Days Are Long, Years Are Short

Description

I’m unsure why I left this project dormant in Google Drive before publishing it. Maybe the longer I am a parent, the more I realize how much I really don’t know.  

I like to read books on parenting, pray for my kids every single day, and trust that God is giving me wisdom and perspective on raising kids for the kingdom.  

These quick, twenty-five short chapters aren’t meant to be a burden to you. I want these practical thoughts to be encouraging. Don’t try to do it all. Just do one little thing today… Take in these quick 40 or so pages and just keep living life, trusting God to help you parent well!  

Today is all you have, and your kids will appreciate the simple act of focus and intentional living, whether they know it or not!

For example, don’t say, “Turn off that music so we can talk…” Instead, try, “What are you listening to? What is your favorite song?” And don’t holler, “Quit playing video games so we can do something as a family!” just walk to them, sit down, and ask, “What is your goal here?” or say “How in the world did you do that?” 

There’s no silver bullet to guarantee a successful outcome for your kids, but I do know being an active parent is one ingredient. You’ll always be your child’s parent, as crazy as that is! From the beginning of the parenting adventure,  I’ve turned it over to the Lord. As one of my friends has said, when things get tough with kids, “that’s God’s issue.”  But I want to be a great steward of the children God has given me and this book is one small stepping stone for growth as a parent. 

Maybe a parenting book shouldn’t be written until the kids are all grown up and successful! But I’m hitting the publish button now while my kids are in their middle and high school years because it reminds me! I need to consistently live out Chapters 1, 4 and 9. My children need me to re-read 6, 7, 12 and 13. I’m thankful for the ways I’m able to live out chapter 15 and I need to pray for more of Chapter 16 in my life! 

Who knows what may strike you as you read this book, but I’m praying your relationships will grow and God will be glorified.  

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

1. Days Are Long, Years Are Short — 4 
2. Frugal Extravagance — 6
3. Household Chores Children’s Should Do — 8
4. The Incredible Value Of Five Percent — 10 
5. The Power Of Speaking Greatness — 13 
6. Three Things Every Kid Needs — 15
7. Intentionally Spend Time With Your Children — 16 
8. Three Critical Times To Engage With Your Kids — 20 
9. Six Ways Dads Help Their Kids Belong — 21
10. Eye Contact Is So Important — 23 
11. Four Ways To Give Your Kids Keys To The Faith —  24
12. Help Your Kids Become Good Thinkers -— 25
13. Intangible Gifts Touch A Child’s Heart — 27
14. Four Ways To Offer Praise To Kids — 29
15. Involve Your Children In Ministry With You —  30
16. Ten Best Practices For Dads —  33
17. You’re Going To Disappoint Someone — 36
18. There’s Always Enough Time To Do God’s Will —  37
19. Pray For Your Home And Believe In Your Kids —  39
20. Five Bedtime Questions For Kids —  40 
21. The Gift Of Time —  41
22. For Ways To Teach Your Children To Be Content —  42
23. Parents: Don’t Expect Perfection —  44
24. Make Church A Priority —  44
25. Grow The Tree You Have —  46

© Tim Price | Harvest Ministry | TimPriceBlog.com

Tim Price, Harvest Ministry

Since graduating from Asbury Seminary, I have had a call to “be a resource to the church” in a variety of different ways. I praise the Lord for the opportunities I have had to minister to students, children, worship leaders, pastors, youth ministry leaders, and others in the local church.

In addition to serving as Director for Harvest Ministry Teams, I also serve part-time at my home church, which allows me to be free for ministry around the country on about half of the Sundays of each calendar year. I have found valuable experience serving in a few different church staff positions over the years – all in the same church! Being on staff here since 1998 has allowed me to get a view of ministry for the long haul.

Though it sounds simple, my basic passion is to be a “church helper,” making everything possible so that people can connect with God through the ministry of the local church.