26 Sentences: The Blessing of Heart Focused Discipline

Much like his Mama, two of the strongest aspects of my R's personality are his passion and his verbal skills. I learned a long time ago that every strength overdone becomes a weakness. So much of growing up involves learning to manage our gifts.

 

I also learned with this particular little person that trying to talk things out in the heat of the moment tends to escalate the situation. A few months ago sentence writing became my disciplinary choice for his disrespectful outbursts. I usually write the Bible verses and/or sentences for him to copy...reminders not just of behavior modifications, but of his identity and God's ability. This afternoon I tasked him with writing his own sentences.

 

The result is perhaps the greatest glimpse into the developing theology of a 9 year old boy I could expect to get. (I have translated below the photo.)

 

1. I will not argue.
2. I won't talk back.
3. I love God and he loves me back.
4. I must not yell.
5. I must not argue.
6. Follow your parents.
7. Follow your dreams if they lead to good deeds.
8. Say things that are good not bad.
9. You are a good kid.
10. Your parents know what's right.
11. I am a child of God.
12. Follow God things instead of Satan.
13. You are loved.
14. You have a good life, don't make it bad.
15. Use your self control when you need it.
16. You have a plan to follow God.
17. God has a plan for you.
18. I am a God follower.
19. God is my Father.
20. You are never alone God is with you.
21. God is watching.
22. You can do anything through God.
23. God must be my master.
24. I am a son of God.
25. God has big plans for me.    (and the final one he added as a bonus... ;-)
26. God has a plan. His plan shall not perish or you will not go to a happy life.

There is SO much I could write...but the bottom line is this:  Truth is being planted in his heart...even though his actions don't always seem to reflect it. I can totally relate.

The beauty of godly, heart focused discipline is that I felt closer to my son after this experience than I would have had I chosen to simply ignore his behavior. And I was blessed by the reminder that the Lord is actively working in our hearts and lives!