I would have posted yesterday, but I didn’t. I figured most of you were too consumed with sledding and hot chocolate to read some post. As for me, nothing edible was safe in my house. I did, however, cut my 3 Oreos with my coffee down to 2 today. Because, I do make good choices some days. And, being trapped inside a house with little people will really make you tune into the choices your children are making.
I have a chalkboard hanging in the hallway in our home. I periodically put scriptures on it, and teach them to my children. A few days ago, Anna reminded me to change the scripture, since she was very aware that in the city of David, a Savior had already born. So, I thought this one appropriate:
“Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” Exodus 20:12
“What does honor mean?” Anna asked.
“It’s to treat someone with value,” I explained to her.
My cousin was gracious to allow both John Henry and Anna spend Sunday afternoon with his little boy. After hearing him respond to his dad with a little attitude, Anna told him what the Bible says about honoring your mother and father. Then, she followed it up with, “if you wanna live a long life…”
Had I known Anna would take this to heart as much as she has, I would have posted that scripture a very long time ago.
Later, Anna asked, “Will you really live a long life if you honor your parents?”
Fair question. Especially, considering the fact that many young have left us early. Some biblical scholars feel the promise of long life here is referring to that particular nation inhabiting that land for many days as opposed to life span. So, I explained to Anna that this means her life would be much happier. She would be much more content. And, often times, a happy life affects the length of someone’s life. It certainly affects a full life.
Yesterday, when Anna asked me what I was waiting for when she requested more Sprite, I quickly reminded her of honor. Her dad quickly took away her privilege of getting more. And, she quickly learned that her life, at that moment, was not full.
I think it will be a while before I erase that chalkboard.
DustyTakle.com 
Dusty, this was soo good!! I read ALL of your blogs, a huge fan of your heart thoughts written down, rooting you on for the “Book”! But this particular blog was soo good to my heart, that I copied it and printed it! A keeper for sure!! Love you BIG!
Love it! I quote this quite frequently to my kids, even the adult ones! As a gentle reminder…and sometimes not! Like now? We have ‘tude reigning in our home (or trying to reign, anyhow) from a 5th grade drama mama. Well, I had a loving, but firm discussion earlier this evening advising her that it would no longer be tolerated and hadn’t been tolerated for quite some time. Love that she grasped the concept and was able to pass it on to her cousin! Who else will hold us that accountable??