Good stuff Randi!!! I shared this link at my blog thanks to you... Blessings!!!!
I agree completely. I know that over the past couple years we have done and said things with our older children that were totally counterproductive to our ultimate goal. We pray that we are living and speaking in a way, now, that will help heal some wounds and lay a path for our whole family that will keep hearts open to living in a close relationship with the Lord. It is not always easy, and the kids do not always "cooperate" but they are worth the struggles.
I watch and listen to those in our own community who are Mennonite and always find a peace within myself when I am around them. They live such a peaceful, yet vibrant life. As I have gotten to know some of the individuals and families, I see it evident in the old and the young. Do the young adults have some yearnings beyond what their parents wish? Yes, but they do seem to have a communication level different than most in our town. I continue to watch listen and learn so that I too, may have this in my life.
thank you! I have been so touched by the attitude of the Amish! While i shiver a bit due to some Legalism in my past, i tend to want to "run away" from the "stricter" sects ... such as amish and Mennonites, BUT ... that is simply a judgemental reaction, deep down, I envy them!
I envy the freedom to be simple, christian, loving, and just accepted as that. I wish we could be so simple in our modern churches. I agree with why the youth in the Amish community carry on the faith. It is Knowing our kids, teaching them ... being home with them 
My parents did that, they invested YEARS and tears and memories and FAITH teachngs, love, and countless other things, that make me want to pass it all on, to pray fervently that somehow i communicate it to my kids.
God Bless that community! God bless their ablity to forgive what an example!! What a show of "Jesus in human skin"
Thanks again for spotlighting that article
Amen, Amen, and Amen!!
Randi,
I loved this line from your post "The key is being a parent who takes the time, on a daily basis, to know our kids, and living in such a way that shows them that God is real and active in our lives in all circumstances."
Great post...
Randi, I totally agree. Good parenting takes time, but it's so worth it. Thanks for posting this.
I agree including our kids in our faith walk and taking time with them is sooo important.
I can't really agree with the Amish "expert" though. There is tremendous social pressure for them to stay in the church. I was never Amish, but my dad was and my maternal grandmother. There is good and bad about the Amish just as any other people!
Wow. That is an awesome article. Thanks for sharing it with us. It's a good reminder of what is really important.
Amen and Hallelujah! Thank you for posting this as it is something that is on my heart often. In our family we always say "Chirst First". I think it is becoming uncommon for people to remember to put Christ first always and not just on Sunday. Children learn what they live and that is the most important thing.
Randi, this is a beautiful post. Thank you. I wholeheartedly agree with the trouble of "outsourcing" our childrens' developement in so many areas. I hope and pray every day that I can find the time and ability to show my children who I hope to be and who they can be. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Beautiful post about a tragic occurence. I'll check out the link, thanks.
Randi--
I see we're thinking along the same lines! There's nothing like being there with your kids in their activities and processing all that happens through a faith lens vs. letting other adults--even Christian ones--be their sounding boards.
And they want to talk to us! My 13 yo daughter says her friends wish they could tell their moms everything, like she can. (Apparently what I've done right is to not freak out when she brings up boys she's interested in.)
Randi - your last paragraph (especially) was so encouraging to me. I am finding myself filled with fear of the future when I should be seizing the moment now. Thank you so so much for this much needed bit of wisdom.
Excellent Post! Overflowing with Truth!
My girls are not participants of a youth group and look to their family as their peer group! I have raised them with the thought - "Rules without a relationship equals rebellion." Our focus is developing a relationship with each other and with God - not making sure everybody follows a set of rules! Once the relationship is cemented? LOVE and Grace governs! Rules are followed out of love not coercion!
The Amish showed us a beautiful example of how to forgive. But don't lionize them too much. While they have the "love your enemies" part of Christianity down pat, they do not believe in salvation by grace, and excommunicate any of their members who believe in assurance of salvation.
And, they have an extremely high incidence of spousal abuse, child abuse and neglect, and sexual abuse:
www.amishabuse.com/
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