Jesus and the truths of God. Actions stem from what is already held in the heart and reflect what is ruling the mind . Christ came to deliver us from self and sin. John 14:6 says, “Jesus answered, “I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 16:33 says, “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Trust in the Lord. Seek Him and His ways. Know His teachings so that you and your child can follow a life of abundance, peace, and love that this world cannot know without Christ. Dear Heavenly Father. There is none like You. Your love for us is greater than we can ever imagine. Your truths are for our good and protection. Forgive us for forgetting You. Forgive us for letting our children down when we seek to raise them in our own strength instead of relying on Your truths and commands that lead to life eternal with You. Father, keep pursuing us. Do not let us lead our children astray. Help us to raise them in the image of Christ and allow You to build up the foundation beneath them that will weather the future of this nation and the plans You have for them. Help them to make a difference for You because they carry Your joy, peace, love, and truths within them. In the precious name of Jesus we pray. Amen . Thank you for listening to the Purposed Parent/Connected Child podcast. Both of my podcasts may be found at terrihitt.com, iHeart Radio, Spotify, and are also part of the Spark Media Network. Both podcasts may also now be found on the Edifi app, where you can hear thousands of the best Christian podcasts in one place for your listening enjoyment. Have you rated or reviewed this podcast on Apple Podcasts yet? When you review my podcast on Apple Podcasts, it helps to elevate the standing of the podcast online so that more people are allowed to find and hear it. If you believe the content you hear should be heard so that more people can raise or influence children for Christ, would you please write a review and rate the podcast for me? Please also follow and share both of my podcasts with friends or family who would like to choose Christ over culture and be a parent (or be a grandparent) who connects with eternal purpose. Remember, if we are not purposed in knowing Jesus ourselves and showing Him to the next generation, the world will direct them away from Christ. Live With Eternal Perspective helps us to find, trust, and follow Christ more intimately. Purposed Parent/Connected Child shares biblical, practical truths for parents and grandparents to influence and mentor Christ over culture. I pray that what you hear on this podcast draws you nearer to God and helps you cling to Him, despite any circumstances in your life. Until next week, keep looking Up while focusing on new ways to Live With Eternal Perspective. Previous Next

Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #087 – Secrets To a Joyful Marriage Thank you for entrusting and investing your precious time with me to grow in Jesus together. I am blessed to be back with you to discuss more ways to live with eternal perspective. This week my husband and I celebrated our 43th wedding anniversary. The fact fills me with such joy. Does it make me feel old? Not at all! I feel extremely blessed to be able to live with the person I was created to be with for so many years and although I selfishly desire more years, but gratefully and humbly offer gratitude for what I have received. People have asked me what I believe helps people to stay married. People have also asked me how to cultivate close relationships. I don't have the perfect answer to either question. But I know what I rely on. Does my answer make all my relationships perfect? Not even close. But it strengthens the good ones and it carries me through misunderstandings, giving me hope and promise that all can be made new. Christ is the secret. Psalm 16:11a says, “You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence." God does fill me with joy! As His word says, when I seek Him, I find Him. He enables me to react to situations in ways that are directed by Him, not me. I am certainly not perfect, but I am perfectly led when I choose to listen and obey. The guidance I receive from above carries me beyond the initial human response I may desire to exhibit and allows me to rest in His ways. Am I able to do that perfectly each time? No. Good relationships also offer grace, especially when all people involved strive to follow the only One who can transform us. It is my hope that others, especially those closest to me - my husband, my children, and my grandson will see light and love in my reactions to them. I pray they see joy and delight in my eyes when I look at them and in my responses to them. God chose me to be the life partner for my husband. He chose me to parent each of my children. It is not by accident that any of us are together. We are together on purpose, for a purpose. When I live in the presence of the Lord, I learn and grow each day. He enables me to see what He does and what He has given me more clearly daily. The Holy Spirit continuously works to cleanse and transform me. I am not the person I was yesterday and am not the person I will be tomorrow. Praise God!! Our Heavenly Father does the same for each one of us who allows Him to work through and for us. Joy. Gratefulness. Faith. Love. Peace. Patience. Hope. These are the qualities I choose to allow into my life. These are the qualities I pray for. These are the qualities I have in abundance. These are the gifts He still grows in me daily. These are the gifts He wants to bestow on you. Even if you have no desire to marry or have children, He will give you the desires of your own heart when you allow Him to direct your life. After all, He desired you, made you, and filled your heart with the yearnings you possess for a purpose. When I am no longer living on this earth I want those who knew me to remember Him. I want people to believe in Jesus because they saw Him at work in me and know that I gave the honor and glory to Him. I want my children to grow up with the certainty that they are cherished and valuable. I want my husband to know he is a gift, a treasure. I want my family to find their identity, purpose, and passion for life through the One who created them. God. What do you want? It's not too late to put in the effort to make it happen. It's not too late to thank the Lord for the opportunities He has given you. It's not too late to get to know Him so that you can have joy and the peace that passes all human understanding. It's not too late to share what you have been given with others. Life brings hard circumstances, disappointments, failures, tears, and fears - even when you follow Jesus. We live in a messed-up, broken, sinful world. There is only One who can carry you through it. There is One who can wipe away the bitterness that threatens to take root in your heart or the pain that betrayal or hurts have caused. Sometimes we are swallowed by grief or fear. There are countless reasons to shrink inside of self and believe the lie that nothing can change. But it can. Through Jesus. 2 Cor. 4:8 says, “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed." All the pain, loss, humiliations, trials - whatever this world can throw at us - are openings for Christ to demonstrate His power and mighty presence through it. Whether it be a mistake we made, a lesson to transform us, or for the purpose of growing others, it doesn't matter. We learn, change, and grow despite and through the cause or reason. Prayerfully, what we face and endure through seeking the Lord will create a willingness in us to grow closer to Him and to allow Him to shine through us. 2 Cor. 4:16-18 says, "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." Look Up. Not inside. Not around. Don't compare. Wear invisible “blinders” to the world, self, or others, and look Up. To Jesus. Let Him produce a life of fullness, love, and grace, through the valleys and the mountain moments. When I am asked for the key to a blessed and joyful long marriage, I know that I have been blessed far beyond what I deserve. Marriage takes work from both spouses. It is not a breeze to be permanently linked to one human who is also imperfect. As perfectly matched as I believe my husband and I are, we are both flawed and only through allowing Jesus to work His transforming, sanctifying power through us are we altered daily and able to walk through differences of opinion, disagreements, or disappointments. In fact, we see more alike than different and recognize the beauty of God’s hand carrying us together. What if you are struggling in a marriage with a spouse who does not know Christ? Continue to follow the Lord. Trust and know Him more intimately. Loyally commit to mature your walk with Him. But don’t nag your spouse or flaunt your relationship with Jesus, yet don’t ignore Jesus, either. Allow Christ to flow through you as a sweet fragrance as He works His gift of transformation in your life. God warns and instructs us in His word, 2 Corinthians 6:14, “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness?” When my husband and I married we were not both Christians. Through the grace of God we have both come to know and mature in Jesus. The Lord has made all the difference! Instead of resolving issues by our own flesh, I see the mighty work God does in both of us and I feel and recognize Him allowing me the honor of serving Him and allowing Him to strip “Terri” away and transform me into the wife and mother He created me to be. Ephesians 4:22-24 says, “to put off your former way of life, your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be renewed in the spirit of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Even if you and your spouse both have a developing or strong walk with the Lord, each of you is only human. The following steps are good prompts for every married couple to purposely practice. 1. Mature your personal walk with Jesus – Hebrews 5:13 says, “For everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child.” Growing in the knowledge and understanding of the Lord, relying on Him to carry loads, and trusting that He is good and present takes a lifetime to fully mature. The closer we get to Jesus, we realize how far away we really are. Intentionally make a goal to grow in depth and maturity through Jesus moment by moment or you will realize you are moving away from your true source of light and strength. 2. Pray – Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, “Rejoice at all times. Pray without ceasing. Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” God can perform miracles we never even dreamed of. What He transforms is always far better than we could imagine it to be. Never give up praying for others, even those who persecute you. Also remember to pray for yourself. I treasure not only praying for others over the years, but remembering that I need many prayers, too. Good works have been completed in me and I know there are far more to come. If you don’t know how to pray for yourself or others, start with God’s word. He will always honor you praying His word to Him and seeking to become more like His image. Prayer humbles and remodels us. It pleases the Father and the Son. 3. Let Christ be seen and known through His transformation in you – Ephesians 5:1-2 says, “Be imitators of God, therefore, as beloved children, and walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant sacrificial offering to God.” Our words can have a strong impact on others, however, a life lived in ways that prove that the Holy Spirit is alive and working speaks much louder than we can. 4. Make your spouse your priority (after Jesus) – Ephesians 4:2 says, “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” Romans 12:9-10 says, “Love must be sincere. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another.” The Lord should always be placed first in our life and we should always be improving ways to mature our walk with Him. However, in God’s eyes, our spouse is one flesh with us. We must place our spouse directly beneath God. Make time for God. Make time for your spouse. Mark 10:7-8 says, “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one flesh.” 5. Allow your children to know Jesus – Psalm 127:3 says, “Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.” Proverbs 22:6 says, “Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.” Deuteronomy 6:5-9 says, “And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as reminders on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorposts of your houses and on your gates.” God commands much from us as parents. He especially desires and commands that we are godly and intentional parents. If your spouse is not a Christian, do not let that stop you from making Jesus known to your children. Our attitude and thankfulness show much about our walk with Jesus. Jesus can be made real in so many different ways each day. Always make sure you tie actions and mindset back to the reason you carry the hope, light, and love you do. 6. Realize your marriage won’t be perfect, even if your spouse finds (or already knows Jesus), but it will be a union blessed by God as you both mature your walk with Jesus and each other - Ephesians 4:1-3 says, “As a prisoner in the Lord, then, I urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received: with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, and with diligence to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 says, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no account of wrongs. Love takes no pleasure in evil, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” Revelation 21:5 says, “And the One seated on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” Then He said, “Write this down, for these words are faithful and true.” As you work to know and make Jesus known in your personal walk, your spouse will see the difference. Although it is your desire that your spouse come to know Christ, it is not your responsibility. God alone does the good work in and through us. Do all you can to know, love, obey, and show the Lord in a strong and growing relationship, while honoring your spouse without removing Jesus from the throne in your heart. Continue to pray and make God known in your actions and attitude. Humbly continue to pray and trust God for results. Father God, You are the Great I Am. You desire good things for all your people. You ordained marriage. You want it to be good. We thank you for the gifts You give us, even the many we never recognize and the ones we cast away. Please help us to see ourselves and see our spouse the way You see us. Help us to love our spouse and ourselves the way You do. We know we are a treasure to You. So is our spouse. May my walk with You draw my spouse to You in deep ways and bless the marriage we share. Help us to walk with humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another in love. May our children and grandchildren know You clearly through their walk with us. We thank You, Good Father for the gift of marriage and the ways You grow us through the union. In the precious name of Jesus I pray. Amen. Thank you for listening to this podcast. Please visit terrihitt.com to access podcast episodes housed in one convenient location, read blog posts, transcripts, and access additional resources designed to mature your walk with Jesus through an eternal perspective and encourage you to raise or influence children to choose Christ over culture. I pray this podcast draws you nearer to God and helps you cling to Him, despite any circumstances in your life. Until next week, keep looking Up while focusing on new ways to Live With Eternal Perspective. Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode 087 Secrets to A Joyful Marriage Listen to Episode Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #087 – Secrets To a Joyful Marriage Thank you for entrusting and investing your precious time with me to grow in Jesus together. I am blessed to be back with you to discuss more ways to live with eternal perspective. This week my husband and I celebrated our 43th wedding anniversary. The fact fills me with such joy. Does it make me feel old? Not at all! I feel extremely blessed to be able to live with the person I was created to be with for so many years and although I selfishly desire more years, but gratefully and humbly offer gratitude for what I have received. People have asked me what I believe helps people to stay married. People have also asked me how to cultivate close relationships. I don't have the perfect answer to either question. But I know what I rely on. Does my answer make all my relationships perfect? Not even close. But it strengthens the good ones and it carries me through misunderstandings, giving me hope and promise that all can be made new. Christ is the secret. Psalm 16:11a says, “You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence." God does fill me with joy! As His word says, when I seek Him, I find Him. He enables me to react to situations in ways that are directed by Him, not me. I am certainly not perfect, but I am perfectly led when I choose to listen and obey. The guidance I receive from above carries me beyond the initial human response I may desire to exhibit and allows me to rest in His ways. Am I able to do that perfectly each time? No. Good relationships also offer grace, especially when all people involved strive to follow the only One who can transform us. It is my hope that others, especially those closest to me - my husband, my children, and my grandson will see light and love in my reactions to them. I pray they see joy and delight in my eyes when I look at them and in my responses to them. God chose me to be the life partner for my husband. He chose me to parent each of my children. It is not by accident that any of us are together. We are together on purpose, for a purpose. When I live in the presence of the Lord, I learn and grow each day. He enables me to see what He does and what He has given me more clearly daily. The Holy Spirit continuously works to cleanse and transform me. I am not the person I was yesterday and am not the person I will be tomorrow. Praise God!! Our Heavenly Father does the same for each one of us who allows Him to work through and for us. Joy. Gratefulness. Faith. Love. Peace. Patience. Hope. These are the qualities I choose to allow into my life. These are the qualities I pray for. These are the qualities I have in abundance. These are the gifts He still grows in me daily. These are the gifts He wants to bestow on you. Even if you have no desire to marry or have children, He will give you the desires of your own heart when you allow Him to direct your life. After all, He desired you, made you, and filled your heart with the yearnings you possess for a purpose. When I am no longer living on this earth I want those who knew me to remember Him. I want people to believe in Jesus because they saw Him at work in me and know that I gave the honor and glory to Him. I want my children to grow up with the certainty that they are cherished and valuable. I want my husband to know he is a gift, a treasure. I want my family to find their identity, purpose, and passion for life through the One who created them. God. What do you want? It's not too late to put in the effort to make it happen. It's not too late to thank the Lord for the opportunities He has given you. It's not too late to get to know Him so that you can have joy and the peace that passes all human understanding. It's not too late to share what you have been given with others. Life brings hard circumstances, disappointments, failures, tears, and fears - even when you follow Jesus. We live in a messed-up, broken, sinful world. There is only One who can carry you through it. There is One who can wipe away the bitterness that threatens to take root in your heart or the pain that betrayal or hurts have caused. Sometimes we are swallowed by grief or fear. There are countless reasons to shrink inside of self and believe the lie that nothing can change. But it can. Through Jesus. 2 Cor. 4:8 says, “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed." All the pain, loss, humiliations, trials - whatever this world can throw at us - are openings for Christ to demonstrate His power and mighty presence through it. Whether it be a mistake we made, a lesson to transform us, or for the purpose of growing others, it doesn't matter. We learn, change, and grow despite and through the cause or reason. Prayerfully, what we face and endure through seeking the Lord will create a willingness in us to grow closer to Him and to allow Him to shine through us. 2 Cor. 4:16-18 says, "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." Look Up. Not inside. Not around. Don't compare. Wear invisible “blinders” to the world, self, or others, and look Up. To Jesus. Let Him produce a life of fullness, love, and grace, through the valleys and the mountain moments. When I am asked for the key to a blessed and joyful long marriage, I know that I have been blessed far beyond what I deserve. Marriage takes work from both spouses. It is not a breeze to be permanently linked to one human who is also imperfect. As perfectly matched as I believe my husband and I are, we are both flawed and only through allowing Jesus to work His transforming, sanctifying power through us are we altered daily and able to walk through differences of opinion, disagreements, or disappointments. In fact, we see more alike than different and recognize the beauty of God’s hand carrying us together. What if you are struggling in a marriage with a spouse who does not know Christ? Continue to follow the Lord. Trust and know Him more intimately. Loyally commit to mature your walk with Him. But don’t nag your spouse or flaunt your relationship with Jesus, yet don’t ignore Jesus, either. Allow Christ to flow through you as a sweet fragrance as He works His gift of transformation in your life. God warns and instructs us in His word, 2 Corinthians 6:14, “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness?” When my husband and I married we were not both Christians. Through the grace of God we have both come to know and mature in Jesus. The Lord has made all the difference! Instead of resolving issues by our own flesh, I see the mighty work God does in both of us and I feel and recognize Him allowing me the honor of serving Him and allowing Him to strip “Terri” away and transform me into the wife and mother He created me to be. Ephesians 4:22-24 says, “to put off your former way of life, your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be renewed in the spirit of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Even if you and your spouse both have a developing or strong walk with the Lord, each of you is only human. The following steps are good prompts for every married couple to purposely practice. 1. Mature your personal walk with Jesus – Hebrews 5:13 says, “For everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child.” Growing in the knowledge and understanding of the Lord, relying on Him to carry loads, and trusting that He is good and present takes a lifetime to fully mature. The closer we get to Jesus, we realize how far away we really are. Intentionally make a goal to grow in depth and maturity through Jesus moment by moment or you will realize you are moving away from your true source of light and strength. 2. Pray – Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, “Rejoice at all times. Pray without ceasing. Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” God can perform miracles we never even dreamed of. What He transforms is always far better than we could imagine it to be. Never give up praying for others, even those who persecute you. Also remember to pray for yourself. I treasure not only praying for others over the years, but remembering that I need many prayers, too. Good works have been completed in me and I know there are far more to come. If you don’t know how to pray for yourself or others, start with God’s word. He will always honor you praying His word to Him and seeking to become more like His image. Prayer humbles and remodels us. It pleases the Father and the Son. 3. Let Christ be seen and known through His transformation in you – Ephesians 5:1-2 says, “Be imitators of God, therefore, as beloved children, and walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant sacrificial offering to God.” Our words can have a strong impact on others, however, a life lived in ways that prove that the Holy Spirit is alive and working speaks much louder than we can. 4. Make your spouse your priority (after Jesus) – Ephesians 4:2 says, “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” Romans 12:9-10 says, “Love must be sincere. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another.” The Lord should always be placed first in our life and we should always be improving ways to mature our walk with Him. However, in God’s eyes, our spouse is one flesh with us. We must place our spouse directly beneath God. Make time for God. Make time for your spouse. Mark 10:7-8 says, “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one flesh.” 5. Allow your children to know Jesus – Psalm 127:3 says, “Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.” Proverbs 22:6 says, “Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.” Deuteronomy 6:5-9 says, “And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as reminders on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorposts of your houses and on your gates.” God commands much from us as parents. He especially desires and commands that we are godly and intentional parents. If your spouse is not a Christian, do not let that stop you from making Jesus known to your children. Our attitude and thankfulness show much about our walk with Jesus. Jesus can be made real in so many different ways each day. Always make sure you tie actions and mindset back to the reason you carry the hope, light, and love you do. 6. Realize your marriage won’t be perfect, even if your spouse finds (or already knows Jesus), but it will be a union blessed by God as you both mature your walk with Jesus and each other - Ephesians 4:1-3 says, “As a prisoner in the Lord, then, I urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received: with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, and with diligence to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 says, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no account of wrongs. Love takes no pleasure in evil, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” Revelation 21:5 says, “And the One seated on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” Then He said, “Write this down, for these words are faithful and true.” As you work to know and make Jesus known in your personal walk, your spouse will see the difference. Although it is your desire that your spouse come to know Christ, it is not your responsibility. God alone does the good work in and through us. Do all you can to know, love, obey, and show the Lord in a strong and growing relationship, while honoring your spouse without removing Jesus from the throne in your heart. Continue to pray and make God known in your actions and attitude. Humbly continue to pray and trust God for results. Father God, You are the Great I Am. You desire good things for all your people. You ordained marriage. You want it to be good. We thank you for the gifts You give us, even the many we never recognize and the ones we cast away. Please help us to see ourselves and see our spouse the way You see us. Help us to love our spouse and ourselves the way You do. We know we are a treasure to You. So is our spouse. May my walk with You draw my spouse to You in deep ways and bless the marriage we share. Help us to walk with humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another in love. May our children and grandchildren know You clearly through their walk with us. We thank You, Good Father for the gift of marriage and the ways You grow us through the union. In the precious name of Jesus I pray. Amen. Thank you for listening to this podcast. Please visit terrihitt.com to access podcast episodes housed in one convenient location, read blog posts, transcripts, and access additional resources designed to mature your walk with Jesus through an eternal perspective and encourage you to raise or influence children to choose Christ over culture. I pray this podcast draws you nearer to God and helps you cling to Him, despite any circumstances in your life. Until next week, keep looking Up while focusing on new ways to Live With Eternal Perspective.

< Back Purposed Parent Connected Child Podcast - Episode 080 - The Power of Using Scripture in Parenting - A Guide for Christian Parents Welcome to the Purposed Parent/Connected Child podcast – Episode 080 – The Power of Using Scripture in Parenting: A Guide for Christian Parents Oh my goodness! I still clearly remember that day I walked out of the local mall with my one year old screaming at the top of her lungs. I forced myself to casually push the stroller instead of running out like I wanted to. The shrillness and volume of her screams combined with the fact that we’re different races, made me concerned someone might think I was kidnapping her. I expected someone to confront me as I made my way out of the mall, and I wondered how I would convince them I was the mother and my girl was usually very happy. I hoped I had pictures of us together in my purse, as at that time I didn’t own a cell phone that held photos. That afternoon we’d been at the mall play area for quite a while. It was past my daughter’s naptime, but she had such fun playing with other children that I let her stray off schedule. When I told her it was time to go and lifted her into the stroller, she did the one thing I hadn’t yet experienced when raising my first two. She began screaming and stiffening her body so I couldn’t easily get her into the stroller. Once I got her in, I thought she’d calm down when I began pushing her away. Instead, the movement made the screaming worse. She didn’t hear me when I tried to soothe and talk to her. Her cries were now a matter of will and exhaustion. It was like ripping a band-aid off. I needed to get out of that mall quickly. Escape was foremost on my mind. As I drove home, her screams continued. I tried talking to her, singing to her, playing music. Nothing I did stopped her cries. I had already tried to soothe her, so I kept driving. About the time we pulled into the driveway, she fell asleep. After a long nap, she awakened to her usual cheery self. I have never looked at mothers of disobedient children in the same way. There’s now a camaraderie. I know that when I see when her child disobey or cause a scene in public I’m just witnessing a portion of the story. I don’t know the child’s background, what has happened in the past, nothing. I just see that there’s another mother who just wishes her child would obey. Are you wondering why I’m sharing this story? The world teaches you to raise children who are well-behaved, good citizens . Our Heavenly Father calls you to parent with a higher objective. God calls you to raise children who love Him and are called according to His purpose. He calls you to raise godly kids, not good kids. It’s true. Parents want kids who obey. No one likes to be the embarrassed mom everyone is staring at because her children are acting up in public. Somehow, society expects children to be perfect, although we know they’re not. Neither are adults, and we know we were never perfect kids. Of course, children must be lovingly trained in the way they should go, but just as adults still make mistakes or bad decisions, our children are learning and growing, and they will, too. Instead of raising children with the goal of teaching them to perfectly obey us , we must parent with the purpose of raising children who obey the Lord . When your children love and trust Jesus, you will receive a beautiful by-product as they love and obey You, as well. First, however, you must be intentional in raising children to obey God and honor Him . Children need parents who understand they are raising imperfect humans sent from God to be raised for His glory . That means you must remember that the discipline you give is to be crafted with the purpose of molding godly character traits and drawing your children to Christ . Remember, the behavior your children exhibit exposes the condition of their heart. So, how do you cultivate the soil of your child’s heart to be ready for the seeds you will sow for Christ? How do you instill behavior that honors God and you? The answer is simple, but takes dedication and consistency. It’s the way you live for Christ and show Him through your words, desires, actions, and reactions. The way you prioritize Jesus and live a lifestyle of humble love and service to Him , instead of just saying you follow Christ. It’s several purposed steps that build a life that honors Jesus . Using godly discipleship and the Bible as your parenting guide as you build and mature a connection with Christ and your child allows you to address behaviors your children express. As you observe their tendencies, actions, words, and desires, you see a glimpse into the condition of their heart. Use this insight to keep you focused on forming behavior and characteristics that are pleasing to God. Guide your children into His arms as you teach them to also recognize ungodly character traits and grow a relationship with Christ to transform behavior. Would you like to know the most powerful tool to influence your child’s behavior? Scripture. God’s powerful, holy Word cultivates godly character. In yourself and your child. I’ll share three powerful truths to remember as you parent with the purpose of cultivating Christlike character traits in your children. 1. Display the qualities you want your child to possess. 2. Don’t ignore character and behaviors that need to be addressed and corrected. 3. Train your child in God’s truths. This allows you to instill characteristics needed to build a godly foundation for future behaviors and decisions. Scripture has power to guide you and transform each of these areas in your life and the lives of your children. While parenting two sets of children over two generations, God has brought my attention to the importance of using Scripture to influence the behavior of my children. The most memorable and impactful ways I have found are: 1. Bible – Read and know God’s Word so you have a strong foundation to build the godly groundwork for your children to build a house of faith and obedience. Self-help books, parenting guides, advice from others, and punishment are weak in comparison to the wisdom God offers in His holy Word. The Bible addresses every concern a parent carries. Studying God’s Word prepares you, your spouse, and your family for a lifestyle of devotion to Him. As your character is transformed, you are better equipped to disciple the behavior of your children. 2. Song – Even if you’re not a singer, singing God’s Word is a memorable way to teach your children Biblical truths from a young age. The power of Scripture and music combined will trigger another method of memorization in the minds of your children. As they get older, music with Scripturally based-lyrics bring truths they will sing and remember. 3. Prayers – Praying Scripture with and for your children is a powerful blessing. Teaching your children to pray Scripture helps them recognize another way to remember and use God’s Word in ways that honor Him and uses His power in ways they will see and remember. 4. Lifestyle – The way you live, the music you listen to, what you read, what you desire, etc., should all reflect what you say you believe about God. Your words, actions, and reactions should mirror the ways God would call you to act. As you use Scripture to form your personal character and beliefs, your child will see God at work within you and know that you live , not just preach a lifestyle devoted to Jesus . 5. Discussions – Don’t neglect using life moments as they arise. Each day brings moments you can capture and utilize for planting godly seeds and nurturing what you have sown. Keep your ears, eyes, and heart open to opportunities. Let your discussions be personal ways to connect with your child or children and allow God to mold you as He works through them. Don’t make the moments preaching sessions, but a sharing of God in natural ways that will shape their heart and relationship with you and their Heavenly Father. I’ve compiled several Scripture verses and passages to show you the power of using God’s Word in your habits, training, and prayers so you can mold His character and beliefs in your children. If you want your children to have wisdom that comes from God, remember Proverbs 3:7 which says, “Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil .” As you train and correct your children, remember you are discipling them. Teach them that human wisdom falls short of God’s wisdom. As they learn God’s truths and remember that His ways are higher than ours and that wisdom as this world teaches it is opposite of God’s, they will learn to detect what is truly wise with your direction. If you want your children to love like Jesus, remember Deuteronomy 6:5 which says, “Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” Teach them to love God first, then others in the ways He loves. If you want your children to live with gratitude that is pleasing to God, remember Psalm 118:24 which says, “This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it .” Teach them that each moment, each day is a blessing from God. No matter the circumstances, they are to trust and keep faith that God is using their daily happenings for His purposes and for their good if they love Him and are called according to His purpose. If you want your children to live with integrity , remember Proverbs 10:9 which says, “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out .” Teach them that God is always present. Humans may not know the things others do in secret, but God does. He knows their thoughts, sees their actions, and loves them. Yet, in all His holiness, God doesn’t want them to stay the way they are. He has a better way for them to live. Then live out integrity in ways they see. Talk about decisions you have made to live with integrity pleasing to God, not to make yourself look good, but to show them how God is your guiding source of light and life. Point out times they have made godly choices. Give them scenarios and help them find answers or solutions that are pleasing to God. If your want your children to live with trust in God, remember 1 Peter 5:7 which says, “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” Teach them how God has carried you, your spouse, and the family. Let them know He cares about every detail. He is a personal and intimate God who wants to take care of their every need. If you want your children to live a life of obedience , remember Ephesians 6:1-3 which says, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother—which is the first commandment with a promise—so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth .” As you train them to love and obey God, they will also love and obey You. As you can see, it is easy to choose Scripture to form character and behavior. As you know and trust God’s Word, you are able to use it as you disciple your child in life and choices. Teach them about these characteristics before situations arise so that godly character is beginning to form inside them before they need to use them. As I share the following verses, remember to look for opportunities to use the verse or teaching behind it in daily life. Communication with God and your children is vital to forming lives pleasing to God. If you want your children to live a life of surrender to God, remember Philippians 4:13 which says, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” If you want your children to live a life of generosity , remember Luke 6:31 which says, “Do to others as you would like them to do to you .” If you want your children to live a life of abundant love , remember Romans 12:10 which says, “Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other .” If you want your children to live a life of forgiveness, knowing they are forgiven and forgiving others, remember Ephesians 4:32 which says, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you .” If you want your children to live a life of contentedness, remember Philippians 4:11 which says, “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances .” Here are more Scriptures and the characteristics they can help you to disciple for your children. Think of characteristics you want your children to carry or qualities you observe they need help with. Forbearance - Proverbs 15:1 says, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Mindset - Ephesians 4:23 says, “Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes .” Kindness - Proverbs 11:17 says, “Those who are kind benefit themselves, but the cruel bring ruin on themselves .” Faithfulness - Proverbs 20:6 says, “Most men will proclaim each his own goodness, But who can find a faithful man?” Humility - Mark 10:44 says, “And whoever wants to be first must be slave of all .” Godliness - Galatians 5:22-23 says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law .” Pure Faith - Matthew 15:8 says, “These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me .” Teachable - Hebrews 12:5-6 says, “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastens everyone He accepts as His son .” Endurance - Hebrews 12:11 says, “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it .” John 15:5-7 says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in Me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you .” As you pray for a life that beautifully mentors Jesus to your children and spouse, and humbly ask God for His mercy and guidance to flow from You as you disciple and raise your children for Him, He will honor your prayers in extraordinary ways that will last for eternity. Remember, the world tells us to raise good kids who obey. God calls for you to raise godly children who obey Him. Your walk matters. Relationship with Jesus and a maturing walk with Him makes a difference. Surrender to the Lord so you will mentor Christ to the children He entrusted to you. Use opportunities to discuss the qualities you desire them to carry, such as fruits of the spirit. Use books, movies, school assignments, life situations, sporting events, and more to capture moments you can impress God’s desires for them and the way to develop these life skills. Show them in the way you use the characteristics. Bring attention to times you have to be long-suffering or forgiving. Read Bible stories highlighting characteristics your child exhibits or needs work in. There are many creative ways to pray for, show, and teach your child how to desire and develop godly qualities that will last for a lifetime. You can bet that in the days after our loud mall exit, we began reading specific verses and stories about listening and obeying parents. We prayed together about honoring mother and father. Even before she grasped the full understanding of what I was teaching, she was receiving a message that rooted in her heart. I also remembered not to exasperate my child and be more aware of not exciting and tiring her beyond what she could endure for her age. As you work with your children under God’s sovereign guidance, expect beautiful and godly results for each of you. Dear Heavenly Father, You entrusted Your children to us for this time. You know we are unable to raise children for You without Your strength and direction. Thank you for Your holy Word, which is a lamp for our feet and a light for our path. Only Your wisdom and love can guide Your children to Your arms. Please lend it to us. We need You so much and humbly bow before You in gratitude and awe. Thank you for depositing the Holy Spirit inside us to lead and love, guide and guard us and our children. Only through You can we become new each moment and show our children the characteristics they need to live a life called by You. Help us to clearly identify the behaviors and traits we must nurture for You and show us the way to mentor You in loving, respectful, and honoring ways. Thank you for entrusting us with sacred responsibility. Help us parent in ways that honor and bless You. In the precious name of Jesus we pray. Amen. Supporting and encouraging mothers to rest in Christ and pursue a holy relationship with Him so they purposely raise set-apart children is the cry of my heart. Godly parenting is rooted in relationship with Christ and the mindset a mother carries. That’s why I’ve created the Set-Apart Collective. Have you decided peers and culture won’t be the main influence over your child? Would you like to parent to prepare your child for eternity with Christ, not to repair a relationship? In the Set-Apart Collective, you will deepen your walk with Christ, learn a Christ-centered Motherhood Mindset Model™, and create a Purposed Parenting Plan™. You will be a purposed mother with an intentional mind and heart set on Christ and your family. The Set-Apart Collective is open now. Please send me an email at info@terrihitt.com to let me know you’d like to receive information or look online at terrihitt.com/setapart. We can also set up a 15 minute call to chat about details. It’s time for believing mothers to be purposed in preparing their children for a lifetime pursuit of Christ. If you connected in some way with this episode, would you please rate and review the podcast on Apple or Spotify? It only takes a minute or so and makes a big difference in people finding the podcast. You and I know that the best reviews are by word of mouth, so would you please choose a friend to recommend the show to? Let them know that the podcast is found at terrihitt.com, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. Imagine the change we will see in the way mothers parent for Christ if they learn to be intentional, too. Remember, if you’re not purposed in knowing Jesus and showing Him to the next generation, the world will likely sway your children away from Christ. I pray that what you hear on this podcast enables you to stop being a good mom and focus on being a godly parent. Until next week, keep looking Up while focusing on new ways to parent with eternal purpose and connection. 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< Back Purposed Parent Connected Child Podcast Episode 078 - Does Upbringing Affect Motherhood: Understanding the Influences of Past Experiences Welcome to the Purposed Parent/Connected Child podcast – Episode 078 – Does Upbringing Affect Motherhood: Understanding the Influence of Past Experiences When you’re a child, you look at the world and the adults in it through eyes of innocence and trust. Children see parents, especially their primary caregiver, which is usually their mother, as someone they trust and love. A mother is usually the first window to the world. Because of her vast experience and devotion, a mother carries great importance and influence over her children. Whether it be affection, character, actions, reactions, words, education, or faith, what the mother believes and lives will adhere to her children and usually become their governing beliefs and convictions. Because I’ve been blessed to parent two sets of children over two generations, I’ve experienced the difference a strong walk with Christ makes when parenting. If you’ve listened to the podcast for long, you probably know I often speak of being a godly mother over a good one. That’s because when I raised my first set of children, I loved Christ, but ignorantly and unknowingly parented more in my strength than I have during the second round of parenting. Deepening my relationship with Jesus has been the strength I’ve used to craft strong ties with my children and God. The Lord has been merciful with me. Through God, Scripture, and the gift of the Holy Spirit residing within me, I have been transformed moment by moment and continue to be. Praise God! When I was a child, I never wanted to grow up and become a mother. I didn’t have a great relationship with mine. We had a dysfunctional home, and my mother loved me, I know. But she had heavy things on her mind and heart and it was hard to break that shell surrounding her. By God’s grace, I did eventually become a mother, and am in awe that He chose me for this holy privilege and blessing. Somehow, God saw fit to bless me with not one, but four of His children. One of the things I always focused on as I raised every one of my children was developing a close relationship with them. How beautiful that God desires strong relationship with each of us. Motherhood allows women the honor to lead children to the Lord and see them mature in Him as they utilize gifts and talents bestowed to them by and for their Heavenly Father. As a child, my gifts and interests weren’t nurtured for God. I knew what I liked to do, but my parents rarely complimented my talents or encouraged my desires, and never in ways that gave glory to God. I’m not faulting them, but they were involved in their own lives and didn’t understand how to do so. When I got married, insecurities came with me to my marriage. Beliefs about how all men must be were finally erased by the difference in my husband. Thankfully, he patiently loved me and showed me that he saw gifts and beauty in me that I couldn’t recognize myself. He led me to follow the dreams God crafted in me when I was formed. It was a gift to build our family with my husband. Together, we looked for the abilities God gave our children and encouraged them to follow those passions. Although I had found Jesus as my Savior after having children, I wasn’t discipled well, and it wasn’t until years later that I looked upon my first parenting journey and saw cracks in the life we built. Although we were a Christian family, many of the things we did came more from the world than what God would call. Movies we watched, books we read, and songs we listened to were part of that, but more importantly, our attitude – what resided in our heart and mind was more of self rather than full dependence on Christ. Our first years of parenting weren’t bad. We were very good parents. But we weren’t focused on being godly parents, as called by God. That is His desire for every family. Believing parents shouldn’t be able to look back on years and say that they were good rather than godly. Of course, we draw closer to godly actions and desires as we draw nearer to Christ, but our daily goal should be to show Him with increasing ability as we live the honor of loving and following Jesus. Did my husband and I love Jesus? Absolutely! However, humbling submitting to Christ moment by moment and yearning to be more like Him day after day, looking at the world through a heart and mind set on seeing it as He did, and placing Scripture and prayer as a leading guide for godliness in your home was not a priority as it is now. We thought we were following Jesus, but the closer I am to Him, the more I see how far away we were. We loved Jesus, but didn’t humbly submit moment by moment as we now strive to do. I wasn’t raised in a Christian home, but came to know Jesus as Savior later. I can look back on all of the mistakes I made in ignorance. Every parent comes from different backgrounds and homes. When you look back on your years as a child, what events shaped you? Were you in a religious family? Or were you in a godly home that prioritized relationship with Christ? Did your family know and humbly follow Jesus? Was your family secretly dysfunctional? There is so much that happens when a person is growing up that forms character and beliefs. Can a child grow up to forge their own way to Christ? Definitely. But wouldn’t you rather build a relationship with Jesus early and form that foundation for your child to do the same? A set-apart woman intentionally deepens her walk with Christ moment by moment. Love propels her through excuses or set-backs. She remembers others may come to, or walk away from Jesus, based on what they see of Him in her. You may have heard me share about the Set-Apart Collective™ on this podcast. Today I want to uncover a little more of what I teach. One of my favorite components of the group is the Motherhood Mindset Model™. This piece of the collective trains your mind, heart, and mouth to react with godly responses. The model was created to be a helpful tool that identifies areas in which you can work to submit to Christ, God’s Word, and invite holy transformation, so you will be increasingly pleasing to God. No matter the past experiences you lived, no matter what hardships you face today, there is freedom and peace in Christ. You can live with joy despite circumstances. Do you realize that your daily actions carry holy importance? Actions stem from what resides in your heart and mind. Your words, activities, and responses expose whether you are a faithful or unfaithful witness of Christ. They will form the ways your child sees God and the importance they may come to place on knowing Christ as Savior. What you lived in the past when you were growing up or even last week can be transformed through Christ. Romans 8:5 says, “Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires .” Do you recognize that each of us need transformation? Are you able to recognize some of the ways you need to be transformed? 2 Corinthians 10:5 says, “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. ” Your thoughts, beliefs, emotions, responses, and behaviors will affect or infect people in your life . Being a wife and mother stretches you. As you grow in Christ these roles expose your heart in ways that you may never have realized without the assignment. God has not placed your children with you for the purpose of becoming their best friend or because He thinks you are worthy of being a parent. He hasn’t given you a spouse because you deserve the relationship. Many reasons play into what God purposes. Although I can’t pretend to know all the reasons God does the things He ordains, I do believe that He places our children under our stewardship because of the divine objective He desires to work through us and in them. God is molding parent and child, as well as families together as He guides and grows and works through you at the same time. Parenting, or relationships for that matter, are not about or strictly for us. God has gifted each of us in the roles to allow participation in an eternal purpose with far greater significance than we can see or imagine. He is entrusting His precious minors in your care so that you will lift them up to Him as you seek His wisdom and guidance. He is using your past, the hard, bad, ugly, and beautiful to help you seek and serve Him as you submit, inviting His redeeming work in you and your family. Psalm 127:1 says, “Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain; unless the Lord protects the city, its watchmen stand guard in vain .” Another important aspect of your walk with Christ and parenting journey is covered in The Set-Apart Collective™. In order to leave the trash of your past, you must first reflect on, strengthen , and respect your holy position to parent for God. That begins with the importance of crafting your identity through Christ. Before you can become a godly spouse or parent, the circumstances of your past must be reconciled with the Truth of your present and your eternity . 1. Where do you find and shape your identity? 2. Where do you find your hope, peace, and joy? 3. How do you define yourself? 4. Where do you find success? 5. Who or what do you rely on? 6. How do you plan to mold the mindset of your children? 7. What is your parenting objective? Without you fully accepting and moving past circumstances of your past and allowing Jesus to craft your present and eternal future, your children most likely will not be able to receive the spiritual foundation they need to flourish. Christ calls for every aspect of your children’s experiences with you and your life together to press them into His arms . 3 John 1:4 says, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth .” Jesus is calling you to be His Truth . As you allow relationship with Jesus to sculpt the pains and mistakes of your past into secure salvation, your children will learn of an eternal future with Jesus. The foundation of your child’s eternity is your responsibility. Deuteronomy 6:5-9 says, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates .” As you release hurts, misunderstandings, trials, pain, and heartache to Jesus as Savior, you will find that God’s wisdom and provisions are enough. Your future is secure in His hands. Your child’s future is secure in His hands when you trust in Him to fill, transform, and guide you in leading them to Him. In the passage we read from Deuteronomy 6, we see that God has given very specific instructions. 1. Know and keep His words as a treasure in your heart. 2. Teach His Words to your children through relationship and mentorship. 3. Discuss the Lord and His ways. 4. Ponder Him and His teachings. 5. Fix your thoughts on Him. 6. Talk to God throughout your day as your Father and your friend. 7. Remember God’s faithfulness and promises and make sure to teach them to your children. 8. Show God to your children and to others through the way you live. In Matthew 22:36 Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment is. He answered with a verse found in Matthew 22:37 and in Deuteronomy 6:5. In Matthew 22:37 , Jesus relays the following words. “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind .” The heart, soul, and mind are representative of an entire person – our heart, brain, and spirit. We are to cherish, know, love, and serve God, to represent and seek Him with all we are. When we do that, we allow Him to naturally flow from us and into others, especially our children. But we must also purposely teach and model God to them. How? By making time to read, know, understand, and respect the Word of God. His words are to be in our heart. We don’t simply read and gain head knowledge without heart acceptance. We seek God, savor His Word, ponder, and reflect His wisdom and guidance as we allow Him to transform us. We purposely reflect the work God is completing within us to our children. We draw attention to the changes God is making within us, giving Him the glory. We also demonstrate the characteristics our changed life has brought. We draw attention to Him in creation, in daily activities, and in the works He completes in our families and lives. Nothing you have been through in the past or are going through now is too far from the power of transformation through God. Nothing you have said or done is too hard for Him to love. But our perfect, sinless God doesn’t want us to stay where we are. He made a way through Christ for us to be reconciled, and healed, forgiven, and transformed. Relationship with Christ isn’t a one-time occurrence where we accept Him as Savior and continue living the way we desire. It is a humble release of self that allows us to see life through an eternal lens with a perspective defined by God. We trust and believe that all things, good, bad, hard, easy, surprising, or unexpected are opportunities to cleave to Him and draw others to Him. As we speak, our words are scripted by Him, our actions formed as we become more like Him moment by moment. He is as much a part of us, flows as naturally from us as taking our next breath. In fact, did you know that in Hebrew the term, “love ” doesn’t only refer to feelings or emotions ? The word, “heart ,” as Jesus uses it, focuses on the intellect , affection , and inclinations or desires of the person. Jesus is commanding us all to cling to God with devotion in every way and at every moment . Jesus is calling us to seek God in everything, to ponder His requirements of us, His sacrifice for us, to live within His guidelines for us, to seek His heart instead of our own, and to model a life for our children that does not strictly follow laws, but the heart of Jesus. We are to lovingly teach our children to desire God through Christ and a pattern of His love and Word represented in our lives. That doesn’t mean following our whims, succumbing to our past experiences, or listening to thoughts that pop up. It doesn’t mean following others because majority rules. It means reading the Word of God and discerning it through the Holy Spirit inside and through prayerful communication with and requests to your Heavenly Father. The culture we live in, our experiences, desires, thoughts, emotions, and feelings are not accurate gauges. Only God alive within us through relationship with Jesus should lead the way you live and influence your children for Him. Your children are not saved by following your authority. They are saved through submitting to His. Your are the bridge they will travel to Him. Don’t remain in your past. Don’t let trials or tragedies shape the future of your child. There is hope and redemption through Christ. He is a Master at relationships. Craft yours with Him so you can help the lives of your children be transformed. Dear Heavenly Father, You are so good to us. Thank you for Your everlasting love and the gift of Jesus. You desire that all our children be taught by You. You give us the tools and the hope we need to bring our children to a saving knowledge of You. Prepare their hearts and our tongues. Examine our motives and desires so that they are pleasing to You. Bring the results You desire. Allow our families to shine for You. Show us the way to change. Help us to know that when we belong to You, our past is forgiven and forgotten. It is washed new. Help us be pleasing to You and help our children to do the same. Show us where we must humbly bow before You in all areas of our life. We need You so much. Thank you for rescuing us. In the precious name of Jesus we pray. Amen. Supporting and encouraging mothers to rest in Christ and pursue a holy relationship with Him so they purposely raise set-apart children is the cry of my heart. I believe godly parenting is rooted in relationship with Christ and the mindset a mother carries. That’s why I’ve created the Set-Apart Collective. Have you decided peers and culture won’t be the main influence over your child? Would you like to parent to prepare your child for eternity with Christ, not to repair a relationship? In the Set-Apart Collective, you will deepen your walk with Christ, learn a Christ-centered Motherhood Mindset Model™, and create a Purposed Parenting Plan™. You will be a purposed mother with an intentional mind and heart set on Christ and your family. The Set-Apart Collective is open now. The next group of women is forming. Please send me an email at info@terrihitt.com to let me know you’d like to receive information. It’s time for believing mothers to be purposed in preparing their children for a lifetime pursuit of Christ. If you connected in some way with this episode, would you please rate and review the podcast on Apple or Spotify? It only takes a minute or so and makes a big difference in people finding the podcast. You and I know that the best reviews are by word of mouth, so would you please choose a friend to recommend the show to? Let them know that the podcast is found at terrihitt.com, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. Imagine the change we will see in the way mothers parent for Christ if they learn to be intentional, too. Remember, if you’re not purposed in knowing Jesus and showing Him to the next generation, the world will likely sway your children away from Christ. I pray that what you hear on this podcast enables you to stop being a good mom and focus on being a godly parent. Until next week, keep looking Up while focusing on new ways to parent with eternal purpose and connection. Previous Next

< Back Purposed Parent/Connected Child Podcast Episode 005 - Battle for Your Child Welcome to the Purposed Parent/Connected Child Podcast Episode #005 – Battle for Your Child Are you yearning for greater connection with your child? Would you like to parent beyond the moment with eternal perspective? Let’s grow together now with practical tips, scripture, and stories geared to draw your heart to Jesus and guide your child into His arms. On the last Purposed Parent/Connected Child podcast episode number 004, we discussed Arming Your Child Spiritually. As I stressed in the episode, we must intentionally mature our walk with Jesus so that He pours from us and fills the heart and mind of our child. Are you aware that there is an unspoken, evil agenda in this world? It’s always been present, but I believe it is more apparent now. Our enemy, the devil roars like a prowling lion seeking whom he can devour. His eyes are on your child . Satan actively engages in battle against your child, and he entices others to desire and make ungodly choices that affect your child and family. 1 Corinthians 16:13 reminds us, “Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. ” We must remember that we are to stand strong in the armor of God , not in our own professed strength. No matter how strong we may be, we are nothing against the enemy, Satan. Thankfully, God didn’t design us to fight our own battles, but to submit to Him along in humble obedience. 1 Peter 5:7 commands, “Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you .” This world is far from what God originally created for us to live in. His perfect world would have no sin or brokenness. Because we live in a fallen world, we are painfully aware of sin and brokenness. God sees our damaged, defective world and the ugly effects we, and our children suffer. It is imperative that we seek the Father to guide and protect those He has entrusted to our care. When we have a maturing relationship with God, we seek what He desires and we will inherit characteristics from Him that shine the image of our Heavenly Father to our children. We begin to exhale the fragrance of our Lord for our children to inhale. They need us to lead them with the guidance and wisdom only God can provide. He is the source of wisdom and strength we need to pass on to the next generation. As I have shared on Live With Eternal Perspective podcast episode number 110, “Armed for Spiritual Warfare,” one way to do that is by wearing the armor of God. To be armed for warfare, we must stand strong, wearing armor as God has specifically prepared it to be utilized. Have you listened to that episode yet? If so, do you remember that almost all of the pieces of God’s armor are used for offense ? When we wear God’s armor in life, and as we raise our children, we must obediently and intentionally cling to the Lord, growing and deepening our relationship with Him moment by moment as we seek His direction and sovereign understanding to raise the individuals He chose to entrust to us. We humbly trust Him to be our protection and strength instead of floundering hopelessly and ignorantly in our own defense. Our children must see us apply God’s clear, strong offense through accepting His protection and allowing Him to be the voice we teach them to hear and follow . Communication is key. We must let our children know of our trust in and reliance on the Lord for every provision, then live out our profession as a witness for them to emulate as they build their own faith. As they see us allow God to go before our trials and tribulations, as we submit to His work, guidance, and protection in our life as He lovingly carries us through each battle, they are more apt to do the same. This is the example we must mentor to our children so that they learn the blessing of an obedient life and grasp the power of God’s protection plan. God’s armor also carries an important weapon for defense . Scripture tells us in Hebrews 4:12 , “The word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires .” God’s holy word allows us the privilege of strong defense against not only the devil, but this world and our own flesh. Nothing carries the power or wisdom of scripture. Absolutely anything that challenges the word of God will fall short and be exposed in light of His truth . Finally, just as Jesus spent time alone with God, despite His extraordinarily demanding schedule, we must seek the face of our Father. We must allow our children to see that we prioritize time with the Father. As we come to know Him intimately through time spent with Him, we recognize His voice. We seek His wisdom and ways and trust His direction, even when we do not understand. Our child sees the difference our time with God makes in our life. There is a definite assault against our children and the only way to rise above it and protect the heart , mind , and soul of our most precious gifts is to live in step with Jesus and teach them to desire and do the same. I believe that one of the best outcomes of Covid is that the ways this world is after the heart of children was exposed more clearly to parents. Many lived in ignorance of the indoctrination in educational institutions prior to school shut-downs. Even the radical library story hours and topics of paranormal, gender-confused, drug and sex filled books for children and teens that line the shelves of libraries and bookstores have come to light during lock-down. We’ve seen how many churches have altered doctrinal truths to suit what they believe crowds want to hear or what they believe will fill the pews. Unless we know God’s truths through carefully reading and understanding the bible, we are easily swayed or fooled. Parents must stay connected to the issues our children face and are being fed by others, many those we thought we could trust. We must be a godly example our children can rely on for truth and wisdom taught by God alone. Your walk with Jesus and the home life you create are the most important influences your child will have . Parenting is hard . You must strive to stay ahead of what influences the world is creating and thrusting upon your child and hold everything up in comparison to God’s words and instructions. Teach your child to do the same . The Bible is the compass of truth and morality, which will never get old or outdated. God’s holy word will never steer you, or your child wrong. Let’s look at 6 areas of attack parents should be aware of and how the Bible clearly guides us in God’s holy and sovereign wisdom . The bible is just as relevant and practical as it was when it was divinely inspired by our Heavenly Father many years ago. 1. Satan – The roaring lion who seeks whom he can devour delights in planting false teachings and ideas into our world and mind. 2 Corinthians 4:4 says, “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God .” Do you want your child blinded by the deception of Satan? Or do you want your child living in the fullness a life submitted to God experiences? They must study and understand God’s word in order to know God and desire to please Him. You are the one God selected to lead the way. 2. Culture/Society – One way Satan deceives is through our fleshly, selfish nature. It didn’t take much for the serpent to confuse Eve or convince her that God said something different than what He truly instructed. The devil knows our patterns and ways of life, he recognizes our pride and ego and knows exactly how to tempt and sway us away from the best that God has for us. Unless we are closely walking with the Lord, seeking His face and purpose or desires for us, the interests we pursue, the way we spend our money, or what we are influenced by are all led by what feels good or what others tell us we should want or do. If we do not know or follow God’s moral codes and instructions, we fall victim to what society tells us is right instead of knowing and following God’s holy truths. James 1:13-15 says, “When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when by his own evil desires he is lured away and enticed. Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” This world is influenced and corrupted by Satan and fleshly desires. Every area of our life from home to schools and institutions, churches, religions, relationships, gender, literature, movies and music, speech, attire, sanctity of life, marriage, parenting, politics…any area that can be touched has been influenced by the wicked lies of the evil one. While God desires goodness, life, and light for us, Satan destroys and deceives. Galatians 5:16-17 says, “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are opposed to each other, so that you do not do what you want.” When we do not know God’s word, we do not have the power and godly direction or protection set within our mind to live according to the principles God has established. Our culture calls for us to form our own truths and morals based on what we have experienced, what others tell us, or what feels good or right in the moment. Following our fleshly instincts will lead to disaster and heartache. Step by step, we are deceived and confused, and led farther from God. This will happen to your child unless you purpose to raise them knowing God’s truth, so they will recognize evil and deceit. Teach your child God’s love for him and study His word together, explaining scripture and weaving God’s truths and morals into everyday living. Use godly morals with daily occurrences and make sure you live up to the standards you are teaching your child to obey. 3. Parental – Because we can easily revert to parenting according to what we have experienced, what others instruct us to do, how we were raised, or what seems to be the easiest, instead of seeking the leading of the Holy Spirit’s guidance and protection for each individual child, our children eventually look to what the world says and teaches to be their guideline of absolute truth. Without a godly moral compass built within them through intimate relationship with Jesus, our child will always lead opposite of the truths God has established because that is the way our world operates. Satan seeks to destroy your child and family. He will utilize enticements that have worked throughout the course of history. Prideful and deceitful, the devil knows his time is short. He seeks to carry as many as possible with him straight into darkness. Our minds are easily influenced by what is easy and appealing, such as trying to be a best friend to our child, or presenting gifts and opportunities we never instead of teaching them of our perfect Creator who cherishes them with an everlasting love that will perfectly fill them. Satan’s influence in this world through those who do not follow God or who meekly sit in ignorance of God or in lukewarm relationships devoid of the knowledge of truth, grooms our children for disaster. Unless we know and humbly seek God’s word for wisdom, insight, and guidance, we fall to the low estimation and expectations of the deceiver, meekly and ignorantly allowing him governance over the mind and life of our child. Deuteronomy 6:6-8 says, “These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as reminders on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.Write them on the doorposts of your houses and on your gates .” Another area where we fail our children is accepting old sayings such as, “they’re just being a teen,” or “they all go through that,” as we look at what society and culture offers our children in light of what God desires for them. Our children can absolutely be raised “set-apart” and do not have to follow the societal limitations allowed through history. God desires so much more for your child. So should you. Philippians 4:6-8 says, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things.” Imagine the godly qualities your Heavenly Father desires for each of your children. Make a list, petition the Lord to add or subtract from it and carry it to Him with prayers that honor Him and allow you to raise the children He has loaned to you for such a time as this. 4. Self-worth – Now that you understand there is a battle for the mind and the soul of your children, what are you going to do? Not only is your child fed lies about what God thinks of them, but also about what He calls for them. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 says, “For though we live in the flesh, we do not wage war according to the flesh. The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the world. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We tear down arguments and every presumption set up against the knowledge of God; and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” Our culture seeks to influence parents and children with lies that we can be and do all that we want, even change the sex God implanted at conception. Instead, we should be convinced of, and teach our children to seek what desires, strengths, talents, and gifts God has crafted into them. Society influences the way we look at our faces, figures, and minds through advertisements, publications, movies, books, and music, twisting truth and implanting lies and impossibilities that tear our children down and instill confusion. The last two years have pitted God’s children against each other, with culture causing problems with about skin tone and superiority. God purposed to make each of us unique and beautiful. In His eyes no one is higher or lower than another. God created the uniqueness of varying skin colors and hair types, just as He made different eye colors, heights, and bone structures. The Creator of the Universe desired variety . In His eyes, we are all beautiful. We are all worthy. 1 Samuel 16:7 says, “But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the Lord does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the Lord sees the heart .” We must teach our children to seek God’s word to learn on how to view others, as well as himself. Our children must know that what they think, what others say, what society or media preaches, or what their friends tell them are simply worldly opinions biased by fleshly desires, failings, sin, and corruption. Only the word of God will truthfully guide them. God created each person purposely with a loving hand, eye, and heart that specifically wanted them uniquely as they are. In fact, God views them as a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. It is our responsibility to guide our children to be exactly what God desires for them and to teach them to seek and want that, as well. 5. Attitude/Speech – Jesus taught that character, which springs from the condition of our heart, matters more than any spiritual act or word we utter. It is vitally important that we conduct our lives in a way that models godly character qualities for our children. When we possess (and teach them to carry) love for Jesus, confidence through who He says we are, generosity, compassion, honesty, integrity, resiliency, and gratitude despite circumstances, our children are mentored in the values that lead to eternal perspective and fullness of life. Psalm 49:13 says, “My mouth will impart wisdom, and the meditation of my heart will bring understanding.” Speech is another area in which we must remember that God created us with two ears and one mouth. We must learn to listen more than we speak and when we use our tongue, use it with the modest and honest submission God calls for us to carry. Our children will likely become what they see and hear. How do you expect your child to be living 5 years from now? James 3:9-12 says, “With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, this should not be! Can both fresh water and saltwater flow from the same spring? My brothers, can a fig tree grow olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.” Ephesians 4:29 says, “Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen .” Psalm 141:3-4 says, “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips. Do not let my heart be drawn to any evil thing or take part in works of wickedness with men who do iniquity; let me not feast on their delicacies .” 6. Calling – One of the deep joys of parenting comes from watching and knowing our child; interests and talents are usually exposed when children are young. How wonderful it is that we are entrusted by God to help our child discover what He calls for them in life. Why did He create them just as He did? What can they do to bring honor and glory to God in their lifetime? Matthew 6:33-34 says, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Today has enough trouble of its own.” It is our responsibility to help our child seek the very heart of God to see where He will lead and guide them in the world. Direct and pray with them. Serve with your child. Be at the feet with your children. 1 Peter 4:10-11 says, “As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another. If anyone speaks, he should speak as one conveying the words of God. If anyone serves, he should serve with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen .” Life is not about us. God doesn’t desire for our children to seek fleshly recognition or fame. Teach your child to find what He is purposed to do in this world to honor God and use the life he has been given for the glory of Jesus, instead of selfish ambition that fades away and leaves him empty. We must know and show God in order for our child to seek Him. One of the most loving acts we can offer our child is to obediently love God so wholly that our child experiences Him fully through our life and they seek Him for themselves because they desire what we are experiencing. Today we have talked about the ways we can battle for and prepare our child to withstand the battles of this world and be equipped by God to lead lives that honor and obey Him. We see that the true way to battle for them is to be equipped by the armor of God and teach them to rely on Him. Remember the offensive piece we discussed earlier? Prayer. On the next episode of Purposed Parent/Connected Child, we will list specific prayers that will enable you to bring your child to the feet of Jesus so you will both be able to stand against the wicked schemes of Satan, flesh, and this world. Dear Heavenly Father, we praise You for all that You are and call us to be. Help us to live in ways that honor and please You. Enable us to mentor our children as You desire. May we so love and obey You that our children cannot help but seek and find You. God, we humbly ask that you protect our children from the evil desires and influences of this world. We pray that You guide us in the ways we need to bring our children to a good and strong knowledge of and love for You. Battle for us. Encourage us in Your ways. We need You Father, and so do our precious children. Thank you for entrusting them to us for this time. May we please You in our decisions for them and guidance of them. In the precious name of Jesus we pray. Amen. Thank you for listening to this episode. The Purposed Parent/Connected Child podcast will soon be available at terrihitt.com, where you can access the episodes housed in one convenient location, receive access to blog posts, read transcripts, and find additional resources designed to mature your walk with Christ and equip you to raise or influence connected children through Him. God knows that we are not capable of successful parenting on our own. As we rely on Him, releasing doubts and expectations, and humbly bow to His guidance and experience, we find greater clarity in parenting and a wondrous walk with our Creator that will extend to our children and those around us for generations . I pray this podcast helps you parent with purpose and deepen your connection to Jesus and your children as you intentionally place Christ above culture or self. Allow Him to work through you for true connection that will draw your children to Him and build a maturing relationship with Christ and your child that lasts for eternity. Previous Next

Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode 051 Interview With Marissa Hitt, Co-Founder, Melane & Co. What an honor this episode is for me! Why? It begins the second season of the Live With Eternal Perspective podcast! My family members have been such strong supporters of my desire to follow God in new ways through Live With Eternal Perspective and have patiently helped in any way needed to bring the podcast to fruition each week. I cannot think of a better person to bring on as a guest this week than one of my biggest encouragers, my daughter, Marissa. I hoe you will be delighted to listen to us share and converse and that our dialogue allows you to see God in new ways and rest in Him. _____INTERVIEW_____ Thank you for listening to this episode. The Live With Eternal Perspective podcast is currently linked to terrihitt.com, where you can access the episodes housed in one convenient location, as well as receive access to blog posts, transcripts, and additional resouces designed to mature your walk with Christ and equip you to raise or influence children with love and purpose through Him. I pray this podcast draws you nearer to Jesus and helps you cling to Him, despite any circumstances in your life. Until next week, keep looking Up and find new ways to Live With Eternal Perspective. www.melaneandco.com instagram.com/marissa_hitt instagram.com/melaneandco facebook.com/melaneandco Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode 051 Interview with Marissa Hitt, Co-Founder, Melane & Co. Listen to Episode Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode 051 Interview With Marissa Hitt, Co-Founder, Melane & Co. What an honor this episode is for me! Why? It begins the second season of the Live With Eternal Perspective podcast! My family members have been such strong supporters of my desire to follow God in new ways through Live With Eternal Perspective and have patiently helped in any way needed to bring the podcast to fruition each week. I cannot think of a better person to bring on as a guest this week than one of my biggest encouragers, my daughter, Marissa. I hoe you will be delighted to listen to us share and converse and that our dialogue allows you to see God in new ways and rest in Him. _____INTERVIEW_____ Thank you for listening to this episode. The Live With Eternal Perspective podcast is currently linked to terrihitt.com, where you can access the episodes housed in one convenient location, as well as receive access to blog posts, transcripts, and additional resouces designed to mature your walk with Christ and equip you to raise or influence children with love and purpose through Him. I pray this podcast draws you nearer to Jesus and helps you cling to Him, despite any circumstances in your life. Until next week, keep looking Up and find new ways to Live With Eternal Perspective. www.melaneandco.com instagram.com/marissa_hitt instagram.com/melaneandco facebook.com/melaneandco You can also find Marissa at https://www.instagram.com/marissa_hitt/ and https://www.instagram.com/melaneandco/ http://www.melaneandco.com

Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #079 – Interview with Rachel-Ruth Lotz Wright Thank you for entrusting and investing your precious time with me to grow in Jesus together. I am blessed to be back with you to discuss more ways to live with eternal perspective. Do you know someone who carries a vivid imagination and possesses the ability to make everyday stories come to life? Perhaps they love Jesus and old testament Bible stories and share them with grace and faith that applies to any situation. They know God’s word and make the Bible come to life with a zeal that makes you want to sit at their feet. Rachel Ruth Lotz Wright simply loves Jesus and the stories God has entrusted to us through the Bible. Conversing with her made me wish I had had the chance to be a little girl listening to her reenact biblical history with her enthusiastic words, growing my knowledge and wisdom with every story. Or maybe become one of the thousands of women who participate in her online Bible classes, (which I’m positive are making more disciples of Jesus through the work God does as she obediently allows Him to work through her). Our conversation together shares the importance of consistently walking with Jesus and submitting to His Lordship as we deepen our relationship with Him. Rachel-Ruth was born into a strong Christian family through the grace of God. What she is doing with her faith is now because she has made the faith of the family her own. As she shares, you learn that her faith is not wimpy, but as she once prayed to the Lord, she relies on Him to continue to stretch and guide her moment by moment. Rachel-Ruth was born and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina, the daughter of Anne Graham Lotz and granddaughter of Billy Graham. Following her graduation from Baylor University in Waco, TX, she married Steven Wright, a high school football coach, and now has three daughters: Bell, Sophia, and Riggin. Rachel-Ruth teaches a weekly women’s Bible study at the University of North Carolina and has shared God’s word at numerous events around the country. She also serves on the Board of Directors for AnGel Ministries, in addition to chairing the weekly prayer team that undergirds her mother’s ministry. Rachel-Ruth’s passion for leading children to Jesus and getting them into God’s word compelled her to lead monthly missions chapels at her children’s school, to teach middle school children at the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Coaches Camp, and helped to inspire her mother’s first children’s book, “Heaven: God’s Promise for Me.” Rachel-Ruth feels called to encourage others to fall in love with Jesus through the teaching of His word. Her love for Him is solid and real. I hope you enjoy our conversation together as we discuss life stories and timeless biblical truths applicable to society today. Because each of us are imperfect beings, we underline the importance of not subjecting others to our opinions, but striving to learn, apply, and teach God’s holy and perfect word, and the instructions and promises He left for us. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. Through Him, we have the ability to live a life filled with the fruits of the spirit and one that fills the deepest longings within us. ------------------------------------------------------------INTERVIEW------------------------------------------------------- Father God, there is none like You. You alone are righteous and holy. Your word promises that if we accept Your words and hide Your commandments within us, that if we incline our ears to Your wisdom, and direct our heart to Your understanding, that if we seek You like silver, we will discover Your knowledge. May we acquire Your wisdom and understanding, Father, that we may live lives pleasing to You. May we live uprightly with the wisdom and knowledge You enter into our heart and minds because we love You and desire You more than gold. Please watch over us and guard our steps. Allow us to lead a blameless life as we walk in Your ways and in sweet fellowship with You. Help us to strengthen our walk with You through knowledge of Your word and time spent with You and multiply our delight at simple moments with You. In Your holy and precious name we pray. Amen. Psalm 119:131 says, “I open my mouth and pant, longing for Your commandments.” May each of us continue deepening our relationship with the Lord intentionally every moment so that Jesus sees us yearn for Him and living His commands, because of our sweet fellowship with Him that draws others nearer to God, as well. This week I pray you find new ways to rest in Him and cause yourself to cling to Him in deeper ways that test your faith and understanding. Allow Him to bring you to a new level of trust and abandonment of self. Please visit terrihitt.com to access additional podcast episodes housed in one convenient location, read blog posts, transcripts, and access additional resources designed to mature your walk with Jesus through an eternal perspective and encourage you to raise or influence children to choose Christ over culture as You rely on God to direct your steps. I pray this podcast draws you nearer to the Lord and helps you cling to Him, despite any circumstances in your life. Until next week, keep looking Up while focusing on new ways to Live With Eternal Perspective. Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode 079 Rachel-Ruth Lotz Wright Interview Listen to Episode Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #079 – Interview with Rachel-Ruth Lotz Wright Thank you for entrusting and investing your precious time with me to grow in Jesus together. I am blessed to be back with you to discuss more ways to live with eternal perspective. Do you know someone who carries a vivid imagination and possesses the ability to make everyday stories come to life? Perhaps they love Jesus and old testament Bible stories and share them with grace and faith that applies to any situation. They know God’s word and make the Bible come to life with a zeal that makes you want to sit at their feet. Rachel Ruth Lotz Wright simply loves Jesus and the stories God has entrusted to us through the Bible. Conversing with her made me wish I had had the chance to be a little girl listening to her reenact biblical history with her enthusiastic words, growing my knowledge and wisdom with every story. Or maybe become one of the thousands of women who participate in her online Bible classes, (which I’m positive are making more disciples of Jesus through the work God does as she obediently allows Him to work through her). Our conversation together shares the importance of consistently walking with Jesus and submitting to His Lordship as we deepen our relationship with Him. Rachel-Ruth was born into a strong Christian family through the grace of God. What she is doing with her faith is now because she has made the faith of the family her own. As she shares, you learn that her faith is not wimpy, but as she once prayed to the Lord, she relies on Him to continue to stretch and guide her moment by moment. Rachel-Ruth was born and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina, the daughter of Anne Graham Lotz and granddaughter of Billy Graham. Following her graduation from Baylor University in Waco, TX, she married Steven Wright, a high school football coach, and now has three daughters: Bell, Sophia, and Riggin. Rachel-Ruth teaches a weekly women’s Bible study at the University of North Carolina and has shared God’s word at numerous events around the country. She also serves on the Board of Directors for AnGel Ministries, in addition to chairing the weekly prayer team that undergirds her mother’s ministry. Rachel-Ruth’s passion for leading children to Jesus and getting them into God’s word compelled her to lead monthly missions chapels at her children’s school, to teach middle school children at the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Coaches Camp, and helped to inspire her mother’s first children’s book, “Heaven: God’s Promise for Me.” Rachel-Ruth feels called to encourage others to fall in love with Jesus through the teaching of His word. Her love for Him is solid and real. I hope you enjoy our conversation together as we discuss life stories and timeless biblical truths applicable to society today. Because each of us are imperfect beings, we underline the importance of not subjecting others to our opinions, but striving to learn, apply, and teach God’s holy and perfect word, and the instructions and promises He left for us. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. Through Him, we have the ability to live a life filled with the fruits of the spirit and one that fills the deepest longings within us. ------------------------------------------------------------INTERVIEW------------------------------------------------------- Father God, there is none like You. You alone are righteous and holy. Your word promises that if we accept Your words and hide Your commandments within us, that if we incline our ears to Your wisdom, and direct our heart to Your understanding, that if we seek You like silver, we will discover Your knowledge. May we acquire Your wisdom and understanding, Father, that we may live lives pleasing to You. May we live uprightly with the wisdom and knowledge You enter into our heart and minds because we love You and desire You more than gold. Please watch over us and guard our steps. Allow us to lead a blameless life as we walk in Your ways and in sweet fellowship with You. Help us to strengthen our walk with You through knowledge of Your word and time spent with You and multiply our delight at simple moments with You. In Your holy and precious name we pray. Amen. Psalm 119:131 says, “I open my mouth and pant, longing for Your commandments.” May each of us continue deepening our relationship with the Lord intentionally every moment so that Jesus sees us yearn for Him and living His commands, because of our sweet fellowship with Him that draws others nearer to God, as well. This week I pray you find new ways to rest in Him and cause yourself to cling to Him in deeper ways that test your faith and understanding. Allow Him to bring you to a new level of trust and abandonment of self. Please visit terrihitt.com to access additional podcast episodes housed in one convenient location, read blog posts, transcripts, and access additional resources designed to mature your walk with Jesus through an eternal perspective and encourage you to raise or influence children to choose Christ over culture as You rely on God to direct your steps. I pray this podcast draws you nearer to the Lord and helps you cling to Him, despite any circumstances in your life. Until next week, keep looking Up while focusing on new ways to Live With Eternal Perspective. http://@rachelruthlotzwright | https://www.facebook.com/RachelRuthLW | https://www.annegrahamlotz.org/about-rachel-ruth-lotz-wright/

< Back Purposed Parent Connected Child Podcast Episode 012 - Values in a World of Immorality Welcome to the Purposed Parent/Connected Child Podcast Episode #012 – Values in a World of Immorality Are you yearning for greater connection with your child? Would you like to parent beyond the moment with eternal perspective? Let’s grow together now with practical tips, scripture, and stories geared to draw your heart to Jesus and guide your child into His arms. On the last “Purposed Parent/Connected Child” podcast episode we discussed “Roots of Wisdom.” We read from one of the best sources of wisdom in the Bible, Proverbs. Today I’d like to share about another type of wisdom in our life – morality constructed on the foundation of godly wisdom. What is the best definition of wisdom? If we turn to the dictionary, we see the definition the world gives: the ability to discern or judge what is true, right, or lasting . It is also described as common sense and good judgement . Yet, we have to stop and ponder who defines what is good or can label something as common sense. Let’s turn from our human-written dictionary and refer to the Bible to see what 1 Corinthians 3:18-21a says, “Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become “fools” so that you may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness” and again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.” So then, no more boasting about human leaders!” In order to build and maintain godly values in this world of immorality, we must stand firmly on God’s truths. James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” God offers wisdom to any who seek it from Him. Our Heavenly Father desires that we receive His wisdom and use it for His glory, as well as the good of others . It’s so easy to rely on what we believe is good or true. Growing up, I always considered myself mature for my age, yet I remember mistakes made because I followed self and what felt right, rather than allowing God to penetrate every decision or choice I made. We each desperately need the Holy Spirit within us to guide and transform us daily; we need God’s truths and guidelines to firmly direct and protect us. As believers, we understand through God’s word that a human’s definition of righteous will never reach the height of God’s holiness . Man’s law is in direct opposition to God’s law; desires of our flesh and the righteousness of God will never align with our sinless Heavenly Father. God is so high above us, yet through His holy, personal love for us, He established a way to experience Him intimately, a way that allows Him to fill and transform us more into His image. This is not a likeness that lifts us to become like God, but one that peels away the layers of our selfish, sinful hearts, and presents us with a foundation of holiness only available through Jesus, one that penetrates what feels good or seems to be right in our mind. One that allows us His wisdom, the true source of knowledge and discernment. 1 Corinthians 2:1-16 , says, “And so it was with me, brothers and sisters. When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power. We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. No, we declare God’s wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived” — the things God has prepared for those who love Him—these are the things God has revealed to us by His Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us. This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words. The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit. The person with the Spirit makes judgments about all things, but such a person is not subject to merely human judgments, for, “Who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ .” In this world we live in, people try to preach that truth is relative, that we each carry personal truths. Nowadays, it’s common to hear people say that we should all get along and yet, if someone doesn’t agree with what they say or believe, somehow their stated belief that we can each have our personal truths goes out the window and they angrily attack the ones who disagree. In my lifetime I’ve witnessed generations of people who disagreed, but agreed to do so without conflict, respecting each person’s right to freedom of choice or belief, but now, the opposite is often true. People attack and accuse while also proclaiming about getting along and accepting everyone. The truth is that those who act this way only want to get along with those who agree with them and offer no challenge to what they profess. Why? Because they don’t understand that truth is not relative. What is the only way for us to know truth? Attunement with God and a close, maturing relationship with Him that searches and studies the scriptures and invests in prayer. We are living in a time of rapid moral decline. Although many proclaim that truth is relative, strong believers know that God’s truth is truly the only moral compass. How do we live by and teach our children or grandchildren godly values in a world filled with immorality and confusion? Beginning in preschool, children are bombarded by lies shared in direct opposition to the truths of God. The days of enjoying Saturday morning cartoons on television like I did as a child are long gone. Most programming, as well as books, music, toys, and educational institutions, even the local library are filled with what I will simply call trash . Indoctrination camps are what I call learning institutions today and I believe that most parents are finally waking up to the lies and the evilness our precious children are actively being subjected to. 1 Corinthians 15:33 says, “Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” Everything our children are exposed to will shape their mindset, beliefs, and actions. Parents cannot wait to teach the godly values and faith God desires that we mentor to our children. We must begin from the earliest time we have with them. As our walk with Christ is purposely strengthened daily, our desire to inhale Jesus and exhale a holy walk with Him becomes evident in all we do. Our children will accept and build from the relationship they see us build and carry with Christ, but we have to be purposed . Those out to steal and destroy the innocence in your child and fill their minds with wisdom of this world are intentional with each step they take. As I always say, the first step in teaching our children the good news about Christ and helping them to form a personal walk with Jesus is by establishing a strong walk with Him ourselves. Once we have that intimate connection with Christ, and we are purposely maturing it moment by moment, we have the foundation and the desire to ensure that our children have the opportunity to do the same. Once our children have built their worth and shaped their world views through Christ, they understand that truth is not relative . Beyond what we have already discussed in past episodes, (most importantly, that your walk with Jesus be personal and maturing) how do parents help their children build a strong relationship with Jesus, and not only recognize , but live by His truths? What do we teach them to look out for? How do we help them to live in this world without following everything the world professes as good and right? Our generation of Christian parents must face hard, confusing topics with their kids early. Children are learning subjects such as relative truth, racism, abortion, sexuality, identity, and love viewed through the opinions of the world , instead of on what God’s word teaches. Each of these subjects will play a part in whether your family is built up with an ungodly or godly foundation. In other words, a foundation that crumbles or one that stands. God’s word is the only truth that should be taught throughout the life of your child. Because of what our educational institutions have and are teaching our children, because of the negligence of the church, because of parental confusion or ignorance, moral relativism has a grasp on our culture and thus, our children. Moral relativism, or the belief that morals are not based on an absolute standard, is destroying family, spiritual relationships, education, the church, our legal system, and our country. Once belief in God, or the absolute truths He teaches are shaken, and truth is considered relative, we live with the devastating assumption that there must be no authority. If no authority is present, society has no moral compass to establish right from wrong; we (and our children) are left with worldly wisdom and morals to lead us. Isaiah 5:20-21 says, “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness; who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight!” What 6 steps must we follow to ensure we teach our children God’s truths? 1. Read God’s word . Read your Bible in your private time and read the Bible with your children. Help your children to establish times to read the Bible themselves, as well. If your child is too young to read, let them see you read your Bible so that the importance of God’s word is mentored to them and they can mirror the habit. Invest in a good study Bible for older children and keep investing in new editions as they grow. When your child is young, read story Bibles and act out, draw, or sing the adventures together. Let them know how important you consider God’s word to be and begin telling them from infancy that God’s word is truth and light for our lives. 2 Timothy 3:16 says, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” 2. Discuss scripture and fold God’s word into daily life. Don’t wait to teach about topics at a certain time. Weaving God’s truths into the daily life and routine of your child sets the foundation for beliefs that stick. 2 Timothy 2:15 says, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” 3. Teach your children to understand what culture is. Help them see the fallen values and norms a society accepts without the wisdom of God to direct them. Society is the resulting behavior of the people’s beliefs, as we see in our world today. Discuss current events and compare events, culture, and society in light of God’s word in age appropriate ways. Proverbs 12:1 says, “Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid.” 4. Pray scripture in your prayers alone and with your children. Pray for your children in accordance with God’s desires daily. Cover your family and your guidance to your children in prayer. Help your children incorporate prayer into their personal time. John 14:15 says, “If you love me, keep my commands .” 5. Surround yourself and your family with godly influences – personally, in music, literature, shows, movies, lessons, friends, etc. We must live the lifestyle God has chosen for us and show that we honor and believe Him in the way we live. Proverbs 14:12 says, “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.” 6. Know the Bible well and discuss it with your children often. Much of the degradation of society comes from not knowing the word of God or practicing it. Proverbs 10:9 says, “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.” We can only walk in integrity when we step in the paths God has directed for us to follow . Why is it so important to know God’s word? When we are familiar with God’s word, we are blessed with the ability to recognize falsehoods and twisting of His holy truths. The Bible lays a clear groundwork for our walk with God. If we listen and obey, we find how to construct the foundation for a life of peace, joy, and fellowship with Him and others and we learn important basic life lessons that are meant to form the foundation for everything we believe and do as individuals and as a society . Through the Bible God establishes facts that prove His truths and warn against about destructive beliefs. Our society has been constructed on sand that is eroding beneath poorly laid foundations and our children and future generations will pay the price. Although society tries to make us believe that we are able to do what feels good, or what we desire instead of following the commandments of God, the following verses prove what God truly calls for us. Let’s look at 10 ways our culture is deceiving our children and what God’s wisdom says. As I read each point, listen prayerfully and ask the Holy Spirit to lead and guide you in directing your children or grandchildren in His truth and light. So many people want to be loving, so they accept what society does without mentioning God’s truths. We can love without condemning, as God gives each of us free will and the ability to choose how we want to live. It is not our place to judge another person, however, we also have the responsibility to know, practice, and teach God’s truths and commandments to our children and to live in ways that honor God. 1. God’s Sovereignty - God created the heavens and the earth, and all things in them. In Hebrew, the word created is associated only with God – and the word speaks of something that only our holy, sovereign Heavenly Father can do – establish something out of nothing. In Genesis we see that God, the Father, Jesus, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, co-existing in the Trinity, was present before time began. He is our true Creator. Genesis 1, 2 2. Sin - Sin created separation between God and man. Before the fall when Adam and Eve had not yet disobeyed and sinned against God, they walked and talked with our Heavenly Father. Their minds were not clouded by lies and confusion. Adam and Eve were alive physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. After they chose to follow the evil lies of the serpent and went against God’s commands, sin entered the world and intimacy with God was broken. Instead of living in the fullness of life with their Creator, they hid from Him and the whole world was covered in sin. Genesis 3:4-7 3. Salvation - God is sovereign; He already knew what would happen with His creation and already had a beautiful plan for eternal life through Jesus in place for us. Genesis 3:15 4. Racism – Those who focus on skin color to identify race miss the point that God created and sees each of us as members of one human race . Each person is uniquely planned, formed, and made as His beautiful creation with purpose and love. Acts 17:26, Genesis 1:26-28, Genesis 11:1-9 5. Sexuality and Identity – God created male and female, the only two sexes that are to be identified and accepted, per our Heavenly Father, the Creator of sexuality and identity. No matter what surgeries or medication might be completed, a body will never fully become another sex. Genesis 1:27 6. Marriage - God created one man and one woman to come together through a spiritual, physical, emotional, mental, legal, loving bond, and union. This basic, simple truth is the foundation for what our beliefs about same sex marriage should be. Genesis 2:23-25 7. Abortion – Each life is precious to God, who planned and formed every single person, unborn or born. No matter the circumstances under which a person came to be formed in the womb, they are known and loved by our Heavenly Father. Psalm 22:10, Psalm 49:15, Psalm 139:13-16 8. Love – Even in relationships that are not united in holy matrimony, such as dating, God ordained opposite, not same sex relationships. Genesis 2:24, Ephesians 5:25 9. Truth – Despite what society tries to push, truth is not relative. Without a strong moral compass following God’s truth, humans divert to selfishness, ambition, pride, deceit, idolatry, and wickedness. John 1:14, John 8:32, John 14:6, John 17:17, 1 John 1:6, Psalm 51:6, Psalm 119:142, Hebrews 4:12-13 10. Deceit – Satan is the father of lies. There is no truth in him. Anything that is in opposition to God’s word will harm us. Our loving Heavenly Father wants to protect and prosper us, if only we listen and obey. He will fill the true desires of your heart that He placed inside you when you were formed in the secret place. Beware of living apart from God’s commands. Live inside His desires and find true peace, life, joy, and love. So many people are being harmed by the morals and values our society has confused. John 10:10 It is up to each believer to spread the gospel and live a life that is in step with our Heavenly Father so that we reflect Him in the proper ways. Sinfulness, and disobedience have not made the beauty of Jesus evident or attractive to those who do not know Him. It won’t make Jesus known to our children, either. I also believe that it is up to each of us to know and follow the will of God without condemning those who do not. I have nothing against those who chose to live a different lifestyle. I can still love them with a holy love from God, even if they do not believe or accept it because I may not agree with their choices based on what God’s word teaches. However, each of us (including me) have made many mistakes in our lifetime and have sinned more times than we can measure. Because some may live what God considers sin out in the open for all to see does not make them less loved. We all fall short of what God calls for us. Please know if you are listening to this podcast episode and hearing something you are doing being identified as sin or you have lived some of the topics I mentioned, I am not judging you. You are loved. There is healing in and through Jesus when and if you desire. If you find your identity in Him and truly realize how much He treasures you and that there is forgiveness found through Him, He can totally transform your life. If you need information about living fullness of life through Him, please let me know. I would be happy to answer any questions you may have and help you find freedom through Christ. Listeners, remember to read and study the word of God. Each of us will grow more like the image of God and honor Him more and more clearly as we learn and obey what our Heavenly Father commands. Hebrews 4:12-13 says, “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” Dear Gracious and Loving Heavenly Father, You are so good. Thank you for Your patient, unending love. Even when we turn from You and follow our own ways, You are present, waiting for us to repent and turn to You. Thank you for giving us free will and loving us despite what we choose, yet still holding us accountable as You must. Father, prepare our heart and mind, help us to be sober-minded, as You call. Equip us to be obedient to You and help us to not conform to the passions of our own ignorance. Help us to be holy, as You are holy. May our love for You and our knowledge of You be so great and unyielding that we keep Your commandments with pleasure and never consider You to be a burden. Help us not to satisfy the desires of our heart, but Yours instead, dear Father. Help our bodies to be living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to You, despite what this world teaches or allows. May we seek to be transformed by Your renewal of our mind and carry the ability and desire to test and approve Your good, pleasing, perfect will and teach the values to our children that You desire. Carve out the immorality from this world and replace it with Your truths and morals, for we need You so much more than we realize. In the precious name of Jesus we pray. Amen. Thank you for listening to this podcast. If you would like to hear more about the condition of our heart, the root of all issues, please listen to the Live With Eternal Perspective podcast episode 001, Heart Conditions or episode 046, Maturing Character Like Christ. If you pray for your child, please look for my free ebook, “Prayers for My Child,” available on the website under the “Resources” page and is designed to guide the heart of your child to the feet of Jesus through scripturally-based prayer. The Purposed Parent/Connected Child podcast is now available at terrihitt.com, where you can access the episodes housed in one convenient location, receive access to blog posts, read transcripts, and find additional resources designed to mature your walk with Christ and equip you to raise or influence connected children through Him. God knows that we are not capable of successful parenting on our own. As we rely on Him, releasing doubts and expectations, and humbly bow to His guidance and experience, we find greater clarity in parenting and a wondrous walk with our Creator that will extend to our children and those around us for generations . I pray this podcast helps you parent with purpose and deepen your connection to Jesus and your children as you intentionally place Christ above culture or self. Allow Him to work through you for true connection that will draw your children to Him and build a maturing relationship with Christ and your child that lasts for eternity. Previous Next