So I’m getting back to my blogging finally !  I just needed to collect my thoughts and focus on something that is new and exciting so how about parenting!?  Seriously, this blog is going to be all about parenting, but in a way that is totally foreign to me.  While I grew up in a wonderful, loving, Christian family, I must admit that my parents approached some things in a way that I would like to build upon and improve.  Besides, I’m not my parents, and my son DJ isn’t me.  While I have nothing but respect and love for my parents, I remember some rocky times that we had, specifically in adolescence/teenager-hood that I would like to prevent, and I think building the foundation can start as early as 17 months.  For some background (and so as not to repeat myself), check out the About Nilly Momma page.

A large part of this process will be learning more about myself and what it looks like to truly believe and act upon the truth that, “No one can control me but me” and therefore, I can’t control others, even some of the things that my 17mo old son will choose to do.

As I start this week, I’m trying to keep a few truths in mind:

“There is no fear in love.  But perfect love drives out fear; because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:18

In order to train our children in love, our behavior as parents must reduce fear; not increase fear…We need some methods, tools, and skills to respond to our child’s sin in such a way that we create love, not fear. – D.S.

So at the heart of godly parenting is the conviction that the mistakes and failures of our children are not the enemy. The real enemy is bondage, and if we don’t teach our children to walk in and handle freedom, they won’t know what to do with it. – D.S.

I hope to post some stories later in the week, successes and blunders.  Gotta learn somehow, right?  Comments and encouragements are welcome!