The QUESTION every parent is ALWAYS asking themselves!

Every person on the planet has insecurities of some type. Those who don't seem to be insecure, simply mask it better than others. The job of a parent is so daunting, challenging, and arduous that at one time or another even the most secure parent has asked themselves this question: Am I doing a good job as a parent?

Parenting is a trust from God that He has given to many. The only thing on earth that we as humans will leave behind with a soul when we die is our children! Because we as humans inherently understand this responsibility we naturally want to do our best as parents, yet we often feel and wonder if we have done a good job.

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to sit on a park bench with my 18 month daughter. I was able to ponder and dream of what the future might look like for her and what my role would be in helping to shape her future.

In talking with parents, all of them struggle with the question, am I doing a good job with my child.

Here are some things to remember and do that might just help YOU!

1. Don't try to be perfect. Point your child to the ONE who is perfect!
If you pretend like you have EVERYTHING together your children will come to think of you as a hypocrite. Be real and honest with your children. In fact, they don't expect you to have all of the answers. They do want you to be transparent. Admit it and apologize to them when you've blown it. You'll teach them what it means to take responsibility for their actions and how to forgive. Never forget, to point them towards Jesus as He, not you, is the ultimate example your children should try and emulate.

2. Don't be so hard on yourself!
Many parents take every negative action their child does as failure on their part in raising their child. Just think: God had two children (Adam & Eve) and they disobeyed the perfect parent! Was God a failure to his children? I think not. Our children need to learn from their mistakes and it's good to let them fail at times too. One of the true marks of maturity is failing multiple times yet persevering until you succeed.

3. Thank your parents!
Your parents desperately want to hear from you how much you appreciated their hard work, effort, and desires to pass on timeless principles and good morals to you. Send them a text, write a note, or call them letting them know that you appreciate how they did their best to raise you!

4. Only you know if you are truly doing your best!
There is something gratifying about working hard and having your head hit the pillow at the end of the day with satisfaction. There may be turmoil and chaos with your children, but only you know how hard you worked for their behalf. Simply do your BEST and leave the REST to God. It's easier that way, and far more effective!

Having some fun with my daughter on a park bench!

 I love being her dad!

I took some time with my daughter on my lap to ponder her future and my role as a father!

Why God Cares for Kids!

Our God deeply cares about children. He loves children so much....but why?

I believe there is a special place in God's heart for kids because they are raw, real, and transparent. You never have to guess what's on a child's mind or heart. They don't normally hide things well.

Because of this they are a great reminder of what we as adults should be. We should be raw, real, and transparent with each other, but most of the time we aren't. It's too easy to get caught up in "the game" of life. It's because of this genuineness that children emulate how a relationship with God should truly look like.

Matthew 19:14 - Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

Each person needs childlike faith to accept God. Children don't buy into why you can't do something, they believe and will themselves to do it. Sometimes I wonder if a child's image of God is bigger than the one that many adults have tried to construct by putting God in a box. A child sees God with wonderment and awe and comes to Him in a beautiful posture of humility and rawness. When is the last time you approached God that way?

When we launched Legacy Church nine months ago my prayer was that God would use our church to reach many children because He cares for them! Our church started with 3 children in the nursery (and one of those was mine!) Now on many Sunday's we are trying to add staff to our nursery because we have so many. What greater way to introduce a person to church than as a nursery worker through a gentle touch! On many occasions I've heard a child cry at the back of our gym or in the hallway and I always smile. Those are good sounds as it means that there is life within our church.

My prayer is that Legacy Church will ALWAYS welcome children and youth. We yearn to be a church that will be a safe place for them to be loved and grow in their walk with Jesus! We've promised to give our best staff, resources, and facilities to our children and youth. Why did we make that promise.....because God cares for kids!