"Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth”

 ~Proverbs 22:6

"Start Children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”

In the Bible, God tells us that children are a blessing and a gift! They are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. “Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth”. 

I always look forward to parties, and moments with families, especially long for time with kids who have moved out and now have a life of their own. 

Growing up; I was fortunate to have it all. My father was a successful businessman. He was the owner of a well known moving company, and owned the most beautiful house in the neighborhood. But, there was one thing missing. 

My family was family oriented. They were strict and traditional. They had rules. We were not allowed sleepovers, and we had to be home before it was dark. Dinner was together, and weekends were spent as a family no exceptions. No friends were allowed in rooms. Bed had to be done once up, and the rooms clean and organized. Having everything yet the most important thing was missing. “What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? 

My parents were catholic. I was taken to church for as long as I have memory. I was baptized as a baby. I did my first communion and my sacrament of confirmation. My best friend and I were always looking forward to our youth church meetings. I recall crying on our last day; because I did not want to come back home. I was empty. Something was missing. I was looking for something that I could not explain. I did not have a Christian background nor were my parents believers. I did not have the privilege of having parents that prayed. Even when I had everything; I felt empty. I knew something was missing and I was reaching for it. 

Fortunately, we gave our four children the privilege to have a choice. “As for me and my house we will serve the Lord.” What a blessing and a privilege to be married to a man who prays and reads the scriptures. My husband had a Christian background. When we got engaged; one thing he said: “God will be the center”. “Our children will be raised in a house of fear to God”.

I met Jesus Christ in my early 20s; my mother in law was a fearful woman of God. She knew I was empty. She was a woman of prayer. Back then she went to Pentecostal church 6 days a week. “There is such anointing in grandmas”. She always had oil. She prayed and fasted for days. She knew the scriptures. She anointed me from the moment she knew her first grandson was going to be born. She told me she was going to take her grandchildren to church everyday with me or without me. I remember her picking up the kids carrying her back pack, oil and huge bible. She knew how to fight that battle. She would put the kids to sleep with worship or “Yiye Avila” One of the most respectful anointing men of God from Puerto Rico. She knew she was planting a seed in good soil to her grandchildren. Hallelujah! Indeed. 

There are many young people today who grow up in the church with many advantages that children like myself who were raised in the world knew nothing about prayer or the word of God. All children who were brought up in church are under grace all their lives. Children have heard hundreds of sermons and bible lessons. “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ". Romans 10:17. They know the scriptures. “You are mistaken, not knowing the scriptures nor the power of God.” Mathew 22:29.  The privilege of prayer. To be born into a Christian home is to be born into a house of prayer. I have prayed for all my four kids. From the moment they were conceived, we prayed. I have prayed over my children, by them and with them. We taught our children the importance of prayer and daily devotion. To be born into a Christian home is to be born into a house of declaring the gospel. I did not want to raise a child that did not know God. I will not raise an atheist nor a Scientologist. There are many children today that have never visited a church. My children will have an opportunity to make a choice once they are older. Christian home is something that we must all strive to create for the future of our children and the children of our children. A Christian home certainly does not happen by accident; it takes sacrifice, and purposeful decision making. When we choose to do things his way, the sacrifice today is infinitely worth the blessings he gives in eternity. When I hear my oldest son talking and writing on his Instagram page about God; all I want to do is worship him for his goodness. He understands the fear of God. He knows that he will always encounter temptation and that the world will always see us differently; but he knows who he is in God and not what the world labels society today. All of his promises are Yes and Amen. I encourage you to stand firm and make this big decision today. As parents it is our responsibility to teach the world of God to our children. Teach them how to pray. If you don't teach your children, society will do it for you. Never give up on your children. Children stopped going to church when their parents delegated the upbringing of their kids to the church. It is crucial that children know the importance of Christian habits and values. Legitimate belief cannot be coerced or forced. This is by faith. 

Let's pray, Father God. We bless your holy name. I thank you for my children. I thank you for the opportunity to raise them and and call them my children. I thank God because today, we are proud of four kids that belong to you God. Father, God do your will. We pray today with anyone reading “Butterfly by grace” “Mommy and daughter blog” I ask you God for discernment, courage Lord. Let their children know that they are strong than any evil or wicked influence in this world. We raise our children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Therefore, We believe that our children cannot depart from the truth they were taught. Break your light upon children upon all the prodigal sons and daughters. “Let there be light”. You sent your light into this world to shine into the darkness. Shine the light of Jesus in every child's heart, merciful father, by your spirit. Send your spirit Lord to every youth, teenager and young adult now. Let them hear joy and gladness. In the name of Jesus, restore to them the joy of your salvation, and uphold them by your generous spirit. In the name of Jesus. Amen