We are David and Farah Isbell. Our earliest years of marriage were aimless! Around year 5 we chose to be different than we were before- to purposefully bring certain things into our relationship and to keep some things out. For 18 years, this modeling process has chiseled us and compounded our enjoyment of marriage and parenting. This podcast is for us to remember our Model and to possibly encourage other families to chase and build toward their own, with planning and purpose. Welcome to the journey of Model Parenting!
Scripture Joshua 24:15.
The kids return as special guests to share their thoughts on setting hearts on course for God. They have not listened to the podcast because this is a way we can study and evaluate if what we are saying to the microphone lines up with what we live at home. It shows developmental levels and where we still need to focus and also gives us feedback on where we need to align with God and then tweak our systems with the kids. How much do our systems return us to God, to dependence on Grace, to hope in Him? It is more common to set up a system to become more independent; in parenting how can we build systems to repeatedly turn us back to Him and not self. Back to Him, not a new run at "success". Back to leaning on His Way, not our's, His Plan, not our's, His Desires for us, not what the world describes as desirable.
Connecting Activity: do something silly or goofy together
Resource: “You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.” P.27 of Atomic Habits by James Clear.
10 Jun 2022
Balance is a Myth
In this episode we discuss 'balance' not being the best goal. We talk about places we have been unbalanced and some consequences that come from that. Philippians 4:12 and Romans 8:31-39 are focus scriptures.
Connection Activity: This particular activity has biggest result if done individually. Time spent building the thankful muscle on and individual level compounds connections to other people. Thankful people more easily connect to others but thankful people don't just exist, God forms them through the discipline of thankfulness. Write down at least things that bring thanks each day. If it is difficult at first, use "breath", arms, legs, water, etc., and don't give up, ask God to help you see and acknowledge His gifts.
Resource: The chapter on Belonging: What the Eisenhower's Knew in Donald Miller's To Own a Dragon
10 Jun 2022
Sense of place
This discusses parental effort and prayer in helping children orient to their place in the family, in the world, and most importantly, in relation to God. Physical place is an important part of foundation and benefits from attention, but efforts beyond just physical space pay huge dividends long term in the individual and the relationship.
Psalm 78 is a great place to begin in story-telling and then add in what God has done personally in the more recent history of you. Retell the stories of their children. Journal them so you remember and go back and read them on sick days or rainy days.
Traditions and small regular, rhythms also add to sense of place. One example is in the following activity.
Connection Activity: Repeatedly, build a blanket, sheet, and pillow fort and climb in their with the kids. Let forts get bigger as kids do! No need to stay with them for hours but try to get in before clean up for at least 10 minutes, or peek in throughout to see what all they add to the decor. Are their any elements they have in their 'house' that you could consider incorporating in your permanent space that you don't already have? Be sure to give them the credit and thank them for their ideas. Each time you crawl into a blanket tent, silently remember Your Father God (from 2 Chronicles 6;18 & 2Chronicles 7:1-2; Psalm 116;2) who has humbled Himself again and again to be with us. Imitate your Dad's Crouch. This is worship!
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