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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.

Do you wish you could parent with certainty that you're doing enough to build strong connection to Christ and your child? Maybe you need clarity on a parenting issue. I can help you identify your goals, then prayerfully and purposely guide you to get there. MENTORSHIP Purposed Christian Mother Mentorship After we work together you'll... Know how to raise kids to chase Christ over culture Build connection with your children so they value your opinion over peers Teach your kids to form identity through Christ because yours is secure through Him Equip your children to combat cultural lies with God's Truths Parent to prepare , not repair, connection with you and Christ Parent with eternal perspective Stop being a good mom and become a godly one ...if you commit , do the work , and seek Him first. Got questions? Let's Chat! Raise kids to walk in biblical truth. Teach your children to form identity through Christ and combat lies with God's truth. Are you yearning to raise kids to walk in Biblical truth? Do you want your children to form identity through Christ and combat cultural lies with His truths? You're not alone. TELL ME MORE! Connect with a Complimentary Strategy Call Have you decided that peers or culture won't be the main influence over your children? Do you need assurance that you're doing enough to build strong connection with Christ and your child? Maybe you need biblical clarity or godly guidance on an identity or mindset issue. I can help you set your goals, then prayerfully and purposely guide you to reach them.

< Back Purposed Parent Connected Child Podcast Episode 131 - How to Teach Children to Find Security through Scripture Welcome to the Purposed Parent/Connected Child podcast – Episode 131 – How to Teach Children to Find Security through Scripture 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 important episode with questions Christian parents need to consider…do your kids know how to rely on Scripture? Do you know how to train them to do so? Last week my youngest daughter went to a local children’s hospital for an appointment with an ear, nose, and throat doctor. This was a new ENT to her; the one who performed her ear reconstructive surgery a few years ago no longer practices at this hospital. If you’ve listened to this podcast for a while you probably already know a little history on my daughter. If you’re new here, I’ll share that she came to us at the age of nine years old. She had been severely neglected and had many serious health concerns. The infections raging in her ears had been there for most of her life, and we had to send samples to the Mayo Clinic to find out what resided in her ears and what antibiotic would be best to treat and resolve the infection. Because she was born with smaller inner ear bones and nerves, that infection resulting from a urine bacteria harbored in her ears from the time she was an infant. Because of that, my girl is deaf in one ear and almost deaf in the other. Her “good” ear was losing what sound she had and we needed a doctor visit to test her hearing and see what was going on with her ear. After some advocating at this local hospital, they got her in, and my youngest was glad to be able to find out what was going on, but not happy to have to revisit the ear situation. To add a little about why - when she was newly home with us she’d had to undergo an ear cleaning procedure that was loud and scary for her. The thought of doing that again was on the forefront of her mind. She’d had to do it again a couple of years later, and the experience was very frightening. As things turned out, I became sick with reactivated mono and unable to get out of the house to go to the appointment. My wonderful husband was glad to take her to the visit, but I was unsure how our youngest would react when the person who usually went was unable to attend. My prayers were fervent for her to be safe, not scared, and to fully rely on God. I prayed with her, on my own, and with the family for her and for this area in little bits over the weeks preceding the visit. I wanted to balance just enough attention without scaring her or drawing attention to the visit and making her nervous. On the day of the visit, a big thunderstorm rolled through the area. Just as the doctor came in to see our girl, tornado sirens blared and my husband and daughter, along with everyone at the hospital, had to retreat to a stairwell deemed safe to weather the storm. Staying in contact with them during the storm via text helped me continue to pray for her and the situation. After about forty-five minutes of remaining in that shelter, they were able to return to the examination room and see the doctor. This doctor was gentle and knowledgeable and listened to our girl. Hearing of her experiences with two former cleanings, she used a gentler approach and was able to clean her ears without trouble or provoking fear. Because her ears were very inflamed, my daughter will return this week for her hearing test after using antibiotic drops in the interim. God, in His infinite wisdom and sovereignty used that time in the shelter area as a refuge of prayer for our youngest. Brooklyn told me that evening that she had kept repeating Scripture while waiting. She mentioned three that spoke to her heart and she said during that time in the stairway and while in the procedure room she let God’s Words flow over her heart and mind, keeping her in perfect peace. As a believing mom who loves Jesus, I’m sure I’m a lot like you. While we treasure that bonding and attachment with our children, our highest goal should not be to draw them to us – but to Him. As I’ve parented my second set of children it has been with a deep desire to point them to the Father for every need. My goal has been to foster a close relationship with them and be able to share my love for Jesus and dependance on our Heavenly Father to be an example for them. When she was able to fully rely on God to help her through the situation, I was so thankful I wasn’t there. I was thankful I had to stay home. I was thankful her faith was maturing and she could see that this was an obstacle (like many others she’d have in life) that could be used to thrust her into the arms of the One who could care for her in every way she needed. This is our ultimate goal as Christian mothers. I had to share this single example to encourage you as you continue in your role - sometimes feeling inept, unseen, unheard, or overwhelmed. But God sees! He hears your cries, your praises, and He waits for you to jump into His arms and rest and abide there…then teach your children to do the same. Because of my daughter’s recent experience, I want to use this podcast to tie into a former episode on Scripture. In case you don’t know, guess what?! I’m in the process of editing my book, “The Good Mom Trap: Break the Belief that Good Parenting Produces Godly Kids” – and I’m on a very tight deadline to get it completed. Having mono for such a long period has thrown me behind on the editing process, but God is in control and I can’t wait to see and share how He uses all of this for His glorious purposes and timing. Over the next few weeks I will be repurposing content from previous episodes and perhaps broadcasting some new ones because I long for you to continue being nurtured and growing in Him. This episode is one of the most important reminders about teaching kids to rely on Scripture that I can give you. Mothers, we must be in the Word in order to teach our children to rely on it. To rely on Him. I pray you find something insightful or helpful in this episode that will equip you to reside in His arms and remain in His Word. It’s your most effective tool to becoming that godly woman and mother He is entrusting you to become. Let me ask…Before you became a parent did you realize the depth of skills you’d need? As a mother, you’re most likely the encourager, the equipper, the peacemaker, the comforter, the chef, and the maid. Keeping the home tidy and well-managed, the children growing and thriving, and your life with your husband flourishing can be challenging. But when those thoughts of inadequacy or overwhelm hit, do you stop to assess why you’re experiencing those feelings? Most often, it’s because you’re relying on self. Moms often try to be perfect, manage it all, and take care of everyone around us. Instead, we must be resting in the Father’s arms and seeking His approval and direction above all else. When you put Him first, He truly does make the rest of your day flow more smoothly. He fills you with His peace and His strength to face the challenges and erase overwhelm as you learn to depend on the Holy Spirit within you moment by moment. Then you have the tools you need to lovingly teach your children to do the same. Once you’ve pursued relationship with Jesus through the gift of salvation, you learn the character of God through Scripture. Without your humble submission to the Lord and continued growth through His Word, your personal and family life simply cannot thrive. As believers, we long for our children to know Jesus and follow Him into eternity one day. But the truth is that if you’re not personally mentoring a love for Him that keeps you in the Bible, studying and growing with loving intention, your child isn’t going to see the need. Life only gets busier once you have children! You already think you’re busy, then suddenly you find time to do what needs to be completed to enable you to give the best care to your precious child. What about time with your precious Father in Heaven? Somehow, the most important relationship you can have gets relegated to the back of your mind and heart. Eventually, unless you are intentional, you stop hearing and responding to the Holy Spirit inside. Life gets heavier, messier, and you wonder why you no longer feel peace, joy, or a longing for the Lord. Is this the life you want your children to witness? Is this the life you want them to emulate? Of course not. Believing moms understand this isn’t the life they want for their children. They just struggle to find the time to do all the things. The first step is realizing that you’re really the first Jesus your children see. You must make time for what God calls most important. When you strive to follow Him, prayerfully and humbly request that He show you what He desires for your life, and then show you how to make time to do as He desires, He will. If you believe God could part the sea for Israelites to cross, do you believe He can guide you to find time for Him? God’s Word tells us that when we seek Him we will find Him. Once you realize that you have His power to find time to be in the Word and inhale Christ so you effortlessly exhale Him, you must continue to seek the Father in His Word. So, what is the best way to train your child to rely on Scripture? Ensure that you are reliant on God’s Word. First, let’s look at Bible verses that equip how you shape desire for and reliance on Scripture and mentor that to your children. Philippians 4:9 says, “What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you .” 1 Corinthians 11:1 says, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ .” Titus 2:7-8 says, “Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us .” Matthew 19:14 says, “But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven .” The book of Proverbs teaches that godly wisdom is critical for creating and maintaining a life pleasing to God. As you lay a foundation of faith for your children to stand on to construct their own relationship with Jesus, you’ll build the rails that also guard and guide them. These rails line the pathway that leads them to Scripture. Without this strong foundation to hold the personal house of faith they will build, your children won’t carry godly insight, wisdom, or judgement that instills and directs this path to navigate life with integrity and insight from God. As you raise your young ones to know, love, honor, and obey God and direct them toward a personal relationship with Jesus, craft prayers to be lifted to God in your personal time with Him and also speak prayers you offer with your children. Lifting prayers in the presence of your children teaches them how to prioritize relationship with God and how to approach Him with reverence, honor and relationship. Let them see and hear you rely on God’s Word through each day. Make it as natural as breathing…as walking…as speaking. As the Holy Spirit resides within you, invite Him to be evident through you. Whether your children are older, and you’re just now teaching them to rely on God or you’ve been modeling relationship that leads to Jesus over the years, using Scripture naturally, not forcefully, will deepen their hope and trust while leading them closer to our Heavenly Father as you remain committed and consistent. Ask God to direct you to verses that will reach and teach the heart of your children while continuing to deepen your walk with Him in ways that transform your desires, actions, and reactions for your children to witness His life-changing power. The closer you move to God, the more your parenting desires will reflect His will. Start with Scripture that is easy for your children to understand and that will build the basics of a lifelong trust in, and relationship with God, through Jesus. As you pray these prayers consistently with your children, you’ll find that the truth resting in the verses you use will also flow into conversations and guide the lifestyle you establish in your home. My daughter remembered Psalm 23:1-4 in the doctor’s office, in the KJV which says, “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me .” Each time she felt that fear may arise, she kept reciting the verse in her mind and praying, trusting in her Heavenly Father. This is our Father’s desire for His children – the ones He entrusted to you and me. Are you preparing your children each moment to rely on Scripture? Also, as so many children struggle with anxiety, and they often face fears such as this doctor visit, plus so many other things in life, I’ll list a few Scriptures that offer hope and reassurance to those who’ve been trained to seek Him and His Word. Proverbs 3:1 says, “My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep My commandments. ” Philippians 4:6 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God .” 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 .” 1 Peter 5:7 says, “Casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you .” Remember, Matthew 19:14 says, “But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven .” Can you see how reassuring it is to know God through His Word and to find Scripture that comforts, reassures, and offers hope and guidance? I urge you to seek Him through the Bible today for yourself and future generations of your family. Scripture is God’s gift, and a powerful tool to keep your heart and the heart of your family in alignment with God. A tool that leads to intimately know Him, His character, and His will. Through Scripture your children will understand how to build critical thinking skills that match the Father’s heart and mind. Scripture offers protection and guidance in a world of confusion. As you continue to teach and instruct from God’s Word, your desires and actions are transformed into the image of Christ that will attract your children as you become a godlier woman and parent. This equips your child to use Scripture as easily as breathing - to learn, to craft prayers, and to use His Word in their life – through trials and on the smoothest of days. Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for instructing me through Your Word so that I can lovingly mentor my children in Your ways. You say that I should not hinder the little children from coming to You. Show me the way to bring them to You. Help me show Your heart and truths in ways that are lasting in their life. Please keep me in alignment with Your will and ways in all things so my family will also draw near to You. May my children choose to serve You all the days of their life and long to be pleasing in Your sight. Help them remember all of Scripture is breathed by You and will train, correct, and equip them for every good work. May they treasure Your Word and hold it dear in their heart. May they always delight in delighting You. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen. If you have questions after this episode, please reach out to me at info@terrihitt.com . I’m happy to help you give the gift of Scripture to your children. I also have a resource that you’ll find helpful as you navigate your daily routine as a mom. If you’re ready to become the godly mother God entrusts you to be for Him and His children, you’ll love my free “Good to Godly: A 31-Day Scripture and Prayer Guide for Moms.” Visit terrihitt.com to receive this resource. If you’re ready to be more intentional - to be purposed in preparing your children for a lifetime pursuit of Christ, contact me at info@terrihitt.com . I think you’ll be interested in my Set-Apart summer renewal for $197. Time is short. Make yours matter for eternity. 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

< Back Purposed Parent Connected Child Podcast - Episode 063 - Stop Raising Typical Teens Welcome to the Purposed Parent/Connected Child podcast – Episode 63 – Stop Raising Typical Teens Raising a teen in today’s society could easily make your home feel like a battleground. And it is. There is nothing more that Satan would like to do than tear apart a home, especially a Christian one. Pre-teen and teen years can be stressful, argumentative, confusing, and disappointing. You may get lots of eye rolls, irritability, lies, and mood swings (these from yourself and/or your child). But I want to reassure you that your home doesn’t have to be destroyed by the devil or dictated by the latest fads, friends, or foes. There is a better way, a way full of love, light, and truth. God’s way of parenting. Of course, teens want to be seen and heard. Their need to express themselves and discover who they are is strong and natural. They want to be with peers and be accepted by their peers. Those desires are normal. What isn’t typical is the way many parents allow their teen to dictate the household and affect the mood and routines of the family. This isn’t the way God calls you to parent. Unless you teach your children otherwise, those actions and activities lead to typical teens in today’s society. Being typecast as a typical teen is not what God’s best is for you or your teen. We know it’s natural for every person to want to be seen, heard, and loved. People carry the desire to be understood, not just teens. But during the teen years, feelings and emotions, including different desires, are heightened. Your teen’s body undergoes many changes. Not only socially, but psychologically, physically, sexually, and intellectually, as well. As your teen matures, he is also evaluating and adjusting his moral compass, and unless you have been prayerfully purposed in your parenting, your teen will be attracted to and affected by the moral compass set by the peers around him. During this time of great changes, your teen’s brain development thinks and reasons at a higher level than childhood. While a child is only able to think about what is happening here and now, your teen is maturing the ability to reason with abstract thinking. Yet, although your teen is maturing in various areas, he is not yet mature. One thing most people agree on is that typical teens excel at the ability to showcase egocentric moods and behaviors. During this time of considering and measuring his personal feelings, your teen actually recognizes the feelings of those around him, although it may not always feel like it. That’s because typical teens are most concerned with the feelings of their peers and how those feelings relate to them. Self-confidence of a typical teen is usually lowest at this time, which causes more emotional behaviors in the home as they inwardly battle bodily, thought, and emotional changes. However, we must remember that some teens may exhibit high self-esteem at home, but show poor self-esteem when with peers. Whether your teen is considered typical or atypical, finding identity is one of his goals. Let’s face it, many adults still struggle to find their identity. It’s an important piece of life. Of course, as believers and followers of Christ, Christian parents want their teen to find and grow identity through Christ . Yet, as much as we desire that, it’s not easy to foster godly identity. In today’s society, it seems everything is geared to do just the opposite. Games, music, entertainment, articles, books, peers, learning institutions, social media, you name it, seem to be set on swaying your teen and younger children away from Christ and an identity formed by and for Him. While your teen is maturing, you can see that he is ready for many new experiences, but it’s important to note that your teen’s brain is still developing. In fact, the frontal cortex, which is where the ability to control impulses, prioritize, and to plan is growing, won’t be matured until your teen is in his mid to late twenties. Knowing this fact helps you to remember that this makes communication with lectures less effective, but discussions and compassionate questions much more effective. As you raise your children, that line of purposed, prayerful communication is important at every stage of development and is even more crucial in the teen years. Knowing each teen is unique, and most crave acceptance from peers, and because the frontal cortex isn’t fully developed until much later, a typical teen will probably experience lapses in judgement. He may be moody, irritable, and participate in risky behaviors. Do you see why it is so important to raise children to be set-apart? The goal is definitely not to raise a teen that will be recognized as typical, but to raise one who is atypical in today’s society. Allowing your teen to express individual likes and dislikes is important. However, raising him to do so with integrity, honesty, and humility crafted by the truths of God is also an important part of what sets your teen apart. We understand that the need to feel included and to be like peers is very strong at this time. Some adults still can’t resist the pressure exerted by other adults to do or say something they wouldn’t otherwise desire. Yet, a set-apart, atypical teen is different because he or she has been raised with heart and mind focused on Christ. What God thinks is more important than what peers believe. Does this mean your child won’t need friends and will sit at home with you all of the time? Absolutely not! But the friends they desire and find won’t be the most important, defining factor in their identity. Don’t underestimate the influence you have as a prayerful, believing mother. Even if you haven’t been consistent in raising your child to be set-apart, you can start now. You can still mentor building a life set on different priorities than most typical teens have experienced. Is your teen’s identity built on peer acceptance or in Christ? In order to raise a respectful teen you actually like being with and who enjoys time with you and Jesus, you both need (and deserve) guidelines and boundaries. As you pursue or continue being a godly mother who parents with an eternal perspective, you will want to establish certain expectations of your teen and yourself. I have a list of 15 tips (in no particular order) that I will share now. If you don’t want to take notes, I will leave a transcript of this episode on my website at terrihitt.com so you can print these suggestions out to review later. I have plenty of episodes that speak more on building relationship with Christ on this podcast, so today we’ll review other areas of home life. 1. Regularly spend time together with activities such as simple conversations, walks, outdoor time, laughing, play or recreational time. Pray and read God’s Word together, and include God in daily activities as you discuss God as easily as breathing. Make your time important enough that you schedule it. Let others know you are with your child or family. Make these dates something you don’t break without an emergency. 2. Give your children attention that is uninterrupted by social media. If you want your teen to respect you and your time, do the same for your teen. Don’t let your phone, computer, or television control your attention, your teen’s attention, or home. 3. Build respect for God and each other. Never put down your spouse, child, or your Heavenly Father. 4. Listen and communicate respectfully with God, your spouse, your teen, and others. 5. Teach integrity by the way you mentor and model – remember the saying “more is caught than taught?” What you desire, say, do, and how you react teaches much more than how you tell your children to live. 6. Don’t rescue your child – you want to disciple instead of simply giving discipline, but you also allow your child to learn consequences of poor choices. Our loving Heavenly Father does the same. 7. Don’t follow emotions and feelings that cause you to react with unrighteous anger or to say damaging words. Extend the same courtesy to loved ones that you would an acquaintance. When your teen talks, listen without interrupting, calmly repeat back what you believe you heard, and discuss. If you are too emotional to do it at the same time you are talking, get clarification on what you heard and let your teen know you need time to pray and reflect. Set a time to talk again. 8. Try to understand your teen’s feelings and emotions, even when you do not approve of their actions. Remember what is was like to be a teen, but do not make excuses or judgements. Keep an open door of communication that invites your teen to return to talk to you. Don’t make your teen feel childish or stupid by making unkind remarks or with an unapproachable attitude. Nurture communication as your raise your child so that the teen years are an extension of that dialogue. If you haven’t already done so, talk openly with your teen about developing that skill now. Use talking, a journal you can pass back and forth with thoughts and feelings, recordings, or whatever works best for you and your teen. 9. Encourage your teen to talk to you about life situations and resolutions or ideas they may have. Your teen needs a safe sounding board for new ideas and feelings. It helps them learn and apply critical thinking skills. 10. Don’t manage every area of your child’s life. Help them learn to make godly decisions. From childhood, teach them how to eat well, how to get enough sleep, to exercise, tithe, save money, serve God and others, cope with stress, complete homework, plan, learn flexibility, how to deal with disappointments, and how to contribute to the family without pay, and so many other aspects of life. Plan how you will accomplish these highly important tasks. Children grow in phases and parenting is a lifelong labor of love and service. 11. Listen when your child doesn’t agree with your opinions or ways of doing things. It is a great opportunity for them to learn from you or it could be an excellent way for you to broaden your understanding in a new way. Raise your teen to trust that you are on their side, but it is your responsibility to raise them to be a godly adult with eternity-focused wisdom. 12. Let your teen help plan vacations, meal choices, and other decisions that let them know they are an important voice and member of the family. Just like when they were a toddler and you gave them two choices that you pre-determined, work to offer more freedom without giving away too much. Your teen has to mature, but you don’t just one day open the gate and tell them to run freely. 13. Recognize the gifts and talents God has entrusted to your children. Help surface and develop them. Help your teen find the best activities for their interests, talents, and abilities. Help them set a schedule so that your teen is not overextended. Family time and Bible time together is much more important for eternity than an over-active social life. 14. Praise your teen. Not just when they are successful or recognized with worldly honors. Praise them in matters of godliness and integrity, which matters much more when shaping character and identity. 15. Be the godly example God is trusting you to be and that you desire your child to become. Some of my favorite verses about raising children are included in this episode. These pieces of godly wisdom should be set in your mind and heart as you navigate your child-raising years, but also remain ingrained in your relationship with your children after they are grown. Ephesians 6:4 says, “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord .” Psalm 119:9 says, “How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to Your Word .” 1 Peter 5:7 says, “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you .” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work .” 1 Timothy 4:12 says, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity .” John 14:15 says, “If you love Me, keep My commands .” I recommend prayerfully reflecting on these verses. See where God may be calling you to release areas of parenting to Him and where you have seen His mighty hand at work. Then prayerfully and purposely continue becoming an even godlier mother tomorrow than you are today. It takes persistence, prayer, and purpose to raise a set-apart teen who doesn’t look like the world. If your child is already a teen, and not following the Lord, never give up purposely praying for your teen. Keep growing your walk with God through Christ and work on the tips we discussed in this episode. With God, it is possible to raise an atypical teen you actually like being around, as well as love with all your heart. Dear Heavenly Father, how good and gracious You are to entrust Your precious children to our care. While we were yet sinners, You gave us the ability to come to You and receive guidance to model Christ to the purposed individuals You gave to us for such a time as this. We are humbled that You would place such esteemed gifts in our care. Thank you for showing us the way to You through Christ and enabling us to have Your Word to grow and guide us in Your ways and truths. May we learn, apply, and teach them correctly to the children You love so much. Help us be worthy mothers and stewards of Your children and enable us to show them the Way, the Truth, and the Life in all the ways You call. 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. Would you like to walk with other like-minded mothers to deepen your walk with Christ, learn a Christ-centered Motherhood Mindset Model, and create a Purposed Parenting Plan? I want to share special news with my podcast listeners. The Set-Apart Collective wait list is open now. Send me an email at info@terrihitt.com to let me know you’d like to receive information and a special code to receive a discount if you find you’d like to join the collective. It’s time for 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? The best reviews are by word of mouth, so if you would also choose a friend to recommend the show to, imagine the change we could see in the way mothers parent for Christ. Also, please tell friends and family that the podcast can be found at terrihitt.com, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, and on the Edifi app, where you can hear thousands of the best Christian podcasts in one place. 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 018 - Shaping the Heart Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Purposed Parent/Connected Child Podcast Episode #018 – Shaping the Heart 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. When we brought our youngest child home from China, it took so many months for her to fully adjust. Days were a combination of multiple steps backwards and one or two forward. Some days we seemed to simply exist, learning more about each other and taking no forward gains or losses as we lived. Trust came slowly and was very hard-earned. Although from our perspective, we loved her before we went to get her, from her viewpoint, this new life change was basically a kidnapping. Being told to leave with complete strangers, our daughter had to gather enormous courage to come with us and forge a brand new identity and life in another country, learn a new language, eat new foods, experience new sounds, smells, and clothing, and undergo many medical tests, procedures, and surgeries. Although my girls got along from the beginning, it was almost too smooth. They never fought, probably because communication was difficult. There were moments of deep frustration, but they never lashed out at each other or caused harm or hardship to one another. Now that my youngest has been with us for seven years, their relationship has changed and grown, but they still maintain a beautiful respect for each other. Over time, our youngest has seen consistent love and attention, and is now able to discuss those days with hindsight and insight accumulated over the years. Now that my two girls have a history of shared parenting and family events, stories, laughter, and grief they have bonded through, they are able to communicate and share together. Much as they have shaped their hearts for sisterhood, we must shape the heart of our children for recognition of God’s truths and commands . In chapter four of the book of Genesis, we learn about siblings, Cain and Abel, the sons of Adam and Eve. Unfortunately, due to a hardened heart and jealousy, which brought out his sinful nature, Cain eventually murdered his younger brother, Abel. Genesis 4:1-8 says, “Adam made love to his wife Eve, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Cain. She said, “With the help of the Lord I have brought forth a man.” Later she gave birth to his brother Abel. Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the soil. In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord. And Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering He did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast. Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.” Now Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let’s go out to the field.” While they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him. ” This story of Cain and Abel is reflective of the choices our children have in their approach to and relationship with God. Your child may have a heart like Abel that respects our Heavenly Father and offers the finest they have to give. Or your child could have a heart like Cain that isn’t devoted to God, and prompts them to offer as little to God as they think they can escape with. What signs do you see? Does your child get angry when you or someone else in authority corrects or disciplines him or her? Does he or she ignore your repeated requests to make good choices? Reaction to correction and circumstances exposes whether a heart is haughty or humble. As mothers, it is our duty to recognize and react to the responses we receive from our children. Ignoring a retort or refusal to complete a required task may be easier in the moment, but God calls us to a standard of excellence when shaping the heart of each child. Hard work or confrontation is rarely convenient or easy. One important fact I believe mothers should memorize is that we must look beyond the behavior to the root cause . Most of the time reactions are not about us, but stem from something that has taken root in the heart of our child . Parenting is about shaping the heart, not simply erasing wrong behavior. It’s often tempting for mothers to want to get away from behavior that causes embarrassment or hardship, but it is the time we need to step away from how it is making us feel and try to pinpoint what pain is causing our child to react as they are. We can’t simply discipline without teaching the moral reasons the behavior exhibited was wrong or sinful. Correction without connection and God’s moral compass will collapse. Luke 6:45 says, “A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” Since behavior is determined by the heart, we must intentionally shepherd the heart in advance . When conflict arises, we must parent behaviors by directing attention back to the heart, which drives future conduct and attitude . When we help our child realize , understand , and link their disposition and desires to sinfulness and teach them how the sin in their hearts guides actions , true and lasting change begins. If discipline is made without drawing attention to the heart issues behind the behaviors, both parent and child miss the deeper effects that prompt connection with the parent, child, and our Heavenly Father. To achieve heart change , we have to confront what is happening within the heart and direct them to God’s word and humble relationship with Him. Proverbs 4:23 says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. ” Your children will be attracted to or repelled by the God they have come to know through you. Without God’s word to guide them, your children discern right and wrong from watching your actions. We must study God’s Word in order to know it, teach it, and recognize when we are being misled by false doctrine. We must love God and His word so much that it attracts our children to learn it for themselves. Matthew 6:21 says, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Proverbs 3:5 says, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. ” God’s wisdom is required for the unique child He created and is entrusting you to influence for Him. When you place your walk with Christ at the top of your priorities, He will graciously guide you in how to reach your child if you ask for His wisdom and insight. Allow Him to carry you each day. Be specific about what you desire Him to allow you to see and how to parent specific actions or characteristics of your child. Is life perfect because we are believers? No. It never will be in this sinful world. But we are able to place priorities in the order God requires and we value what God deems as good. As our children see these qualities and characteristics within us being lived consistently, as we discuss issues with them and make observations through daily life, drawing our children back to God’s word and values as their compass and guide, their character is changed through Christ, as well. Just as Jesus came to save and serve, we must look beyond self and allow Christ to work within us to affect the present and future of our children. If we look at each day with the eternal perspective of Christ, looking ahead to what His word tells us He desires and what God considers important, we are more easily able to keep our mind focused and become more like the image of Christ each day. The best parenting takes place when we reside in the Father’s hands. Romans 12:2 says, “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.” If you would like me to go into greater detail about shepherding the heart, please notify me at info@terrihitt.com . I’d be happy to make future podcasts about this topic. Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for Your love for us. Thank you for the gift of motherhood. Through the trials, hardships, triumphs, and joys, we long to trust in You. Please craft our hearts to seek You first and allow Your work within us so that You can pour through us to reach the children You have entrusted to us. Help us to seek You when we are frustrated, afraid, lonely, or confused. Help us to confide in You and seek Your approval and guidance. Please remove the selfishness and sinfulness within each of us and our children and replace it with Your humility and hope. Help us to love our children with the pure love You have for them and see them with Your eternal-focused mind and heart. 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. If you find value in what you hear through my podcasts, and you would like more information on the topic we discussed today, I invite you to listen to previous episodes. I suggest listening to the Purposed Parent/Connected Child podcast episode 2, “Mentor God’s Heart.” You may easily find this episode at terrihitt.com. Just click on “podcasts” and type in the topic or title you wish to hear about in the search bar at the top of the page. Also, have you rated or reviewed this podcast on Apple Podcasts yet? Would you please consider doing so? Did you know that when you review my podcasts on Apple Podcasts, it helps to elevate their online standing so that more people are allowed to find and hear it. Do you believe in the mission of helping others deepen their walk with Jesus, live with eyes set on eternity, and raise or influence children for Christ? If so, would you please write a review and rate this podcast for me? It is incredibly important to help mothers recognize the need to raise children to know Jesus and to be a godly parent , instead of just focusing on being a good parent. 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

< Back Purposed Parent Connected Child Podcast Episode 104 - How My Daughter Showed Me God's Love Language Welcome to the Purposed Parent/Connected Child podcast – Episode 104 – How My Daughter Showed Me God's Love Language 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, then leave a rating or review at Apple Podcast, you are ensuring that others will find the podcast and are helping affect generations for Jesus. One Sunday morning my husband and youngest daughter came to see if I was ready to leave for church. I was in my bedroom closet finishing getting dressed. After we talked for a bit, then laughed about something silly, my husband started teasing. I don’t remember what his joke was, but as he made a comment, he pushed the closet door closed (with me still in it). As the door was just about ready to shut, our youngest daughter thrust her hand into the crack to stop the door from closing. Of course, you can guess what happened. The door slammed shut, catching part of her ring finger. Redness and a blood blister immediately appeared. I opened the door and tended to her finger as my husband apologized. “I didn’t know you were going to put your hand in there,” he told her. “I’m so sorry you got hurt.” “I didn’t want the door to close on Mama,” she said. Although she knew her daddy was just teasing, our daughter wanted to keep me from being excluded or shut out. Instead of thinking about the consequences of her actions, she acted on instinct with one thought top of mind. In her own words, she wanted to, “Save Mama.” Even though she’s never sacrificed her finger in a door before, my girl has shown sacrificial love often. Any time she thinks family needs to be rescued or defended, she’s always first in line to be the rescuer. I can think of times she has offered the last bit of her food to another, offered her soft robe when I was cold, or a blanket for someone in need of warmth. She doesn’t only see or hear the needs of others, she purposely looks to see if she can quickly get that need filled by something she possesses. Not all people have that skill or desire. Not everyone can offer sacrificial love. Most want to count the cost to self before they act. Of course, I hope my daughter doesn’t thrust her hand before a closing door again, but I never want to discourage her willingness to place others before herself. Sacrificing self for family is one of her love languages. In a much broader sense, God has shown all people this type of love language. Knowing our need for a perfect Savior, God offered what only He could give. 1 John 3:18 says, “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth .” There are four things my daughter does consistently that show me her heart for family and Jesus. As I pondered what they were, I realized they are also four ways God shows us His love. Let’s examine those examples of how God exhibits love to us through actions and how those specific steps show us the way to respond to Him and others. Then let’s use them and teach them to our children. 1. Purpose - Before God could offer His beloved Son for our sins, He needed to bring us into existence. Can you believe our Heavenly Father planned every one of us long before we were born? Each of us were crafted with intention and for purposes that are supposed to bring honor back to Him. The Maker of heaven and earth intentionally brought you and me into existence because He yearned for us to live and spend eternity with Him. 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.” Obviously my daughter didn’t craft you or me into existence, but she is very purposeful in seeing how she can serve others with what she has. In Acts 20:35 Paul says,“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive .” As we are purposed in what we do for God we are using the love language He used for us. 2. Sacrifice – John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life .” Some who do not know Jesus believe that there is more than one way to Heaven. God is very clear. He doesn’t want anyone to perish. 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 .” God gave mankind the very best He had. Our human mind simply cannot comprehend the enormous sacrifice God made for us. As a mother who has lost a child, I have lived the pain and crushing grief of my child passing before me. I can’t fathom sacrificing one of my children to take on the sins of others and die in their place. So great is God’s love for us, so great is the love and obedience of Christ that we have the choice to accept this greatest of all gifts. When my youngest daughter steps in to discover how she can serve someone, she often sacrifices an item she greatly desires to keep, yet releases it with a smile and willingness to help someone else experience joy and comfort. Hebrews 13:16 says, “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased .” As we sacrifice self for others, we are serving God and using the love language He used for us. 3. Love - God offers us agape love, a pure, unselfish love that is not derived from attraction or obligation, but is a sacrificial choice. I personally describe agape love as 1 Corinthians 13 - mixed with Jesus on the cross, dying for our sins. Matthew 22:37-39 says, “Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself .’” When another person offers all they have or something greatly desired by them without selfish motives or intentions, they begin to experience the highest form of love. As we love in ways only possible through Christ, we are using the language of love in ways that serve God and give Him great joy. 4. Obedience – John 3:16-17 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him .” Jesus modeled complete obedience to God. He did not make excuses, try to bargain with God, stall, or turn away in disobedience. Instead, Jesus prayed with all His might that He would follow exactly where God desired Him to go and serve. It wasn’t easy, but Jesus forged ahead where His Heavenly Father called. We’ve all had times in life where we hear the still small voice of God calling us to obey. In that moment we have the opportunity to make a choice. Will we hear and act with godly intentions and to please the Father or do we choose to serve self. The greatest moments in my life have been birthed after sacrificial obedience to God. I bet yours have been, too. As we step out in obedience, even when the future is uncertain or the cost is great, we serve God as He desires and deserves. Through these examples, we remember that we are also to carry purpose, sacrifice for others, offer agape love, and walk in obedience to God. Through Jesus, we see the perfect example of how to walk in faith and live with love. We are also called to model these qualities for our children and teach them that the ability to use them for God will come from a close walk with Jesus. 1 John 4:8 says, “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love .” Praise God that we have been given many examples to experience God’s unlimited, everlasting love. What we see dimly here will one day be fully revealed in eternity with Him. Do you see ways your children are loving and serving God through actions, words, desires, and reactions? Let them know you see and appreciate what they say and do. Remind them that God is pleased when we walk in ways that honor Him . Think about how you are teaching your children the methods of seeing , receiving , and offering God’s love languages. Start being intentional in how you model and teach ways of serving God and others. Anticipate the godly growth God will bring into your home (that will last into eternity) as you are purposed, sacrificial, loving, and obedient and teach your children to be the same as they grow in relationship with Jesus. Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for Your everlasting love and kindness. Your intentional ways are so far above us that we often fail to understand or even recognize how great You are. Open our eyes and heart so that we are purposed mothers who yearn more deeply for You day by day. Enable us to follow You fully as You call so we can show the way to our children. May we be purposed, sacrificial, loving, and obedient and give You great joy. May we see and use Your love languages effortlessly because we draw nearer to You each moment. In the precious name of Jesus 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 ambitious moms 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 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 with your children and Christ. Previous Next

Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #121 – Facets of Faith – Reading of Hebrews 11 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. This summer I am alternating podcast episodes with Scripture readings. We can never read enough Scripture. God has been impressing on me to read Hebrews 11 this week and I hope that you enjoy this reading from the NKJV Bible. Perhaps our next episode we will dig deeper into the passages you hear today. Hebrews 11 “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible. By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks. By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, “and was not found, because God had taken him”; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith. By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God. By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised. Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born as many as the stars of the sky in multitude—innumerable as the sand which is by the seashore. These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, of whom it was said, “In Isaac your seed shall be called,” concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead, from which he also received him in a figurative sense. By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel, and gave instructions concerning his bones. By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king’s command. By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him who is invisible. By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, lest he who destroyed the firstborn should touch them. By faith they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land, whereas the Egyptians, attempting to do so, were drowned. By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days. By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace. And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah, also of David and Samuel and the prophets: who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again. Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented— of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth. And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us.” This chapter of Hebrews 11 delves into three aspects of faith: our mind, our emotions, and our will. Our faith is intertwined with our mind and emotions, and our intellectual understanding must lead to trust and action on what we hear. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1 I hope you’ll join me next time as we delve into the meat of this chapter. Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for allowing us to choose Jesus and for the faith You grow as we draw nearer to You and ask for the gift of faith. We know that faith is pleasing to You and that the actions we take because of faith bring obedience to You. May our walk with You become deeper as we study Hebrews 11 and each passage of Scripture we read. Thank you for Your word, an intimate gift You freely offer every person with love. In the precious name of Jesus we pray. Amen. Thank you for listening to this podcast. If you find value in what you hear, and you would like more information on the topic we discussed today, I invite you to listen to previous episodes. To hear episodes that deal with Scripture, I suggest the following: Episodes 63-66 is my series on praying Scripture. Episode 107 is Scripture and Solitude, and Episode 117 is The Bible – Life, Hope, and Truth. You may find each of these on the terrihitt.com website. Just click on “podcasts” and type in the topic or title you wish to hear about in the search bar at the top of the page. Have you rated or reviewed this podcast on Apple Podcasts yet? For those who have, I thank you so very much! If you haven’t, would you please consider doing so? It is getting more difficult to keep from being shadow-banned on social media. Podcasts and social medias posts about Christian material simply do not get the same reach as secular topics. For instance, when I make a post on my Live With Eternal Perspective FB page, I am fortunate to receive 15 views. It is evident that FB is not allowing the posts to be viewed. I believe it is the subject matter because even the people who have signed up to see the page posts do not get to see what is posted. 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 begin to deepen their walk with Jesus and live with eyes set on eternity, would you please write a review and rate the podcast for me? I also want to ask if you 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 121 Facets of Faith Reading of Hebrews 11 Listen to Episode Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #121 – Facets of Faith – Reading of Hebrews 11 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. This summer I am alternating podcast episodes with Scripture readings. We can never read enough Scripture. God has been impressing on me to read Hebrews 11 this week and I hope that you enjoy this reading from the NKJV Bible. Perhaps our next episode we will dig deeper into the passages you hear today. Hebrews 11 “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible. By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks. By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, “and was not found, because God had taken him”; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith. By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God. By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised. Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born as many as the stars of the sky in multitude—innumerable as the sand which is by the seashore. These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, of whom it was said, “In Isaac your seed shall be called,” concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead, from which he also received him in a figurative sense. By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel, and gave instructions concerning his bones. By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king’s command. By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him who is invisible. By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, lest he who destroyed the firstborn should touch them. By faith they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land, whereas the Egyptians, attempting to do so, were drowned. By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days. By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace. And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah, also of David and Samuel and the prophets: who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again. Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented— of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth. And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us.” This chapter of Hebrews 11 delves into three aspects of faith: our mind, our emotions, and our will. Our faith is intertwined with our mind and emotions, and our intellectual understanding must lead to trust and action on what we hear. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1 I hope you’ll join me next time as we delve into the meat of this chapter. Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for allowing us to choose Jesus and for the faith You grow as we draw nearer to You and ask for the gift of faith. We know that faith is pleasing to You and that the actions we take because of faith bring obedience to You. May our walk with You become deeper as we study Hebrews 11 and each passage of Scripture we read. Thank you for Your word, an intimate gift You freely offer every person with love. In the precious name of Jesus we pray. Amen. Thank you for listening to this podcast. If you find value in what you hear, and you would like more information on the topic we discussed today, I invite you to listen to previous episodes. To hear episodes that deal with Scripture, I suggest the following: Episodes 63-66 is my series on praying Scripture. Episode 107 is Scripture and Solitude, and Episode 117 is The Bible – Life, Hope, and Truth. You may find each of these on the terrihitt.com website. Just click on “podcasts” and type in the topic or title you wish to hear about in the search bar at the top of the page. Have you rated or reviewed this podcast on Apple Podcasts yet? For those who have, I thank you so very much! If you haven’t, would you please consider doing so? It is getting more difficult to keep from being shadow-banned on social media. Podcasts and social medias posts about Christian material simply do not get the same reach as secular topics. For instance, when I make a post on my Live With Eternal Perspective FB page, I am fortunate to receive 15 views. It is evident that FB is not allowing the posts to be viewed. I believe it is the subject matter because even the people who have signed up to see the page posts do not get to see what is posted. 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 begin to deepen their walk with Jesus and live with eyes set on eternity, would you please write a review and rate the podcast for me? I also want to ask if you 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.

Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #111 – The Way, the Truth, and the Life Thank you for entrusting and investing your precious time with me to seek, find, and follow Jesus together and live with purposed eternal perspective. My children ask a lot of questions. I’ve always encouraged curiosity and learning. We believe there are no dumb or silly questions. In fact, I teach that the smarter a person is, the more questions they will ask. There is one specific question each person should ask during their lifetime. The question, “Who is Jesus?” will cause them to seek the most important answer each person will need to discover. When most people are asked this question, they answer in simple terms. Perhaps they say Jesus is God’s Son. Maybe they answer that He is their Savior. While both are true, Jesus Christ is so much more. Even the truths I present in this podcast will not come close to everything that Jesus is and will be. When we think of the characteristics of Jesus, the first qualities that may spring to mind are words such as: God, Teacher, Judge, Sinless, Obedient, Mediator, Savior, Eternal, Heir, Healer, Servant, King, Son, Anointed, and Resurrected. All of these are true and accurate, but still don’t grasp the beauty and majesty of Jesus. Words are easy to use without pondering the rich meaning of the description. Without the blessed resource of scripture to back truths about Jesus, I think it is impossible for our human mind and heart to grasp all that Jesus really is. Even when we read the bible and learn all we can about Jesus, He is so far above and beyond us that we struggle to fathom His glory. As was written in the gospel of John, Jesus is the divine Son of God who came to this world in human flesh to save all who believe in Him. Jesus changes lives. Our pursuit of Jesus invites Him to renew our soul and spirit. Studying Jesus arouses new belief or affirms existing belief in Him. In fact, whether you believe in Who He proclaims to be or not, most people at least believe Jesus lived. Those who hold a special relationship with Jesus because we have read the scriptures and believed the testimonies, know that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and receive new life in His name. Scripture clearly proves that Jesus is the only way for us to receive life on earth and for eternity in heaven. Let’s examine 8 basic bible verses that reveal some of what Jesus came to earth to complete for the Father and for us. This is where we view and absorb the truth that Jesus is more than God in flesh on earth, and regard His Divine character and Supreme nature. 1. Jesus is our example of obedience. John 6:38 says, “For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but to do the will of Him who sent Me.” Jesus’ focus remained on His Father and what God called Him to do. 2. Jesus warns us of the thief. John 10:10 says, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life, and have it in all its fullness.” Jesus steadfastly warned of the devil and his wickedness, as well as the promise and security through steadfastly remaining with the Father and finding new life through Jesus. 3. Jesus is our light. John 12:46 says, “I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in Me should remain in darkness.” Jesus came to give new, eternal life and conquered the darkness of evil and death through His light. 4. Jesus is our Conquering King. John 18:37 says, “Then You are a king!” Pilate said. “You say that I am a king,” Jesus answered. “For this reason I was born and have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to My voice.” Jesus is the King of Kings calling for all who will accept His truth and follow. 5. Jesus is truth. Mark 1:38 says, “But Jesus answered, “Let us go on to the neighboring towns so I can preach there as well, for that is why I have come.” Jesus made time to minister and live His life in this world as He walked among us in earthly flesh, but He never forgot His purpose or that He was the Truth He was to make known. 6. Jesus is our healer. Mark 2:17 says, “On hearing this, Jesus told them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Jesus saw and loved each person. Although He didn’t bow to their sin or join in it, he associated with sinners because they needed to hear to find healing. 7. Jesus is our judge. John 9:39 says, “Then Jesus declared, “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind may see and those who see may become blind.” After we turn to Christ, we begin to see Him differently. Walking with Jesus alters us, opens our eyes and heart to His truth. Once we have heard the truth of Jesus and experienced Him, we receive spiritual understanding and insight. Those who reject Him, ignoring Truth through self-righteousness or pride, will remain in earthly blindness. 8. Jesus is eternal life. John 14:6 says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through Me.” Jesus is the only way to God. Not a limited path, but clear and exact, Jesus extends the Way, a path to God. As Truth, He defines clarity of God. As Life, Jesus came in the flesh of man, joining creator to created, heaven to earth, divine to earthly. Deserving of all the glory and honor we can give Him, Jesus clearly models life on earth and in heaven in many other ways, as well. Instead of making my main focus what Jesus gives me, I want my life focus to be on knowing Who Jesus is. Is this the cry of your heart? As we come to realize more about the deity of Jesus, we realize how far we are from Him and how much we need Him to sustain and rescue us. After being justified through faith in Jesus Christ, sanctification follows as we allow Him to erase our sinful nature and we are fashioned into a new creation as the Holy Spirit works within us. Praise God that I am not the same person I was when I first began my life as a follower of Jesus! A life submitted cannot remain unaltered. Do you see His work within you, too? Scripture presents an in-depth look at Who Jesus is and how He is able to make such a profound change in the world and within us. Of course, I can never list all that Jesus is, has done, or will be, but God’s holy word makes Him known. Just as Ecclesiastes 3:11 says, “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men, yet they cannot fathom the work that God has done from beginning to end.” Jesus gives us life, fills every void in our life, and is the way to everlasting life. Three major points will be our focus as we search scripture to learn more about Jesus. As I read, rest in the truths, comforts, promises, and power of His holy word. As Hebrews 4:12 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.” The first set of bible verses I share will prove Jesus’ obedience. Through them we see that He is the perfect example for us to follow. 1. Jesus is The Way John 4:34 says, “Jesus explained, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to finish His work.” John 5:19 says, “So Jesus replied, “Truly, truly, I tell you, the Son can do nothing by Himself, unless He sees the Father doing it. For whatever the Father does, the Son also does.” John 5:30 says, “I can do nothing by Myself; I judge only as I hear. And My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.” John 6:38 says, “For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but to do the will of Him who sent Me.” John 8:28 says, “So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and that I do nothing on My own, but speak exactly what the Father has taught Me.” John 8:42 says, “Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I have come here from God. I have not come on My own, but He sent Me.” John 10:37-38 says, “If I am not doing the works of My Father, then do not believe Me. But if I am doing them, even though you do not believe Me, believe the works themselves, so that you may know and understand that the Father is in Me, and I am in the Father.” John 12:49-50 says, “I have not spoken on My own, but the Father who sent Me has commanded Me what to say and how to say it. And I know that His command leads to eternal life. So I speak exactly what the Father has told Me to say.” John 14:10 says, “Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me? The words I say to you, I do not speak on My own. Instead, it is the Father dwelling in Me, performing His works.” John 14:31 says, “But I do exactly what the Father has commanded Me, so that the world may know that I love the Father.” John 15:9-11 says, “As the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you. Remain in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will remain in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and remain in His love. I have told you these things so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.” John 17:4-5 says, “I have glorified You on earth by accomplishing the work You gave Me to do. And now, Father, glorify Me in Your presence with the glory I had with You before the world existed.” How much we learn from studying and following the life of Jesus! Perfect in every way, He obediently follows where God has called. Lord, our heart cries for you to make us more like You! 2. Jesus is Truth John 7:37 says, “On the last and greatest day of the feast, Jesus stood up and called out in a loud voice, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink.” 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.” Ecclesiastes 3:11 says, “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men, yet they cannot fathom the work that God has done from beginning to end.” John 1:14 says, “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 8:31b-32 says, “If you continue in My word, you are truly My disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 1:17-18 says, “For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is Himself God and is at the Father’s side, has made Him known.” Lord, thank you for exposing truth to us! If we know You, we know Truth. This world seeks relative truth or how we feel instead of learning and clinging to Your truths, the standard that gives us life. 3. Jesus is Life John 1:1-5 says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made, and without Him nothing was made that has been made. In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 10:10 says, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life, and have it in all its fullness.” John 6:33 says, “For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” John 6:48 says, “I am the bread of life.” John 7:37-38 says, “On the last and greatest day of the feast, Jesus stood up and called out in a loud voice, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. Whoever believes in Me, as the Scripture has said: ‘Streams of living water will flow from within him.’” John 8:12 says, “Once again, Jesus spoke to the people and said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 10:7 says, “So He said to them again, “Truly, truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep.” John 10:11 says, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” John 11:25 says, “Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies.” John 14:6-7 says, “Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. If you had known Me, you would know My Father as well. From now on you do know Him and have seen Him.” Jesus, You are Life! Thank you for telling us so clearly that the way to live an abundant life is through You. Cause us to desire You and Your definition of abundance so deeply that we cannot stop learning more about You and allowing You to shine more clearly through us for others to grasp the life that exists in and with You. John 21:25 says, “There are many more things that Jesus did. If all of them were written down, I suppose that not even the world itself would have space for the books that would be written.” This podcast has barely touched on what scripture teaches about Jesus. Beyond what our mind can grasp, Jesus speaks to our heart and whispers for us to recognize and accept Him into our life. It is my prayer that you continue deep study of His word on your own and cling to the Way, the Truth, and the Life with passionate love that grows as you draw nearer to Him. Jesus causes us to look beyond our selfish desires and forces us to ponder the meaning of life and an everlasting existence through eternal perspective. Jesus allows us to see God in flesh at work in our personal life and in all of humanity. How will you respond to Jesus? Once we know and submit to Christ, we are never the same. Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You that through Christ we have been crucified. We have assurance that we no longer live, but Christ lives within us. We know there is no longer condemnation for those of us in Christ Jesus, for we have been set free from the law of sin and death. We praise You Father, for Your goodness and Your everlasting love for us. May we reflect You more and more each moment. May we live good and pleasing lives in Your sight, and by Your estimation, in all godliness and dignity. Thank you that You make Yourself known and that You give us assurance of one way to You, through Jesus Christ, who gave Himself as a ransom for all and is our perfect Mediator. May we reflect Your beauty, love, and honor You with our thoughts and ways. In the precious name of Jesus, our Way, truth, and Life we pray. Amen. Thank you for listening to this episode. I’m humbled to share that my second podcast, “Purposed Parent/Connected Child” has released! I hope you will look for it, follow it, and share both 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. If you find value in what you hear, would you please also place a rating and review at Apple Podcasts or Spotify to enable others to find each podcast? Now that I am writing and hosting two podcasts, I will release episodes of each show every other week instead of in a weekly format. For example, since the Live With Eternal Perspective podcast released this week, the Purposed Parent/Connected Child podcast will release next week. Some weeks, I may release bonus episodes, making weekly releases, so be sure to watch for those extra episodes when they occur. Please 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 the podcasts draw you nearer to God and help 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 111 - The Way the Truth and the Life Listen to Episode Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #111 – The Way, the Truth, and the Life Thank you for entrusting and investing your precious time with me to seek, find, and follow Jesus together and live with purposed eternal perspective. My children ask a lot of questions. I’ve always encouraged curiosity and learning. We believe there are no dumb or silly questions. In fact, I teach that the smarter a person is, the more questions they will ask. There is one specific question each person should ask during their lifetime. The question, “Who is Jesus?” will cause them to seek the most important answer each person will need to discover. When most people are asked this question, they answer in simple terms. Perhaps they say Jesus is God’s Son. Maybe they answer that He is their Savior. While both are true, Jesus Christ is so much more. Even the truths I present in this podcast will not come close to everything that Jesus is and will be. When we think of the characteristics of Jesus, the first qualities that may spring to mind are words such as: God, Teacher, Judge, Sinless, Obedient, Mediator, Savior, Eternal, Heir, Healer, Servant, King, Son, Anointed, and Resurrected. All of these are true and accurate, but still don’t grasp the beauty and majesty of Jesus. Words are easy to use without pondering the rich meaning of the description. Without the blessed resource of scripture to back truths about Jesus, I think it is impossible for our human mind and heart to grasp all that Jesus really is. Even when we read the bible and learn all we can about Jesus, He is so far above and beyond us that we struggle to fathom His glory. As was written in the gospel of John, Jesus is the divine Son of God who came to this world in human flesh to save all who believe in Him. Jesus changes lives. Our pursuit of Jesus invites Him to renew our soul and spirit. Studying Jesus arouses new belief or affirms existing belief in Him. In fact, whether you believe in Who He proclaims to be or not, most people at least believe Jesus lived. Those who hold a special relationship with Jesus because we have read the scriptures and believed the testimonies, know that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and receive new life in His name. Scripture clearly proves that Jesus is the only way for us to receive life on earth and for eternity in heaven. Let’s examine 8 basic bible verses that reveal some of what Jesus came to earth to complete for the Father and for us. This is where we view and absorb the truth that Jesus is more than God in flesh on earth, and regard His Divine character and Supreme nature. 1. Jesus is our example of obedience. John 6:38 says, “For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but to do the will of Him who sent Me.” Jesus’ focus remained on His Father and what God called Him to do. 2. Jesus warns us of the thief. John 10:10 says, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life, and have it in all its fullness.” Jesus steadfastly warned of the devil and his wickedness, as well as the promise and security through steadfastly remaining with the Father and finding new life through Jesus. 3. Jesus is our light. John 12:46 says, “I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in Me should remain in darkness.” Jesus came to give new, eternal life and conquered the darkness of evil and death through His light. 4. Jesus is our Conquering King. John 18:37 says, “Then You are a king!” Pilate said. “You say that I am a king,” Jesus answered. “For this reason I was born and have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to My voice.” Jesus is the King of Kings calling for all who will accept His truth and follow. 5. Jesus is truth. Mark 1:38 says, “But Jesus answered, “Let us go on to the neighboring towns so I can preach there as well, for that is why I have come.” Jesus made time to minister and live His life in this world as He walked among us in earthly flesh, but He never forgot His purpose or that He was the Truth He was to make known. 6. Jesus is our healer. Mark 2:17 says, “On hearing this, Jesus told them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Jesus saw and loved each person. Although He didn’t bow to their sin or join in it, he associated with sinners because they needed to hear to find healing. 7. Jesus is our judge. John 9:39 says, “Then Jesus declared, “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind may see and those who see may become blind.” After we turn to Christ, we begin to see Him differently. Walking with Jesus alters us, opens our eyes and heart to His truth. Once we have heard the truth of Jesus and experienced Him, we receive spiritual understanding and insight. Those who reject Him, ignoring Truth through self-righteousness or pride, will remain in earthly blindness. 8. Jesus is eternal life. John 14:6 says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through Me.” Jesus is the only way to God. Not a limited path, but clear and exact, Jesus extends the Way, a path to God. As Truth, He defines clarity of God. As Life, Jesus came in the flesh of man, joining creator to created, heaven to earth, divine to earthly. Deserving of all the glory and honor we can give Him, Jesus clearly models life on earth and in heaven in many other ways, as well. Instead of making my main focus what Jesus gives me, I want my life focus to be on knowing Who Jesus is. Is this the cry of your heart? As we come to realize more about the deity of Jesus, we realize how far we are from Him and how much we need Him to sustain and rescue us. After being justified through faith in Jesus Christ, sanctification follows as we allow Him to erase our sinful nature and we are fashioned into a new creation as the Holy Spirit works within us. Praise God that I am not the same person I was when I first began my life as a follower of Jesus! A life submitted cannot remain unaltered. Do you see His work within you, too? Scripture presents an in-depth look at Who Jesus is and how He is able to make such a profound change in the world and within us. Of course, I can never list all that Jesus is, has done, or will be, but God’s holy word makes Him known. Just as Ecclesiastes 3:11 says, “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men, yet they cannot fathom the work that God has done from beginning to end.” Jesus gives us life, fills every void in our life, and is the way to everlasting life. Three major points will be our focus as we search scripture to learn more about Jesus. As I read, rest in the truths, comforts, promises, and power of His holy word. As Hebrews 4:12 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.” The first set of bible verses I share will prove Jesus’ obedience. Through them we see that He is the perfect example for us to follow. 1. Jesus is The Way John 4:34 says, “Jesus explained, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to finish His work.” John 5:19 says, “So Jesus replied, “Truly, truly, I tell you, the Son can do nothing by Himself, unless He sees the Father doing it. For whatever the Father does, the Son also does.” John 5:30 says, “I can do nothing by Myself; I judge only as I hear. And My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.” John 6:38 says, “For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but to do the will of Him who sent Me.” John 8:28 says, “So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and that I do nothing on My own, but speak exactly what the Father has taught Me.” John 8:42 says, “Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I have come here from God. I have not come on My own, but He sent Me.” John 10:37-38 says, “If I am not doing the works of My Father, then do not believe Me. But if I am doing them, even though you do not believe Me, believe the works themselves, so that you may know and understand that the Father is in Me, and I am in the Father.” John 12:49-50 says, “I have not spoken on My own, but the Father who sent Me has commanded Me what to say and how to say it. And I know that His command leads to eternal life. So I speak exactly what the Father has told Me to say.” John 14:10 says, “Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me? The words I say to you, I do not speak on My own. Instead, it is the Father dwelling in Me, performing His works.” John 14:31 says, “But I do exactly what the Father has commanded Me, so that the world may know that I love the Father.” John 15:9-11 says, “As the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you. Remain in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will remain in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and remain in His love. I have told you these things so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.” John 17:4-5 says, “I have glorified You on earth by accomplishing the work You gave Me to do. And now, Father, glorify Me in Your presence with the glory I had with You before the world existed.” How much we learn from studying and following the life of Jesus! Perfect in every way, He obediently follows where God has called. Lord, our heart cries for you to make us more like You! 2. Jesus is Truth John 7:37 says, “On the last and greatest day of the feast, Jesus stood up and called out in a loud voice, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink.” 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.” Ecclesiastes 3:11 says, “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men, yet they cannot fathom the work that God has done from beginning to end.” John 1:14 says, “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 8:31b-32 says, “If you continue in My word, you are truly My disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 1:17-18 says, “For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is Himself God and is at the Father’s side, has made Him known.” Lord, thank you for exposing truth to us! If we know You, we know Truth. This world seeks relative truth or how we feel instead of learning and clinging to Your truths, the standard that gives us life. 3. Jesus is Life John 1:1-5 says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made, and without Him nothing was made that has been made. In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 10:10 says, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life, and have it in all its fullness.” John 6:33 says, “For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” John 6:48 says, “I am the bread of life.” John 7:37-38 says, “On the last and greatest day of the feast, Jesus stood up and called out in a loud voice, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. Whoever believes in Me, as the Scripture has said: ‘Streams of living water will flow from within him.’” John 8:12 says, “Once again, Jesus spoke to the people and said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 10:7 says, “So He said to them again, “Truly, truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep.” John 10:11 says, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” John 11:25 says, “Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies.” John 14:6-7 says, “Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. If you had known Me, you would know My Father as well. From now on you do know Him and have seen Him.” Jesus, You are Life! Thank you for telling us so clearly that the way to live an abundant life is through You. Cause us to desire You and Your definition of abundance so deeply that we cannot stop learning more about You and allowing You to shine more clearly through us for others to grasp the life that exists in and with You. John 21:25 says, “There are many more things that Jesus did. If all of them were written down, I suppose that not even the world itself would have space for the books that would be written.” This podcast has barely touched on what scripture teaches about Jesus. Beyond what our mind can grasp, Jesus speaks to our heart and whispers for us to recognize and accept Him into our life. It is my prayer that you continue deep study of His word on your own and cling to the Way, the Truth, and the Life with passionate love that grows as you draw nearer to Him. Jesus causes us to look beyond our selfish desires and forces us to ponder the meaning of life and an everlasting existence through eternal perspective. Jesus allows us to see God in flesh at work in our personal life and in all of humanity. How will you respond to Jesus? Once we know and submit to Christ, we are never the same. Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You that through Christ we have been crucified. We have assurance that we no longer live, but Christ lives within us. We know there is no longer condemnation for those of us in Christ Jesus, for we have been set free from the law of sin and death. We praise You Father, for Your goodness and Your everlasting love for us. May we reflect You more and more each moment. May we live good and pleasing lives in Your sight, and by Your estimation, in all godliness and dignity. Thank you that You make Yourself known and that You give us assurance of one way to You, through Jesus Christ, who gave Himself as a ransom for all and is our perfect Mediator. May we reflect Your beauty, love, and honor You with our thoughts and ways. In the precious name of Jesus, our Way, truth, and Life we pray. Amen. Thank you for listening to this episode. I’m humbled to share that my second podcast, “Purposed Parent/Connected Child” has released! I hope you will look for it, follow it, and share both 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. If you find value in what you hear, would you please also place a rating and review at Apple Podcasts or Spotify to enable others to find each podcast? Now that I am writing and hosting two podcasts, I will release episodes of each show every other week instead of in a weekly format. For example, since the Live With Eternal Perspective podcast released this week, the Purposed Parent/Connected Child podcast will release next week. Some weeks, I may release bonus episodes, making weekly releases, so be sure to watch for those extra episodes when they occur. Please 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 the podcasts draw you nearer to God and help 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 024 - Biblical Parenting Through Hard Places Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Purposed Parent/Connected Child Podcast Episode #024 – Biblical Parenting Through Hard Places 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. Have you ever felt like you had been thrown into the deep end and you were treading waters that were over your parental capabilities? The first morning after bringing my youngest home from China at the age of nine, I walked into my office and saw my newest child sitting at my desk with a lit match in one hand. I’m not sure how many scenarios went through my mind, but I think it was the first time the adrenaline of fear shot through me. For a quarter of a second I wondered if I’d brought home a murdering pyromaniac. Since I had never experienced a child interested in matches, and the others had a sensible knowledge of the dangers of carelessly playing with fire, I had forgotten I kept a small box of matches and a tiny candle in the back of a desk drawer. After the initial feelings flowed quickly through my body and mind, my sensible side lifted my response, and I said, “Matches aren’t a toy to play with.” As I blew out the match and gently removed the stick from her fingers, her gaze met mine, mixed with curiosity and an unspoken plea for forgiveness. Never mind that she didn’t speak English. Some actions are understood beyond language barriers. Lack of experience and a beautiful curiosity led my girl to play with something more dangerous than she could understand. If I would have simply reacted to the behavior without empathy to how she had lived through before coming to me, I would have reacted much differently. In fact, left alone to first thoughts, I would have snatched the match out of her hand quickly. I wondered what other areas I needed to be worried about and what other dangerous acts she might attempt. But as soon as those thoughts crossed the threshold of my mind, the Lord wiped them clean and filled my heart with His truth . We had a long journey ahead to build connection and He needed to remain at the helm. Memories, trauma, or lack of experience can cause various inappropriate behaviors that families may struggle to understand. These memories, traumas, or experiences can be exhibited by the child, but the parent may also have unresolved needs. Everything combined can become a firestorm of confusion and complications that are impossible to overcome without holy reliance . This is the time for parents to set aside self or feelings of inadequacy, rejection, shame, surprise, anger, or whatever multitude of thoughts and feelings reside in the mind and humbly kneel before God for wisdom, direction, and healing. One truth parenting taught me is that children are in our care to safely learn and grow in godly ways. Whatever baggage a parent carries should be checked at the door and never picked up again once a child enters the home. Ideally, before a child arrives. But because we live in an imperfect world full of fallen sinners, this easy description and expectation is rarely seen. Because God entrusted these precious souls into our care, we must find the way to reach the unique heart God placed within them, and allow Him to tenderly develop and mature it for Him through our care and connection. First, we must be looking to the Lord for what we need and eagerly and faithfully allowing Him to execute the changes we so desperately need. Our children cannot receive what we do not carry . Isaiah 65:17 says, “For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind .” Just as the Lord promises safety and peace for His people one day, He desires our families to live in plentiful harmony and joy together now . Revelation 21:4 says, “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away .” Jesus desires the beauty of this verse for us now . However, so much heartbreak, confusion, and deception exist in this world and in the lives of our precious children and grandchildren. Our culture has twisted so much of what God commanded and desires for us. Children are being raised without biblical identity and the resulting apathy, confusion, and self-hatred is destroying a generation. Raising our children through connected parenting is the first step in moving them toward a lifetime of joy, faith, and purpose. When I speak of connection, I mean parent and God to child and child and God to parent. No matter whether you are raising a child who has come to you through foster, adoption, or other hard places, or you are raising a child who has been with you from birth, this world is taxing . Our children are exposed to things even adults don’t want to discuss. Nevertheless, there is hope and there is healing available for your child, grandchild, and your family. Through Christ, we are never without the hope and faith that He makes all things new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come .” John 16:33 says, “I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world .” Many suggestions for raising your children to know Jesus and find identity through Him are available in various Purposed Parent/Connected Child episodes. In this one that you’re hearing now, I want to stress the importance of intentionally living a Christ-filled lifestyle that exudes and exemplifies Jesus for your child to emulate . In this episode, however, I also want to examine ways that you may connect with a hurting child or maintain connection throughout your parenting years. 1. Know Christ as Savior and build a lifestyle with Him at the center. 2. Model godly behaviors, attitudes, and reactions. 3. Be intentional in building connection. Don’t wait for difficult behavior. 4. Don’t expect “typical” children or behaviors. God doesn’t desire typical worldly character. 5. Say “I’m sorry” without hesitation when needed. 6. Nurture and build your child up in Christ, rather than tear them down. 7. Encourage godly choices. 8. Allow transition times from activities and as they mature in Christ. 9. Eat well, exercise, hydrate, and get enough sleep. 10. Read your Bible daily. 11. Pray for and with your child. Encourage them to pray for you. 12. Continue growing in the Lord, so your child sees the need and value to do the same. There are so many areas I could break-down for deeper discussion, but I want to recommend an excellent resource for working with children who have experienced trauma, are adopted, come from troubled backgrounds, have special emotional or behavioral needs, but also for parents who want to be proactive and parent from a place of connection. Combining techniques taught in this book with biblical discernment and wisdom from the Bible, and purposed prayer daily for and with your child and spouse will give your child or children the best foundation to stand on as they grow and develop in this world. The book is “The Connected Child” by Karyn B. Purvis and is available in bookstores and on Amazon. Remember to be attuned to behaviors exhibited by your child that may easily go unnoticed. While parenting my first generation of children, I thought it was easier to be attuned to what they needed. However, after many years of additional parenting experience, and with the hindsight of parenting through hard places through older child and special needs adoption, I can see times I likely missed responding as I should have. I can think of times when I wish I had understood more quickly or clearly and wish I had changed my parenting style to be more attuned and nurturing in those specific moments. Yet, that’s what life does to us. The person we are today should not be the person we are tomorrow. If we are growing and changing in godly ways, we will always see ways we could have acted differently, but because of the grace of God, we know that He has and will cover all our human mistakes and misunderstandings with His love and use all for His good and glory. Although parents are human, we’re not perfect, and we cannot know everything our child needs, especially when they can’t or won’t tell us, we should continue to improve our skills to identify ways our child gives unspoken clues or in areas that could trigger certain physical or behavioral reactions. Both birth and adopted children are subject to experiencing trauma and disconnect. Sometimes families experience physical, financial, spiritual, mental, or emotional trials or setbacks. Whether they are temporary or permanent, I don’t believe children are as resilient as many say they are. However, I do think that with the right care and attention, children and parents can bond and attach much more strongly after overcoming hardship together, especially if they look to God for direction and healing. Otherwise, if deprivations, trials, or traumas are not addressed, behaviors will eventually show and you may be caught off-guard without the responses or reactions you need to connect in a godly way. Healing can then take much longer for both parent and child. What are ways to build strong attachment ? 1. Hear what your child is communicating , not just what they say. 2. Listen , Love , and Look . Be responsive to what your child says and does. Children often do not have the experience or communication skills to say what they are feeling, experiencing, or needing. 3. Respond with empathy, not judgement. 4. Look beyond misbehavior to the message. What is your child unable to say? What do they really need from you? What could the root cause of the behavior be? Love, care, and personal attention are needed to move past trauma. Sometimes parents get it wrong. We can easily assume motives when our child is coping or experimenting with new sensations and experiences. God’s insight, understanding, and direction are essential to move forward together. Your child needs to see that you are safe, families are safe, families stay together, and that each member of the family is loved and appreciated. Your child needs to know and trust that you are committed to learning and growing together. As you teach and reassure them in this important area, and continue to help them mature in their walk with Christ, your child will be growing in beautiful ways that are beyond the scope of this world and stepping into living with eternal perspective and purpose. Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for the children You have purposed for this world and placed in our homes. Your loving kindness is astounding. That You would trust us to raise Your children is a miracle that comes with great privilege and responsibility. Help our hearts not to be troubled because we trust in You and remain in close contact with You, using Your wisdom, discernment, and commands as the catalyst to our parenting success. May our success be established in Your eyes and heart, not what the world views as success. May our children rise and call us blessed because they recognize and follow You with love, faith, and integrity. May their obedience bless You and cause us to be evermore humble and obedient, as well. God, thank you for Your blessed children in our homes, Please enable us to mature fully in and through You in order to direct them in Your ways and straight to Your heart and feet. In the precious name of Your Son, 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? 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. 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

Hi, I'm Terri HItt. I inspire women to live with eternal perspective and equip them to raise children with purpose for Jesus.  Christian Podcast, free downloads, scripture and blog. LIVE WITH PERSPECTIVE Read the Episodes

< Back Purposed Parent Connected Child Podcast Episode 109 - How Your Productivity is Holding You Back Welcome to the Purposed Parent/Connected Child podcast – Episode 109 – How Your Productivity is Holding You Back Thank you for sharing your day with me. I pray this podcast offers you the biblical tools 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 your productivity is holding you back.. My middle daughter and I had a lovely, blessed trip to Florida in mid-September 2024. We went to a Christian business conference together and it could not have been a better trip. We were so grateful for the time together, the things we learned, and seeing friends we only knew online in person. Plus, we had the bonus of meeting new friends. It was such a perfect trip full of unexpected blessings. Except, about a week after I returned home I got very sick. I don’t think it was from the trip itself, although I know my resistance was very low. Truth be told, I only received about 2 hours of sleep per night and wasn’t able to eat as much as normal due to food allergies and intolerances. Of course, we also had two plane flights…and you know they say it’s a germ fest on a plane and in the airport. Also, the Monday after I returned, I had a well woman visit at the doctor’s office. I’m guessing that in my lowered resistance state I probably picked up a bug there. Regardless, when I say I was sick, I mean I was knocked off my feet and made to rest. It turned out that I had pneumonia. During this time, I also found out that I have mild heart disease. In fact, it was at a scheduled CT cardiac scan that they discovered both. Let me just admit that I don’t like to rest. I love to sleep, but whenever I wake up often through the night, I always seek the clock to see if it is late enough to get up for the day. It just feels like resting is such a waste of time. With more awake hours, I could get to see and enjoy my family and do the work God has inspired and purposed me to allow Him to complete through me. I love being awake! However, when I was sick with pneumonia, I felt like I was suddenly lazy and unproductive. It was ultra challenging to come home from such a dynamic business conference with so much new knowledge and inspiration, and ideas I wanted to implement, but then be forced to stop and rest. Because I didn’t want to be isolated from my girls during the day, I would usually take several naps a day on a large chaise in our great room off the kitchen. Our kitchen is a central hub that’s occupied most of the day by someone. By staying in the great room, I could be near them if I was needed, which took away some of the guilt I felt for being unable to do my usual chores and tasks. I could hear everyone visiting and feel like I wasn’t missing anything. Resting there also allowed me to see the world and not feel as isolated. The chaise sits beside a row of floor to ceiling windows where I could easily observe the weather, nature, and the neighbors. I was sick with that crazy pneumonia for nine weeks total! Of course, after about a month I was very slowly getting better every day, but it was extremely slow. I feel like I missed two months of my life. During most of that time I was too weak to take my usual daily walks with my middle daughter. The beautiful fall weather turned from the comfortable temps with beautiful leaves to chillier conditions with falling leaves and acorns crunching under my feet on the sidewalk by the time I was able to participate in one of my favorite activities again. Because life was literally passing me by daily, I knew I needed to humbly acknowledge that there must be a reason I was made to rest. Since I’m not a nervous or anxious person, I didn’t believe He was teaching me to relax, but there had to be many lessons God wanted me to learn. I decided to stop wishing I could get more work done and look for the opportunities He gave me while I was down. I also began appreciating my usual physical activity levels. Despite being an older mom, I usually get through the days with enough energy to keep up with my active girls. For some reason, God was calling me to focus not on them, but on myself. As I prayed for God to keep my attitude pleasant and my mind fixed on Him, I saw little ways He was blessing me daily. I was able to focus on things I didn’t normally have time to do with my business, and God provided people to help in ways that were nothing short of miraculous. His personal provisions proved that He was in charge and still wanted me to pursue the calling He gave me. His methods were perfect encouragement when I felt useless. He also showed me how He had already been caring for and protecting me when I received news from the doctor’s office about my heart health. Considering all that was happening made me understand that I didn’t usually take time to rest. My lack of focus on rest made me realize that there were things God commanded in the Bible that I was simply ignoring. All in all, I am a very balanced person. I plan my days so that I don’t work in ways that take away from my family, I make sure to read the Bible daily, study the Bible, and also enjoy a daily Bible study and prayer time with my family. Yet I had never studied rest and what God desired in that area. As you plan your new year, I want to share the ways God spoke to me and help you to make time to rest deeper in God for yourself. Society always shows us ways to do more, not less. Social media can make us believe we’re less than. Sometimes (like me) we’re our own worst critic because we feel lazy or unproductive if we take time to rest. But we must remember, even God rested. You have permission and a commandment from your Heavenly Father to do what He did on the seventh day. Rest. Let’s look at the perfect model and see how we can mold our lives more closely to His. The first thing I think of is how God Himself modeled rest. On the seventh day of creation He rested. Do you think God needed to rest? Definitely not. The Maker of Heaven and Earth modeled how He wants us to live. Genesis 2:2-3 says, “By the seventh day God had finished the work He had been doing; so on the seventh day He rested from all His work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it He rested from all the work of creating that He had done .” Knowing that God prioritized and mentored the act of rest for us, I think it’s important that we ensure we know the full meaning of the word. The dictionary definition of “rest” is: “refreshing ease or inactivity after exertion or labor, relief or freedom, especially from anything that wearies, troubles, or disturbs, or a period or interval of inactivity, repose, solitude, or tranquility .” One final statement on the meaning of the word “rest” carries special importance. It means “mental or spiritual calm.” If you look at the life of Jesus, you see that He also modeled rest. Mark 6:30-32 says, “The apostles returned to Jesus and told Him all that they had done and taught. And He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves .” If we consider rest the way we see the Great I Am or Jesus do, we realize that rest is a physical and spiritual renewal for our mind, body, and soul. When we rest, we are able to reflect , renew , and rejuvenate . In our society, busy is a sort of status symbol. We wear the label “busy” with pride. On the flip side, rest is often thought of as laziness or incompetence. Then, the way we view rest is complicated by the weariness that comes from not resting. Think about how difficult it is to make good choices when you’re tired. For me, it’s most challenging to think wisely when I’m tired or hungry. Our health can easily decline when we don’t get enough rest. Our minds don’t work as well when we’re sluggish or worn out. I’ve found that I also eat more when I don’t get enough rest. I haven’t researched to see if I’m accurate, but I know my body. When I don’t get enough sleep, I crave more food like my body is trying to fuel up to stay awake. Another truth about tired is that when we don’t get enough rest we tend to get less done. Why? We simply can’t operate with optimal energy or enthusiasm when we haven’t gotten the rest we were fashioned and mentored to need. It’s really another reminder of the Bible verse in Galatians 6:7, which says, “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.” When we choose to get little rest, we reap little. I find it interesting that the word “rest” is mentioned 548 times. Why would God model rest, command rest, and have the Bible speak of rest if it wasn’t important? Another beautiful truth to remember is that Jesus didn’t seek solace simply to be alone. Christ sought solace in the presence of God alone. Jesus mentored the way to rest. He mentored the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He showed us that rest means more than sleep . Rest is more than mending physically, mentally, or emotionally. Rest brings us spiritual healing from the Great Physician . Matthew 11:28-30 says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light .” Because we live post Jesus, we now have the teachings of the New Testament and the Old. Of course, there are things in the Old Testament that modern day believers no longer have to follow. We are freed from rituals and practices though life in Christ. We don’t have to make burnt offerings because Jesus became the offering for God. But there is also much wisdom found in the pages and words of the Old Testament. We aren’t bound by the laws of the Israelites , but we also find blessed significance in the laws we have learned. Just as we don’t throw out the commandments God made to not steal or kill, we can step into the promise of rest on the Sabbath, as well as incorporating patterns of rest through our week. Here are twelve steps to help you focus on what matters for eternity and gain the rest that honors and pleases your Heavenly Father. 1. Pray for God to show you where you need to step into the promise of rest with Him. 2. Humbly submit to Christ as Savior and release burdens to God. 3. Prioritize the Bible. Read or listen daily. 4. Stay connected to God through prayer. 5. Work to keep regular sleeping habits. 6. Don’t eat heavily right before bed and get enough healthy foods and drinks. 7. Don’t sleep with your phone on and in your room. 8. Get out in nature regularly (if not daily). 9. Use gifts and talents God gave you. That’s makes “work” a blessing. 10. Use discernment and prayer before scheduling or committing to activities and learn how to say “no” without guilt and with guidance from God. 11. Practice Sabbath rest. Find a day or portion of the day to rest, or commit to resting after church on Sundays. It doesn’t mean you have to eat bon bons all day and do nothing, but you can. I found that doing activities or hobbies I don’t usually make time for are very enjoyable on a Sunday afternoon. 12. Enjoy time with God and family as you pray, play, and rest. As you pray over this list, God will expose areas He wants you to focus on. None of us will find perfect rest, especially if we’re not prioritizing the practice. But God is good. He desires that we seek and follow rest as He modeled and He will bless the efforts you give for Him. It’s such a blessing to look at the life of Jesus and find better ways to follow Him. He truly is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. We’re so blessed to have a mentor to follow to become more Christlike every day. As this new year begins, enjoy the fruits of rest physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Your productivity won’t hold you back as you try to spin your wheels through fatigue or burnout. Instead, you’ll learn to rest in Him and enjoy fellowship and peace by slowing down. By the end of the year you will be much better rested and restored in the Lord with a renewed soul that rests in Him and makes you even more productive. Dear Heavenly Father, You are the Great I Am. We are so thankful that You sent Jesus to show us the way to You and create a path to Your arms. Thank you for Your sacrifice that we may live and have abundant lives. Please equip us to rest in the ways You desire. May we slow down to live more fully aware of the ways You provide and protect. May we slow down to have our souls restored. May we slow down to please You and humbly submit to Your ways. Thank you for showing us the way to a joyful and restful life. In the precious name of Jesus 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

< Back Purposed Parent Connected Child Podcast Episode 011 - Roots of Wisdom Welcome to the Purposed Parent/Connected Child Podcast Episode #011 – Roots of Wisdom 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. My favorite time of year has finally arrived with the weather I love! Spring and the promise of new birth, growth, and warmer weather is such a beautiful season. Although I love fresh air and my walks with one of my daughters, I don’t get out in my yard much. We’ve never been able to grow grass and when it rains a lot like it has this spring, being in our yard means you’re wading in a mud pit. Years ago I discovered that we will probably never have a beautiful yard. Maybe you are one of the people who have thick, beautiful grass that invites you to remove your shoes and walk barefoot safely without stepping on sticks, rocks, or dirt clumps, and you have no idea what it is like to navigate mud or water puddles. I doubt that you are like me with a yard that just cannot grow grass and invites any mole within a two mile radius to settle in for the long haul. My husband and I have had a few discussions about what must be attracting the moles to our yard. Since we have been unable to get rid of them, I often say we just need to figure out the root cause. Then we should be able to begin the journey to finally getting rid of the destructive rodents. The same is true of our children. No matter the type of behavior we see, there is a root cause that has built a foundation for acceptable behavior or a root cause that is prompting the objectionable actions. I believe the children of this generation are bombarded with way too much and roots are growing inside them that will reflect in shown behavior now or in the future. Many children see too much through electronics, accidentally exposing them to pornography, or they may be subjected to online issues on social platforms with strangers seeking them as targets. Schools and universities have been indoctrinating our children for years and the lies they feed them about sexuality, our country, and the sanctity of life are eroding and/or destroying the innocence and beliefs God would have them carry. There is so much to be said on this topic, but I believe the root cause of the destruction of America and godly values this country was founded upon stems back to the condition of our hearts. Unless we purposely examine our relationship with God and our beliefs about Him, then honestly explore what we are doing to draw nearer to our Heavenly Father if we profess to love Him, our choices and inaction will further indoctrinate our children with the belief that God is not important and He is not worth placing first in our life. If this is the message our children see and feel by our inactions and attitude, this is the action they will mimic, despite what our words instruct them to do. Obviously there are many root causes to behavior, but as the Bible instructs us in Luke 6:45 , “The good man brings good things out of the good treasure of his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil treasure of his heart. For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks.” When the heart of a mother is full of the truthful goodness of God, built through a personal, growing relationship with Jesus, the overflow will pour into the heart of her children . Does this mean that every day will be smooth for Christian mothers or their children? Goodness, no! In fact, it will probably be harder in many ways. Think of Job in the Bible. Satan targeted Job because of the relationship he had with God. There will be trials, especially if you hold fast to God. Evilness and destruction are the trademark of Satan. Scripture warns us in 1 Peter 5:8 “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour .” In future episodes of Purposed Parent/Connected Child, I want to delve more into behavioral root causes, and how that behavior may manifest, but for now I want to start at the basic truth of the condition of our human heart. I am beginning a Scriptural Summer Series that will air on this podcast, as well as my Live With Eternal Perspective episodes. People are out and about and often so busy during the summer months. I know we are as I try to enjoy every second of the gorgeous weather I look forward to all winter! As I read from the Bible of the podcasts, I pray God’s word will penetrate each of us where we need Him most. I also hope that hearing His word will prompt each of us to seek Him more often and begin a regular reading plan if one doesn’t already exist. Today I would like to start in Proverbs 4. Let this reading prompt you to look up these verses in study Bible and continue learning more on your own. Another suggestion I love to give is to let this selection of verses lead you to a discussion together as a family, or at the very least as mother to children. Proverbs 4:1-27 speaks to the blessing of wisdom. We know true and lasting wisdom only comes from God. Through seeking and walking closely with God because of our personal relationship with Jesus, we come to know and recognize what comes from God and what does not. Without godly wisdom that comes from reading, studying, and practicing God’s word, we are unable to recognize or handle root causes in our own life and the lives of our children. Ignorance and inaction leads to sin and troubles. Every parent needs the wisdom our Heavenly Father wants to supply in abundance if we only ask. “ Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding. For I give you sound teaching; do not abandon my directive. When I was a son to my father, tender and the only child of my mother, he taught me and said, “Let your heart lay hold of my words; keep my commands and you will live. Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn from them. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will preserve you; love her, and she will guard you. Wisdom is supreme; so acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding. Prize her, and she will exalt you; if you embrace her, she will honor you. She will set a garland of grace on your head; she will present you with a crown of beauty.” Listen, my son, and receive my words, and the years of your life will be many. I will guide you in the way of wisdom; I will lead you on straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be impeded; when you run, you will not stumble. Hold on to instruction; do not let go. Guard it, for it is your life. Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers. Avoid it; do not travel on it. Turn from it and pass on by. For they cannot sleep unless they do evil; they are deprived of slumber until they make someone fall. For they eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence. The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining brighter and brighter until midday. But the way of the wicked is like the darkest gloom; they do not know what makes them stumble. My son, pay attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Do not lose sight of them; keep them within your heart. For they are life to those who find them, and health to the whole body. Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life. Put away deception from your mouth; keep your lips from perverse speech. Let your eyes look forward; fix your gaze straight ahead. Make a level path for your feet, and all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your feet away from evil.” If we carefully search the verses I read, we recognize the setting of a family in verses 1-4. God ordained a family to be established by a man and a woman. Proverbs 4 is not the only book in the Bible that reveals this truth. That statement isn’t popular and is often attacked violently today, however I believe Christian parents have the duty to seek, find, and follow God’s wisdom and teach it lovingly to our children. Society twists the desires of man into whatever shape feels good. Unless we raise our children to revere and honor God, they will follow more and more fleshly ambitions and our children will soon be unrecognizable as they develop ungodly desires and actions due to ignorance and indoctrination. Sharing the truths of God and what He knows is good and proper for us to follow and practice is not condemning. We can love those who do not follow God’s word, but we cannot allow our children to be influenced by remaining silent or succumbing to allowing them to follow others into the pain and heartache that results from sinning against God. The verses I read from Proverbs 4 also reveal to us that obtaining wisdom means realizing that no one carries it in the beginning; only God can provide it to us as we humbly seek Him. God shows no favoritism; anyone who seeks Him, asking for His wisdom, studying His word, and practicing His ways will obtain it. Without the wisdom that comes from our Heavenly Father, each of us is lost. We stumble in our own sinful, ignorant, willful ways causing pain and destruction when we could live with abundant joy, hope, and peace instead. Because our heart is wicked, we cannot achieve the wisdom of God on our own and we definitely do not receive it all at once. Every moment reveals choices we must make, actions we can take that honor God and His desires for us. When we listen to the will and ways of God, we must open our heart, mind, and spirit, then make the choice to forgo pride and stubbornness to allow Him full reign of our emotions, actions, and reactions. That is when true wisdom will be passed to us to hold as treasure and teacher as our walk with God deepens and our behavior is eternally changed. As we continue in the ways of God, we will receive and recognize discernment from Him, then continue to receive that godly insight. One of the riches of obtaining God’s wisdom is that as we walk closely with the Lord, acknowledging and using His wisdom each day, we will be able to discern how to live. The decisions or choices we make will be protected choices God would have for us. If we stumble, we will also be able to discern quickly how to resolve issues or change course to remain steadfastly in the center of God’s good will. In contrast, those who do not seek the wisdom of God will continue falling into the wickedness of their heart or the ways of this world, living with pain and heartache that could have been avoided. I believe the root cause of wickedness and troubles in this world is the condition of our heart. Our children cannot obtain what we do not have to give. It is imperative that we purpose to know and honor God more each day. We never want to be the person we are today when tomorrow arrives. Don’t you desire the same for your children or grandchildren? What we are today shapes who our children become tomorrow. Remember the words of Proverbs 4:13 , which says, “Carry out my instructions; don’t forget them, for they will lead you to real living .” Teach your children to honor God because they see Him in you and recognize the love and honor you hold for our Heavenly Father. Help them seek God’s instructions so lovingly revealed and shared with us so that we can each live for eternity while on earth today. Dear Heavenly Father, How good You are to us! You reveal all we need to know for living life under You. Thank you for allowing us grace and free reign. Thank you for entrusting us with Your wisdom if only we seek and ask. Father, I know each of us hurt You daily. Help us to turn from our wicked ways and humbly submit to You in new ways that draw our children nearer to You. May our character as a mother or parent reveal You so clearly that our children and grandchildren cannot help but please You. Our life is a journey of character development. Thank you for Your grace and patience with us. May we exhibit that to our children, yet remain steadfast in instructing them in Your godly ways. May we exhibit and teach your honesty, gratitude, joy, and peace. May our children receive Your fruits of the Spirit with confidence and character that shines You. May the roots they grow come from time spent with You and a parent who consistently seeks and follows Your will and ways. 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

Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #058 – Building Biblical Self-Esteem 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. I have been blessed over the last five years that we’ve had our youngest daughter home, to help her build self-esteem through who God desires her to be. Neglected for most of her life, learning to view herself with a higher esteem was not easy, and did not come naturally to her. However, once she knew whose she was through the sacrifice of Jesus, viewing herself through His eyes and building worth based on Him became tangible for her. How do we build biblical self-esteem? Many of us can think of someone with offensively high self-esteem. We know that often that conceit really masks low esteem of self. Or sometimes that inflated ego is because the person has been gifted with looks, wealth, or power that takes the place of God in their life. A person can begin to wrap identity in items, instead of who God created them to be through Him. Instead of a godly, biblical humility, they can achieve isolation, heartache, suffering, and mistakes or regret. In the book of Genesis, we learn the story of Cain, who was the first child born to Adam and Eve. Cain’s selfish, jealous heart is revealed when we read about the weak offering he made to the Lord. In contrast, his brother, Abel gave the best he had, exposing his contrite and grateful heart. Cain clearly did not give from a heart full of love and devotion to God. I find it interesting that in Hebrew, the name Cain sounds like the verb translated “I have acquired.” Cain wanted to achieve and collect all he could for himself, then pass the leftovers to God. Cain carried a secular, inflated self-esteem. 1 John 2:15-17 says, “Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.” Had Cain built his inflated self-worth and confidence on God and His provisions, he may have carried an attitude and heartset like his brother, Abel, who desired God to receive the very best he had. Abel was pleased to offer a sacrifice made on God’s terms and desires because he held a respectful, honoring, and humble mindset of his position with his Heavenly Father. Jeremiah 17:7 says, “But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.” 1 Corinthians 2:3-5 says, “I came to you in weakness—timid and trembling. And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit. I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God.” But can our self-esteem drop too low? Then, there’s the flip side - those who build their worth on what they have learned the world expects. Some people have self-esteem so low that they are critical of every detail about themselves. Neither type of person is very enjoyable to be around for an extended time. Yet, I understand how easy it is to fall victim and get into the habit of harsh judgement on yourself. When we place more value on what others think of us (or what we perceive them to think), we will never “feel” good enough. Self-esteem built through this method can be formed through many means. Sometimes it is the way a person is raised. Often it comes from the experiences we had with people we thought were our friends, our accomplishments, talents, financial worth, opportunities, appearance, relationships, spouse, or children. Living with confidence, appeal, and worth created through a worldly perspective pulls us away from God as we rely on life experiences, people, thoughts, feelings, and emotions to build and inflate our self-esteem. We know culture and trends change quickly. Esteem for self through this method finds few highs and usually settles into depressing lows. When we do not cling to the Lord and view or respect ourselves as He sees us, we miss the opportunity to experience life with the fullness God purposed for us. We are each specially designed by God. He highly values us, no matter what we think of Him. Psalm 139:13-16 says, “You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.” What do we do if we do not want to possess or project a bloated self-esteem, yet we do not desire to live with low or no confidence? How do we build esteem for self that biblically follows what God desires for us? Jesus was the perfect example of living with confidence in God, not self. Romans 12:3 says, “Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.” Jesus lived with the humble mind and heart of a servant. His only desire was to bring glory to the Father. Jesus placed the truth of who God is foremost in His life and obeyed every call made for Him. Glory was not something He craved or chased. Jesus lifted all praise, worship, honor, and glory to God. Yet, Jesus is worthy of living a life of high self-esteem. As the word is defined, self-esteem means a favorable impression of oneself or an inordinately or exaggeratedly favorable impression of oneself. Jesus could never live with an over-inflated ego, because He is worthy of everything. Yet, Jesus is our perfect model of exactly how God desires our esteem to be built. Philippians 2:3-11 says, “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.” 2 Corinthians 10:17 says, “As the Scriptures say, “If you want to boast, boast only about the Lord.” Through the life model Jesus left for us to follow, He demonstrated perfect humility, love, and obedience that can only exist through the strength of God. Esteem others more highly than yourself. Ephesians 4:17-32 says, “So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed. “That, however, is not the way of life you learned when you heard about Christ and were taught in Him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. “In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” This can seem impossible. People will always let us down somehow. They hurt us, offend us, and betray us. It isn’t always strangers. Sometimes it is our spouse, child, parent, extended family member, a co-worker, or someone we considered to be a best friend. Yet, there is hope and healing through Jesus. Apart from Him we can do none of this. Jesus is our model for forgiveness. If He forgave each one of us, you and me, for all we have or will do, we can learn to forgive others. Eventually, we can even view them as worthy in Christ’s eyes and heart. Only through a personal relationship with Jesus can we achieve the mindset of Christ, which removes the “self” from our esteem and shifts it to Christ and all He made. We then understand the following important life shifts. 1. Only God is perfect. 2. Each one of us is a sinner who can only be saved by the grace of Jesus. 3. As we mature in Christ, we will model our life after Him and see ourselves as He does. 4. Because Jesus extended grace to us, we can offer it to others, and allow ourselves grace when needed, as well. 5. We can construct personal esteem through humility modeled by Jesus and strengthened by a healthy relationship with God and the value He places on us. Unless we honor, love, and obey God through an intentional, growing relationship, we cannot understand or appreciate the worth God sees in us and purposed for us and cannot build godly self-esteem. When we study the word and connect through prayer, praise, and worship, we set God in His rightful place and honor what He values above this world or ourselves. We see the worth in others and build a healthy esteem by fruits of the Spirit, and God’s values and expectations that drive us to seek Him for fulfillment, value, and worth. Through this strong and maturing relationship we allow God to fulfill us with the desires He placed in us. Esteem is built by a committed, consistent, Creator who yearns for each of us to shine for Him, not selfish personal glory. Romans 12:1-8 says, “Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but think of yourself with sober judgment, according to the measure of faith God has given you. Just as each of us has one body with many members, and not all members have the same function, so in Christ we who are many are one body, and each member belongs to one another. We have different gifts according to the grace given us. If one’s gift is prophecy, let him use it in proportion to his faith; if it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is giving, let him give generously; if it is leading, let him lead with diligence; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.” 2 Corinthians 12:6-10 says, “If I wanted to boast, I would be no fool in doing so, because I would be telling the truth. But I won’t do it, because I don’t want anyone to give me credit beyond what they can see in my life or hear in my message, even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” Ephesians 3:12 says, “Because of Christ and our faith in Him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence.” Construct your worth and esteem of self on God’s view of you. Allow Him to work through you to hold that esteem to a biblical value and use God’s heart and mind to penetrate your life and carry you to do the work He has purposed for you. Father God, thank you that none of us should have to search this world for our worth . Help us not to build our self-esteem on secular values and keep us from forming warped opinions of ourselves or others, but let us strive to view all You have created with the love and worth You deem us to hold. Enable us to seek and worship You with the praise You deserve and please You with the value we place on You first, others next, and then self. Thank you for sending Jesus to model exactly what we need to do to live a life pleasing to You. In Your 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 058 Building Biblical Self-Esteem Listen to Episode Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #058 – Building Biblical Self-Esteem 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. I have been blessed over the last five years that we’ve had our youngest daughter home, to help her build self-esteem through who God desires her to be. Neglected for most of her life, learning to view herself with a higher esteem was not easy, and did not come naturally to her. However, once she knew whose she was through the sacrifice of Jesus, viewing herself through His eyes and building worth based on Him became tangible for her. How do we build biblical self-esteem? Many of us can think of someone with offensively high self-esteem. We know that often that conceit really masks low esteem of self. Or sometimes that inflated ego is because the person has been gifted with looks, wealth, or power that takes the place of God in their life. A person can begin to wrap identity in items, instead of who God created them to be through Him. Instead of a godly, biblical humility, they can achieve isolation, heartache, suffering, and mistakes or regret. In the book of Genesis, we learn the story of Cain, who was the first child born to Adam and Eve. Cain’s selfish, jealous heart is revealed when we read about the weak offering he made to the Lord. In contrast, his brother, Abel gave the best he had, exposing his contrite and grateful heart. Cain clearly did not give from a heart full of love and devotion to God. I find it interesting that in Hebrew, the name Cain sounds like the verb translated “I have acquired.” Cain wanted to achieve and collect all he could for himself, then pass the leftovers to God. Cain carried a secular, inflated self-esteem. 1 John 2:15-17 says, “Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.” Had Cain built his inflated self-worth and confidence on God and His provisions, he may have carried an attitude and heartset like his brother, Abel, who desired God to receive the very best he had. Abel was pleased to offer a sacrifice made on God’s terms and desires because he held a respectful, honoring, and humble mindset of his position with his Heavenly Father. Jeremiah 17:7 says, “But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.” 1 Corinthians 2:3-5 says, “I came to you in weakness—timid and trembling. And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit. I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God.” But can our self-esteem drop too low? Then, there’s the flip side - those who build their worth on what they have learned the world expects. Some people have self-esteem so low that they are critical of every detail about themselves. Neither type of person is very enjoyable to be around for an extended time. Yet, I understand how easy it is to fall victim and get into the habit of harsh judgement on yourself. When we place more value on what others think of us (or what we perceive them to think), we will never “feel” good enough. Self-esteem built through this method can be formed through many means. Sometimes it is the way a person is raised. Often it comes from the experiences we had with people we thought were our friends, our accomplishments, talents, financial worth, opportunities, appearance, relationships, spouse, or children. Living with confidence, appeal, and worth created through a worldly perspective pulls us away from God as we rely on life experiences, people, thoughts, feelings, and emotions to build and inflate our self-esteem. We know culture and trends change quickly. Esteem for self through this method finds few highs and usually settles into depressing lows. When we do not cling to the Lord and view or respect ourselves as He sees us, we miss the opportunity to experience life with the fullness God purposed for us. We are each specially designed by God. He highly values us, no matter what we think of Him. Psalm 139:13-16 says, “You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.” What do we do if we do not want to possess or project a bloated self-esteem, yet we do not desire to live with low or no confidence? How do we build esteem for self that biblically follows what God desires for us? Jesus was the perfect example of living with confidence in God, not self. Romans 12:3 says, “Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.” Jesus lived with the humble mind and heart of a servant. His only desire was to bring glory to the Father. Jesus placed the truth of who God is foremost in His life and obeyed every call made for Him. Glory was not something He craved or chased. Jesus lifted all praise, worship, honor, and glory to God. Yet, Jesus is worthy of living a life of high self-esteem. As the word is defined, self-esteem means a favorable impression of oneself or an inordinately or exaggeratedly favorable impression of oneself. Jesus could never live with an over-inflated ego, because He is worthy of everything. Yet, Jesus is our perfect model of exactly how God desires our esteem to be built. Philippians 2:3-11 says, “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.” 2 Corinthians 10:17 says, “As the Scriptures say, “If you want to boast, boast only about the Lord.” Through the life model Jesus left for us to follow, He demonstrated perfect humility, love, and obedience that can only exist through the strength of God. Esteem others more highly than yourself. Ephesians 4:17-32 says, “So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed. “That, however, is not the way of life you learned when you heard about Christ and were taught in Him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. “In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” This can seem impossible. People will always let us down somehow. They hurt us, offend us, and betray us. It isn’t always strangers. Sometimes it is our spouse, child, parent, extended family member, a co-worker, or someone we considered to be a best friend. Yet, there is hope and healing through Jesus. Apart from Him we can do none of this. Jesus is our model for forgiveness. If He forgave each one of us, you and me, for all we have or will do, we can learn to forgive others. Eventually, we can even view them as worthy in Christ’s eyes and heart. Only through a personal relationship with Jesus can we achieve the mindset of Christ, which removes the “self” from our esteem and shifts it to Christ and all He made. We then understand the following important life shifts. 1. Only God is perfect. 2. Each one of us is a sinner who can only be saved by the grace of Jesus. 3. As we mature in Christ, we will model our life after Him and see ourselves as He does. 4. Because Jesus extended grace to us, we can offer it to others, and allow ourselves grace when needed, as well. 5. We can construct personal esteem through humility modeled by Jesus and strengthened by a healthy relationship with God and the value He places on us. Unless we honor, love, and obey God through an intentional, growing relationship, we cannot understand or appreciate the worth God sees in us and purposed for us and cannot build godly self-esteem. When we study the word and connect through prayer, praise, and worship, we set God in His rightful place and honor what He values above this world or ourselves. We see the worth in others and build a healthy esteem by fruits of the Spirit, and God’s values and expectations that drive us to seek Him for fulfillment, value, and worth. Through this strong and maturing relationship we allow God to fulfill us with the desires He placed in us. Esteem is built by a committed, consistent, Creator who yearns for each of us to shine for Him, not selfish personal glory. Romans 12:1-8 says, “Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but think of yourself with sober judgment, according to the measure of faith God has given you. Just as each of us has one body with many members, and not all members have the same function, so in Christ we who are many are one body, and each member belongs to one another. We have different gifts according to the grace given us. If one’s gift is prophecy, let him use it in proportion to his faith; if it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is giving, let him give generously; if it is leading, let him lead with diligence; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.” 2 Corinthians 12:6-10 says, “If I wanted to boast, I would be no fool in doing so, because I would be telling the truth. But I won’t do it, because I don’t want anyone to give me credit beyond what they can see in my life or hear in my message, even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” Ephesians 3:12 says, “Because of Christ and our faith in Him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence.” Construct your worth and esteem of self on God’s view of you. Allow Him to work through you to hold that esteem to a biblical value and use God’s heart and mind to penetrate your life and carry you to do the work He has purposed for you. Father God, thank you that none of us should have to search this world for our worth . Help us not to build our self-esteem on secular values and keep us from forming warped opinions of ourselves or others, but let us strive to view all You have created with the love and worth You deem us to hold. Enable us to seek and worship You with the praise You deserve and please You with the value we place on You first, others next, and then self. Thank you for sending Jesus to model exactly what we need to do to live a life pleasing to You. In Your 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.

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 #126 – Developing a Humble Attitude 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. As I was in the office one recent evening, I heard the sounds of my family chatting in the kitchen. My husband had arrived home from work a bit earlier and was doing a few things with the girls. As their voices floated into my hearing, one of my daughters asked him, “Is there anything I can help you with?” It’s not unusual for her to do this as she often looks for ways to help others. Matthew 23:11-12 says, “The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” This world makes it so easy, so enticing to cling to self, to make ourselves known, or put ourselves first. In fact, our culture encourages this practice. Yet God, in His perfect wisdom, instructs us to do the opposite. Our attitude is not to reflect the values and teachings of this world. Mark 10:45 says, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Have you personally experienced (or seen through others) that the more we exalt self, the more pressure we actually feel? Our spirit becomes increasingly demanding for more attention to self. By carrying this attitude, we add demands to our time and resources. Yet when we humble ourselves and simply serve from a heart for God and others, we experience joy and freedom. Here’s one example from my life that shows how attitude affects self and others. When my middle daughter was young and begged to participate in a natural pageant system, I was torn. We had no idea what to expect. We checked the system out, spoke to women who had allowed their children to take part in the system, and met with the people who ran the program. Everything was family-focused and safe. There was no makeup or swimsuits, and the girls were encouraged to compete in the good ways, using gifts and talents God gave them. The girls were also encouraged to serve in the community and they learned valuable public speaking and interview skills that would serve them well throughout life. Like any hobby or sport, pageants can get expensive. As we looked for wardrobe, which is a major piece in pageant competitions, we happened to find a dress my daughter absolutely loved and had seen in magazine photos on Craigslist. The gown was selling at at a very low price, so we met the seller and tried the dress on. It fit perfectly! I made my daughter a little interview suit out of beautiful peacock-colored fabric she selected and she helped design the pattern of the suit. As complete pageant novices, we carefully prepared for everything we thought we would need, but just before it was time to leave to compete at the pageant, she had a growth spurt and the beautiful dress of her dreams was now about three inches too short! We kept that special dress and my daughter wore it onstage with flats. We made several other rookie mistakes as well, but our girl still had an absolutely wonderful time and won many awards, as well as the second runner-up to the state queen title. As we learned more about the pageant world, we experienced that there is much more involved than what people perceive when watching on television or mentally judging the pageant contestants. We met many wonderful mothers and daughters, who just like us, wanted their child to find encouragement and support as they also used their talents and interests. What really stood out for my daughter and me, as she went on to do other pageants was that we quickly learned the more we gave to and served others, the more peace and joy we experienced in our own life. It became less about competition and more of a way to grow her skills and serve our community. While in the beginning I admit, I just wanted my daughter to win, cheering for the daughters of other women later became easy. My prayers were for them to also do the best they could. Instead of isolating ourselves or using the competition for the sole purpose of advancing personal interests or goals, my daughter and I learned that an attitude focused on God and others brought deeper relationship and joy. As my daughter served others she competed against, as well as the community, it deepened my faith roots and allowed my daughter to gain incredible interview, speaking, organizational, and service gifts. The experience grew our love for others, multiplying and deepening our love for the Lord because our hearts were being molded to become a little more like His. Philippians 2:2-4 says, “Then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” As my daughter competed, growing her capabilities and confidence, I learned much about myself. As a believer, I like to think I try to keep my mind and heart in alignment with Christ, but I began to understand ways my thoughts were actually far from his. When my daughter performed, I prayed that all went well for her. Of course, I didn’t want anything bad to happen to the other girls she competed against, but in my heart, I wanted my daughter to win, and I thought she should. Over time, God shaped me in new ways as He grew her capabilities. Love for my girl pushed me to desire the best for her, but I learned that sometimes the best for her wasn’t the best for someone else. Each of the girls deserved God’s very best for their life. I felt God working in me and my daughter, and we truly began to enjoy the other competitors and their mothers. We began offering tips to help them, even when they competed against my girl, and we cheered for them with true support as they performed onstage. Soon, we developed what I considered true friendships with the other girls and their mothers. Joy was felt for them, even when other girls did better than my daughter or placed higher in the estimation of the judges. I finally understood that in God’s eyes, what mattered was how we treated others at the competition, whether He was honored in our heart and mind as we interacted with them through the week, and how we grew our walk with Him in the process. Attitudes spring from many places. Our desires, thoughts, feelings, and emotions can get so twisted and confusing. It’s no wonder that our mood and mindset can easily shift like the wind. Often, our attitude is birthed by pain, abuse, trauma, trials, tragedies, or greed. Even fun activities like pageants, sports, jobs, or hobbies can bring out unexpected attitudes. If we aren’t actively seeking a heart like Jesus, believing His estimation of us and striving to be more like Him, even a funny look or a harsh word from another person can trigger an attitude. Philippians 2:2-5 says, “Then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.” It's not easy to consistently put others before self. Of course, as a parent, that’s the easiest time, but what about a stranger? What about someone who has offended you? What about someone who receives something you wanted? When we put others first, our attitude is adjusted into a mindset of giving and serving. It’s difficult to hold resentments and self-serving desires when we are intentionally renewing our mind and actions daily to align with those of the Lord. It’s impossible to get through a day without needing Him to carry or craft our attitude in some capacity. In my personal life, I think the fastest way to affect my attitude is usually letting myself get over tired or very hungry. One recent evening I was both. On my way to the kitchen, I walked to the entryway area of our home without any lights on and I didn’t realize our Golden Retriever was laying outside the office door. When I stepped out of the office I tripped over him, almost falling to the ground and twisting my back to keep from doing so, I spilled half of my tea on the floor. I could feel the snap in my attitude. Immediately I wanted to be cranky. Thankfully, I had just been in the office working on this very podcast. I had just been reading verses about the mind and attitude of Christ. I had been praying about what to write and deliver God’s message. As I spoke the word, “seriously” aloud, I knew my thoughts and emotions were headed in the wrong direction, which would surely pull my attitude down as well. Only because I had the foundation of being in the Word and an already prayerful attitude was I able to pull my thoughts back to a godlier place and keep from complaining to my family or scolding the dog, who thought he was doing me a favor by keeping me company. What happens when we aren’t relying on the Lord to sustain and protect us? We can quickly fall victim to tantrums, outbursts, or actions we later regret. Even when we are walking closely with God we sometimes fall victim to needing attitude adjustments. It’s so important to purposely focus on keeping the mind of Christ. Through Christ, and our relationship with Him, we are able to do as Colossians 3:10 says. “put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.” The cloak of pleasant attitude only fits when we are in shape by exercising the power of God’s word and actively maturing our walk with Him through Jesus. Through our salvation in Christ we see that He is able to work within us, equipping us to do all He speaks and models for us. Hebrews 6:10 says, “God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them. “ The fastest way to hurt someone else is to let our unchecked attitude affect them. Many things cause attitudes that need adjustment. Embarrassment, disappointment, rejection, expectations, fear, anger, trauma, hardship, control, failure, illness, jealousy, loneliness, sleeplessness, or hunger are just some of the main culprits that cause us to look to self and experience attitude. Whenever we think of ourselves before others or fail to reside in the mindset of the Holy Spirit, our mindset is always affected in a negative way. I believe there are 5 points to remember in order to build a humble attitude. 1. Superiority – Knowing we are each equal in the eyes of God and that His love is the same for everyone allows us to see others with eyes and heart that better mirror Jesus. 2. Survival – Taking care of ourselves so that we do not fall victim to being over-tired or hungry and exercising and eating right so that we are less apt to get sick keeps our attitude steadier. 3. Selfishness – Studying and knowing Christ - learning that there is joy in living as Jesus did. Thinking of others before self brings us closer to our Heavenly Father and allows us to experience Him in deeper ways as we also draw nearer to others we may not have known otherwise. 4. Sin – Humbling ourself before God, allowing Him to free us from the bondage of sins that may be enveloping us brings freedom that develops an attitude more like Christ. 5. Standing – When we know, believe, and reside in the value Christ sees in us we are better equipped to keep a steady attitude built on His truths and commands. Jesus fills the voids in our heart if we look to Him. He is the answer to bringing or restoring an even attitude that is pleasing to others and a delight to Him. Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the love You freely give. Thank you for the mindset shifts You work in us as we rely on You. Help us to continue to seek Your strength in every area of life. We know we will never be without our need for You and we are so thankful for that knowledge. We need You so much more than we even know. I thank you for the times You have shown us Your grace and love. Help us to extend that grace and love to those around us. Help us to carry the attitude of Christ and see others with Your eyes and heart. Enable us to see that attitude winds through everything we do and help us to be more pleasing in Your eyes each day. We humbly ask for Your wisdom and discernment to carry us and Your beautiful attitude to craft our thoughts and actions. In the precious name of Jesus we pray. Amen. Thank you for listening to this podcast. If you find value in what you hear, and you would like more information on the topic we discussed today, I invite you to listen to these previous episodes: Episode 002, “Protecting Our Thoughts,” Episode 008, “A Humble Spirit,” and Episode 012, “Complaint Fosters Rebellion.” Just visit terrihitt.com, click on “podcasts” and type in the topic or title you wish to hear about in the search bar at the top of the page. Remember that the Live With Eternal Perspective podcast may be found at terrihitt.com, but is also a part of the Spark Media Network, and now the podcast may 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? For those who have, I thank you so very much! If you haven’t, would you please consider doing so? 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 begin to deepen their walk with Jesus and live with eyes set on eternity, would you please write a review and rate the podcast for me? I also want to ask if you 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 126 - Developing a Humble Attitude Listen to Episode Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #126 – Developing a Humble Attitude 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. As I was in the office one recent evening, I heard the sounds of my family chatting in the kitchen. My husband had arrived home from work a bit earlier and was doing a few things with the girls. As their voices floated into my hearing, one of my daughters asked him, “Is there anything I can help you with?” It’s not unusual for her to do this as she often looks for ways to help others. Matthew 23:11-12 says, “The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” This world makes it so easy, so enticing to cling to self, to make ourselves known, or put ourselves first. In fact, our culture encourages this practice. Yet God, in His perfect wisdom, instructs us to do the opposite. Our attitude is not to reflect the values and teachings of this world. Mark 10:45 says, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Have you personally experienced (or seen through others) that the more we exalt self, the more pressure we actually feel? Our spirit becomes increasingly demanding for more attention to self. By carrying this attitude, we add demands to our time and resources. Yet when we humble ourselves and simply serve from a heart for God and others, we experience joy and freedom. Here’s one example from my life that shows how attitude affects self and others. When my middle daughter was young and begged to participate in a natural pageant system, I was torn. We had no idea what to expect. We checked the system out, spoke to women who had allowed their children to take part in the system, and met with the people who ran the program. Everything was family-focused and safe. There was no makeup or swimsuits, and the girls were encouraged to compete in the good ways, using gifts and talents God gave them. The girls were also encouraged to serve in the community and they learned valuable public speaking and interview skills that would serve them well throughout life. Like any hobby or sport, pageants can get expensive. As we looked for wardrobe, which is a major piece in pageant competitions, we happened to find a dress my daughter absolutely loved and had seen in magazine photos on Craigslist. The gown was selling at at a very low price, so we met the seller and tried the dress on. It fit perfectly! I made my daughter a little interview suit out of beautiful peacock-colored fabric she selected and she helped design the pattern of the suit. As complete pageant novices, we carefully prepared for everything we thought we would need, but just before it was time to leave to compete at the pageant, she had a growth spurt and the beautiful dress of her dreams was now about three inches too short! We kept that special dress and my daughter wore it onstage with flats. We made several other rookie mistakes as well, but our girl still had an absolutely wonderful time and won many awards, as well as the second runner-up to the state queen title. As we learned more about the pageant world, we experienced that there is much more involved than what people perceive when watching on television or mentally judging the pageant contestants. We met many wonderful mothers and daughters, who just like us, wanted their child to find encouragement and support as they also used their talents and interests. What really stood out for my daughter and me, as she went on to do other pageants was that we quickly learned the more we gave to and served others, the more peace and joy we experienced in our own life. It became less about competition and more of a way to grow her skills and serve our community. While in the beginning I admit, I just wanted my daughter to win, cheering for the daughters of other women later became easy. My prayers were for them to also do the best they could. Instead of isolating ourselves or using the competition for the sole purpose of advancing personal interests or goals, my daughter and I learned that an attitude focused on God and others brought deeper relationship and joy. As my daughter served others she competed against, as well as the community, it deepened my faith roots and allowed my daughter to gain incredible interview, speaking, organizational, and service gifts. The experience grew our love for others, multiplying and deepening our love for the Lord because our hearts were being molded to become a little more like His. Philippians 2:2-4 says, “Then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” As my daughter competed, growing her capabilities and confidence, I learned much about myself. As a believer, I like to think I try to keep my mind and heart in alignment with Christ, but I began to understand ways my thoughts were actually far from his. When my daughter performed, I prayed that all went well for her. Of course, I didn’t want anything bad to happen to the other girls she competed against, but in my heart, I wanted my daughter to win, and I thought she should. Over time, God shaped me in new ways as He grew her capabilities. Love for my girl pushed me to desire the best for her, but I learned that sometimes the best for her wasn’t the best for someone else. Each of the girls deserved God’s very best for their life. I felt God working in me and my daughter, and we truly began to enjoy the other competitors and their mothers. We began offering tips to help them, even when they competed against my girl, and we cheered for them with true support as they performed onstage. Soon, we developed what I considered true friendships with the other girls and their mothers. Joy was felt for them, even when other girls did better than my daughter or placed higher in the estimation of the judges. I finally understood that in God’s eyes, what mattered was how we treated others at the competition, whether He was honored in our heart and mind as we interacted with them through the week, and how we grew our walk with Him in the process. Attitudes spring from many places. Our desires, thoughts, feelings, and emotions can get so twisted and confusing. It’s no wonder that our mood and mindset can easily shift like the wind. Often, our attitude is birthed by pain, abuse, trauma, trials, tragedies, or greed. Even fun activities like pageants, sports, jobs, or hobbies can bring out unexpected attitudes. If we aren’t actively seeking a heart like Jesus, believing His estimation of us and striving to be more like Him, even a funny look or a harsh word from another person can trigger an attitude. Philippians 2:2-5 says, “Then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.” It's not easy to consistently put others before self. Of course, as a parent, that’s the easiest time, but what about a stranger? What about someone who has offended you? What about someone who receives something you wanted? When we put others first, our attitude is adjusted into a mindset of giving and serving. It’s difficult to hold resentments and self-serving desires when we are intentionally renewing our mind and actions daily to align with those of the Lord. It’s impossible to get through a day without needing Him to carry or craft our attitude in some capacity. In my personal life, I think the fastest way to affect my attitude is usually letting myself get over tired or very hungry. One recent evening I was both. On my way to the kitchen, I walked to the entryway area of our home without any lights on and I didn’t realize our Golden Retriever was laying outside the office door. When I stepped out of the office I tripped over him, almost falling to the ground and twisting my back to keep from doing so, I spilled half of my tea on the floor. I could feel the snap in my attitude. Immediately I wanted to be cranky. Thankfully, I had just been in the office working on this very podcast. I had just been reading verses about the mind and attitude of Christ. I had been praying about what to write and deliver God’s message. As I spoke the word, “seriously” aloud, I knew my thoughts and emotions were headed in the wrong direction, which would surely pull my attitude down as well. Only because I had the foundation of being in the Word and an already prayerful attitude was I able to pull my thoughts back to a godlier place and keep from complaining to my family or scolding the dog, who thought he was doing me a favor by keeping me company. What happens when we aren’t relying on the Lord to sustain and protect us? We can quickly fall victim to tantrums, outbursts, or actions we later regret. Even when we are walking closely with God we sometimes fall victim to needing attitude adjustments. It’s so important to purposely focus on keeping the mind of Christ. Through Christ, and our relationship with Him, we are able to do as Colossians 3:10 says. “put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.” The cloak of pleasant attitude only fits when we are in shape by exercising the power of God’s word and actively maturing our walk with Him through Jesus. Through our salvation in Christ we see that He is able to work within us, equipping us to do all He speaks and models for us. Hebrews 6:10 says, “God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them. “ The fastest way to hurt someone else is to let our unchecked attitude affect them. Many things cause attitudes that need adjustment. Embarrassment, disappointment, rejection, expectations, fear, anger, trauma, hardship, control, failure, illness, jealousy, loneliness, sleeplessness, or hunger are just some of the main culprits that cause us to look to self and experience attitude. Whenever we think of ourselves before others or fail to reside in the mindset of the Holy Spirit, our mindset is always affected in a negative way. I believe there are 5 points to remember in order to build a humble attitude. 1. Superiority – Knowing we are each equal in the eyes of God and that His love is the same for everyone allows us to see others with eyes and heart that better mirror Jesus. 2. Survival – Taking care of ourselves so that we do not fall victim to being over-tired or hungry and exercising and eating right so that we are less apt to get sick keeps our attitude steadier. 3. Selfishness – Studying and knowing Christ - learning that there is joy in living as Jesus did. Thinking of others before self brings us closer to our Heavenly Father and allows us to experience Him in deeper ways as we also draw nearer to others we may not have known otherwise. 4. Sin – Humbling ourself before God, allowing Him to free us from the bondage of sins that may be enveloping us brings freedom that develops an attitude more like Christ. 5. Standing – When we know, believe, and reside in the value Christ sees in us we are better equipped to keep a steady attitude built on His truths and commands. Jesus fills the voids in our heart if we look to Him. He is the answer to bringing or restoring an even attitude that is pleasing to others and a delight to Him. Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the love You freely give. Thank you for the mindset shifts You work in us as we rely on You. Help us to continue to seek Your strength in every area of life. We know we will never be without our need for You and we are so thankful for that knowledge. We need You so much more than we even know. I thank you for the times You have shown us Your grace and love. Help us to extend that grace and love to those around us. Help us to carry the attitude of Christ and see others with Your eyes and heart. Enable us to see that attitude winds through everything we do and help us to be more pleasing in Your eyes each day. We humbly ask for Your wisdom and discernment to carry us and Your beautiful attitude to craft our thoughts and actions. In the precious name of Jesus we pray. Amen. Thank you for listening to this podcast. If you find value in what you hear, and you would like more information on the topic we discussed today, I invite you to listen to these previous episodes: Episode 002, “Protecting Our Thoughts,” Episode 008, “A Humble Spirit,” and Episode 012, “Complaint Fosters Rebellion.” Just visit terrihitt.com, click on “podcasts” and type in the topic or title you wish to hear about in the search bar at the top of the page. Remember that the Live With Eternal Perspective podcast may be found at terrihitt.com, but is also a part of the Spark Media Network, and now the podcast may 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? For those who have, I thank you so very much! If you haven’t, would you please consider doing so? 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 begin to deepen their walk with Jesus and live with eyes set on eternity, would you please write a review and rate the podcast for me? I also want to ask if you 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.

< Back Purposed Parent Connected Child Podcast Episode 074 - Teach Your Children to Test What They Are Taught Welcome to the Purposed Parent/Connected Child podcast – Episode 074 - Teach Your Children to Test What They Are Taught Just this morning I was reading an article about critical thinking in the body of the church. At first the ideas and information seemed valid and accurate. However, I quickly found myself surprised by a slight wording shift in the tone as ideas and information began to sound “off.” I read a little more with my mind intently paying attention. I no longer skimmed the words, but sought to identify whether God’s words and wisdom were being revealed. The longer I read the more I detected the shift away from God’s truth. Instead, a worldly perspective opposite of God’s was exposed. Next, I checked the credentials of the author and found that they supported teachings I have not heard through Bible study or prayer. Thankful that God made the carefully cloaked deceit clear to me, I stopped reading the article. This is an example of the importance of knowing biblical truth. As parents, our careful scrutiny through biblical wisdom and understanding is the only way we can expect to properly present God’s truths to our watching children. It is the way we can have the ability to guide and guard their biblical critical thinking. If you aren’t actively studying God’s Word and intentionally teaching the truths of Christ to enable your children to develop critical thinking skills that pursue His godliness, the world will sway your children away from His truths. Every area of life is affected by whether you and your child have the ability to critically think through the biblical truths and lens of God. Is every area of life truly affected? What do you think? Consider the various areas in which believers should live in alignment with God’s truths. I’ll read through some and as you hear them, think about the validity of my statement. Would eternity be affected if you or your child didn’t have the ability to critically think through a biblical worldview with each topic? Bible Knowledge Family Lifestyle Desires Worship Gratitude Decisions Mindset Marriage Parenthood Deepening walk with God through relationship with Jesus Bible Study Understanding Bible Truths Understanding Bible stories Understanding current worldviews through a biblical lens Conversations/Questions/Personal Reflection Service Prayer Life Integration of faith and studies in school Mentor of Christ As we list these areas of life, do you see how each one carries the need to think with godly, critical, and biblical wisdom? Without this skill, you and your child may slowly conform to the pattern of this world before you realize the change. Romans 12:2 says, “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 .” In a world where society promotes self-interests above all else and encourages doing “what feels good” and “living your own truth,” it is imperative that our children have intimate knowledge of God’s Word and the ability to center His wisdom as the foundation on which they measure and assess cultural messaging and personal feelings or emotions. As parents, we must also possess this ability and live with a biblical worldview daily for our children to witness and be taught with intention. 1 Thessalonians 5:21 says, “But test everything; hold fast what is good .” Without relation through Christ and the knowledge and understanding of God’s Holy Word, you and your children cannot critically think with the expectation that a biblically wise result will occur. As you navigate this world, hold fast to what is good , as stated in God’s Word. This will allow you to learn and grow in His knowledge, wisdom, and insight as you navigate this culture so opposite to our Heavenly Father’s truths. Proverbs 2:6 says, “For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding .” Are you wondering how you can ensure your children develop biblical critical thinking skills? I believe it is first wise to consider that we and our children must realize people won’t stop to think critically with an eternal perspective worldview if we haven’t purposely trained our heart and mind in that manner. Proper biblical instruction and relationship with God through Jesus are the first steps to take in order to ensure that the Holy Spirit is alive within to bring needed discernment for higher level, godly critical thinking. It's also important to note that living a life devoted to slowing down instead of rushing is important. When we are rushed or forced to make fast decisions, we usually move with what is easiest or may react on impulse to save time. Also, teach your children that when something doesn’t make sense, or if they are confused or fearful, it is a signal that they must make time to pray, seek God’s wisdom through His Word, and speak with someone they trust to lead with godly advice. It’s also very important to test guidance with biblical discernment before you or your children allow the influence of another. Watch to see if their actions and words align with not only what they say they believe, but more importantly, what God’s Word says and calls. Matthew 24:4 – “And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray .” Help your children build the framework for establishing biblical critical thinking by teaching them to compare everything heard, seen, or taught against the Bible. Is the source of information godly? Is the source credible – not just through worldly expectations, but God’s? Is the source of information experienced in the Word of God and His truths? What is the motive and perspective of the source? Is the information the opinion of the source or is it fact backed by Scripture and/or biblical values? 1 John 4:1 – “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world .” Most of what our children read and learn in school, see on television, hear in music, advertisements, and through peers or social media is worldly opinion clothed as fact. These man-made values often contain liberal, cultural doctrine woven throughout to make them enticing. Sometimes they may even carry a tiny bit of truth as defined by God, just to cause enough confusion in the mind of your child and they view it as fact. Just as Satan twisted God’s truth to Eve in the garden. Overall, public institutions don’t teach critical thinking, but instead push children through like they’re on an assembly line without allowing or encouraging the ability to think critically (and certainly not biblically). Students are graduating without absorbing and processing information through a biblical lens that produces godly discernment. Children and young adults are unable to differentiate between fact, fallacy, or opinion. Without aware parents who set the priority for their children to grasp the ability to think biblically and critically, students become adults living and processing life through flawed, worldly views. Public schools, as well as some private institutions, like to teach children to memorize or repeat facts learned through the instructor or read in a classroom textbook. Homework and drills enforce the ideas and trap the student to live a life of moving from one subject to another without needed time to absorb material and build a framework for critical thinking. Proverbs 14 :15 says, “The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.” Make a goal to teach your children how to think, not what to think. Especially when it comes to their relationship with Christ. Unless your children are taught to stand on the firm foundation of Jesus as the support on which to mature their walk with God, they will not learn the process of claiming faith through Christ and experience true freedom to live a holy life. As you live and mentor God’s truths to your children, and teach them the privilege of applying biblical critical reasoning, you enable them to mature their walk with Christ. You help them find the ability to critically think through a biblical lens, and grant them the privilege of navigating this fallen world with grace and hope bound through eternal perspective. Teach your children to use the mind God created for them to process material with reflective thinking that allows biblical consideration. This will lead to beliefs, actions, and reactions pleasing to Him. Remember, your child must be taught the ability to critically scrutinize ideals instead of passively accepting everything learned at pure face value. What takes residence in the heart has already lived in the mind. Make sure your children learn the truths of God and use them to assess what seems to be truth in this world. This will be a great motivator and protector of their beliefs and actions. John 8:32 says, “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free .” Your child must be enabled and made aware to use the mind God created for His good, to draw upon, and reflect His wisdom when receiving information, identifying problems, analyzing ideas, creating solutions, and making connections. Your child will be empowered to use biblical discernment in complex and everyday challenges and not be swayed by peers, social media, cultural beliefs and practices, or fleshly desires. When identity and perspective are formed through the biblical, truth-filled lens of God your child is equipped to navigate this world with joy, peace, and a desire to discover what is good, pure, and true. He will be equipped and encouraged to live in a confusing world which sways him to accept the opposite of God’s desires. He’ll be far less likely to succumb to deceitful and harmful enticements. He shouldn’t be tempted to believe anything just because it’s popular and will use the mind God gave him to assess and extract God’s truths and teachings before making decisions. Firmly set in biblical truths and desires, your child will navigate life in this world with his heart and vision cast on eternity because he was taught to think critically and biblically. Dear Heavenly Father, Your mind is so far above our own. That we can critically think with even a small portion of Your wisdom, knowledge, and understanding is a gift beyond measure. Please help us to know You so intimately through study of your Word, prayer, and close fellowship with You that we raise children who seek and serve You through an eternal lens. Father, protect them and provide the critical thinking skills with a biblically based mindset that will honor and please You. May they walk in obedience to You because they have a love and respect borne from relationship through Christ. May they look at this world with appreciation for all You have given them, but yearn for eternal life with You. May their decisions and actions reflect biblical truths and values from You and show their desire for and knowledge of You. In the precious name of Jesus we pray. Amen. If you enjoyed this episode and would like more information on how to teach critical thinking, I want to let you know that Purposed Parent/Connect Child Podcast Episode #23, “Teach Your Child Biblical Critical Thinking” is a practical source for godly information on this topic. 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 wait list is open now. The first group of women is currently growing together. 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 060 - Motherhood is Discipleship Welcome to the Purposed Parent/Connected Child podcast – Episode 60 – Motherhood is Discipleship Have you ever pondered how Jesus gathered His disciples? Or how He decided who would become His apostles? When I first became a follower of Christ, I had so many questions. I wondered at how Jesus chose those who were closest to Him. Of course, now I understand more clearly that God has a plan and Jesus was close to the Father and sought the Father’s wisdom, insight, knowledge, and understanding. Jesus simply and immediately obeyed where the Father commanded. He was able to choose the men who would become apostles through deep prayer with, and direction from God. Have you ever thought of yourself as a disciple of Christ? Let’s pause and consider the definition of the word disciple: a disciple is a person who is a pupil of or adheres to the doctrines of another. As a mother, you certainly are His disciple. In fact, as a mother, you are a discipler . As such, your main goal should be three-fold: to worship Christ, serve Him, and witness to your children. Luke 6:12-16 says, “In these days He went out to the mountain to pray, and all night He continued in prayer to God. And when day came, He called his disciples and chose from them twelve, whom He named apostles: Simon, whom He named Peter, and Andrew his brother, and James and John, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon who was called the Zealot, and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor .” As you study additional Scripture, you see how Jesus prepared his disciples to become apostles in four ways. In fact, these are the same methods you can use to prepare your children for a life of discipleship under Christ. 1. He shared truth - Jesus shared the truth of God – Jesus, the actual Source of the gospel, the provider of eternal life for each of us, shared God to everyone without excuses, without wavering, and without fear - just as you are to do with your husband, children, or grandchildren. No matter how old they might be, you have the holy privilege and responsibility of bringing your children to God through Christ, the Way, the Truth, and the Life. John 14:6 says, “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me .” 2. He mentored discipleship - Jesus explained the way to get to God , He modeled the way to live. Jesus mentored complete obedience and love. Just as we are expected to do with our children and others. God gives us the blessing of choice, but why would anyone choose not to share Jesus? The very act of living shows our beliefs and values under Christ. How are you modeling Jesus? John 8:31-32 says, “So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” 1 John 2:4-6 says, “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 .” 3. He modeled prayer – Jesus taught the disciples how to pray . The Lord’s Prayer clearly indicates an order in which to lift requests and recognition to God. Jesus began with praise . Petitions were made after worship had begun and glory given. Instead of reciting a shopping list of needs and desires, Jesus remembered Who He was addressing and gave due honor. When we pray in this way, our focus remains in the right frame of mind. Luke 11:1-13 says, “Now it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.” So He said to them, “When you pray, say: Our Father in Heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one.” And He said to them, “Which of you shall have a friend, and go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine has come to me on his journey, and I have nothing to set before him’; and he will answer from within and say, ‘Do not trouble me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give to you’? I say to you, though he will not rise and give to him because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence he will rise and give him as many as he needs.” So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” Did you notice the important aspects of prayer laid out by Jesus: content , persistence , faithfulness, and forgiveness of God ? Jesus prayed because He understood His purpose was to be a disciple of God, to show Him to others, and to obey His will. Without prayer, and learning to know and be like the Father, Jesus would not be able to obey God’s will. Such is your life. So is my life. In order to share the truth of God with our children, they must witness Him in us . In order to be able to see Him within you, you must be in prayer. So much is modeled in this prayer! Forgiveness of self, others, God, and realizing the forgiveness lavished on us by Jesus Himself. This beautiful prayer also modeled realization that God’s provisions are daily . Sure, we love surplus. We want assurance that everything is taken care of today, tomorrow, and forever. Yet, God’s ways are different. His desire is that we are satisfied with trusting Him moment by moment. “Give us this day our daily bread .” When you are worried, dissatisfied, grumpy, lonely, or depressed, are you relying on Him to give what you need in each moment? Are you living in His strength or faltering in your own? Colossians 4:2 says, “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving .” Romans 12:12 says, “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer .” God’s Word says to be steadfast in prayer. You know I love looking at meanings of words. Steadfast means fixed in direction and unwavering. We are to remain unwavering in our ability to speak to God at any time. No matter the time of day, where you are, how you are feeling, or what is on your mind, take your heart and thoughts to God in prayer. Sometimes you’ll be in a quiet place, sometimes you’ll literally be on your knees or laying prostrate on the floor. At other times, you will lift a quick and quiet prayer from your spirit. Sometimes you’ll speak aloud as you go along your day. There is no required method to prayer, except that you speak from a place of belief, faith, and trust. God is ever-present and He hears. Steadfastness or persistence in prayer changes our heart and mind as we wait for God’s response. It helps us express the needs and desires of our heart and mind and transforms what we long and ask for as we wait. We recognize God’s work more readily as we are changed to desire what He desires and we acquire gratitude that springs from a changed heart. God also tells us to be watchful with thanksgiving . I used to keep a prayer journal. When life became so busy it was difficult to keep it up, I stopped and put the journal away. Even many years later, I pull it out sometimes and read the prayers I spoke to God and I see the answers logged, as well as those that weren’t. I think all of them have now been answered. I highly recommend logging prayers, not only for your records and remembrances, but for family members who will see the log long after you are gone. What a beautiful way to showcase the faithfulness of God and the mother who longed to disciple her children for Him. God’s Word commands us to be constant in prayer. I adore the definition for the word constant : continuing without pause or let-up . I believe speaking to God is also a lifestyle. Our communication with our Heavenly Father is like breathing. Our heart, mind, words, actions, reactions, and emotions should be so tied to His that we are in constant communication in the way we act and speak. This is constant prayer. Speaking to God, letting Him know our deepest desires, our weaknesses, relying on Him to carry us, and calling on Him to do so. 4. He equipped them – Jesus equipped His disciples . Jesus spent purposed time with His disciples. He mentored the way to live a life centered on three very important things: live with God-driven desires, focus on serving others above self, and be a godly leader. Ephesians 4:11-16 says, “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work .” Can you see how in the same way Jesus prepared His apostles, Jesus prepares you to disciple His children for Him through the holy Word of God? God has set the knowledge of His moral standards within each of us and our children, but we need His Holy Spirit inside to guide and guard us, to equip us to do live according to the holy standards He has set for us. His Holy Spirit living within your children mentors the way to live a life of morals and values from our Heavenly Father. They need you to teach them the way to Him. Christ sits at the right hand of God interceding with groans when your words are inadequate and your heart longs for understanding, wisdom, direction, and peace. He has equipped you with a perfect template of how to pray to the Father and how to grow your walk moment by moment so you can reflect Him in thoughts, words, actions, reactions, and deeds. Jesus taught men to fish. He didn’t just give them fish. Don’t attempt to walk with Jesus. Let yourself be carried by Christ. Then show your children how to abide in His arms so they will never need to be hand-fed. They will be able to fish and become the generation showing others the way to life through Christ. Dear Heavenly Father, Your goodness is unfathomable. Try as we might, it is difficult to imagine the glory You deserve. Help us each day to grasp Your holiness and mercy in new ways that drive us to our knees before You. Enable us to be the godly women You desire so that our children and grandchildren will carry the knowledge of You into each area of their life, invite You in, and rely on You for all their needs. Father, Jesus chose ordinary apostles with mixtures of backgrounds and personalities, talents and desires. Yet He showed each of them how to use those unique qualities for You. Help us to parent in the same way. May we see our children with Your eyes of love, wisdom, and understanding, and have the patience to show them the way to eternal life with You. Prepare our hearts as You prepare theirs. Lord, we know Jesus prayed before every important event. He took time to abide in You. Help us to seek that time with You and find it. In the midst of hectic days and short nights, our spirit cries out for You without relief. Help us find the Way, the Truth, and the Life and reflect You to our children because we make the time to rest in You. In the precious name of Jesus I pray. Amen. If you connected in some way with this episode, would you please rate and review the podcast on Apple or Spotify? The best reviews are by word of mouth, so if you would also choose a friend to recommend the show to, imagine the change we could see in the way mothers parent for Christ. Also, please tell friends and family that the podcast can be found at terrihitt.com, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, and on the Edifi app, where you can hear thousands of the best Christian podcasts in one place. 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 071 – Does Your Family Think You’re a Complainer Welcome to the Purposed Parent/Connected Child podcast – Episode 071 – Does Your Family Think You’re a Complainer? I adore the witty personality of my youngest daughter. Being with her is such a delight. Because she didn’t come to live with us until she was nine years old, she didn’t begin the phase of copying my actions until she was about ten. Although that’s later than most daughters try to “be like mommy,” it was perfect timing for her developmentally. Since she was older when we were able to become her parents, I can’t take credit for the joy she carries. It’s such a deep blessing to be able to tell people that it is totally a gift from God to watch her dimpled smile and hear her sweet words. For example, if she drops a Lego creation it has taken her days to complete, she will shrug and say, “Well, I’ll built it again.” How many children do that? How many adults can shrug that disappointment off that easily? Mothers understand that most children observe and mimic what their parents do. Unlike teens, they want to be just like mommy or daddy and enjoy repeating actions as well as words. It’s cute to see how they interpret their parents. That is, unless what those adults do is annoying, mean, or a chronic habit. Have you ever been around someone who seems to enjoy complaining? What a relief it is to escape their company! But what if the culprit is your mother? Or maybe you might be the complaining mother. A mother’s habits will likely become the habits of her children. Her interpretation of life forms the way her watching children shape theirs. Take a moment to think about the answer you would give to the following questions: What does your child learn and begin doing by watching you? When troubles or trials arise, does your family hear you complain? If that answer is yes, what can you do to flip to praise and teach your child to do the same? A woman who can’t stop certain negative traits becomes known as a “complainer” to others. While those around her still love her, they tend to spend less time with her or often change the subject when around her to alleviate disagreements or discomfort. They don’t want to give her cause to gripe about anything else. It’s especially difficult when that person is your mother. Think of how this affects your children if that is the case in your household. Most complaining mothers seem to carry basic habits. Let’s highlight some of the most common characteristics of mothers who complain. I’ll also list the ways people view the complaining mother and the effects of her negativity on the family. As you listen, honestly assess whether you see yourself in any of these descriptions. 1. Stubborn – The stubborn mother might hear what others say, but will let no one change her opinion. In her mind, she’s always right. Relationships may fracture around her, but she never ties it to her behavior. It’s difficult for anyone to try to explain another point of view to her, because she just ends up explaining her position again. The bossy mother would rather be right in her own mind than learn a new viewpoint or way of doing something. She’ll sacrifice relationships and happiness just to prove a point, even if she would begin to question herself. Her husband and children may begin constructing walls to guard against the pain she causes or they may become stubborn themselves, causing even more tension in the household. 2. Angry – Life can be hard. The angry mother shows it on her face, in her attitude, and her actions. When anything happens that is below her expectations or desires, she doesn’t mind letting everyone know how she was wronged. Somehow she doesn’t notice people backing away from relationship with her. They need respite from her to enable themselves to maintain joy. Others in the household become angry, as well. It can be almost impossible to maintain peace or quiet in a home of angry people. 3. Bossy – Most everyone knows what a bossy kid on the school playground is like. Sometimes those kids don’t change. They grow up and become your mother. The bossy mother has a need to maintain control over events and lives. She’s confident her way is always best. Children with bossy mothers often grow up to be bossy. A bossy mother also finds it difficult to maintain a close relationship with her spouse. Her attitude affects everyone around her, leading to shattered relationships and broken connection. 4. Selfish – When most people become a parent, they understand the privilege and blessing they have been given. Some see raising children as a hardship and can’t let go of selfish desires. Whether it be time, love, attention, or sometimes even necessities, a selfish mother just can’t forget what she wants or place the needs of others above herself. It doesn’t matter who suffers around her. She really doesn’t see the needs of others as important. 5. Critical – People often have a natural critic living in their head. It takes a maturing walk with Jesus to silence that voice speaking deceit into their life. However, sometimes a critical mother is the culprit placing negativity in the minds of her children or spouse. The critical mother most likely had someone criticize her often in life and that fueled her unconscious need to continue the line. When a mother picks apart what a child or spouse wears, says, or does, when she nags about relationships, friends, choices, or simply can’t say anything nice, you may know a critical woman who can’t escape the need to criticize. Like the other complainer qualities we’ve been discussing, this trait tends to break down the family unit and the confidence of those the complainer lives with. 6. Controlling – Often the critical, controlling, and bossy mother are one and the same. When a woman feels that she has little or no control over her own life, the need to control others will surface or become more prominent. Whether it is over a particular issue or a major character trait apparent often, the controlling mother usually pushes her husband and children away. They will resort to trying to claim peace, joy, and freedom in other ways that may be harmful, because those fruits of the Spirit feel stripped when they are in her presence. 7. Explosive – Have you ever been around someone who seems fine one moment, but can explode like a triggered bomb was just detonated inside them the next? The explosive mother is adept at holding in feelings and emotions until she simply can’t tolerate it any longer. She is an expert at inflicting damage to those around her when the shards of her behavior hit. 8. Shaming – This is when a mother constantly makes her child feel guilty, confused, or humiliated for thinking, feeling, wanting, or needing something. Or it could be that the mother constantly criticizes and causes her child to feel bad for making choices different than she would make. Shaming seems to go even further than criticizing as it strips confidence when they may not be able to change what the mother is shaming. Children expect mothers to be protectors, not predators. 9. Mouthy – When a mother can’t stop voicing her opinions, advice, or criticisms, she is what is defined as a “mouthy” mother. She may be motivated by stubbornness, criticism, bossiness, envy, or a host of other traits, but she doesn’t know when to stop talking. Her words become hurtful and begin to feel like personal attacks. When family members have a mouthy mother, they spend less and less time with her. Daily life or family gatherings are a chore instead of a delight. Instead of creating joyful memories and influencing her children or spouse for Christ, the mouthy mother drives wedges between herself and those God has gifted to her. Did you see yourself in any of the descriptions? If not, wonderful! Why don’t you go an extra step and ask your family whether you fit any of the traits mentioned in the podcast. Sometimes we don’t recognize the problems we cause for those around us. If you do recognize yourself in any of the descriptions, your family might secretly think you’re a complainer. Talk to them. Let them know you want to work to erase those toxic traits and better honor Christ in your home. Ask God to restore relationships that have been damaged. Ask God to point out where to begin and ask Him to carry you through the process of transformation. Maybe you didn’t see yourself in any of the descriptions because you are purposely allowing the Holy Spirit to transform your mind, heart, and character moment by moment. Continue allowing God to carry you through the trials and triumphs of life. Continue allowing Him to examine the places in your heart that may have been hurt or neglected so you don’t hurt or neglect others. Just as we can look at certain trees and expect a particular fruit to bloom on the buds of the branches, others notice the fruits of the spirit within believers who submit to Christ and allow transformation of mind and heart. When a mother relies on her strength or places her desires and will above God’s purposes, she loses the gift God provides through the fruits of the Spirit. She also damages the relationships of those God entrusted to her circle of love and influence. Galatians 5:22-26 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. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other .” In order to influence your family for Christ, they must see Jesus alive in you. Matthew 22:37-39 says, “Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself .’” The Holy Spirit working within you to administer fruits of the Spirit guides your character , conduct , and communication . Let Him fill you with the godly love of Christ that seeks others above self. If you are seen as a complainer now, through His strength you will soon be recognized as one who unselfishly models the love of Christ. Dear Heavenly Father how blessed we are to have the gift of fellowship with You through the sacrifice of Jesus. Thank you for Your everlasting love, mercy, and grace. You have made a way where there was none before and given us instant access to You at any time. Help us use that privilege to submit to the Holy Spirit You deposited within us. Help us allow it to transform our character, conduct, and communication. May we be aware of the way we represent You and use that knowledge to humble our actions and reactions so that they mirror what You would do. Help us to be seen as godly and unselfish modelers of Jesus who place you first and the needs of others next. May we love others as You desire and allow You to fill the empty places inside of us that need a godly overhaul to erase those remnants of the old person we were before You brought us the gift of eternal life with 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. 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, 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 wait list is open now. The first group of women is currently growing together. Please send me an email at info@terrihitt.com to let me know you’d like to receive information. In fact, when you email me, use the word: PREPARE in the heading and I’ll extend a special offer to you. It’s time for believing mothers to be purposed in preparing their children for a lifetime pursuit of Christ together. 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 few minutes and makes a huge 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

Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #120 – What the Lord Requires 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. Living with eternal perspective is something we honor in our home. Not only because that is the name of this podcast, but because each of us believes in the importance of viewing each day with eyes set on eternity. This podcast has been a beautiful tool in our home, and because of it, my daughters and husband are also much more aware of ways we can shift our mindset and attitude toward Christ and seek to allow Him first importance in our daily activities and plans. Watching my girls grow in Christlike character is a gift. I’m sure you understand the joy when you witness the changes Jesus makes on the surrendered heart of your child. As we watch our children allow Jesus into their life and submit to Him to alter the mindset and desires they carry, we more clearly understand the responsibility a parent carries to make Jesus known. There is really nothing else that compares with preparing ourselves and our children for eternity. Sometimes we can be so wrapped up in daily living that we miss what God calls for us. The simplicity and complexity of raising a child to know, love, honor, and follow Christ is the greatest gift He can bestow on parents. It’s easy to forget exactly what God truly requires of us when we get lost in the hustle of life instead of keeping eyes fixed above. I believe that serving God is of utmost importance, especially when He is calling us to such a high task. Truly, obedience is key. However, we only create busywork, not an honoring service for Him if we are not simply spending time in the presence of Jesus to know Him. John 12:1-8 says, “Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with Him. Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages. ” He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it. “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of My burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have Me.” What I notice the most about these verses is that Mary was loving, humble and teachable. Through her actions, she proved what was important in her heart; what her mind was focused on. Colossians 3:2 says, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” This humble follower of Christ recognized that she must be more occupied with Jesus than for Him. Another verse that shows us to fix our attention and heart on Jesus is found in Luke 10:41, which says, “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Martha was so consumed with doing for Jesus that she lost opportunities to be with Him. How can we know how to please God if we do not know Him? If only we could continually live with the childlike faith God calls us to carry. Christian life shouldn’t be complicated. Our stubbornness, pride, ego, greed, fears, wickedness, and sins separate us from the ability to fellowship with our Father as we should. Have you made your walk with Christ harder than it should be? Have you complicated your salvation thinking you have to serve or do in order to please God? I remember when I first became a Christian I was so eager to serve! I joined so many committees. I don’t remember ever stopping to ask God what direction He had for me to follow or how He would like me to serve. I loved everything I was doing and I recall that I had great joy in doing what I could for God. But was I making my walk harder than it should have been? Wouldn’t I have matured my walk with Jesus sooner if I had stopped to be present with Him and be discipled properly? My point is that we can easily and unknowingly make our walk with God way more complicated than it has to be with self-imposed rules, objectives, or agendas. Would you like a good reminder of what the life of a believer should really look like? Micah 6:6-8 says, “With what shall I come before the Lord and bow down before the exalted God? Shall I come before Him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of olive oil? Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? 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.” “To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” 1. Be just - God is calling us to be consistent, virtuous, honest, innocent, and righteous. The only way we can mature in those qualities and be pleasing to God is through the Holy Spirit actively working within us. 2. Love mercy - We are each in need of mercy. We know we are incapable of receiving the life-saving mercy we need without Jesus. Through Christ we can receive it and are also able to extend God’s grace to others. 3. Walk humbly with God - Walking is an active, not sedentary state. Our Heavenly Father asks us to humbly move with Him. To walk with someone means to keep step and stay at an even pace together. Our Father extends a personal fellowship with His followers to walk in step with Him. Almost every evening I am able to take a walk with one of my daughters. It is one of the highlights of my day. Each walk carries a variety of emotions and stories that grow and deepen our bond with each other. Serious conversations and laughter accompany every step and I know our relationship would not be the same without these walks. Just as we cannot grow closer to God unless we walk humbly with Him. For some, the summer months are slow and easy, for others, the days are wild and busy. Whichever summer day you encounter, please make it a point to put God first. Grow your relationship with Jesus this summer through intentional time spent walking with Him. Here are 5 steps to make sure you know Jesus more clearly before summer is over. 1. Allow the Heavenly Father to enter your mind when you wake up and pray to Him as you start your day. 2. Allow the Holy Spirit to penetrate your thoughts and actions through each day and help you choose what activities you should spend your time on. 3. Speak of and to Jesus as you work or play. Allow prayers to flow from your heart and mind through the day as you converse with God in gratitude and appreciation of whatever enters your life. 4. Make time to be in God’s word at some point each day. You cannot know Him unless you spend time with Him. Scripture makes Him known. 5. Before you fall asleep each evening, speak humble prayers to God to close the evening with Him foremost on your mind. Dear Heavenly Father, Your goodness is overwhelming, especially in light of our sinful nature. Thank You for Your mercy and love for us. May we grow closer to You daily as we intentionally and humbly walk in step with You. May we act justly, despite how we are treated because we are so close to You that You pour from us before self. May we accept and exhibit mercy, from You, ourselves, and others in ways that honor and please You. May we walk humbly by Your side in sweet fellowship and praise that pleases You and shines for others to see, drawing them ever nearer to You. In the precious name of Jesus we pray. Amen. Thank you for listening to this podcast. If you find value in what you hear, and you would like more information on the topic we discussed today, I invite you to listen to previous episodes. You may find them on the terrihitt.com website. Click on podcasts and type in the topic or title you wish to hear in the search bar at the top of the page. Have you listened to my second podcast, “Purposed Parent/Connected Child” yet? I suggest Purposed Parent/Connected Child Podcast episode 12, “Values in a World of Immorality” and it can be found on the Terri Hitt website. 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 120 - What the Lord Requires Listen to Episode Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #120 – What the Lord Requires 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. Living with eternal perspective is something we honor in our home. Not only because that is the name of this podcast, but because each of us believes in the importance of viewing each day with eyes set on eternity. This podcast has been a beautiful tool in our home, and because of it, my daughters and husband are also much more aware of ways we can shift our mindset and attitude toward Christ and seek to allow Him first importance in our daily activities and plans. Watching my girls grow in Christlike character is a gift. I’m sure you understand the joy when you witness the changes Jesus makes on the surrendered heart of your child. As we watch our children allow Jesus into their life and submit to Him to alter the mindset and desires they carry, we more clearly understand the responsibility a parent carries to make Jesus known. There is really nothing else that compares with preparing ourselves and our children for eternity. Sometimes we can be so wrapped up in daily living that we miss what God calls for us. The simplicity and complexity of raising a child to know, love, honor, and follow Christ is the greatest gift He can bestow on parents. It’s easy to forget exactly what God truly requires of us when we get lost in the hustle of life instead of keeping eyes fixed above. I believe that serving God is of utmost importance, especially when He is calling us to such a high task. Truly, obedience is key. However, we only create busywork, not an honoring service for Him if we are not simply spending time in the presence of Jesus to know Him. John 12:1-8 says, “Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with Him. Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages. ” He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it. “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of My burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have Me.” What I notice the most about these verses is that Mary was loving, humble and teachable. Through her actions, she proved what was important in her heart; what her mind was focused on. Colossians 3:2 says, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” This humble follower of Christ recognized that she must be more occupied with Jesus than for Him. Another verse that shows us to fix our attention and heart on Jesus is found in Luke 10:41, which says, “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Martha was so consumed with doing for Jesus that she lost opportunities to be with Him. How can we know how to please God if we do not know Him? If only we could continually live with the childlike faith God calls us to carry. Christian life shouldn’t be complicated. Our stubbornness, pride, ego, greed, fears, wickedness, and sins separate us from the ability to fellowship with our Father as we should. Have you made your walk with Christ harder than it should be? Have you complicated your salvation thinking you have to serve or do in order to please God? I remember when I first became a Christian I was so eager to serve! I joined so many committees. I don’t remember ever stopping to ask God what direction He had for me to follow or how He would like me to serve. I loved everything I was doing and I recall that I had great joy in doing what I could for God. But was I making my walk harder than it should have been? Wouldn’t I have matured my walk with Jesus sooner if I had stopped to be present with Him and be discipled properly? My point is that we can easily and unknowingly make our walk with God way more complicated than it has to be with self-imposed rules, objectives, or agendas. Would you like a good reminder of what the life of a believer should really look like? Micah 6:6-8 says, “With what shall I come before the Lord and bow down before the exalted God? Shall I come before Him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of olive oil? Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? 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.” “To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” 1. Be just - God is calling us to be consistent, virtuous, honest, innocent, and righteous. The only way we can mature in those qualities and be pleasing to God is through the Holy Spirit actively working within us. 2. Love mercy - We are each in need of mercy. We know we are incapable of receiving the life-saving mercy we need without Jesus. Through Christ we can receive it and are also able to extend God’s grace to others. 3. Walk humbly with God - Walking is an active, not sedentary state. Our Heavenly Father asks us to humbly move with Him. To walk with someone means to keep step and stay at an even pace together. Our Father extends a personal fellowship with His followers to walk in step with Him. Almost every evening I am able to take a walk with one of my daughters. It is one of the highlights of my day. Each walk carries a variety of emotions and stories that grow and deepen our bond with each other. Serious conversations and laughter accompany every step and I know our relationship would not be the same without these walks. Just as we cannot grow closer to God unless we walk humbly with Him. For some, the summer months are slow and easy, for others, the days are wild and busy. Whichever summer day you encounter, please make it a point to put God first. Grow your relationship with Jesus this summer through intentional time spent walking with Him. Here are 5 steps to make sure you know Jesus more clearly before summer is over. 1. Allow the Heavenly Father to enter your mind when you wake up and pray to Him as you start your day. 2. Allow the Holy Spirit to penetrate your thoughts and actions through each day and help you choose what activities you should spend your time on. 3. Speak of and to Jesus as you work or play. Allow prayers to flow from your heart and mind through the day as you converse with God in gratitude and appreciation of whatever enters your life. 4. Make time to be in God’s word at some point each day. You cannot know Him unless you spend time with Him. Scripture makes Him known. 5. Before you fall asleep each evening, speak humble prayers to God to close the evening with Him foremost on your mind. Dear Heavenly Father, Your goodness is overwhelming, especially in light of our sinful nature. Thank You for Your mercy and love for us. May we grow closer to You daily as we intentionally and humbly walk in step with You. May we act justly, despite how we are treated because we are so close to You that You pour from us before self. May we accept and exhibit mercy, from You, ourselves, and others in ways that honor and please You. May we walk humbly by Your side in sweet fellowship and praise that pleases You and shines for others to see, drawing them ever nearer to You. In the precious name of Jesus we pray. Amen. Thank you for listening to this podcast. If you find value in what you hear, and you would like more information on the topic we discussed today, I invite you to listen to previous episodes. You may find them on the terrihitt.com website. Click on podcasts and type in the topic or title you wish to hear in the search bar at the top of the page. Have you listened to my second podcast, “Purposed Parent/Connected Child” yet? I suggest Purposed Parent/Connected Child Podcast episode 12, “Values in a World of Immorality” and it can be found on the Terri Hitt website. 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.

Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #064 – Praying Scripture – 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. Thank you for joining me for Part 2 of my “Praying Scripture” series. Last week we discussed the importance of prayer, then elevated our desire to pray and communicate with our Heavenly Father to higher ground by using God’s words as the foundation of our prayer life. Praying scripture strengthens our understanding of God’s word and releases His authoritative 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. As I shared last week, in order to deepen prayer time by drawing nearer to God and using His word as ours, we may need to examine and adjust the way we pray. We must pray with intimate devotion by crafting our language to align with scripture. By studying God’s word, we solidify knowledge and understanding of scripture. As I have been working to craft my prayers around scripture, I find God’s words filter through my mind more often. Usually when I go to bed at night or awaken in the morning, my thoughts are focused on the Lord, but now I have His words floating in my consciousness even when I awaken at night. God’s holy word carries privilege and strength as it shapes our heart and mind to mirror His. Even when we follow Jesus with a whole heart, we are incredibly far from where He desires us to be. Each of us struggles in some way with emotions, feelings, thoughts, fears, sadness, depression, lying, idols, mistakes, desires, conflicts, misunderstandings, attitudes, judging, failures, busyness, and the list just continues with no end. No one is perfect. Even when we feel we have successfully submitted ourselves to God to conquer some of what our particular weaknesses are, we are only scratching the surface. New trials or disappointments will come our way to awaken us to the realization that we have so much farther to go. Using God’s living, active word as the foundation for our prayers releases His profound power. Through using God’s word to frame our prayers, our faith deepens and stretches wider, allowing God more access to our heart, mind, and desires. A foundation of faith built on God’s holy word will never crumble. Today I am sharing several verses with prayers to accompany them. These are designed for you to use during your prayer time and are also a guideline for you to craft additional prayers from God’s word as you deepen your prayer time with Him in this manner. Let’s begin with basic prayers to prepare us to step before the presence of the Lord. First I will read the scripture, then a prayer designed around God’s word and truths. Matthew 7:7-8 says, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” Father God, your word assures me that if I ask, I will receive. If I seek, I will find. If I knock, the door will be opened. You lovingly command me more than once to ask, seek, and knock, just as you desire that I remain constant in my faith and prayer life. Thank you for your assurance that if I continue, I will receive, find, and have the door opened to me. I know that Your word is true. I trust that You will give me what You desire as I ask You to help me to pray for what You want for me. My heart yearns for You, Your influence, and provision in my life. Matthew 7:12 says, “In everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you. For this is the essence of the Law and the Prophets.” Loving Heavenly Father, I thank you for Your love for me and for Your deep and impartial love for others. Help me to see them with Your eyes and heart and enable me to love others in ways that can only come from You. May I treat everyone You created with a godly love and the same actions I desire them to extend to me. Matthew 7:13-14 says, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it.” Father, cause me to remain on the road within Your narrow gate. Keep me far from the path that leads to destruction. Enable me to focus on You, Your provisions, and peace that flows from You as I remain on the road that few will choose to travel. Carry me over difficult roads with joy as I focus on walking in eternity with You. Isaiah 50:4-5 says, “The Sovereign Lord has given me His words of wisdom, so that I know how to comfort the weary. Morning by morning He wakens me and opens my understanding to His will. The Sovereign Lord has spoken to me, and I have listened. I have not rebelled or turned away.” Sovereign Lord, I only desire to do Your will. You have deposited Your words of wisdom within me. Enable me to use them to know Your ways and comfort the weary. Each morning I am blessed to have You awaken me with deeper understanding of Your will. I do not wish to rebel, but to remain in Your will and ways. Create within me a desire for You above all else. Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted over the earth.” Father, enable me to be still and know that You alone are God. You are exalted among the nations and over the earth, yet you keep your eye on me. Help my thoughts, desires, and actions to honor You. Psalm 42:1-2 says, “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul longs after You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, the living God. When shall I come and appear in God’s presence?” Gracious Lord, just as the deer waits to drink until it feels safe, You are my refuge. As the deer pants with a deep thirst for water, Lord, my spirit yearns for You in this dry land that offers no relief. Only You know my inner being and can completely satisfy the depth of my needs. My soul thirsts for You, My God. Allow me to humbly approach Your presence as I anticipate Your loving and caring hands. Jeremiah 33:3 says, “Call to Me, and I will answer and show you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” Father God, how great You are that You beseech me to call upon You so that You can lavish Your loving care upon me. Your promises are certain. I know You desire my reliance and ask for me to trust in You. I call upon Your gracious heart to hear my cries and fulfill Your words to me. Thank you for desiring to be involved in my life. I need You. Show me great and unsearchable things I cannot know and have not seen as I seek Your mighty hand. How beautiful it is to enter God’s presence with His words crafting the desires of our heart to beat in unison with His. As we absorb the beauty of praying God’s words to Him, let’s examine a collection of verses that may be used for family. 1 Peter 5:8-9 says, “Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in your faith and in the knowledge that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering.” A prayer of protection from these verses could be: Father, cause me to remain alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Protect my family and I, Dear God, and enable us to resist the adversary as we stand firm in our faith and in the knowledge that all of your children are undergoing the same challenges and suffering. Carry us, Lord, and keep our eyes fixed on You as we rest in Your ability to embrace and encircle us with Your steadfast and powerful protection. Galatians 1:10 says, “Am I now seeking the approval of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Father, may the only approval I desire be Yours. When I try to please man, I am not focused on being Your servant. Help me remain steadfast to You and Your ways. 1 Peter 5:6 says, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you.” Heavenly Father, I believe that humble submission is key to living for You. Help me to submit to Your mighty and sovereign hand, despite circumstances, and await the time You choose to exalt me. Matthew 22:37 says, “Jesus declared, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Lord, thank you for allowing Jesus to be the perfect example for us to follow. May His words be carved into my mind and heart so that I do not sin against You. Father, help me to love You with all my heart, soul, and mind. Enable me to see myself as You desire and to love others as I love myself, as You stir compassion, empathy, and godly love in me to extend to them so that You may be glorified. Deuteronomy 6:1-9 says, “These are the commandments and statutes and ordinances that the Lord your God has instructed me to teach you to follow in the land that you are about to enter and possess, so that you and your children and grandchildren may fear the Lord your God all the days of your lives by keeping all His statutes and commandments that I give you, and so that your days may be prolonged. Hear, O Israel, and be careful to observe them, so that you may prosper and multiply greatly in a land flowing with milk and honey, just as the Lord, the God of your fathers, has promised you. Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is One. 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.” This passage of scripture is one of my favorites in the Bible. How lovingly God has left wise instruction for us to absorb that will allow us to raise children for Him. A prayer scripted from these words will humbly touch our heart as we passionately strive to live for God and set our children on the path to knowing, loving, and honoring Him. Heavenly Father, I accept the commandments, statutes, and ordinances that You have instructed those who love You to follow. Help my children, grandchildren, and I to fear You all the days of our lives. May we keep these laws because we love You and desire to honor You. Prolong our lives as we submit to Your desires. You, my God, You are One, high above all else. I love You Father, with all of my heart, soul, and strength, just as I desire that my children and grandchildren will. I pray that the words You have commanded us will be upon my heart and cause me to teach them diligently to my children, that I will speak of You, and of Your words when we sit at home or walk along the road, when we lie down, and when we get up. Please tie them as reminders on my hands and bind them to my forehead. Write them on the doorposts of my house and on my gates as I strive to love You with my thoughts, emotions, energy, and purpose and teach my descendants to do the same, for You are worthy of our undivided love and devotion. This passage of scripture speaks to me so deeply because I believe we should all live this way as easily as breathing. God created this world and is in and above and around all we see and experience. It should be easy for us to follow this command. As we seek God moment by moment, speaking of His existence in and through all, allowing our children and grandchildren to see the love and reverence we hold for our Heavenly Father, we are in effect writing Him on our doorposts and gates, and binding Him into their minds and hearts. When we allow God this access, we are truly living with eternal perspective. Gracious and loving Heavenly Father, thank you for Your word and the transforming effect it creates on our life. Your word is alive and powerful, sharper than a double-edged sword, dividing soul and spirit, joint and marrow. Through it, our innermost thoughts and desires are exposed so that true spiritual and eternal reconstruction can occur. Next week on the podcast we will finish this series with Part 3 as we delve into our final set of scripture and prayers. 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 064 - Praying Scripture - Part 2 Listen to Episode Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #064 – Praying Scripture – 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. Thank you for joining me for Part 2 of my “Praying Scripture” series. Last week we discussed the importance of prayer, then elevated our desire to pray and communicate with our Heavenly Father to higher ground by using God’s words as the foundation of our prayer life. Praying scripture strengthens our understanding of God’s word and releases His authoritative 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. As I shared last week, in order to deepen prayer time by drawing nearer to God and using His word as ours, we may need to examine and adjust the way we pray. We must pray with intimate devotion by crafting our language to align with scripture. By studying God’s word, we solidify knowledge and understanding of scripture. As I have been working to craft my prayers around scripture, I find God’s words filter through my mind more often. Usually when I go to bed at night or awaken in the morning, my thoughts are focused on the Lord, but now I have His words floating in my consciousness even when I awaken at night. God’s holy word carries privilege and strength as it shapes our heart and mind to mirror His. Even when we follow Jesus with a whole heart, we are incredibly far from where He desires us to be. Each of us struggles in some way with emotions, feelings, thoughts, fears, sadness, depression, lying, idols, mistakes, desires, conflicts, misunderstandings, attitudes, judging, failures, busyness, and the list just continues with no end. No one is perfect. Even when we feel we have successfully submitted ourselves to God to conquer some of what our particular weaknesses are, we are only scratching the surface. New trials or disappointments will come our way to awaken us to the realization that we have so much farther to go. Using God’s living, active word as the foundation for our prayers releases His profound power. Through using God’s word to frame our prayers, our faith deepens and stretches wider, allowing God more access to our heart, mind, and desires. A foundation of faith built on God’s holy word will never crumble. Today I am sharing several verses with prayers to accompany them. These are designed for you to use during your prayer time and are also a guideline for you to craft additional prayers from God’s word as you deepen your prayer time with Him in this manner. Let’s begin with basic prayers to prepare us to step before the presence of the Lord. First I will read the scripture, then a prayer designed around God’s word and truths. Matthew 7:7-8 says, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” Father God, your word assures me that if I ask, I will receive. If I seek, I will find. If I knock, the door will be opened. You lovingly command me more than once to ask, seek, and knock, just as you desire that I remain constant in my faith and prayer life. Thank you for your assurance that if I continue, I will receive, find, and have the door opened to me. I know that Your word is true. I trust that You will give me what You desire as I ask You to help me to pray for what You want for me. My heart yearns for You, Your influence, and provision in my life. Matthew 7:12 says, “In everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you. For this is the essence of the Law and the Prophets.” Loving Heavenly Father, I thank you for Your love for me and for Your deep and impartial love for others. Help me to see them with Your eyes and heart and enable me to love others in ways that can only come from You. May I treat everyone You created with a godly love and the same actions I desire them to extend to me. Matthew 7:13-14 says, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it.” Father, cause me to remain on the road within Your narrow gate. Keep me far from the path that leads to destruction. Enable me to focus on You, Your provisions, and peace that flows from You as I remain on the road that few will choose to travel. Carry me over difficult roads with joy as I focus on walking in eternity with You. Isaiah 50:4-5 says, “The Sovereign Lord has given me His words of wisdom, so that I know how to comfort the weary. Morning by morning He wakens me and opens my understanding to His will. The Sovereign Lord has spoken to me, and I have listened. I have not rebelled or turned away.” Sovereign Lord, I only desire to do Your will. You have deposited Your words of wisdom within me. Enable me to use them to know Your ways and comfort the weary. Each morning I am blessed to have You awaken me with deeper understanding of Your will. I do not wish to rebel, but to remain in Your will and ways. Create within me a desire for You above all else. Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted over the earth.” Father, enable me to be still and know that You alone are God. You are exalted among the nations and over the earth, yet you keep your eye on me. Help my thoughts, desires, and actions to honor You. Psalm 42:1-2 says, “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul longs after You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, the living God. When shall I come and appear in God’s presence?” Gracious Lord, just as the deer waits to drink until it feels safe, You are my refuge. As the deer pants with a deep thirst for water, Lord, my spirit yearns for You in this dry land that offers no relief. Only You know my inner being and can completely satisfy the depth of my needs. My soul thirsts for You, My God. Allow me to humbly approach Your presence as I anticipate Your loving and caring hands. Jeremiah 33:3 says, “Call to Me, and I will answer and show you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” Father God, how great You are that You beseech me to call upon You so that You can lavish Your loving care upon me. Your promises are certain. I know You desire my reliance and ask for me to trust in You. I call upon Your gracious heart to hear my cries and fulfill Your words to me. Thank you for desiring to be involved in my life. I need You. Show me great and unsearchable things I cannot know and have not seen as I seek Your mighty hand. How beautiful it is to enter God’s presence with His words crafting the desires of our heart to beat in unison with His. As we absorb the beauty of praying God’s words to Him, let’s examine a collection of verses that may be used for family. 1 Peter 5:8-9 says, “Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in your faith and in the knowledge that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering.” A prayer of protection from these verses could be: Father, cause me to remain alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Protect my family and I, Dear God, and enable us to resist the adversary as we stand firm in our faith and in the knowledge that all of your children are undergoing the same challenges and suffering. Carry us, Lord, and keep our eyes fixed on You as we rest in Your ability to embrace and encircle us with Your steadfast and powerful protection. Galatians 1:10 says, “Am I now seeking the approval of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Father, may the only approval I desire be Yours. When I try to please man, I am not focused on being Your servant. Help me remain steadfast to You and Your ways. 1 Peter 5:6 says, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you.” Heavenly Father, I believe that humble submission is key to living for You. Help me to submit to Your mighty and sovereign hand, despite circumstances, and await the time You choose to exalt me. Matthew 22:37 says, “Jesus declared, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Lord, thank you for allowing Jesus to be the perfect example for us to follow. May His words be carved into my mind and heart so that I do not sin against You. Father, help me to love You with all my heart, soul, and mind. Enable me to see myself as You desire and to love others as I love myself, as You stir compassion, empathy, and godly love in me to extend to them so that You may be glorified. Deuteronomy 6:1-9 says, “These are the commandments and statutes and ordinances that the Lord your God has instructed me to teach you to follow in the land that you are about to enter and possess, so that you and your children and grandchildren may fear the Lord your God all the days of your lives by keeping all His statutes and commandments that I give you, and so that your days may be prolonged. Hear, O Israel, and be careful to observe them, so that you may prosper and multiply greatly in a land flowing with milk and honey, just as the Lord, the God of your fathers, has promised you. Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is One. 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.” This passage of scripture is one of my favorites in the Bible. How lovingly God has left wise instruction for us to absorb that will allow us to raise children for Him. A prayer scripted from these words will humbly touch our heart as we passionately strive to live for God and set our children on the path to knowing, loving, and honoring Him. Heavenly Father, I accept the commandments, statutes, and ordinances that You have instructed those who love You to follow. Help my children, grandchildren, and I to fear You all the days of our lives. May we keep these laws because we love You and desire to honor You. Prolong our lives as we submit to Your desires. You, my God, You are One, high above all else. I love You Father, with all of my heart, soul, and strength, just as I desire that my children and grandchildren will. I pray that the words You have commanded us will be upon my heart and cause me to teach them diligently to my children, that I will speak of You, and of Your words when we sit at home or walk along the road, when we lie down, and when we get up. Please tie them as reminders on my hands and bind them to my forehead. Write them on the doorposts of my house and on my gates as I strive to love You with my thoughts, emotions, energy, and purpose and teach my descendants to do the same, for You are worthy of our undivided love and devotion. This passage of scripture speaks to me so deeply because I believe we should all live this way as easily as breathing. God created this world and is in and above and around all we see and experience. It should be easy for us to follow this command. As we seek God moment by moment, speaking of His existence in and through all, allowing our children and grandchildren to see the love and reverence we hold for our Heavenly Father, we are in effect writing Him on our doorposts and gates, and binding Him into their minds and hearts. When we allow God this access, we are truly living with eternal perspective. Gracious and loving Heavenly Father, thank you for Your word and the transforming effect it creates on our life. Your word is alive and powerful, sharper than a double-edged sword, dividing soul and spirit, joint and marrow. Through it, our innermost thoughts and desires are exposed so that true spiritual and eternal reconstruction can occur. Next week on the podcast we will finish this series with Part 3 as we delve into our final set of scripture and prayers. 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.

< Back Purposed Parent/Connected Child Podcast Episode 028 - Don't Grow Weary Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Purposed Parent/Connected Child Podcast Episode #028 – Don’t Grow Weary 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. Recently on social media, I’ve seen several friends who admitted that 2022 was not a great year for them. Are you also in a hard season? Maybe it’s a time of trouble for you personally. Or your child may be experiencing hardships. Your spouse or other loved ones may be going through illnesses or suffering. My heart is with you for where you find yourself this very moment. Whether you are living in a season of riches and prosperity through Christ or in a time of total dependence in Him, I understand. Each person has been in both places and will be again. But I want to remind you of the truth. Mothers, God sees the Holy work you do for Him. He sees the moments you feel you can’t go another day. He knows when you pour your heart into your child and don’t see the results you hope for. He understands your pain, frustration, helplessness, and confusion. He’s with you on the mountain and He’s ready to carry you through the valleys. Despite how you may feel, you are not alone. Romans 2:11 says, “For God shows no partiality .” You probably already know that our Heavenly Father is not a respecter of persons , but He is certainly a respecter of hearts . He loves us each the same, but He knows our hearts are varied. He sees inside to the core of everyone and knows what lies within us. God sees you intentionally mature your walk with Him; He watches you seek to show His heart, truths, and commands to your children. It is human to get weary, to be discouraged, or to feel alone. But remember, when those feelings hit, they are fueled by emotions . Emotions can be controlled through reliance on Him . Our emotions and feelings are simply how we feel . They are not indicators of truth unless they match the Word of God. Although God allows us individual feelings and emotions, we must recognize that they are not necessarily His truth. We must intentionally use them to steer us in the way we should pivot to draw nearer to Him. Obviously, sometimes we are weary because we are simply bone-tired from not getting enough rest. If your weariness comes from a place of feeling weary of life or you feel like you’re always under pressure, always behind where you should be, always less than, or always alone, do not give up. Look Up ! Physical weariness can be detrimental to your mind and body. Physical weariness can actually cause you to be easily misled or deceived. As I said, spiritual weariness is destructive to your mind and body, but especially to your soul . Spiritual weariness affects your eternity , as well as the eternal future of those around you, especially the little eyes who watch every move you make. I believe there are important questions to consider when you first begin to feel spiritually drained: 1. Are you seeking the world more than the Creator? 2. Do you believe feelings over God’s truth? 3. Are you lifting your emotions, feelings, and troubles to God or attempting to carry them alone? Galatians 6:9 says, “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up .” Does your weariness cause: Anger? Depression? Loneliness? Hopelessness? If what we feel conflicts with what God’s truths expose, we must remember that He does not change . God does not move away from us. Use these times to adjust your alignment with Him and move in the direction He desires – toward Him. Here is a list of 13 actions to take when you realize you are growing weary spiritually or when the burdens of life seem to be crushing you down. Remember, you can listen now and look at the list or print it later from terrihitt.com. 1. Make time to read God’s Word . Even ten minutes spent studying the Bible instead of scrolling on the phone does wonders. The more time you spend with Him, the more you crave the Father and your personal time together. You find it easier to make time to be with Him. Isaiah 58:11 says, “And the LORD will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail .” 2. Make sure to get enough rest . Physical exhaustion makes every part of our mind and body weak. Look for ways to ensure you get better quality sleep or simply more of it. 3. Remember life is full of seasons . Nothing lasts forever. As hard as it gets to remember that truth when you are in the midst of turmoil, let yourself remember that your current season will pass. 2 Corinthians 12:9 says, “But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me .” 4. Change your mindset . When the demands of your children seem overwhelming, remember that caring for them is service to the Lord. Ask for help. Find a trusted Christian friend who will at the very least pray with and for you to strengthen you in this time. Look for help in the areas you need. Allow help to step in where needed. Don’t allow anything to pull you away from growing in Christ . 1 Peter 5:6-8 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. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour .” 5. Study the demands in your life and learn to say, “no” when needed . Even to good things. If something is draining in this season, it is not worth doing. Your walk with Christ and your home life are the most important issues to handle. Psalm 119:28 says, “My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to your word! ” 6. Assess what you can get rid of in your life . If something is no longer serving your growth in the Lord or is hindering your ability to have a mindset like Christ, it might be time to shelf the opportunity, at least for a season. Maybe you are in a season of family. Hebrews 6:10 says, “For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for His name in serving the saints, as you still do .” 7. Consider what may need to be added to your life . Perhaps you need lunch or coffee with a Christian friend, time alone with your spouse, a walk outdoors, a hot bath, a hobby, or a book. You may even enjoy letting things go and having old-fashioned play time with your children. Making a date to connect with them in this way daily does wonders for your relationship and the attitude of your children. Find their “love language” and place connecting with your children above a spotless home or gourmet dinner. One of the biggest blessings I have was making sure I included Bible study with my children daily. Psalm 119:28 says, “My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to your word! ” 8. Talk to your spouse and let him know how to help you . Discuss, pray together, study God’s Word together, and find things to enjoy together. 9. Set your mind on things above . Claim and pray Colossians 3:2 , which says, “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. ” Look for ways to live this verse. 10. Claim the hope and strength of Christ . Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me .” Ponder how much you believe this verse. Find ways to move closer to God through the hardships and trials that will enable you to allow God to carry you through anything you face. 11. Praise God, despite circumstances and continue to share the goodness of God . Even when times are tough, look back on what God has done and given in the past. Remember and focus on His truths in His Word and share. Praising despite difficulties lifts your spirits and those around you as they see the power of Christ at work in you. Matthew 11:28-29 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 .” 12. Talk to trusted believers . If you need support, you don’t need to air all your dirty laundry, but if you have friends, family, or a pastor who will listen to what you are enduring and give sound Biblical advice, consider sharing with them. Trusted believers are a gift from Him. 13. Pray the Word and commit to trusting and resting in God’s truths . Isaiah 40:29-31 says, “Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might He increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; 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.” Stopping to critically assess your life and walk with Christ and the way it affects your children and spouse is critical . Out of any of the new year resolutions or habits a person might want to add, I believe viewing your present situation or circumstances through eyes set for eternity is the best way to spend your time . Psalm 63:1-4 says, “O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek You; my soul thirsts for You; my flesh faints for You, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. So I have looked upon You in the sanctuary, beholding Your power and glory. Because Your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise You. So I will bless You as long as I live; in Your name I will lift up my hands .” Despite what this world preaches and pushes, we need Him. Our children need Him. Become more and more Christlike daily as you pursue Jesus for yourself, your children, and your family. 3 John 1: 4 says, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” Rethink this verse with your name and the names of your family members. Pray it daily and watch the hand of God change you, your desires, and your circumstances. Dear Heavenly Father, You reign in Heaven, yet also live within those of us who follow You. How great is Your love for us and Your sacrifice to be with us. Thank you for allowing us to know and fellowship with You. Thank you for sending your children to live and be trained by us! How hard it must be to see us flounder without Your perfect will and purpose. Help us to seek and follow You more earnestly with great intention to know and show You to our children. Help us deepen our personal walk with you this very moment. Be near to us and draw nearer as we turn our heart toward you. Help our children to find You irresistible because You reside within us and are shown so clearly through 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

< 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

@aricaheintz Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode 041 Arica Heintz Interview Listen to Episode @aricaheintz http://www.aricaheintz.arbonne.com

Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #109 – When Life Seems Hopeless Thank you for entrusting and investing your precious time with me to seek, find, and follow Jesus together and live with purposed eternal perspective. So many people are hurting right now. As I’ve listened to podcasts, read headlines, and viewed posts on social media, I’ve seen and heard people express feelings of hopelessness. They share feelings of overwhelm by the state of the world, life circumstances, or current hardships. It can be easy to feel hopeless or powerless when our footing doesn’t feel solid. We deal with finances, relationships, health, employment, choices, and parenting; the list of things we could worry about can be very long. Statistics show that over half of young Americans feel down, depressed, or hopeless. I call it an epidemic of heart disease. Why? Everything we are and do stems from the condition of our heart. When stressed or worried, humans can express the ugliest, hurtful actions and words. Under pressure, bitterness or joy can be expelled from within us. What releases exposes the condition of our heart. If we focus on, or allow our mind to linger on things of this world, we will lose joy, feel despair, and begin to embrace hopelessness. Now, it’s okay to have emotions. God blessed us with the ability to experience a full range of emotions. It’s a joy to feel! Yet God does not want us to remain stuck in our emotions. Our Heavenly Father desires that we live life to the fullest. His definition of full. Feel your emotions, evaluate your feelings, then measure them against the lens of God’s eyes and heart. God calls us to be discerning in all things, using His wisdom and understanding, not our own or that of the world. Evaluating and understanding our emotions, thoughts, and feelings under the wise counsel of our Heavenly Father allows us to process godly wisdom and truth. Philippians 4:8 says, “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.” Despite circumstances, intentionally cling to the Lord. We cannot change what goes on around us, but we can allow God to work on what is in us. If we focus on God’s truths instead of self, our feelings, thoughts, and emotions (that are colored and affected by neglect, disappointment, loneliness, past experience, or confusion), our beliefs will change. Our heart will be altered and can be healed. Stress and burden becomes something we can choose to carry or release. Matthew 11:28-30 says, “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Jesus wants to carry your load. He simply makes His truths known, beckons us, and waits for us to humbly trust and release. Psalm 25:5 says, “Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; all day long I wait for You.” Knowledge of God’s words leads to discovery of His truths. God’s truths transform who we are inside: our thoughts, emotions, desires, and beliefs. They also reconstruct what shows to others: our actions and reactions, words, and tones. Psalm 1:2 says, “But his delight is in the Law of the Lord, and on His law he meditates day and night.” How do we find release and relief from the burdens of this world? 1. The first step in finding escape from hopelessness or despair, depression or fear is to know God. Through His holy word, the Bible, you can begin or strengthen a personal relationship with God through Jesus. Reading the Bible isn’t a chore, but a study of history, truths, and promises purposed to allow us to intimately know and receive the God of the Universe. 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!” Because God gave us His word, as well as Himself through Jesus, we can know Him intimately. It is our choice whether we will make the time to grow and mature a relationship. 2. After purposing to see and know God, we make the choice whether we will trust Him. Isaiah 40:31 says, “But those who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.” Psalm 43:5 says, “Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why the unease within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.” 3. Growing a mindset for eternity that mirrors Christ is the next step. As we grow in Him, we become like Him. 2 Corinthians 12:9, 10 says, “But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me. That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” As our mindset shifts, we begin to see the troubles and trials of this world as opportunities to allow Christ to embed Himself in us even more deeply. We accept difficulties and disappointments as bridges to bring us closer to the heart of Jesus. We cry out for Him to work within us, shine from us, and draw others nearer to himself through what we endure and experience. We begin and continue to draw nearer to God despite and through circumstances intended for evil or harm. 2 Corinthians 12:9 says, “But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me.” Psalm 9:9,10 says, “The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know Your name trust in You, for You, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.” 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.” Colossians 3:2 says, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” There are so many beautiful verses that help us to see and know the heart of God. We have truths and promises in the Bible that remind us of God’s intentions for us, His plans for us. God created each one of us for relationship; a sacred bond that nothing can snatch from His hand. This podcast has been full of timeless, basic truths. I know life can seem overwhelming, hard, confusing, and hopeless. Each of us have lived through hard times that have caused deep hurts or betrayals, hardships or disaster. I know it can be so hard to release self to Christ. I pray that the basic reminders I’ve shared today will encourage you to continue strengthening your walk with Jesus or cause you to begin a new relationship of trust and surrender. So many beautiful truths fill the pages of God’s holy word. So many promises rest in the pages, promises from a holy God who cannot lie. You can trust Who He claims to be and rely on His source of light and life to alter your life, if you let Him. I want to continue reading verses that I pray will encourage and lift your heart and attitude as you listen, as well as cause you to find your Bible and begin studying God’s word anew in your life. Through purposed study of God’s word, a new life is opened up for you. God is all He says in His word and more. There is no other relationship in this world that will delight and complete you or transform your life like an intimate walk with Jesus. John 10:10 says, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” Psalm 34:17-20 says, “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears; He delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him from them all. He protects all his bones; not one of them will be broken.” Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope.” Luke 1:37 says, “For no word from God will ever fail.” Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.” Isaiah 41:10 says, “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My right hand of righteousness.” Romans 12:12 says, “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, persistent in prayer.” Galatians 5:1 says, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be encumbered once more by a yoke of slavery.” Psalm 43:5 says, “Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why the unease within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.” Deuteronomy 31:8 says, “The Lord Himself goes before you; He will be with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.” 1 Peter 5:6-9 says, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you. Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in your faith and in the knowledge that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering.” Proverbs 23:18 says, “For surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off.” Psalm 62:5 says, “Rest in God alone, O my soul, for my hope comes from Him.” Romans 8:38-39 says, “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor principalities, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Psalm 34:17-22 says, “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears; He delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him from them all. He protects all his bones; not one of them will be broken. Evil will slay the wicked, and the haters of the righteous will be condemned. The Lord redeems His servants, and none who take refuge in Him will be condemned.” Dear Heavenly Father, thank you that You are gentle and humble, that Your Spirit yearns for us. Thank you also that You are holy and righteous. Despite all of our frailties and filth, You desire relationship and an eternity with us. Somehow You still look upon us with an agape, eternal love that has no boundaries, no borders. Cause us to see ourselves through Your eyes. Make us seek Your face and Your heart with a passion and heavenly love. Help us to yearn for You more than this world. Help us seek out and remember Your truths so that we walk in Your ways and cause others to know You more. Help us not to trust our thoughts and feelings or emotions, but cling to Yours in all things. Drive out insecurities, bitterness, fears, depression or desolation. Help us seek You for answers and comfort. Scripture teaches us that Your word is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword and cuts between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. Your word exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Expose to us what we need to see to draw nearer to You and away from sin and self. Give us Your hope and peace, despite circumstances. In the precious name of Jesus we pray. Amen. Thank you for listening to this podcast. If you find value in what you hear, I invite you to share Live With Eternal Perspective episodes with friends and family so that they can begin to listen each week. Would you please also place a rating and review at Apple Podcasts or Spotify to enable others to find each episode? I’m very excited to share that my second podcast, “Purposed Parent/Connected Child” has released! I hope you will look for it, follow it, and share both 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. Right now the podcast is on Spotify and iHeart Radio, but will be available on other platforms soon. These podcasts are important steps of obedience that I pray bless you. 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 109 - When Life Seems Hopeless Listen to Episode Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #109 – When Life Seems Hopeless Thank you for entrusting and investing your precious time with me to seek, find, and follow Jesus together and live with purposed eternal perspective. So many people are hurting right now. As I’ve listened to podcasts, read headlines, and viewed posts on social media, I’ve seen and heard people express feelings of hopelessness. They share feelings of overwhelm by the state of the world, life circumstances, or current hardships. It can be easy to feel hopeless or powerless when our footing doesn’t feel solid. We deal with finances, relationships, health, employment, choices, and parenting; the list of things we could worry about can be very long. Statistics show that over half of young Americans feel down, depressed, or hopeless. I call it an epidemic of heart disease. Why? Everything we are and do stems from the condition of our heart. When stressed or worried, humans can express the ugliest, hurtful actions and words. Under pressure, bitterness or joy can be expelled from within us. What releases exposes the condition of our heart. If we focus on, or allow our mind to linger on things of this world, we will lose joy, feel despair, and begin to embrace hopelessness. Now, it’s okay to have emotions. God blessed us with the ability to experience a full range of emotions. It’s a joy to feel! Yet God does not want us to remain stuck in our emotions. Our Heavenly Father desires that we live life to the fullest. His definition of full. Feel your emotions, evaluate your feelings, then measure them against the lens of God’s eyes and heart. God calls us to be discerning in all things, using His wisdom and understanding, not our own or that of the world. Evaluating and understanding our emotions, thoughts, and feelings under the wise counsel of our Heavenly Father allows us to process godly wisdom and truth. Philippians 4:8 says, “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.” Despite circumstances, intentionally cling to the Lord. We cannot change what goes on around us, but we can allow God to work on what is in us. If we focus on God’s truths instead of self, our feelings, thoughts, and emotions (that are colored and affected by neglect, disappointment, loneliness, past experience, or confusion), our beliefs will change. Our heart will be altered and can be healed. Stress and burden becomes something we can choose to carry or release. Matthew 11:28-30 says, “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Jesus wants to carry your load. He simply makes His truths known, beckons us, and waits for us to humbly trust and release. Psalm 25:5 says, “Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; all day long I wait for You.” Knowledge of God’s words leads to discovery of His truths. God’s truths transform who we are inside: our thoughts, emotions, desires, and beliefs. They also reconstruct what shows to others: our actions and reactions, words, and tones. Psalm 1:2 says, “But his delight is in the Law of the Lord, and on His law he meditates day and night.” How do we find release and relief from the burdens of this world? 1. The first step in finding escape from hopelessness or despair, depression or fear is to know God. Through His holy word, the Bible, you can begin or strengthen a personal relationship with God through Jesus. Reading the Bible isn’t a chore, but a study of history, truths, and promises purposed to allow us to intimately know and receive the God of the Universe. 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!” Because God gave us His word, as well as Himself through Jesus, we can know Him intimately. It is our choice whether we will make the time to grow and mature a relationship. 2. After purposing to see and know God, we make the choice whether we will trust Him. Isaiah 40:31 says, “But those who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.” Psalm 43:5 says, “Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why the unease within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.” 3. Growing a mindset for eternity that mirrors Christ is the next step. As we grow in Him, we become like Him. 2 Corinthians 12:9, 10 says, “But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me. That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” As our mindset shifts, we begin to see the troubles and trials of this world as opportunities to allow Christ to embed Himself in us even more deeply. We accept difficulties and disappointments as bridges to bring us closer to the heart of Jesus. We cry out for Him to work within us, shine from us, and draw others nearer to himself through what we endure and experience. We begin and continue to draw nearer to God despite and through circumstances intended for evil or harm. 2 Corinthians 12:9 says, “But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me.” Psalm 9:9,10 says, “The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know Your name trust in You, for You, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.” 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.” Colossians 3:2 says, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” There are so many beautiful verses that help us to see and know the heart of God. We have truths and promises in the Bible that remind us of God’s intentions for us, His plans for us. God created each one of us for relationship; a sacred bond that nothing can snatch from His hand. This podcast has been full of timeless, basic truths. I know life can seem overwhelming, hard, confusing, and hopeless. Each of us have lived through hard times that have caused deep hurts or betrayals, hardships or disaster. I know it can be so hard to release self to Christ. I pray that the basic reminders I’ve shared today will encourage you to continue strengthening your walk with Jesus or cause you to begin a new relationship of trust and surrender. So many beautiful truths fill the pages of God’s holy word. So many promises rest in the pages, promises from a holy God who cannot lie. You can trust Who He claims to be and rely on His source of light and life to alter your life, if you let Him. I want to continue reading verses that I pray will encourage and lift your heart and attitude as you listen, as well as cause you to find your Bible and begin studying God’s word anew in your life. Through purposed study of God’s word, a new life is opened up for you. God is all He says in His word and more. There is no other relationship in this world that will delight and complete you or transform your life like an intimate walk with Jesus. John 10:10 says, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” Psalm 34:17-20 says, “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears; He delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him from them all. He protects all his bones; not one of them will be broken.” Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope.” Luke 1:37 says, “For no word from God will ever fail.” Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.” Isaiah 41:10 says, “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My right hand of righteousness.” Romans 12:12 says, “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, persistent in prayer.” Galatians 5:1 says, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be encumbered once more by a yoke of slavery.” Psalm 43:5 says, “Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why the unease within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.” Deuteronomy 31:8 says, “The Lord Himself goes before you; He will be with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.” 1 Peter 5:6-9 says, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you. Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in your faith and in the knowledge that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering.” Proverbs 23:18 says, “For surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off.” Psalm 62:5 says, “Rest in God alone, O my soul, for my hope comes from Him.” Romans 8:38-39 says, “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor principalities, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Psalm 34:17-22 says, “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears; He delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him from them all. He protects all his bones; not one of them will be broken. Evil will slay the wicked, and the haters of the righteous will be condemned. The Lord redeems His servants, and none who take refuge in Him will be condemned.” Dear Heavenly Father, thank you that You are gentle and humble, that Your Spirit yearns for us. Thank you also that You are holy and righteous. Despite all of our frailties and filth, You desire relationship and an eternity with us. Somehow You still look upon us with an agape, eternal love that has no boundaries, no borders. Cause us to see ourselves through Your eyes. Make us seek Your face and Your heart with a passion and heavenly love. Help us to yearn for You more than this world. Help us seek out and remember Your truths so that we walk in Your ways and cause others to know You more. Help us not to trust our thoughts and feelings or emotions, but cling to Yours in all things. Drive out insecurities, bitterness, fears, depression or desolation. Help us seek You for answers and comfort. Scripture teaches us that Your word is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword and cuts between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. Your word exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Expose to us what we need to see to draw nearer to You and away from sin and self. Give us Your hope and peace, despite circumstances. In the precious name of Jesus we pray. Amen. Thank you for listening to this podcast. If you find value in what you hear, I invite you to share Live With Eternal Perspective episodes with friends and family so that they can begin to listen each week. Would you please also place a rating and review at Apple Podcasts or Spotify to enable others to find each episode? I’m very excited to share that my second podcast, “Purposed Parent/Connected Child” has released! I hope you will look for it, follow it, and share both 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. Right now the podcast is on Spotify and iHeart Radio, but will be available on other platforms soon. These podcasts are important steps of obedience that I pray bless you. 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

< Back Godly Motherhood Podcast Episode 137 - How to Parent Kids to Be IN the World, But Not OF It Welcome to Godly Motherhood Podcast – Episode 137 – How to Parent Kids to Be IN the World, But Not OF It Welcome to the Godly Motherhood podcast. If you’re a mom, you can’t parent in your strength. The Good News is that you aren’t supposed to. On this podcast I’ll mentor how to rest and abide in the Father’s arms. Through Him, you’ll be carried - and capable of raising each unique child entrusted to your care as you teach them to chase Christ over culture moment by moment. This is Episode 137 – How to Parent Kids to Be IN the World, But Not OF It Before we start, I want to share that my new book deals with the topic we’re discussing on this episode. In my book, “The Good Mom Trap: Break the Lie That Good Parenting Creates Godly Kids” I share Biblical truths, personal stories, and what I’ve learned about raising kids to follow the Way instead of the world - to help you avoid traps. The book releases December 2, 2025. To be among the first to hear updates and hear the latest news and updates, visit https://www.terrihitt.com/book Now on with this episode. Just last week, Christian influencer, podcaster, and activist Charlie Kirk was murdered. While Heaven rejoices, many in this world grieve and weep. I keep thinking of Charlie’s precious children and wife, and the tremendous loss they face. But the world has also suffered a great loss. While not as intimate a loss as those who personally knew and loved him face, we have lost a man of courage and conviction. It grieves my heart to hear slanderous comments about Charlie and the work he did. I’ve seen countless quotes by him twisted and taken out of context. So, if you’re hearing to lies swarming on social media, go listen to his full recordings. There are videos being passed that have been edited or shortened to cause division, and I’ve never heard Charlie make the horrible remarks people are sharing at this time. You must make your own decision about this man, whom I’ve only heard use his life to bring people together, not tear them apart. Who based his beliefs off God’s Word, and used his time to bring others to know the words and principles of God - and use them well in daily life. While I didn’t know Charlie personally, I respected his ability to invite anyone to debate, encouraging civil discussion with wisdom – even with those who often spewed hatred. Charlie remained calm, pointing others to God’s truths, Word and commands. Charlie had a crucial ability to think critically. This is a non-negotiable necessity not being taught in schools or even in many homes nowadays, and it is the first step in preparing children to be IN the world, but not OF it. Every Christian parent should intentionally raise children to carry the ability to think critically – and biblically. We must mentor how strong conviction in God’s truths. We must raise our kids to have deep desire to know God and pursue Him through a relationship with Jesus. To work to make Him known to the world. To know and understand the Word and point others to it. One of the most important qualities Charlie Kirk had was to pursue knowledge and use biblical, critical thinking to ascertain whether that knowledge matched Scripture. If you’re a Christian mom worried about secular culture, don’t focus on shielding your kids FROM the world . Equip them to shine the light and truth of Christ IN it. But the question moms carry is “how?” How do we raise kids to honor God in a world far from what He commands? The last quality I mentioned Charlie carrying is one of the top priorities parents must carry and teach as they raise kids to stand against culture and for Christ. If you aren’t using biblical, critical thinking yourself - and mentoring to your children how to use it, you’re already behind. Unless you and your children can easily understand and verbalize why they believe what they do, they’re likely to become a victim of indoctrination, be easily swayed by peers, teachers, society, or be swayed to follow any sort of “religion” (in quotation marks) the world offers. It is IMPERATIVE to know WHY we stand - for WHO we stand for. Deuteronomy 6:5-7 says, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.” These words must be taken seriously. When I looked at the instructions in these words from God, I took a good look at how I was parenting. Although I professed to love the Lord, and I called Jesus my Savior, I realized how I fell short of digesting the urgency of God’s commands when I raised my first set of kids. How about you? Are you consistently parenting the way these verses command? Your love for God, your desire to honor and obey Him must be evident in your actions, reactions, words, and desires. Your fears, your praises. In the way you teach your children of Jesus and how to follow Him. To place Him first. So many parents believe they’re doing a good job because they go to church each week and they tell their kids to read their Bible. They talk about being a Christian family, but how is that faith being exhibited in the home? In society? At work? At school? Do actions, desires, words, and reactions match how Scripture calls? Is Scripture studied enough to know? Many people think they follow Jesus, but what they believe and the way they live and vote are actually in opposition to what God’s Word says. Many Christians take the Bible to the other extreme and shut off contact with anyone who does anything the Bible calls sin. Listen to this passage from John 8. “but Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. Early in the morning he came again to the temple. All the people came to him, and He sat down and taught them. The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery, and placing her in the midst they said to Him, “Teacher, this woman has been caught in the act of adultery. Now in the Law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?” This they said to test Him, that they might have some charge to bring against Him. Jesus bent down and wrote with His finger on the ground. And as they continued to ask Him, He stood up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” And once more He bent down and wrote on the ground. But when they heard it, they went away one by one, beginning with the older ones, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him. Jesus stood up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.” How powerful this verse is! Jesus boldly stayed true to Scripture. He knew each person dealt with personal sins. However, He didn’t choose to stay away. He shared Truth and Life. Yet, He didn’t condone the sins. He was in their midst, yet commanded them to go and sin no more. In modern day context, this could be adultery or homosexuality, as two examples. Society, with hearts not seeking and following Scripture fails to see sin in front of them. However, Jesus would assert that both are sins God hates. He would share God’s truths and commands, yet tell them to go and sin no more. He wouldn’t accept and agree. He would call out the sin, love them, yet not condone what they did. He wouldn’t accept the lifestyle into policy or persuade others it was the way God made them. Or make excuses. Your kids need to hear you speak the truths of Scripture – and witness you live the commands of God. Deuteronomy 4:9 also carries clear instructions on how to please and honor our Heavenly Father and raise the children He entrusted to us. This verse says, “Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children’s children .” Remember God’s Truths and commands as found in Scripture. Cling to them as guidance for your soul and life. For your parenting. Again, putting Him first. How well are you doing that? How well are you mentoring and guiding your children in this command? How are you exhibiting your identity in Jesus as Savior? Each one of us must secure identity in God through Jesus. We must live in complete assurance of WHOSE we are - and let everything that pours from us flow through His eternal lens. Use the way God has provided for you, strengthened you, carried you. Use everything that’s wrapped up in your relationship with God this far. Remember how He has provided, where you have faltered, and how God has carried you. Use your trials, your failures, your triumphs in ways that strengthen and mature your relationship (with God and your kids) and the foundation you’re laying for your children and the house of faith they are building. Of course, be age appropriate. Weave God effortlessly into your days and nights. He is present. Don’t hit your kids over the head with rules and regulations, but with gentle love and grace, with discipleship born from love and understanding of God’s Word, and adherence to His commands. Don’t neglect discipline. Use it to disciple for Him. Continue your growth moment by moment, so they will, too. Inhale Christ so you exhale Him with ease and clarity. 1 John 4:13 says, “By this we know that we abide in Him and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit .” Scripture tells us 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. The more you study His Word, the better you live and teach the Word. The more you soak His Word into your being, the way you act and react is transformed, the way you seek the Father’s wisdom in how to parent for Him is refined, and the way you hear His instructions is clarified. He fills you with the strength and stamina you need to parent His children for His ways, and not the world. Matt. 10:28 says, “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell .” There is nothing on this earth that is worth giving more attention than God or family. Learn to treat your family the way God desires you to treat them. Being the best friend of your children, giving them too many material goods, or depriving them so you don’t spoil them are ways that we over or under-indulge. As you deepen your knowledge and understanding of God’s Word and practice abiding in His capable arms, as you capture a mindset like Christ, you parent kids who are in the world, but not of it. Kids who seek Him first and are thankful for what they have. Your kids must live in the world. Teach them to BE and STAY secure and strong in the Word. Parent with godly confidence to instill godly confidence in your kids. This comes from purposely studying God’s character, will, and ways. Purposely consider and PLAN what you want the end of your life and the life of your children to look like, or you won’t receive godly results. You must intentionally reflect on what God would desire for your children. Seek His discernment , knowledge , wisdom , and understanding on how to parent the children He has entrusted to your care. He created them with a purpose and purposely entrusted them to you at this time. In order to raise kids who are IN the world, but not OF it, YOU have to be a set-apart woman. First you must understand what the term, set-apart means. The basic definition is “to do something that makes someone, or oneself, noticeable, remarkable, or distinct in comparison to someone or something else.” That means distinctively different or set-apart from this world we live in. Set-apart also means to be sanctified . In simple form, it means something or someone is sanctified when it’s used for the purpose God intends. So, when you live according to the purpose or design God intended for your life, you’re sanctified. More clearly defined, that means when you’re pursuing and following Jesus - and His ways and will . The Greek word translated “sanctification” means holiness . This means that when we’re sanctified, we’re made holy. As believers and followers of Jesus, we know that He is the one sanctifying us. God calls us to know Him, to become more like Him, to become holy, as He is holy and He allows us to be transformed by Him and through Him by our relationship with Jesus. Obviously, we never reach the holiness of God, but through the transforming sacrifice and sanctification of Jesus, we can become more Christ-like moment by moment. Then you are able to make Christ known to your children. To equip your children to be set-apart. To be sanctified. The deeper you pursue , know , and follow Jesus, the more He is shown to your children. The first Jesus your children see is the Jesus they see within you. Your children will desire whatever is appealing to them. Make a life lived with Jesus appealing. Your relationship with God through a maturing and deepening walk with Jesus matters very much. Since you desire your children to know and grow in Jesus, you must raise them to be set-apart, to be what God intended for them. This can only be accomplished with intentional parenting reliant on the holy power and direction of Christ within you. Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God .” The New Living Translation version makes understanding the importance of this verse for a set-apart life much easier. The NLT version translates the same verse this way, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect .” To be a set-apart parent raising a set-apart child, you must purpose to think and live differently . You can’t seek, mimic, or prioritize the behavior, customs, or culture of this world. You must purpose to allow , and invite God to transform you into a new woman, a new parent, moment by moment, day by day. Over and over again with a humble, submissive heart and spirit. You have to be present in the day to day, making hard choices about friends, limits, gaming, television - and the list goes on. For example, one of the top complaints I hear from moms is how their pre-teen and teen girls dress. We must lay a foundation for our girls to desire modest dressing. In fact, if this is an area, you struggle with, I recommend sending me a message at info@terrihitt.com In my Set-Apart Collective Program, we discuss issues just like this one. Remember, your strength, discernment, and guidance for parenting will be found through the sanctification of Jesus and the Holy Spirit alive within you. His power exists to live a set-apart life and be a set-apart parent. His will within you changes the way you think , what you crave , what you believe , and how you react . Through His life-changing, set-apart power, you are able to raise children who will be set-apart and sanctified for Him. Kids who live a power testimony of His love and grace. Also, use Scripture to guide your prayer life. Here are 4 verses crafted into Scriptural prayers. Use Bible verses to submit to - and invite the powerful presence of God to reside within you as you prayerfully live and parent. Galatians 5:16 - Heavenly Father, my great and glorious God, Your Word instructs me to walk by the Spirit, and I won’t gratify the desires of the flesh. How I need Your power. Equip me, Father. Carry me so that you reside strongly within me. Keep me from shifting to the left or the right. Keep me in Your perfect will and strength to shine you in ways that draw my children and spouse to You. Ephesians 2:10 – Precious Heavenly Father, You say I am your masterpiece. You assure me that I am created anew in Christ Jesus. Hallelujah! Enable me to do the good things You planned for me long ago. May my life influence and instruct my children in all of Your ways, not the world. Galatians 2:20 – Precious Father, I know that my old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. May all I do bring glory and honor to You and teach my children to desire and follow You. 1 Peter 2:9 – Merciful Heavenly Father, You assure me through Your Word that I am chose n. Carry me, enable me to intentionally and bravely show others Your goodness because You have called me out of the darkness and into Your wonderful light. May my life truly reflect You in all I am and do. May my children do the same. Show me how to make You clearly known to them in ways they cannot resist. Rest in His power. Parent in His power. Your walk with Jesus matters . The way you love Him and present Him to your watching children reflects the way you feel about Him, the way you trust Him. Your set-apart walk affects the way you present Jesus daily. With the power of Christ working within you, your child will begin to shine the light of Christ and live a life set-apart from others in ways that are pleasing to God and your heart. 3 John 1:4 says, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” I don’t strive to have what society considers “typical children” or “typical teens.” I would feel I failed God if I heard those words spoken to me. My heart would be shattered. Don’t settle for what this culture cheapens. Life is meant to be so much better than what this broken world offers or tempts us with. Your child, our children deserve what God purposed them to be, do, and have. Their calling is higher than this unstable and sinful world can give. Here are five basic steps to help you build a lifestyle that sets your children up to follow the Way, instead of the world. 1. Show Jesus – Your joyful relationship with Jesus, the way you seek and follow Him with obedience and love will attract your child. The level of depth and maturity in your walk with Jesus will guide your life as it influences your child’s. As you read God’s word, share His word with your children through reading the Bible and discussing it together, and make it applicable to life situations, your child begins to assimilate the mind and desires of God. 1 Peter 1:16 says, “For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy .” 2. Make Time – Make time to be with the Father alone and with your family. Be attuned to your child, each precious and unique child you have been gifted. Be present. Put down your phone. Stop working. Delay chores. Look them in the eyes. Wrap your arms around them often. Love them in their language. Do your children need to be invited into your space or are they always welcome? Do they know it? Psalm 127:3 says, “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from Him.” Even teens who act like they only want to be with friends cherish a close relationship with parents. It’s never to late to mend and strengthen yours. 3. Tame your Tongue and Tone – Does joy or aggravation shine from you? Does your child see love in your eyes and actions? Are you a constant complainer? Or do your days radiate gratitude? 2 Corinthians 7:1 says, “Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God.” 4. Be Consistent – In character, relationship, parenting, integrity, and pursuit of Jesus. Let them see your loving pursuit of Jesus and the ways He continues to mature you and transform you. Humbly give God the glory. Romans 12:1 says, “And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all He has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind He will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship Him.” 5. Stay Involved – Guide, don’t hover. Allow maturity at proper times. Don’t hold on too long, but don’t push too fast. Know friends and set examples for the type of friends to connect with and the type of friend to be. Make godly life and parenting choices and guide your children to put God first when making decisions, not as a chore, but because they love and honor Him and desire to please their Heavenly Father. Set Jesus as the example for both of you to follow. John 17:15-18 says, “I’m not asking You to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They do not belong to this world any more than I do. Make them holy by Your truth; teach them Your word, which is truth. Just as You sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world .” In order to raise set-apart children who are in the world, but are not worldly , you must set that as a priority to achieve. Before work, school, or any other obligation or desire you carry. You must be the example of Christ your children see. A set-apart parent grows depth of love for and maturity in the Lord and seeks to pass that legacy and blessing to their children and grandchildren. If your children are already grown, you continue in maturing your Christian walk and relationship with God through Jesus. Breathe Him in and breathe Him out. Once you’re living a set-apart life, it becomes your family lifestyle. Again, if your child is older or already a teen or adult, remain steadfast in your pursuit of Christ and in living a godly life that reflects Jesus and gives honor and glory to the changes He is making in your life daily. Remain prayerful and consistent. James 5:16b says, “The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results .” Christ’s work within you will attract your child to Him. His ongoing transformation of your life will help your children to see their need for a Savior who transforms and mends relationships. Only the sanctifying power of Jesus will transform the desires and life of your child as he or she turns and submits to Him. With anxiety and depression in kids and teens at an all-time high, this next verse should give assurance. Isaiah 54:13 says, “All your children will be taught by the Lord, and great will be their peace.” Remember, your conviction and connection to God’s Word will affect your children, young or older, day by day. You cannot lead your children to the Way unless YOU live the Word. Equipping your kids to be IN the world, but not OF it begins with YOUR walk with Christ. May this be your prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, gracious and glorious God, equip me to follow Your example. Enable me to walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us. Extract any hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Help there be no obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving and praise. Don’t let me partner with darkness, as I am now a light for You. May I live as a child of light in goodness, righteousness and truth, and what pleases You. May I be very careful how I live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Take away foolishness that takes me from Your good and perfect will. Help me be filled with Your Spirit, always giving You thanks for everything. In the precious name of Jesus I pray. Amen. I have a free resource you’ll find helpful as you navigate your daily routine as a mom. If you’re ready to become the godly mother God entrusts you to be for Him and His children, you’ll love my free “Good to Godly: A 31-Day Scripture and Prayer Guide for Moms.” Visit terrihitt.com to receive this resource. Time is short. Leave a legacy that lasts into eternity. Unless you’re purposed in knowing Jesus and showing Him to the next generation, the world will sway your children away from Christ. Focus on eternal purpose and connection with your children and Christ. Previous Next

Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #046 – Maturing Character Like Christ 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. Guess what I did last week? I went sledding! No, it didn’t snow where I live. I slid right down the basement stairs on my back, hitting each step with my back and tailbone first, then my head following the example set before it, banging down every. single. step. I thought I might stop after each bump, but my outstretched body did a very good job of making sure I touched each stair all the way down to the bottom, where I landed dazed and unable to move for several minutes as I fought nausea and sat shaking with adrenaline. As I work on this podcast I am sitting with an ice bag on my backside and laughing at myself inside. Thankfully, I will be okay. Although I’m still unable to go anywhere and I’ve had a few difficult days of barely being able to move, especially without pain. Why do I bring this up? I feel so blessed. When we choose to view life through an eternal viewpoint, we have to accept the blessings that come hidden in ugly packages. As much as I know my family loves me, I am still surprised and humbled by the gentle care each of them has given me. I cannot express the blessings and gratitude I feel with words that feel so inadequate. I am so thankful. The gentle, loving spirits that have attended to me come straight from God. Our Heavenly Father knows our needs. Sometimes He fills us with an overflowing cup. Other times He gives us just what we truly need and we must be satisfied. This week my cup has been flowing with gratitude beyond my needs to a bountiful supply that I pray extends to those around me. I’m still hobbling around and it is difficult to sit or lie down, but my nursing staff is ready to assist with anything I need. Why? Because their hearts are attuned to Jesus. They are following His lead and loving with His nature. 1 Chronicles 22:19a says, “Now set your heart and your soul to seek the Lord your God.” Our heart is revealed when our days are troubled and difficult. My injury could make them angry or frustrated because it impacts them, too. I haven’t seen that attitude in any of them. I’ve only seen love and concern. How do we handle hardships when they occur? What character is squeezed out of me when bad or hard things happen? Because they will happen. This fallen world is full of disease, misunderstandings, anger, hurt, betrayal, jealousy, accidents, and so much more. Look at the climate of our nation today as just one example. I’ve never seen us so divided. If we all viewed the world as Jesus and loved like Him daily, how different everything would be. I want a heart that constantly offers gratitude, even when my desires are not met and my spirit is disappointed. Even when my plans crumble and my wants are not filled. I cannot offer this type of thanks on my own. Only through Jesus in me can I begin to seek God through disappointment and heartache, pain and fear. Romans 5:1-5 says, “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Living under pressure with our heart and mind fixed on Him produces character like Christ. As followers of Christ, we have the hope and trust that we are being transformed moment by moment. Can you feel the changes in your desires? In your heart and mindset as you seek Him? Do you recognize Him changing you, crafting your responses and attitude to mirror His? God will shift our life from the tribulation we are currently enduring when we persevere with reliance on Him, which moves us to a character mirroring His, and through His character, to a hope that endures. His grace and power are sufficient. Our afflictions are but for a moment in the scheme of eternity. God’s timetables are not understood because we do not have the whole picture. We must follow His leads by faith that matures through a close walk with Him. 1 John 5:1-5 says, “Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” Let’s look at the basics. Christianity is very simple. Once we have established a personal relationship with Jesus, He lives within us in the form of the Holy Spirit. Despite anything this world offers or throws at us, we can be sure that Jesus is with us. Nothing can touch us without being sifted through the hands of the Father first. However, our human form is weak and we must ensure that we work daily to allow God to transform us, to help us see momentary troubles through the eyes and mindset of Jesus. The passage I read from 1 John 5 exposes where our heart lies. Is loving Jesus and keeping His commandments a problem? A burden? Or is it pure joy to see our beliefs altered in supernatural ways that prove the existence of the Holy Spirit living in us? Our desires, actions, and words identify where we place Jesus in our life. 1. What do I believe? How is that belief shown in my life? Are my desires and actions in alignment with what God calls? With His word? 2. What does my life look like? Am I living in ways that prove I follow Jesus? Am I striving to keep the commandments God set for me? 3. How do I love? Do I show it in my walk with Jesus and to those around me? To the strangers I meet? 4. Am I transforming daily? Is my life proof that I am changing daily? Am I living with my heart and mind focused on eternity? Do I understand that every word I speak, every choice I make affects my eternity, as well as the eternal heart set of those I live and interact with? Do I live with a peace that surpasses understanding? 5. Do I continue living in old ways that were set before I knew Jesus? Or am I being made new each day? Does conviction sting if I stray or make choices by my flesh? Am I living in ways that honor the commitment I made to God through following Jesus? Psalm 139:23-24 says, “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” I always say that the difficulties in this world stem from the condition of our hearts. When our heart is right with Jesus, He builds the character of our hearts. Why is there such discord now? Why are friends turning their backs on others? I believe it comes from the residue in our hearts. What do we truly believe? Who do we truly follow? Are we reacting from emotions and feelings or kneeling in prayer before God and waiting for Him to lead and direct our lives? Are we looking for ways to be hurt? Or are we lifting all of it to Him to rectify? Are we seeking Him to purpose our reactions and emotions to reflect His? We should examine the motives of our heart by asking the following questions. 1. Am I following a religion? Do I just go through the motions of Christianity? 2. Am I following myself before Christ, with no compass to guide me except feelings and emotions? 3. Do I welcome the “hard” areas and painful areas of life by inviting Him to carry me and control my reactions? Do I allow Him to transform me daily? 4. Am I truly following Jesus? Whatever we allow to dictate our life will direct our relationships and actions, our words and beliefs. What we pattern our life after now is establishing our eternity. When we do not allow God full reign in our life, morals and relationships crumble. We are unable to react with character or compassion like Christ. When I fell down the stairs, I was disappointed because I was supposed to meet a friend I have not seen all year. I had to cancel. When we want to be saturated with the character of Christ, we must mature our mind to view disappointments as He would. We must be cautious in establishing plans. What does God desire for us? Are we moving toward what He has purposed for us? Or are we moving away from the dreams set by our Creator, because we are selfishly choosing to follow what we think will satisfy us? Am I saying God didn’t want me to meet with my friend? Not necessarily. I am reminding us that we must hold plans loosely. The way we respond when we are frustrated or let down sets our heart tone and can either move us closer to, or away from Jesus. The world tells us to set goals and follow our dreams. That’s a wonderful sentiment, but I want to follow God’s desires for my life. I want to be so connected to God and His whisperings to my soul that I recognize the desires He crafted in my heart. What do we do when our dreams fall apart? What if our ways are not God’s ways? In the following prayer from David, we see a king with a desire to build a beautiful temple for God. His heart seemed to be set with the right motives, yet God had other plans and did not want David to move forward with this goal. David was not meant to be the man to build this temple. God’s ways are incredibly higher than ours. While we think we are honoring God with something we offer, it may not be what God desires or what He needs to happen at that time. While David may have held had a seemingly worthy dream of building a temple for God, the Lord did not want David to be the one to fulfill that act. Our Heavenly Father desired for David to take other actions in order to accomplish the role that was tailor-made for His life. God purposed Him for battle at that time, not building. David had to step back from what he believed was a worthy action to take and listen to what God held as important and ordained for Him. David’s response set a tone for obedience, which not only affected him, but his son, and kingdom as well. God, through His goodness and authority did not want David to build Him a house, but promised David that He would continue His line on the throne. He planned to allow David’s descendants a house that would last forever and achieve an everlasting reign with Jesus. After David realized his dream would not come to fruition, yet trusted that God was still with him, he offered this prayer to his Heavenly Father. David desired that the reputation of God would be lifted and praised for generations. 2 Samuel 7:18-29 says, “Then King David went in and sat before the LORD and said, “Who am I, O Lord GOD, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far? And yet this was a small thing in your eyes, O Lord GOD. You have spoken also of your servant’s house for a great while to come, and this is instruction for mankind, O Lord GOD! And what more can David say to you? For you know your servant, O Lord GOD! Because of your promise, and according to your own heart, you have brought about all this greatness, to make your servant know it. Therefore you are great, O LORD God. For there is none like you, and there is no God besides you, according to all that we have heard with our ears. And who is like your people Israel, the one nation on earth whom God went to redeem to be his people, making himself a name and doing for them great and awesome things by driving out before your people, whom you redeemed for yourself from Egypt, a nation and its gods? And you established for yourself your people Israel to be your people forever. And you, O LORD, became their God. And now, O LORD God, confirm forever the word that you have spoken concerning your servant and concerning his house, and do as you have spoken. And your name will be magnified forever, saying, ‘The LORD of hosts is God over Israel,’ and the house of your servant David will be established before you. For you, O LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, have made this revelation to your servant, saying, ‘I will build you a house.’ Therefore your servant has found courage to pray this prayer to you. And now, O Lord GOD, you are God, and your words are true, and you have promised this good thing to your servant. Now therefore may it please you to bless the house of your servant, so that it may continue forever before you. For you, O Lord GOD, have spoken, and with your blessing shall the house of your servant be blessed forever.” What do we do when we believe the dreams we hold would be God-honoring, yet they are not coming to fruition? David sets the right examples for us to follow in the following steps. !. David remembered the blessings God had already given him. 2. David rejoiced over what he already held. 3. David resigned himself to obedience. 4. David relied on God’s future plans for him and trusted that they were good. 5. David redirected his spirit and attention to making many plans to prepare his son, Solomon for his important role in establishing the temple. It was not God’s will that David build the actual temple, because He had ordained a different role for David that only he could fulfill. Yet, our Heavenly Father did allow David to plan and prepare for the job Solomon would later complete. The Bible holds many examples of what humans planned and prepared for and what God held for them. Sometimes people waited and relied on the Lord, other times they took matters into their hands and walked ahead of God, later suffering the consequences. If we strive to learn and grow character like Christ, our reactions will mirror His no matter what circumstances we find ourselves in. John 5:19 says, “Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner.” Jesus is our perfect mentor and role model. He walked in sync with God because He looked for His Heavenly Father to direct His every step. Jesus placed God in His rightful place above all else. Psalm 16:8 says, “I have set the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.” What are the best methods to mature our life so that we seek and follow God’s will, develop character like Christ, and live in the fulness of joy He desires? Here are ten simple tips. 1. Personal relationship with Jesus. John 3:16-18 says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. We must establish a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. John 14:6-7 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.” Study the life of Jesus. Love Him, recognize Him, and follow His ways. 2. Read the Bible. God truly does give us the instruction and wisdom we need in His Holy word. 3. Establish a prayerful life and relationship with God. We must converse with and listen to Him to know Him more intimately. 4. Humble yourself. We may have an intimate walk with our Heavenly Father through Jesus, but we are not on the same level as Him. 5. Seek His truth. The Bible, the Holy Spirit living inside us, and a prayerful life will transform us if we let it. 6. Surrender your will. Listen to the Holy Spirit inside and seek God above all else. 7. Obey God’s commands. Study His word so that you recognize Him and can discern between His good and perfect will and that of the world, your fleshly desires, and false believers. 8. Listen for His still and small voice. God is a gentleman. He will not force you to accept or follow Him. Steer your heart north to remain moving forward in the right direction as you mature in Him. 9. Surround yourself with others who love, listen to, and obey God. Life is sweeter when we have Christian friends who understand and encourage us. 10. Pay attention to the interests and talents He has given you. When we understand ourselves through God’s eyes and heart, we are better able to discern the callings He has and we receive the joy meant for us. Psalm 16:11 says, “You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Our lives will carry hardship and pain. The glory of knowing and living for Jesus to develop and mature a heart and mindset like His brings the deepest peace, hope, love, and joy available this side of heaven. Hebrews 1:3 says, “He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.” May each day push us to be more like Him. I desire to attain and shine the radiance and character of Christ in my life more each day. I want others to see and know that He is everything His word says. I invite Him to be alive and at work within me. Heavenly Father, we thank you for the numerous ways You are at work in our lives, whether seen or unseen. Thank you for the privilege of approaching You. Thank you for leaving the Holy Spirit as a deposit within Your followers to guide and grow us. You have indeed, thought of everything we need. Help us to strive to know and please You more and more daily. We need and desire You in our lives. Lift our heart and minds and fix our eyes on You as our only Source of strength and guidance. Expand our desire to follow You and help us allow Your character to shine brightly through us, despite obstacles, failures, and disappointments. In Your precious name I pray. I deeply desire to allow God to cultivate a strong community of women through the work He has given me. I pray you will be inspired and equipped to live with an eternal perspective and encouraged to raise children for Jesus. Future episodes and resources will also be geared toward the important duty we have as parents and grandparents to influence children for Jesus. If you enjoy this podcast, you might like to visit terrihitt.com, where you can subscribe to the website (for free) and gain access to all the podcasts housed in one convenient location, as well as receive access to blog posts, transcripts, and additional free resources that are added to regularly. Many will be resources directly connected to podcast episodes. The Live With Eternal Perspective podcast is currently linked to my new website and also plays on Apple Podcast and Spotify. Would you like others to hear weekly encouragement and learn how to live with more eternal perspective? Can you think of a friend or family member who might enjoy encouragement? If so, please share this podcast with them and take time to leave a quick rating and review. Until next week, keep looking for new ways to Live With Eternal Perspective and become more like Jesus. Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode 046 Maturing Character Like Christ Listen to Episode Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #046 – Maturing Character Like Christ 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. Guess what I did last week? I went sledding! No, it didn’t snow where I live. I slid right down the basement stairs on my back, hitting each step with my back and tailbone first, then my head following the example set before it, banging down every. single. step. I thought I might stop after each bump, but my outstretched body did a very good job of making sure I touched each stair all the way down to the bottom, where I landed dazed and unable to move for several minutes as I fought nausea and sat shaking with adrenaline. As I work on this podcast I am sitting with an ice bag on my backside and laughing at myself inside. Thankfully, I will be okay. Although I’m still unable to go anywhere and I’ve had a few difficult days of barely being able to move, especially without pain. Why do I bring this up? I feel so blessed. When we choose to view life through an eternal viewpoint, we have to accept the blessings that come hidden in ugly packages. As much as I know my family loves me, I am still surprised and humbled by the gentle care each of them has given me. I cannot express the blessings and gratitude I feel with words that feel so inadequate. I am so thankful. The gentle, loving spirits that have attended to me come straight from God. Our Heavenly Father knows our needs. Sometimes He fills us with an overflowing cup. Other times He gives us just what we truly need and we must be satisfied. This week my cup has been flowing with gratitude beyond my needs to a bountiful supply that I pray extends to those around me. I’m still hobbling around and it is difficult to sit or lie down, but my nursing staff is ready to assist with anything I need. Why? Because their hearts are attuned to Jesus. They are following His lead and loving with His nature. 1 Chronicles 22:19a says, “Now set your heart and your soul to seek the Lord your God.” Our heart is revealed when our days are troubled and difficult. My injury could make them angry or frustrated because it impacts them, too. I haven’t seen that attitude in any of them. I’ve only seen love and concern. How do we handle hardships when they occur? What character is squeezed out of me when bad or hard things happen? Because they will happen. This fallen world is full of disease, misunderstandings, anger, hurt, betrayal, jealousy, accidents, and so much more. Look at the climate of our nation today as just one example. I’ve never seen us so divided. If we all viewed the world as Jesus and loved like Him daily, how different everything would be. I want a heart that constantly offers gratitude, even when my desires are not met and my spirit is disappointed. Even when my plans crumble and my wants are not filled. I cannot offer this type of thanks on my own. Only through Jesus in me can I begin to seek God through disappointment and heartache, pain and fear. Romans 5:1-5 says, “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Living under pressure with our heart and mind fixed on Him produces character like Christ. As followers of Christ, we have the hope and trust that we are being transformed moment by moment. Can you feel the changes in your desires? In your heart and mindset as you seek Him? Do you recognize Him changing you, crafting your responses and attitude to mirror His? God will shift our life from the tribulation we are currently enduring when we persevere with reliance on Him, which moves us to a character mirroring His, and through His character, to a hope that endures. His grace and power are sufficient. Our afflictions are but for a moment in the scheme of eternity. God’s timetables are not understood because we do not have the whole picture. We must follow His leads by faith that matures through a close walk with Him. 1 John 5:1-5 says, “Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” Let’s look at the basics. Christianity is very simple. Once we have established a personal relationship with Jesus, He lives within us in the form of the Holy Spirit. Despite anything this world offers or throws at us, we can be sure that Jesus is with us. Nothing can touch us without being sifted through the hands of the Father first. However, our human form is weak and we must ensure that we work daily to allow God to transform us, to help us see momentary troubles through the eyes and mindset of Jesus. The passage I read from 1 John 5 exposes where our heart lies. Is loving Jesus and keeping His commandments a problem? A burden? Or is it pure joy to see our beliefs altered in supernatural ways that prove the existence of the Holy Spirit living in us? Our desires, actions, and words identify where we place Jesus in our life. 1. What do I believe? How is that belief shown in my life? Are my desires and actions in alignment with what God calls? With His word? 2. What does my life look like? Am I living in ways that prove I follow Jesus? Am I striving to keep the commandments God set for me? 3. How do I love? Do I show it in my walk with Jesus and to those around me? To the strangers I meet? 4. Am I transforming daily? Is my life proof that I am changing daily? Am I living with my heart and mind focused on eternity? Do I understand that every word I speak, every choice I make affects my eternity, as well as the eternal heart set of those I live and interact with? Do I live with a peace that surpasses understanding? 5. Do I continue living in old ways that were set before I knew Jesus? Or am I being made new each day? Does conviction sting if I stray or make choices by my flesh? Am I living in ways that honor the commitment I made to God through following Jesus? Psalm 139:23-24 says, “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” I always say that the difficulties in this world stem from the condition of our hearts. When our heart is right with Jesus, He builds the character of our hearts. Why is there such discord now? Why are friends turning their backs on others? I believe it comes from the residue in our hearts. What do we truly believe? Who do we truly follow? Are we reacting from emotions and feelings or kneeling in prayer before God and waiting for Him to lead and direct our lives? Are we looking for ways to be hurt? Or are we lifting all of it to Him to rectify? Are we seeking Him to purpose our reactions and emotions to reflect His? We should examine the motives of our heart by asking the following questions. 1. Am I following a religion? Do I just go through the motions of Christianity? 2. Am I following myself before Christ, with no compass to guide me except feelings and emotions? 3. Do I welcome the “hard” areas and painful areas of life by inviting Him to carry me and control my reactions? Do I allow Him to transform me daily? 4. Am I truly following Jesus? Whatever we allow to dictate our life will direct our relationships and actions, our words and beliefs. What we pattern our life after now is establishing our eternity. When we do not allow God full reign in our life, morals and relationships crumble. We are unable to react with character or compassion like Christ. When I fell down the stairs, I was disappointed because I was supposed to meet a friend I have not seen all year. I had to cancel. When we want to be saturated with the character of Christ, we must mature our mind to view disappointments as He would. We must be cautious in establishing plans. What does God desire for us? Are we moving toward what He has purposed for us? Or are we moving away from the dreams set by our Creator, because we are selfishly choosing to follow what we think will satisfy us? Am I saying God didn’t want me to meet with my friend? Not necessarily. I am reminding us that we must hold plans loosely. The way we respond when we are frustrated or let down sets our heart tone and can either move us closer to, or away from Jesus. The world tells us to set goals and follow our dreams. That’s a wonderful sentiment, but I want to follow God’s desires for my life. I want to be so connected to God and His whisperings to my soul that I recognize the desires He crafted in my heart. What do we do when our dreams fall apart? What if our ways are not God’s ways? In the following prayer from David, we see a king with a desire to build a beautiful temple for God. His heart seemed to be set with the right motives, yet God had other plans and did not want David to move forward with this goal. David was not meant to be the man to build this temple. God’s ways are incredibly higher than ours. While we think we are honoring God with something we offer, it may not be what God desires or what He needs to happen at that time. While David may have held had a seemingly worthy dream of building a temple for God, the Lord did not want David to be the one to fulfill that act. Our Heavenly Father desired for David to take other actions in order to accomplish the role that was tailor-made for His life. God purposed Him for battle at that time, not building. David had to step back from what he believed was a worthy action to take and listen to what God held as important and ordained for Him. David’s response set a tone for obedience, which not only affected him, but his son, and kingdom as well. God, through His goodness and authority did not want David to build Him a house, but promised David that He would continue His line on the throne. He planned to allow David’s descendants a house that would last forever and achieve an everlasting reign with Jesus. After David realized his dream would not come to fruition, yet trusted that God was still with him, he offered this prayer to his Heavenly Father. David desired that the reputation of God would be lifted and praised for generations. 2 Samuel 7:18-29 says, “Then King David went in and sat before the LORD and said, “Who am I, O Lord GOD, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far? And yet this was a small thing in your eyes, O Lord GOD. You have spoken also of your servant’s house for a great while to come, and this is instruction for mankind, O Lord GOD! And what more can David say to you? For you know your servant, O Lord GOD! Because of your promise, and according to your own heart, you have brought about all this greatness, to make your servant know it. Therefore you are great, O LORD God. For there is none like you, and there is no God besides you, according to all that we have heard with our ears. And who is like your people Israel, the one nation on earth whom God went to redeem to be his people, making himself a name and doing for them great and awesome things by driving out before your people, whom you redeemed for yourself from Egypt, a nation and its gods? And you established for yourself your people Israel to be your people forever. And you, O LORD, became their God. And now, O LORD God, confirm forever the word that you have spoken concerning your servant and concerning his house, and do as you have spoken. And your name will be magnified forever, saying, ‘The LORD of hosts is God over Israel,’ and the house of your servant David will be established before you. For you, O LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, have made this revelation to your servant, saying, ‘I will build you a house.’ Therefore your servant has found courage to pray this prayer to you. And now, O Lord GOD, you are God, and your words are true, and you have promised this good thing to your servant. Now therefore may it please you to bless the house of your servant, so that it may continue forever before you. For you, O Lord GOD, have spoken, and with your blessing shall the house of your servant be blessed forever.” What do we do when we believe the dreams we hold would be God-honoring, yet they are not coming to fruition? David sets the right examples for us to follow in the following steps. !. David remembered the blessings God had already given him. 2. David rejoiced over what he already held. 3. David resigned himself to obedience. 4. David relied on God’s future plans for him and trusted that they were good. 5. David redirected his spirit and attention to making many plans to prepare his son, Solomon for his important role in establishing the temple. It was not God’s will that David build the actual temple, because He had ordained a different role for David that only he could fulfill. Yet, our Heavenly Father did allow David to plan and prepare for the job Solomon would later complete. The Bible holds many examples of what humans planned and prepared for and what God held for them. Sometimes people waited and relied on the Lord, other times they took matters into their hands and walked ahead of God, later suffering the consequences. If we strive to learn and grow character like Christ, our reactions will mirror His no matter what circumstances we find ourselves in. John 5:19 says, “Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner.” Jesus is our perfect mentor and role model. He walked in sync with God because He looked for His Heavenly Father to direct His every step. Jesus placed God in His rightful place above all else. Psalm 16:8 says, “I have set the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.” What are the best methods to mature our life so that we seek and follow God’s will, develop character like Christ, and live in the fulness of joy He desires? Here are ten simple tips. 1. Personal relationship with Jesus. John 3:16-18 says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. We must establish a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. John 14:6-7 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.” Study the life of Jesus. Love Him, recognize Him, and follow His ways. 2. Read the Bible. God truly does give us the instruction and wisdom we need in His Holy word. 3. Establish a prayerful life and relationship with God. We must converse with and listen to Him to know Him more intimately. 4. Humble yourself. We may have an intimate walk with our Heavenly Father through Jesus, but we are not on the same level as Him. 5. Seek His truth. The Bible, the Holy Spirit living inside us, and a prayerful life will transform us if we let it. 6. Surrender your will. Listen to the Holy Spirit inside and seek God above all else. 7. Obey God’s commands. Study His word so that you recognize Him and can discern between His good and perfect will and that of the world, your fleshly desires, and false believers. 8. Listen for His still and small voice. God is a gentleman. He will not force you to accept or follow Him. Steer your heart north to remain moving forward in the right direction as you mature in Him. 9. Surround yourself with others who love, listen to, and obey God. Life is sweeter when we have Christian friends who understand and encourage us. 10. Pay attention to the interests and talents He has given you. When we understand ourselves through God’s eyes and heart, we are better able to discern the callings He has and we receive the joy meant for us. Psalm 16:11 says, “You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Our lives will carry hardship and pain. The glory of knowing and living for Jesus to develop and mature a heart and mindset like His brings the deepest peace, hope, love, and joy available this side of heaven. Hebrews 1:3 says, “He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.” May each day push us to be more like Him. I desire to attain and shine the radiance and character of Christ in my life more each day. I want others to see and know that He is everything His word says. I invite Him to be alive and at work within me. Heavenly Father, we thank you for the numerous ways You are at work in our lives, whether seen or unseen. Thank you for the privilege of approaching You. Thank you for leaving the Holy Spirit as a deposit within Your followers to guide and grow us. You have indeed, thought of everything we need. Help us to strive to know and please You more and more daily. We need and desire You in our lives. Lift our heart and minds and fix our eyes on You as our only Source of strength and guidance. Expand our desire to follow You and help us allow Your character to shine brightly through us, despite obstacles, failures, and disappointments. In Your precious name I pray. I deeply desire to allow God to cultivate a strong community of women through the work He has given me. I pray you will be inspired and equipped to live with an eternal perspective and encouraged to raise children for Jesus. Future episodes and resources will also be geared toward the important duty we have as parents and grandparents to influence children for Jesus. If you enjoy this podcast, you might like to visit terrihitt.com, where you can subscribe to the website (for free) and gain access to all the podcasts housed in one convenient location, as well as receive access to blog posts, transcripts, and additional free resources that are added to regularly. Many will be resources directly connected to podcast episodes. The Live With Eternal Perspective podcast is currently linked to my new website and also plays on Apple Podcast and Spotify. Would you like others to hear weekly encouragement and learn how to live with more eternal perspective? Can you think of a friend or family member who might enjoy encouragement? If so, please share this podcast with them and take time to leave a quick rating and review. Until next week, keep looking for new ways to Live With Eternal Perspective and become more like Jesus.

Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #117 – The Bible - Life, Hope, and Truth 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. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the Bible remains the best-selling book of all time and is also the most translated book in human history. What wonderful news! Yet, I know that I sometimes purchase books I don’t always read, and I don’t always finish the books I do begin reading. As I looked at the online information available for sales and statistics of the Bible, I read other interesting facts about what sells best around the world. Reading the titles and subject matter saddens me. As someone who has read the Bible through more than once, I know and trust the power the Bible has to change lives. When we literally hold an item so transformative and filled with such piercing truth and love, yet ignore the contents, it is like going to the doctor, receiving the life-saving medicine we need, then going home and pouring it down the drain. I’ve been there. When I first became a Christian I wanted to know all I could about Jesus. The sweetness of new love filled me! My mind couldn’t comprehend the information as quickly as I was researching and reading it. When I began to experience difficulties with people at church, my passion for Jesus faded. I didn’t intend for my growth in Christ to be affected by trials at church. In fact, I wasn’t looking for trouble or separation at all. I loved going to church! I jumped “all in.” Joining various ministries and learning how to share the love of Christ was a joy. My health was tricky at that time as I was experiencing a lot of bleeding and pain. I needed a hysterectomy at the age of 21 and it was very difficult to continue caring for my two young children and also minister to children at church. When I stopped volunteering in the church and received nasty remarks and indifferent behavior because I couldn’t do everything they needed, I became disenchanted with church in general. In time, we stopped attending. As I quit going to church, recovered, and began working full time outside of the home, I also stopped reading my Bible daily. Just as a frog can be boiled without ever feeling the heat rise, our life changes without noticing the difference when we stop drawing nearer to God. Of course, we don’t see or feel the separation from Christ immediately. The best thing I’ve ever done in my life is accept Jesus as my personal Savior and submitting to Him, allowing Christ to transform and direct me as He desires. Thankfully, He is always waiting for us to draw nearer to Him. As I began reading His word again daily, I experienced anew the blessings of a life dedicated to drawing nearer to Him. Those who don’t know Jesus would say it sounds like he is a domineering puppeteer. Until you actually read the Bible and come to know Jesus in an intimate way, you will not understand and you will not experience abundant life. If you haven’t read the Bible before, or if you aren’t in the habit of reading it daily, you might wonder what is so special about this book. Let’s hear some facts about the Bible. The Bible truly is “history” – His story. Sixty-six books and letters compose the Bible. The original text was communicated through three different languages – Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic. The Old Testament was written mostly in Hebrew, with a small percentage of Aramaic. The New Testament was written in Greek. Since I enjoy learning about root words, I find it interesting that “Bible” is an English word which was derived from “biblia” in Latin and “biblios” (biblos) in Greek. The word, Bible means book, or books, and it is believed that Bible may have come from modern-day Lebanon (which was the ancient day port of Byblos (Biblos), one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and also part of the history of numerous ancient civilizations, such as the Romans, Egyptians, Assyrians, Persians, and the Phoenicians). This area was one where papyrus was used for making books and scrolls. Other terms used for Bible are Holy Scriptures or sacred writings. I believe one of the absolute best facts about the Bible is that the writings are God-breathed and inspired. Once you have experienced the life-transforming power of the Holy Bible in your life, you know God is mightier than we humanly understand. 2 Peter 1:20-21 says, “Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture comes from one’s own interpretation. For no such prophecy was ever brought forth by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” Through the Old Testament, God foretells of the Savior; the New Testament presents Jesus to us in fleshly form. The Bible points to way to Jesus, the central figure in history, and the Cornerstone by whom all things were created and are sustained. All the fullness of God is within Jesus, who is not a mere man or teacher, prophet or peace-maker. He was, is, and will always be fully God. Colossians 1:15-22 says, “The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. And He is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and firstborn from among the dead, so that in all things He may have preeminence. For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through the blood of His cross. Once you were alienated from God and were hostile in your minds, engaging in evil deeds. But now He has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy, unblemished, and blameless in His presence.” Through this wondrous, divinely inspired word from our holy and sovereign God, we uncover an intimate and personal collection of prophecies, laws, sacrifice, and truths that unfold to reveal God’s plans and purpose for each of us and reveal His sacrificial love and provision. To know and understand God’s word and truths, to know Him, we must read the Bible. If you believe God’s holy word and allow scripture to transform and change you, it will alter your present and future, as well as the lives around you as you allow God to work within and through you. God’s holy words are not just an inspirational collection of stories, but are inerrant truth inspired by our holy, omnipotent God. Because of the Bible, we know His truth and doctrines. In our present age, moral relativity has pierced the hearts and minds of many. Our feelings, thoughts, and emotions have replaced seeking and standing on the authentic, complete, life-changing word of God. Of course, our thoughts, opinions, and emotions matter. God gave them to us, He crafted us in unique and emotional ways. What we live through, are exposed to, and have learned shape us in various ways. We are human and God gives us free will, but His word, God’s righteous, inerrant truths must be what form and instruct us, enabling us to know and to allow the Holy Spirit within us to work, enabling us to grow into an clearer image of God day by day. A true moral compass, God’s word is immune to bias or blunder and will steady us through smooth sailing or storms of life. God’s word is a rock that does not sink in sand or swamp, no matter the weight of our earthly burdens. Remember, how we view God will form our thoughts and actions. If we are angry or bitter, distant, or keep God as a virtual stranger, we will not cling to Him, or allow the fullness of God to penetrate the corners and crevices of our heart. There are questions each of us must ponder and answer honestly in order to seek and find deeper relationship with God through Jesus and His holy word. 1. Do you consistently read God’s word daily? 2. Do you pray for discernment and guidance specifically about God’s word? 3. Do you seek and use ways to remember God’s words and truths? 4. Do you study God’s word for deeper understanding and application? Jeremiah 29:13 says, “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” God is truth. He cannot lie. Deceit goes against His very nature. God will prove Himself faithful in every circumstance, however, He does not follow our ways or timelines. We can trust His word. Let’s examine what Holy Scripture is: 1. Inspired - 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.” From the mind, heart, and will of God, scripture gifts each of us personally with truth from the Creator of all things. 2. Inerrant - John 17:17 says, “Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.” Completely free from error, trustworthy and true, God’s word awaits each of us ready to seek eternal truths and everlasting-life with our Creator. 3. Complete - Proverbs 30:5-6 says, “Every word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you and prove you a liar.” God, the Great I Am, has ensured that each word in the Bible is accurate and a complete representation of the message He desired to bring for us. 4. Authoritative - Matthew 5:17-18 says, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them. For I tell you truly, until heaven and earth pass away, not a single jot, not a stroke of a pen, will disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.” And Matthew 4:4 says, “But Jesus answered, “It is written: Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” 5. Alive - 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.” And Jeremiah 23:29 says, “Is not My word like fire,” declares the Lord, “and like a hammer that smashes a rock?” 6. Discerning - Hebrew 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.” 7. Divulging - Hebrews 4:13 says, “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight; everything is uncovered and exposed before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.” 8. Truthful - Psalm 119:151 says, “You are near, O Lord, and all Your commandments are true.” John 8:30-32 says, “As Jesus spoke these things, many believed in Him. So He said to the Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, you are truly My disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Psalm 119:104-105 says, “I gain understanding from Your precepts; therefore I hate every false way. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” 9. Eternal - Matthew 24:35 says, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.” And Isaiah 40:8 says, “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.” 10. The Answer - 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.” And John 1:1-5 says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made, and without Him nothing was made that has been made. In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” And John 5:39 says, “You pore over the Scriptures because you presume that by them you possess eternal life. These are the very words that testify about Me, yet you refuse to come to Me to have life.” Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one can reach the Father, except through Him. The way to know Jesus is through the Bible, God’s perfect, infallible, life-changing gift to us. Have you ever wished for a manual to guide you through life, relationships, marriage, parenting, death, and eternal life? We have one. I am convinced that every problem we have on this earth stems from the condition of our hearts. Our heart can only be changed in ways that bring collective good when we read, study, learn, and practice God’s will and ways. Dear Heavenly Father, how great You are! Thank you for Your everlasting goodness and love. You are always present, even when we fail to realize or admit it. You are faithful and loving. This we know, for Your Holy Word tells us. Thank you for the Bible, Your gift to us. You show us the Way, the Truth, and the Life through words we can grasp and study, hold onto for hope and strength, and share with others to lead them to life everlasting with You. Thank you for the hope and light You offer willingly to us, despite our neglect and rejection. Help each of us to seek You more this day, to begin a new or closer walk with You, and allow You to transform us and complete the good works You have determined for us as You lovingly prepared for and formed us long ago. Our Sovereign Lord, You are our strong deliverer, You shield our head through the battles we face, and Your Holy Word provides us with the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, providing all the protection we need if we turn to You and study Your scriptural gifts. May we please You with our thoughts, words, and actions, and become the person You desire. In the precious name of Jesus we pray. Amen. Thank you for listening to this podcast. If you find value in what you hear, and you would like more information on the topic we discussed today, I invite you to listen to previous episodes. You may find them on the terrihitt.com website. Click on podcasts and type in the topic or title you wish to hear in the search bar at the top of the page. Have you listened to my second podcast, “Purposed Parent/Connected Child” yet? I hope you will listen, follow it, 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 117 The Bible - Life, Hope, and Truth Listen to Episode Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #117 – The Bible - Life, Hope, and Truth 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. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the Bible remains the best-selling book of all time and is also the most translated book in human history. What wonderful news! Yet, I know that I sometimes purchase books I don’t always read, and I don’t always finish the books I do begin reading. As I looked at the online information available for sales and statistics of the Bible, I read other interesting facts about what sells best around the world. Reading the titles and subject matter saddens me. As someone who has read the Bible through more than once, I know and trust the power the Bible has to change lives. When we literally hold an item so transformative and filled with such piercing truth and love, yet ignore the contents, it is like going to the doctor, receiving the life-saving medicine we need, then going home and pouring it down the drain. I’ve been there. When I first became a Christian I wanted to know all I could about Jesus. The sweetness of new love filled me! My mind couldn’t comprehend the information as quickly as I was researching and reading it. When I began to experience difficulties with people at church, my passion for Jesus faded. I didn’t intend for my growth in Christ to be affected by trials at church. In fact, I wasn’t looking for trouble or separation at all. I loved going to church! I jumped “all in.” Joining various ministries and learning how to share the love of Christ was a joy. My health was tricky at that time as I was experiencing a lot of bleeding and pain. I needed a hysterectomy at the age of 21 and it was very difficult to continue caring for my two young children and also minister to children at church. When I stopped volunteering in the church and received nasty remarks and indifferent behavior because I couldn’t do everything they needed, I became disenchanted with church in general. In time, we stopped attending. As I quit going to church, recovered, and began working full time outside of the home, I also stopped reading my Bible daily. Just as a frog can be boiled without ever feeling the heat rise, our life changes without noticing the difference when we stop drawing nearer to God. Of course, we don’t see or feel the separation from Christ immediately. The best thing I’ve ever done in my life is accept Jesus as my personal Savior and submitting to Him, allowing Christ to transform and direct me as He desires. Thankfully, He is always waiting for us to draw nearer to Him. As I began reading His word again daily, I experienced anew the blessings of a life dedicated to drawing nearer to Him. Those who don’t know Jesus would say it sounds like he is a domineering puppeteer. Until you actually read the Bible and come to know Jesus in an intimate way, you will not understand and you will not experience abundant life. If you haven’t read the Bible before, or if you aren’t in the habit of reading it daily, you might wonder what is so special about this book. Let’s hear some facts about the Bible. The Bible truly is “history” – His story. Sixty-six books and letters compose the Bible. The original text was communicated through three different languages – Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic. The Old Testament was written mostly in Hebrew, with a small percentage of Aramaic. The New Testament was written in Greek. Since I enjoy learning about root words, I find it interesting that “Bible” is an English word which was derived from “biblia” in Latin and “biblios” (biblos) in Greek. The word, Bible means book, or books, and it is believed that Bible may have come from modern-day Lebanon (which was the ancient day port of Byblos (Biblos), one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and also part of the history of numerous ancient civilizations, such as the Romans, Egyptians, Assyrians, Persians, and the Phoenicians). This area was one where papyrus was used for making books and scrolls. Other terms used for Bible are Holy Scriptures or sacred writings. I believe one of the absolute best facts about the Bible is that the writings are God-breathed and inspired. Once you have experienced the life-transforming power of the Holy Bible in your life, you know God is mightier than we humanly understand. 2 Peter 1:20-21 says, “Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture comes from one’s own interpretation. For no such prophecy was ever brought forth by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” Through the Old Testament, God foretells of the Savior; the New Testament presents Jesus to us in fleshly form. The Bible points to way to Jesus, the central figure in history, and the Cornerstone by whom all things were created and are sustained. All the fullness of God is within Jesus, who is not a mere man or teacher, prophet or peace-maker. He was, is, and will always be fully God. Colossians 1:15-22 says, “The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. And He is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and firstborn from among the dead, so that in all things He may have preeminence. For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through the blood of His cross. Once you were alienated from God and were hostile in your minds, engaging in evil deeds. But now He has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy, unblemished, and blameless in His presence.” Through this wondrous, divinely inspired word from our holy and sovereign God, we uncover an intimate and personal collection of prophecies, laws, sacrifice, and truths that unfold to reveal God’s plans and purpose for each of us and reveal His sacrificial love and provision. To know and understand God’s word and truths, to know Him, we must read the Bible. If you believe God’s holy word and allow scripture to transform and change you, it will alter your present and future, as well as the lives around you as you allow God to work within and through you. God’s holy words are not just an inspirational collection of stories, but are inerrant truth inspired by our holy, omnipotent God. Because of the Bible, we know His truth and doctrines. In our present age, moral relativity has pierced the hearts and minds of many. Our feelings, thoughts, and emotions have replaced seeking and standing on the authentic, complete, life-changing word of God. Of course, our thoughts, opinions, and emotions matter. God gave them to us, He crafted us in unique and emotional ways. What we live through, are exposed to, and have learned shape us in various ways. We are human and God gives us free will, but His word, God’s righteous, inerrant truths must be what form and instruct us, enabling us to know and to allow the Holy Spirit within us to work, enabling us to grow into an clearer image of God day by day. A true moral compass, God’s word is immune to bias or blunder and will steady us through smooth sailing or storms of life. God’s word is a rock that does not sink in sand or swamp, no matter the weight of our earthly burdens. Remember, how we view God will form our thoughts and actions. If we are angry or bitter, distant, or keep God as a virtual stranger, we will not cling to Him, or allow the fullness of God to penetrate the corners and crevices of our heart. There are questions each of us must ponder and answer honestly in order to seek and find deeper relationship with God through Jesus and His holy word. 1. Do you consistently read God’s word daily? 2. Do you pray for discernment and guidance specifically about God’s word? 3. Do you seek and use ways to remember God’s words and truths? 4. Do you study God’s word for deeper understanding and application? Jeremiah 29:13 says, “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” God is truth. He cannot lie. Deceit goes against His very nature. God will prove Himself faithful in every circumstance, however, He does not follow our ways or timelines. We can trust His word. Let’s examine what Holy Scripture is: 1. Inspired - 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.” From the mind, heart, and will of God, scripture gifts each of us personally with truth from the Creator of all things. 2. Inerrant - John 17:17 says, “Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.” Completely free from error, trustworthy and true, God’s word awaits each of us ready to seek eternal truths and everlasting-life with our Creator. 3. Complete - Proverbs 30:5-6 says, “Every word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you and prove you a liar.” God, the Great I Am, has ensured that each word in the Bible is accurate and a complete representation of the message He desired to bring for us. 4. Authoritative - Matthew 5:17-18 says, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them. For I tell you truly, until heaven and earth pass away, not a single jot, not a stroke of a pen, will disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.” And Matthew 4:4 says, “But Jesus answered, “It is written: Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” 5. Alive - 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.” And Jeremiah 23:29 says, “Is not My word like fire,” declares the Lord, “and like a hammer that smashes a rock?” 6. Discerning - Hebrew 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.” 7. Divulging - Hebrews 4:13 says, “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight; everything is uncovered and exposed before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.” 8. Truthful - Psalm 119:151 says, “You are near, O Lord, and all Your commandments are true.” John 8:30-32 says, “As Jesus spoke these things, many believed in Him. So He said to the Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, you are truly My disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Psalm 119:104-105 says, “I gain understanding from Your precepts; therefore I hate every false way. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” 9. Eternal - Matthew 24:35 says, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.” And Isaiah 40:8 says, “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.” 10. The Answer - 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.” And John 1:1-5 says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made, and without Him nothing was made that has been made. In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” And John 5:39 says, “You pore over the Scriptures because you presume that by them you possess eternal life. These are the very words that testify about Me, yet you refuse to come to Me to have life.” Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one can reach the Father, except through Him. The way to know Jesus is through the Bible, God’s perfect, infallible, life-changing gift to us. Have you ever wished for a manual to guide you through life, relationships, marriage, parenting, death, and eternal life? We have one. I am convinced that every problem we have on this earth stems from the condition of our hearts. Our heart can only be changed in ways that bring collective good when we read, study, learn, and practice God’s will and ways. Dear Heavenly Father, how great You are! Thank you for Your everlasting goodness and love. You are always present, even when we fail to realize or admit it. You are faithful and loving. This we know, for Your Holy Word tells us. Thank you for the Bible, Your gift to us. You show us the Way, the Truth, and the Life through words we can grasp and study, hold onto for hope and strength, and share with others to lead them to life everlasting with You. Thank you for the hope and light You offer willingly to us, despite our neglect and rejection. Help each of us to seek You more this day, to begin a new or closer walk with You, and allow You to transform us and complete the good works You have determined for us as You lovingly prepared for and formed us long ago. Our Sovereign Lord, You are our strong deliverer, You shield our head through the battles we face, and Your Holy Word provides us with the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, providing all the protection we need if we turn to You and study Your scriptural gifts. May we please You with our thoughts, words, and actions, and become the person You desire. In the precious name of Jesus we pray. Amen. Thank you for listening to this podcast. If you find value in what you hear, and you would like more information on the topic we discussed today, I invite you to listen to previous episodes. You may find them on the terrihitt.com website. Click on podcasts and type in the topic or title you wish to hear in the search bar at the top of the page. Have you listened to my second podcast, “Purposed Parent/Connected Child” yet? I hope you will listen, follow it, 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.

< 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

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/

< Back Purposed Parent Connected Child Podcast Episode 065 - How to Strengthen Connection to My Child and Christ Welcome to the Purposed Parent/Connected Child podcast – Episode 65 – How to Strengthen Connection to My Child and Christ Motherhood is defined in the scary moments. It highlights who we are and molds us into who we will become. Do you know one of the scariest things I’d ever done in my life at the time I became a mother? Hold my newborn baby girl when I was 18 years old. Can you believe that I was more frightened of holding and caring for her than I was of delivering her? Of course, I had all the normal questions about what the delivery would be like. But when it came time to give birth, the delivery came naturally. Caring for my newborn left me feeling overwhelmed, unsure, and alone. What if I dropped her? Would I know what to do when she cried? What if something happened to her at night? Would she stop breathing when she was alone in the crib? When my daughter was born, she weighed six pounds, but felt even tinier. Her little head flopped back and forth so quickly! Her body curled into a ball. You see, I had never held a newborn baby before. My sister and brother were five and six years younger than me, and although I had responsibility for a portion of their care when they were growing up, I never carried that duty when they were babies. I sat on a couch and held them while my mother was around, and helped her with little duties, but that is far from caring for an infant day and night. I really was scared when I thought about caring for my baby after she was born. After my daughter had a week-long hospital stay in intensive care after her birth, my thoughts switched from worry to gratitude that she was going to be fine. The biggest help for me was that while she remained in the hospital, the nurses taught me tips and tricks to care for a newborn. They showed me how to hold her on my lap to burp her, instead of on my shoulder, so that I could better support her head and neck. That position made my daughter feel more secure, and made me feel more capable as a mother. By the time I took her home, I was better prepared to parent our girl. After we were home, the “on the job training” began. It surprised me that it didn’t take long to know my daughter, to understand her cries, and to know what she needed. Now, decades later, when I look back on my early parenting years, I see other areas I wish I had done differently. Number one, I wish I already knew Jesus when I became a mother. Second, I wish I had allowed myself to be better discipled soon after I came to know Him. Next, I wish I had known about attachment parenting when I raised my first set of children. There’s a lot of research about attachment parenting. To be honest, I’m not an expert. I’m not a psychologist. But I am an experienced mother and a follower of Christ. I’m not advocating for particular theories or practices you may read about. However, I do believe that a mother who closely follows Christ, is intentionally maturing her relationship with Him daily, and is attuned to her unique and individual child is practicing what I refer to as attachment parenting. When people ask me what I think the greatest parenting obstacles are, one of my responses (beyond raising your child for Christ) is attachment. Children carrying weak or no attachment to Christ and parents has damaged this generation. If a child and parent are not connected in a close, respectful, growing relationship, the child will most likely not follow the parent’s model for a relationship with Christ. If they have one. Before my husband and I began raising our second set of children, I realized things I wanted to change. It wasn't because I felt my first set of children weren't good . It was because God impressed on me the holy need to forget good and raise children to be godly . I recognized areas in which I felt convicted that I had not been a godly mother, and had only been a good mom. I think when they stop to think about it, most parents would agree that there are universal thoughts related to “good parenting” or “good children.” Do you sometimes feel like you just want your children to behave? Have you ever been embarrassed by something your children did? Were you afraid their actions made you look like a “bad parent?” Have you ever just wanted your child to make you look good by being a “good” child? I also believe some people parent for convenience. In fact, anyone can easily fall victim to it. When those hard moments of parenting arise, it takes great effort and skill to parent for eternal purposes rather than succumb to whatever is easiest in the moment. Mothers, we must resist cultural influences of this society. Instead, we must look to God to equip us to raise the unique children He purposely entrusted to us. Raising another human being (or beings) is never going to be easy. Why do we ever expect it to be? Raising another person from infancy to adulthood is a daunting task even to think about. When you’re in the trenches and things go backwards or sideways, it can be hard to think of the job as a privilege or blessing from God. We just want it to be easy, or at the very least, we want to feel successful and loved. If you’ve ever felt powerless, hopeless, frustrated, or confused about what to do with your child, you’re not alone. A great majority of parents thought parenting would be different than it is. The truth is that parenting seems different than it was for previous generations. And don’t get me started on “typical” childhood or teen behavior. I’m not a part of that mindset. I believe God calls believers to raise kids who are set-apart, and that means far from “typical.” In fact, if you’ve listened to previous episodes of this podcast, you’ve probably heard episode #063, which was all about not raising typical teens. I believe children have replaced attachment with mom and dad for attachment to peers . That’s a concerning thought, because when parents lose the status of mentor or influencer in the life of their children, the home, then in turn, the world, is altered. That’s the result we are seeing in America today. Cultural (meaning society) influences have a stronger attraction than traditional family values and is more important to teens. As kids follow kids, traditions, morals, values, and relationships suffer. Most importantly, parents lose the blessing of teaching their child the way Deuteronomy 6:5-9 , instructs, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates ." What a beautiful image this passage offers! God gives specific instructions on how to make Him known to our children. When people complain about not receiving a parenting handbook, I like to remind them that our merciful Father gifted us a complete volume of instructions for life and parenting in the Bible . Deuteronomy offers beautiful, godly insight into how to build a firm foundation under our children, as well as how to continue constructing a heart of faith and obedience to Christ for a lifetime. If you're like I was when I raised my first set of children, time slipped by SO quickly each day. Even though I tried so hard to be a good mom, working full time combined with life activities always left me wondering how I could do more. I felt inadequate at times, unknowingly following worldly wisdom and hoping what I did was right. I knew I was a good mom, an excellent one in the eyes of culture. But as I listened to quiet stirrings in my soul through a deepened walk with Christ, I later recognized parenting areas I wish I had built differently by purposely constructing them on the foundation of Christ. Ignorance allowed me to think I was already doing that, but hindsight exposes the opposite. The closer we move to Christ, the more He opens our eyes, heart, and mind to His truths. May we never be the person or parent we are today when tomorrow arrives! Years later, I sat at work, envisioning how I would parent for the Lord if I was a new parent again. In hindsight, I now understand God was preparing me for the parenting journey He had in store, because a few years later, my husband and I adopted a precious baby girl and a new generation of parenting began. This time, our matured walk with Christ led my husband and I to plan parenting years much like people should plan for retirement or saving . We purposed our path and prayed over every step. We took classes on attachment parenting for adoption, and I realized this was the type of parenting I should have done years ago. So what is the secret to strengthening connection with your child and Christ? Being purposed with connected parenting . Through prayer and a purposed parenting plan, you and your child will experience relationship with God and one another that will last into eternity. Although none of us can be perfect parents this side of Heaven, I know the steps we planned and implemented pleased the Lord and allowed us to enjoy a second generation of daughters who chose Christ over culture. I want to encourage and equip you to do the same with your children. Despite what society shows or says, the greatest privilege a mother can receive is the blessing of raising children to know and love God through relationship with Jesus. To be entrusted to raise a child for Him, and to help that child come to the saving knowledge of Jesus as Savior, then to discover and step into the purpose for which God designed them is indeed a sacred honor! Have you thought about the future God wants for your child (or grandchild)? God is trusting you to follow His commands. He allowed the children in your life to be with and influenced by you. One of the most important sacrifices we can make for our children is surrender . When we humbly bow before God, ready and willing to allow Him full reign in our life, we are setting the path for a purposed parenting journey that will model Jesus to the little people so important in our life. When we realize that attachment to Christ also fosters a strong attachment between self and child, we are better equipped to model the lifestyle we want our children to emulate. As we mature our walk with Christ, we are better able to mature the walk of our child. So with a busy lifestyle, how does a woman begin to move from a good mom to godly mother? Even with the best intentions, each day only has 24 hours, and if you’re like me, you hope to get at least 7 hours of sleep. That cuts the day even shorter. That’s why I named this podcast Purposed Parent/Connected Child. No matter how well intentioned you may be, the dreams in your mind or love in your heart are not enough. Hours blend into another so fast, but months and years slip by without you even noticing. Without purposed plans and actions, your children will grow up following peers and culture before you know it. The truth is that you can never force your child to accept Christ. Just as God gave you free will to follow Him, your child receives the same choice. Yet if you live in humble submission to Christ and intentionally pursue deeper relationship daily, modeling the life of Jesus in your own passions and pursuits, your child will witness godly love in action and be drawn to Him. When you study and follow the words in the passage from Deuteronomy 6:5-9 that I read earlier, you will take the next step in purposed parenting for Christ. There is nothing more important you can do for your children or grandchildren. When we were preparing to adopt our first daughter from China, we were required to complete a certain number of parenting course training hours. Because our daughter was living in an orphanage, she had already had less than optimum care. No matter the heart of the nannies in charge of child care, their lack of resources, training, caregivers, and time, left the overwhelming number of children in need lacking attention, attachment, and basic needs fulfillment. The training was meant to equip us as parents to understand what this need may present itself like in our child, and show us how to be proactive in our care. The information I learned enabled me to see that all parenting, whether the child be adopted or biological, should strive to attach children and parents through purposed methods. Life isn’t smooth. Events happen that cause division and stressors in any home. Deaths, divorces, job losses, and so many other triggers combined with individual needs and personalities leave parents and children vulnerable. Through our courses, I saw the pattern of parenting with the purpose of connecting to the heart of the child, and understood that in a Christian context, we would never reach the heart of a child unless we know Christ and were led by the Holy Spirit. Likewise, a child must see the heart of Christ within their parent in order to ever see the need for Him in their personal life. As we parent, we must be purposed and prayerfully pursue connection with the heart of our child, while at the same time connecting their heart to Christ. Please feel free to reach out to me if you need resources on how to parent with strong, godly connection at info@terrihitt.com . There are also several early episodes of this podcast dealing with purposed parenting for Christ. Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for allowing us the privilege of raising children for You. Our heart desires to grab hold and keep them to ourselves, but in reality, they are Yours and only loaned to us for a short time. Lord, the years fly by faster than we even think they will. What a gift those precious years are, even when we don’t realize it at the time. May every mother listening to this podcast realize the beauty of the purpose of motherhood and strive to raise godly children who are set-apart from this culture and connected to You with purpose. Help us to be pleasing in our walk with You and through our parenting practices. May we and our children bring You great joy. In the precious name of Jeus 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. Would you like to walk with other like-minded mothers to deepen your walk with Christ, learn a Christ-centered Motherhood Mindset Model, and create a Purposed Parenting Plan? I want to share special news with my podcast listeners. The Set-Apart Collective wait list is open now. Send me an email at info@terrihitt.com to let me know you’d like to receive information and a special code to receive a discount if you find you’d like to join the collective. It’s time for 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? The best reviews are by word of mouth, so if you would also choose a friend to recommend the show to, imagine the change we could see in the way mothers parent for Christ. Also, please tell friends and family that the podcast can be found at terrihitt.com, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, and on the Edifi app, where you can hear thousands of the best Christian podcasts in one place. 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

Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #103 – 2022 Interview with Marissa Hitt, Co-Founder, Melane & Co. 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 episode is sponsored by Melane & Co., creator of innocent animal décor for the home and family. Melane & Co. creates joy so you can express it with delightful cards, prints, and custom watercolor pet portraits for you or a loved one to treasure as a personal keepsake. Find Melane & Co. at www.melaneandco.com. On Instagram at @melaneandco, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/melaneandco, and Pinterest at https://www.pinterest.com/melaneandco/_created/. Any follows and/or shares are much apprecaited as you support the creativity God entrusted to Marissa. It’s only fitting that this episode be sponsored by the online company I share with my middle daughter, Marissa. As the artist and creator of our stunning, realistic artwork and beautiful graphics, Marissa pours her heart and emotion into each watercolor she creates, striving to use the talent and creativity God gifted her in ways that please and honor the beauty of His creation and create joy to share. It is a blessing and honor to work alongside her to build this company. There is much more to come with additional products in the future as we dream and build together. Marissa first appeared on this podcast in January of 2021. Because our conversation was such a high-rated episode, I wanted to bring her back to share about what she has done over the last year. It is my hope that you will find her to be a genuine and refreshing guest who brings you confirmation of joy and hope when you think about the teens of this generation. It is my desire that she points you straight to Jesus. Marissa is the co-creator of Melane & Co., as already mentioned, and is the artist and one of the visionaries of our brand. I must say that she is also a great encourager and one who always looks for ways to bring others joy. Marissa also looks for the positive in life, and is an animal lover, especially dogs. When we go on walks together, her day is always brightened when we get to stop and pet dogs in our neighborhood. I am blessed to welcome my daughter, Marissa Hitt to the podcast. ------------------------------------------------ INTERVIEW--------------------------------------------------- I pray my conversation with Marissa gave you joy. I truly praise God for allowing me to be her mother. I pray she is always directed straight to Him by the way I live, love, and react to life and her. May she see Him each time she interacts with me. The only way I can do that is to bow before Jesus and allow Him to mold and shape me, to renew me daily, so that she allows Him to do the same for her. How I crave that. What a joy it is for me to know she follows and loves Jesus. What a delight that God gives us opportunity to introduce our children to Him. There is nothing more humbling or worthwhile to achieve. Dear Heavenly Father, Lord how I adore You. There is none like You. Father, keep our eyes and heart centered on You. Help us to seek You in deeper ways, listen to You, and follow Your will and calling in humble obedience. May we delight in what delights You. Help us to show You clearly to others because we are so close to You that You seep from us in all areas, drawing others nearer to You. May we please you in the way we influence our children and grandchildren. Help them desire You because You are so easily and lovingly reflected in all we do and are. May we be less of us and more of You. In the precious name of Jesus we 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. Please share Live With Eternal Perspective episodes with friends and family so that they can begin to listen each week. Please also share my website, terrihitt.com. You can 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 find ways to encourage and influence children or grandchildren to choose Christ over culture. If we are not purposed in showing Jesus to the next generation, the world will direct them away from Christ. Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode 103 2022 Interview with Marissa Hitt Melane and Co Listen to Episode Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #103 – 2022 Interview with Marissa Hitt, Co-Founder, Melane & Co. 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 episode is sponsored by Melane & Co., creator of innocent animal décor for the home and family. Melane & Co. creates joy so you can express it with delightful cards, prints, and custom watercolor pet portraits for you or a loved one to treasure as a personal keepsake. Find Melane & Co. at www.melaneandco.com . On Instagram at @melaneandco, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/melaneandco, and Pinterest at https://www.pinterest.com/melaneandco/_created/. Any follows and/or shares are much apprecaited as you support the creativity God entrusted to Marissa. It’s only fitting that this episode be sponsored by the online company I share with my middle daughter, Marissa. As the artist and creator of our stunning, realistic artwork and beautiful graphics, Marissa pours her heart and emotion into each watercolor she creates, striving to use the talent and creativity God gifted her in ways that please and honor the beauty of His creation and create joy to share. It is a blessing and honor to work alongside her to build this company. There is much more to come with additional products in the future as we dream and build together. Marissa first appeared on this podcast in January of 2021. Because our conversation was such a high-rated episode, I wanted to bring her back to share about what she has done over the last year. It is my hope that you will find her to be a genuine and refreshing guest who brings you confirmation of joy and hope when you think about the teens of this generation. It is my desire that she points you straight to Jesus. Marissa is the co-creator of Melane & Co., as already mentioned, and is the artist and one of the visionaries of our brand. I must say that she is also a great encourager and one who always looks for ways to bring others joy. Marissa also looks for the positive in life, and is an animal lover, especially dogs. When we go on walks together, her day is always brightened when we get to stop and pet dogs in our neighborhood. I am blessed to welcome my daughter, Marissa Hitt to the podcast. ------------------------------------------------ INTERVIEW--------------------------------------------------- I pray my conversation with Marissa gave you joy. I truly praise God for allowing me to be her mother. I pray she is always directed straight to Him by the way I live, love, and react to life and her. May she see Him each time she interacts with me. The only way I can do that is to bow before Jesus and allow Him to mold and shape me, to renew me daily, so that she allows Him to do the same for her. How I crave that. What a joy it is for me to know she follows and loves Jesus. What a delight that God gives us opportunity to introduce our children to Him. There is nothing more humbling or worthwhile to achieve. Dear Heavenly Father, Lord how I adore You. There is none like You. Father, keep our eyes and heart centered on You. Help us to seek You in deeper ways, listen to You, and follow Your will and calling in humble obedience. May we delight in what delights You. Help us to show You clearly to others because we are so close to You that You seep from us in all areas, drawing others nearer to You. May we please you in the way we influence our children and grandchildren. Help them desire You because You are so easily and lovingly reflected in all we do and are. May we be less of us and more of You. In the precious name of Jesus we 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. Please share Live With Eternal Perspective episodes with friends and family so that they can begin to listen each week. Please also share my website, terrihitt.com. You can 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 find ways to encourage and influence children or grandchildren to choose Christ over culture. If we are not purposed in showing Jesus to the next generation, the world will direct them away from Christ. http://www.melaneandco.com Instagram @melaneandco Facebook https://www.facebook.com/melaneandco Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/melaneandco/_created/

< Back Purposed Parent Connected Child Podcast Episode 132 - What My Teen Taught Me About Raising Kids Welcome to the Purposed Parent/Connected Child podcast – Episode 132 – What My Teen Taught Me About Raising Kids 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, a slightly edited version of a previous episode #37 – Life Lessons From My Teen. When I spoke at our church last weekend regarding parenting and building strong, godly identity in our children, my daughter was asked what she believes helped her grow into a godly young woman. It reminded me of the time she graduated from high school, and we were sharing a walk in the neighborhood. On that day I spontaneously asked her to share 3 things she thought I did well while raising her. It turns out that two years later, she still offers the same answers. Would you like to hear what she said? 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 was blessed so much by hearing her answers. 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’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. If you have questions after this episode, please reach out to me at info@terrihitt.com . I’m happy to help you discover the ways you can raise your children to seek and honor the Lord. I also have a resource that you’ll find helpful as you navigate your daily routine as a mom. If you’re ready to become the godly mother God entrusts you to be for Him and His children, you’ll love my free “Good to Godly: A 31-Day Scripture and Prayer Guide for Moms.” Visit terrihitt.com to receive this resource. If you’re ready to be more intentional - to be purposed in preparing your children for a lifetime pursuit of Christ, contact me at info@terrihitt.com . I think you’ll be interested in my Set-Apart summer renewal for $197. Hurry! This summer offer won’t last. Time is short. Make yours matter for eternity. 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

A lot of Christian moms ask me about discipline. Isn't it biblical to discipline kids? Of course, but discipline won't be effective if it's not done with intention. Correction should lead to connection... it doesn't always have to end in tears, tantrums, and tense relationships. Discipline can be redeeming, because discipline should be discipleship. Jesus commands us to make disciples, and our children must be discipled... especially when they make mistakes. This FREE resource will help you: Discover the meaning of biblical discipline Avoid reacting in the moment (e.g. stop yelling) Learn what "spare the rod" in Proverbs 13:24 really means Parent your kids' hearts, not just their behavior How to guide your child to seek God in the hard times GET YOUR FREE RESOURCE First name* Last name* Email* I WANT TO DISCIPLE MY KIDS' HEARTS

< Back Purposed Parent Connected Child Podcast Episode 082 - The Dangers of Raising a Good Kid Welcome to the Purposed Parent/Connected Child podcast – Episode 082 – The Dangers of Raising a Good Kid When I was young, I often heard the phrase, “be a good girl” from my parents. After I became a young mom at the age of eighteen, I was told to “raise a good child.” As I love to do, I thought I’d look up the definition of the word “good.” Did you know that the word “good” is described as upright , righteous , and obedient? Of course, it’s easy to recognize that these are wonderful qualities. Yet, you and I must stop and consider what gives authority to create the description of the word? Better yet, who defines good ? Who has the authority to call you or me or our children upright, righteous, or obedient? Any person could add whatever spin they desire to the definition of these words, right? However, there is One who has final authority on word meanings. God alone knows what is defined as good , righteous , upright , or obedient . Of course, our Heavenly Father desires that we raise children who carry these qualities. However , He wants the defining actions or characteristics the child carries to be in alignment with what He calls good. When our holy, sovereign, righteous God calls anything good or upright, we trust His evaluation. If we move past our opinion or the dictionary definition and pick up God’s holy Word , we learn what God calls good or righteous. Then we understand that His Word gives much insight and instruction . Romans 12:2 says, “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 .” Renewing your mind cannot be completed through following the patterns of the world . If you learn or study worldly wisdom and thoughts, you begin to apply its practices and beliefs and allow them to transform your thought processes. Or you can take a better way. A godly way. Renew your mind through the goodness and truth of God’s Word . Matthew 19:17 says, “Why do you ask Me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.” Now I’ll share a passage from 2 Peter 1:3-9 which says, “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness. Through these He has given us His very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.” As you heard in the verses, the Bible instructs us to escape the corruption in this world. Trying to renew the mind through the thoughts and practices of humans or the culture we live in will never bring transformation of what is rightly called good by God . The goodness of man is measured by inferior and untrue standards, but the goodness of God is supported by faith and increasingly built upon by fruits of the Spirit. Ephesians 5:8-10 which says, “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.” Scripture teaches why it’s dangerous to mentor mere goodness to your children. Your actions as a believer and parent should reflect your faith and how you are building it through your relationship with Christ . Your life should be morally above reproach so your lifestyle, desires, and the way you parent reflects God’s goodness, righteousness, and truth. You can only accomplish that through Christ. God’s holy Word and truths prove it is dangerous to strive to raise a good kid. Without Christ, none of us are righteous or good. 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.” If God tells us He has shown what is good, and requires that we act justly and walk humbly with Him, we understand that to walk with the world and its definitions of righteousness or goodness will be the opposite of God’s definition and desire. Ephesians 4:20-24 says, “That, however, is not the way of life you learned when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” What a beautiful analogy to put off our old self as we put on the new self through Christ. As our attitude and desires are transformed , we are able to mentor God’s goodness to our children, not the definition the world gives. There was a period in my life when I wanted to make sure I was a good person. A good woman. A good wife. A good daughter. A good mother. As my relationship with Jesus matured, I understood that limiting myself to “good ” was “ungodly .” God calls believers to a much higher standard than good. Good isn’t enough for God. It’s true that in the beginning, God proclaimed what He made to be good. However, God is proclaiming His creations are good, not that we individually or collectively are. He spoke the title of good over what He made by His intelligent and perfect design. Everything God makes is good. Yet, in this sinful, fallen world, it didn’t take long for God’s creations to choose sin. Without Christ indwelling you , it is much more difficult for your children to pursue Christ. Without the Holy Spirit within you , there is no godliness for your children to see and emulate. Without Jesus, you and your children are unable to claim the status of “godly,” or “good.” So how do you move from desiring a good life to building a godly life? Only through Christ. Once you recognize your need for God, you begin to realize the need for His perfect Son. Jesus came to pay the price for your sin. He came to pay the ransom for the sins of your children. Once you realize the need for a Savior, and accept the free gift Jesus offers, you are able to live with His Holy Spirit within. You are no longer bound to the world or the sinful temptations. Through relationship with Christ, the Holy Word, and prayerful conversations with God, you can experience a shift from good to godly. That is, if you are seeking Him and a humble, obedient, close connection moment by moment. What you desire must be held up to a mirror, so to speak, as you look at how your desires are reflected against what God calls for you in His holy Word. How you parent must also be held against God’s standards of what is good and righteous. Have you wasted time pursuing what this world calls good? Have you only allowed God access to your dreams and desires, your life, the way you work, live, or parent in small degrees? I wish I could profess to be one of those people who surrendered fully in the moment they accept Christ, but the truth is that each of us have varying degrees of surrender throughout our lifetime. We never reach that finish line in this life. We are so very far beneath God, and so far from Him, that our lifetime should be focused on pursuing deeper relationship with Him and continuing to surrender self. Just as the layers of onion are peeled away exposing more, as we surrender to God we see that there is so much more to offer Him of self. Are you wasting moments striving to be “good” instead of godly? Are you damaging the relationship between your children and Jesus by mentoring the world’s definition of good instead of God’s godliness? Maybe you’re a believer who loves God, but you’re unsure of how to disciple your children in ways that cause your child to build a faith that will last. Or maybe you dream of being a mother one day and wonder how to start building faith that lasts in your children. I remember being in that spot. I didn’t yet understand that the Christian walk is a beautiful relationship between God and man. I didn’t understand the command in Deuteronomy 6:5-9 , which says, “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates .” I assumed that what I was doing to teach my children about Jesus was enough. In reality, they were learning my limited non-discipled faith, and since I was not growing as well as I should have been, they were only able to mimic a portion of my faith, not being discipled well to chase Christ for themselves as children. They were living a narrow view of good instead of the godly goodness of our Heavenly Father . I remember when God clearly showed me how to shift from good to godly parenting and how important it was to Him. The fact that God entrusted His children to me and to you is beyond belief. Mere fallen humans parenting God’s children is a miracle. The role we carry as mothers and spiritual advisors is one we cannot complete in our own strength or by being a good person or mother. The privilege we have been bestowed is one I take very seriously and I pray you do, too. You may have heard of The Set-Apart Collective, where I mentor women in their walk with Christ, help them grow godly mindset through my Motherhood Mindset Model™ and help them create a unique parenting formula based off of my Purposed Parenting Plan™. Because you are a listener of this podcast, I want to share that if this episode resonates with you, please contact me for a very special offer only for listeners. I want your mind and heart to be anchored on Christ through all obstacles. I want to see your family stand on the firm foundation of Christ together. When deep waters swirl around you, when tragedy and troubles plague your home, I want your grip secure on that three-fold cord that keeps Jesus in the center of all. No matter what happens, you will be committed to raising your children and growing with your spouse for Christ. It is time to rise and raise children who know and honor God. How long will mothers sit back and watch as children follow peers over parents or Christ? It doesn’t matter how good a parent you are or want to be. God calls you to be a holy, godly mother. There is nothing greater you can do than fix your heart and mind above and focus on raising His children for Him . Whether you are not yet a mother, but know you want to be in the future, whether you are expecting, or whether you have an infant, toddler, preschooler, or elementary aged child, you have influence. The time to start with purposed practices for Christ is now . Raising a good, typical child should not be your goal. Listen to that still, small voice inside that desires each child to know and serve Him with love and respect. The church alone isn’t going to raise your children to love and serve God fully. It is the day by day moments that will define you and your children, your family as a whole. Did you know that the Greek word for church means, "called-out ones?" The children entrusted to your care were hand-chosen by God to be under your mentorship. He is trusting that you will find every way possible to be the godliest woman and mother you can be so that you will raise called out, or set-apart individuals who bless His Spirit. Stop being a good mom and don’t raise good kids. Dear Heavenly Father, You alone are good. Thank you for showing us the way to You through Jesus and for ensuring that we understand Your definition of good and righteous. Father, we know we don’t deserve Your mercy and kindness, yet You extend it to us over and over through our lifetime. Help us to recognize Your goodness in our life. Help us to make Your goodness known to our children and to extend it to our spouse. Please protect us from the danger of raising good children. Let our children be set-apart and help them see You in us and desire You with a heart set on love and humble obedience to You and Your will and ways. May we please you as we parent and help us hear Your voice in ways that guide us and our children deeper into Your loving, faithful arms. Don’t let us be good women who raise good kids. Let us be set-apart for godliness through Christ. 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. Previous Next

Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #135 – May It Be As You Desire, 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. In their unique ways, each of my daughters continue to teach me daily about the beauty of a humble heart. Through their words and actions, they allow me to catch a glimpse of God working in them. As I watch them, observing their very different surface personalities, I receive such joy. Although they have unique personalities, both girls love Jesus and make me think about the heart of Mary, mother of Jesus. They always purposely try to please and obey my husband and me. Not in ways that are only because they know they are supposed to, or feel they have to, but because they want to be pleasing to God. I consider it my honor to teach them to yearn for God and to desire to please Him above anyone else. If they do so, the overflow of their love for Him will cover the rest of us. Just as Mary modeled Christ in her words to Gabriel in Luke 1, “May it be as You Desire, God,” is what Christian parents want to hear and see from their children. Yet our reasons for desiring that make all the difference. My children are not to worship me, but Him. When they do, I see the beautiful benefits of their faith-filled and maturing life. It makes me ponder all the qualities God saw in Mary that made Him plan for her to mother the Savior of the World. I believe there were three keys qualities God considered necessary for the task He called Mary to (and of course, God knew she would possess). Christian parents must lead our children to the feet of Jesus in order to see these same qualities living in them. 1. Mary trusted God. 2. Mary’s life praised God. 3. Mary submitted to God. These are the qualities we want to mentor for our children and see them willingly carry in their life. Psalm 27:4 says, “One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in His temple.” Wouldn’t you love your children and grandchildren to live with a heart attuned to the Lord like this? We hold such great purpose in the life of children! It is our sacred privilege to intentionally instruct our children and grandchildren to: 1. Love God with a humble heart. 2. Fear God with reverence. 3. Respect God’s holy commands and instructions. 4. Serve God with a humble heart. 5. Obey God with respect for His sovereignty. Luke 1:26-38 says, “In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be borne will be called holy—the Son of God. And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.” And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.” Every time I read this passage of verses, my heart is tender for the love and reverence Mary offered God in a moment that must have been incredibly confusing or startling. Can you imagine being in her position? Even though she was just a young girl, she did not worry or wonder at what was going to happen, how it would come to be, or why God had chosen to reveal such a plan as this to her. The words, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord, let it be to me according to your word,” must have sounded preciously obedient to God’s ears. He had chosen Mary because He knew her reaction would be worthy of the privilege and promise He planned. Maybe it is so special to me because I was an unmarried pregnant teen. I know the shame and fear that a young girl faces. It brings me humble joy to read her reaction and imagine myself in her shoes. Luke 1:46-49 says, “And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name.” Mary was honored in life with the distinctive role of being the mother of Jesus. This honor required enormous sacrifice and suffering. Mary no doubt suffered deep pain along with the privilege of raising Jesus. Mary’s submissive obedience to God allowed her to humbly accept this position with grace and trust without demanding glory or answers. It is not about her. It is about Him. The Bible is full of character studies and stories that we can draw great wisdom and knowledge from and impart to our children. Let’s take a look at another person God found pleasing. 1. Solomon petitioned God. 2. Solomon heard God. 3. Solomon strayed from God. 4. Solomon returned to God. 2 Chronicles 1:1 says, “Solomon the son of David established himself in his kingdom, and the LORD his God was with him and made him exceedingly great.” 2 Chronicles 1:7-12 says, “In that night God appeared to Solomon, and said to him, “Ask what I shall give you.” And Solomon said to God, “You have shown great and steadfast love to David my father, and have made me king in his place. O LORD God, let your word to David my father be now fulfilled, for you have made me king over a people as numerous as the dust of the earth. Give me now wisdom and knowledge to go out and come in before this people, for who can govern this people of yours, which is so great?” God answered Solomon, “Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked for possessions, wealth, honor, or the life of those who hate you, and have not even asked for long life, but have asked for wisdom and knowledge for yourself that you may govern my people over whom I have made you king, wisdom and knowledge are granted to you. I will also give you riches, possessions, and honor, such as none of the kings had who were before you, and none after you shall have the like.” 1 Samuel 16:7 says, “But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.” This is exactly what God does. He peers without restraint or obstruction straight into our heart. Solomon’s prayer was pleasing to God. Solomon recognized the value of wisdom. His plea in that prayer seemed obedient, trusting, submissive, humble, and genuine. Because Solomon did not ask for wealth, possessions, riches, or honor, God answered and granted much wisdom to Solomon, as well as lavishing unrequested blessings on him. As we study the life of Solomon, we see that one critical piece of wisdom we can learn from his story is the importance of carrying more than wisdom. Wisdom without understanding can be very dangerous. Proverbs 4:5-13 says, “Get wisdom; get insight; do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth. Do not forsake her, and she will keep you; love her, and she will guard you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight. Prize her highly, and she will exalt you; she will honor you if you embrace her. She will place on your head a graceful garland; she will bestow on you a beautiful crown. Hear, my son, and accept my words, that the years of your life may be many. I have taught you the way of wisdom; I have led you in the paths of uprightness. When you walk, your step will not be hampered, and if you run, you will not stumble. Keep hold of instruction; do not let go; guard her, for she is your life.” Solomon recognized the value of wisdom and requested it from God, pleasing our Heavenly Father immensely. Yet through the life and choices of Solomon we learn that we need more than wisdom alone. Wisdom without a humble heart for God or an understanding of what God requires to be wise will not keep us humble and reliant on our Heavenly Father. Without understanding and insight from God, personal wisdom may become worldly knowledge rather than godly instruction. We may end up yearning for and following personal, physical, and earthly desires instead of seeking what God desires. Just as Solomon strayed far from what God would deem wise, we are liable to make the same mistakes without keeping our mind, heart, and soul tied in reverence and submission to God. Solomon seemed to return to God in his later years, perhaps by viewing and utilizing the wisdom God endowed to him in his younger years through an eternal perspective. Through his story, we learn that we must teach our children to seek God’s wisdom and the qualities that build and sustain His common sense and uphold His commands. There are so many characters in the Bible that we can draw from, but the next I want to discuss in this podcast episode is the best mentor of all. The perfect mentor in every area is Jesus. John 13:1-17 says, “Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him, Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around Him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to Him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?” Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” Peter said to him, “You shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with Me.” Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” Jesus said to him, “The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean, but not every one of you.” For He knew who was to betray Him; that was why He said, “Not all of you are clean.” When He had washed their feet and put on His outer garments and resumed his place, He said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.” In this short passage we see deeper into the heart of Jesus. God already knows every sin we have ever or will ever commit – and He loves us regardless. The love of Jesus is far-reaching and perfect, casting out fear and infusing us with hope and mercy that only comes from Him. In this story we understand that Jesus is speaking privately with His disciples and sharing His final instructions. Jesus is preparing them for His death and resurrection because the Lord knew both events would greatly impact and alter the foundation of their beliefs and lives forever. Because Jesus was the sinless, perfect mentor and model servant for God, He set a clear and wise pattern for His disciples to follow. Just as He does for us. In the passage we read, Jesus humbly wrapped a towel around His waist and began washing feet as only a servant would do. When we witness God in the flesh as a servant doing what was considered one of the lowliest chores, we (with the great hindsight of the Holy Word) see genuine and humble love and obedience that should compel each of us to be willing to serve in the same ways, honoring and glorifying God. Jesus showed how to treat others and how to obey God in a way not easily understood by the disciples As I stated earlier, it is only through our Bible study and hindsight that we are able to begin to comprehend the meaning and motive behind this act of Christ. With influence and intention far greater than requesting that the disciples extend kindness toward one another, Jesus modeled how to give and grow His truths through the world and into eternity before He left this earth. What a gift God extended to us! Our human minds cannot begin to fully fathom and we have an added blessing of so much to teach us. Jesus exposes the keys to the Kingdom of God for us to use to unlock the hearts of our children for Him. What a precious privilege! As we strive to build the Heart of Jesus in our children, we must remember our mentor Jesus and humbly show Him to our children in all we are and do. Jesus served the Father and others. Jesus loved the Father and others. Jesus taught the Father to others. Jesus exposed truth to others. Jesus was obedient to the Father in all ways. Jesus was a hearer and a doer of the Word. Jesus sacrificed for the Father and each of us. Jesus drew nearer to God with eternal purpose. As we see the simple truths of who Jesus is through Scripture, it makes it obvious to parents that we must purposely provide opportunities to produce identical characteristics in our children. As we look to our own lives, we must assess where we are so that we are prepared to parent with confidence through connection to Christ. Do you humbly submit to God? Do you listen for His voice? Do you keep areas of your life private or closed-off from God? Do you trust God’s plans? Where can you trust God more? How do you plan to draw nearer to Him? Do you expose more of your fleshly character qualities or more of Christ? How are you purposely showing Christ to your child daily? Are you reading and studying the Bible? Are you reading and studying the Bible with your child? Do you pray for your children daily? Are you asking God to show you what you must do to bring yourself and your children or grandchildren closer to Him? Although these may seem like a lot of questions, these are prompts to propel each of us to what we should consciously be doing for the children God has gifted us to parent for Him; for the people He surrounds us with. As we learn to depend on Him every moment as we live, He will guide us in the ways we should move and mother for Him. His desire is that we succeed in every way He calls for us, especially in the way we live and parent. Dear Heavenly Father, how great You are! You know our every thought, word, act, and motive. Yet you love us with an astounding and everlasting love deeper than we can imagine. You know our faults and failures, yet You entrust us with Your treasures, the children You give to us. Father, please enable us to become the parents You desire in a timely way that allows us to parent with godly wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and love from You. May the hearts of our children be turned to You. May they accept Christ as they complete the purposes You have established for them with complete trust in You. May their love for You and faith in You shine forth to bring others into Your arms. May our children bless You with joy and delight with the love and faith they exhibit and mature with purposeful intention. Father, thank you for entrusting each of us to raise Your children. May our hearts delight You and help us to know how to complete this privilege You have entrusted to us. Enable us to love You with fullness of heart and may the hearts of our children seek You in the same way. Impress Your commandments in not only our hearts, but the hearts of our children. May we think of You and speak of You through each day together as we entrust our future, their futures, to Your capable hands. 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 135 - May It Be As You Desire, God Listen to Episode Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #135 – May It Be As You Desire, 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. In their unique ways, each of my daughters continue to teach me daily about the beauty of a humble heart. Through their words and actions, they allow me to catch a glimpse of God working in them. As I watch them, observing their very different surface personalities, I receive such joy. Although they have unique personalities, both girls love Jesus and make me think about the heart of Mary, mother of Jesus. They always purposely try to please and obey my husband and me. Not in ways that are only because they know they are supposed to, or feel they have to, but because they want to be pleasing to God. I consider it my honor to teach them to yearn for God and to desire to please Him above anyone else. If they do so, the overflow of their love for Him will cover the rest of us. Just as Mary modeled Christ in her words to Gabriel in Luke 1, “May it be as You Desire, God,” is what Christian parents want to hear and see from their children. Yet our reasons for desiring that make all the difference. My children are not to worship me, but Him. When they do, I see the beautiful benefits of their faith-filled and maturing life. It makes me ponder all the qualities God saw in Mary that made Him plan for her to mother the Savior of the World. I believe there were three keys qualities God considered necessary for the task He called Mary to (and of course, God knew she would possess). Christian parents must lead our children to the feet of Jesus in order to see these same qualities living in them. 1. Mary trusted God. 2. Mary’s life praised God. 3. Mary submitted to God. These are the qualities we want to mentor for our children and see them willingly carry in their life. Psalm 27:4 says, “One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in His temple.” Wouldn’t you love your children and grandchildren to live with a heart attuned to the Lord like this? We hold such great purpose in the life of children! It is our sacred privilege to intentionally instruct our children and grandchildren to: 1. Love God with a humble heart. 2. Fear God with reverence. 3. Respect God’s holy commands and instructions. 4. Serve God with a humble heart. 5. Obey God with respect for His sovereignty. Luke 1:26-38 says, “In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be borne will be called holy—the Son of God. And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.” And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.” Every time I read this passage of verses, my heart is tender for the love and reverence Mary offered God in a moment that must have been incredibly confusing or startling. Can you imagine being in her position? Even though she was just a young girl, she did not worry or wonder at what was going to happen, how it would come to be, or why God had chosen to reveal such a plan as this to her. The words, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord, let it be to me according to your word,” must have sounded preciously obedient to God’s ears. He had chosen Mary because He knew her reaction would be worthy of the privilege and promise He planned. Maybe it is so special to me because I was an unmarried pregnant teen. I know the shame and fear that a young girl faces. It brings me humble joy to read her reaction and imagine myself in her shoes. Luke 1:46-49 says, “And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name.” Mary was honored in life with the distinctive role of being the mother of Jesus. This honor required enormous sacrifice and suffering. Mary no doubt suffered deep pain along with the privilege of raising Jesus. Mary’s submissive obedience to God allowed her to humbly accept this position with grace and trust without demanding glory or answers. It is not about her. It is about Him. The Bible is full of character studies and stories that we can draw great wisdom and knowledge from and impart to our children. Let’s take a look at another person God found pleasing. 1. Solomon petitioned God. 2. Solomon heard God. 3. Solomon strayed from God. 4. Solomon returned to God. 2 Chronicles 1:1 says, “Solomon the son of David established himself in his kingdom, and the LORD his God was with him and made him exceedingly great.” 2 Chronicles 1:7-12 says, “In that night God appeared to Solomon, and said to him, “Ask what I shall give you.” And Solomon said to God, “You have shown great and steadfast love to David my father, and have made me king in his place. O LORD God, let your word to David my father be now fulfilled, for you have made me king over a people as numerous as the dust of the earth. Give me now wisdom and knowledge to go out and come in before this people, for who can govern this people of yours, which is so great?” God answered Solomon, “Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked for possessions, wealth, honor, or the life of those who hate you, and have not even asked for long life, but have asked for wisdom and knowledge for yourself that you may govern my people over whom I have made you king, wisdom and knowledge are granted to you. I will also give you riches, possessions, and honor, such as none of the kings had who were before you, and none after you shall have the like.” 1 Samuel 16:7 says, “But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.” This is exactly what God does. He peers without restraint or obstruction straight into our heart. Solomon’s prayer was pleasing to God. Solomon recognized the value of wisdom. His plea in that prayer seemed obedient, trusting, submissive, humble, and genuine. Because Solomon did not ask for wealth, possessions, riches, or honor, God answered and granted much wisdom to Solomon, as well as lavishing unrequested blessings on him. As we study the life of Solomon, we see that one critical piece of wisdom we can learn from his story is the importance of carrying more than wisdom. Wisdom without understanding can be very dangerous. Proverbs 4:5-13 says, “Get wisdom; get insight; do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth. Do not forsake her, and she will keep you; love her, and she will guard you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight. Prize her highly, and she will exalt you; she will honor you if you embrace her. She will place on your head a graceful garland; she will bestow on you a beautiful crown. Hear, my son, and accept my words, that the years of your life may be many. I have taught you the way of wisdom; I have led you in the paths of uprightness. When you walk, your step will not be hampered, and if you run, you will not stumble. Keep hold of instruction; do not let go; guard her, for she is your life.” Solomon recognized the value of wisdom and requested it from God, pleasing our Heavenly Father immensely. Yet through the life and choices of Solomon we learn that we need more than wisdom alone. Wisdom without a humble heart for God or an understanding of what God requires to be wise will not keep us humble and reliant on our Heavenly Father. Without understanding and insight from God, personal wisdom may become worldly knowledge rather than godly instruction. We may end up yearning for and following personal, physical, and earthly desires instead of seeking what God desires. Just as Solomon strayed far from what God would deem wise, we are liable to make the same mistakes without keeping our mind, heart, and soul tied in reverence and submission to God. Solomon seemed to return to God in his later years, perhaps by viewing and utilizing the wisdom God endowed to him in his younger years through an eternal perspective. Through his story, we learn that we must teach our children to seek God’s wisdom and the qualities that build and sustain His common sense and uphold His commands. There are so many characters in the Bible that we can draw from, but the next I want to discuss in this podcast episode is the best mentor of all. The perfect mentor in every area is Jesus. John 13:1-17 says, “Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him, Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around Him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to Him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?” Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” Peter said to him, “You shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with Me.” Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” Jesus said to him, “The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean, but not every one of you.” For He knew who was to betray Him; that was why He said, “Not all of you are clean.” When He had washed their feet and put on His outer garments and resumed his place, He said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.” In this short passage we see deeper into the heart of Jesus. God already knows every sin we have ever or will ever commit – and He loves us regardless. The love of Jesus is far-reaching and perfect, casting out fear and infusing us with hope and mercy that only comes from Him. In this story we understand that Jesus is speaking privately with His disciples and sharing His final instructions. Jesus is preparing them for His death and resurrection because the Lord knew both events would greatly impact and alter the foundation of their beliefs and lives forever. Because Jesus was the sinless, perfect mentor and model servant for God, He set a clear and wise pattern for His disciples to follow. Just as He does for us. In the passage we read, Jesus humbly wrapped a towel around His waist and began washing feet as only a servant would do. When we witness God in the flesh as a servant doing what was considered one of the lowliest chores, we (with the great hindsight of the Holy Word) see genuine and humble love and obedience that should compel each of us to be willing to serve in the same ways, honoring and glorifying God. Jesus showed how to treat others and how to obey God in a way not easily understood by the disciples As I stated earlier, it is only through our Bible study and hindsight that we are able to begin to comprehend the meaning and motive behind this act of Christ. With influence and intention far greater than requesting that the disciples extend kindness toward one another, Jesus modeled how to give and grow His truths through the world and into eternity before He left this earth. What a gift God extended to us! Our human minds cannot begin to fully fathom and we have an added blessing of so much to teach us. Jesus exposes the keys to the Kingdom of God for us to use to unlock the hearts of our children for Him. What a precious privilege! As we strive to build the Heart of Jesus in our children, we must remember our mentor Jesus and humbly show Him to our children in all we are and do. Jesus served the Father and others. Jesus loved the Father and others. Jesus taught the Father to others. Jesus exposed truth to others. Jesus was obedient to the Father in all ways. Jesus was a hearer and a doer of the Word. Jesus sacrificed for the Father and each of us. Jesus drew nearer to God with eternal purpose. As we see the simple truths of who Jesus is through Scripture, it makes it obvious to parents that we must purposely provide opportunities to produce identical characteristics in our children. As we look to our own lives, we must assess where we are so that we are prepared to parent with confidence through connection to Christ. Do you humbly submit to God? Do you listen for His voice? Do you keep areas of your life private or closed-off from God? Do you trust God’s plans? Where can you trust God more? How do you plan to draw nearer to Him? Do you expose more of your fleshly character qualities or more of Christ? How are you purposely showing Christ to your child daily? Are you reading and studying the Bible? Are you reading and studying the Bible with your child? Do you pray for your children daily? Are you asking God to show you what you must do to bring yourself and your children or grandchildren closer to Him? Although these may seem like a lot of questions, these are prompts to propel each of us to what we should consciously be doing for the children God has gifted us to parent for Him; for the people He surrounds us with. As we learn to depend on Him every moment as we live, He will guide us in the ways we should move and mother for Him. His desire is that we succeed in every way He calls for us, especially in the way we live and parent. Dear Heavenly Father, how great You are! You know our every thought, word, act, and motive. Yet you love us with an astounding and everlasting love deeper than we can imagine. You know our faults and failures, yet You entrust us with Your treasures, the children You give to us. Father, please enable us to become the parents You desire in a timely way that allows us to parent with godly wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and love from You. May the hearts of our children be turned to You. May they accept Christ as they complete the purposes You have established for them with complete trust in You. May their love for You and faith in You shine forth to bring others into Your arms. May our children bless You with joy and delight with the love and faith they exhibit and mature with purposeful intention. Father, thank you for entrusting each of us to raise Your children. May our hearts delight You and help us to know how to complete this privilege You have entrusted to us. Enable us to love You with fullness of heart and may the hearts of our children seek You in the same way. Impress Your commandments in not only our hearts, but the hearts of our children. May we think of You and speak of You through each day together as we entrust our future, their futures, to Your capable hands. 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 098 - The Holy Role of Parental Authority - Who Sets the Guidelines in Your Home Welcome to the Purposed Parent/Connected Child podcast – Episode 098 – The Holy Role of Parental Authority - Who Sets the Guidelines in Your Home? Thank you for sharing your day with me. I pray this podcast deepens your walk with Jesus and your children, and equips you to become a set-apart woman raising children to chase Christ over culture. When we brought our youngest daughter home from China, she was nine years old. For most of her time in the orphanage, she was isolated from speaking to or eating with others. This was because they kept her in a smaller than American porta-crib in what was called, “the crib room.” During this time, she was also harboring ear infections that deteriorated her congenitally small bones and nerves. Because a urine bacteria microbe festered untreated for nine years in her ears (on top of other health issues), we’ve been told more than once what a miracle it is that she is still alive. Sadly, this is only a small portion of her story. It's said that the most difficult language to learn is Mandarin Chinese because of the linguistics, complex characters, and tones used. Our precious daughter was not exposed to enough Mandarin or any language to learn it. When she came to the United States, she had several medical issues that needed to be taken care of as quickly as possible, and one of them was her ear infections. After finding out which antibiotic to use from the Mayo Clinic, we ere able to finally rid her body of bacteria that had festered for years on top on oral infections and a severe heart condition. Again, she truly is a miracle. Once she had ear reconstructive surgery, she was able to hear better, but then after receiving hearing aids, her ability to hear and produce speech was much improved. She still doesn’t have wonderful hearing, but I am amazed at how much she was able to learn by sheer perseverance and the blessings of God, good medical care, and technology. Her favorite period of history is pioneer times, but I’m thankful that she lives now - in the 21stcentury, so she can receive the medical care she needs. Why do I share this bit of her medical history? I believe it’s interesting because of the amount of words in our English language. Can you imagine suddenly being immersed in another language? Whether it be English or Mandarin, not many of us have been forced to move out of the only environment we know and fully jump into another culture and language. The amount of words, slang, sentence structure, punctuation, and all that goes into communication would make that jump overwhelming for most of us. It is reported that there are approximately 170,000 English words currently in use with around 47,000 obsolete words. That’s so many, yet I still thought there were much more. However, it is noted that there are around 600,000 definitions published in the Oxford English Dictionary. I’m sure that includes more words no longer in use or perhaps even slang that wasn’t included in the “real word” count. As you may know from listening to this podcast, I love to look at definitions. One I want to share today is simple, but interesting and powerful. It’s the meaning of the word authority. “The English definition is, “a power or right delegated or given; or authorization.” Remember that definition. Now here’s where I think this gets more interesting. There are two words used in modern Hebrew for the word “authority .” First, let me remind you that I’m not an expert in Hebrew, so my pronunciation may be awful, but please forgive that and focus on the meanings I’m sharing. Both Hebrew words are said to have originated from the Bible. Sahm-khoot is used more commonly and means, “placement .” Lees-mohkh means to “rely upon .” Let’s review. We have the English definition of authority meaning “a power or right delegated or given .” We also have the Hebrew word meaning, “placement .” The other Hebrew meaning is, “rely upon .” Why do I find these words so intriguing? When you think of parenting, remember God purposed the children you have to you for this very season . The maker of heaven and earth and all people chose you and issued authority to you over His children . Deuteronomy 11:18-20 says, “Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates .” As you ponder the various meanings of authority in English and Hebrew, you see God’s intentionality. Your Heavenly Father delegated His precious children to you . He placed them in your care, giving you the power and rights to raise them to know and love Him . He relies upon you to do so, and in return those children rely upon you to make godly, loving choices as they rest in your care. Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and even when he is old he will not depart from it .” As you think of the power and privilege God has bestowed upon you to parent His children, consider these four questions: 1. Do you set the expectations and rules in your home or does God? 2. What influences do you allow to affect your children? 3. Are you following worldly values? 4. What guidelines are you using to evaluate your answers? Let’s start with the first question. Do you set the expectations and rules in your home or does God ? As you evaluate your home, meaning your lifestyle, personal desires, and choices think about what is currently happening. Think about what is going on in your personal life and the life of your home. How would God view those events and innermost thoughts? Think about the way you live, the activities you pursue, and the words you use. Do they honor God? Or do you and your family members cause God to mourn as He watches your daily activities? Is God the one in charge of what transpires in your home ? Or are you and your family furiously moving from activity to event that you barely have time to talk to each other, let alone make time to know God intimately? Do you and your husband purposely teach your children to seek God first? Does your family know God’s desires and the way He would guide you to live and act because you study His Word together? Do you or your husband impose rules on your children because of expectations set on you as children? Or are you seeking God first and asking Him to parent through you? Are you praying for God to reveal the purposes He set in your children so you can teach them God’s Truths and help them find His purposes for their lives? Questions two and three go well together, so we’ll consider both of them now: What influences do you allow to affect your children? Are you following worldly or biblical values? As you continue to evaluate your home life and the people God has purposed as your family, can you see what influences are attracting and affecting your family? Are you aware of them in day to day life? Or are you neglecting to safeguard your children from the cultural and societal effects of this world? Do your children set family expectations because you’re lenient in monitoring devices and activities? Or do you or your spouse find inspiration and direction from God’s Word and set godly authority in your home? Are you ignorantly chasing the world’s standards to dictate your parenting style? Or do you proactively learn about shifting trends and potential dangers so you don’t let them into your home? Proverb 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight. ” Now, our last question: What guideline are you using to evaluate your answers? Do you understand the difference between godly values and those of the world? Do you think the phrase “of this world ” is outdated? Do you strive to continue studying God’s Word so His Truths are foremost in your mind with your relations and in your communication with your spouse and children? Does God’s Word set the standard for how you discipline and raise your children? Do His truths build the behaviors and actions between you and your spouse? 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work .” Is the Bible your source of Truth and direction? Is God’s holy Word what you rely on for protection and provision as you seek and follow His ways and truths? Do you teach them to your children? I know these are a lot of questions. They all stem from the four I originally asked. But each is so important for digging deep to evaluate where your heart and mind reside. Make time to consider your answers. Learn where you need to work and ask the Holy Spirit to do a good work in you and your spouse. You may want to look at the transcript of this episode after listening so you can read the questions again. Allow yourself time with God so you will hear Him speak to areas He may be calling you to release to Him. If you find places where He is speaking in your heart, be thankful, not ashamed. Know that God forgives a repentant heart and desires to cradle you in His capable arms and keep you and your precious family in alignment with His will and purposes for you. It is then that you will experience true freedom and joy that will last into eternity. Dear God, You alone are the Good Father. We thank you for Your everlasting love. Thank you for generously offering us all we need to live lives that reflect You and carry great purpose and love. Please help us to establish Your guidelines of Holy Authority in our home. May we seek You first in all things, especially our personal lives so that we inhale and exhale You to our children and spouse. Please cause us to be aware of the subtle ways we neglect You. Help us recognize the times we fail to seize opportunities you have given us to deepen our walk with You or lead our children to Your arms. Equip us to stand in bold declaration that we will make time for You regularly and help us do it. Help our lives match what our lips profess and help our children to be even closer to You because we are purposeful in leading them to the feet of Jesus. It is 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 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 with your children and Christ. Previous Next

Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live with Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #045 – Handling Hardships Today is a slight deviation from our regular podcast routine. As this episode is released on Thanksgiving, I wish each of you a Happy Thanksgiving! If you are listening to this podcast later, which many of you will be, I hope your day was filled with blessings. As each of us know, life has no knowledge or respect for the day or time events occur. Holidays are no exception. So if you are struggling right now. I’m so sorry. I pray that God has you listening to this episode for a reason and that will find value and hope that encourages you to continue placing your sight and trust in Jesus. This podcast episode was produced at the very beginning of the “Live With Eternal Perspective” podcast. For some odd technical reason, the episode got lost. Although it was uploaded to the site, something I cannot explain happened, and it did not show as available for listeners to hear. I believe in God’s perfect timing, so I know someone must need His hope and these words right now. Let’s listen to the episode now. Thank you for entrusting and investing part of 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. At the time I am working on this podcast, several of my friends are experiencing hardships in their life. One will celebrate her first Christmas without her beloved husband; one celebrates her first Christmas without a beloved son; one just lost two family members and has another in the hospital. Others have children in the hospital. Many people I know are fighting battles in this world. Adversity has no schedule. Trials don’t respect holidays, busy lives, or people. Death and affliction sometimes seem to happen randomly, but as believers, we know that God is never surprised. Everything that happens to believers has already been sifted through His sovereign hands. He is with us through every storm, waiting to carry us through. Ten years ago, I lost my oldest daughter, Jaime. My family entered a season of what felt like destruction. The years between 2009 and 2015 were brutal to live through. After walking through the loss of my child, attention had to be shifted to my parents. My mother suffered from Alzheimer’s and my father, sister, and I made the very difficult decision to move her to a memory care unit. Multiple reasons prompted us to make that decision, but we certainly did not want her to feel abandoned or forgotten. My father, my sister, my daughter, Marissa (who was around five years old at the time), and I visited her daily. Marissa was at the facility so much that they allowed her to visit random residents in their rooms. It cheered each one of them, as well as the staff, to see her smiling face and hear the bubbly voice of a young child. Marissa also helped with crafts and the physical activity program in my mother’s unit. Although being around so much illness was often difficult at the time, in hindsight, God allowed the experiences to soften the heart of my daughter toward the elderly. Even now, she feels comfortable around older adults and enjoys conversing with them. After my mother had been living in the memory care facility for a while, my father began having significant symptoms in 2012 that finally prompted him to see a doctor. In January of 2013, he was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. At the time, they gave him one week to a year to live. While we had been seeing my mother every day and devoting large amounts of time to be with her and help with major decisions in her care, Marissa and I now had to divide my mother’s time and share it with my father. He got so sick that we had to lessen the time we spent with my mother considerably, although I still kept in close contact with her caregivers, and my sister was still visiting and helping with her care her as often as she could. Dad simply needed so much at that time. We took him to doctor appointments, helped with his medicine, finances, errands, and general understanding of his health. After he was rushed to the hospital in June, the doctors knew he would not be able to return home. When he regained enough strength by the end of the week to be released, the generous people at the facility my mother lived in tried to find him a room near her. He was moved there briefly, but since his insurance did not cover the facility, we had to find an alternative. Although he was stronger, he was still weak and needed special care, so his deepest wish to return home and drive his little truck around town would not come true. For several reasons, my father was not able to live with my sister or myself. The social worker at my mother’s facility found a nursing home near my father’s house that had an opening and he was moved there within the week. We now had our time split between two parents with high needs, who lived in two separate facilities. Spending almost every day battling emergencies with my father was extremely taxing. On top of that, managing cleaning out his house to donate and sell items to prepare his home for market, and helping with my managing my mother’s care and making time to see her, was exhausting and emotionally difficult. I was burdened by the fact that my young daughter was definitely not getting the time and attention she was accustomed to, or deserved. I was juggling too many things, as was my sister, and the needs of my precious daughter were being ignored. I continually prayed for God to sustain us through this storm. I remember one morning while Marissa was still sleeping, I was putting my makeup on when I received a phone call from the woman I had hired to hold an estate sale at my parent’s home. One of the employees she hired had sold their refrigerator the day before, but had not turned the water off when they pulled out the refrigerator. The house was flooded. Additional bad news came with that call as well, and when it was over, I was crushed. I knew God was with us. I had seen His hand working in so many precious ways through everything during the last four years, and I had tried through it all to remain optimistic and to notice and be thankful for the ways God was working, but in that moment, all I felt was defeat. I went to my closet, lay on the floor inside, and shut the door in case Marissa awakened. Then I began to cry. Hard. In defeat, I threw my feelings out to God. Then, my emotions surfaced; they were my subconscious reactions to everything that had been happening with my parents and family. I knew He already understood and was caring for all of my concerns, but I had to talk to Him. So much was intertwined in caring for both parents, and all the hurts and losses over the years had roots that were being exposed as the soil of my parent’s capabilities eroded. For example, as challenging as it was caring for my father, the blessing of loving him in his final days brought him to me in a new way. I knew God understood and I poured everything out in a jumble of words that only He could piece together into the masterpiece He would create through our distress. My father always told me how much he loved me as I grew up, but his actions didn’t always match his words. I had grown up wanting private time with him, but never got it. I longed for daddy/daughter dates, or even just his undivided attention without him racing off. Through caring for him, I found he was at my mercy. He had to spend time with me. He was so weak and was confined to a wheelchair, so I would take him on “dates” to the physical therapy room to find activities we could do together. Our options were limited, but the act of telling him we were on a date and moving him to a new location was therapy for my soul. One of my favorite activities was placing a bedside table between us and rolling a small ball across the top for him to bat back to me. Years of hurt and sorrow washed from my spirit each time we played. I was reminded of the numerous pleas I had cried to God for my earthly father during most of my life. My Heavenly Father was now answering in small, unexpected, but perfect ways tailored to my specific needs. 1 Peter 5:7 promises, “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” I wondered if my father had always wanted more time together, too, but because of addiction and shame, had not been able to break the cycle of his life and make the changes he desired. I cherished the deeper talks we began having when he was sick and held them in my heart as I crawled into bed with my daddy on his weakest days, holding him close. I had become the parent, subtly interceding where I felt prompted by God. It enabled any residue of hurt to wash away just as Jesus had washed the feet of His disciples. I now understood sacrifice in a different way that I hoped began to resemble Jesus. Only God knows the purpose of suffering, but I believe our Heavenly Father loves each of His children and intertwines life scenarios for the good of all involved and for His eternal glory. I knew with a certainty that God was in control, that He would provide and care for my parents, as well as my family, but the process was still so hard! Dealing with so much at once, especially with both parents, took a lot of emotional, mental, physical, financial, and spiritual investment. I had tried to be very specific about releasing daily burdens to God and letting Him deal with all that was happening. I knew my relationship was strong, yet there were subtle ways I could see Satan creeping in to attempt to distract me. 1 Peter 5:8 warns us, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.” I had to purposely look for ways God was working in order to stretch my faith and allow it to penetrate my character more deeply. It was an absolutely intentional mindset, but if I hadn’t forced it, my family would have been devastated by the intense needs and demands pressed on us. While I was surrounded by pain, brokenness, and trials, my Savior called for me to release them to Him. As I placed them in His capable hands, intimate grains of hope and joy blossomed inside me and brought forth gratitude, not for the destruction in this world, but for the way He lifts us above earthly vision and draws us nearer to His eternal splendor. He is enough for our every need. Despite many ways that hardship was presented almost daily, God carried me as I clung to His word, mindful of His past faithfulness to me, especially during the loss of my oldest daughter. That combination enabled me to keep myself securely focused on Him. I didn’t want to underestimate the devil, but my relationship with Christ promised me that He was greater than Satan and already had the final victory. I didn’t know how long this battle would last, but I had to remain focused on and committed to the only One who could give me the endurance I would need. I certainly couldn’t find it in my own strength. I’m a very strong and logical person, but I can promise you that my family and I would not have made it through all that happened without God. I’m so thankful I already knew and trusted in Him. I’m also incredibly grateful that He used all of it to draw me nearer to Him and that He has been able to redeem and use all the bad residue from the hardships for His glory. Trials like the ones we experience through challenging times can make us doubt God. The question most people wonder is, “Why does He allow suffering?” My first response to that is always the beautiful reminder that Jesus cared enough to warn about persecution. In John 16:33b, Jesus says, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world,” and in Romans 5:3-4, Paul speaks words meant to encourage and teach. “We also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.” Suffering should be expected in this fallen world. Sometimes, it is the catalyst that causes a person to finally release their life to Christ. Other times, it causes a believer to begin viewing affliction with the mindset of Christ. Suffering can purify our mind and heart, causing us to bow to God’s power and sovereignty. At times, however, it may feel as though we are being judged or punished when things are hard and afflictions continue. But if as a believer, we are living in upright ways, and are intentionally deepening our relationship with God, we can be assured that our suffering is a normal part of life and that it is within His will. That means God will use it for His purposes and glory, and not to harm or destroy us. The Bible is filled with examples of men and women who also lived in ways that God approved and disapproved of, and they also experienced distress and pain. Other times, God may allow affliction in our life as instruction or discipline. There are times that God permits it to prove our character and belief, or for the purpose of using what we endured to encourage or inspire others to continue looking to the Lord in their time of need. Other times, God simply allows it to teach us what we could not learn in any other way. Often times, it is for the purpose of erasing or preventing pride in our lives. I know in my life, I have lived through many lessons designed to craft patience. God also allows trials and hardship to teach us to obey Him. How astounding is it that God can use all of the various ways I mentioned (and I am sure even more) and tailor them so individually to each person and situation, yet also intertwine them with others, to change our focus and our future? Through scripture and life experience as believers, we know that God allows things to happen in a believer’s life for many reasons. Sometimes the only way we can grow in a particular area is because of – or by living through - the exact situation that occurred. Whether we endured it, helped a loved one through it, or were a witness to someone else fighting the battle, God knows exactly what to use. Isaiah 48:10 is telling, “See, I have refined you, though not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.” Sometimes hardships need to knock us to our knees, and keep us there, as we learn to rely on and completely abide in Him. As believers, we must always remember that we are meant for more. In order to become more like Jesus, we must allow Him to refine us. Without the purification our souls need, our character will never reflect Christ to a world in need. Change can be painful. It’s not easy, it’s never convenient, and we aren’t able to see beyond our present discomfort to the glorious plan God has created and allowed us to be a part of. May we beg God to prevent us from falling into or remaining in a lukewarm relationship with Him, causing Him to vomit us from His mouth. May the trials we endure in our lives force us into His arms and deepen our faith roots in robust soil enriched with His plan for growth and nutrition. 1 Peter 2:21reminds us, “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps.” Jesus is our example in every way. He told us there would be suffering and He modeled how to endure it. Jesus allowed God to direct His steps, His behavior, and His attitude, and His gratitude in every circumstance. This world is not our final destination. As we shift our minds to view every moment of life through an eternal lens, may we remember that we are being prepared for so much more and cling to the perfect example of Christ. Heavenly Father, may our eyes ever be lifted to You and our heart be intertwined with Your desires and ways. Help us humble ourselves under Your mighty hand and cast our cares upon You. Intertwine our daily life issues with Your good and for Your eternal glory. Help us be vigilant and steadfast in our faith through the good and bad, hard and easy. Help us to cling to, abide in, and rely on only You. Let us view our troubles through an eternal lens and remember that we are being prepared for much more with You. May we please You more and more each day. 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 will 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 045 Handling Hardships Listen to Episode Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live with Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #045 – Handling Hardships Today is a slight deviation from our regular podcast routine. As this episode is released on Thanksgiving, I wish each of you a Happy Thanksgiving! If you are listening to this podcast later, which many of you will be, I hope your day was filled with blessings. As each of us know, life has no knowledge or respect for the day or time events occur. Holidays are no exception. So if you are struggling right now. I’m so sorry. I pray that God has you listening to this episode for a reason and that will find value and hope that encourages you to continue placing your sight and trust in Jesus. This podcast episode was produced at the very beginning of the “Live With Eternal Perspective” podcast. For some odd technical reason, the episode got lost. Although it was uploaded to the site, something I cannot explain happened, and it did not show as available for listeners to hear. I believe in God’s perfect timing, so I know someone must need His hope and these words right now. Let’s listen to the episode now. Thank you for entrusting and investing part of 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. At the time I am working on this podcast, several of my friends are experiencing hardships in their life. One will celebrate her first Christmas without her beloved husband; one celebrates her first Christmas without a beloved son; one just lost two family members and has another in the hospital. Others have children in the hospital. Many people I know are fighting battles in this world. Adversity has no schedule. Trials don’t respect holidays, busy lives, or people. Death and affliction sometimes seem to happen randomly, but as believers, we know that God is never surprised. Everything that happens to believers has already been sifted through His sovereign hands. He is with us through every storm, waiting to carry us through. Ten years ago, I lost my oldest daughter, Jaime. My family entered a season of what felt like destruction. The years between 2009 and 2015 were brutal to live through. After walking through the loss of my child, attention had to be shifted to my parents. My mother suffered from Alzheimer’s and my father, sister, and I made the very difficult decision to move her to a memory care unit. Multiple reasons prompted us to make that decision, but we certainly did not want her to feel abandoned or forgotten. My father, my sister, my daughter, Marissa (who was around five years old at the time), and I visited her daily. Marissa was at the facility so much that they allowed her to visit random residents in their rooms. It cheered each one of them, as well as the staff, to see her smiling face and hear the bubbly voice of a young child. Marissa also helped with crafts and the physical activity program in my mother’s unit. Although being around so much illness was often difficult at the time, in hindsight, God allowed the experiences to soften the heart of my daughter toward the elderly. Even now, she feels comfortable around older adults and enjoys conversing with them. After my mother had been living in the memory care facility for a while, my father began having significant symptoms in 2012 that finally prompted him to see a doctor. In January of 2013, he was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. At the time, they gave him one week to a year to live. While we had been seeing my mother every day and devoting large amounts of time to be with her and help with major decisions in her care, Marissa and I now had to divide my mother’s time and share it with my father. He got so sick that we had to lessen the time we spent with my mother considerably, although I still kept in close contact with her caregivers, and my sister was still visiting and helping with her care her as often as she could. Dad simply needed so much at that time. We took him to doctor appointments, helped with his medicine, finances, errands, and general understanding of his health. After he was rushed to the hospital in June, the doctors knew he would not be able to return home. When he regained enough strength by the end of the week to be released, the generous people at the facility my mother lived in tried to find him a room near her. He was moved there briefly, but since his insurance did not cover the facility, we had to find an alternative. Although he was stronger, he was still weak and needed special care, so his deepest wish to return home and drive his little truck around town would not come true. For several reasons, my father was not able to live with my sister or myself. The social worker at my mother’s facility found a nursing home near my father’s house that had an opening and he was moved there within the week. We now had our time split between two parents with high needs, who lived in two separate facilities. Spending almost every day battling emergencies with my father was extremely taxing. On top of that, managing cleaning out his house to donate and sell items to prepare his home for market, and helping with my managing my mother’s care and making time to see her, was exhausting and emotionally difficult. I was burdened by the fact that my young daughter was definitely not getting the time and attention she was accustomed to, or deserved. I was juggling too many things, as was my sister, and the needs of my precious daughter were being ignored. I continually prayed for God to sustain us through this storm. I remember one morning while Marissa was still sleeping, I was putting my makeup on when I received a phone call from the woman I had hired to hold an estate sale at my parent’s home. One of the employees she hired had sold their refrigerator the day before, but had not turned the water off when they pulled out the refrigerator. The house was flooded. Additional bad news came with that call as well, and when it was over, I was crushed. I knew God was with us. I had seen His hand working in so many precious ways through everything during the last four years, and I had tried through it all to remain optimistic and to notice and be thankful for the ways God was working, but in that moment, all I felt was defeat. I went to my closet, lay on the floor inside, and shut the door in case Marissa awakened. Then I began to cry. Hard. In defeat, I threw my feelings out to God. Then, my emotions surfaced; they were my subconscious reactions to everything that had been happening with my parents and family. I knew He already understood and was caring for all of my concerns, but I had to talk to Him. So much was intertwined in caring for both parents, and all the hurts and losses over the years had roots that were being exposed as the soil of my parent’s capabilities eroded. For example, as challenging as it was caring for my father, the blessing of loving him in his final days brought him to me in a new way. I knew God understood and I poured everything out in a jumble of words that only He could piece together into the masterpiece He would create through our distress. My father always told me how much he loved me as I grew up, but his actions didn’t always match his words. I had grown up wanting private time with him, but never got it. I longed for daddy/daughter dates, or even just his undivided attention without him racing off. Through caring for him, I found he was at my mercy. He had to spend time with me. He was so weak and was confined to a wheelchair, so I would take him on “dates” to the physical therapy room to find activities we could do together. Our options were limited, but the act of telling him we were on a date and moving him to a new location was therapy for my soul. One of my favorite activities was placing a bedside table between us and rolling a small ball across the top for him to bat back to me. Years of hurt and sorrow washed from my spirit each time we played. I was reminded of the numerous pleas I had cried to God for my earthly father during most of my life. My Heavenly Father was now answering in small, unexpected, but perfect ways tailored to my specific needs. 1 Peter 5:7 promises, “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” I wondered if my father had always wanted more time together, too, but because of addiction and shame, had not been able to break the cycle of his life and make the changes he desired. I cherished the deeper talks we began having when he was sick and held them in my heart as I crawled into bed with my daddy on his weakest days, holding him close. I had become the parent, subtly interceding where I felt prompted by God. It enabled any residue of hurt to wash away just as Jesus had washed the feet of His disciples. I now understood sacrifice in a different way that I hoped began to resemble Jesus. Only God knows the purpose of suffering, but I believe our Heavenly Father loves each of His children and intertwines life scenarios for the good of all involved and for His eternal glory. I knew with a certainty that God was in control, that He would provide and care for my parents, as well as my family, but the process was still so hard! Dealing with so much at once, especially with both parents, took a lot of emotional, mental, physical, financial, and spiritual investment. I had tried to be very specific about releasing daily burdens to God and letting Him deal with all that was happening. I knew my relationship was strong, yet there were subtle ways I could see Satan creeping in to attempt to distract me. 1 Peter 5:8 warns us, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.” I had to purposely look for ways God was working in order to stretch my faith and allow it to penetrate my character more deeply. It was an absolutely intentional mindset, but if I hadn’t forced it, my family would have been devastated by the intense needs and demands pressed on us. While I was surrounded by pain, brokenness, and trials, my Savior called for me to release them to Him. As I placed them in His capable hands, intimate grains of hope and joy blossomed inside me and brought forth gratitude, not for the destruction in this world, but for the way He lifts us above earthly vision and draws us nearer to His eternal splendor. He is enough for our every need. Despite many ways that hardship was presented almost daily, God carried me as I clung to His word, mindful of His past faithfulness to me, especially during the loss of my oldest daughter. That combination enabled me to keep myself securely focused on Him. I didn’t want to underestimate the devil, but my relationship with Christ promised me that He was greater than Satan and already had the final victory. I didn’t know how long this battle would last, but I had to remain focused on and committed to the only One who could give me the endurance I would need. I certainly couldn’t find it in my own strength. I’m a very strong and logical person, but I can promise you that my family and I would not have made it through all that happened without God. I’m so thankful I already knew and trusted in Him. I’m also incredibly grateful that He used all of it to draw me nearer to Him and that He has been able to redeem and use all the bad residue from the hardships for His glory. Trials like the ones we experience through challenging times can make us doubt God. The question most people wonder is, “Why does He allow suffering?” My first response to that is always the beautiful reminder that Jesus cared enough to warn about persecution. In John 16:33b, Jesus says, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world,” and in Romans 5:3-4, Paul speaks words meant to encourage and teach. “We also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.” Suffering should be expected in this fallen world. Sometimes, it is the catalyst that causes a person to finally release their life to Christ. Other times, it causes a believer to begin viewing affliction with the mindset of Christ. Suffering can purify our mind and heart, causing us to bow to God’s power and sovereignty. At times, however, it may feel as though we are being judged or punished when things are hard and afflictions continue. But if as a believer, we are living in upright ways, and are intentionally deepening our relationship with God, we can be assured that our suffering is a normal part of life and that it is within His will. That means God will use it for His purposes and glory, and not to harm or destroy us. The Bible is filled with examples of men and women who also lived in ways that God approved and disapproved of, and they also experienced distress and pain. Other times, God may allow affliction in our life as instruction or discipline. There are times that God permits it to prove our character and belief, or for the purpose of using what we endured to encourage or inspire others to continue looking to the Lord in their time of need. Other times, God simply allows it to teach us what we could not learn in any other way. Often times, it is for the purpose of erasing or preventing pride in our lives. I know in my life, I have lived through many lessons designed to craft patience. God also allows trials and hardship to teach us to obey Him. How astounding is it that God can use all of the various ways I mentioned (and I am sure even more) and tailor them so individually to each person and situation, yet also intertwine them with others, to change our focus and our future? Through scripture and life experience as believers, we know that God allows things to happen in a believer’s life for many reasons. Sometimes the only way we can grow in a particular area is because of – or by living through - the exact situation that occurred. Whether we endured it, helped a loved one through it, or were a witness to someone else fighting the battle, God knows exactly what to use. Isaiah 48:10 is telling, “See, I have refined you, though not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.” Sometimes hardships need to knock us to our knees, and keep us there, as we learn to rely on and completely abide in Him. As believers, we must always remember that we are meant for more. In order to become more like Jesus, we must allow Him to refine us. Without the purification our souls need, our character will never reflect Christ to a world in need. Change can be painful. It’s not easy, it’s never convenient, and we aren’t able to see beyond our present discomfort to the glorious plan God has created and allowed us to be a part of. May we beg God to prevent us from falling into or remaining in a lukewarm relationship with Him, causing Him to vomit us from His mouth. May the trials we endure in our lives force us into His arms and deepen our faith roots in robust soil enriched with His plan for growth and nutrition. 1 Peter 2:21reminds us, “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps.” Jesus is our example in every way. He told us there would be suffering and He modeled how to endure it. Jesus allowed God to direct His steps, His behavior, and His attitude, and His gratitude in every circumstance. This world is not our final destination. As we shift our minds to view every moment of life through an eternal lens, may we remember that we are being prepared for so much more and cling to the perfect example of Christ. Heavenly Father, may our eyes ever be lifted to You and our heart be intertwined with Your desires and ways. Help us humble ourselves under Your mighty hand and cast our cares upon You. Intertwine our daily life issues with Your good and for Your eternal glory. Help us be vigilant and steadfast in our faith through the good and bad, hard and easy. Help us to cling to, abide in, and rely on only You. Let us view our troubles through an eternal lens and remember that we are being prepared for much more with You. May we please You more and more each day. 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 will 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.

< Back Purposed Parent Connected Child Podcast Episode 061 - Why I Need to be Careful About How I Shape My Child's Faith Welcome to the Purposed Parent/Connected Child podcast – Episode 061 – Why I Need to be Careful About How I Shape My Child’s Faith “Stop that or God’s going to get you !” Have you ever heard a mom reprimanding her child by using God as a threat? Or maybe you’ve accidentally been that mom. I’m going to share a story that was relayed to me recently. The person most likely shared it because they know this topic is important to me. A woman (no one I know), recently brought her child to a business meeting. I was told that the child was a toddler, and oh, how I adore that age! Toddlers learn at such a rapid pace. Everything is new, fresh, and enticing. Their minds absorb everything. I can’t remember exactly what this child did, but when the mother reprimanded him, she used God as a threat. It's not the first time I’ve heard a mother threaten their child to stop an activity or action. However, when I hear of God being used as “the bad guy,” it sets off alarms in my heart and mind. How would you feel if the image of God being shaped in your mind was one of an evil Lord waiting for you to make a mistake so He can “get” you? When God chose you and me to parent the children entrusted to us, He matched mother and child with a perfect purpose. Whether your child is still very young, or fully grown, you carry a responsibility to represent Christ in the most accurate and godliest way. No matter the age of your child, no matter how close or how far they are from you (in distance or spirit), your child is still affected by your relationship with Christ. Hearing about this mother using God to threaten her child into behaving makes me so sad! I wish I had been there. I would have been praying for God to give me the heart and words to reach her, to teach her, and to redirect her training. Modeling a life devoted to Christ takes real work. We aren’t transformed in an instant! Becoming more like Christ is a moment by moment release of self and a transformation of fleshly spirit. While God doesn’t expect you or me to be perfect, our main purpose is to know Christ more clearly and model godly relationship with Him to our children. Mentoring a child to Jesus doesn’t include using scare tactics to make your child obey. Doing so certainly teaches the wrong image of God and will set your child on a path that could very likely lead to rejection of Christ. At the very least, you are cheating your child out of a beautiful relationship with God that will cover their every need. Every step of parenting should be leading your child to an eternity with Christ. When you decide to raise children as a believer, you commit to raising them for eternal purposes. That means learning and teaching the correct image of God. It means adhering to a set-apart lifestyle that continually seeks Him, depends on Him, and honors Him with reverent fear. No mother will ever be perfect, but each of us are perfectly called when we accept the position and privilege of raising His children. You will either raise children for Christ or raise children of the culture . When God is used as a threat, our Heavenly Father seems like an invisible predator waiting to pounce and destroy. Using this method of parenting will impact the life of your child for eternity. Parenting with God as the enemy can cause a stumbling block between you and your child, but most importantly, between your child and God. Of course, it can be said that any style of parenting affects your children for eternity, however, wouldn’t you rather influence your child to Christ, rather than away? What’s the best way a mother can ensure that she never uses God to blackmail or influence her child in a negative way? By exploring her personal relationship with God through Christ. When a mother begins or mends her parenting journey with a strong or growing, prayerful bond with Jesus, her heart and mind will move in accordance with His desires. If a mother was raised with an incorrect perception of God, a fear of God, or was parented with threats, she is likely to parent her children in the same manner. Yet, if a mother wants an ongoing walk with Christ to be the guiding force of her life and the lifeblood of her parenting, she must break free of the binds that hinder relationship and trust with her Heavenly Father. She must freely rely on Jesus to build a new relationship that will influence her and her children for Him for a lifetime. 1 John 3:1a says, “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are !” A child should never be taught that God is waiting to pour wrath on every move. They shouldn’t be taught to believe that God is continually angry or disappointed in them. He isn’t waiting for your child to stumble, and they should never believe that God is an evil dictator waiting to exact revenge. Psalm 86:15 says, “But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.” It’s one thing to teach a child to desire, know, love, honor, respect, and please God. It’s an entirely different style of parenting to teach a child to expect that God is watching everything they do so He can punish their every move. Most mothers would never set out to parent for negative outcomes that tear their child from God, but this example from the mother with her child at the meeting should remind us to be careful about the words that come out of our mouth and the attitude with which we parent. Matthew 12:34 says, “You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks .” How this verse reminds us to constantly seek the Lord. We must be in the Word and connected through prayer in order to cultivate a strong relationship with Him, our spouse, and our children. Just as some parents may accidentally cause their children to be fearful of God, a child may also learn to perceive God as critical and controlling, based on parenting. When a mother or father doesn’t seem to listen, or actually “hear” their child, or if they come across as always critical or strongly opinionated, yet talk about following God, a child perceives His Heavenly Father to be the same way, possibly causing him or her to get as far away from God as possible. The child may not even consciously realize what they are doing. When a child feels that a parent has difficulty seeing their point of view or understanding their feelings, or cannot allow the child to be the unique person God created them to be and instead pushes the parent’s desires on them, God can become the enemy or a mere fable. Despite what we say, our children watch what we do and how we speak and react to them and others. But there is hope for the mistakes all parents make. Lamentations 3:22-23 says, “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness .” God is our ever present help. He waits for us to call upon Him. He cherishes you and your children. He wants them to be raised in godly, loving ways for Him. Your children must be taught about Jesus, no matter the age they are. Of course, the methods to teaching relationship with God through Christ vary depending on the age of your children, but the objective of relationship with Jesus remains the same. Your child must see, desire, and hopefully, come to trust and accept the love and mercy of God . When a mother parents with this objective, she lays a beautiful groundwork for a lasting relationship. Instead of shaming a child, which pulls them away from God and pushes them away from you, children (whether grown, little, or somewhere in between) should be drawn to His holy nature as we mentor a life that is pleasing to Him. You can’t guarantee that your child will accept Christ as their personal Savior, but you can be assured that you are doing everything in your power to establish a growing walk with Christ and mentoring a life of love and obedience to Him. When you turn your child toward the Light, the Source of Power will know when and how to light the life of your child. We lead our children to Jesus, and God softens the heart. Isaiah 41:10 says, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Dear Heavenly Father, Your mercies are indeed new every morning. Great is Your faithfulness. Thank you for first loving us and showing the Way to You. Thank you for Your Son, the Light and Hope in our lives. Help each mother listening to this podcast lead their children to Your feet. Help them carry Your heart, mind, and desires. Help us to honor, please, and obey You in ways that attract our children to Christ. Thank You for loving the world so much that You gave Your one and only Son so that we and our family may have eternal life. Help us not to act in ways that turn our children from You, but in ways that carry them straight to Your arms. In the precious name of Jesus I 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. Would you like to walk with other like-minded mothers to deepen your walk with Christ, learn a Christ-centered Motherhood Mindset Model, and create a Purposed Parenting Plan? I want to share special news with my podcast listeners. The Set-Apart Collective wait list is open now. Send me an email at info@terrihitt.com to let me know you’d like to receive information and a special code to receive a discount if you find you’d like to join the collective. It’s time for 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? The best reviews are by word of mouth, so if you would also choose a friend to recommend the show to, imagine the change we could see in the way mothers parent for Christ. Also, please tell friends and family that the podcast can be found at terrihitt.com, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, and on the Edifi app, where you can hear thousands of the best Christian podcasts in one place. 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 114 - How Do You Know if You're Fully Submitted to Jesus? Welcome to the Purposed Parent/Connected Child podcast – Episode 114 – How Do You Know if You're Fully Submitted to 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 an important question to consider in this episode…one that will affect the way you raise your children. How do you know if you’re fully submitted to Jesus? About the time my husband and I brought our middle daughter home we noticed so many other children arriving from China. It was the peak time of adoptions, and although we hardly knew anyone who had adopted internationally before our journey, during the process and afterwards we recognized that many other families were experiencing the same joy. For us, both of our adoptions (because we went back ten years later), were glorious God stories, Our Heavenly Father is definitely in every detail. What a blessing, and I mean that with every fiber of my being, to have stepped forward in obedience to adopt. Recognizing God’s sovereignty, my husband and I understand that God knew from before He ever created any of us that we would be together. In a broken, sinful world, He enabled beauty to be formed through this special crafting of our family. We are forever thankful. Each of our four children are unique and we’re thankful for them. Whether biological or adopted, they are simply the method God used to bring us together. Knowing these truths, it’s frustrating when I have heard people remark negatively about adoption, especially internationally. Ironically, the people who make the remarks have never adopted a child themselves, either by domestic or international route. Raising one family, then beginning the parenting journey again with a second set of children came from obedience. Through two miraculous God stories, my husband and I clearly knew that we had daughters born in China who needed to come home to us. I share pieces of this story again because clearly hearing God speak and obeying His call are two keys pieces in being fully submitted to Christ . Many people will profess to being a Christian. But some seem to wear Jesus as an accessory. Faith that converts must come before professions, desires, or ambitions. In fact, true faith prevails over family, food, or fun. You might wonder: As long as you believe you’re a follower of Christ, why does it matter whether you’re fully submitted? What does fully submitted even mean? It matters because to be a maturing Christian, you must be fully submitted. Unless you’re “all in” with your life for Christ, you won’t continue to deepen and grow your maturity. When you stand in front of God one day, longing to hear, “well done my good and faithful servant,” you don’t want to be surprised and hear these words instead. “I never knew you.” The depth of your faith and your submission to Christ will determine the extent of how deeply you’re able to mentor Him to your children. As we look at how to know if you’re fully submitted to Jesus, we’ll begin with the Old Testament. These sacred books in the Bible lay the groundwork for submission and faith. In them we see God’s authority and faithfulness, as well as consequences for failing to follow His will. Through Abraham, we see a model for submission and humble obedience as he moves to obey God and sacrifice his beloved son in Genesis 22. Through Joseph we see trial after trial, but Joseph remains with eyes fixed on God. He hears and obeys His Father when it would be easier not to. Yet, God is faithful. Although it seemed things were just getting worse for Joseph and that God had forsaken him, Joseph believed, trusted, and maintained faith. Eventually, many saw that God had never left his servant, Joseph. Joseph was always in God’s hands and tender care. Because of his obedience and unwavering faith, Joseph recognized that everything was used for good by God. Not only for him, but for so many. We witness disobedience from Moses when he provides water for the Israelites in Numbers 20. God clearly told Moses to speak to the rock to receive water for the group, but Moses spoke and struck the rock twice. We may read this story and think of what a little difference this was. We may wonder why it mattered. God is a holy God of truth and authority. When He makes a request to us, we must obey His instructions exactly. What if you asked your child to look both ways before they cross the street and they only choose to look one way on a busy road at rush hour? Partial obedience equals zero obedience. Our actions indicate whether we actually trust God enough to obey Him immediately and fully. We must prove that we believe by what we do . Although God always forgives us when we are disobedient, we still have to face consequences. In the New Testament we see the greatest mentor for following and pleasing God – Jesus Christ. Luke 22:42 says, “Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” Jesus pleaded with the Father, making His desire known, but submitted His desire to fall behind the wishes of His holy, sovereign Heavenly Father. Another example of the way Jesus prepared us to follow the Father is through the act of prayer. Because of Jesus, we are able to freely step before the Throne of Grace and direct praise and requests to the Maker of Heaven and Earth. In the discipleship Jesus offers through the template of the Lord’s prayer, we learn submission in the ways God directs. In Matthew 6:10 , we read, “May Your Kingdom come soon. May Your will be done on earth, as it is in Heaven .” Not my will be done. Not your will be done. Not even Jesus’s will when He lived as a man on earth, but the Father’s. A third example of how Jesus directs us to know how to fully submit to God is in Mark 8:34 which says, “Then, calling the crowd to join his disciples, He said, “If any of you wants to be My follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow Me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for My sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? If anyone is ashamed of Me and My message in these adulterous and sinful days, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when He returns in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.” Through examples from Moses and Abraham, and many others in the Bible, but especially through the perfection of Jesus, we see one standard. True followers invite transformation to occur from the inside out. True followers of Jesus who are fully submitted to Him will desire and plead for God to cleanse us from the inside and replace the sin and filth with newness and wholeness of life and Christlikeness. We ask Him to change our heart and create a lasting bond with Him into eternity. True followers invite trials and pain into their lives because they know they will rest in God’s arms as He carries them through. As He makes them new, more faith-filled and obedient than before. Jesus isn’t a religion. Christ is the One we desire to share deep relationship with. Better than a spouse, best friend, child, parent, mentor, or coach. Jesus is our all in all. 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. ” No matter what circumstance you face in life, yours is secure if you abide in His arms. Have you discovered from the descriptions that you’re not fully submitted to Jesus? None of us are, but we can live submitted lives, openly trusting and stepping forward in the darkness when all seems lost or hopeless. Moment by moment we become more submitted, more Christlike in our desires and responses. More willing to follow God wherever He calls as we rely on Him. I have a short exercise that might help you determine whether you’re moving forward in faith to fully submit to Christ. How do you feel if you speak this statement? “I love you Jesus - more than anyone.” Do you feel exhilarated when you speak the words? Are you frightened by the statement? Do you feel guilty? What you feel may be an indicator of your walk with Christ. Use it as a starting point to deepen and widen your faith maturity. I’ll also share Scripture that helps show what God desires from one devoted to Him. Job 33:4 says, “The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life .” Through this verse we remember that we belong to God, who gives us life. Psalm 24:1 says, “The earth is the LORD’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein .” This verse shows us that we live on God’s earth, the One He created, along with all that resides in it. It reminds us of our rightful place with Him, through Him, and in Him. Proverbs 16:2 says, “All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the LORD.” This convicting verse reminds us that our Holy God sees and knows us intimately. The way we sinfully and selfishly view our personal motives is deeply flawed in comparison to His standards. Ephesians 4:14 says, “Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth .” This verse tells us that through Him we will know Truth from the Source. As we study and know Him we won’t be influenced by sinful ways and people, but will remain steadfast in Truth and grow in depth of maturity. Ezekiel 36:26 says, “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh .” This verse is a promise that God will replace the selfishness of our heart and fill us with His Holy Spirit. As we surrender self, we accept the adorning of a new life that isn’t simply a religion or a seasonal activity. We accept a new and transformative lifestyle . To surrender self and submit to Christ, stop trying to read the Bible by quickly getting your daily quota in, and instead, pursue knowledge and transformation through studying God’s Word. Regardless of whether you have time, do it. We all make time for what we really prioritize . If you’re truly in a season where you simply can’t read, listen to the Word daily and begin studying with a trusted study Bible as soon as possible. Transformation won’t occur unless you release self . C hange your ways to change your lifestyle . Pray. Instead of looking at prayer as a duty, recognize it as a blessing and gift . Jesus died so that He could be a bridge for us to reach the Father. Because of Him we can approach God with any request or for any reason. Embrace the gift of prayer. Next, have fellowship with other strong believers. Examine the fruits of other followers of Christ – not in a judgmental way, but by using your God-given discernment. Be discipled together. Fellowship with those who have a heart for God and growing in Him. Also help others by mentoring Christ to those who are looking for strong believers to disciple them. Also, don’t put God in a box. He is God, Our Heavenly Father, Creator, the Great I Am, the Lord who Heals, the Lord who Provides, Our Mighty God, the Holy, Sovereign One. So often we try to call on God when we need Him, then place Him on a shelf when we think we can handle things. He desires us to call on and depend on Him always. Don’t expect Him to walk beside you or with you. God wants us to climb into His arms willingly and abide there. Invite Him to carry you. Look Up moment by moment. Don’t call on Him when you’re in trouble – Remain in His care and invite Him into every area of your life. He is far better equipped and will protect and provide, guide and guard those who are committed to Him through Jesus. Take your thoughts captive for Christ. Romans 8:5-8 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. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.” Submit your mind and your body, your will and ways. Romans 7:21-24 says, “So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! ” When we humbly and willingly place God in His rightful position in our life, we begin to peel away self, exposing the heart of Christ through the Holy Spirit inside us. Pride, possessions, peers, people, past, and present, as well as relationships, finances, and desires begin to move into alignment. They do so in ways that honor God and give you deep and lasting joy. Over time, you will see His hand at work in ways you never imagined. Peace that passes understanding follows when we place God first through relationship with Jesus Christ. Trust, submit, believe, and obey. Another way to know whether you’re submitting to Christ is to test the level of anxiety, fear, anger, worry, or unforgiveness you carry. If you don’t feel burdened by those, you are likely submitting those areas now. Continue to do so moment by moment with joy. If you carry any of these qualities, examine how you can work to let go of them, handing them into God’s capable care so you can experience true and lasting freedom He desires you to have in your life and home. Begin with prayer and repentance. Ask God for forgiveness and ask Him to show you how to release your load. He never meant for you to carry anything. He is present and able to take your burdens. Right now. Seek Scripture on the topics you struggle with. Pray those verses to God, crafting biblical prayers you know God will honor. We’ve found that the answer to the question we’ve examined today is that none of us is fully submitted to Jesus this side of Heaven, but we should be moving closer to Him and allowing transformation each moment we are alive. No one said the process would be easy, in fact Jesus warned of tribulations. Look at His life. It was never easy. Not in any way. But Jesus continued to look Up and grow in wisdom and stature, in favor with God and man daily. Just as we must do if we are to submit. Here are a few more questions to consider and pray about: Do you pray before you make decisions? Do you go to the Father for every problem or try to carry it yourself? Do you follow where God leads without hesitation? Even when you don’t know the future? Do you harbor grudges or unforgiveness? How does it make you feel to think about submitting those to God? Are you taking your thoughts captive for Christ? Are your thoughts on God when you fall asleep at night? When you awaken do you think of Him and pray? Do you pray for His will? For His guidance and timing throughout your day? Do you pray for His wisdom? Do you pray for wisdom over wealth? Do you hold on to things God has prompted you to release? Do you let go of entertainment, books, friends, games, habits, or jobs that draw you away from God? Or do you continue doing just as you desire? Remember that partial obedience equals no obedience. No obedience means no submission. Here are three verses to help you submit to God and deepen your faith, trust, and obedience. You may use them to pray the Scriptural prayers I mentioned earlier in this episode. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight .” James 4:7-8a says, “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and He will come near to you .” Lamentations 3:25 says, “The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the one who seeks Him .” Dear Heavenly Father, How great thou art! Thank you for Your everlasting kindness, long-suffering, and patience. Thank you for loving us first, for choosing us. We fall short of the praise You desire and the obedience You require. Equip us to become more Christlike moment by moment as we seek and please You. Help us choose You as You have chosen us. We thank you for life and love that You give us so freely. May we honor You and return what You desire because we love You and fellowship with You with whole hearts. Help us be pleasing and obedient, and teach our children to abide in Your arms as they learn to be pleasing and obedient to You, too because we mentor You so well to them. 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

< 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

< Back Purposed Parent/Connected Child Podcast Episode 031 - How to Lay Groundwork for Your Child to Build a Life of Faith Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Purposed Parent/Connected Child Podcast Episode #031 – How to Lay Groundwork for Your Child to Build a Life of Faith 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. Reading with my daughters has always been a joy for me. I remember the very first night my middle daughter, Marissa came home to us when she was ten months old. After about 36 hours of traveling, my husband, our precious new baby, and I were exhausted. When we finally arrived home from the airport, we felt dirty, hungry, and ready to clean up, unpack, and get to bed. Instead, we needed to acclimate our sweet baby to a new home. While in China, she had finally accepted us and adjusted to the hotel we were staying in, right before we had to whisk her off to another new place. There was no way she could comprehend that this was the end to her journey. She was finally home. I remember carrying her around the house, taking her into every room, showing her new surroundings. I kept my voice soft and gentle, and while carrying her close to me, I swayed her, rocked her, and fed her, but nothing soothed her. I finally paid attention to the thought that continued to press into my mind. “Read to her.” Before we had left for China, I had prepared her room, so I went to the rocking chair we purchased for her nursery, sat down, and picked up “The “Story of Jesus” book we had received at one of our baby showers from the small table next to the chair. I honestly didn’t think my ten month old would appreciate a book. Certainly she wasn’t old enough to be soothed by me reading to her, especially since she was just getting used to me and the sound of my voice. Nevertheless, I followed the still, small command in my mind and began reading as I held her in my lap. Instantly, tears stopped flowing and her cries ceased. “The Story of Jesus” worked what felt like a miracle that night, just like Jesus Himself has done for so long. What miracles do we overlook daily ? What signs and wonders are still shown today? Study the life and miracles of Jesus in Scripture so that you are growing in your walk with Him moment by moment. Learn to seek the deeper meanings of the miracles He performed. Remember that He still performs miracles today. John 20:30-31 says, “Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name .” Share the wonder and miracles of Christ with your children. The book of John is a wonderful place to begin filling your child with curiosity and amazement at the power and life of Christ. John 2:11 says, “What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which He revealed his glory; and His disciples believed in Him .” The word “sign” in this verse was used by John because he was referring to displays of magnificent authority and glory executed by Jesus . Through faith , those present were able to witness divine events in the midst of ordinary days . Jesus, however, did not use these miracles to show His power or self. The signs carried a significance beyond the acts Jesus performed; they laid holy evidence of sacred power and majesty . The Book of John, Chapter 2 shares eight particular signs that showcase and give glory to the significance of Christ. Signs & Significance = Jesus is/has : John 2:1-12 - Jesus turns water into wine proving He is The Source of Life John 4:46-54 - Jesus heals a nobleman’s son - proving He is Master over distance John 5:1-17 - Jesus heals a lame man at the pool of Bethesda proving He is Master over Time John 6:1-14 - Jesus feeds 5,000 proving He is The Bread of Life John 6:15-21 - Jesus walks on water and stills a storm proving He is Master over Nature John 9:1-41 - Jesus heals a man who was blind from birth - proving He is The Light of the World John 11:17-45 - Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead - proving He has Power over Death John 21:6 - Jesus causes an abundant fish catch proving He is Master over Animals When taught about Jesus, children cannot resist the miraculous feats of Jesus. Their minds are open and ready to learn of Jesus and to accept the groundwork of a strong and lasting faith. As you read these stories, present them in age-appropriate ways. Pay attention to the interests and characteristics of your child or children. Consider how they learn. There are so many options for teaching about Christ in fun, exciting, and serious ways. You can choose to draw stories on a white or chalk board, or on paper, you may use felt pieces, dolls, or costumes, or you can simply read from the Bible and discuss study notes together. Children are filled with wonder. They easily grow a desire for Christ and an understanding of His holy power and meaning in their life. Enable them to begin viewing Him as the Authority and one who cares for them in every way. Laying the groundwork for our children to build a life of faith consists of many small, intentional acts of eternal perspective. If you think back to my story at the beginning of this podcast, the reaction my baby had to hearing “The Story of Jesus” led me to begin reading many books to her right away. Enjoying reading and stories together has always been a delightful time of bonding, imagination, and dreams. Marissa began going to the library before she was a year old and the outing was always something she seemed to look forward to. Beyond strong literature with beautiful illustrations, however, she was exposed to Bible stories from that first night home. It was such a gift to see her calmed by the book I read to her that first night. I recognized that my Heavenly Father was at work, already constructing the foundation for a lifetime of faith for my child if I would remain faithful to Him in mentoring and discipling her. It's never too early to expose our children to Bible stories and truths that will grow their interest and knowledge of Christ. Children easily see miraculous signs. They are awed by the amazing acts of Jesus. This is the groundwork parents can use to train children to look deeper into Who Jesus is and to construct faith based on the significance of His signs and wonders. The stories of Jesus will draw them in and allow them to pay attention to the man who will change everything about their life and identity if they welcome Him. Matthew 19:14 says, “Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these .” It’s never too late to honor the Lord in the way you mentor Him to your child . Expectant mothers have the beautiful gift of preparing their heart and deepening their personal walk with Jesus before her precious baby arrives. How beautiful it is to look into the future and imagine what life God would desire for your baby. I suggest expectant mothers prayerfully compose a list of the attributes God would desire your baby to have. Write down where you see your child in a year, five years, ten years, as a teen, and when they graduate from high school. Locate Scripture to write prayers to guide the development of your child in godly ways. Seek God’s plans and follow His promptings. Mothers of newborns have the blessing of singing or speaking God’s Word over their children. Reading Scripture to your baby is a wonderful way to introduce them to the Bible. They will grow up with reverence for the Word and know where to find answers to life situations if they are accustomed to hearing His Word and seeing you study Scripture. The same applies to toddlers and preschoolers. You can also enjoy Bible devotionals together. Short times of study and prayer together become a staple in the lifestyle your child expects and deserves. As your child matures, continue to pray with them and ask them to pray with you. Seek God together when they have questions or problems. Help them acquire the habit of always seeking their Heavenly Father in all situations. There are so many ways to make Him known. Nature walks, Bible studies, life situations, as well as the trials and tragedies in this world are all moments you can share with your child. As you naturally invite God into every moment of life, your child will do the same. Discipling a child from birth is a blessed way to enjoy a life of joy together. What if you came to know Christ later in life? What if you did not grow your Christian faith until your children were older? While you are breathing on this earth, it’s never too late to mature and deepen your personal walk with Jesus and mentor your child to do the same. If your child is a teen without Christ or even an adult, allow them to see the changes Christ makes in your life. Remember that every action and reaction you make, the words you speak, the attitude you carry is a reflection on the God you follow. As you grow in Him, the changes you make visible will greatly impact those around you when you give the Lord glory and credit. Our children, no matter the age, are precious to God. They matter to Him because He created them with intention and for a purpose. The greatest gift He offered each of us was His own Son and He deeply desires that we make Him known to our children. Dear Heavenly Father, there truly is none like You. That You have such a love for us, despite what we feel for You is astounding. That You allow us to influence the children You personally crafted with intention and for great purposes is a miracle I never forget. Please help us to remember the price Jesus paid to allow us to come to You now and for eternity. Help us to see our children with Your eyes full of love, mercy, and grace. Help us to desire to raise them as You call us to. Help us to mentor You in ways only possible as we cling to You and allow Your mighty hands to carry us. May our children have great faith and desire for You. May they find You now and cultivate close relationship with You on purpose. Help us to please You as we parent. Thank you for Your beautiful gifts. 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.

Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #042 – Cast Your Cares 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 episode is not about the election, but because it will air the week of Election Day, I understand that as we are waiting to see the results, or after the results are in, some people may be quite upset. Some people will worry so much that the feelings and fears in their minds will affect their body in unhealthy ways as the worry spirals into anxiety. This is perfect timing to address how worry and anxiety withers our spirit and divides our heart, just as it seems to be dividing our nation. Allowing worry and/or anxiety to seep into our mind actually hands wicked power to our emotions and separates us from the provisions of God. Worry is an uneasy human condition our Creator knew we would experience. Jesus no doubt was faced with the threat of worry when he lived on this earth. We know that although Jesus was fully God, He was also fully man. He felt the emotions we experience and understood the pain and uncertainty behind them. Since we have the hindsight of knowing the life of Jesus and the privilege of His words and promises to us, we can be thankful that He specifically addresses worry for us, providing us assurance and hope that anxiety can be overcome. Through Him. As you may have heard on this podcast, I love diving into the formal definitions of words. Let’s look at how worry is defined: to torment oneself with or suffer from disturbing thoughts; to fret, to torment with cares, anxieties, etc.; trouble; plague. Listen to this definition: to seize, especially by the throat, with the teeth and shake or mangle, as one animal does another. To divide, tear, rip apart, and shake in opposite directions. When we allow worry or anxiety to torment us, we allow emotions, and in turn, our life to be torn apart by the circumstances we are facing. Worry grants power to what concerns us, allowing disturbing thoughts to grip and rule us as God is removed from the center of our thoughts. Our Heavenly Father provided us with what we need to be able to experience the human emotions he allowed us, yet not be overwhelmed by them. He offers us opportunity and resources to choose to exercise faith and trust that He is enough to overcome our greatest obstacles. Because we tend allow our minds to conceive and dwell on so much, it can be very difficult to release worry, frustrations, fears, and other emotions that contribute to anxiety. Through Jesus, help is at hand. If we read Matthew 6:25-34, we see that Jesus actually repeats the command, “Do not worry,” a total of three times in these few verses. This proves that He understands how difficult it can be to lay worry at His feet. In His words to us, He also offers five truths that have the power to defy and erase worry and anxiety. “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? “So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” What are some of the ways that worry (and the anxiety it leads to) is harmful? Jesus shows us in these passages: 1. Jesus understands that worry is an obstacle. He also knows that through Him, it can be overcome. Jesus asks us to not worry, not to be concerned with our life, what we will eat or drink, what we will wear. If we are followers of Jesus and have committed our life to Him, we are trusting Him to lead us into eternity. We can most certainly trust Him with the small details of everyday life. 2. Jesus sees even birds of the air. They have no true home; they are not able to collect or save, yet they are well-fed and cared for. How much more does our Heavenly Father love us? We are much more valuable to Him than the birds He provides for. 3. Jesus reminds us that worrying gains us nothing of value. It leads to harmful effects in our mind and body, affecting our health and mental attitude, as well as our words and actions. Most of all, it builds a wedge between God and us. 4. Jesus gives us the example of the beauty of the fields. How gorgeous are the colorful fields and flowers? The colors, textures, and designs God has created in nature are only copied by humans. Everything we create is modeled after what God has already accomplished and shared with us. “The lilies of the field neither toil not spin,” yet they are more beautifully dressed than even King Solomon could be. We are of much more value and God longs for us to have faith in the provisions He has set for us. 5. Jesus knows our needs and longs for us to release our concerns to Him. He yearns for us to exhibit faith and trust because we believe He intimately understands and cares for every one of us. When we follow Jesus as our Savior, we unknowingly exhibit a lack of faith and relationship when we allow worry to control us. Jesus directs us to prioritize our relationship with Him. “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.” (verse 33). We must remain proactive. “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things.” (verse 34). How do we ensure that we keep Jesus first? 1. Lift and fix my eyes on Jesus and constantly placing Him at the top of my daily to-do list. 2. Make sure I make time for His word. 3. Strive to understand His holy word. 4. Apply God’s word to my daily life through the actions I make and using it as my mental guide for wisdom. 5. Seek to know and grow in the Lord through daily conversation through prayer. 6. Intentionally be still enough to hear Him speak to me. 7. Obey what I know God is sharing and commanding me to do and be. Relationship with God through Jesus is the only strategy to effectively combat worry and anxiety. In addition to reminding us not to worry, it is said that the command to “fear not” is given 365 times in the Bible. With 365 days a year, that gives us one reminder per day. God knows we are forgetful and prideful, and tend to carry loads we are not meant to. Our loving Heavenly Father always walks ahead of us, providing for every need. 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.” Proverbs 12:25 says, “Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad.” Psalm 56:3-4 says, “Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God (I will praise His word), In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me?” No matter what you desired the outcome of the election to be, and beyond that, no matter what ails you in this very moment, God understands. Our loving Father has allowed this moment in time so that you will turn to Him, trusting that He is in charge. Allow Him to carry your load and offer relief. Romans 8:26-28 says, “Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Seek Him. Trust Him. Call out to Him. Release worries to Him. Repeat as often as needed as you build and grow your faith. Father God, please help me. I’m in need of Your everlasting goodness and provisions to keep my eyes, mind, and heart fixed on You. This world and the distractions within it cause me to stumble daily. I trust in You, but fall and fail so often. My spirit is weak and I need Your beautiful reminders of provision and hope. Please strengthen my faith and trust and provide me with freedom from worry and anxiety. Help me place my concerns in Your capable hands and give me the joy and pleasure of seeing You work and provide for my every true need. In Your precious name we pray. Amen. If you enjoyed this podcast, and would like to receive a free resource that ties to this episode and was created to help ease your spirit and attack worry or anxiety, visit terrihitt.com/resources and download the “Cast Your Cares - Resources Against Worry” Ebook. I deeply desire God to cultivate a strong community of women who embrace life with an eternal perspective through the work He has given me. I pray you will be inspired and equipped to seek and abide in God’s truths as you live with deep joy and will influence children to live for and find their identity through Jesus. Besides playing on Apple Podcast and Spotify, the Live With Eternal Perspective podcast is also linked to my new website. Would you like others to hear weekly encouragement and learn how to live with more eternal perspective? Can you think of a friend or family member who might enjoy encouragement? If so, please share this podcast with them and take time to leave a quick rating and review. Until next week, keep looking Up and finding new ways to Live With Eternal Perspective. Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode 042 Cast Your Cares Listen to Episode Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #042 – Cast Your Cares 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 episode is not about the election, but because it will air the week of Election Day, I understand that as we are waiting to see the results, or after the results are in, some people may be quite upset. Some people will worry so much that the feelings and fears in their minds will affect their body in unhealthy ways as the worry spirals into anxiety. This is perfect timing to address how worry and anxiety withers our spirit and divides our heart, just as it seems to be dividing our nation. Allowing worry and/or anxiety to seep into our mind actually hands wicked power to our emotions and separates us from the provisions of God. Worry is an uneasy human condition our Creator knew we would experience. Jesus no doubt was faced with the threat of worry when he lived on this earth. We know that although Jesus was fully God, He was also fully man. He felt the emotions we experience and understood the pain and uncertainty behind them. Since we have the hindsight of knowing the life of Jesus and the privilege of His words and promises to us, we can be thankful that He specifically addresses worry for us, providing us assurance and hope that anxiety can be overcome. Through Him. As you may have heard on this podcast, I love diving into the formal definitions of words. Let’s look at how worry is defined: to torment oneself with or suffer from disturbing thoughts; to fret, to torment with cares, anxieties, etc.; trouble; plague. Listen to this definition: to seize, especially by the throat, with the teeth and shake or mangle, as one animal does another. To divide, tear, rip apart, and shake in opposite directions. When we allow worry or anxiety to torment us, we allow emotions, and in turn, our life to be torn apart by the circumstances we are facing. Worry grants power to what concerns us, allowing disturbing thoughts to grip and rule us as God is removed from the center of our thoughts. Our Heavenly Father provided us with what we need to be able to experience the human emotions he allowed us, yet not be overwhelmed by them. He offers us opportunity and resources to choose to exercise faith and trust that He is enough to overcome our greatest obstacles. Because we tend allow our minds to conceive and dwell on so much, it can be very difficult to release worry, frustrations, fears, and other emotions that contribute to anxiety. Through Jesus, help is at hand. If we read Matthew 6:25-34, we see that Jesus actually repeats the command, “Do not worry,” a total of three times in these few verses. This proves that He understands how difficult it can be to lay worry at His feet. In His words to us, He also offers five truths that have the power to defy and erase worry and anxiety. “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? “So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” What are some of the ways that worry (and the anxiety it leads to) is harmful? Jesus shows us in these passages: 1. Jesus understands that worry is an obstacle. He also knows that through Him, it can be overcome. Jesus asks us to not worry, not to be concerned with our life, what we will eat or drink, what we will wear. If we are followers of Jesus and have committed our life to Him, we are trusting Him to lead us into eternity. We can most certainly trust Him with the small details of everyday life. 2. Jesus sees even birds of the air. They have no true home; they are not able to collect or save, yet they are well-fed and cared for. How much more does our Heavenly Father love us? We are much more valuable to Him than the birds He provides for. 3. Jesus reminds us that worrying gains us nothing of value. It leads to harmful effects in our mind and body, affecting our health and mental attitude, as well as our words and actions. Most of all, it builds a wedge between God and us. 4. Jesus gives us the example of the beauty of the fields. How gorgeous are the colorful fields and flowers? The colors, textures, and designs God has created in nature are only copied by humans. Everything we create is modeled after what God has already accomplished and shared with us. “The lilies of the field neither toil not spin,” yet they are more beautifully dressed than even King Solomon could be. We are of much more value and God longs for us to have faith in the provisions He has set for us. 5. Jesus knows our needs and longs for us to release our concerns to Him. He yearns for us to exhibit faith and trust because we believe He intimately understands and cares for every one of us. When we follow Jesus as our Savior, we unknowingly exhibit a lack of faith and relationship when we allow worry to control us. Jesus directs us to prioritize our relationship with Him. “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.” (verse 33). We must remain proactive. “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things.” (verse 34). How do we ensure that we keep Jesus first? 1. Lift and fix my eyes on Jesus and constantly placing Him at the top of my daily to-do list. 2. Make sure I make time for His word. 3. Strive to understand His holy word. 4. Apply God’s word to my daily life through the actions I make and using it as my mental guide for wisdom. 5. Seek to know and grow in the Lord through daily conversation through prayer. 6. Intentionally be still enough to hear Him speak to me. 7. Obey what I know God is sharing and commanding me to do and be. Relationship with God through Jesus is the only strategy to effectively combat worry and anxiety. In addition to reminding us not to worry, it is said that the command to “fear not” is given 365 times in the Bible. With 365 days a year, that gives us one reminder per day. God knows we are forgetful and prideful, and tend to carry loads we are not meant to. Our loving Heavenly Father always walks ahead of us, providing for every need. 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.” Proverbs 12:25 says, “Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad.” Psalm 56:3-4 says, “Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God (I will praise His word), In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me?” No matter what you desired the outcome of the election to be, and beyond that, no matter what ails you in this very moment, God understands. Our loving Father has allowed this moment in time so that you will turn to Him, trusting that He is in charge. Allow Him to carry your load and offer relief. Romans 8:26-28 says, “Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Seek Him. Trust Him. Call out to Him. Release worries to Him. Repeat as often as needed as you build and grow your faith. Father God, please help me. I’m in need of Your everlasting goodness and provisions to keep my eyes, mind, and heart fixed on You. This world and the distractions within it cause me to stumble daily. I trust in You, but fall and fail so often. My spirit is weak and I need Your beautiful reminders of provision and hope. Please strengthen my faith and trust and provide me with freedom from worry and anxiety. Help me place my concerns in Your capable hands and give me the joy and pleasure of seeing You work and provide for my every true need. In Your precious name we pray. Amen. If you enjoyed this podcast, and would like to receive a free resource that ties to this episode and was created to help ease your spirit and attack worry or anxiety, visit terrihitt.com/resources and download the “Cast Your Cares - Resources Against Worry” Ebook. I deeply desire God to cultivate a strong community of women who embrace life with an eternal perspective through the work He has given me. I pray you will be inspired and equipped to seek and abide in God’s truths as you live with deep joy and will influence children to live for and find their identity through Jesus. Besides playing on Apple Podcast and Spotify, the Live With Eternal Perspective podcast is also linked to my new website. Would you like others to hear weekly encouragement and learn how to live with more eternal perspective? Can you think of a friend or family member who might enjoy encouragement? If so, please share this podcast with them and take time to leave a quick rating and review. Until next week, keep looking Up and finding new ways to Live With Eternal Perspective.

Help your child choose Jesus over culture and begin living with an eternal perspective now by using simple tips and strategies in this valuable ebook to help you build a legacy of faith together. Scattering Seeds: Planting Character and Faith in Your Child Help your child choose Jesus over culture and begin living with an eternal perspective now by using simple tips and strategies in this valuable ebook to help you build a legacy of faith together. Download

Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #133 – The Power of Your Story 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. When I was a new Christian I was absolutely terrified that I’d have to give testimony of my walk with Jesus. I had no idea what I would say. Have you ever been afraid to talk to someone about Christ? My problem wasn’t that I was ashamed of Jesus, but that I wouldn’t be good enough to talk about Him. I was afraid I wouldn’t know enough. I was scared I’d need to memorize a lot of Scripture or I wouldn’t know the right verses to share. I was afraid someone would ask me a question I wouldn’t know how to answer. I was scared I would tell someone the wrong thing. I didn’t want to mislead anyone. As I’ve walked with Jesus longer, my heart has discovered the joy of sharing truth. The power of living truth. I understand that I am not the one who will change the heart of another person. All I should focus on is growing and maturing my walk with Jesus and letting Him seep from me in all I am and do. Sharing is an outpouring of the overflow of Christ in me. Offering my testimony is now a lifestyle. I don’t think about having the perfect words or verses to share, although I have many underlined in my Bible and have stepped through them with people. I admit, I’m still not the best at memorizing the Word, but I’m acquainted with my Bible and know God’s Word well enough to recognize His truths and allow them to flow through my daily language. His Word naturally comes to me when I share with others, advise others, and pray for others. Sharing my testimony and the truth of the gospel is no longer a fear, but a joy. Galatians 2:20 says, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” I believe I should pray for God to reveal opportunities for me to share the gospel. I also believe I should intentionally walk so closely with the Lord that it causes people to notice a difference in my life. When they ask what makes me so happy, or whatever word they use, I should make the most of the opportunity to share the hope of Christ, the fruits of the Spirit, or whatever pertains to the situation or compliment. 1 Peter 3:15 says, “But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.” Your Christian testimony is your personal story, but it is also the autobiography of what you have seen, experienced, read, and heard through or about Christ in your lifetime. The nearer one draws to God through personal relationship with Jesus, the more they have to share and the more they want to share. When we communicate what God has done in our life, He draws others to Him to experience His glory. Your testimony, the story of your life because of the sacrifice and influence of Christ is important and impactful to others seeking hope and light. Through your story, you can share: 1. Your life before Christ 2. How you came to know Jesus as your personal Savior 3. Your life now (the power of Christ in you) 4. How others can know Jesus Your story may help keep another person’s faith from being “cold”, from becoming “lukewarm,” or it may encourage or empower them to lead a “hot” life for Christ. Everyone has a testimony. Some testimonies are dramatic; some are quiet. Each is a miracle. Just as each of us is uniquely made by God, no testimony is the same, yet each story is a gift of grace and mercy extended from Heaven and meant to be shared. I believe Paul’s testimony from Acts 26 is a wonderful example we can learn from. His testimony can be read and examined as an encouraging model of how we can also share our story. I’m going to read it now so we can study how Paul shared with King Agrippa and Festus in Acts 26:1-29. It’s important to note the way Paul presented his testimony and what we can learn from it. As I read, I’m going to break these verses into sections, then I’ll add my thoughts after reading each portion. I encourage you to read this yourself and prayerfully search the Scripture for what God reveals to you. We’ll begin with Acts 26:1-5, which says, “So Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and made his defense: “I consider myself fortunate that it is before you, King Agrippa, I am going to make my defense today against all the accusations of the Jews, especially because you are familiar with all the customs and controversies of the Jews. Therefore I beg you to listen to me patiently. My manner of life from my youth, spent from the beginning among my own nation and in Jerusalem, is known by all the Jews. They have known for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that according to the strictest party of our religion I have lived as a Pharisee.” In this passage we see that Paul is showing respect to King Agrippa and recognizing his qualifications. Paul made it evident that he was not trying to offend Jewish citizens with his intentions, words, or actions. Paul also reminded Agrippa of his own personal character and background, and the truth that he was not a disobedient or rebellious man, but a Jew who had been raised as a supporter and an educator of the law. Paul began where his audience was and could understand without offending them. Acts 26:6-8 says, “And now I stand here on trial because of my hope in the promise made by God to our fathers, to which our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they earnestly worship night and day. And for this hope I am accused by Jews, O king! Why is it thought incredible by any of you that God raises the dead?” Here, we see Paul address the fact that he is being accused of believing in doctrine that was actually central in Judaism. Paul continues to connect with his audience by showing that he has done nothing offensive. Acts 26:9-11 says, “I myself was convinced that I ought to do many things in opposing the name of Jesus of Nazareth. And I did so in Jerusalem. I not only locked up many of the saints in prison after receiving authority from the chief priests, but when they were put to death I cast my vote against them. And I punished them often in all the synagogues and tried to make them blaspheme, and in raging fury against them I persecuted them even to foreign cities.” In these verses, we notice that Paul desires Agrippa to recognize that Paul was a devoted Jew, who fought against and persecuted Christians. Paul begins his personal story with background his audience should remember. Acts 26:12-18 says, “In this connection I journeyed to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. At midday, O king, I saw on the way a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, that shone around me and those who journeyed with me. And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ And I said, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me, and to those in which I will appear to you, delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles—to whom I am sending you to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’” Paul, passionately appealing to the King so he could understand his words, gained Agrippa’s attention. Paul clearly revealed his personal story of meeting the Lord. During this astonishing testimony, Paul exposed every detail with truth, hope, and courage. He was a changed man whose perspective had suddenly been altered by miraculous methods. Paul continues his personal testimony with glory to God. Acts 26:19-23 says, “Therefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance. For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me. To this day I have had the help that comes from God, and so I stand here testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would come to pass: that the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles.” Paul exposed his understanding of the purpose of his vision and transformation. God was causing and calling him to deliver his testimony with personal authority granted by Him and to take the message of Christ to Judea and to the Gentiles. Paul confessed that he had been imprisoned for believing and sharing what the prophets and Moses declared would happen regarding Israel’s Messiah. Acts 26:24-26 says, “And as he was saying these things in his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are out of your mind; your great learning is driving you out of your mind.” But Paul said, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words. For the king knows about these things, and to him I speak boldly. For I am persuaded that none of these things has escaped his notice, for this has not been done in a corner.” After Paul finished speaking, Festus spoke no opposition; He knew nothing of Moses or the prophets. Agrippa was not an Old Testament academic, however he was acquainted with Jewish Messianic traditions. Yet, he spoke no challenges to Paul’s testimony, revealing the conviction most likely pricking his heart. Paul shares the truth of God’s miraculous work in his life, giving God glory and letting Him move and work as He desires. Acts 26:27-28 says, “King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe. And Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?” Because Paul shared with boldness, the truth and evidence were clearly presented. He couldn’t force anyone to accept the truth of the gospel, but Christ had clearly been shown. Agrippa saw the truth, seemed to be impressed in some way by it, but did carry a personal hesitation or unwillingness to profess Christ as King. Acts 26:29 says, “And Paul said, “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am—except for these chains.” Paul clearly and bravely professed Christ, allowing those who heard him to declare their belief and fate for themselves. Paul knew his duty was not to change hearts; only God could do the transforming work in a willing heart. Important facts to remember: 1. Your story isn’t about you. It isn’t for you. Your story is about what Jesus sacrificed for you. It is a personal testimony of how He lifted you out of death and established new life within you. 2. The power of story has the same holy, sovereign thread woven throughout each person. The cord that ties us together is the wondrous sacrifice and loving grace of Christ. Here’s a quick recap of the top facts we’ve learned: 1. Respect your audience. 2. Connect personally with them. 3. Profess your story. 4. Pray for your listeners. Sharing our story or testimony does not have to be something to be afraid of. As we simply move nearer to Christ daily and allow Him to work through us, we obediently respond to His promptings. The good work He completes within us spreads to those around us or those we come into contact with if we show and tell the truth of the gospel and the work of Christ. Every day brings new work and transformation to share if we are willing to humbly submit and cling to Him. I want to share five short verses that I believe help us carry gratitude for the sacrifice and work of Christ and remind us to share with joy, hope, and truth. Hebrews 2:1 says, “Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.” Psalm 107:1-2 says, “Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever! Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom He has redeemed from trouble.” Psalm 71:5 says, “For you, O Lord, are my hope, my trust, O LORD, from my youth.” Psalm 71:23 says, “My lips will shout for joy, when I sing praises to You; my soul also, which you have redeemed.” 1 Chronicles 16:8 says, “Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon His name; make known His deeds among the peoples!” Dear Heavenly Father, Your love for us is astounding! How could we ever understand the depth and heights to which it extends? Yet You still purpose to prove Your great love, grace, and mercy through the gift of Your Son, Jesus. Thank you for Your pursuit of us and patience extended to us. Father, may we cling more tightly to You each day. May Your love be made known in intimate ways only You can extend and our love extend intentionally toward You. May You be the first thought on our mind each day and the last thought as we lay down to rest. May our mind and heart dictate a driven desire to devour Your Word and may we allow You to flow through us to share Your great mysteries and truths. Give us Your courage, Your boldness to obey You and allow You to shine from within us every moment, with those we love and even those we don’t. 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 133 - The Power of Your Story Listen to Episode Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #133 – The Power of Your Story 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. When I was a new Christian I was absolutely terrified that I’d have to give testimony of my walk with Jesus. I had no idea what I would say. Have you ever been afraid to talk to someone about Christ? My problem wasn’t that I was ashamed of Jesus, but that I wouldn’t be good enough to talk about Him. I was afraid I wouldn’t know enough. I was scared I’d need to memorize a lot of Scripture or I wouldn’t know the right verses to share. I was afraid someone would ask me a question I wouldn’t know how to answer. I was scared I would tell someone the wrong thing. I didn’t want to mislead anyone. As I’ve walked with Jesus longer, my heart has discovered the joy of sharing truth. The power of living truth. I understand that I am not the one who will change the heart of another person. All I should focus on is growing and maturing my walk with Jesus and letting Him seep from me in all I am and do. Sharing is an outpouring of the overflow of Christ in me. Offering my testimony is now a lifestyle. I don’t think about having the perfect words or verses to share, although I have many underlined in my Bible and have stepped through them with people. I admit, I’m still not the best at memorizing the Word, but I’m acquainted with my Bible and know God’s Word well enough to recognize His truths and allow them to flow through my daily language. His Word naturally comes to me when I share with others, advise others, and pray for others. Sharing my testimony and the truth of the gospel is no longer a fear, but a joy. Galatians 2:20 says, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” I believe I should pray for God to reveal opportunities for me to share the gospel. I also believe I should intentionally walk so closely with the Lord that it causes people to notice a difference in my life. When they ask what makes me so happy, or whatever word they use, I should make the most of the opportunity to share the hope of Christ, the fruits of the Spirit, or whatever pertains to the situation or compliment. 1 Peter 3:15 says, “But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.” Your Christian testimony is your personal story, but it is also the autobiography of what you have seen, experienced, read, and heard through or about Christ in your lifetime. The nearer one draws to God through personal relationship with Jesus, the more they have to share and the more they want to share. When we communicate what God has done in our life, He draws others to Him to experience His glory. Your testimony, the story of your life because of the sacrifice and influence of Christ is important and impactful to others seeking hope and light. Through your story, you can share: 1. Your life before Christ 2. How you came to know Jesus as your personal Savior 3. Your life now (the power of Christ in you) 4. How others can know Jesus Your story may help keep another person’s faith from being “cold”, from becoming “lukewarm,” or it may encourage or empower them to lead a “hot” life for Christ. Everyone has a testimony. Some testimonies are dramatic; some are quiet. Each is a miracle. Just as each of us is uniquely made by God, no testimony is the same, yet each story is a gift of grace and mercy extended from Heaven and meant to be shared. I believe Paul’s testimony from Acts 26 is a wonderful example we can learn from. His testimony can be read and examined as an encouraging model of how we can also share our story. I’m going to read it now so we can study how Paul shared with King Agrippa and Festus in Acts 26:1-29. It’s important to note the way Paul presented his testimony and what we can learn from it. As I read, I’m going to break these verses into sections, then I’ll add my thoughts after reading each portion. I encourage you to read this yourself and prayerfully search the Scripture for what God reveals to you. We’ll begin with Acts 26:1-5, which says, “So Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and made his defense: “I consider myself fortunate that it is before you, King Agrippa, I am going to make my defense today against all the accusations of the Jews, especially because you are familiar with all the customs and controversies of the Jews. Therefore I beg you to listen to me patiently. My manner of life from my youth, spent from the beginning among my own nation and in Jerusalem, is known by all the Jews. They have known for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that according to the strictest party of our religion I have lived as a Pharisee.” In this passage we see that Paul is showing respect to King Agrippa and recognizing his qualifications. Paul made it evident that he was not trying to offend Jewish citizens with his intentions, words, or actions. Paul also reminded Agrippa of his own personal character and background, and the truth that he was not a disobedient or rebellious man, but a Jew who had been raised as a supporter and an educator of the law. Paul began where his audience was and could understand without offending them. Acts 26:6-8 says, “And now I stand here on trial because of my hope in the promise made by God to our fathers, to which our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they earnestly worship night and day. And for this hope I am accused by Jews, O king! Why is it thought incredible by any of you that God raises the dead?” Here, we see Paul address the fact that he is being accused of believing in doctrine that was actually central in Judaism. Paul continues to connect with his audience by showing that he has done nothing offensive. Acts 26:9-11 says, “I myself was convinced that I ought to do many things in opposing the name of Jesus of Nazareth. And I did so in Jerusalem. I not only locked up many of the saints in prison after receiving authority from the chief priests, but when they were put to death I cast my vote against them. And I punished them often in all the synagogues and tried to make them blaspheme, and in raging fury against them I persecuted them even to foreign cities.” In these verses, we notice that Paul desires Agrippa to recognize that Paul was a devoted Jew, who fought against and persecuted Christians. Paul begins his personal story with background his audience should remember. Acts 26:12-18 says, “In this connection I journeyed to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. At midday, O king, I saw on the way a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, that shone around me and those who journeyed with me. And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ And I said, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me, and to those in which I will appear to you, delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles—to whom I am sending you to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’” Paul, passionately appealing to the King so he could understand his words, gained Agrippa’s attention. Paul clearly revealed his personal story of meeting the Lord. During this astonishing testimony, Paul exposed every detail with truth, hope, and courage. He was a changed man whose perspective had suddenly been altered by miraculous methods. Paul continues his personal testimony with glory to God. Acts 26:19-23 says, “Therefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance. For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me. To this day I have had the help that comes from God, and so I stand here testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would come to pass: that the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles.” Paul exposed his understanding of the purpose of his vision and transformation. God was causing and calling him to deliver his testimony with personal authority granted by Him and to take the message of Christ to Judea and to the Gentiles. Paul confessed that he had been imprisoned for believing and sharing what the prophets and Moses declared would happen regarding Israel’s Messiah. Acts 26:24-26 says, “And as he was saying these things in his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are out of your mind; your great learning is driving you out of your mind.” But Paul said, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words. For the king knows about these things, and to him I speak boldly. For I am persuaded that none of these things has escaped his notice, for this has not been done in a corner.” After Paul finished speaking, Festus spoke no opposition; He knew nothing of Moses or the prophets. Agrippa was not an Old Testament academic, however he was acquainted with Jewish Messianic traditions. Yet, he spoke no challenges to Paul’s testimony, revealing the conviction most likely pricking his heart. Paul shares the truth of God’s miraculous work in his life, giving God glory and letting Him move and work as He desires. Acts 26:27-28 says, “King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe. And Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?” Because Paul shared with boldness, the truth and evidence were clearly presented. He couldn’t force anyone to accept the truth of the gospel, but Christ had clearly been shown. Agrippa saw the truth, seemed to be impressed in some way by it, but did carry a personal hesitation or unwillingness to profess Christ as King. Acts 26:29 says, “And Paul said, “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am—except for these chains.” Paul clearly and bravely professed Christ, allowing those who heard him to declare their belief and fate for themselves. Paul knew his duty was not to change hearts; only God could do the transforming work in a willing heart. Important facts to remember: 1. Your story isn’t about you. It isn’t for you. Your story is about what Jesus sacrificed for you. It is a personal testimony of how He lifted you out of death and established new life within you. 2. The power of story has the same holy, sovereign thread woven throughout each person. The cord that ties us together is the wondrous sacrifice and loving grace of Christ. Here’s a quick recap of the top facts we’ve learned: 1. Respect your audience. 2. Connect personally with them. 3. Profess your story. 4. Pray for your listeners. Sharing our story or testimony does not have to be something to be afraid of. As we simply move nearer to Christ daily and allow Him to work through us, we obediently respond to His promptings. The good work He completes within us spreads to those around us or those we come into contact with if we show and tell the truth of the gospel and the work of Christ. Every day brings new work and transformation to share if we are willing to humbly submit and cling to Him. I want to share five short verses that I believe help us carry gratitude for the sacrifice and work of Christ and remind us to share with joy, hope, and truth. Hebrews 2:1 says, “Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.” Psalm 107:1-2 says, “Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever! Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom He has redeemed from trouble.” Psalm 71:5 says, “For you, O Lord, are my hope, my trust, O LORD, from my youth.” Psalm 71:23 says, “My lips will shout for joy, when I sing praises to You; my soul also, which you have redeemed.” 1 Chronicles 16:8 says, “Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon His name; make known His deeds among the peoples!” Dear Heavenly Father, Your love for us is astounding! How could we ever understand the depth and heights to which it extends? Yet You still purpose to prove Your great love, grace, and mercy through the gift of Your Son, Jesus. Thank you for Your pursuit of us and patience extended to us. Father, may we cling more tightly to You each day. May Your love be made known in intimate ways only You can extend and our love extend intentionally toward You. May You be the first thought on our mind each day and the last thought as we lay down to rest. May our mind and heart dictate a driven desire to devour Your Word and may we allow You to flow through us to share Your great mysteries and truths. Give us Your courage, Your boldness to obey You and allow You to shine from within us every moment, with those we love and even those we don’t. 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.

Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #007 – Equipping Children 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. The topic close to my heart today is one that is deeply personal. More importantly, it’s special to God. This episode is about children and those who influence them. Although I realize I’m not the only mother in the world who has raised two separate families, I know it’s definitely not the norm. Some people consider us crazy; some admire us and lift us to reside on a pedestal of benevolence. Honestly, we are neither of those. The fact is that two of our children were brought to us biologically. Two of them were brought to us through adoption. Just as women achieve pregnancy and deliver babies through different ways, our family was built by two methods and stretched over a longer period of time than most. It’s honestly that simple. Yet, I still consider my family a miracle and our story one that only God can author. But then, that’s true of all of us. The most urgent desire I have in my heart after raising one set of children and now raising the next, is the absolute necessity of bringing our children up to know, love, and respect the Lord and helping other mothers to understand that importance. To raise our children to love and honor Jesus and to desire to grow their own relationship with Him is the best gift we can give them and the most important job we have. I have found that those of us who claim to be Christians usually want to raise Christian children. But the truth is that many of us depend on the church to raise our child to know God and don’t take active steps at home to nurture the relationship we have with the Lord, let alone foster the growth of our children in Him. Many of us have also been deceived into thinking that once our child accepts Christ as Savior that we don’t have to be as concerned about our child. Both are dangerously blinding us with deceit straight from Satan. How do I know this happens? It happened to me as a young, naive new Christian mother. I had good intentions, but lacked the wisdom I needed to grow and sufficiently nurture my own walk, let alone the heart journey of my children. Our walk was not the straight path I wish it would have been, although I honestly loved the Lord. I’ve also heard stories from others who have similar testimonies to share. Many children from Christian families attend church functions anywhere from one to five hours per week. Families may go to Sunday school and church on Sunday mornings, then either go back to church Sunday night or attend a church function on Wednesday evening, but in our active and fast-paced world, fewer children attend that often. Many churches have stopped Sunday evening services and many children have school or personal activities on Wednesday evenings. Even if children were attending activities at the church at all of the mentioned times, simply being at the church does not make them a growing Christian. You absolutely cannot nurture and sustain a close relationship with Christ on a few hours a week. A true relationship with God starts through a personal relationship with Christ and continues to grow and thrive in the home. It must be nurtured throughout each day. Children learn best when they see a beautiful and godly relationship with Jesus modeled daily in every action, reaction, and interaction they see their parents make. Even our mistakes can draw them nearer to God as they see the ways grace-filled and influenced parents handle living in this broken world. Unless we purposely fix our minds on living with eternal perspective, this world, our pride and lusts, and Satan will distract us with anything to pull us away from Christ. John 10:10 warns, “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” When I became a Christian, I foolishly believed that my life would automatically be different, but just as everything else in life, that’s actually when the real work began. I had to learn about releasing my life to the One I now professed to follow. In the meantime, my children were maturing quickly and I missed opportunities to nurture them in and through Jesus the way I should have. It is vitally important to me to teach mothers the importance of maturing your fellowship with Jesus so that He will naturally be breathed into the lives of your precious children from the very beginning. You will never regret it. Seeking the Lord and growing our relationship with Jesus should be as much a part of our existence as breathing. Just as we awaken each day with a craving for food and drink, our mind should instinctively desire Him and automatically draw to fellowship with Him throughout each day. I think of the hymn, “He Lives,” by Alan Jackson. Here are a few of the words. “He lives! He lives! Christ Jesus lives today! He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way. He lives! He lives! Salvation to impart! You ask me how I know He lives. He lives within my heart.” We are meant to walk and talk with Jesus through an internal dialogue that beautifully draws us nearer to Him. Jesus knows my innermost thoughts. He knows yours. He intimately cares about everything concerning me and concerning you. No matter where you are in your faith journey, if you have accepted Jesus as your Savior, the Holy Spirit is living within you to guide and move you to a deeper walk with Him. We create distance in our relationship with Jesus just as we do with people in our lives. If we don’t welcome Him and nurture the relationship, it will fade. Jesus won’t leave us, but we can drift away from Him. To grow and sustain our Christian walk, we have to be intentional and not let distractions take the place of commitment, just like with every relationship in our life. Now let’s think about God’s word. When we read the Bible, we clearly see people who were determined to direct their own lives while making unwise choices that drew them away from God. Let’s use the very first example of shattered lives in the Bible as we discuss how cleverly the serpent (Satan) tricked Eve. It’s so easy for us to look back at her and think of Eve as foolish. She (and Adam) clearly understood the instructions God had given them. But we also allow subtleties to distract us from living fully in relationship with Jesus daily. Once we have accepted Christ as our Savior, He desires us to allow Him to sit as the Master of our life. It’s easy to say we believe in God and want Him to guide us. It’s harder to actually accept and allow Jesus to transform our life, giving Him direct access to our thoughts, emotions, speech, actions, and attitude. In other words, we are to release everything in our life to Him. In the beginning, Adam and Eve lived in intimate communion with God. He fulfilled their every need, giving them good and perfect gifts. They had peace of mind and deep joy. Gratitude filled their lives. They did not live with hazy minds tinged by lies or twisted truths - until they disobeyed. Then, they became estranged from God and the intimate bond they shared was severed. 2 Corinthians 11:3 states, “But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ.” We make the same foolish choices day after day. Either we follow our fleshly and selfish desires or we allow Satan to move in and destroy the good and perfect plans God has established for those of us who love Him. James 1:12-17 is a longer passage, but bear with me as I read the important truths contained. “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” We must not allow anything we think we desire in this world to undermine our growth in Christ. Distractions will always be around us. There is absolutely nothing here on this earth that will ever compare with the beauty of committing to the most important relationship we will ever have and in sharing and teaching Him to our children. The best way we can tell whether we are allowing Jesus to work in and change our hearts is by His promise. Once we have accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior, we are sealed with the Holy Spirit as He takes permanent residence within us as a guarantee of security that we are His. We not only believe His word and promise, but we also begin to see changes in the way we live. Our minds, thoughts, actions, and attitudes begin changing and evolving daily. We die to sin and the grip it once held over us. Of course, we will still be tempted, but the way we face temptation begins to change. Because of Christ, nothing should have a permanent grip on us. Temptation is common to all men, even Jesus, but just as the Lord never sinned, He also provides us a way out of temptation. Temptation alone is not a sin, but succumbing to it is. A true, maturing Christian will hear the voice of Jesus daily, instead of looking for ways to get away with sin. A devoted Christian will also follow the path Jesus sets by example, not just doing whatever activity seems entertaining at the time. As we grow in Christ, as we read His word, we crave more of it. We believe His truths and intentionally find ways to implement His instructions and guidelines in our lives. We desire following Jesus and when we fall into sin or make mistakes, we genuinely repent with a sorrowful heart that yearns for restoration and forgiveness. John 10:7-10 says, “Then Jesus said to them again, “Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” Jesus is our door for eternal life. We are the sheep. He is the shepherd. In Biblical times, the sheep pen had one opening for sheep to enter. The shepherd would herd his flock into the enclosed pen and then actually lie down in the entry so that nothing could get in and the sheep could not get out. Jesus protects us in the same way. When we are His, we are saved from death. We live in intimate communion with Jesus, and are provided with perfect nourishment for our soul. Why is all of this so important when talking about raising children? Because if we are truly committed to seeing our children flourish in their relationship with Jesus, we have to be so in love with Him that He seeps from our soul and spirit. We don’t want to teach our children about Jesus; we want to model a love and relationship so strong that they know Him because they see Him daily through us. We want to be the magnet that draws our children straight to the heart of Jesus. Without our own thriving personal relationship with Him, that will not happen. Let’s stop and consider a few things absolutely vital to our walk with Christ. I believe we should all ask ourselves the following questions. 1. What do I believe about eternity? What I believe directly impacts the life of my precious children. What do I believe? How do I know my belief is true? 2. Am I living my belief? The time I have on this earth is nothing in comparison to eternity. James 4:14 says, “Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” I do not know what the next second will bring, let alone the next day. I have to take responsibility for what I believe. The time is now. 3. Do I surrender to Jesus daily so that my child will, too? Am I modeling my beliefs? Do I consider my beliefs important enough to make the sacrifice to die to myself daily and allow Christ full access? 4. What do I believe about the eternity of my children? Do my children know Christ yet? 5. Am I doing everything I possibly can to secure the eternity of my children? Do my children see my love for Jesus daily? Do they hear my prayers? Do we pray together? Do I teach them to rely on God? Do they see me read my Bible? Do we also read the Bible together? Do they see me walk the way God instructs in His word? Do they see me repent and change when I fail? Do I apologize to them (or others) when I do wrong? Do I discuss Jesus with my children? Do I walk and talk with Jesus each day and guide my children to do the same? Do I bring Him naturally into conversations so they see my relationship is real and natural? Just as many people take time to contemplate life goals at the beginning of each year, we must reflect on our walk with Christ daily. Life is not simply about us; it should be a reflection of Christ that spreads out to all we connect with, especially our children. They were not given to us as a burden to raise to adulthood, but as a blessing that God considers a heritage. Our children actually belong to God. They are an inheritance from and for Him. We are caretakers for the Lord. While we have His children in our possession, we must make the most of every moment as we prayerfully guide them to know and love the One they will answer to for eternity. If we are not intentionally living with an eternal perspective as we pursue life and parenting, we are making the choice to raise children of and for the world. We need to live set apart from what this world gives and seek what will truly satisfy the souls of our children. We have to purposely allow God to work through us to intimately know and understand each of our children. We must desire and allow Him to provide what they need to live a life that shines for Him without standing in His way. We must permit God access to our hearts and minds in order for Him to grow us and mold us into the parents our children require so they may be uniquely set apart in this world. True Christian-centered parenting looks and feels unique because we believe, understand, and respect that His children are created in His image for Him. We live to honor Him with those He has lovingly and perfectly entrusted to us. What pleasure we will share with God when we are blessed to proclaim 3 John 1:4, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” What does living and raising our children to be “set-apart” look like? We should exist in this world as an active member in it, but not reflect the values of this world. Our beliefs and actions should mirror what God instructs in His word. It also means loving our neighbor as ourselves. We don’t judge or criticize those who do not seem to be following God’s truths as He instructs, but we don’t have to condone their beliefs or actions, either. It is possible to lovingly disagree and treat the person with grace and kindness. We need to see each other through the loving eyes of God. As we strive to live in ways that honor God and display Him to our children, the choices we make are critical. We have to honestly assess whether the selections we make daily and the way we spend our precious time respect the guidelines and values God wants us to live by. We should be a mirror for our children to see Jesus clearly, through what and who we are, and do. Luke 18:16 warns us clearly, “But Jesus called to him, saying, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.” Do not make selfish, ignorant, or naïve choices that will ultimately impede your child’s walk and eternal future with God. Checking the atmosphere of our home is mandatory when we desire to live lives pleasing to God and reflect Him to our children and others around us. It is difficult to control and eradicate some of our unwise choices and habits all at once, but starting with drawing attention to and possibly correcting one at a time will ensure that we are drawing nearer to the life God desires for us and our family. Here are some questions to begin with. 1. Does my speech reflect the way I would speak to God if He were sitting with me? He is, by the way. I just can’t see Him. James 3:10-11 says, “from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way. Does a fountain send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water?” 2. Do my actions represent the way Jesus would handle the joys and distresses of this life? 3. Are my activities pleasing to God? 4. Do my friends share my desire to know and please God more deeply? Are they reflecting Him in their lives, as well? 5. Does the way I dress reflect a modest and godly woman secure in the love my Father has for me? 6. Do I have to hide my occupation or is it a worthy use of my time to provide for my family? 7. Does the music I listen to enable my speech and values to be worthy of what God desires for me? Does it enable my speech and actions to stand against what God word requires of me as I grow my walk with Him? Should I be embarrassed for God to hear me sing the lyrics? 8. Does the entertainment I pay to see or participate in glorify God? Does the entertainment in my home show my children how important God is in our lives? 9. Do the books and magazines I read reflect the values and language God desires? Do the messages they lead me to believe stand against scripture? 10. Do the podcasts I listen to reflect values God desires me to learn and possess? 11. Do I spend more time in God’s Holy word than I do on social media? Do I intentionally spend time with my children to teach them to love God and learn His word? Proverbs 24:3 teaches, “By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established.” It can be painful to go through this checklist. Life in this world does anything but guide us into the Father’s arms. We will never live a perfect life on earth, but we can strive to live as closely to the way God calls us as possible. We always have more ways we can purposely erase the influences of all this life leads us to believe we need. Strive to lean more closely into God’s beautiful desires for us instead. John 15:9-11 promises, “Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.” Psalm 90:12 instructs, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” As we grow more Christlike, we desire Him even more. People begin to see the Lord through us and are drawn to become more like Him themselves. As we experience sweet fellowship with Jesus and savor the joy we receive when our children walk closely with Him, the attraction to the distractions in this world fade. Matthew 13:44 explains it well; “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” May we all live with the joy, hope, and peace that only Jesus can provide and give our children the treasure of the kingdom of heaven so they can live a lifetime of sweet closeness with their Savior, Jesus Christ. 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 will 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 007 Equipping Children Listen to Episode Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #007 – Equipping Children 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. The topic close to my heart today is one that is deeply personal. More importantly, it’s special to God. This episode is about children and those who influence them. Although I realize I’m not the only mother in the world who has raised two separate families, I know it’s definitely not the norm. Some people consider us crazy; some admire us and lift us to reside on a pedestal of benevolence. Honestly, we are neither of those. The fact is that two of our children were brought to us biologically. Two of them were brought to us through adoption. Just as women achieve pregnancy and deliver babies through different ways, our family was built by two methods and stretched over a longer period of time than most. It’s honestly that simple. Yet, I still consider my family a miracle and our story one that only God can author. But then, that’s true of all of us. The most urgent desire I have in my heart after raising one set of children and now raising the next, is the absolute necessity of bringing our children up to know, love, and respect the Lord and helping other mothers to understand that importance. To raise our children to love and honor Jesus and to desire to grow their own relationship with Him is the best gift we can give them and the most important job we have. I have found that those of us who claim to be Christians usually want to raise Christian children. But the truth is that many of us depend on the church to raise our child to know God and don’t take active steps at home to nurture the relationship we have with the Lord, let alone foster the growth of our children in Him. Many of us have also been deceived into thinking that once our child accepts Christ as Savior that we don’t have to be as concerned about our child. Both are dangerously blinding us with deceit straight from Satan. How do I know this happens? It happened to me as a young, naive new Christian mother. I had good intentions, but lacked the wisdom I needed to grow and sufficiently nurture my own walk, let alone the heart journey of my children. Our walk was not the straight path I wish it would have been, although I honestly loved the Lord. I’ve also heard stories from others who have similar testimonies to share. Many children from Christian families attend church functions anywhere from one to five hours per week. Families may go to Sunday school and church on Sunday mornings, then either go back to church Sunday night or attend a church function on Wednesday evening, but in our active and fast-paced world, fewer children attend that often. Many churches have stopped Sunday evening services and many children have school or personal activities on Wednesday evenings. Even if children were attending activities at the church at all of the mentioned times, simply being at the church does not make them a growing Christian. You absolutely cannot nurture and sustain a close relationship with Christ on a few hours a week. A true relationship with God starts through a personal relationship with Christ and continues to grow and thrive in the home. It must be nurtured throughout each day. Children learn best when they see a beautiful and godly relationship with Jesus modeled daily in every action, reaction, and interaction they see their parents make. Even our mistakes can draw them nearer to God as they see the ways grace-filled and influenced parents handle living in this broken world. Unless we purposely fix our minds on living with eternal perspective, this world, our pride and lusts, and Satan will distract us with anything to pull us away from Christ. John 10:10 warns, “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” When I became a Christian, I foolishly believed that my life would automatically be different, but just as everything else in life, that’s actually when the real work began. I had to learn about releasing my life to the One I now professed to follow. In the meantime, my children were maturing quickly and I missed opportunities to nurture them in and through Jesus the way I should have. It is vitally important to me to teach mothers the importance of maturing your fellowship with Jesus so that He will naturally be breathed into the lives of your precious children from the very beginning. You will never regret it. Seeking the Lord and growing our relationship with Jesus should be as much a part of our existence as breathing. Just as we awaken each day with a craving for food and drink, our mind should instinctively desire Him and automatically draw to fellowship with Him throughout each day. I think of the hymn, “He Lives,” by Alan Jackson. Here are a few of the words. “He lives! He lives! Christ Jesus lives today! He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way. He lives! He lives! Salvation to impart! You ask me how I know He lives. He lives within my heart.” We are meant to walk and talk with Jesus through an internal dialogue that beautifully draws us nearer to Him. Jesus knows my innermost thoughts. He knows yours. He intimately cares about everything concerning me and concerning you. No matter where you are in your faith journey, if you have accepted Jesus as your Savior, the Holy Spirit is living within you to guide and move you to a deeper walk with Him. We create distance in our relationship with Jesus just as we do with people in our lives. If we don’t welcome Him and nurture the relationship, it will fade. Jesus won’t leave us, but we can drift away from Him. To grow and sustain our Christian walk, we have to be intentional and not let distractions take the place of commitment, just like with every relationship in our life. Now let’s think about God’s word. When we read the Bible, we clearly see people who were determined to direct their own lives while making unwise choices that drew them away from God. Let’s use the very first example of shattered lives in the Bible as we discuss how cleverly the serpent (Satan) tricked Eve. It’s so easy for us to look back at her and think of Eve as foolish. She (and Adam) clearly understood the instructions God had given them. But we also allow subtleties to distract us from living fully in relationship with Jesus daily. Once we have accepted Christ as our Savior, He desires us to allow Him to sit as the Master of our life. It’s easy to say we believe in God and want Him to guide us. It’s harder to actually accept and allow Jesus to transform our life, giving Him direct access to our thoughts, emotions, speech, actions, and attitude. In other words, we are to release everything in our life to Him. In the beginning, Adam and Eve lived in intimate communion with God. He fulfilled their every need, giving them good and perfect gifts. They had peace of mind and deep joy. Gratitude filled their lives. They did not live with hazy minds tinged by lies or twisted truths - until they disobeyed. Then, they became estranged from God and the intimate bond they shared was severed. 2 Corinthians 11:3 states, “But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ.” We make the same foolish choices day after day. Either we follow our fleshly and selfish desires or we allow Satan to move in and destroy the good and perfect plans God has established for those of us who love Him. James 1:12-17 is a longer passage, but bear with me as I read the important truths contained. “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” We must not allow anything we think we desire in this world to undermine our growth in Christ. Distractions will always be around us. There is absolutely nothing here on this earth that will ever compare with the beauty of committing to the most important relationship we will ever have and in sharing and teaching Him to our children. The best way we can tell whether we are allowing Jesus to work in and change our hearts is by His promise. Once we have accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior, we are sealed with the Holy Spirit as He takes permanent residence within us as a guarantee of security that we are His. We not only believe His word and promise, but we also begin to see changes in the way we live. Our minds, thoughts, actions, and attitudes begin changing and evolving daily. We die to sin and the grip it once held over us. Of course, we will still be tempted, but the way we face temptation begins to change. Because of Christ, nothing should have a permanent grip on us. Temptation is common to all men, even Jesus, but just as the Lord never sinned, He also provides us a way out of temptation. Temptation alone is not a sin, but succumbing to it is. A true, maturing Christian will hear the voice of Jesus daily, instead of looking for ways to get away with sin. A devoted Christian will also follow the path Jesus sets by example, not just doing whatever activity seems entertaining at the time. As we grow in Christ, as we read His word, we crave more of it. We believe His truths and intentionally find ways to implement His instructions and guidelines in our lives. We desire following Jesus and when we fall into sin or make mistakes, we genuinely repent with a sorrowful heart that yearns for restoration and forgiveness. John 10:7-10 says, “Then Jesus said to them again, “Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” Jesus is our door for eternal life. We are the sheep. He is the shepherd. In Biblical times, the sheep pen had one opening for sheep to enter. The shepherd would herd his flock into the enclosed pen and then actually lie down in the entry so that nothing could get in and the sheep could not get out. Jesus protects us in the same way. When we are His, we are saved from death. We live in intimate communion with Jesus, and are provided with perfect nourishment for our soul. Why is all of this so important when talking about raising children? Because if we are truly committed to seeing our children flourish in their relationship with Jesus, we have to be so in love with Him that He seeps from our soul and spirit. We don’t want to teach our children about Jesus; we want to model a love and relationship so strong that they know Him because they see Him daily through us. We want to be the magnet that draws our children straight to the heart of Jesus. Without our own thriving personal relationship with Him, that will not happen. Let’s stop and consider a few things absolutely vital to our walk with Christ. I believe we should all ask ourselves the following questions. 1. What do I believe about eternity? What I believe directly impacts the life of my precious children. What do I believe? How do I know my belief is true? 2. Am I living my belief? The time I have on this earth is nothing in comparison to eternity. James 4:14 says, “Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” I do not know what the next second will bring, let alone the next day. I have to take responsibility for what I believe. The time is now. 3. Do I surrender to Jesus daily so that my child will, too? Am I modeling my beliefs? Do I consider my beliefs important enough to make the sacrifice to die to myself daily and allow Christ full access? 4. What do I believe about the eternity of my children? Do my children know Christ yet? 5. Am I doing everything I possibly can to secure the eternity of my children? Do my children see my love for Jesus daily? Do they hear my prayers? Do we pray together? Do I teach them to rely on God? Do they see me read my Bible? Do we also read the Bible together? Do they see me walk the way God instructs in His word? Do they see me repent and change when I fail? Do I apologize to them (or others) when I do wrong? Do I discuss Jesus with my children? Do I walk and talk with Jesus each day and guide my children to do the same? Do I bring Him naturally into conversations so they see my relationship is real and natural? Just as many people take time to contemplate life goals at the beginning of each year, we must reflect on our walk with Christ daily. Life is not simply about us; it should be a reflection of Christ that spreads out to all we connect with, especially our children. They were not given to us as a burden to raise to adulthood, but as a blessing that God considers a heritage. Our children actually belong to God. They are an inheritance from and for Him. We are caretakers for the Lord. While we have His children in our possession, we must make the most of every moment as we prayerfully guide them to know and love the One they will answer to for eternity. If we are not intentionally living with an eternal perspective as we pursue life and parenting, we are making the choice to raise children of and for the world. We need to live set apart from what this world gives and seek what will truly satisfy the souls of our children. We have to purposely allow God to work through us to intimately know and understand each of our children. We must desire and allow Him to provide what they need to live a life that shines for Him without standing in His way. We must permit God access to our hearts and minds in order for Him to grow us and mold us into the parents our children require so they may be uniquely set apart in this world. True Christian-centered parenting looks and feels unique because we believe, understand, and respect that His children are created in His image for Him. We live to honor Him with those He has lovingly and perfectly entrusted to us. What pleasure we will share with God when we are blessed to proclaim 3 John 1:4, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” What does living and raising our children to be “set-apart” look like? We should exist in this world as an active member in it, but not reflect the values of this world. Our beliefs and actions should mirror what God instructs in His word. It also means loving our neighbor as ourselves. We don’t judge or criticize those who do not seem to be following God’s truths as He instructs, but we don’t have to condone their beliefs or actions, either. It is possible to lovingly disagree and treat the person with grace and kindness. We need to see each other through the loving eyes of God. As we strive to live in ways that honor God and display Him to our children, the choices we make are critical. We have to honestly assess whether the selections we make daily and the way we spend our precious time respect the guidelines and values God wants us to live by. We should be a mirror for our children to see Jesus clearly, through what and who we are, and do. Luke 18:16 warns us clearly, “But Jesus called to him, saying, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.” Do not make selfish, ignorant, or naïve choices that will ultimately impede your child’s walk and eternal future with God. Checking the atmosphere of our home is mandatory when we desire to live lives pleasing to God and reflect Him to our children and others around us. It is difficult to control and eradicate some of our unwise choices and habits all at once, but starting with drawing attention to and possibly correcting one at a time will ensure that we are drawing nearer to the life God desires for us and our family. Here are some questions to begin with. 1. Does my speech reflect the way I would speak to God if He were sitting with me? He is, by the way. I just can’t see Him. James 3:10-11 says, “from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way. Does a fountain send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water?” 2. Do my actions represent the way Jesus would handle the joys and distresses of this life? 3. Are my activities pleasing to God? 4. Do my friends share my desire to know and please God more deeply? Are they reflecting Him in their lives, as well? 5. Does the way I dress reflect a modest and godly woman secure in the love my Father has for me? 6. Do I have to hide my occupation or is it a worthy use of my time to provide for my family? 7. Does the music I listen to enable my speech and values to be worthy of what God desires for me? Does it enable my speech and actions to stand against what God word requires of me as I grow my walk with Him? Should I be embarrassed for God to hear me sing the lyrics? 8. Does the entertainment I pay to see or participate in glorify God? Does the entertainment in my home show my children how important God is in our lives? 9. Do the books and magazines I read reflect the values and language God desires? Do the messages they lead me to believe stand against scripture? 10. Do the podcasts I listen to reflect values God desires me to learn and possess? 11. Do I spend more time in God’s Holy word than I do on social media? Do I intentionally spend time with my children to teach them to love God and learn His word? Proverbs 24:3 teaches, “By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established.” It can be painful to go through this checklist. Life in this world does anything but guide us into the Father’s arms. We will never live a perfect life on earth, but we can strive to live as closely to the way God calls us as possible. We always have more ways we can purposely erase the influences of all this life leads us to believe we need. Strive to lean more closely into God’s beautiful desires for us instead. John 15:9-11 promises, “Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.” Psalm 90:12 instructs, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” As we grow more Christlike, we desire Him even more. People begin to see the Lord through us and are drawn to become more like Him themselves. As we experience sweet fellowship with Jesus and savor the joy we receive when our children walk closely with Him, the attraction to the distractions in this world fade. Matthew 13:44 explains it well; “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” May we all live with the joy, hope, and peace that only Jesus can provide and give our children the treasure of the kingdom of heaven so they can live a lifetime of sweet closeness with their Savior, Jesus Christ. 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 will 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.

Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #137 – Renewing Inwardly through Christ 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. Last December, my youngest underwent an oral surgery she was forced to wait a year to receive. Watching me advocate to ensure sure she got the best care as quickly as the surgeons and hospital could coordinate it, combined with her history of multiple surgeries and procedures, made her begin dwelling on survival and mortality. We shared many conversations, some with tears, all with prayers, and a few with mixed responses. Lately, as she has released most of her concerns, my responses have been lighter. Just as life is a journey that requires each individual to change and grow, our discussions have been impacted by the spiritual, mental, and emotional concerns caused for her because of the multiple delays in scheduling and performing this procedure. This afternoon, I was finishing lunch at the dining room table. Brooklyn had already eaten, and she went to the opposite side of the table where I couldn’t quite see what she was doing. Suddenly, I heard an odd sound something like, “oof” and then complete silence. “Are you okay,” I asked. A sigh. “Yes.” “Are you sure? What are you doing?” “I’m laying on the floor thinking about getting older.” “I love getting older,” I said. “What?!” “Yes. I love how much closer I am to God and how much more I have learned about Him.” “But I don’t want to get older. I don’t want things to change.” “It’s hard when things change,” I agreed. After waiting a bit, I added, “but it’s also hard when things stay the same. I want to keep growing and learning. I can’t do that if I stay the same age.” “I want to be two years younger than I am right now and have you be 47,” she remarked. I’ve heard these ages many times. She has a thing about the age of 47, which is 15 years younger than I am. “Oh, 47? I don’t think I want to go back to that age.” “But you’d be so much younger,” she replied. Because we’ve talked about this before, I knew she felt that if I was younger she would have me around longer, I said, “I don’t really think about age. I don’t want to worry about what might happen as I get older because I’d miss all the wonderful blessings happening now. I like what I’ve learned and where I am now. I’m so glad to be this mommy for you. Each day gives me the chance to be a new person inside.” This truth pertains to us and our children or grandchildren. As we absorb and process what we think and feel, the time then arrives to do and believe what Scripture and God’s truths say. 2 Corinthians 4:16 says, “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.” God’s Word offers such beautiful truth about aging. Just as God is concerned about the person inside as He looks directly into our heart and mind, we must be concerned with who we are becoming and focus on the work the Holy Spirit is doing within. We don’t want to miss participating in the work being completed within us. As my youngest daughter matures and works through concerns she carries based off of past experiences, traumas, and losses, I want my sweet daughter to know that God sees everything. He knows her past. He knows her future. He is ready to grow and change not only her, but the loved ones around her, to ensure she becomes the person He has purposed for the special work she was created for. Life is more than staying in one spot of happiness. We have to trust that God has more than one blessing in store for us. As the Holy Spirit completes the work of Christ within us daily, we will be renewed by His strength and desires as the influence of this world fades dimmer and dimmer. 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.” Believers must allow God to renew our mind, revive our spirit, and release His mindset. Ephesians 3:14-21 “For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” When believers receive a new identity through Christ, we are awakened spiritually and welcomed into the family of God. Through humble submission, adoration, focused dedication to God, and assurance through His holy Word, we live with assurance of a renewed spirit within. Although our fleshly bodies waste away, (just as my daughter doesn’t want to happen to her mommy), our inner core, the renewed Christian, should be strengthening through the work of the Holy Spirit inside. As we are drawn toward deeper faith, understanding, discernment, and obedience where we knew no lasting comfort or wisdom before, we are now infused by supernatural cleansing and drawn to the foundational truths and fruits of Christ. 2 Corinthians 3:4-6 says, “Such confidence we have through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” Christians should respect the law, but choose to follow the Holy Spirit deposited within them by Christ. The law enlightens us to truth and sin, but because of our personal relationship with Christ, the Holy Spirit is intimately working within each person to renew and refresh believers moment by moment as we humbly trust and submit to Christ. We must purpose to allow our inward character to renew daily as we seek Christlike characteristics and desires only accessible to us when we have submitted to Jesus as our Lord and Savior. 2 Corinthians 4:16 says, “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” What a beautiful truth about aging God’s way. Believers should be able to discern a difference in the character of Christ exhibited through them from day to day. What differences do you see in your life that make you different than you were yesterday? Are these changes worldly or godly? Are you drawing nearer to Him? Do you know/trust that God is drawing nearer to you? Let’s discuss what believers can do to ensure we continue to renew inwardly: 1. Study the Word – ponder it. I hesitate to say meditate on it because the term has become twisted with New Age ideologies. What God desires is not that we empty our mind, but that we renew it with His Word, instructions, and mindset. As we ponder His teachings and commands and adhere to His mindset, we become more Christlike in thoughts, actions, responses, and words. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” Joshua 1:8 says, “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” 2. Strive to live God’s Word. As we study the Word, as we allow the Holy Spirit to guide us in God’s truths, our mindset become more eternally focused and yearns to uphold a lifestyle like that Christ mentored. Psalm 119:11 says, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” Deuteronomy 11:18-23 says, “Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates, so that your days and the days of your children may be many in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors, as many as the days that the heavens are above the earth. If you carefully observe all these commands I am giving you to follow—to love the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to Him and to hold fast to Him— then the Lord will drive out all these nations before you, and you will dispossess nations larger and stronger than you.” 3. Safeguard your mind. Now more than any other generation, we have so much to distract and discourage us from seeking God. We’ve made this world and our activities our god. We must become and remain diligent to remember to think on the things God instructs and the Holy Spirit prompts. 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.” Philippians 4:8 says, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” 4. Seek God through prayerful and scriptural conversation. God is always present. Available non-stop, He stands ready to hear from us. When we seek God with a genuine heart, no matter what we have to say, He responds, but we delight His heart when we study His Word and speak it to Him. Praying Scriptural prayers to God holds such promise and power. Speaking the words of the Bible enable us to know and use God’s Word, becoming more Christlike in thoughts, words, and deeds. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says, “pray continually.” Mark 1:35 says, “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where He prayed.” Matthew 6:6-8 says, “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.” 5. Summon Scripture – Memorize the Word. In order to pray His Word, we must learn it. Whether you make a concentrated effort to memorize God’s Word (a wonderful use of time) or read the Word so often that you know God’s Word, we absolutely must know God through the Scripture He sent for us. God could have written a book about anything. Instead, He lovingly sent us all we need to know about Him and how to live in this world. If you think there isn’t an answer to be found in Scripture, study harder. Through His Word, we absolutely know the character of God, can identify sin, and we see the way He desires us to live. Joshua 1:8 says, “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” Psalm 119:16 says, “I delight in Your decrees; I will not neglect Your word.” Matthew 4:4 says, “Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Study God’s Word, live His Word, safeguard your mind, converse with God through prayer, and know and use Scripture daily. These are solid, biblical ways to continue renewing inwardly day by day. Without the saving grace of Jesus, believers would never be free of sin or the consequences of separation. Now living with the Holy Spirit alive within, believers can begin to comprehend the agape love that lives outside the reach of our finite heart and mind. Vast and complete, God’s love is a mystery only He can unravel to those who are committed to submitting to a life of devotion to Him. Believers submitted to Christ live with assurance that we will continue to grow and mature in relationship with God. Inside, we are renewing, growing into a Christlike maturity as we keep our eyes, heart, and mind fixed on Him and trust the truths and promises of God. Looking beyond afflictions of this world toward the invisible future promised by God, those of us committed to Christ cast aside the temporary pain or trouble in this world. Through faith, we focus on what is to come. Dear Heavenly Father, our great, glorious God, we thank you for the Holy Spirit alive inside believers. What a beautiful deposit You purposely left with those who trust in Christ. Help us to see life more clearly each moment through Your eyes, mind, and heart. The acts of the flesh should obvious to us, yet even Christians live with sexual immorality, impurity, idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, selfishness, envy, drunkenness, and more that goes against all You desire for us. Help us to carry the opposite – Your fruits of The Spirit. Your Word promises that those who belong to Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Enable us to desire You more deeply, to live by the Spirit, and to walk in step with the Spirit. In the precious name of Jesus we pray. Amen. Thank you for listening to the “Live With Eternal Perspective” podcast. You can find this episode, as well as other transcripts online at terrihitt.com. 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. Was the content of this podcast helpful to you? If so, while you’re on the website, you can choose to leave your email address. This enables you to receive monthly encouragement and resources to help you in your journey with Christ. 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 137 - Renewing Inwardly Through Christ Listen to Episode Welcome to the Terri Hitt – Live With Eternal Perspective Podcast Episode #137 – Renewing Inwardly through Christ 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. Last December, my youngest underwent an oral surgery she was forced to wait a year to receive. Watching me advocate to ensure sure she got the best care as quickly as the surgeons and hospital could coordinate it, combined with her history of multiple surgeries and procedures, made her begin dwelling on survival and mortality. We shared many conversations, some with tears, all with prayers, and a few with mixed responses. Lately, as she has released most of her concerns, my responses have been lighter. Just as life is a journey that requires each individual to change and grow, our discussions have been impacted by the spiritual, mental, and emotional concerns caused for her because of the multiple delays in scheduling and performing this procedure. This afternoon, I was finishing lunch at the dining room table. Brooklyn had already eaten, and she went to the opposite side of the table where I couldn’t quite see what she was doing. Suddenly, I heard an odd sound something like, “oof” and then complete silence. “Are you okay,” I asked. A sigh. “Yes.” “Are you sure? What are you doing?” “I’m laying on the floor thinking about getting older.” “I love getting older,” I said. “What?!” “Yes. I love how much closer I am to God and how much more I have learned about Him.” “But I don’t want to get older. I don’t want things to change.” “It’s hard when things change,” I agreed. After waiting a bit, I added, “but it’s also hard when things stay the same. I want to keep growing and learning. I can’t do that if I stay the same age.” “I want to be two years younger than I am right now and have you be 47,” she remarked. I’ve heard these ages many times. She has a thing about the age of 47, which is 15 years younger than I am. “Oh, 47? I don’t think I want to go back to that age.” “But you’d be so much younger,” she replied. Because we’ve talked about this before, I knew she felt that if I was younger she would have me around longer, I said, “I don’t really think about age. I don’t want to worry about what might happen as I get older because I’d miss all the wonderful blessings happening now. I like what I’ve learned and where I am now. I’m so glad to be this mommy for you. Each day gives me the chance to be a new person inside.” This truth pertains to us and our children or grandchildren. As we absorb and process what we think and feel, the time then arrives to do and believe what Scripture and God’s truths say. 2 Corinthians 4:16 says, “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.” God’s Word offers such beautiful truth about aging. Just as God is concerned about the person inside as He looks directly into our heart and mind, we must be concerned with who we are becoming and focus on the work the Holy Spirit is doing within. We don’t want to miss participating in the work being completed within us. As my youngest daughter matures and works through concerns she carries based off of past experiences, traumas, and losses, I want my sweet daughter to know that God sees everything. He knows her past. He knows her future. He is ready to grow and change not only her, but the loved ones around her, to ensure she becomes the person He has purposed for the special work she was created for. Life is more than staying in one spot of happiness. We have to trust that God has more than one blessing in store for us. As the Holy Spirit completes the work of Christ within us daily, we will be renewed by His strength and desires as the influence of this world fades dimmer and dimmer. 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.” Believers must allow God to renew our mind, revive our spirit, and release His mindset. Ephesians 3:14-21 “For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” When believers receive a new identity through Christ, we are awakened spiritually and welcomed into the family of God. Through humble submission, adoration, focused dedication to God, and assurance through His holy Word, we live with assurance of a renewed spirit within. Although our fleshly bodies waste away, (just as my daughter doesn’t want to happen to her mommy), our inner core, the renewed Christian, should be strengthening through the work of the Holy Spirit inside. As we are drawn toward deeper faith, understanding, discernment, and obedience where we knew no lasting comfort or wisdom before, we are now infused by supernatural cleansing and drawn to the foundational truths and fruits of Christ. 2 Corinthians 3:4-6 says, “Such confidence we have through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” Christians should respect the law, but choose to follow the Holy Spirit deposited within them by Christ. The law enlightens us to truth and sin, but because of our personal relationship with Christ, the Holy Spirit is intimately working within each person to renew and refresh believers moment by moment as we humbly trust and submit to Christ. We must purpose to allow our inward character to renew daily as we seek Christlike characteristics and desires only accessible to us when we have submitted to Jesus as our Lord and Savior. 2 Corinthians 4:16 says, “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” What a beautiful truth about aging God’s way. Believers should be able to discern a difference in the character of Christ exhibited through them from day to day. What differences do you see in your life that make you different than you were yesterday? Are these changes worldly or godly? Are you drawing nearer to Him? Do you know/trust that God is drawing nearer to you? Let’s discuss what believers can do to ensure we continue to renew inwardly: 1. Study the Word – ponder it. I hesitate to say meditate on it because the term has become twisted with New Age ideologies. What God desires is not that we empty our mind, but that we renew it with His Word, instructions, and mindset. As we ponder His teachings and commands and adhere to His mindset, we become more Christlike in thoughts, actions, responses, and words. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” Joshua 1:8 says, “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” 2. Strive to live God’s Word. As we study the Word, as we allow the Holy Spirit to guide us in God’s truths, our mindset become more eternally focused and yearns to uphold a lifestyle like that Christ mentored. Psalm 119:11 says, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” Deuteronomy 11:18-23 says, “Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates, so that your days and the days of your children may be many in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors, as many as the days that the heavens are above the earth. If you carefully observe all these commands I am giving you to follow—to love the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to Him and to hold fast to Him— then the Lord will drive out all these nations before you, and you will dispossess nations larger and stronger than you.” 3. Safeguard your mind. Now more than any other generation, we have so much to distract and discourage us from seeking God. We’ve made this world and our activities our god. We must become and remain diligent to remember to think on the things God instructs and the Holy Spirit prompts. 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.” Philippians 4:8 says, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” 4. Seek God through prayerful and scriptural conversation. God is always present. Available non-stop, He stands ready to hear from us. When we seek God with a genuine heart, no matter what we have to say, He responds, but we delight His heart when we study His Word and speak it to Him. Praying Scriptural prayers to God holds such promise and power. Speaking the words of the Bible enable us to know and use God’s Word, becoming more Christlike in thoughts, words, and deeds. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says, “pray continually.” Mark 1:35 says, “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where He prayed.” Matthew 6:6-8 says, “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.” 5. Summon Scripture – Memorize the Word. In order to pray His Word, we must learn it. Whether you make a concentrated effort to memorize God’s Word (a wonderful use of time) or read the Word so often that you know God’s Word, we absolutely must know God through the Scripture He sent for us. God could have written a book about anything. Instead, He lovingly sent us all we need to know about Him and how to live in this world. If you think there isn’t an answer to be found in Scripture, study harder. Through His Word, we absolutely know the character of God, can identify sin, and we see the way He desires us to live. Joshua 1:8 says, “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” Psalm 119:16 says, “I delight in Your decrees; I will not neglect Your word.” Matthew 4:4 says, “Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Study God’s Word, live His Word, safeguard your mind, converse with God through prayer, and know and use Scripture daily. These are solid, biblical ways to continue renewing inwardly day by day. Without the saving grace of Jesus, believers would never be free of sin or the consequences of separation. Now living with the Holy Spirit alive within, believers can begin to comprehend the agape love that lives outside the reach of our finite heart and mind. Vast and complete, God’s love is a mystery only He can unravel to those who are committed to submitting to a life of devotion to Him. Believers submitted to Christ live with assurance that we will continue to grow and mature in relationship with God. Inside, we are renewing, growing into a Christlike maturity as we keep our eyes, heart, and mind fixed on Him and trust the truths and promises of God. Looking beyond afflictions of this world toward the invisible future promised by God, those of us committed to Christ cast aside the temporary pain or trouble in this world. Through faith, we focus on what is to come. Dear Heavenly Father, our great, glorious God, we thank you for the Holy Spirit alive inside believers. What a beautiful deposit You purposely left with those who trust in Christ. Help us to see life more clearly each moment through Your eyes, mind, and heart. The acts of the flesh should obvious to us, yet even Christians live with sexual immorality, impurity, idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, selfishness, envy, drunkenness, and more that goes against all You desire for us. Help us to carry the opposite – Your fruits of The Spirit. Your Word promises that those who belong to Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Enable us to desire You more deeply, to live by the Spirit, and to walk in step with the Spirit. In the precious name of Jesus we pray. Amen. Thank you for listening to the “Live With Eternal Perspective” podcast. You can find this episode, as well as other transcripts online at terrihitt.com. 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. Was the content of this podcast helpful to you? If so, while you’re on the website, you can choose to leave your email address. This enables you to receive monthly encouragement and resources to help you in your journey with Christ. 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 126 - How to Avoid Tantrums Welcome to the Purposed Parent/Connected Child podcast – Episode 126 – How to Avoid Tantrums 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 so you can BECOME the GODLY mom God entrusts you to be. Then you’ll 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 that makes us consider an important question… do you know how to avoid tantrums? Many parents have experienced being the center of attention with a child who decides to throw a tantrum while out shopping or at an event. While this isn’t an unusual event, when it happens, the situation makes you feel like the only person this has ever happened to. You feel like every other parent present is focused on you, your parenting skills, and your reaction. It’s easy to convince yourself that they’re already judging your skills. I always thought I was such a good mom with my first two kids because I never experienced this happening to me. That was before my third daughter let me know “good” parenting wasn’t enough. Her behavior at the mall one afternoon forced me to make an assessment about what I had done to let her down. How could I have better prepared both of us so that she didn’t have to feel so out of control that she threw a fit at the mall? Just like adults, children have a tipping point. How many times have you put up with being over-tired, but you pressed on? Or maybe you had to go to an event you weren’t thrilled about, and your attitude wasn’t the best, but you went anyway. Perhaps you had to run a last minute errand you weren’t physically, mentally, or emotionally prepared to complete, but there wasn’t a way to get out of it. Life feels like this for children, too. Except they usually don’t have a say in what we spring on them. During the time my daughter had her tantrum at the mall we were going through very difficult times with extended family. My daughter was young and didn’t have the ability to let me know her thoughts and emotions. All I wanted was to go to the mall for a while and not have to think about anything. I wanted to let my little girl play in the toddler area and just let her have fun. I wanted to feel like I was living a normal life doing a normal activity. I thought going to the mall, walking around to window shop and seeing people, then letting her play would be relaxing for both of us. I thought afterwards we’d go home for lunch and she’d take a nap. Do you notice how many “I” statements are here? Did you catch that I had personal expectations for the day? I’d been going through a lot, which meant my child had also experienced disruption from our normal routine. Although she seemed to be doing fine, and I knew she liked going to the mall and riding in the stroller, as well as playing in the children’s area, I wasn’t paying attention to subtle clues that would have alerted me that she was low on her emotional charge, as well. On that particular day when we arrived at the play area, I released my daughter from the confines of the stroller and sat near her, watching her play. My outgoing toddler loved watching the older kids, and was great at playtime alone, as well as with strangers. Happily alternately interacting with others and playing alone, she moved about with a huge smile shining from her face and eyes. Until it was time to leave. Because I wasn’t paying attention to her cues and I didn’t exercise parenting wisdom, I didn’t give enough transition time before rounding her up to go home. From the first slip of one of her legs into the stroller, she let out loud squeals of disagreement. Nothing would dissuade her as her volume continued to increase. With what felt like all eyes on me, I hurried from the area. When attempting to talk to my daughter didn’t work because by then she was too upset and loud to hear me and her eyes were squeezed shut as she screamed, I stepped up my pace like I was in a marathon and hightailed it to the parking lot. Still howling as I struggled to put her in the car seat, my daughter’s cries had me worried someone was going to confront me. Would they think I was kidnapping her? Oh, I just wanted to get home. This was not a normal reaction for my girl. My toddler obviously had strong feelings she didn’t know how to express. She was too young to verbalize her emotions or thoughts, except through the now high-pitched screams she couldn’t stop. Because there had been a lot of disruptions in her daily schedule recently, she was over-stimulated and now totally exhausted. I’d been thinking of what I needed and missed the fact that we should have stayed home that day. Instead of going out, being at home together with a relaxed day where I gave myself permission to do nothing but play and spend quiet time with my daughter would have been the best course of action to rejuvenate our spirit, mind, and connection with each other. Have you ever made choices that you wish you could change? That was me that day. All I wanted was a relaxing day, but instead of looking for cues from my child, and using God-given wisdom, I forged ahead with what I thought would be fun for both of us without really paying attention to the fact that we were both already overburdened and overstimulated. I’m not saying I should have let her have her way when she started throwing a fit. But chances are very high that there never would have been a fit if I had been more considerate of our schedules and the fact that we both needed down time. Because it’s very important that we become observant mothers, here are some tips that you can remember if you find yourself in a similar position. Here are a few ways to prepare to avoid tantrums: 1. Use Wisdom in Judgement – Is it a good idea to go out? What has life been like recently? Maybe you’ve had too much going on like we did. Maybe you’ve been cooped up and need a break outside the home. Is it best to be in nature or to go to an activity? 2. Inform Your Child – Set expectations. Let your child know (in an age-appropriate version) what you’re doing. For example, tell a toddler, “We’re going to the mall. We’ll play and then come home.” When you’re an observant parent and you pay attention to needs (for both of you), and set expectations consistently, your child will get used to doing what you say because you do what you say. In hindsight, I wish I had driven to a far corner of the mall parking lot and held my daughter for a bit before attempting to drive home. I could have rocked and soothed her instead of just going home. Because I was concerned that someone would stop us and accuse me of kidnapping since I’m Caucasian and she’s Asian, I just wanted to hurry home. Another aspect of setting expectations allows you to transition your child to leave when it’s time to go home. Instead of giving her proper notice through a count down, I shortened our departure and only told her once. Children like to feel in control, especially when things have felt out of control. My daughter was enjoying her time and would have responded much differently if I had handled departure better with a count down. 3. Be Armed With Necessities – When my girls were young, I always carried water and snacks. A hungry, dehydrated, or tired child needs a pick-me-up and you want it on hand before they have time for behavior to spiral. Even adults have a change in temperament when they’re tired, hungry, or thirsty. Let’s give consideration to our children to help them grow and learn sensible habits. 4. Keep Your Child Involved – I consider this letting them know what the plans are in advance, and reminding as needed. This also applies to that transition time I mentioned. No one likes to simply be pulled out of a good time. Respect your child while remaining in authority and they will better respect you in return because you set them up for success and connection. Now, what happens if things fall short of your expectations or hopes and a tantrum occurs: 1. Be Relaxed, Calm, and In Control – Breathe and pray. Ask God to keep you calm. Ask Him to guide you in next steps. Instead of focusing on what people might think of you, ask for guidance from the expert on your child. 2. Pretend You’re Alone With Your Child (Forget Watching Eyes/Listening Ears) – When you’re at home you don’t worry about listening ears or watchful eyes. Simply climb into God’s arms and ask Him to guide and carry you and your child. 3. It’s Not the End of the World – Even though it feels like it! What can you learn from the experience? What could you have done better? What can you change for the next time you’re in a similar situation? Would you change anything you did this time? Where do you need to focus on yourself or your child to better strengthen certain areas to grow character, obedience, and connection? 4. Are You Parenting the Heart or the Behavior – When troubling times or pressures arise with your child, it’s so easy to want to stop the behavior, especially when you feel like you’re being watched and judged. But the most important task you have as a parent is to bring your child to the heart and feet of Christ. The only way you can do that is by discipling their heart, not focusing on changing behavior. Once the heart knows and obeys Jesus, He will change the heart. Remember this as your top goal each day as you parent, whether it’s during challenging times or moments of ease. Remember these verses as you adjust your parenting techniques and live and learn from the Lord. Colossians 3:21 says, “Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged .” Hebrews 12:11 says, “For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. ” Proverbs 29:17 says, “Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your heart. ” If you want more on disciplining, be sure to listen to the Purposed Parent Connected Child podcast episode 117 – “Should Kids Be Spanked?” Dear Heavenly Father, how great You are. How we need Your perfect presence in our lives. Thank you for making a way for us to parent Your children. Thank you for guiding and guarding our steps as parents if we only rest and abide in Your arms and ask You to show us the way. Please show us the way to reach the hearts of our children for Christ. Help us draw so near to You that they cannot help but find You. Equip us to know how to parent in ways that honor You and the unique children You have entrusted to our care. Help us parent in ways that set our children up for success and strengthen their connection with us so tantrums aren’t a concern. Please help us be pleasing to You. Make us a sweet joy in Your eyes just as I pray our children will be to You and us. In the precious name of Jesus we pray. Amen. If you’re ready to become the godly mom God entrusts you to be for Him and His children, you’ll love my free “Good to Godly: A 31-Day Scripture and Prayer Guide for Moms.” Visit terrihitt.com to receive this resource. You are the first Jesus your child will see. Your relationship with Christ is the light that shines Him to your children. If you want a connected relationship with Jesus and your children that leads them to your side and His feet, instead of them seeking validation from peers, my Set-Apart Collective program can show you how to reflect Christ in a way that attracts your family to a connected relationship that lasts into eternity. 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. If you’re the mom of an adult child and in need of strengthening connection with them, you can also 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. 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