What God's word says about Mommyhood

                I will be meeting my baby girl November 28^th. As I am preparing for this new journey of motherhood with my second child, I decided to list scriptures about motherhood and children.

“Her children rise and call her blessed, her husband also and he praises her.” Proverbs 31:2

“I am reminded of your sincere faith. A faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Louis, and your mother Eunice, and now I am sure dwells in you” 2 Timothy 1:5   This verse demonstrates the importance of my faith. The faith that I have will be passed on to them, and their children. This is a great reminder of how important it is for me to teach them about God, and for them to see me living out my life walking in faith.

“Listen my son to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teachings. They are a garland to grace your head, and a chain to adorn your neck.” Proverbs 1:8-9. This is a reminder of how important my job as a mother is, and how my children will carry with them what I teach them all their lives.

“I will never leave you nor forsake you. So we can say confidently the Lord is my helper, I will not fear. What can man do to me?” Hebrews 13: 5-6. This one is a reminder that God is my helper. When I had my son two years ago, I learned that I could not do this parenting journey on my own, and I needed to rely on God to help me. The only way I can truly do this parenting thing, is on my knees, asking God to guide me.

“Train your child in the way that he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6

“Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.” Psalm 127:3

“He called the little child to him, and placed the young child among them. And he said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like these little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. If anyone causes one of these little ones-those who believe in me- to stumble, it would be better for them to have a huge milestone around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” Matthew 18:2-6

“And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and getting up. Time them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Write them on the doorpost of your house and on your gates.” Deuteronomy 6:6-9. God’s word is important in my journey, as a parent. I need to read my bible and pray every day, so that I can teach my children about God and his commands. I love this scripture, because it is a picture of what it looks like to incorporate God’s word into day to day conversations with children. It is also a reminder of how important it is that my children see me living out God’s commands in my own life.

“I asked the Lord to give me this boy, and he has granted my request. Now I am giving him to the Lord, and he will belong to the Lord his whole life.” 1 Samuel 1: 27-28. This is one of my favorite verses. Hannah was heartbroken, because she was unable to have children. She went into the temple and poured her heart out to God, asking him to give her a son. After God gave her a son, Hannah praised God and dedicated Samuel to God. I can relate to Hannah. After I lost three babies in miscarriages, I was heartbroken. I cried out to God and asked him for children. When I was pregnant with my son, I was afraid of losing him, as well, but a woman knew my struggle, and told me not to be fearful, but to instead pray for my child, and speak God’s word over him. She suggested I find scriptures about children, and declare God’s promises over my child life. I did what she suggested. I found scriptures, and hung them up in my house, so I could see them every day. My favorite was 1 Samuel 1:27. I began praying for God to protect my son, and thanking him every day for giving me a child. I made the decision to dedicate my son to God, and teach him about God, and his commandments. I have the doing the same, during my pregnancy for my daughter.

What are some scriptures you hold onto about motherhood and children? Which of these verses stood out to you?

Teaching children to give and serve

On Halloween day my son began putting toys into his trick or treat bag. I told him that he didn’t have to bring any toys because he would be getting candy to put in his bag. He told me that he wanted to bring his toys to give to the other kids trick or treating. That was a proud momma moment that my kid wanted to give toys to other kids. It was also reminder how important reminder that I need to teach him how to love and give to others, so I brainstormed ways that I can teach him this. Some of these or activities that I can do with him; some of these activities are things I will do on my own, because I think the most important way to teach children is by example. If my son sees me doing something he will realize it is important.

“Train your child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6

1)      Teach about sharing. This is one we working on. My son is the only child at home (not for long because I am expecting a baby in December) so we are working on learning to share toys with other children he interacts with.

“With my whole heart I seek you, let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart that I may not sin against you.” Psalm 119:10-11

2)      Spend time with God daily in bible reading and prayer. Spending time with God fills me up with his love. In this time God gives me ideas on how I can give, serve, and love others throughout the day.

“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” Hebrews 13:2

3)      Donate old toys and clothes. I am in the process of going through my old clothes, and Ezra’s old clothes and toys that his baby sister will not be able to use. I want to explain to him that it’s good to give these things away to someone else that may be able to use them.

4)      Look for opportunities to donate items. This is something I want to start doing monthly with my son. Some ideas I have are buying canned goods and donating them during the holidays, buying toys during Christmas time for kids who are in need, and buying hygiene items and bringing them to local shelters. I plan on taking on taking my son with me to buy these items, so that I can explain to him why we are buying these items and giving them away.

“For even the son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom to many.” Mark 10:45

5)      Serve others daily. I will pray every day and ask God who I can serve today. Then I will look for opportunities to serve others whether it is my husband, a friend or a stranger. It may be as simple as helping my husband with a task he normally does himself or letting a stranger go before me in line at the grocery store. If I do things like this my son will see how important is to give you to others by serving them. I want him to see that it’s not always about performing big gestures for others, but our small kind actions are just as important.

What are some of the things you do to teach your children about giving and loving others?

Not the garden

"If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sins and heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14

The more I turn on the news, the more my heart is breaking. My heart is saddened by all of the tragedy and hate in this world. I have written this poem in response to all of the  recent tragedies that have taken place. The more of the brokenness and hate I see, the more aware I am of how much we need God. This is my prayer for God to heal our land.

Not the garden

This is not the garden you created….

A broken world where there is no peace

A world where there is no one left to trust

A world where there is more hate than love

My heart is broken

I must confess

Sometimes I am terrified

As tragedy after tragedy ensues

Terrified… because I know

Things will only continue to worsen

As hate spews into more hate

And ignorance spews into the lies that many are left believing

I turn to you for answers

But I know some things will always remain unanswered

Why so much hate when you have called us to love?

Why does tragedy tear us apart

When it should pull us together?

Technology…

Was supposed to make this world better

But has only made it worst

As we sit behind our little boxes

Typing words of hate

Words we would never say in person

Bashing and judging people we have never met

I must confess…

I’m terrified

Because I know it will only continue to worsen

You are my only sense of peace

I am terrified

But you are the only reason I do not live in fear

Reach into our land

We need you

Reach into our hearts

We need you

Heal our broken land

Shine your light inside our hearts

So that we can shine your light into this dark world

It's not always easy

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. “John 16:33

I began studying the book of Job. This book of the bible is a reminder that bad things happen to good people that being a Christian does not make you exempt from having problems. Jesus said that we would have difficult times, but that he would be our peace in those times. 

"Consider now who being blameless has ever perished. Where were the upright ever destroyed?" Job 4:7

When Job's "friend" Eliphaz spoke to him he showed him no compassion for his struggles. Instead he blamed Job and said that God must be punishing him a secret sin in his life. Sounds like a friend we would want to have when we were in the midst of trials right? I think in some ways we are a little like Eliphaz. Maybe we judge others, when we don't really know the situation. Maybe we think that if we do what God wants us to do we won't have any major problems. Maybe we complain or get angry at God when things don't go our way. 

Eliphaz thought he was helping Job, but he was just making matters worse. I think he could have learned a lot from Job. I think we could all learn a lot from Job. 

"Then the Lord said to Satan. Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on Earth like him. He is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil. And he still maintains his integrity even though you incited me against him without reason." Job 2:3

Job did not use his struggles as an excuse to sin. He still continued to serve God when things were not going good in his life. 

"His wife said to him are you still maintaining your integrity? Curse God and die. " Job 2:9

Poor Job! He didn't have any support or compassion from his friends or his wife. His wife told him that he should curse God and die. Even though he didn't have any support from his loved ones he still did not complain or blame God for his problems he kept his trust in God. Perhaps God was Jobs comfort when his friends and wife were not. 

“Why did I not perish at birth, and die as I came from the womb? “Job 3:11

Job did not pretend to have it all together or hide his struggles. Sometimes we think that as Christians we have to have it all together. We keep our struggles inside and do not share them with anyone, but God wants us to be open about our pain. He knows how we are feeling, and he does not want us to keep it in. I used to think that as a Christian I had to act like I had it all together. Christians were supposed to get their joy from God, so if I did not want into know. Inside I was hurting because of things I dealt with in my past. Then I joined a group called Celebrate Recovery that focuses on hurts, habits, and hangups. It wasn't until I started sharing the pain inside of me, that God started healing me. 

What did you learn from Job? Do you find it hard to keep your faith in struggles? Do you feel alone in the midst of what you are going through? Remember, you are not alone. Jesus is walking besides you and he is your source of peace. Have you been hiding your pain inside? Consider sharing your feelings with a trusted friend or counselor. Open up to God about your feelings. He is there and wants to listen. 

New Year Stronger Foundation

A few years ago I found an alternative to making a New Years resolution. Instead of making resolution that I'll probably break in a couple of days,  I pick a focus word for the year. Picking one word has helped me to work on one area of my life that God would want me to work on. Words in the past have been humility and love. 

"But anyone who hears these words of mine, but does not put them into practice is like the foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose and the wind blew and beat against the house, and it fell with a great crash." Matthew 9:26-27

My word for this year is foundation. I love the illustration in Matthew 9:24-27. I imagine two beautiful houses that appear to be built just as strong. It isn't until the storm comes that the true strength of each house is revealed. The foundation is the true strength of the house.

My goal is that Jesus would be my foundation. I want the words I read in the bible to be more than just words  but the way I live my life. 
"...But we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance character, and character hope." Romans 5:3-4
In the parable with the foundation the storm was the indicator of the strength of the foundation. The same is true in my life. I need to be strong in my faith always. When others see me rooted in my faith, even in my trials it shows others how God has given me strength despite my trials. If Jesus is my foundation I can persevere through the rough circumstances. 

What is the foundation of your life? What would your life look like if Jesus was the foundation? What would you like your focus word to be this year? 

Complaining: A Look into the Heart

"They spoke up against God and Moses and said why have you brought us out of Egypt to die in the wildernesses? There is no bre­­­­­ad! There is no water! And we detest this miserable food. “Numbers 21:4

Once again we see the Israelites complaining. I think their complaints can give us insight into their hearts and ours as well.

 The Israelites were fearful. As I read the above complaint, I see a people who are afraid. They are afraid of where God is leading them, afraid they are going to die, and afraid they will not have enough food to eat.

I am in a season in my life where I can relate to the Israelites. I feel like God is leading me in one direction, but I am scared to go in that direction. Why? Probably the same reason the Israelites were afraid... Lack of faith.

The Israelites complained because they did not trust God. They did not trust where God was leading them. When they saw the Canaanites they   became fearful, because they did not think they were capable of defeating them. They did not believe that what God promised them would come to pass. They did not trust that God would protect them or provide for their basic needs.

Despite the fact that God had delivered them  out of slavery and continued to provide them with all of their needs, they did not trust God. As a person who struggles with obsessive worry and anxiety, I can relate to the Israelites. In my past God has delivered me from some bad situations. As I look back I can clearly see God’s protection and grace over my life, but I still have trouble trusting God in the little things. There have also been times where God has provided for me in impossible circumstances, but there are times when I worry and doubt that God will provide everything I need.

The Israelites did not really know God's character. I believe that even though the Israelites knew of God, they did not really know his character or heart.  I think that if they knew God's heart they would have trusted him and his promises. They would have known that they did not have to be afraid because God was their provider. They would have known that God cared for them and was protecting them. They would have known that they did not have to doubt God because all things are possible through him.

If you have found yourself complaining lately, I encourage you to ask God to examine your heart.  Spend some time journaling and asking God to reveal to you why you have been complaining

Do you complain because of fear? I encourage you to search the scriptures about fear and find verses you can meditate  on to stand against your fear. (My go to verse is “For God has not given me a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power and love and a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7

Do you complain because of lack of trust in God. I encourage you to look back at the times God has been faithful in your life.

Would you like to learn more about God's character? In January I will be writing about God’s Character and studying what the bible has to say about who God is. I would like to follow along in my blog and study with me..  invite you to study with me. 

My mumbling and grumbling

“Now the people complained about their hardships in the hearing of the Lord, and when them his anger was aroused. Then fire from the Lord burned from among them and consumed some of the outskirts of the camp.” Numbers 11:1

            I have been studying the Book of Numbers. My first insight from this book was… “Man, these people complain a lot.” God had delivered the Israelites out of slavery. He had told them he was going to lead them to a promised land. Things were going to be better there than were in Egypt. He had provided everything they needed. As I read, I wondered how could they keep complaining, when God had blessed them in so many ways…. But then I realized there are many times in my life when I am just like the Israelites.  I complain and complain and complain… then I complain some more.

“We remember the fish we ate in Egypt at no cost. Also, the cucumbers, melons, leeks, and garlic, But now we have lost out appetites. We never see anything, but this manna.” Numbers 11: 4-5”

The people wanted what they did not have.

            They looked back and wanted to eat the food they used to. They forgot that God had their best interests at heart. They forgot that with the free leeks, cucumbers, and melons came hardships, bondage, and slavery. Like the Israelites, I sometimes focus on what I don’t have. It is so easy to look at what others have, and think that they are better off than me. Then the ifs begin… If only I had a better house, a better car, more money, lived in a better neighborhood…. Then the ifs turn to complaining about what I don’t have. This kind of complaining is dangerous, because if I focus on what I do not have I forget all that God has blessed me with.

God does not like complaining and he will not bless this kind of attitude.

“And the Lord spoke to Moses. ‘Put back the staff of Aaron before the testimony to be kept as a sign for the rebels, that you make an end to the grumbling lest they die.” Numbers 17:10.

            God shows his dislike for complaining by calling the complainers “rebels.” Webster’s dictionary defines a rebel as “a person who opposes or fights against authority or government. Reading this made me remember all of the times I have rebelled against God by complaining. Furthermore, God used the budding staff as a reminder that he does not like complaining and he will not tolerate it.

“Not one of them will see the land I promised an oath to their ancestors. No one who has treated me with contempt will ever see it.” Numbers 14:23.

            The people did not get to see the land that was promised to them because of their complaining. They missed out on the blessings God intended for them, because of their complaining and negative attitude. I wonder how many of God’s blessings I have not seen come to pass, because of my mumbling and grumbling.    

            This study of Numbers has really caused me to reevaluate my attitude and words. I am trying to eliminate the complaining and murmuring in my life by shifting my focus from what I don’t have to what I do have. One of the ways I am doing this is by teaching my son what it means to be thankful. Everyday this month my husband and I have been telling my son one thing we are thankful for. I have also been asking my son to tell me one thing he is glad God gave him, and I have been writing these answers on my son’s chalkboard. (In case you are wondering what a toddler is thankful for the answers range from God to food to spiders to maw-maw-and paw-paw to pottys and poop.) I have been realizing how blessed I am these past few days, and I look forward to hearing my son and husband’s responses .

            Are you a complainer? I encourage you to take and inventory of your words, and to work on stopping the grumbling. Consider taking the next few days to do like I did and make a list of the things you are greatful for. What are some of the things in your life that you are greatful God has blessed you with.