Prayer & Plans

The other night I wanted the kids to get into bed at a certain time so they would be able to wake up early the next morning.  Well, they were all wound up just coming from church so it was hard to get them into ‘sleep mode’.  Usually, I pray over them before they drift off to sleep but this night I was upset.  I found myself all worked up because we were past the time I had planned to get them into bed.  So, I asked if anyone else would like to pray.  Our daughter began to pray with her sweet, precious voice, “Lord, we pray that Mommy would be happy again…” 

GULP!  Lord, please listen to her prayer!!  She was right!  The Bible says “to REJOICE and be EXCEEDINGLY GLAD”, to “rejoice always”, “in everything give thanks”, etc. But it also says to “pray without ceasing.” (Matthew 5:12 emphasis mine, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

Lord, please listen to our children’s prayers and help us mommies be happy even on those days…  Help us to filled our agendas with the peace of Christ (Your Word) and grace first before the clock.  Help us fight through those times we feel that we can’t pray.  Please help us pray without ceasing.  You are so good, we are so thankful for how You love us.  Please do that good work in us mommas today.

Trees Planted

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, and whose hope is the LORD.  For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; but its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8

These verses have been very special to me through the years.  When I was in my twenties I spent a year in Costa Rica to attend a language institute for missionaries to learn the Spanish language and Latin culture.  The Costa Rican family I lived with were awesome Christians and they daily spoke into my life…or just listened to me speak in my budding Spanish accent.  One day my “Tica” mom gave me these verses to help me through the crazy journey I was on – the journey of Life. 

A decade later I would hear my mother-in-law teach these verses to her foster kids – no matter what their ages – so they would have this truth embedded in their brains for life.  And now, I get to teach it to my children. 

Just a few mornings ago, Jeremiah 17:7-8 popped up in my devotional book and so I shared it with my kids – especially to the one we’ve been having some hard moments with.  The Holy Spirit gave me a great analogy using a tree we have growing near our canal out back.  It was a tangible way to teach about how we need to be firmly planted and rely on our water source, the Bible.

(However, after I thought we were really connecting in our conversation, one of my kids said something so far off, like about the pretty colors that are on the other bushes… Well, maybe some good nuggets sunk into their sweet brains so we can revisit the conversation again another day.  As Zerby Derby says, we can just “try, try again”!)

Beyond the Universe

“My Very Early Morning Just Started Under Nasty Pancakes.”  Well, however you want to learn it, our solar system is incredibly interesting!  As our kids (and I) learn more about the Universe and the things in it, an amazing thing has happened to my faith!  I could never quite “place” God before, but now I see how He is over and beyond anything I could ever think or imagine.  Hmmm, that makes me think of a verse.

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us." Ephesians 3:20

As we guide our kids through this journey of life, let’s take every opportunity to give God glory!  Take another look at that verse.  How can you apply it in your life today?  It makes me think that if He is able (and He did) to create the Universe and all that is within it, what can He do with me, my kids, our churches, etc. 

Look up at the sky – just seeing those lights in the sky tell of the majesty of our God.  Although science thinks it can describe it all away, it doesn’t take the magnitude away from the Creator of the stars, planets and us!  To me it has made Him bigger, greater and more mighty, majestic in wonder and glory, worthy of our praise!

For His Mercy Endures Forever

I was reading Psalm 136 where every other line is "For His mercy endures forever."  Immediately I thought of how we teach our kids - through repetition.

“For His mercy endures forever” Psalm 136

So many times, God repeats a phrase in His word (His love letter to us, the Bible) to get our attention on what is truth, how we should obey, how we should judge things, etc.  He knows us. He knows many of us just skip over passages without receiving the meaning.  In this Psalm He shows us this technique in order for us to not forget His character. What are we repeating over and over to our kids?

“For His mercy endures forever” Psalm 136

Yesterday we went to a birthday party and I had the opportunity to encourage our son.  He came to me with a concern about some other kids at the facility we were at and how they weren’t playing fairly.  Knowing him I gave him a good plan of action reminding him that he is a good friend (Proverbs 17:17 & 18:24). 

 “For His mercy endures forever” Psalm 136

I know I usually need to hear stuff more than once to get it to sink in to my heart and mind.  How about you?  How about your kids?  Let’s encourage our kids over and over again the message of the gospel and how God has a purpose for them. 

Rushing Through

Have you ever rushed through something just to get it done?  Perhaps rushing to eat breakfast so you can get to work on time or bring the kids to school, etc.?  If you have you are in good company.  Most moms rush doing things for themselves because they are helping everyone else be on-time. 

Now what about rushing through reading books or listening to your kids?  Does housework or phone calls or texting take our time away from sitting face to face with them to do these all important things? 

“…For what is your life?  It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.”  James 4:14

A friend of ours took a job in a different state for a couple of months leaving family and friends back in FL.  He recently came back for a quick weekend visit in which he spent quality time with his mom walking and talking on the beach.  What he didn’t know was that only days later his mom would be taken from this life in a brutal way.  Wow!  If he had rushed through his short weekend without spending that sweet time with his mom, he would be dealing with the pain of regret. 

What about you?  Do you spend time with your family, namely your kids without rushing through?  Spending time reading, playing and listening to them is crucial and will create a pattern for your relationship now and in years to come.

Jesus spent time with his disciples—eating, walking and talking with them.  Our kids are our disciples.  We must take the time to eat, walk and talk with them too.

Choreography

Last night there was a most impressive storm that rolled through.  I woke up to a symphony of this incredibly brilliant, flashy lightening followed by a long, hard-pounding rumble that shook the house with its loud voice each time like a slow motion earthquake.  All of a sudden I saw quick shadows followed by the kids they represent racing for our room.  It’s almost as if they dove into our bed, found their spots and promptly fell asleep.  Even our dog (a big Lab Pitt) was there!  Our queen-sized bed felt more like a twin by the time I adjusted into my appointed spot – on the edge in the opposite direction!

As the Olympics are rolling in at the end of this week, I’ve been searching for a way to teach our kids about the events, what the rings represent, and how we can schedule our viewing.  I woke up this morning thinking about synchronized swimming.  This led me to think about how when we sync ourselves with the Lord, we are a beautiful display of His perfectly timed choreography of life.  Just like a storm and just like the kids running in at just the right time.

“…we should live together with Him.  Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11

With all of us on that bed, I realized the part I play (as a mom) is crucial to our kids’ lives.  But not only as mom, as a friend to other moms, we can play a huge role in edifying each other by praying for one another; having playdates (or coffee) to not forsake the assembling together; and helping each other.  Let's live together with Him and edify each other today.

"And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:24-25

Praying for you, Momma

Lord, I pray for moms who are in the trenches of training up their children.  These early years can be so stretching for us as we learn how to live out the principles in the Bible in front of our kids.  

God, as Your word instructs us I pray that we would instruct our kids from Your word as it is the lamp to our feet and the light to our path.  Let the fruit of the Spirit be evident in us as we make choices to stay self-controlled during those crazy moments, that we extend love and grace and speak encouragement to our children rather than lash out in anger and frustration.  

Lord, maybe if we’ve set the bar too high for our kids to reach sometimes please help us to keep a sound mind and reach them where they are at.  Let us stop drilling them with what they should have done but rather give thanks for the things they do.  Help us to stop everything and look at them in the eyes and let them see our eyes.  May we not miss the opportunity to give a high-five or hug but also not miss when a tear needs to be wiped away or boo-boo kissed and prayed for.  Help us to be firm, wise and always seeking Your counsel upon giving correction.  Help us keep our word.  

Be glorified in our mothering.  We desire to be at Your feet asking for the way, that we should walk in it.

Noticing Their Gifting

Our family set to the task of replacing our carpet with laminate.  During our experience I stopped to notice Jordan shouting, “GOOD JOB!!” over the high pitch of the vacuum cleaner as the rest of us got the room ready for the new flooring.  My husband ripped up the carpet, I was scrapping the glue from the concrete, Matthew was vacuuming and Jordan was encouraging.  (She would also be the one that would take care of anyone if we needed a band-aide or ice pack, etc.) 

When we pay attention to and record in our memories these special gifts our kids exercise during the day, it is so sweet to recount them back to our kiddos at night.  No matter the messes they leave; no matter the stress we go through acting as referee; no matter what level of chaos we have endured during our day we can encourage them at bedtime at how it gave us great joy to see them exercising the gift(s) God gave them.  They are growing (just as we are) and need to be reminded that they are not alone in this life – it’s a great way to help them know who the Holy Spirit is and where He is named as the Helper.

Lord, please give me eyes to see the wonderous things that You see in my kids.  The gifts and talents You have blessed them with are perfectly harmonious with Your character and I love that!  Please help me to remind them that they are wonderfully created by an amazing and perfect God.  Help me to encourage my kids and help them shine for You as they exercise their gifts and talents.

Goal in Mothering

I printed this verse and have it in a place I see often so when I read it I am ministered to as it helps me remember the goal in mothering.

 

We planted pretty flowers in our front yard and have tried not to kill them right away.  However, some of them have perished despite the rich soil they are in and my concerted efforts to provide them the necessary water each day.  My steadfast determination made me not give up!  I remember as a little girl helping my mom plant flowers, tomatoes and beans in the garden.  At the end of the season we would take the marigold pouches after they had bloomed and then “died” and plant them next year. 

So in our small garden right before shower and bedtime I gathered some seeds, enlisted the help of our four year-old daughter, Jordan and started to plant them ALL over the place.  Then watered and prayed for them.   

I think I even surprised myself when I let her help me plant the seeds.  Just as in baking, it’s hard for me to let the kids help me do things that I could do in less time and neater.  But thinking back, I love the memories I have of washing the dishes with my mom and sister, gardening, pinning the clothes on the clothesline outside, and helping make macaroni and cheese from scratch.  Pushing our kids away just so it gets done perfectly neat and in an efficient manner of time, will not reap a rich harvest and it will limit our connection and the memories they could have for a lifetime.  Don't give up Momma.

Storms?...Be Still and Know

Due to Tropical Storm Erika we were hit with thunder and lightning storms that ran over us rather quickly.  One morning I woke up at 3 a.m. to one of these storms and wondered if my kids would get scared.  So I went into their room to offer comfort but everyone was peacefully asleep.  So I went back to bed, yet still keeping an ear very attentive just in case I heard the smallest whimper from either of them.  I wanted to be right there for them the instant fear showed on their sweet little brows.  I wouldn’t want them to go through any length of time where I wasn’t aware of their fear…so I laid there listening…. (The kids’ room is all the way across the house – through the maze of the kitchen counters and living room couches…zig zag, zig zag…) … listening…. And then the AC came on and I couldn’t hear a thing!! 

The storm passed.  And as I laid there at 3:45 a.m. I notice that it was still quiet in our home because everyone was still sleeping (except ME).  Of course I was still thinking but this time of our Heavenly Father who is always there to comfort us in the storms of our lives.  He listens to our silent prayers; is there to catch our tears and store them in a jar; holds us up when we stumble and fall.  He is the One who is there the very moment of our fear, the tiniest quivered lip He takes note of and He is there to wrap us up in His arms of love, fill us up with love, joy, peace (the whole fruit basket!).  He can even hear perfectly through all the chaos around us.

No matter when, where, how – how loud, how soft, how many words, how few words… Cry out to God in your time of need, Momma.  He is already there.

(For a little extra: I looked up “storm” on a Bible search program and it gave me Nahum 1:3… “The LORD is slow to anger and great in power, And will not at all acquit the wicked. The LORD has His way In the whirlwind and in the storm, And the clouds are the dust of His feet.”  Think about that. He’s got this!)

The Fruit of Our Words

As parents we find ourselves at times rolling on the floor laughing at the funny things our kids say!  However, there are other times when we hear the awful things kids say that leave us with a different taste in our mouths.

"But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”  Matthew 12:36-37

I was working in our kitchen listening to the playful conversation between brother and sister in the playroom when all of a sudden Jordan said something that sounded so condescending to her big brother.  And then I realize it sounded a lot like how I talk to her at times. God tugged on your heart and said, “It doesn’t sound good coming out of your mouth either, My daughter.” It left me humbled, feeling so ugly with my words to my sweet daughter!  When this happened I found myself like the mom on the movie “A Christmas Story”, putting the bar of soap in her own mouth.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law." Galatians 5:22-23

All Wrapped Up at Christmas-time

One day last week I was all stressed out, doing work stuff on the computer, trying to manage the children’s needs, hungry, and the list went on.  I felt so bad that I had to be so focused on the computer rather than giving the kids my full attention.  However, in a moment of clarity I looked at Matthew, our soon-to-be five year-old and said, “I just want you guys to know the real meaning of Christmas…” 

Matthew’s birthday is three days after Christmas so the thrill of getting gifts must be on his mind.  A little while after my “real meaning of Christmas” statement, Matthew came up to me all excited with one of his favorite cars that he made with daddy and said, “Mommy, Mommy!!  Since its Jesus’ birthday shouldn’t WE give Him gifts?!!”  He said this like a bright light had just gone on in his beautiful head.  So I chose to let him and our three year-old daughter go for it!  Cutting paper, wrapping and TAPING.

“In that hour Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit and said, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight.”  Luke 10:21

Since then I’ve noticed a few other toys have shown up under the tree with just a bow on them.  Matthew is the “bow-guy”.  If a present I’m wrapping for a friend needs a bow, I know I can call on him to get the job done.  He gets excited to help and a sense of accomplishment too.

“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’” John 14:6

It’s all about Jesus.  Instead of us getting all wrapped up in making everything just perfect, let’s focus on the perfect One – Jesus and get all wrapped up in Him!

Marriage Fundamentals

I posted this blog on Facebook and had so many shares, I felt it may be worth posting here.  I don't know Frank or Karen, but I appreciate these 10 fundamentals they shared and believe its worth reviewing.  

http://eighthrising.com/2013/10/28/10-marriage-tips-every-wife-needs-to-hear/

NOTE:  I would add an "eleventh" point: Read the Word together! Romans 12 tells us to be transformed by renewing our mind.  When a husband and wife read together, they are united in a supernatural way.  They share intimacy with each other and their Creator in a way that aligns under His headship.  Ask your husband to wash you in His word.  A few minutes a day can be a game changer. 

 Enjoy!

Purpose in it All

Purpose in it All

You have allowed me to suffer much hardship,

but you will restore me to life again

and lift me up from the depths of the earth.

You will restore me to even greater honor 

and comfort me once again.

-Psalm 71:20-21

I love scripture. It meets me where I am at, and reminds me of where I am going. It shines light on who I am and how HE sees me. The Word gives direction (Psalm 119:105), wisdom (James 1:5), and insight (2 Timothy 2:7). It is so specific to my life and allows me to see His perspective. As I meet with Jesus, in that quiet place, there is fresh insight because HE sees the whole picture.

Five years ago, my son was born with a birth defect. One that would alter the rest of his life. Four in every million children have it. As I sat holding my newborn, I was at a loss and wondering why me. My husband shared John 9:1-3, which encouraged me to use this situation for His glory. I began to look at every doctor appointment, surgery, and nurse as a ministry opportunity. I searched for ways to share Christ as we entered this new sphere of influence. God reminds us there is purpose in it ALL (Romans 8:28). Tragedy to triumph.

Our trial is not just about us, but those we will rub shoulders with, as we walk through our experience. God weaves ministry into our daily routine. As we cling to Truth, we have something different. A bright light that others are drawn to. We must be renewed daily in order to spill truth into the lives of those neighbors we encounter on a regular basis.

As the chatter in this life is loud, we must set aside quiet time to hear the Lord speak. His plan. His purpose. The trajectory of our life will change. Our hope restored. Our eyes opened. Our lives a true reflection of His Spirit overflowing. When we take our eyes off ourselves, and find our focus back on the cross, we become a vessel Jesus is able to use.

Name one 'hardship' you need restoration with. Bring it before God and ask Him to restore you.  

Be still and know that I am God. -Psalm 46:10

Is there time in your daily schedule to be still and quiet before God?

Have you seen God weave ministry opportunities in your day? If not, pray you would see Him in all areas of your life.

No Voice to Yell

When you are sick and have “NO VOICE TO YELL,” what do you do?  How do you get your kids to do anything?  I recently found out.

Back when I was a brand new mom I heard another more seasoned mom talk about how the only way she could get through to her kid was to yell.  I thought that was ridiculous and that she must not be as mature as I was… HA!  Little did I know that a couple years down the line I’d find myself in that same rut.  For a while now I have been struggling with this pattern of yelling I had set as the communication method – mom to kids.  How did I get here and how do I get out?!  Yes, I know there are tons of books about the issue but I didn’t want to read them nor did I have time to. 

My Ah-ha! moment:  The other day a friend was counseling me about how to handle a situation with another adult and she said, “don’t let what is going on in the other person’s life take your peace away from you.”  Then she said these brilliant words, “you keep your peace.”  DING!  Wow, I sang blessing songs to her over the phone because she solved my yelling dilemma – KEEP YOUR PEACE MOMMA. 

It dawned on me that I needed to get my peace from the Peace Maker Himself.  Like I say all the time, our kids are watching.  Let's set a pattern of going to the Peacemaker and practicing some good ole' self-control.  Our kids will learn how to be self-controlled themselves reducing frustrating moments.  DING! 

"and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7

"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful." Colossians 3:15

“Great peace have those who love Your law, And nothing causes them to stumble.” Psalm 119:165

“He makes peace in your borders, And fills you with the finest wheat.” Psalm 147:14

“All your children shall be taught by the Lord, And great shall be the peace of your children.” Isaiah 54:13

Peace be with you.

Join HIM as HE Ministers to Them

 There has been a theme weaved this week in my life. In my quiet time, at my weekly Bible Study, and through a friend's Facebook post, that both convicted my heart and stirred me to change. About denying self and using my gifts to serve others.  I want to share with you a quote my friend shared today...

"God is at work in the lives of your friends, your neighbors, and your family members. He may ask you to interrupt your day long enough to join Him as He ministers to them. Nothing on your agenda, no matter how pressing, is reason enough to ignore the voice of God when He tells you to stop and help." -Experiencing God: Day By Day (Daily Devotional)

WOW! Isn't that awesome! 

Isn't that convicting too?

As moms, most of our day consists of keeping up with our long "to-do" list which causes us to miss divine "interruptions" with our neighbors. So many times I miss ministry HE has planned, in the schedule, because my head is down checking off the list. I get consumed with my issues and needs, that I fail to remember there are people He has placed beside me that need to see Jesus. The neighbors beside my home, the Starbucks Barista, the woman who checks me out at the grocery store most times, and others in my sphere of influence. They are my "neighbor."

So, how can we be more intentional with ministry on our "schedule" today?

How about placing a "baking for your neighbor" time on the schedule each week to bless your neighbor with some goodies the kids bake?

Maybe it's something more simple, like bringing up their garbage cans weekly. People are watching your life. They notice the little things that look so very different from the world. Small acts of love are the window to their heart.

Let the kids be involved in your planning, as you seek to be a light in this dark world.

Captain of the Army!

Proverbs 31:10b "... she is worth far more than rubies."

About 3 weeks ago, while my daughter was getting her teeth cleaned, she was asked by the hygienist what she wanted to be when she grew up.  Calgary Brooke quickly replied "I want to be a mom."  The hygienist's jaw dropped and her eyes widened as she looked at me like my daughter had just done something dreadfully awful. The awkward moment followed with "She just wants to be a mom?" implying I should intervene at once and set my poor wayward daughter straight.  I simply replied, "She could run a fortune 500 company, but she wants to be mom and I think she will be a wonderful one!" The woman was still not satisfied and brought it up 3 more times.  "You know you could have a career AND be a mom."  "You shouldn't sell yourself short."  "You should go to college."

One week later, my daughter was asked the same question in her dance class at a Christian school by one of her teachers.  My daughter once again replied, "I want to be a mom."  This time she was met with a tearful face saying "That so blesses my heart, sweetie!  You are choosing the best thing!"

My two takeaways:
1.  The world will constantly try to impose its priorities and goals on us and our children.
2.  When God gives you a word or desire it is nothing short of a miracle!  The God who created the world and is outside of time, took notice of you and intervened in your heart and mind.  Guard it jealously! Keep your focus on Him and let the nay sayers pass on by.

On the mom thing, let me clarify.  God created marriage and family BEFORE He instituted the church or government.  The Bible tells us He desires godly offspring. Yet for so many of us, we struggle with "should I be doing something more important than raising kids?" "How can I impact the world in a more profound way?" What more profound way can a person impact the world than to raise up a world-changer. (one person at a time)

Think of the people you most admire.  Billy Graham, Mother Theresa, Ronald Reagan, Einstein, your favorite aunt ... they all had mothers speaking into their character.  Their mothers poured thousands of precious hours into their lives, launching them into the world. Each mother played an invaluable role in changing the world. Mothering is the highest calling, the most influential job on earth, and one which ought to be affirmed more readily. Let us lead the charge to not just be an excellent mother, but to train up an army of excellent mothers.  One day, Calgary Brooke will be a captain in that army!

Calgary Brooke and her lucky mommy!

Moment by Moment

Many are the plans in a man’s heart. Proverbs 19:21

This is the verse that we had for our devotions this morning.  The story in our new devotional went like this:  Alex let a stray cat into the house because he felt sorry for it meowing outside.  Daddy had to get it out and shoo it away.  Daddy taught Alex that he should not do that again as they wouldn’t know what that cat would have done in the home.  “We should ask God what to do as He will be glad to show us the right way to act.”

I need to ask God how to act on a moment by moment basis!  “God, please show me how to act in this moment.”  Sometimes my frustration with something the kids do leads me to yell at them.  I don’t want to be a momma who yells, who loses my self-control because my three-year old dropped yogurt on the kitchen table (and on her clothes, and all over her mouth…).  I would rather instruct with love and kindness.  That will happen when I’m in God’s word seeking His help.

Let’s do it while we teach our kids the same.  God gives us the opportunity to make the right choice, let’s keep each other in prayer today to do so!  Hide God’s word in your heart, momma and use them as a shield, as your help to get through the crazy stuff that pops up.  I’ve already had PLENTY while writing this! 

Life is Hard

Many, Lord my God, 

are the wonders you have done, 

the things you planned for us.

 None can compare with you;

 were I to speak and tell of your deeds, 

they would be too many to declare. 

- Psalm 40:5

Life is busy. Life is hard. Life is complicated. Life is overwhelming...until I bring my crazy before the One who calms storms. As I look at the crazy in my life, I must also look at the "calm" as well. Those things that bless my life and make it much sweeter. I  must find my focus there...on those "wonders" the Lord has done.

Praise Him for the "wonders" in your life. Allow those blessings from Jesus be where your mind rests and resides. Cultivating an attitude of praise effects our outlook and interactions with others. What can you praise Him for today?

“God is most glorified in us 

when we are most satisfied in Him” 

― John Piper

“What you are is God's gift to you, what you become is your gift to God.” 
― Hans Urs von Balthasar, Prayer

“Faith does not eliminate questions. But faith knows where to take them.”
― Elisabeth Elliot, A Chance to Die

“We never grow closer to God when we just live life. It takes deliberate pursuit and attentiveness.” 
― Francis Chan, Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God

"I'm the Leader!...But What is Leadership?"

The action: “After that, he [Jesus] poured water into a basin and he began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.” John 13:5

The commission:  “When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them. 13 "You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” John 13:12-17

“I’m the leader!” How often have you heard your kids battle with their friends for this coveted position? If you ask me, the dispute can get pretty heated. Kids end up with hurt feelings and claim that “they don’t want to play anymore”. With everyone (including me) encouraging their kids to “be a leader” these days, I wonder if our kids truly know what that means?

If we look to the example laid out in Scripture, to lead means to serve and give of one’s self selflessly. It’s the very essence of being a mom. We serve our kids in so many ways each day. We cook for them, clean up after them, shuttle them to practices and games, arrange play dates for them, teach them, wipe their tushies (for the little ones), cook some more, clean some more, the list goes on…

We are serving them because we love them, yet we are also their leader. We are teaching them and instructing them in righteousness…all while serving and looking out for their needs. This is the heart of leadership.  Service.

Leadership, oddly enough, also requires submission—submission to the will of the Father. Jesus modeled this perfectly. We are called to follow the example he set. Contrary to the popular saying, we are not the masters of our own fate. True peace only comes from following the Prince of Peace, not from demanding our own way.

So, fellow momma. J Next time you hear your kids arguing about who is “going to be the leader”, take it as a wonderful, God-sent opportunity to talk about the Biblical meaning of leadership.  Let their minds and hearts chew on a new meaning of leadership: service of our fellow man [or woman] and submission to our Heavenly Father.

Let’s pray.

Heavenly Father,

We are so thankful for the wisdom that comes from you. Many times your wisdom runs contrary to the “wisdom” of this world. When the world calls for pride, you call for humility. Thank you for showing us that to lead means to serve. Help us model this truth to our children and instruct them in your ways. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

 Have a God-filled day! Tune in next Monday for “I’m the Leader Part 2: Making Service Practical for Little Ones”. J