Carrie's Country Cottage

Five Family Rules

I have been asked to share a bit of how our home runs; our family philosophy on different things.  I have hesitated to share for concern of sounding like we have "it" all figured out.  We don't!!!  We live in a house full of sinners (including ME).  But, I would be happy to share some things that we are learning along our journey.

I would like to share our Five Family Rules.  These are our family standards.  (These are rules that must be obeyed while "under my roof".)  And are to adhered to in ADDITION to the mandates of the Bible.  (Which we pray the children will carry with them throughout all their life.)  We have been using these rules for a number of years.  Recently I have changed a few of the verses that we have associated with each.  The older children have become complaisant with the previous verses and are facing new challenges as they grow into young men.  New/different verses are helpful in providing a new perspective and additional wisdom.  (So, if you have suggestions they would be appreciated.)

Honor:  1.) to respect greatly;  2.) to show high regard for -- Webster New Word Dictionary 

"Honor your father and your mother (as the Lord your God has commanded you), so that you may live long (and that it may go well with you) in the land the Lord your God is giving you." -- Exodus 20:12 and Deuteronomy 5:16 (that which is in parenthesis)

Obedience:  True obedience is:  1. immediate;  2. exact;  3. cheerful.  (Anything else is disobedience and should be addressed as such.)  Our children are to obey first and may discuss later. 

"Children obey your parents in the Lord for this is right." -- Ephesians 6:1  ;  "Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord." -- Colossians 3:20

Respect:  Our children are expected to treat others as they would have others treat them.  The Duggar Family has an acronym that we have borrowed.  Our children are encouraged to serve one another with JOY.  Jesus first, Others second and Yourself last.   

"But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.  Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope you have.  But do this with gentleness and respect." -- 1 Peter 3:15  ;  "A kindhearted woman gains respect, but a ruthless man gains only wealth." -- Proverbs 11:16  ;  "Even a child is know by his actions, by whether his conduct is pure and right.." -- Proverbs 19:11  ; 

Excellence:  We do not expect our children to be THE best; we do however expect them to be THEIR best.  We try not to dwell on "things of this world", but instead think on those things that bring glory to God.  Anything worth doing is worth doing well.

"His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness.  Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires."  --  2 Peter 1:3-4  ;   "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable -- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy -- think about such things."  --  Philipians 4:8

Gratitude:  We agree with Bob and Larry:  "A happy heart is a thankful heart."

"Do everything without complaining or arguing (grumbling)." -- Phil 2:14 ;  "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with such things as you have, because God has said, 'Never will I leave your; never will I forsake you (Deut. 31:6).'" --Hebrews 13:5  ;  "You get what you get; your happy about it (and you don't throw a fit)." -- unknown ;

***Please do NOT think that Manly and I are perfect and are sucessful in raising perfect children.  My husband and I fall short of these standard, ourselves, far more than I care to admit.  We are dirty sinners in great need of forgiveness from our glorious Savior.  These rules are our attempt to instill in our children our morals and ideals; to prepare them to be productive citizens prepared to change the world to honor and glorify our Lord and Savior.