My hubby and I went to see Dr. Tim Kimmel last night. We did an overnighter in the Big City, so that was a little away time for us. I really enjoyed the evening and Dr. Kimmel's insights. I have a bit of a rebellious heart when I think that someone is just promoting their formula for successful parenting- it is the flavour of the minute till the next author makes the rounds on Oprah, etc. This was a different approach. Dr. Kimmel repeatedly said that he does not have all the answers, but he urged us to raise our children the way God raises His: with grace. Here is a quote from his book, Grace Based Parenting:
" You may be weird and quirky, but God loves you through His grace with all your weirdness and quirkiness. You may feel extremely inadequate and fragile in the key areas of your life, but God comes alongside you in those very areas of weakness and carries you through with His grace. You may be frustrated, hurt, and even angry with God, but His grace allows you to candidly, confidently, and boldly approach His "throne of grace." His grace is there for you when you fail, when you fall, and when you make huge mistakes.
This kind of grace makes all the difference in the world when it's coming from God, through you, to your children. Children brought up in homes where they are free to be different, vulnerable, candid, and to make mistakes learn firsthand what the genuine love of God looks like."
Dr. Tim was a very warm, funny, real person, which I so appreciated. I am going to read through this book and think a lot on what God is saying to my heart through it. First, I am asking Him to help me comprehend the gift of His grace to me!
5 comments:
I hear you.I have heard a lot lately about Paul, and God saying His grace was sufficient. And then the definition of grace-Gods riches at Christs expense. I don't understand it fully. Maybe it is because I am a visual learner.Maybe it is because i am thinking too hard. Hmmmmm
That sounds like a wonderful resource! I also love the quote on your header- wonderful image on the mom's heart as a schoolroom!
Thanks for visiting today!
I found your blog through the comment you left on my blog (the mother of 3 boys).
I have listened to Kimmel several times.. I really like what he says.. It definitely is a different kind of approach than what the world tells us to do (even some Christians may disagree)... But I think the one thing that Lord has taught me is about the word BALANCE.. I think many of these parenting approaches are great, but I think you have to remain balanced..
Stop by from time to time at my blog, and I will do the same... Kim
We saw Tim and his wife at a Family Life conference several years ago and learned so much!!
Blessings on your day!
In His Joy,
Holly
I really enjoyed his books. I don't think Grace Based Parenting is a gimmicky new parenting method.
I think it is age old wisdom, re packaged.
He says somewhere in the book (i could not find it) that "it is better for our children to reach their God given potential than to see our own dreams come true. (or something to that effect)
This was profound to me. It is not about MY dreams for my children, but helping my children become what GOD has planned for them.
This really is a great book.
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