"The phrase 'working mother' is redundant. " -Jane Sellman
"God could not be everywhere and therefore He made mothers."
-Jewish Proverb
"Life affords no greater responsibility, no greater privilege, than the raising of the next generation." -C. Everett Koop
"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent."
-Eleanor Roosevelt
"Trust in God and do something." -Mary Lyon
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Praying For Our Children
As parents, especially mothers, we often find ourselves wearing many different hats and filling many different roles. During the course of a typical day I, like most of you, usually play the part of short-order-cook, event planner, coach, referee, housekeeper, and now that summer is in full swing, lifeguard and dermatologist. (You should see some of the sunburns and mosquito bites I've treated this summer!)
Every role we play, and hat we wear, in our children's lives is equally important, except for one. This is the hat we pull on after our kids are in bed, dishes done and homework completed- the one we wear not for them, but on their behalf. It is the one we wear not with our children, or doing for our children, but when we hit our knees before God to pray for our children!
Our petitions for guidance, strength, safety, and blessings are more necessary and life-altering to our children than anything we could ever 'do' for them. This is so easy to lose sight of as we hurry through our days swamped with chores and tasks. And more often than not, these duties leave us completely exhausted at the end of the day with little, or no, energy to spare.
But don't hang up your hat yet! Take the time to wear the most important one of all, the one that will affect your child for eternity. Clear your head of stress and hit your knees! Taking the time to pray will ensure that all life's tasks go smoother for you and your family.
There is such an awesome peace in knowing that your worries and concerns for your children have been turned over to God. He is the ultimate protector and provider and the Bible tells us "those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength." (Isa. 40:31a)
So regardless of the number of hats you have already worn for the day, or the number of tasks you have accomplished, take the time to pray. It is the only way we can truly re-charge, allowing us to wake up again tomorrow and joyfully pull on the first hat of a great new day.
Every role we play, and hat we wear, in our children's lives is equally important, except for one. This is the hat we pull on after our kids are in bed, dishes done and homework completed- the one we wear not for them, but on their behalf. It is the one we wear not with our children, or doing for our children, but when we hit our knees before God to pray for our children!
Our petitions for guidance, strength, safety, and blessings are more necessary and life-altering to our children than anything we could ever 'do' for them. This is so easy to lose sight of as we hurry through our days swamped with chores and tasks. And more often than not, these duties leave us completely exhausted at the end of the day with little, or no, energy to spare.
But don't hang up your hat yet! Take the time to wear the most important one of all, the one that will affect your child for eternity. Clear your head of stress and hit your knees! Taking the time to pray will ensure that all life's tasks go smoother for you and your family.
There is such an awesome peace in knowing that your worries and concerns for your children have been turned over to God. He is the ultimate protector and provider and the Bible tells us "those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength." (Isa. 40:31a)
So regardless of the number of hats you have already worn for the day, or the number of tasks you have accomplished, take the time to pray. It is the only way we can truly re-charge, allowing us to wake up again tomorrow and joyfully pull on the first hat of a great new day.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Back To School
As the vibrant, cobalt evenings of summer begin to fade, the crisp breezes of Fall drift in and bring with them the excitement of Friday night football, freshly sharpened pencils, new spiral notebooks waiting to be filled and a certain bittersweet anticipation that comes only once a year.
We send our children back to school with our spoken (and unspoken) expectations chipping away at their lazy day memories of summer. We load their backpacks with school supplies and their souls with the important life lessons and the indispensable values we hope will protect and prepare them for another year.
Whether your child is an accomplished athlete, merit scholar, or star of the drama department, the most significant lesson you can ever teach them is the same: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord. . ." (Colossians 3:23)
Motivate your children to do well in school- not just to get into a great college or win a scholarship (although those things are wonderful) but to bring honor to God.
With the uncontainable presence of the Holy Spirit permeating everything we do, what we do well becomes our sacrificial offering to the Lord, for His glory!
Every task, no matter how small or seemingly inconsequential, when done with a true spirit of worship, also becomes a tangible testimonial bearing witness to God's own inherent goodness.
"Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one of you for whatever good you do. . . " (Ephesians 6:7-8)
Making an effort to do your best at every task placed before you requires quite a commitment, but by helping your children view tonight's homework as an opportunity to serve God, you will encourage their hard work and keep them motivated. When your children know they are not only pleasing you, the parent, but also God their enthusiasm will naturally increase.
"So. . .whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." (1 Corinthians 10:31) As we begin another school year, take a minute to say a prayer with your children and thank the Lord for all the new and exciting ways to serve Him!
We send our children back to school with our spoken (and unspoken) expectations chipping away at their lazy day memories of summer. We load their backpacks with school supplies and their souls with the important life lessons and the indispensable values we hope will protect and prepare them for another year.
Whether your child is an accomplished athlete, merit scholar, or star of the drama department, the most significant lesson you can ever teach them is the same: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord. . ." (Colossians 3:23)
Motivate your children to do well in school- not just to get into a great college or win a scholarship (although those things are wonderful) but to bring honor to God.
With the uncontainable presence of the Holy Spirit permeating everything we do, what we do well becomes our sacrificial offering to the Lord, for His glory!
Every task, no matter how small or seemingly inconsequential, when done with a true spirit of worship, also becomes a tangible testimonial bearing witness to God's own inherent goodness.
"Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one of you for whatever good you do. . . " (Ephesians 6:7-8)
Making an effort to do your best at every task placed before you requires quite a commitment, but by helping your children view tonight's homework as an opportunity to serve God, you will encourage their hard work and keep them motivated. When your children know they are not only pleasing you, the parent, but also God their enthusiasm will naturally increase.
"So. . .whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." (1 Corinthians 10:31) As we begin another school year, take a minute to say a prayer with your children and thank the Lord for all the new and exciting ways to serve Him!
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