Letters from the King: Parenting (13)
Letter from The King
(Note: to start from the beginning of Letters from the King: The Reluctant Christian Ambassador, go here.)
Daughter,
Yes, it is difficult to know how to raise one’s children in a foreign land. The pressures are so great to conform to their way of thinking. And, I understand your desire for your children to “fit in” and to be accepted by their friends.
My daughter, you are responsible to teach them My ways – just as I have taught you. Raise them to know My ways and to be motivated to tell others of My love for them, My care for them….and that I am coming soon. When it is time, I will send for them and teach them myself. Right now, I need you to understand the importance of this task. They are precious to me and I want them to know Me. 
I understand that this is difficult and often seems overwhelming; it is an important responsibility. In fact, that is one way that others will know that your story is true, by watching you faithfully, tenderly and wisely teaching and raising your children.
A couple of letters ago, you talked about looking for a job. I would submit to you, daughter, that your job as mother will match up nicely against the #1 criteria you outlined: The job is in the midst of those who don’t know Me.
Absolutely! As you teach them and nurture your children, you will be working among those who need to hear My message. In fact, as you train and nurture your children, you will invariably find others who need training and nurturing. And, you will meet criteria #2 that you set for yourself: Use the knowledge and skills you have.
You will be amazed, Daughter, with all the opportunities that will come your way if you will ensure that training and nurturing your children is held in the highest regard.
Truly there is nothing more pleasing than training the little ones to come to Me. Look at all the time I spent with you, my child. You know that My heart is for children. A child that is properly trained and nurtured will do much in furthering My kingdom. This meets criteria #3 that you set: The work must be honorable and pleasing to Me.
Daughter, how often do you visit with My Advisor about how to raise children in a foreign land? I encourage you to talk with him often for he is filled with insights. He has raised many children with brilliant success. He can help you.
I also encourage you to visit often with My People. They also have many insights and will be able to help you sort out what is right for your children.
I am confident that you will do the right thing, Daughter, knowing that your children are of utmost importance to Me. I would give My life for them. I love them more that you can imagine.
Your loving Father
Marketplace Minister’s Question:How often do you pray with and for your children?
Marketplace Minister’s Lesson: Prayer is a powerful resource in knowing how to wisely parent your children.
P.S. I’m interested in your comments on this journey. What details would you add? What questions are you asking yourself after reading? If you were in the character’s shoes, what questions would you be asking?
To keep following the story, go here
I look forward to your insights!
© Copyright 2011, Danita Bye Marketplace Ministers, All Rights Reserved.
Reluctant Christian Ambassador: Importance of Children (12)
Letter from Daughter
(Note: to start from the beginning of Letters from the King: The Reluctant Christian Ambassador, go here.)
Dear Father,
Thank you, thank you, thank you. I am so relieved that You understand the difficulties of this assignment!
I am very concerned about my children. I wish I were raising them in Your court instead of in this foreign land. I am anxious about how to keep them growing in Your ways, not the ways of this land. It seems impossible, Father! 
They have made many friends, which I’m happy about. However, it seems that they are bombarded everyday by the ideas and thoughts of this land. I am afraid. How do I raise them to choose Your path? Plus, You sent our whole family to proclaim this message. But, they don’t have the training and schooling that You provided for me. What do I do, Father ? I feel like my kids are at risk.
What are your suggestions, Father?
I need to tell You that I continue to be impressed with Your people and how they handle the stresses of this culture. They are faithful to gather together regularly for training and encouragement. They share freely with each other and are so willing to help one another.
Your loving Daughter
Marketplace Minister’s Question:What steps are you taking to help your children learn God’s ways?
Marketplace Minister’s Lesson:One of our most important roles is caring for our children and raising them to know God’s ways.
P.S. I’m interested in your comments on this journey. What details would you add? What questions are you asking yourself after reading? If you were in the character’s shoes, what questions would you be asking?
To keep following the story, go here
I look forward to your insights!
© Copyright 2011, Danita Bye Sales Growth Specialists, All Rights Reserved.
Letters from the King: Staying Focused (11)
Introduction: I drafted this story over 10 years ago in the midst of a life transition. I was wrestling with what it meant for me to be Christian 24/7, especially a Christian Businessperson and a Christian Entrepreneur. I decided to write a short letter to God to express my frustrations with life; I wrote for two days straight.
The manuscript of Letters from the King: The Reluctant Christian Ambassador sat on the shelf. Periodically I took it off the shelf and paged through. Invariably, I returned it to the shelf, discouraged because it seemed too daunting of a task to “clean it up.” However, this is the year! I look forward to our journey together and your insights!
Note: to start from the beginning of the story, go here.)
Letter from The King
Dear Daughter,
I thank you for your honest assessment of your situation. It sounds like you may by steering off course, Daughter. Since I am not there, I need to trust that you are discussing all these issues with My Advisor. I know that he will be able to see what needs to be corrected. 
It is always difficult to balance the many demands of living in a foreign land. It is most important to not get too comfortable, nor drawn in by their worldview. Talk often with My Advisor. I also encourage you to get together with My People regularly as they have lived in this land longer than you. Many have learned how to live in this foreign land with balance and effectiveness. Read and reread the letters that I send you directly, especially the letters I sent many years ago. Those letters are filled with My Words – insights I shared with My People many years ago about how to live in the foreign land without becoming entangled by it.
I caution you, my tender one, do not become confused by the thoughts of this land. Many in leadership hate me and are seeking to destroy those who still believe that I love them, care for them and am coming back soon. Oh, I know that there is no way that you will become one of them! However, I know that their ways are subtle…and even their clever lies can destroy your success in carrying out My mission.
I sent you to that land for only one reason, to tell them I love them, I care for them and that I am coming to visit soon. Always keep that in mind. Judge all your behavior, actions and dreams by that mission.
And, yes, it is difficult for your husband. He has many pressures and you need to support him in every way possible. The best way to help him stay focused on the mission is for you to stay focused on the mission yourself. As always, I encourage you to talk often with My Advisor , even about your husband, as He is experienced in spotting thoughts and ideas that are contrary to your mission. He is very astute in these matters, having been trained in the art of warfare. He has fought and won the greatest battles.
Daughter, I told you in the beginning that this was a dangerous mission. Truly you have entered a war zone. Those in the foreign land will seek to change you to their way of life and thinking. You MUST stay focused. I need you to keep your eye on the goal, always. I love those people and they need to hear the message I send them through you.
Remember the message.
Your loving Father
Marketplace Minister’s Question: What are some of the practices you’re developing to keep yourself focused on the mission?
Marketplace Minister’s Lesson: Be proactive in staying focused on the central mission.
P.S. I’m interested in your comments on this journey. What details would you add? What questions are you asking yourself after reading? If you were in the character’s shoes, what questions would you be asking?
To keep following the story, go here
I look forward to your insights!
© Copyright 2011, Danita Bye Sales Growth Specialists, All Rights Reserved.
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Bold and Refreshing
Danita has a special gift of igniting others into action. Her skill and experience, partnered with ministry insight, makes Danita a powerful marketplace minister! Her sharp precision cuts right to the heart of business matters – assisting others in breaking new ground for Kingdom Advancement!- Rhonda M. Kalal, President
MN Christian Chamber of Commerce
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"Danita delivered a powerful, insightful and thought-provoking talk that dramatically kicked off the new semester with great success. She is a polished, professional and prepared speaker, yet connects with her audience as if she were having a conversation with a good friend. Thank you, Danita!"- Heather Lam
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Moms In Step, Woodridge Church
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