Challenge: There is a music group out right now that is popular with toddlers called The Fresh Beat Band. We have their CD and Havana and Jonah love belting out the songs. There is this one song, Freeze Dance, where when the music stops you are supposed to stop dancing. Well, Jason and I have taken it upon ourselves to dance like crazy during the music and then we will freeze in silly positions. This makes both Havana and Jonah laugh hysterically. The other day during this whole family dancing/freezing episode Havana laughs and says, "This is my favorite!!!!" and then when the song was over she says, "Freeze Dance makes me happy."
Both Jason and I thought that was very profound of her to be able to articulate how that song makes her feel - and we both think it is because it is something we all get into together. It is something special just for our family. It makes me wonder, though, how many other things is she excited about or interested about that I don't join in with her? Am I missing more of these opportunities to enjoy doing what she likes to do. Another example is our son Jonah - he loves sports and playing with any ball. I personally love basketball and so I've often thought, "I hope Jonah plays basketball... it would be so much fun to go to all the games." But what if Jonah doesn't play basketball - what if he plays football or baseball (or any other sport I'm not that interested in)? I want to get in the habit now and being excited and interested in the things my children are excited and interested about. I want to be there to experience it with them, a listening ear as they tell me all about it, and I want them to know what is important to them is important to me too. My challenge is to use those times my children want to play, talk, or do something that I think is incredibly boring or a waste of time or whatever my personal opinion is as a growing opportunity for me to join in with them. I want to make a choice to get excited about what they are excited about. I want to spend time with them doing the things they are passionate about.
Dear Lord, thank You for being the God of the universe and still having personal knowledge of each one of us. Thank You for caring about what is important to us. I pray that I would learn how to be a better parent by Your example. Help me put up on the shelf the activities and games that I find interesting and help me enjoy what my children are enjoying - no matter how simple. Help me capture the moments to express to them Your love through my love. I pray this in Jesus' Name. Amen
Prayer:
Father God, this world tries to tell us what is important: social status, relationships, wealth, tolerance, happiness, and selfish gain. Yet, You clearly state in Your word a very different standard. While my children are growing up in this fallen world, I pray that they would know that the things that society values are actually foolishness in Your sight (1 Corinthians 3:19). Help them to not conform to the patterns of this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of their minds so that they can test and approve what Your good, pleasing, and perfect will for them is (Romans 12:2). I pray that my children would hold firmly to the trustworthy message of the Bible so that they can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it (Titus 1:9). And, Lord, I know that by having my children "side" with Your standards - they will become enemies of this world. I pray that You would give them the strength to handle that challenge. Help them remain confident that You have chosen them out of the world (John 15:19) and that there is no only holy like You, there is no one besides You, and that there is no Rock like You, God (1 Samuel 2:2). I pray this in the powerful name of Jesus. Amen.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Week 14!
Challenge:
My sweet Selah woke me up at 5 this morning. I sleepily made her a bottle and took her out of the crib. As I sat down in the rocker I thought, "I should change her diaper before I feed her". She had been asleep since 7:30pm and I knew she would go back to bed after this feed and it would be a few more hours until I got her up for the day. Yet, I chose to give her the bottle without changing her. As I was feeding her I began to feel guilty and was worried that her diaper would become so full over the next few hours that urine would get all over her skin, clothes, and crib. I prayed, "Lord, please help Selah's diaper to hold tight until the morning." As the words were coming out of my mouth I felt so selfish. And the Lord very kindly whispered into my heart that I was asking Him to spare Selah any discomfort despite my own selfish decision. It was true. I didn't want to change her diaper because I wanted to go back to bed as quickly as possible.
Sadly, though, I'm sure that self-motivated prayer isn't isolated to that one incident. There are many times that I make choices that are easier for me in the moment and hope that my children aren't the ones who will pay the price. Sure, most of these are very insignificant occasions where the worst that can happen is a wet diaper or not the healthiest lunch, but at the same time, it really showed me my own sinful heart and the limitations I put on the Lord. What is He wanting to do in my own life if I only allowed Him to stretch me? What does He want to spare my children from if only I would go the extra mile? My challenge, this week, is to recognize those times when I want to take a short cut at the expense of my children. Is it over sleep time? Is it taking the time to fix a healthy meal rather than thaw out something easy? Is it so that I can sit in front of the computer instead of reading to my kids? Etc. Recognizing what situations make me prone to selfish short cuts will help me change not only my actions, but my attitudes. Calling on the Lord to grow me and mold me into the parent He wants me to be!
Father God, being a parent is such a gift and I thank You so much for this privilege. One of the many lessons I am learning on this journey is realizing how selfish I can be. I am sorry and I seek Your forgiveness for the times when I give into my flesh. Help me be faithful to Your leading by no longer taking short cuts simply for my own benefit. May I be aware of which situations are easiest for me to put my own desires above the needs of my children so that I can better combat my sinful nature. Please continue to mold me into the parent You have called me to be. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, I pray that my children would be men and women who would seek Your face (Psalm 27:8) every day of their lives. Use their hearts and devotion to You, Lord, to bring about a revival in this land. May they may rise up with other believers and be part of a generation that seeks You (Psalm 24:6) and who sets apart Christ as Lord (1 Peter 3:15). I pray that my children would fear You and serve You with all faithfulness (Joshua 24:14). I'm looking forward to watching You work in and through my children. Thank You, Lord, for loving my children so much. In Your name I pray. Amen.
My sweet Selah woke me up at 5 this morning. I sleepily made her a bottle and took her out of the crib. As I sat down in the rocker I thought, "I should change her diaper before I feed her". She had been asleep since 7:30pm and I knew she would go back to bed after this feed and it would be a few more hours until I got her up for the day. Yet, I chose to give her the bottle without changing her. As I was feeding her I began to feel guilty and was worried that her diaper would become so full over the next few hours that urine would get all over her skin, clothes, and crib. I prayed, "Lord, please help Selah's diaper to hold tight until the morning." As the words were coming out of my mouth I felt so selfish. And the Lord very kindly whispered into my heart that I was asking Him to spare Selah any discomfort despite my own selfish decision. It was true. I didn't want to change her diaper because I wanted to go back to bed as quickly as possible.
Sadly, though, I'm sure that self-motivated prayer isn't isolated to that one incident. There are many times that I make choices that are easier for me in the moment and hope that my children aren't the ones who will pay the price. Sure, most of these are very insignificant occasions where the worst that can happen is a wet diaper or not the healthiest lunch, but at the same time, it really showed me my own sinful heart and the limitations I put on the Lord. What is He wanting to do in my own life if I only allowed Him to stretch me? What does He want to spare my children from if only I would go the extra mile? My challenge, this week, is to recognize those times when I want to take a short cut at the expense of my children. Is it over sleep time? Is it taking the time to fix a healthy meal rather than thaw out something easy? Is it so that I can sit in front of the computer instead of reading to my kids? Etc. Recognizing what situations make me prone to selfish short cuts will help me change not only my actions, but my attitudes. Calling on the Lord to grow me and mold me into the parent He wants me to be!
Father God, being a parent is such a gift and I thank You so much for this privilege. One of the many lessons I am learning on this journey is realizing how selfish I can be. I am sorry and I seek Your forgiveness for the times when I give into my flesh. Help me be faithful to Your leading by no longer taking short cuts simply for my own benefit. May I be aware of which situations are easiest for me to put my own desires above the needs of my children so that I can better combat my sinful nature. Please continue to mold me into the parent You have called me to be. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, I pray that my children would be men and women who would seek Your face (Psalm 27:8) every day of their lives. Use their hearts and devotion to You, Lord, to bring about a revival in this land. May they may rise up with other believers and be part of a generation that seeks You (Psalm 24:6) and who sets apart Christ as Lord (1 Peter 3:15). I pray that my children would fear You and serve You with all faithfulness (Joshua 24:14). I'm looking forward to watching You work in and through my children. Thank You, Lord, for loving my children so much. In Your name I pray. Amen.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Week 13!
Challenge:
Starting back in December, my son Jonah started waking up in the middle of the night crying. This became frequent and soon progressed to him crying hysterically when we would put him down for bed. We were left puzzled by this new phase and unsure what to do. It finally got to a point where Jonah would get anxious about entering his room even during the day. My husband's work schedule kept him away many nights in January and so I often put the children down by myself. I would always put Jonah down last and as I was getting him ready for bed... I can't really articulate it, but there was darkness present in his room. I could feel it in my spirit and I simply had to pray when I was in there. I mentioned this to Jason a few different times and he ended up seeking council about it with a trusted man of God. This man looked right at Jason and without hesitation he said, "Satan wants Jonah." Jason came home with a resolve that we will fight Satan tooth and nail because he will not have our son.
The challenge and the prayer will be combined this week. For my challenge, I need to be aware at just how active the devil is in my family's life. Ephesians 6:12 tells us, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." While we have been aggressive in fighting Satan over Jonah (which I'm thankful to report has solved all his anxiety!) we have not been as equally active in praying over and anointing Havana or Selah's rooms because they aren't being scared at night, but that doesn't mean Satan isn't after them... we know he is. I need to be more mindful that while I have hopes and dreams and prayers for my children - Satan does as well. He as an agenda for my family and it is the complete opposite of my agenda (and even more important God's agenda)! I need to be much more active in battling him over my children today and every day!
Prayer:
(there isn't one prayer I can write to cover all of this, but here is the basic prayer that can be used to launch into your own prayers specific to your family):
Father God, in the powerful name of Jesus Christ I ask you to come and protect my children. Protect them from the Evil One. Protect them from his lies and schemes. I know we were bought with the blood of Jesus (Acts 20:28) and I ask for it to be sprinkled over my children, their rooms, and their thoughts. Like Jesus, I exclaim, "Away from my children, Satan" (Matthew 4:10). I bind Satan, in the name of Jesus Christ, from my family. From the windows and doors of my house - specifically in each of their rooms. From my children's thoughts, their dreams, their hearts, their spirits. From their closets to the shadows in their rooms... Satan has no power here. He cannot have my children and I command him to flee from here in the name of Jesus. I ask You to put a hedge of protection around each of my children and send your angels to guard our house. I love you, Lord, and I lay my family at Your feet knowing that You will keep us safe. We submit our lives to You, Lord, help us resist the devil so that he will flee from us (James 4:7). Thank You, Lord, for Your protection and watchful eye. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.
Starting back in December, my son Jonah started waking up in the middle of the night crying. This became frequent and soon progressed to him crying hysterically when we would put him down for bed. We were left puzzled by this new phase and unsure what to do. It finally got to a point where Jonah would get anxious about entering his room even during the day. My husband's work schedule kept him away many nights in January and so I often put the children down by myself. I would always put Jonah down last and as I was getting him ready for bed... I can't really articulate it, but there was darkness present in his room. I could feel it in my spirit and I simply had to pray when I was in there. I mentioned this to Jason a few different times and he ended up seeking council about it with a trusted man of God. This man looked right at Jason and without hesitation he said, "Satan wants Jonah." Jason came home with a resolve that we will fight Satan tooth and nail because he will not have our son.
The challenge and the prayer will be combined this week. For my challenge, I need to be aware at just how active the devil is in my family's life. Ephesians 6:12 tells us, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." While we have been aggressive in fighting Satan over Jonah (which I'm thankful to report has solved all his anxiety!) we have not been as equally active in praying over and anointing Havana or Selah's rooms because they aren't being scared at night, but that doesn't mean Satan isn't after them... we know he is. I need to be more mindful that while I have hopes and dreams and prayers for my children - Satan does as well. He as an agenda for my family and it is the complete opposite of my agenda (and even more important God's agenda)! I need to be much more active in battling him over my children today and every day!
Prayer:
(there isn't one prayer I can write to cover all of this, but here is the basic prayer that can be used to launch into your own prayers specific to your family):
Father God, in the powerful name of Jesus Christ I ask you to come and protect my children. Protect them from the Evil One. Protect them from his lies and schemes. I know we were bought with the blood of Jesus (Acts 20:28) and I ask for it to be sprinkled over my children, their rooms, and their thoughts. Like Jesus, I exclaim, "Away from my children, Satan" (Matthew 4:10). I bind Satan, in the name of Jesus Christ, from my family. From the windows and doors of my house - specifically in each of their rooms. From my children's thoughts, their dreams, their hearts, their spirits. From their closets to the shadows in their rooms... Satan has no power here. He cannot have my children and I command him to flee from here in the name of Jesus. I ask You to put a hedge of protection around each of my children and send your angels to guard our house. I love you, Lord, and I lay my family at Your feet knowing that You will keep us safe. We submit our lives to You, Lord, help us resist the devil so that he will flee from us (James 4:7). Thank You, Lord, for Your protection and watchful eye. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.
Monday, August 13, 2012
Week 12!
Challenge:
This past winter we had a solid month of children being sick. That time made me become much more prayerful for my children and I realized just how many opportunities I have throughout the day to pray for my children which I never took advantage of before. Yesterday, as I was giving my children a bath, I began reading my Bible out loud to them. It wasn't a children's Bible or any particular story, but I simply flipped pages and read while they splashed in the tub. Again, it was as if a light bulb when off in my head and I thought, "why am I not doing this more often?" I have so many chances during the day to pray for my children and wash them with the Word, but I don't take advantage of them, and half the time I don't even think about the need or notice the opening. What a revelation!
My challenge, then, is to work in prayer and God's Word even more into the lives of my children this week. I want to redeem my time with them. I don't merely want to sing nursery rhymes with them, but to explain how those rhymes can point back to our Creator (after singing twinkle twinkle little star I can talk about how God created all the stars, etc). I want to praise my children for their gifts and talents, but then mention ways in which God might use them for His glory. I want to pray for my children every time my hands are on them (hugs, diaper changes, doing hair, etc). The Enemy allows for so many distractions in the every day life and I desire to take those moments and turn them into worshipful moments!
Precious Lord, thank You for the gift of parenting. Help me as I redeem my time with my children. Open my eyes to all the opportunities to speak Your truth into their lives. May I be a more prayerful and intentional mother and help me be the parent You have called me to be - one that is in the world, but not of the world. In Christ Jesus I pray these things. Amen.
Prayer:
Lord, I pray that my children's hearts would not be a bare path, a rocky place, or full of thorns. Instead, I ask that You would help their hearts be good soil so that when they hear the Word they will understand it. Allow Your Word to produce a crop in their lives that would yield a hundred, sixty, or thirty times what was sown. I pray that they would see with their eyes, hear with their ears, and understand with their hearts and turn to You for their hope and salvation. Heal them, Lord (Matthew 13:1-23). I ask all of these things in the name of Jesus. Amen.
This past winter we had a solid month of children being sick. That time made me become much more prayerful for my children and I realized just how many opportunities I have throughout the day to pray for my children which I never took advantage of before. Yesterday, as I was giving my children a bath, I began reading my Bible out loud to them. It wasn't a children's Bible or any particular story, but I simply flipped pages and read while they splashed in the tub. Again, it was as if a light bulb when off in my head and I thought, "why am I not doing this more often?" I have so many chances during the day to pray for my children and wash them with the Word, but I don't take advantage of them, and half the time I don't even think about the need or notice the opening. What a revelation!
My challenge, then, is to work in prayer and God's Word even more into the lives of my children this week. I want to redeem my time with them. I don't merely want to sing nursery rhymes with them, but to explain how those rhymes can point back to our Creator (after singing twinkle twinkle little star I can talk about how God created all the stars, etc). I want to praise my children for their gifts and talents, but then mention ways in which God might use them for His glory. I want to pray for my children every time my hands are on them (hugs, diaper changes, doing hair, etc). The Enemy allows for so many distractions in the every day life and I desire to take those moments and turn them into worshipful moments!
Precious Lord, thank You for the gift of parenting. Help me as I redeem my time with my children. Open my eyes to all the opportunities to speak Your truth into their lives. May I be a more prayerful and intentional mother and help me be the parent You have called me to be - one that is in the world, but not of the world. In Christ Jesus I pray these things. Amen.
Prayer:
Lord, I pray that my children's hearts would not be a bare path, a rocky place, or full of thorns. Instead, I ask that You would help their hearts be good soil so that when they hear the Word they will understand it. Allow Your Word to produce a crop in their lives that would yield a hundred, sixty, or thirty times what was sown. I pray that they would see with their eyes, hear with their ears, and understand with their hearts and turn to You for their hope and salvation. Heal them, Lord (Matthew 13:1-23). I ask all of these things in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Week 11!
Challenge:I know we all have things we don't enjoy or that make us anxious. For me, one of those things is vomit. Now to say it makes me anxious would be an understatement - it is truly a phobia that is out of control. Literally, every place I am in I make mental notes of where the bathrooms are in case I need to vomit and I make note of the exits in case those around me might puke. My spot in the bed changes depending on which side is closer to the toilet, etc. Just showing you... it is a true phobia. I have always wondered how I would handle the stomach flu as a parent and these last few weeks I have found out! Three out of the five of us have had the stomach flu over the past two weeks and this past weekend we got it again. Anyway, this has sent my anxiety way over the edge. While fretting about what to do my husband very loving said to me, "Do you see how you are breeding a culture of fear?" He was right. My anxiety was causing my daughter to be anxious. Wow. Now, Jason and I have always said that we want to be "cycle breakers" from some of the issues that run in our families, but this was the first time that I realized there are truly negative strongholds in my life that I might pass along to my children if I'm not careful. This wasn't passed down to me from any parent or relative - it's mine to own. I don't want to breed a culture of fear and anxeity over germs for my children - or anxiety over anything. I don't want to breed a culture of unforgivness, bitterness, lying, gossip, laziness, etc. etc. So, my challenge is to notice what sort of culture I am producing in every area. Is there something (perhaps even seemingly insignificant) I struggle with? If there in anything in my life that isn't beneficial to pass along to my children? I need to take steps to change the culture I am breeding for my children.
Father God, thank You for the privilege of being a parent. Please help me be mindful of the culture I am producing in my home. Help me to put to death anything that is not of You. May I proclaim with confidence that I can do anything through You (Philippians 4:13) and that nothing is impossible with You (Luke 1:37). I pray that I would breed a culture of love, forgiveness, selflessness, humility, service, peace, and trust. Help me weed out what is bad and grow what is of You. In Jesus' name. Amen.
For the Love of My Children:
Lord, I pray that Your power will be at work in my children. I invite You to do immeasurably more than all I could ask or imagine in each of their lives (Ephesians 3:20). I know that You have mighty plans for their future (Jeremiah 29:11) and I'm excited to see You at work: changing them and using them to change the world. May they never lose their faith or shrink back from the life You have called them to (Hebrews 10:39). Lord, You used unschooled and ordinary men to impact the world and I pray that as my children spend time with You - that they would be bold and courageous in speaking the truth to those around them (Acts 4:13). Thank You for the gifts You have given me in being able to parent such amazing children! May I never take the role lightly. I love You, Lord, and pray all these things in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Father God, thank You for the privilege of being a parent. Please help me be mindful of the culture I am producing in my home. Help me to put to death anything that is not of You. May I proclaim with confidence that I can do anything through You (Philippians 4:13) and that nothing is impossible with You (Luke 1:37). I pray that I would breed a culture of love, forgiveness, selflessness, humility, service, peace, and trust. Help me weed out what is bad and grow what is of You. In Jesus' name. Amen.
For the Love of My Children:
Lord, I pray that Your power will be at work in my children. I invite You to do immeasurably more than all I could ask or imagine in each of their lives (Ephesians 3:20). I know that You have mighty plans for their future (Jeremiah 29:11) and I'm excited to see You at work: changing them and using them to change the world. May they never lose their faith or shrink back from the life You have called them to (Hebrews 10:39). Lord, You used unschooled and ordinary men to impact the world and I pray that as my children spend time with You - that they would be bold and courageous in speaking the truth to those around them (Acts 4:13). Thank You for the gifts You have given me in being able to parent such amazing children! May I never take the role lightly. I love You, Lord, and pray all these things in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Week 10!
Challenge:
This week as I was reading in Exodus I had a revelation. In chapter 3, after Moses sees the burning bush, he pauses and then goes over to see the bush and it says in verse 4, "When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush..." -- I don't know why that stuck out to me, but I guess in my mind I always pictured the Lord calling for Moses from the beginning and so as Moses saw the burning bush he also heard God. However, that isn't how it happened. He saw the bush, paused, went over, and then the Lord spoke to him. This made me ask myself, "how often am I missing burning bushes in my life?" I don't always live my life as someone who "has time" to stop when there might be a burning bush. Now, if it was God's voice - sure that would stop me, but merely the sight of a burning bush - I don't have time for that. As soon as my feet hit the floor I'm chasing, feeding, and corralling children. We're running (late) to a meeting, from a playgroup, stopping at the grocery, etc... how many times have I been wanting a word from the Lord and yet I never took the time to stop to inquire about a burning bush He has placed in my life.
I think this challenge for me is applicable to parenting for two reasons. The first is common for parenting devotions, but is always a good reminder... we are setting an example for our children. If my children see me continually going then most likely they will live lives that are constantly on the go and when I think of all the burning bushes I might have missed - I don't want them to miss them in their lives! So, I need to start planning margin and space into my days. I need to teach my children, by example, to be inquiring about different ways the Lord might be working.
The second reason is simply because my children will often be the burning bushes that I'm overlooking. How often do I miss moments for my children to show me more about the Lord simply because I'm too busy (or tired). Just last night Jonah woke me up in the middle of the night and I was sitting on his bean bag snuggling with him for a little bit. Instead of drifting off to sleep like I normally do during my middle of the night snuggle times... I asked the Lord, "is this a burning bush?" and I made an effort to pause and wait. And do you know what? The Lord showed up and Jonah's bean bag became holy ground! My challenge, then, is to practice paying attention for those burning bushes, inquire about them, and then to wait on the Lord to speak. I believe that in doing so we will set a good example for our children and we will be awakened to extraordinary things in the midst of the ordinary.
Dear Lord, thank You for personally investing in my life. I am sorry for the times when I don't make time for You. Teach me to manage my time better. In doing so, I pray that I will set a good example for my children. Please use them to teach me and show me more about You and Your amazing love! In Jesus' Name. Amen.
For the Love of My Children:
Jesus, when You lived on the earth You made healing a crucial part of Your ministry and it is because of Your ability to heal every disease and sickness (Mark 9:35) that I come before you now to ask for healing and wellness in each of my children -all the days of their lives. Lord, as parents, we would much rather have any sickness ourselves than to watch our child suffer and You know more about that than I will ever know and I thank You for understanding this plea. It doesn't matter if it is just the common cold or something as serious as cancer, Lord, I pray You will be my child's Jehovah Rapha, the God who heals (Exodus 15:26). Heal them, Lord, and they will be healed (Jeremiah 17:14). Touch my child's body and take away any virus, infection, auto-immune disorder, chemical imbalance, or disease that is plaguing my child. I pray that my children would never know cancer or any other life threatening disease in their youth or as adults. Keep them healthy, Lord, and keep me from being anxious over their health knowing that You are the ultimate healer and that you save us from every plague that destroys (Psalm 91:3,6). I pray this in the powerful name of Jesus. Amen.
This week as I was reading in Exodus I had a revelation. In chapter 3, after Moses sees the burning bush, he pauses and then goes over to see the bush and it says in verse 4, "When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush..." -- I don't know why that stuck out to me, but I guess in my mind I always pictured the Lord calling for Moses from the beginning and so as Moses saw the burning bush he also heard God. However, that isn't how it happened. He saw the bush, paused, went over, and then the Lord spoke to him. This made me ask myself, "how often am I missing burning bushes in my life?" I don't always live my life as someone who "has time" to stop when there might be a burning bush. Now, if it was God's voice - sure that would stop me, but merely the sight of a burning bush - I don't have time for that. As soon as my feet hit the floor I'm chasing, feeding, and corralling children. We're running (late) to a meeting, from a playgroup, stopping at the grocery, etc... how many times have I been wanting a word from the Lord and yet I never took the time to stop to inquire about a burning bush He has placed in my life.
I think this challenge for me is applicable to parenting for two reasons. The first is common for parenting devotions, but is always a good reminder... we are setting an example for our children. If my children see me continually going then most likely they will live lives that are constantly on the go and when I think of all the burning bushes I might have missed - I don't want them to miss them in their lives! So, I need to start planning margin and space into my days. I need to teach my children, by example, to be inquiring about different ways the Lord might be working.
The second reason is simply because my children will often be the burning bushes that I'm overlooking. How often do I miss moments for my children to show me more about the Lord simply because I'm too busy (or tired). Just last night Jonah woke me up in the middle of the night and I was sitting on his bean bag snuggling with him for a little bit. Instead of drifting off to sleep like I normally do during my middle of the night snuggle times... I asked the Lord, "is this a burning bush?" and I made an effort to pause and wait. And do you know what? The Lord showed up and Jonah's bean bag became holy ground! My challenge, then, is to practice paying attention for those burning bushes, inquire about them, and then to wait on the Lord to speak. I believe that in doing so we will set a good example for our children and we will be awakened to extraordinary things in the midst of the ordinary.
Dear Lord, thank You for personally investing in my life. I am sorry for the times when I don't make time for You. Teach me to manage my time better. In doing so, I pray that I will set a good example for my children. Please use them to teach me and show me more about You and Your amazing love! In Jesus' Name. Amen.
For the Love of My Children:
Jesus, when You lived on the earth You made healing a crucial part of Your ministry and it is because of Your ability to heal every disease and sickness (Mark 9:35) that I come before you now to ask for healing and wellness in each of my children -all the days of their lives. Lord, as parents, we would much rather have any sickness ourselves than to watch our child suffer and You know more about that than I will ever know and I thank You for understanding this plea. It doesn't matter if it is just the common cold or something as serious as cancer, Lord, I pray You will be my child's Jehovah Rapha, the God who heals (Exodus 15:26). Heal them, Lord, and they will be healed (Jeremiah 17:14). Touch my child's body and take away any virus, infection, auto-immune disorder, chemical imbalance, or disease that is plaguing my child. I pray that my children would never know cancer or any other life threatening disease in their youth or as adults. Keep them healthy, Lord, and keep me from being anxious over their health knowing that You are the ultimate healer and that you save us from every plague that destroys (Psalm 91:3,6). I pray this in the powerful name of Jesus. Amen.
Monday, July 2, 2012
Week 9!
Challenge:
As I'm on this wonderful parenting journey - every week I end up thinking the same thing, "I have no idea what I'm doing." As a mom trying to raise children in this crazy world - I fall so short from knowing the best way to parent, love, discipline, and teach my children. I've intentionally tried to surround myself with wonderful friends who also have multiple children and similar parenting styles/goals so that we can "do life" together and learn as we go. I do think there is much to be said about that and I know, for me personally, it has helped quite a bit. But, still, I feel that I can learn so much more from older women in my life. My challenge this week is to pray about who specifically the Lord wants me to ask to be my parenting mentor. There are many amazing ladies in my life who are older and have already raised their children. I often talk with them when I see them and love their wisdom, but I'm needing something more formal. Something where I allow them to teach me, observe me, and pray with me. If you have older children, perhaps you could pray about someone you can invest in - sharing with them things you did well and mistakes you hope others don't repeat. So much wisdom lies in those who have walked ahead of us! I want to intentionally tap into it and bring Titus 2:3-5 to life in the lives our today's parents, "Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God."
Dear Lord, thank You for the wisdom that You grant us through life's experiences and challenges. Please bring to mind one woman in my life, who is rooted in the Word, who can become a mentor to me. Prepare her heart for my request and grant me the courage to reach out. Please use her to minister to me. Likewise, if there is anyone I can pour into, please bring them to my heart and mind. Thank you that as iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another (Proverbs 27:17). In Jesus' Name. Amen.
For the Love of My Children:
Father God, thank You that You promise to work everything out for the good for those who are following You (Romans 8:28). I proclaim that promise over my family and for each of my children. I pray that no matter what my child is going/has gone/will go through - large or small - that You will bring Yourself glory through it and that it would be woven into my child's testimony. May my children trust Your Word that in everything they are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37). What a joy and a relief that truth is and I pray that it would be real and tangible in every situation my child faces and that it would help me, as the parent, not to be anxious. As I put my fears aside, help me be convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate my children from Your love (Romans 8:38-39). I pray in the name of Christ Jesus, Our Lord. Amen.
As I'm on this wonderful parenting journey - every week I end up thinking the same thing, "I have no idea what I'm doing." As a mom trying to raise children in this crazy world - I fall so short from knowing the best way to parent, love, discipline, and teach my children. I've intentionally tried to surround myself with wonderful friends who also have multiple children and similar parenting styles/goals so that we can "do life" together and learn as we go. I do think there is much to be said about that and I know, for me personally, it has helped quite a bit. But, still, I feel that I can learn so much more from older women in my life. My challenge this week is to pray about who specifically the Lord wants me to ask to be my parenting mentor. There are many amazing ladies in my life who are older and have already raised their children. I often talk with them when I see them and love their wisdom, but I'm needing something more formal. Something where I allow them to teach me, observe me, and pray with me. If you have older children, perhaps you could pray about someone you can invest in - sharing with them things you did well and mistakes you hope others don't repeat. So much wisdom lies in those who have walked ahead of us! I want to intentionally tap into it and bring Titus 2:3-5 to life in the lives our today's parents, "Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God."
Dear Lord, thank You for the wisdom that You grant us through life's experiences and challenges. Please bring to mind one woman in my life, who is rooted in the Word, who can become a mentor to me. Prepare her heart for my request and grant me the courage to reach out. Please use her to minister to me. Likewise, if there is anyone I can pour into, please bring them to my heart and mind. Thank you that as iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another (Proverbs 27:17). In Jesus' Name. Amen.
For the Love of My Children:
Father God, thank You that You promise to work everything out for the good for those who are following You (Romans 8:28). I proclaim that promise over my family and for each of my children. I pray that no matter what my child is going/has gone/will go through - large or small - that You will bring Yourself glory through it and that it would be woven into my child's testimony. May my children trust Your Word that in everything they are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37). What a joy and a relief that truth is and I pray that it would be real and tangible in every situation my child faces and that it would help me, as the parent, not to be anxious. As I put my fears aside, help me be convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate my children from Your love (Romans 8:38-39). I pray in the name of Christ Jesus, Our Lord. Amen.
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