The House is Saved by the Parent

Many parents can take heart to know that the family is saved because of the deeds of the parent. I imagine there are others that worry about it too.

In Genesis 7:1 it says, “Then the LORD said to Noah, “Come into the ark, you and all your household, because I have seen that you are righteous before Me in this generation.”

Noah’s family was saved because he was righteous. It was not because his sons were righteous or his daughter in laws. The family was saved because Noah stayed faithful to God.

As a parent we can take heart in knowing that as long as we are staying faithful to the Lord’s teachings, our family has that protection. This gives parents all the more reason to live as Christ and be true Christ followers.
Just as Cain inherited the nature of sin from Adam, so do our children inherit sin. This is why we have to teach our children God’s love, God’s grace, and God’s mercy. God overcomes the sinful nature of man, but that can only happen if we allow it.

Resembling the Father

Is it not a wonderful feeling when somebody says, “Oh you must be ___’s mom/dad! They look just like you!”

God enjoys that too.

"but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, 'Be holy, for I am holy'." - 1 Peter 1:15-16

God wants His children (us) to resemble Him. It’s not always a physical appearance that gives away who our parent is. In the case with God, it would be our soul-ful appearance.

Do you show Godly mercy?

Do you show Godly compassion?

As a parent, do your children see that loving side as much or more than the discipline side? God lovingly leads us to Him. He does not force us, we have our own will. It is noted, however, that in order to get to Heaven and to be with Him, we are to follow His commands. The best way to do that is to live according to His example.

The best way for your children to see God, is through you.

Taking Care of Mom…

It is very easy to focus all of your attention on the kids. Wanting the kids to have the best and most opportunities happens in all homes, it doesn’t matter if the focus is on God or football.

As a mom I have reached burnout a few times in this 17 year career. It is not pleasant feeling hopeless and having anxiety attacks when things do not go “just so”.

It was not until I finally was in a healthy relationship that I realized I have to take care of myself in order to be able to be the parent that my children deserved. It is not a matter of putting yourself first, but it is a matter of taking care of your needs.

The most loved way I was able to do that when my children were little was by attending a moms group that is faith based and with the goal of being there for moms that may not have anyone else. A marvelous organization for Mothers of Preschoolers is MOPS. Our local group was a God send for me. I met ladies that were close to my age and had children the same age as my young ones. The mentor moms brought messages of hope and it centers on God.

Mom needs a sweet treat eaten during a few minutes of quiet, that doesn’t involve locking herself in the bathroom and crouching in the shower. Ha-ha!

Check MOPs.org for a group near you! And even if your children are older than kindergarten, MOPs groups always can use volunteers to help with the kids of the moms that go to the meetings.

Waving The White Flag

We are very glad to feature this guest post from Brooke over at the M.O.B. Society. As parents of boys (and girls) we find this a very valuable resource. We hope you enjoy.

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Are you the mother of boys who often finds herself ready to waive the white flag in defeat?

Do they drain you, overwhelm you, steal your heart, break your heart and cause you more anxiety than you ever dreamed possible?

Maybe you only have one boy amongst a sea of estrogen and you just can’t figure out how to respond to him in a way that affirms all that is good about his masculinity.

You're not alone.

Last May, over 1300 women and a few dads in SEVEN different countries joined together to pray purposefully and passionately for the hearts of their sons in a challenge called 21 Days of Prayer for Sons. 21 Days is based on the best-selling eBook Warrior Prayers: Praying the Word for Boys in the Areas They Need it Most.



Even our best parenting efforts don't come with a guarantee. As much as we might wish we could change their hearts of stone to hearts of flesh (Ezekiel 36:26), we can't. But we serve a God who can. Knowing this, it becomes quite clear that there is only one thing we can do…

Plead with God.

Pray.

“The fervent prayers of a righteous man avails much.” James 5:17.

It’s our hope.

The next 21 Days of Prayer for Sons challenge starts September 6 and ends September 26, 2011. How can you participate? Easy!

1. Purchase your own copy of Warrior Prayers: Praying the Word for Boys in the Areas They Need it Most (just $5.97 as a PDF download or on Amazon Kindle!) You could, in theory, participate in the challenge without a personal copy, but your experience will be much deeper and richer with it.
2. Commit to praying for your son(s) or grandsons 10 times a day for 21 days straight. This is a huge commitment, so if you feel God leading you to participate, pray and ask Him to give you the strength and endurance you need.
3. Consider leading your own group on your blog or in your community!
4. Sign-up HERE!

Get inspired by recent participants!

“This challenge…has given me my joy back in mothering” ~LaToya

“Thank you for giving me a tangible method for transformation in my family!!” ~Anne

“Thanks, Brooke for your help. I’ve always known that God was listening; I just didn’t know what to say!” ~Laurel

“So many heart changes are going on in our home and I’m just so thankful…” ~Ashley

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Brooke is a mom of two young boys who leave her desperate for God’s grace. Her pursuit of being a better mom has left her at the foot of the cross, knowing that if God doesn’t show up … nothing happens. This dependence upon God to turn hearts of stone to hearts of flesh leads her to her knees in prayer. She’s the author of the best-selling eBook Warrior Prayers: Praying the Word for Boys in the Areas They Need it Most, creator of the 21 Days of Prayer for Sons challenge and co-founder of the well-loved online community for mothers of boys, the M.O.B. Society. She offers hope for change to the hearts of women at her main blog, A Life in Need of Change.

Casting Cares

“Momma!! Bubba busted his head open! And it’s bleeding ALL over the place!”

Now think, what is the first thing you do? Seriously. The first thing when you hear that?

Remarkably, I was able to pray. Before I moved I prayed to God and asked him to give me the strength and the wisdom to be able to handle what I was about to see. (I have a VERY squeamish tummy and do not do very well with bodily fluids.)

Bubba had blood everywhere, on his face, hands and in his hair. Figuring out where the wound was appeared to be a tricky proposition. Thankfully I had the stomach for it, thank you Jesus! Washing Bubba’s face off and seeing no abrasion or wound worried me, this meant it was in his hair. We rinsed his hair out in the sink with the sprayer and found a three inch abrasion. Again, thanking God it was an abrasion instead of a gouge. It was bleeding enough as is. Once we got Bubba calm it stopped and we were able to get him set up with some ice on his head. He’s good and he is extremely happy that we did not have to go to the emergency room.

While dealing with the situation, I realized that many times we react before taking a breath. As Christians and, more importantly, as parents we need to take a breath.

Psalms 94: 19 When I am filled with cares, Your comfort brings me joy. (HCSB)

I honestly believe that God comforted my troubled mother’s heart and equipped me in this situation. This matters because God cares about us and wants the best for us.

1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care on Him, because He cares about you. (HCSB)