Practical Parenting

by Sharon Betters

 

TODAY’S TREASURE

We will not hide them from their children,
    but tell to the coming generation
the glorious deeds of the Lord, and His might,
    and the wonders that He has done.

Psalm 78:4

 

Dear Friends,

It’s time for our What She Said! Summer Series. I get such great feedback when guest writers share their thoughts on Daily Treasure.  It’s a pleasure to welcome back Sherry Bitler as our Guest Writer this week. For many years, Sherry served as Director of Children’s Ministry for her church. She not only developed an effective children’s ministry, but she also started two schools, one traditional and one for homeschooling families. But Sherry did not stop with creating educational options for children, she saw mentoring young moms as one of her top priorities. In this week’s series, Sherry shares some of the practical parenting ideas she passed on to young moms, but don’t stop reading if you’re not parenting young children. Each day, Sherry encourages readers to consider if we are modeling the very character qualities we wish others exhibited.

I especially liked Sherry’s encouragement for us to laugh more. After the death of our son, Mark, I remembered the Scripture that laughter is good medicine. I decided that every time I watched a television sitcom, I would try to laugh as hard as I had cried that day. In time, I started feeling laughter break the ache in my chest for a few minutes. Throughout our parenting years, I can think of times laughter took over our family at the most inopportune moments, breaking the stress of difficult situations.

Whether you are parenting young children or easing into retirement, you will be encouraged by Sherry’s devotionals this week.

Treasured by Him,

Sharon

LIFE-GIVING ENCOURAGEMENT

Learn more from Sherry in these two Help & Hope interviews:

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In this interview, you’ll hear Sherry describe what it was like to hear the diagnosis of M.S. and how it changed her life. Listeners with a similar diagnosis will be encouraged by the way Sherry has confronted this disease and learned how to continue to invest her life in the lives of others, even though she is sometimes physically limited. This conversation will also help “healthy” people learn how they can come alongside of someone whose constant companion is M.S.

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A chronic condition is a human health condition or disease that is persistent or otherwise long-lasting in its effects. The term chronic is usually applied when the course of the disease lasts for more than three months. These interviews with women with chronic illnesses are able to give thanks to God everyday even when their pain becomes too much to bear.


Sharon W. Betters is author of Treasures of Encouragement, Treasures in Darkness and co-author of Treasures of Faith. She is Director of Resource Development and co-founder of MARKINC.org, a non profit organization that offers help and hope to hurting people. Sharon enjoys quality time with her husband, children and fourteen grandchildren.

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Contact Sharon with comments or questions at dailytreasure@markinc.org.