"Finally, brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you."
2 Thessalonians 3:1
Pray for the Word to take root in your child's heart. Pray that the gospel message - the message of the Lord - will be honored, leading to your child's salvation.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Friday, March 6, 2009
Poured Out
"But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you."
Philippians 2:17
I'll be honest, I am not a theologian and do not know exactly what is meant by a 'drink offering.' But I have a feeling it's something like what I'm feeling today. Having spent the prior night in the ER with my youngest son, just 15 months, because he had an anaphylactic reaction to stealing his brother's sippy cup of milk (while I was spanking the older brother), fighting a cold myself the past two days, and during my one break in the day listening to my boys scream and cry in protestation of their nap...I'm at the "poured out" part, and there's not a thing left.
So now I have a choice: what's my attitude? Do I allow my feelings and exhaustion to rule, rendering me captive to frustration, irritation, and being overwhelmed? Or do I allow my mind to rule my emotions, choosing to be glad and rejoice at the calling of God in my life to motherhood, and for the amazing children he's called me to parent?
By God's grace and strength, let us all be like Paul, who though he was poured out said, "I am glad and rejoice with all of you."
Philippians 2:17
I'll be honest, I am not a theologian and do not know exactly what is meant by a 'drink offering.' But I have a feeling it's something like what I'm feeling today. Having spent the prior night in the ER with my youngest son, just 15 months, because he had an anaphylactic reaction to stealing his brother's sippy cup of milk (while I was spanking the older brother), fighting a cold myself the past two days, and during my one break in the day listening to my boys scream and cry in protestation of their nap...I'm at the "poured out" part, and there's not a thing left.
So now I have a choice: what's my attitude? Do I allow my feelings and exhaustion to rule, rendering me captive to frustration, irritation, and being overwhelmed? Or do I allow my mind to rule my emotions, choosing to be glad and rejoice at the calling of God in my life to motherhood, and for the amazing children he's called me to parent?
By God's grace and strength, let us all be like Paul, who though he was poured out said, "I am glad and rejoice with all of you."
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Reaping the Fruit of Righteousness
Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.
2 Corinthians 7:10
Do not be discouraged in disciplining your children and speaking the truth to them, though that truth lead to their sorrow. Truth spoken out of love is not just our calling as mothers, it will also one day be our joy as we see our children reaping the fruit of righteousness sown into their hearts.
2 Corinthians 7:10
Do not be discouraged in disciplining your children and speaking the truth to them, though that truth lead to their sorrow. Truth spoken out of love is not just our calling as mothers, it will also one day be our joy as we see our children reaping the fruit of righteousness sown into their hearts.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Confession
For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.
Romans 10:10
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.
James 5:16a
If your children are like mine, you've noticed your child struggling the most with disobedience during times of confession. In other words, when they're embarrassed over sin they're more likely to disobey again. There's something powerful in confessing with our mouth and asking forgiveness - that's when true repentance is possible. The enemy knows this, and therefore works hard to keep sins in secret, hidden from the light, or ignored. What a disservice we do to our children by not insisting they account for all sins with a sincere, full apology. In my household a full apology is, "I'm sorry, [name], for [sin]. Will you forgive me?" Forgiveness is given with a smile, then hugs and kisses follow. We then take a moment to confess the same sin to God and thank Him for the forgiveness He offers us in Christ.
Romans 10:10
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.
James 5:16a
If your children are like mine, you've noticed your child struggling the most with disobedience during times of confession. In other words, when they're embarrassed over sin they're more likely to disobey again. There's something powerful in confessing with our mouth and asking forgiveness - that's when true repentance is possible. The enemy knows this, and therefore works hard to keep sins in secret, hidden from the light, or ignored. What a disservice we do to our children by not insisting they account for all sins with a sincere, full apology. In my household a full apology is, "I'm sorry, [name], for [sin]. Will you forgive me?" Forgiveness is given with a smile, then hugs and kisses follow. We then take a moment to confess the same sin to God and thank Him for the forgiveness He offers us in Christ.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
HALT, part 2
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
I Peter 5:8
Yesterday we talked about our need to HALT before indulging our feelings of negativity. In the role of motherhood, we are also called to equip our children to be self-controlled and alert. How do we do that? There are many godly applications, but here we will focus on teaching them to HALT:
I Peter 5:8
Yesterday we talked about our need to HALT before indulging our feelings of negativity. In the role of motherhood, we are also called to equip our children to be self-controlled and alert. How do we do that? There are many godly applications, but here we will focus on teaching them to HALT:
HungryRather than excusing sinful behavior with, "Oh, he's just so tired" or "It's my fault for bringing her to the grocery store so close to lunchtime," we can help our children identify their sin patterns. Teach them to recognize when that when it's close to nap time they're more prone to hitting siblings, or that they're more likely to disobey after leaving a playgroup of friends. This can be one of many tools to help us train the hearts and minds of our children!
Angry
Lonely
Tired
Monday, March 2, 2009
HALT, part 1
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
I Peter 5:8
A dear friend once encouraged me to HALT before allowing myself to dwell in negative feelings of any kind. When we are tempted to indulge feelings of self-pity, depression, or just simply being "down," take a moment to think whether you're feeling
I Peter 5:8
A dear friend once encouraged me to HALT before allowing myself to dwell in negative feelings of any kind. When we are tempted to indulge feelings of self-pity, depression, or just simply being "down," take a moment to think whether you're feeling
Hungrybecause it is in those moments when we are more prone to the attack of the enemy. If you are, address that need first. You'll probably realize a better perspective and greater strength once you do.
Angry
Lonely
Tired
Sunday, March 1, 2009
What's in your couch?
"For You make me glad by Your deeds, O Lord;
I sing for joy at the works of Your hands."
Psalm 92:4 (NIV)
Today I found three interesting things between the pillows of my couches. Upstairs in "my" chair (yeah, right!) was a missing pacifier and an old Sam's Club card that now belongs to my toddler, and in our family room couch was a bendy straw. What a collection of little treasures! Be thankful for the footprints of your children in your life! They are the wonderful works of His hands.
I sing for joy at the works of Your hands."
Psalm 92:4 (NIV)
Today I found three interesting things between the pillows of my couches. Upstairs in "my" chair (yeah, right!) was a missing pacifier and an old Sam's Club card that now belongs to my toddler, and in our family room couch was a bendy straw. What a collection of little treasures! Be thankful for the footprints of your children in your life! They are the wonderful works of His hands.
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