Don't Grow Weary, Find a Promise

~Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time with will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9 ~ ~Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Colossians 3:23 ~ Ok, so the question has been brought up 'what do I do when I'm doing all I can and I don't see the results'? I can completely relate!  That very feeling is what started me talking to God about this so much lately. I was really just fried and feeling at my whits end.  And I am not claiming to have all the answers, but I will share with you what God has been showing me. God showed me that: #1  - I needed to not say that what I was doing was not working. #2 - Speak things that are not as though they were (Romans. 4:17b)  Thats where the speaking His word over them comes in and speaking out loud who they are in Him. #3 Love them like Jesus loves me.  This part of it was huge for me.  God never gives up on me, not ever.  He loves me even when I blow it. He is consistently there steady and faithful and ready to give me His best all over again.  He never changes what He expects from me, but He's always ready to give me a fresh start.  God patiently works with me and in total love.  I'm trying to mimic that love to my kids. I've been really focusing on not saying things like ' you always do (blank)' or 'you've been doing this for months' or ' I'm tired of this behavior' #4 - Being consistant and not changing my standards but changing how I react to the children's behavior.  Often times I feel like parenting has more to do with teaching me than them.  Praying before reacting to them and letting the Holy Spirit lead me in how and when I correct them.  Being slow to anger and not just reacting but actually praying about how to handle a situation has not miraculously changed the initial behavior, but it has affected how my children receive the correction I give.  And that in the long run will affect the behavior. (James 1:19) #5 - Standing on God's word.  Finding a promise that applies to my children and meditating on that until it become more real to me than the circumstance/situations/behaviors I'm currently seeing. I've put written out some of the scriptures I've found below and I hope they are helpful.  Stay faithful and know that God is right here along side us as moms willing to help, lead, and guide us.  Spend time becoming aware of His presence with you at all times and be quick to obey even the smallest things He shows you.  Psalms 103:7 - But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord's love is with those who fear Him, and His righteousness with even their children's children. Isaiah 54:13 - And all of our children shall be taught of the Lord and great shall be their peace. Deuteronomy 7:9 - Know therefore that the Lord you God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love Hime and keep His commandments. Philippians 1:6 - being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Psalms 126:5 - Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. Isaiah 40:31 - But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary,they will walk and not be faint. 1 Corinthians 15:58 - Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 2 Corinthians 4:1 - Therefore, since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not loose heart.  Isaiah 55:11 - So is my word that goes from my mouth: It will not return void, but it will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.  Ephesians 6:13 - Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand!

Oh the Power!

~Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that 

love it shall eat the fruit thereof. Proverbs 18:21~

Ouch!  God's been showing me so much about my parenting just with that one little scripture.  I'm going to be completely honest here and say there are times I have completely blown it parenting and 98% of the time it hasn't been my actions that were my pit fall, its been my mouth. And at times even my lack of speech. 

There have definitely been times where I have said hurtful things or been hurtful with my words towards my children.  I'm sure there are lots of parents who have said some things they regret.  But there is good news!!  Once we ask our children to forgive us and our God to forgive us we can begin again.  And instead of focusing on where you may have blown it, lets focus on where we can improve.  

God has been dealing with me about what I'm NOT saying.  I have really slacked at speaking God's word over my children, reminding them of who they are in Him and how He sees them. This not only helps our children but it also is a reminder to ourselves, as parents, about who are children really are.  I know I'm not the only one who, when my 3 year old is throwing a fit is not thinking 'this child is made in God's image and His likeness'.  I'm looking at the circumstances or behaviors and getting frustrated!

But God tells us in, Colossians 3:2-Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. I know that there are many times that I 'see' my children and some times other people in an earthly mindset.  I've been working hard to not just 'look' at my children as God looks at them but to tell them who God says they are. Its too easy to get caught up in the here and now, especially with parenting!  I know for me there are times that with 7 children parenting just seems so IN MY FACE!  Its easy to see all the areas I have to improve in and all the things they haven't learn yet.  In my strive for 'doing it right', I've focused too much on the behaviors and less on the heart condition.  

One of my children, who challenges me the most I've come to realize, just doesn't see who she is in Christ.  So although I'm still correcting her behaviors I'm coupling that with telling her who she is in Christ and teaching her to control her behavior based on who she is.  A princess doesn't run around the streets spray painting buildings. I mean, honestly, come on can you even picture Princess Kate doing such a thing?!!?!  The tabloids would have a field day.  Its the same with our children when you know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that God loves you and wants you to show that love to others; you'll think twice about hitting your sister and snatching her toy.  Make it all point back to Him, thats what this is all about anyways.

I'm not saying I've perfected this, but thankfully this life is a journey with a new opportunity every minute to do the right thing.  Love on your babies and see them as Jesus does fits and all.  Remember your vision for your family, write it down, and review it and know that 'You can do all things, through Christ who gives you strength'!  

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