Challenge

“O my people, hear my teaching; listen to the words of my mouth. I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter hidden things, things from of old-- what we have heard and known, what our fathers have told us. We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done.  He decreed statutes for Jacob and established the law in Israel, which he commanded our forefathers to teach their children, so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children. Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands. They would not be like their forefathers-- a stubborn and rebellious generation, whose hearts were not loyal to God, whose spirits were not faithful to him.”

Psalm 78:1-8

I thought about writing some really elaborate or creative blog about what God has been teaching me this week, but I found that HIS words were so much more sufficient and concise than my own. My blog today is simple. Mom, I want to issue you (and myself) a challenge: to make sure that your children whether toddler, preschool, or teenager are learning to listen (for the little ones) or read/study God’s word every day. Help them start this good and fruitful habit now by asking them questions about what they are reading and learning.

In addition, set aside a time each week as a family to have “church at home”. Turn on some worship music, sing praises to the Lord, study the Word as a family, and end with a time of prayer. Ladies, let’s not leave the task of discipling our children to their church, school, or youth group. Let’s make studying God’s word and having a personal relationship with our Lord and Savior a priority in our home. His Word promises that then they would “trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands.” Our children would in turn experience life more abundantly in this life and in the next. J

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for being the ultimate example of what good is. You are love, and your Word outlines how we should live each day; it gives us so many promises that we can cling to. Please help us not be so consumed by this world, and not be so busy chasing dreams and shuffling around that we forget to be deliberate and intentional about carving out time with you. Help us to “start at home” by praising you and learning about your goodness as a family. Let our worship of you be sincere and contagious. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Faithful or Fearful?

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me--put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.  Phillipian 4:6-9

Do you ever get tired? I mean extremely tired…mentally and physically hanging on by your last thread? Ever find yourself in a bind…wandering, straining to find a way out? Ever want God to just fix it all…right now? I do! My husband used to joke around and say, “Today is a great day for the rapture!!!” I used to laugh, but was inwardly a bit annoyed. Why did he like that line so much? I am convinced it is because he was fixing his eyes on what is ahead instead of the here and now. Even if we were experiencing “the best day ever”, he knew heaven was infinitely better, greater, and more magnificent.
In fact, God’s word says that are toughest day are “light and momentary “ compared to what is ahead of us. Check it out:

          For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.  Corinthians 4: 17-18

When I was younger, my mom had a knack for making tough times look like fun. It wasn’t until years later that I realized that the nights where we had “hot dog smorgasbords” were the nights when funds were tight. Mom made some hot dogs and pulled out every possible topping to go with it and set it up buffet style. We thought it was a treat; she was making her dollars stretch.

I hope I can offer my kids this same gift when times are tough…a light and merry heart…a heart that trusts in God even when I don’t understand…especially when I don’t understand! I understand that as moms we will not be all smiles all the time, but I hope I can learn to exhibit God’s peace more and more in my life. I pray that HIS peace will be contagious in my home.

One last thing…I often think that as moms we try to shield our kids from tough times. We don’t want them to know when we are struggling, and we certainly don’t want them to have any struggles of their own. But I have encountered something far better than shielding our kids from trouble. Rather than shielding, teaching them to navigate through their troubles is much more profitable because we know that in this world we will have troubles, BUT God rescues us (in his way and time) each time. (John 16:33).

So, in an effort to help make God “real” to my four year old, we have begun to pray through some of our troubles, concerns, and desires together. What a blessing this has been for both of us! When we reach the other side of a tough time or when a desire is fulfilled, we thank and praise God together. My hope is that he will be able to track God’s faithfulness in his life from a very young age. I want him to have a mental track record (until he is able to write it down) of all the times God has showed up for him personally.

For example, when we moved we prayed for friends. After a while, God provided! We prayed for a bigger house to accommodate our growing family. God said “no” and “wait” quite a few times, but then HE provided! We are praying for a family who is dear to our heart, because their daddy is away for a season. We can’t wait to see how God will provide for this family! Make prayer a regular part of your family’s life, and watch how God brings His peace into your heart and home!

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, you have given us your Word and the gift of prayer—constant on-line communication with you. Thank you for always being available. God whether we are having a good day, a rough day, or anything in between, may our hearts be full of the peace and joy that only comes from knowing you. Help us to know that you are real and true. Help us to make you known to our children by teaching them to pray and teaching them to establish their own personal prayer life. You are so faithful! Thank you that your love knows no bounds. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Challenge: How can you involve your children in your personal prayer life? What things can you prayer for together? Keep a journal or checklist of when and how God answers---I bet you will both be amazed by his faithfulness! J