How Would You Rate Yourself as a MOM ?

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It is true that we judge ourselves harsher than others would.  We often use unfair parameters and unrealistic comparisons while we do it.

It is not uncommon to critique our mothering abilities – especially when we see our children stray from the faith they grew up with.  However, don’t be deceived into thinking you have no further influence or reach in their lives. 

Once your children have left the “nest” rest assured you can still pour Godly advice, comfort and wisdom into them on a regular basis.  The key to doing it successfully is – moderation and discernment.

How many Moms have worn out knees and prayer journals full of petitions on behalf of their children – both young and adult?  How many of us have purchased books like The New Strong Willed Child by James Dobson, or The Power of a Praying Parent by Stormie Omartin?  None of us are beyond the help of those who have blazed the trail before us…

As a tribute to Mothers – below are three famous Moms and their sons…

Billy Graham:

[Excerpt from his biography]

Billy Graham said,“Jesus’ word picture of a hen gathering her brood under her wing fits my mother. She saw to it that we gathered frequently and regularly—and not just around the dinner table or in front of the radio for favorite broadcasts. She gathered us around herself and my father to listen to Bible stories, to join in family prayers, and to share a sense of the presence of God."

On August 14, 1981, Morrow Graham quietly left this earth in her sleep and entered Heaven.

"When word came," said Billy, "I wept and yet rejoiced at the same time. Of all the people I have ever known, she had the greatest influence on me.  She and my father didn’t have much education … But my mother was a woman of God. She always had devotions with us, she always prayed with us, she always loved us, and did so many things, as I look back now, out of the way. And she and my father, when I was in Bible school, they would go up to a room upstairs and kneel down every morning at 10 o’clock to pray for their son in Bible school."

John Wesley and Charles Wesley:

Susanna Wesley was the mother of 19 children, including John and Charles Wesley. Through much adversity, she dedicated her life to instilling a sense of Christian destiny into each of her children.  Her children went on to change the world. Susanna Wesley believed that for a child to grow into a self-disciplined adult, they must first be a disciplined child. To her, the stubborn flesh was the hardest battle for Christians to fight, and Godly parents would do well to equip their children to overcome it early. Susanna Wesley wrote:

"When the will of a child is totally subdued, and it is brought to revere and stand in awe of the parents, then a great many childish follies ... may be passed by…I insist on the conquering of the will of children betimes, because this is the only strong and rational foundation of a religious education ...  when this is thoroughly done, then a child is capable of being governed by reason and piety."

Moses - the Prince of Egypt

In Exodus 2 we are introduced to Jochebed, the daughter of Levi - born to him in Egypt.  She was the wife of Amram and was the mother of Aaron, Miriam and Moses.  Her courage and ingenuity saved her son Moses from the wicked mandate of Pharaoh to kill every male Israelite child.  She cleverly hid him for three months, before placing him among the reeds in a water-tight basket along the Nile River.

As she watched Miriam approach Pharaoh’s daughter, she must have been relieved to hear that she would be nursing and weaning the child herself before handing him over permanently.  Those few early years were no doubt full of Godly teaching and a loving example to that little Hebrew child.  Can you imagine the pain and sacrifice she endured as she watched her young son disappear into Pharaoh’s exotic palace to be raised as an Egyptian?

 I believe Jochebed was an important part of Moses’ life as a young child and into the reaches of adulthood.  She no doubt had an influence on his character, integrity and love for the Lord God of Israel.   She also raised Miriam (the eldest) and their brother Aaron, who appeared with Moses in front of the great Pharaoh of Egypt prior to releasing the children of Israel.  Were her children perfect?  No way.  They all displayed major character flaws.  All were reprimanded and punished by God for their disobedience.  However, all three witnessed God’s Sovereign power, deliverance and blessing in their lives and in their future destinies. 

God’s Word tells us the following:

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6)

The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.  (Proverbs 29:15

The Apostle Paul recalled Timothy's spiritual heritage when he said, "I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience as my ancestors did, when I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day. Remembering your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy, clearly recalling your sincere faith that first lived in your grandmother Lois, then in your mother Eunice, and that I am convinced is in you also." (II Timothy 1:3-5)

This Mother's Day give yourself permission to ease your grading scale when you look in the mirror.  Be less critical and more thankful as you open that Mother's Day card to read it.  Your children want someone to admire, emulate and trust.  Let that Someone be Jesus in you...  

You most likely have more to do with your children's successes than their failures.  The time you invested in their spiritual upbringing is not wasted.  What you've poured into their souls is waiting to spring forth. Your prayers and petitions have been heard.

Trust that God will use it all to bring many sons unto the faith and to bring Him the Glory He is due...

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. 

Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

How Would You Rate Yourself as a MOM ?

Celebrate Mothers From Ancient Times to Today

Mother's Day is a holiday with an interesting history.

Mother's Day began nearly 150 years ago in the United States, when Anna Jarvis, a homemaker from Appalachia, organized a day (Mother's Work Day) to raise awareness of something mothers hold near and dear to them:  poor health conditions in her community.

Fifteen years later, Julia Ward Howe organized a day encouraging mothers to rally for peace, since she believed they bore the loss of human life more harshly than anyone else. Julia was a Boston poet, pacifist, suffragist, and author of the lyrics to the "Battle Hymn of the Republic,

When Anna Jarvis died in 1905, her daughter, also named Anna, began a campaign to memorialize the life work of her mother. Legend has it that young Anna remembered a Sunday school lesson that her mother gave in which she said, "I hope and pray that someone, sometime, will found a memorial mother's day. There are many days for men, but none for mothers."

Anna began to lobby politicians including Presidents Taft and Roosevelt to support her campaign to create a special day to honor mothers.  In 1913 the House of Representatives adopted a resolution calling for officials of the federal government to wear white carnations on Mother's Day.  In 1914 Anna's hard work paid off when Woodrow Wilson signed a bill recognizing Mother's Day as a national holiday.

Mother's Day was first observed by attending church, writing letters to their mothers, and eventually by sending cards, presents, and flowers. With the increasing gift-giving activity associated with Mother's Day, Anna Jarvis became enraged. She believed greed and profit was overtaking the original intent of the holiday. Before her death in 1948, Jarvis is said to have confessed that she regretted ever starting the mother's day tradition.

However, the holiday of Mother's Day has flourished in the United States. The second Sunday of May has become the most popular day of the year to celebrate and show appreciation to their mothers. Telephone calls, cards, and flowers break all records for Mother's Day.

 A Biblical Portrait of Motherhood:

In Exodus 2 we are introduced to Jochebed, the daughter of Levi, born to him in Egypt.  She was the wife of Amram and was the mother of Aaron, Miriam and Moses.  Her courage and ingenuity saved her son Moses from the wicked mandate of Pharaoh to kill every male Israelite child.  She cleverly hid him for three months, before placing him among the reeds in a water-tight basket along the Nile River.

As she watched Miriam approach Pharaoh’s daughter, she must have been relieved to hear that she would be nursing and weaning the child herself before handing him over permanently.  Those few early years were no doubt full of Godly teaching and a loving example to that little Hebrew child.  Can you imagine the pain and sacrifice she endured as she watched her young son disappear into Pharaoh’s exotic palace to be raised as an Egyptian?

I believe Jochebed was an important part of Moses’ life as a young child and into the reaches of adulthood.  She no doubt had an influence on his character, integrity and love for the Lord God of Israel.  She also raised Miriam (the eldest) and their brother Aaron, who appeared with Moses in front of the great Pharaoh of Egypt prior to releasing the children of Israel.  Were her children perfect?  No way.  They all displayed major character flaws.  All were reprimanded and punished by God for their disobedience.  However, all three witnessed God’s Sovereign power, deliverance and blessing in their lives and in their future destinies.

Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”  We must teach by example and pray for their spiritual growth.  We are to “watch over the ways of our household, and not remain idle” – but stay balanced as we lead our children into adulthood one step at a time.  May we look to our Heavenly Father for His guidance and strength.

Famous Quotes:

"I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life."
-Abraham Lincoln 

 "My mother was the most beautiful woman I ever saw. All I am I owe to my mother. I attribute all my success in life to the moral, intellectual and physical education I received from her." 

-George Washington 

 "The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother."
-Author Unknown 

Do you have a special event or family tradition that you observe on 

Mother's Day?  Share with me your memories or plans 

for this special holiday...

 

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”.  It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.  Visit

http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

Celebrate Mothers From Ancient Times to Today

Mom, you DO have the greatest influence on your children...

Statistically, women who attend church alone with their children are on the rise. 

Women’s Sunday school classes are flourishing. Why is this trend so prevalent across the spectrum of Christian denominations? Theories range from the lack of strong, spiritual leadership by the husband in the home, to absentee fathers, to women being more open to the spiritual things of God. No matter the reasons, women make up a larger percentage of regular attendance in most churches – oftentimes alone, with their children in tow.

Barna, a popular Christian research group had this to say, “Moms are more religiously active. In a typical week, mothers are more likely than are fathers to attend church, pray, read the Bible, participate in a small group, attend Sunday school, and volunteer some of their time to help a non-profit organization. Women in America have high levels of spiritual sensitivity and engagement.” 

As a new Christian, I was eager to go to church – and at first, it was just my young son and myself. My husband wasn’t interested in going with us. I had made a decision for Christ, and I intended to keep it! We attended most services and enjoyed the fellowship with other believers.  Just remember, your conversion is personal. It is a revelation given to you, and you alone. God draws us by His Spirit, and we follow Him into our relationship one by one. There are no family conversions, except each member responds individually to God’s invitation (Acts 16:31-34) Here is a post I wrote concerning true salvation  A Bona Fide Convert

In scripture, there are several examples of mothers who influenced their children by being Godly examples. One of my favorites is Hannah, the mother of Samuel, who became a great prophet to Israel. I Samuel 1-2 tell us that Samuel was an answer to prayer, and a gift of faith to his mother. Hannah had only a short time to shape his understanding of who God was. She had made a vow to the Lord to dedicate him to God’s service. She would wean him and leave him with Eli the priest to serve at the temple in Shiloh. Hannah, no doubt, spent much time with young Samuel, sharing her love of God and the nation’s historical narrative as any mom would – in story-telling. She most likely prayed with him and sang hymns. She most likely shared age-appropriate things with him regarding sacred religious feasts, festivals and rituals. Samuel grew up before the Lord and pleased Him in his service. Even at a young age Samuel heard God’s voice, which was rare in those days. God used him mightily, and according to God’s leadership and direction, he became the kingmaker, anointing both Saul and David.

Another great example of a mother’s influence is in II Timothy 1:5. Paul recalls Timothy’s upbringing by his mother Eunice, and his grandmother, Lois. The name Timothy means “honoring God,” and it was probably given to him by his mother. Timothy was born in the province of Galatia, the offspring of a mixed marriage between a Greek father and a Jewish mother (Acts 16:1). While growing up, Timothy was taught the Scriptures by his believing mother and grandmother. He certainly sang hymns, participated in Christian first century practices and traditions, and learned the power of prayer from his Godly role models. He was most likely led to Christ by Paul, later circumcised by him, and was Paul’s missionary companion for much of the rest of his ministry. Paul later considers Timothy to be his closest disciple, and often referred to him as his “son in the faith”.

While you are serving the Lord at church, be mindful of your spouse and home situation. Be discerning, not disruptive. Walk in love and wisdom. Approach your new found faith with enthusiasm, but give yourself permission to “stay at home” on occasion for a family outing or special time together. Be a Godly role model to your children, but don’t use your church attendance or them as a form of punishment against your spouse and their lack of interest.

Pray with your children for your spouse in a way that honors them and glorifies God. Lift them up to Him in a loving, meaningful way, that your children may see your devotion them, and your genuine concern for their salvation (all age-appropriate, of course). Provide spiritual nourishment to your children by memorizing simple scripture verses, reading bible stories, and talking about what God is doing in your life on a daily basis. Always be ready to use everyday situations as “teaching moments”.

Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” There is no guarantee that your children will serve the Lord all their days, but there is no doubt that using your influence for Christ, at any age, will certainly sow seed for others to water, and for God to bring the increase…

My book "Mission Possible" addresses many difficulties in an unequally-yoked marriage.  You can preview my book here:  AMAZON

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It was written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. 

Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

Mom, you DO have the greatest influence on your children...

Guest Blogger Kathryn Sneed

Kathryn is 23 years old, a military wife, and a Christian.  She has been married to her wonderful husband Jonathan, who is in the United States Air Force, for about a year and half now. Her husband will have been in the Air Force for two years in July, and they are stationed in Georgia. They are expecting their first baby, a boy in June and are very excited to see what the Lord has for them as a family!

Kathryn's Blog "Singing in the Rain" features posts about military life, baby and new parent topics, as well as everyday struggles and triumphs.  Kathryn is participating in the "Wives of Faith" Blog carnival and has many links on her site relating to military family life.

Kathryn's Guest Post -        Overcoming Worry & Fear

I subscribe to several blogs by email and today I read a really great post that made me think about some things! The post was called, Breaking Free from Worry and Fear by Jocelyn Green author of the book, Faith Deployed. In her post, Jocelyn discusses how military wives share the recurring theme of fear and worry in their lives, as they watch their husbands deploy. She gives several tips for overcoming fear and worry and also quotes several other military wives.

How true it is, the worry and fear military wives go through either every day or most days. I remember when my husband, Jon told me he was going to join the Air Force. I was terrified! I knew nothing about the military or the military life, and all I could think about was him deploying. I will admit it, I cried. I cried the night he told me his decision. I was so confused as to where I would fit in and what would happen. At the time we were not married yet, and we were a month away from becoming engaged. My husband has not even deployed yet, and I am still a bit scared for him to go. I cannot even imagine what it is like for the wives who have been through it 2-3 times already!

Fear and worry have always been a problem in my life. Ever since I was a little girl, I have been fearful of the unknown. I worried about bad things happening, I have even had anxiety/panic attacks because of it. Sad, I know. Even more sad knowing I have a Saviour who is there to help me any time of the day and wants me to come to him, but I don't. It is something I have struggled with and am determined to overcome. I am getting better each day with God's help!

In her post, Jocelyn Green lists several verses about fear and worry and several quotes that really spoke to me. One verse is, I Peter 5:7 "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." God cares about every little thing in our lives. He does not want us to worry or fear, because He is in control. When worrying about deployments, here are a few things to think about:  

“Whether they are at home or abroad, God’s plan for us is already written, we cannot do anything to change it!”  -National Guard wife Mary Whitlock

How true that is! Knowing that we cannot change what will happen should help you not to worry. Remembering it is in God's hands and knowing that He already knows the outcome.

"There comes a point in every military wifes’ life when she is going to have to answer the question- Is God enough? Big enough to deal with the fear of death? Big enough to take care of her and her babies, should the unthinkable happen?"   -Air Force wife Ellie Kay

This is so true, and really made me think. I should not even have to ask the question, "Is God big enough?" Because to get to that point I have already answered my question by asking. If we have to ask then we do not believe it to be true. We may want to, but we still may have that fear in the back of our minds. We have to determine to let go and tell God, "You are big enough. Big enough to take care of my problems, big enough to take care of my fears and worries, and big enough to take care of my husband."

It really makes you think doesn't it? What are some ways you deal with fear and worry? Everyone has fears, whether you are a military wife or not. Just determine that you will overcome them with God's help in your life!

                               You can visit Kathryn's Blog "Singing in the Rain"  at 

            http://singing-in-the-rain24.blogspot.com/

~Kathryn   

I am an Avon Representative, call me to get a catalog, or go online to place an order!
http://kathrynsneed.avonrepresentative.com/

Guest Blogger Kathryn Sneed