Encouragement for Christian parents

In continuing with my iPhone devotional: Parenting by Design through YouVersion, I came across another one that really has encouraged me as a parent and in my spiritual walk with Jesus Christ. It was such a blessing to me that I felt compelled to blog about it today. I pray this encourages you this day, don't be discouraged!

CALLED TO PARENTING: Parenting by Design (YouVersion)
"Sometimes we don't understand why God calls us to a certain task or ministry. Other people seem far more qualified to meet the challenge that faces us. And yet over and over again in the Bible God used the unlikely people to accomplish His goals. There is no greater calling from God than parenting. When you feel inadequate for the task, realize you are putting your trust in the wrong person! Strive to be an excellent parent, but recognize that God is not dependent on your knowledge or expertise to bring about His results. When you feel overwhelmed, surrender control and trust God. He will provide."

Exodus 4:10-12

And Moses said unto the Lord, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto they servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue. And the Lord said unto him, who hath made man's mouth? Or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? Have not I the Lord? Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.

Thank you Lord for this parenting revelation. God is faithful to minister to those who are His in times of great need, especially when raising children as unto the Lord! I know that I want to be a Godly example to my little ones so that they may emulate the things of God and eventually display those things on their own choosing. Let us not forget that not only are they our children, they are ultimately "God's children." He created them and entrusted them to us to raise them how to win the lost for him and how to serve Him with their whole hearts. We should all desire this for our children as Christian parents. I believe homeschooling parents have a greater responsibility in this as we were called to this for a purpose. What do you want God to do for you and your family?

Lindsey
Blessed to be a wife and mom

Image: Stuart Miles / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Seeing Your Children

Just recently, I started an amazing (ministers to your spirit man or woman, haha), Bible devotional for parents. I found it through YouVersion on my iPhone and it has opened my eyes to so much. God is faithful. Here is a devotion from yesterday that really blessed me as I know it will bless you as a parent! God is so good and faithful, where would we be without him? Truly!

Parenting by Design Devotional

Tuesday, January 24, 2012 (Day 28)

Genesis 16: 13

"And she called the name of the Lord that spake unto her, Though God seest me: for she said, Have I also here looked after him that seeth me?"

"Seeing your Children"

"This passage tells of the trials of Hagar, the maid of Sarai. Sarai was unable to conceive so she sent Hagar to Abram, hoping Hagar would bear a child in her place. When Hagar became pregnant, however, animosity developed between the two women. Sarai's mistreatment caused Hagar to run away into the desert. There God intervened and encouraged her. She knew He truly understood her struggle, and as a result, she felt deeply known by God. She even named God: "You are the God who sees me." This gave her the stregnth to go back and fulfill her responsibilities to Sarai in the midst of tough circumstances. Like Hagar, our kids desperately long to be seen and known by their parents. How can we do this? By taking time to discover and celebrate their interests. By appreciating their unique qualities no matter how different they are from our own. By listening to their perspective on life. When we discover and value our kids' God-given uniqueness, they fell known and accepted."

This definitely should open our eyes as parents as we are shaping them to be Godly human beings in these dark days. We need to acknowledge every detail of their little lives. It's easy to go about our busy days and brush off even the minor details that will actually make a big impact on their life as an adult and throughout their spiritual life. Thank you Lord for this revelation!

Lindsey

Blessed to be a wife and mom!

Image: graur razvan ionut / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

What Bible curriculum do you use?

As a new homeschooling mom, of course Bible is an important part of our learning. I want my girls to know the Bible more than anything but have tried a couple different curriculums and they are just not working at this point.

Right now we are just doing a deep mom and daughter devotional (as seen on the right) along with learning the ABC Bible Verse alphabet. I would like a curriculum that is versatile with all ages if possible. What are you using? Can you please tell me a little about your curriculum? I look forward to your comments. Have a blessed rest of the week. We woke up to a little blanket of snow on our front lawn, yay, Christmas is coming =)

Lindsey

Blessed to be a mom!