Motherhood

The Powerful Prayer of a Mother

May 10, 2012 By Lori Ramsey 8 Comments

Mother’s are getting ready to celebrate Mother’s Day this Sunday. Being a mother is one of the toughest jobs around. We have such a blessing beyond anything imaginable. God saw fit to give us children to raise, to be in the Christian army. This is no small task, and in fact, it is one of the greatest of all tasks, in my own opinion. And I’m not biased.

I often feel helpless, when my children are sick, or when they are hurt beyond what I can control. But that helplessness does not stay for long, because I realize whom it is that I serve and who it is that I pray to continuously over my family.

As my children grow, I realize just how helpless we are in our own accord. We raise them then set them free into the world and we only hope they have learned all they need to know. I often feel guilty that I did not do all I could, or that I did it wrong. I have to remember, we are all human, we all fall short. But Praise God, Jesus redeemed us from all the curses, so if we fall short, His grace is sufficient to cover it.

I stand on the Bible verse Proverbs 22:6 which says to Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it. I take it seriously to make sure my children are raised in church, are taught who they are in Christ. I make sure they know the only way to salvation is to confess that Jesus Christ is their Lord and Savior.

From the moment I knew they were in my womb, I began to pray over them. I also pray over their future spouses, that they are having good childhoods that they know who our Lord and Savior is. Prayer is one thing I can do without ceasing, and I do not even start a day without covering my family in it first.

When my first-born son was a baby, he had a high fever, it was on a holiday, and the doctor’s offices were closed. The closest hospital was an hour away, and we did not have enough gas or money to get him to one. So I gathered him in my arms and started pacing back and forth in his room. I closed my eyes, held up my hand towards Heaven, and prayed over him. “By Jesus stripes, you are healed Tad” After a little while I sat down with him, continued holding him, and a peace washed over me. I started singing praise songs, and crying and by the time I was done, his fever broke. I realized then the power of prayer from firsthand experience. Where I was weak, He was strong, He carried us. He carries my children! What a thought!

Never feel helpless as a mother if you call Jesus Christ your Lord and Savior. You have the most powerful thing at your disposal, prayer, and a God that hears, answers, and is with you. When you pray this power over your child, you need to know that our Lord and Savior watch over them as well. This is the confident assurance that what we believe yet cannot see is there and working.

You know how much you love your child. Well God loves them even more than we do. This is a hard concept to grasp, because I love my children with everything I have, but I know the God I serve cares for and love them more than I ever could.

Unleash that power over your child; lift them up in prayer, daily. It is the best thing you can do for them!

Filed Under: Motherhood, Raising Godly Children

Messy Motherhood

May 9, 2012 By Traci Little 3 Comments

I watch as he crashes tiny cars together, making all sorts of deep, vrooom vroom sounds like he’s been doing it from the womb. She flits and dances about and beckons me to watch her own recital of sorts. The little babe, that isn’t so little any longer, with his chubby 7-month thighs that are so irresistibly kissable and how his sweaty creases somehow smell so inviting. Really… sweat only smells good on little babies. I kiss his bare toes and pretend to eat them as he giggles over and over. I melt.

Being a mother is such a beautiful gift; but when days are long, and kids are sick, and whining seems to never cease… that’s when the beauty seems cloudy. It’s hard to see through the fog of motherhood during long nights filled with little sleep. Motherhood is a beautiful, messy gift!

Each day brings new joys and new pain. Without the pain we wouldn’t be able to enjoy the fullness of the joy-filled, sunny days. Even though it’s hard, I’m thankful for the murky, muddied water days. It stretches me and grows me and makes me thankful that I have my Savior, Jesus Christ to walk out this thing called motherhood with. For He is my guide, and my ever gentle Shepherd; He is the giver of these little gifts!

On the long days when hope for a glimpse of beauty is hidden behind saggy sweat pants, a messy-bun and dark circles underneath those tired eyes, remember… motherhood really is a gift. A beautiful one! Will you choose to look beyond the haze of today into the beauty of your tomorrow?

“You should be known for the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.” 1 Peter 3:4

photo credit: heavenly flower

Filed Under: Legacy, Motherhood

When Mother’s Day Is Hard

May 7, 2012 By Denise Thompson 40 Comments

This Mother’s Day we will be surrounded by flowers, cards and candy, and the honoring of Mothers everywhere. Church goings, handmade cards and burnt toast breakfasts. It can be so glorious and grand can’t it? But, what happens when Mother’s Day is hard and raw and mixed with grief or sadness?

Not every Mother’s Day is a happy occasion filled with pampering and kind gestures is it? I too have been in that place, and my heart goes out to you.

May I tell you my story?

I have been the single mom who longed for someone to remind my little guy that it was Mother’s Day and just help him pick out a card and sign his name.
I have been the one wishing, hoping and praying for pregnancy, and motherhood that seemed like it would never come.
I have been the one who was resentful of others who could get pregnant with ease.
I have been the one lying on that cold, hard medical bed, struggling to hear a heartbeat that was gone, and experiencing the secret pain of miscarriage.
I have been the one who heard the stinging words, “I’m sorry to tell you your baby girl will not live through birth, but you must deliver her now.”
I have been the one to see my husband trying to hang onto the faint memory of a mother that was gone too soon in his life.
I have been the one who felt the sting of adoption failures, and wondering how in the world I would ever have another child.
I have been the one to hear the words “you probably will not have any more children”.

Maybe you are one of those women

Or…

Maybe you are one who is waiting, and praying for you own child in a far off country.

There is hope

Maybe you are the one who is fostering children who need you to be the Mother they never had.

You are gifted.

Maybe you are the one struggling through infertility and want more than anything to be a mother.

There is a future for you.

Maybe you are one who had to give up a child through tough circumstances.

There is forgiveness

Maybe you are one who knows you will never be a mother at all and are trying to find a place to fit in.

There is a place for you.

Maybe you are the one who lost your Mother and miss her this week.

May you find comfort.

Maybe you are struggling to find a way to honor your Mother who doesn’t deserve that place.

May you find peace and grace.

Maybe you are the one who has lost a child too soon.

May you find joy to fill the void.

Maybe you are one who is a Mother to many.

You are special.

Maybe you are one who is spending Mother’s Day in a hospital or care-giving a special needs child and you are worn out.

May you find strength.

Maybe you are one who is grateful just to be alive on Mother’s Day.

You have a new perspective.

Today I reach out a hand to you my sisters, and for all women out there who find Mother’s Day to bring on a flood of emotions and feelings. It’s okay and it’s normal, and you are loved by an Almighty God no matter your circumstances.

The good news of my story…

This week I will have a happy Mother’s Day, because God has showered me with grace and three healthy boys who fill my life with so much joy. They are a daily reminder of redemption in front of me.
This week I have a loving husband who helps my boys sign their name on the card!
This week I have a beautiful Godly mother still with me, who has many reasons to be honored.
This week I miss my Grandma who was still with us this time last year, but I can rejoice in the legacy she left behind.
This week I am living proof of a God who restores that which was lost, and I share my story so that you too can hang on to hope.

God’s word says…

“I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten.” Joel 2:25

My prayer is that you will find a reason to enjoy this Mother’s Day in the midst–wherever you are. May you realize that you have influence and potential and nothing you do is wasted-not one single thing.

Whether you are a Mother by birth or by other means, we need your Mother heart and it is beautiful!

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

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Filed Under: Legacy, Motherhood

Staying Focused on Christ as a Working Mom

March 19, 2012 By Guest 20 Comments

As a working mom, I must make a conscious effort to keep Christ as the center of my focus. The pull for my attention can be overwhelming with work, home, and family responsibilities.

However, I am happy to tell you that moms who work outside the home most definitely can keep Christ as their top priority! I have found these tips to be helpful and pray that they will encourage you as well!

Photo credit

Routine

Developing a routine for Bible study is essential for maintaining focus on Christ. I encourage you to examine your schedule and make time alone with God your top priority. This could be early morning before the kids awake; in the evenings, while children are doing homework, or even during your lunch break.

The primary purpose of this type of quiet time is to get alone with God and soak in His Word through Bible study and prayer. He longs to have a relationship with each of us!

Reminders

Being away from home and children can often be overwhelming and discouraging. I need reminders of God’s love to keep my heart focused on Him at all times. I have found that placing note cards of Bible verses around my work area (desk, calendar, planner, etc.) encourages me throughout the day.

I challenge you to memorize one passage of scripture each month simply by placing a note near your work area where you will see it throughout the day. You will be amazed at how God’s love illuminates the dark areas of your heart and helps you to shine for Him at your workplace!

Resolve

I have resolved to offer my work as an industrial software developer as an offering to Him. That may seem strange, but the Bible tells us in Colossians 3:23 “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men”.

When stress builds at the office and my deadlines approach with alarming speed, I have resolved to work without grumbling and do my best to meet them because that it is what I would do for the Lord.

When dealing with difficult coworkers, I have resolved to treat them with love and patience because this is how Christ would want me to treat them.

When I am weary and want to hide in my bed rather than go to work, I have resolved to thank God for the blessing He has provided through my job, and go to work smiling because all I do is for His glory and as an offering to Him.

Women may often think about working outside of the home in many different ways. Some women may be delighted to share their talents and earn income to help their family. However, others may be distressed by time away from their home and long to one day be at home full-time.

Whatever your situation is, I encourage you to embrace the plans God has for you in this moment. Could we join together and thank God for providing for our needs and for being with us through all of life’s joys and pains? Could we exchange our “But, Lord, if only…” for “Thank you, Lord”?

How do you stay focused on Christ? His beautiful love and grace can fill our hearts in any situation. He longs to use each of us in a very special way, exactly where He has placed us at this moment. Let’s trust Him together and remain focused on Him!

Melanie is an industrial software developer and a full-time wife and mommy of two lively little boys. She writes at Only a Breath as a real-life exploration of living faith. Her heart’s desire is to encourage others and to share with them the joy of Christ and the hope of His unfailing love.

Filed Under: Guest, Motherhood, Special Features

Growing Good or Godly Seeds

March 9, 2012 By September McCarthy 11 Comments

Is it really almost “that” time of year?

The seed catalog arrived in the mail this week. I can almost taste the fresh vegetables on the table.

The excitement builds as we leaf through the pages of colorful choices, all with different requirements and results.

Carefully choosing which seeds will bring a harvest to our home this year…

Thinking, planning, cultivating and growing will hope to bring the chosen seeds to fruition.

Do you share this tradition in your home?

The investment is not taken lightly is it? There is a lot at stake, a lot to consider daily.

Sisters… if you are a mom, you will hear my heart when I say this….

“Cultivating the soil, and planting the Seeds of righteousness in the heart of your children cannot wait until tomorrow.”

Invest today.

The seeds you plant – should be chosen carefully, and with purpose.

The soil of the heart will need cultivated – with Prayer.

Plant Seeds and water them. Every living thing needs water.

Let His Word take root in their heart.

Sisters in Christ… Please….Be encouraged – Follow God WITH your children.

Fill their Heart, Soul and Mind with His Precepts.

Someone once said to me… ” You have such GOOD kids.”

I was thankful for this comment…but then realized that Godly kids would be an even better description someday.

Planting seeds of righteousness, and cultivating a Biblical vs. cultural perspective , will grow a Godly seed.

Psalm 144:12
May our sons in their youth be like plants full grown, our daughters like corner pillars cut for the structure of a palace;

Psalm 1:3
And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither, and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

Moms, do not be discouraged with set-backs, or moments of discouragement and frustration. All good seeds need pruning, weeding, and continual watering. Godly Seeds will need the Son – and He will give the increase.

Be of good courage- It is a high-calling- Raising the Next Generation of Godly Seeds.

You are a woman of faith- and you CAN plant and grow Good and Godly Children.

Ladies… Will you join me as I grab my special copy of The Word, choose my seeds, and cultivate the soil of my children’s hearts?

It is that time again.

Filed Under: Encouragement, Motherhood, Prayer, Raising Godly Children

Fingerprints on My Door

March 5, 2012 By Guest 3 Comments

The fingerprints on my back door are getting higher. I noticed because I have to clean the window of my back door every week. (I could probably do it every day, but I don’t.) I used to have to stoop down to get the fingerprints off the glass. Now those fingerprints are almost at my level.

My 8- and 10-year-old daughters are growing up. They’re not just getting taller; they’re growing emotionally and spiritually as well. They’re following in the footsteps of Jesus as he grew.

“And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man” Luke 2:52

I have to tell you that I find myself missing those little fingerprints at the bottom of my door. Oh, I love that my girls are growing. I love that they’re becoming young women. I love watching them learn new things and take a few strides toward independence.

But the higher those fingerprints get on my door, the farther we are from the days when I could pick them up and kiss away any hurt. As the fingerprints get higher, the opportunity for my girls to go out into the world and come home wounded increases.

As a mom, I want to pull out my “momma bear” claws and take on the people or things that hurt my girls. Yet, part of growing up is letting them sort through a lot of that on their own. My job has gone from ferocious “momma bear” to “wise old owl.” My job is no longer to fight all the battles for them but to offer them wisdom in fighting their own battles.

Whether it’s mean girls or disappointing losses on the sports field, my role is changing from protector to counselor. And I’m not really sure how I feel about that. Being the protector was easy. I knew it was my job to jump in and keep the hurt away. Being the counselor requires wisdom I’m not sure I have.

As my role changes, I find that I have to fill myself up more with the Source of wisdom if I’m going to be able to offer anything of value to my girls. I certainly don’t have all the answers for the things they face at school and in their activities. But God does, and He’s willing to share that wisdom with us moms. All we have to do is ask.

James 1:5 says “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” Whether you have a new infant or a child heading off to college as you enter a new stage of life, look to the Source of all wisdom to help you fill your new role.

As the fingerprints get ever higher on my door, I’ll use them as a reminder that no matter how my role changes in my girls’ lives; I never have to lack for wisdom. All I have to do is ask for it.

Lori

Lori Fairchild is passionate about helping parents use the everyday moments in life to teach their kids about God. Check out her blog Everyday Truth for parenting tips and encouragement.

Filed Under: Guest, Motherhood, Raising Godly Children, Special Features Tagged With: motherhood, parenting

Trends- Keeping up as Mommy

March 5, 2012 By Kristi 12 Comments

I remember when my youngest was born- oh how the internet helped me learn all about Babylegs, making my own baby food, switching to nontoxic cleaners, and fancy expensive strollers. I believe that is when my husband first learned how to do his eye roll whenever I mentioned, “on the web the other day I found….”

I never realized I was so swayed by trends. I thought it was just me trying to learn, I’m fascinated with all we can learn on the internet. It’s because of the internet I found out about #B90DAYS (which pretty much changed my life), #hellomornings, The Relevant Conference, and met so many friends.

But slowly this method of learning slowly became an obsession, constantly comparing, judging, and keeping up with Mrs. Jones. As a mom I find it hard to keep up. A short break offline turns into a longer break. I have to learn to say no and not join in every link up, I even have had to click unsubscribe to some blogs, because the full email inbox causes me more stress than blessings.

And Pinterest- Oh who knew that I could find exercise tips, Bible passages, hair styles, wheat-free/clean recipes, and find that mommy style all on the same site- Oh Hallelujah!!! My obsession in pinterest is nicely divided by topic and organized (so much more than when I had to print pictures or clip magazines). I do learn so much about myself. I learn that I may not be able to cook every recipe, print every download for the boys, or hand make all my Christmas gifts for 2012 (even if I started now). And that’s okay. I see trends change on the internet. I love looking at houses on the internet, but I know I won’t be moving soon.

Source: southernlivinghouseplans.com via MommaKristi on Pinterest

I see recipes that make me question our food supply, so I buy books about eating clean. Even though I love looking at home school sites, I accept that it is not in my near future.

That’s the thing about this internet community we’ve created. We really are the body of Christ Paul described in 1 Corinthians Chapter 12. We don’t all have to wear skinny jeans, run marathons, make the best sweets; it doesn’t matter if we support One Verse, Compassion, Operation Christmas Child, or World Vision. We all come to the same feasting table- vegetarians, vegans, gluten free, or localvores.

Photo by Tauben

It’s ok to change our minds, to try new things, and mainly learn. Oh how the internet has helped me to decipher what is most important in my life.

Right now, it’s getting well. Next year maybe I’ll learn to crochet (I’ve got pins for that).

But here is the best part- trends change- we don’t have to keep up. If tomorrow everyone is scrapbooking or making pillows- you don’t have to. Find what matters to you and live that life.

Trends come and go.