What does discipleship look like?

I have learned through the years that there are many ways to touch lives with love and support.  I have learned the importance of having your eyes and ears open to notice the opportunities that God gives.  I have witnessed many people turn up their noses, claim schedule conflicts, hold to the thought that it isn't their thing, and ignore opportunities.  I know who students won't go to for help and encouragement because of past situations.  What happens to adults that they lose their way in what is important in life?The students always get the blame as having bad attitudes or being disrespectful.  Yet not one person ever stands up and confronts the why of how things got to that point.  No one ever calls out the provocation.  Our student spoke up and asked for help.  So...we jumped into "Operation Help Our Kiddo with a Project" that needed a staff chaperone. 

Four bags of 450 balloons each...plus a couple hundred more, four air compressors, five hoses, nine seniors, two adults, ten pizzas, and three two liters...as they finished their spirit hallway decorations.  It was a struggle for two weeks to get things going.

We enjoyed hanging out with these seniors.  Talking and sharing time with these young people who are getting ready for a big change in a couple months.  Want to stay young?  Eat pizza.  Laugh.  Blow up and tie hundreds of balloons till you can't feel your fingers.  Laugh.  Encourage.  Stay out late.  Enjoy simple things...and you will see big smiles...just because you were willing to be there...so they could see a plan play out.  Encouragement is not hard!  It takes time...how selfish we can be as adults.  How quickly we forget what it was like to be that age!  Do you ever think about what you needed when you were that age?  Be that person...now!
 

"We're reading through Proverbs...again?"

"Yes, because there are 31 chapters with an average of 20-25 verses in each chapter.  We have read through it 3 times, but we still have a lot more to learn!  Are we thinking on and acting on what we have learned already...every day all the time?  I know I'm not!" I asked, "Do you remember how each time we have focused on different verses..."  Ashlynn added, "Yeah, every time we are having trouble with one thing, there are verses for that, but we still are having trouble with it!"
Proverbs 2 explains:
*why we need to read God's Word...so we can receive His words and hide His commandments
*the importance of inclining our ear unto wisdom...so that we may apply our heart to understanding
*so, if we cry out for knowledge and lift up our voice for understanding...we will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God
*wisdom comes from the LORD...and brings with it many blessings and answers as we walk this path of life
*the reason we need wisdom and understanding...to be delivered from the way of the evil man and the consequences of the kind of choices that come with that lifestyle

"Why are we reading through Proverbs in the morning...again?"

The answer was in Proverbs 2:20-22...
"That thou mayest walk in the way of good men, and keep the paths of the righteous.  For the upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it.  But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it."
We are still learning and growing...maturing in our walk with God...and there are still many truths we have yet to learn...every day!

"No substance...only exterior presence!"

Sometimes we, parents, really miss the mark! 

What are we thinking?  Certainly, we are not thinking Biblically!  We want a quick fix.  We want what others have, but we won't sacrifice to teach and train our children in order to see it!  We want the perfect spouse, job, children, home, family...because it looks good.  But we don't or won't spend the extra time to build the inside character...everything is based on how it looks on the outside...and we wonder what went wrong!  Being a parent is a life-changing committment.  Being a parent is more than having a cute little baby to bring home and cuddle.  Being a parent is really hard work...that we do out of a heart of submission and thanksgiving for the gift that God allowed us to keep for His good purpose and plan.  It is not about how it makes me feel or what it does for me!
Recently, I read an article and I really appreciated the illustration.  After our little jaunt to the orchard, I realized I had the perfect picture albeit obtained by unsuspected, illegal entry to the orchard.   I can't help but think of the poem.

Children Learn What They Live! 

Dorothy Law Nolte

If a child lives with criticism,

he learns to condemn.

If a child lives with hostility,

he learns to fight.

If a child lives with fear,

he learns to be apprehensive.

If a child lives with pity,

he learns to feel sorry for himself.

If a child lives with ridicule,

he learns to be shy.

If a child lives with jealousy,

he learns what envy is.

If a child lives with shame,

he learns to feel guilty.

If a child lives with encouragement,

he learns to be confident.

If a child lives with tolerance,

he learns to be patient.

If a child lives with praise,

he learns to be appreciative.

If a child lives with acceptance,

he learns to love.

If a child lives with approval,

he learns to like himself.

If a child lives with recognition,

he learns that it is good to have a goal.

If a child lives with sharing,

he learns about generosity.

If a child lives with honesty and fairness,

he learns what truth and justice are.

If a child lives with security,

he learns to have faith in himself and in those about him.

If a child lives with friendliness,

he learns that the world is a nice place in which to live.

If you live with serenity,

your child will live with peace of mind.

Parents, we have taught our children well...so what is the problem?  We have left God and His Words out of the daily practice of life...therefore, we have nothing in our homes that pertains to godliness. 2 Peter 1:3  God's Word isn't a fruit preservative that we sprinkle on our children.  It is the actual seed that must be planted, watered, and tended to in order to produce fruit.  Matthew 13  I wonder...how many of us really know personally what we should be planting.  It is a sobering thought in light of this chapter...

Matthew 23
Here is the illustration that got me to thinking...

"Parents are destined for disappointment when they admire fruit in others and seek to emulate merely that expression of fruit in their own children. Fruit is born from the inside -- not applied to the outside."

"Imagine that the fruit you desired was the edible variety, so you went out into your yard and planted an apple tree. Just suppose that one day, while you were waiting for the apples to begin growing on your tree, you caught a glimpse of a neighbor's apple tree. You noticed in admiration that its branches were laden with big, luscious apples. What would you do? Would you run to the produce market to buy some apples, then go home, and in the dead of night, tie them onto your tree? If you did, the sight of your tree might really impress your neighbors. But that is not what you would do. You would likely go to the neighbor and ask how he cared for and fertilized his tree to produce such fruit. It is the same with our children - luscious fruit will be born from what we put into them - not from what we tie onto them. As a matter of fact, in no time, the fruit that we put onto our children will rot and fall off.

Let us not forget that Jesus came against the Pharisees for their preoccupation with what they felt were legitimate expressions of spirituality. They measured holiness by what was avoided and by what would be seen by others (Mat 6:1-2, 5, 16; 23:5-6, 23-28; John 7:24). The Pharisees were earnest in their religion, but they were preoccupied with outward expressions of holiness rather than hearts of humility and love (Micah 6:8) that would bear genuine fruit.  Jesus emphasized cleaning up the inside while the Pharisees were the ones preoccupied with cleaning up the outside. We must ask ourselves: Which are we more like - Jesus or the Pharisees?
(1Tim 2:9) We must ask ourselves, is it possible that we have elevated modesty, or other issues of outward form, higher than Jesus did? If he only mentioned modesty once in the epistles and never mentioned it in his earthly ministry, but instead emphasized the importance of a changed heart bearing outward fruit, should we not follow his example and concentrate on reaching our children's hearts? Because He did address it in the first epistle to Timothy, let us teach our children the value of keeping private that which should be, but let us be careful of thinking that just because they look moral on the outside that they have God's values on the inside."

Fruit can be beautiful to look at on the outside...and rotten on the inside.
The inside...where the seeds for future plants are found...where they are protected...where they come to maturity...which can then be spread...to bear more fruit. 
Interesting thoughts...

"Where did you learn how to do this?"

"Did you take some sort of classes?" were a couple of questions I was asked.  I smiled and replied with thankfulness, "Much of what you have seen today and in the past...my parents have taught me as I grew up in their home.  We always worked together on church projects.  It was always fun to help!  The older we got...the more we got to do.  I did have several other experiences in college that helped me too...a lettering class, choir, summer ensemble, speech classes, college play, education classes, and multiple school programs."

I got to thinking about all the different experiences in my life that have shaped  me and have brought me to this place.  Every circumstance has built upon another!  I remember coloring Pilgrim's Progress figures for VBS with markers on cardboard each day for the next day.  That is when Dad taught me the importance of coloring in one direction!  We then went to chalk...and rubbed the fingerprints right off our finger tips.  That's where I learned about shading.  Finally, we moved to acrylic paints on stretched canvas and even wood.  I will say that paints are my favorite!  I still have my fingerprints and clean-up is pretty fast.  I prefer cardboard right now...easily cut, moved, stored, and can be re-used/re-cut/re-purposed multiple times!

I am grateful for the overhead projector's abilities too!  Proportion has never been my strong point, as I had to drop my drawing class.  Sorry, Mrs. S.!  I really could have used your help!

I have learned by watching and listening to those who know what they are talking about!  If there is one thing we want to instill in our children...learn from those who have walked down that road ahead of you!  It is a wise thing to just shut your mouth, listen, and learn.  People don't have to hear what you know all the time about everything...it is annoying and rude!  Don't live in the past...serve now.  If you don't use the talents that God gives you...you will lose them...or get very rusty!  Push up your sleeves and do the work.  Give credit and thanks to those who have been your teachers!

Be appreciative for the creative mind that God has given you.  Everyone has a different strength, a different "eye" for a concept, and a different talent to see a plan through to the end.  I have learned that many hands make light work.  When you get stuck...ask for help!  I am so grateful for the team that Ted and I make.  We complete each other...and he has GREAT ideas!  It is not a badge to wear proudly to think that you have to do everything your way all the time and be stressed out crazy!  That attitude defeats the whole purpose for why we serve God in the first place.  Train your children and other's children to see a need and help.

God's Word has the answers!  Often it is the last place we consult...even for the tiniest needs we have.  Shame on me!  It is an act of my will to choose to open my heart to what God has for me to do...every day.  Do our children see me seeking God's wisdom on the little things...and well as the big things?!  Do they hear me asking Him for guidance and help for the little things or just the big things?!

When I think about what I have learned through the years, I realize that I have been blessed!  I know not everyone has the same opportunities.  I also know "That to whom much is given...much is required!" 

I had many people involved in my life over the years who saw the importance of teaching the younger generation.  Every time there is something "big" going on in our life, our children want to be involved and help.  We are doing our best to take those willing spirits and train them to help in the way that is needed (not in their way and time frame).  "Leave your agenda at the door!"  Yes, it takes a little longer to get the job done sometimes and other times things may have to be adjusted a little. 

As the years pass, our children may have classes that will teach methods and techniques and offer ideas.  But it is our job...right now...to teach them those things that you can't learn in a classroom!  It is our job to see what their strengths and talents are so we can help direct them. 

God uses many different talents...and I am so thankful for my parents and others who took the time to develop my natural talents...and taught me many useful things along the way!

Proverbs 22:6 makes more sense every day.

Mistaken words...but it is an accurate rendition!

Alisa is learning a new hymn in Bible class.  Every day they sing it a couple times.  Each verse is sung with her own interesting stylings...sometimes emphasizing different words and phrases, sometimes different vocal imitations, and etc.

In the Garden

"I come to the garden alone...while the dew is still on the roses.  And the voice I hear..falling on my ear..the Son of God discloses.
He speaks, and the sound of His voice is so sweet the birds hush their singing;  and the melody that He gave to me within my heart is ringing.
I'd stay in the garden with Him tho the night around me be falling;  but He bids me go-thru the voice of woe, His voice to me is calling.
And He walks with me, and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own.  And the joy we share as we tarry there, None other has ever gone."

Her mistake on the last phrase caught my attention this morning.  I thought surely she would correct it after singing the chorus three times.  Nope.  I will show her the words when Bible class is completed.
I thought how accurate her "mistaken words" really are.  We often don't go to the garden, so to speak, to spend time walking and talking with Him.  We can have so much more blessing and joy, if we would just spend time with Him.  He wants to hear our voice in praise and prayer.  He wants to speak to us through His Word and with that still small voice...but we never go there...and we miss out on the abundant life that He can and wants His children to have! 
Alisa hit the notes this morning...and she hit the nail on the head...
We don't know...because we don't go to that quiet place...to spend time with Him.  We allow other voices to fill our ears and other plans to fill up our time.  We are too busy to be quiet.  How much we miss!

"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed..."

"...rightly dividing the Word of truth." II Timothy 2:15  We are working together as a family to keep a time of family devotions consistent.  We purchased a wonderful tool from Positive Action to help us study and learn God's Word...beyond the basic Bible stories that we tend to only use with children.  We have all been "digging deeper" together.  Sometimes there are activities that we ask the kids to do on their own and then we come together to go over their answers and questions.  Teddy has been challenged in his reading and has had a desire to "do it by himself" with no help from his sisters or Mom.  Children can learn from God's Word...they need to be challenged and taught by Mom and Dad's example!

How do you answer questions that your children ask you?

The answer should be...with honesty and according to what God's Word teaches.  But most often, we brush off their questions because the question (and their probing little eyes) make us uncomfortable.  "Don't worry about that.  That isn't important."
If it isn't important...why are they asking?  They want to know!  These are the years when they are learning and growing.  What they learn now...is making them who they are going to be years from now.  If we aren't using the Bible as our guidebook...our children are not going to know what God expects.  If they aren't hiding God's Word in their heart...they won't recall His Words in times of temptation and trial.
Psalm 119:9-11
"Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way?  by taking heed thereto according to thy word.  With my whole heart have I sought thee:  O let me now wander from they commandments.  Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee."
So...we have answered our children's tough questions lately...according to God's Words.  We are no longer in the "NO, NO!" stage of parenting.  We are in the thick of, "Train up a child in the way he should go:  and when he is old, he will not depart from it."  Proverbs 22:6  We are seeing how each of our children learn.  We see their weaknesses and strengths.  We see their confusion as they see and hear things from people they are around.  "Why can't we do this?  Why do they do that?  How come we have to do this?  How come they don't do that?"  They are asking questions.  They want answers, and "Because we said so!" isn't the right answer!
We aren't lying to them and we aren't sugar-coating things.  Right is right.  Wrong is wrong.  We are directing them to God's Word...because that is our measuring stick.  I need to really focus on bringing them to God's Word every single time.  It is not my opinion...it is God's expectation.  I get timid about speaking up and standing up on certain issues...it is not easy to be alone!  Yet, every Wednesday night this summer, we have been teaching the children the song,
 "Do right till the stars fall.  Do right till the last call.  Do right when there's no one else to stand by you.  Do right when your'e all alone.  Do right though it's never known.  Do right since you love the Lord.  Do right.  Do right!"
We teach and expect our children to do what the adults aren't doing!  What a sad state we are in spiritually!   We just heard the phrase again the other day, "More is caught than taught."  Yes, there is truth to that.  BUT...that doesn't mean you don't teach anything!  If our parents had had that mentality, where would we be today?!  What is wrong with us that we are taking such a lazy approach with our children?!  We have lost our focus!  We have bought into the world's ideas.  Chaos reigns.  Minds are wasted.   And we are losing our children because we have no standards and no backbone to have any standards.
There is a right way to answer your children's questions about life...God's way or man's way.  How we answer them now...will determine the choices they make...which will affect how they go!

There are some things that make my blood boil...

I watched the water begin to boil.  The heat caused tiny bubbles to form...the speed at which they bubbled increased.  The bubbles got bigger and the water came to a rolling boil...perfect for making oatmeal.
My heart feels those same bubbles increasing in intensity as the heat gets turned up in our life as parents.  We are working very hard each day to train our children according to what God's Book says.  Every day, we feel the heat of the influence and compromise that assaults our children.  We are to guard their hearts, to protect their minds, and to train them to follow God's Word.  We expect attacks to come...from unbelievers.  What makes my blood boil...are the attacks from so-called believers.  It is causing confusion and frustration for our children.  There are many verses in the Bible about these attacks: fiery darts of the wicked, or causing offences, or being a stumblingblock.
"Your parents just don't want you to have any fun," was one of the latest statements made to our children.  Our version of fun is not regulated by another child's fun.  Our version of fun has everything to do with how it lines up to God's measuring stick.  The compromising of God's Word by parents...has lowered the standards of what is fun...and appropriate for children.  WE WILL HAVE TO GIVE AN ACCOUNT FOR ASHLYNN, ALISA, AND TEDDY!  God made us their parents and He has told us how to be their parents.  God also talks very strongly about those people who cause an offence to a child...Matthew 18!
Our children struggle...from their words, "Then why do they do _________?  They say they are a Christian and their dad is a pastor (or their mom is a...)."  Do you see the stumblingblock here?  A person in the place of God-given authority...
Yes, the heat has been turned up under this Dad and Mom!  We have to respond in the right way and with the right words.  We are having to call out right and wrong...according to God's Word...not our preferences.  We are beyond the "Don't do this." or "No no" stage.  We have to give a reason..."an answer for the hope that lieth within us"!  We don't want to have to call "it what it is".  We don't want to be uncomfortable...or offensive.  But we must speak the truth in love...and call sin sin...because we are battling for our children's hearts.  This part of parenting isn't fun!  I want our children to be safe and have fun.  I want them to stay children for as long as possible...in their minds too! 
We have to take a stand and protect our children...and it is going to affect our whole family!  Woe be to any of us...who cause a little one to stumble!

We don't have any expectations!

Main Entry: obedience

Part of Speech: noun

Definition: good behavior; submissiveness

Synonyms: accordance, acquiescence, agreement, compliance, conformability, conformity, deference, docility, duteousness, dutifulness, duty, manageability, meekness, observance, orderliness, quietness, respect, reverence, servility, submission, subservience, tameness, tractability, willingness

Antonyms: bad behavior, disobedience, misbehavior, mischief, mutiny, rebellion
Thank you, thesaurus.com!

It is becoming more and more apparent that we don't like the words that God uses in His Word. They are too harsh.  They are not politically correct.  They make us uncomfortable.  Well, nobody really follows everything so rigid anymore.  This thought process is not new!  The Bible is filled with accounts of people who thought they knew better than the Creator of the World.  The questioning began in Heaven when Lucifer thought he had a better understanding than God.  God relieved him of his service and removed him very quickly!  He has been hard at work ever since. 
OBEDIENCE has become a foreign word and concept to many parents...and adults.  "My word, you can't expect people to live up to that standard. They are only children...they probably didn't understand the guidelines that were put out for them.  We just need to love them. There are so many distractions...they just can't be expected to know what was happening."  And the children run wild.  We teach our children that the Bible is God's love letter to the world.  God is love.  So what do we do about the whole book of Proverbs?  What about Ephesians?  What about the book of John?  What about I Corinthians?  We say we love children and care about them...but often...we demonstrate a selfish love by not taking "the whole counsel of God"! We leave out things that make us uncomfortable.  We create chaos for our children.
Read the synonyms listed above.  There are many words to choose.  Call it what you want...but it all boils down to a submission to what God expects.  And someday...we will come face to face with our unbelief toward what God expects. 
Meanwhile, the children...look at the adults around them and scoff.  "What are you going to do about it?"  They know the words and threats are empty.  They have called our bluff.  "Well, they are just kids...they are not my kids...I don't want them to get upset..."  AND ADULTS ARE BEING RUN RAGGED BY CHILDREN WHO ARE OUT OF CONTROL!
What is even more astounding to me...Christians have fallen into that line of thinking.  We have become wishy-washy and weak.  We don't teach our children.  We get angry or offended when people speak the truth.  We operate according to what makes us feel good, rather than by what God's Word has clearly defined.  Mothers are frustrated, Fathers are lethargic, and children are running "amuck" in the home, school, city, church, or wherever else the parents drag them!
Whatever happened to Christians...believers...Christ followers...following God's Instruction Book?  What has happened to training others to "Follow God's Way...It's the best way!"  Families are struggling...some don't even know it...because they don't know Who God Is.  
We have been teaching children all week about Who God Is.  We have had clear and direct messages about Who God Is and what He wants each person to do.  Evang. Brail has used wonderful "tricks" to help the children understand this truth.  We sing good songs, have fun games, do crafts, eat snacks, and supply neat prizes.  This is an  important time.  We can teach our children many good things...but we have to help them choose those good things...they don't do it just because we taught it!  We have to get up and get busy and practice what has been taught!  When you stand or sit back and do nothing to help them practice what they have been taught...holding them accountable...you have just wasted alot of time!  It is common sense.
Our children are learning Who God Is...they have also learned that they need to follow His Word.  God's Word says children are to obey!  Children can and will obey.  We have taught the children in Children's Church, I Cor. 14:40 "Let all things be done decently and in order."  We have had to spend time to help them understand and then we have had to work to enforce what God expects.  It doesn't just happen!
Children want to know the rules and boundaries.  They feel safe!  Children want to know that the people teaching them, know the rules and will follow them.  Rules are for everybody!   (We need to go to God's Word for our rules.  Rules aren't based on likes or dislikes.  Rules serve a purpose.  If the rules don't work, they need to be re-evaluated.)  Children also know how to work those in authority to get around the rules if they don't like them.  It is called manipulation! 
Children...like adults...have sin natures and will most often choose the path of least resistance.  But they still want to know there are rules...what they are...and who is going to enforce them. 
After the last few months in our home and at church...and then this week of VBS...we see the need to raise our expectations to what the Lord has already layed out in God's Word.  Actually, maybe, we need to first set some basic expectations and then consistently practice them! 
Basic obedience is a good start. 
Do you expect immediate obedience from your children?  Do you expect obedience toward other authority...male or female?  Do you expect obedience with a right attitude?  Do you expect obedience without question?  Do you undermind expectations of God-given authority?  (Mom, do you follow Dad's rules when he isn't around?  Dad, are you giving leadership to your wife and children?  Mom, are you being consistent each and every day?)  It is hard work...but we are expected to do that work.
I wonder if we really understand our role in teaching our children to obey?  Ephesians 4, 5, and 6 lay out a very thorough expectation for what happens in the home.  If the home isn't in agreement...chaos will errupt...anywhere and anytime.  Expect chaos...if you don't expect obedience...or any form of it!

Choosing right doesn't just happen!

The old adage "Garbage in, garbage out" has been at the forefront of our thinking lately. It is our job to protect our children...as best we can...so when they are confronted with ungodly things, they can choose the right!  God's Word says that children are a heritage of the Lord. 
When I think of a heritage...I think of something that you pass on.  You take great care to keep it safe.  Our children don't belong to us...they belong to God!  Are we protecting God's children from the garbage of this world?  Or are we carefully picking through the garbage...thinking that some of it is ok?!  God has blessed us with many people who have a talent to encourage us as parents.  He gives us leaders in our churches who can point us in the right direction when choosing encouragement.  We need to be discerning!
There are many things we do in our home to protect this heritage from the Lord.  It isn't an easy job.  It is a constant vigilance.  We must guard what we, as parents, allow to fill our minds...first!  We have to be able to think clearly...and biblically!  Our children are quick to pick up on our weaknesses.  They hear it in the words we choose and what we listen to each day.  They see it in the plans we make and the items we buy.  They see it in the importance we place on things in our life.  Our example is creating the next generation!  I see how much our children are influenced by us.  Then I see how much they are influenced by others...especially now as they are getting older.  They are noticing the differences in what we do verses others.  God is going to hold us accountable for how we care for His heritage! 
Our desire is to base what we do and why we do it on God's Word.  We are finding out that it isn't the popular way to parent these days...because it is hard work. One wonderful tool that is available to all...Patch the Pirate cds.  What a wonderful encouragement to parents!  In the busyness of our lives, there are tools to help Christian parents rear their children according to God's way.  Sad to say, we don't take time to ask those who know and we flail around in our ignorance.  We don't even put forth the simple effort to get our children under the preaching and teaching of God's Word on a consistent basis.  We can't figure out why some days are so difficult!  What do you expect to happen?  We are confusing our children!  They have no idea what is right to think and do...because we have no idea what is right.  We end up turning on the television and letting our children fill up on Sponge Bob...because "it is cute...it is funny...and it keeps the kids entertained..."  Then we act all flustered when our children speak to us with sassy, disrespectful words or bounce off the walls with crazy behavior.  What did you think would happen?  You can't allow children (or yourself) to have a steady diet of disrespectful inuendo and expect something different.  Your tolerance in little things...will lead to much bigger battles later.  What you allow young children to participate in and with...will be maginified as they grow up.  How cute will it be then?!  God expects children to do right too!  "Even a child...is known by his doings...whether his works be pure...and whether they be right."  Children can't do right...if the adults in their lives aren't doing right!  Children learn what they live!
So...we choose to protect our children by striving to fill their minds with Godly principles that will make our life peaceful and their lives hopeful and blessed!  We fill up on Patch th Pirate and Godly music.  We carefully monitor what they watch!  We don't allow the accepted ratings to determine if our children will watch something.   As Ted and I hear the Patch cds again, we are amazed at how many of the songs we remember!  Those truths made an impact on our thinking...a good impact!  The kids finally are enjoying the adventures of Patch and the gang! (We tried before and "it is too scary" or "why did they stop singing again?" They get the whole idea now!!!)  We know that God's truths will be cemented with these wonderful characters and message!  That is the type of message we want our children's minds to be filled with on a daily basis.  The Bible says that God's Word does not return void.  Choosing right doesn't just happen...it is a daily decision...that must be taught and lived out in the lives of God's people.  His truth will stand...even when surrounded by the garbage of this world!

"If I will hand myself over to Him, I need never experience the terrible possibilities that are in my heart."

When I read this, I am grateful for the work that the Holy Spirit is able to do in my heart.  What a miserable life we have apart from His mercy and grace! 
In Matthew 15, Jesus was rebuking the scribes and the Pharisees for questioning the actions of the disciples.  They were not following the tradition and washing their hands when they ate bread.  The question Jesus asks, "Are ye also yet without understanding?  Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly...But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart;  and they defile the man.  For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adultries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:  These are the things which defile a man:  but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man."
As a mother, I am so often concerned with the cleanliness of our children's hands when they come to the kitchen or table.  I should have the words, "Did you wash your hands?" or "Use Germ-X!" or "Go...wash your hands!" printed on t-shirts...one for every day!  I don't want them ingesting nasty germs that would make them (or others) sick.  We wouldn't allow them to eat out of the garbage because of the dangers that are there.
But there are other senses that they use every hour of every day...that we forget about!  What are we allowing to enter their body by way of their eyes and ears?  Have you considered the "nasty germs" that satan fills our world with each day?  What germs are you allowing to feed those "terrible possibilites that are in the heart"?  I read the list in verse 19 and I think that I am putting more energy into handwashing...than heart watching!  Germs that infect our bodies can usually be easily treated.  Sin that infects the heart leaves wounds that last a lifetime.
Being a mother means more than looking out for germs.  We must look out for sin that attacks our children's hearts!  Am I as careful about what our children watch and listen to on t.v. as I am about the use of antibacterial soaps?  Have I become tolerant of things that I once watched for?  Am I willing to protect our children even if it is uncomfortable?  So often, we mothers, are deceived by the ways and wiles of satan.  We stay at home with our children.  We become weary of always being the one saying, "No".  We get caught up in our to do lists and let the children do whatever to leave us alone.  We don't want our children to feel out of place, so we let them do whatever their friends do.  We want our children to fit in and not be the odd man out, so we find ourselves saying things like, "It isn't that big of a deal.  It won't hurt if we..." 
Pretty soon...the precautions we took as first time mothers have changed...drastically!  At one time, we would disinfect anything that went in our children's mouths with boiling water and bleach.  Next, we went to a quick rinse off under the faucet. Then, we moved to spit cleaning.  Finally, we started counting the five or ten second rule.  If we have progressed that quickly and are that lax in dealing with germs now...what are we doing about germs that infect the heart? 
Satan began deceiving Eve in the garden and he continues to attack us...beginning in the home with Mom first...because we are quick to excuse and explain away things that make us face the unpleasantness of decisions we make.  Those decisions...always have consequences!  Have you considered that there are things worse than not washing your hands!