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The 10 Best Decisions Every Parent Can Make
by Bill Farrel
$8.15
Kirsten Strawn
The Faith Coach
Be Empowered to Love Like Jesus
After I lost my job I had the blessing of raising my four children without having to work outside the home. My husband's income increased throughout the years as I supported him by being at home.
Unfortunately women who work outside the home unintentionally contribute to the breakdown of their family. Too often women are unable to do it all. I discovered that I was unable to care for the needs of my spouse and my children with the demands of working full-time. When I over commit my stress level escalates and I fail to be the loving and compassionate wife and mother I want to be.
My heart goes out to women who must work to support their families financially, moms who work all day to then come home to fix dinner, help with homework, be an emotional support, and be the spiritual leader of their home. I know God empowers women supernaturally. I claim the promise of Romans 8:37 that, in all things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. And Philippians 4:13, I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
The Bible describes a mother, “She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.” Proverbs 31:26-28. Most of us don't achieve this perfect ideal, at least I don't. But I try to invest in my children by doing the following:
Impress God's Word upon their hearts
Nourish them with positive words
Value my precious child, a gift of God
Encourage his/her gifts and talents
Sacrifice my own selfish desires
Teach by example
Meditate on God's Word to equip me
Expect mistakes, love not condemn
Nurture them to be a servant
Teach consequences for bad choices
We have such a dilemma in our society with the pressure to keep up with our neighbors. We sacrifice our children in their youth to work for the material possessions we want. Realistically, many of us can do with less material possessions and eliminate unnecessary luxuries. Often moms who stay at home sacrifice expensive meals out, getting manicures, buying expensive clothes, and going on vacations.
When we take motherhood as a serious job we reap the reward of a deep connection with our children that will often pay off in the future. To examine our role as a mother we should evaluate the example set before us. Consider the following questions:
We have one opportunity to raise our children. How can we invest in their lives? I believe that by the grace of God He equips, empowers, and entrusts us to be mothers. We must call on the name of Jesus for his strength and wisdom to help us train up our children.
The Bible teaches that we reap what we sow. Our goal should be to raise responsible adults that will make a difference in this world; an investment with a profitable return.
God's Word To Live By:
Deuteronomy 5:29
Oh, that their hearts would be inclined to fear me and keep all my commands always, so that it might go well with them and their children forever.
Deuteronomy 6:7
Impress (the commandments) on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
2 Chronicles 16:9
For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.
Proverbs 14:26
He who fears the LORD has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge.
Proverbs 17:6
Children's children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.
Proverbs 20:7
The righteous man leads a blameless life; blessed are his children after him.
Matthew 19:14
Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."
Psalm 119:28
My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.
Isaiah 45:5
I am the LORD, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God. I will strengthen you, though you have not acknowledged me,
Isaiah 58:11
The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.