Category Archives: Children

Sneak Peek #12

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Excerpt from THRIVE AND SURVIVE, ZERO TO FIVE

When I (Margaret) had all seven children at home, I continually failed to have private devotional time with God. I tried meeting with Him after all the kids were in bed at night, but that only resulted in me falling asleep too. I tried the early-morning thing, but it never failed that one of the children would wake earlier than usual and need me.

I tried naptimes, but babies don’t coordinate their sleeping habits with toddlers, and getting them all unconscious at the same time didn’t happen often. Besides, if I used naptime for my devotions, when was I to catch up on all that had been left undone during the morning? Still, I knew I needed God’s steady stream of advice if I wanted to be a good mother.

Meeting less and less with the Lord, I began playing out the dilemma in my mind. The Lord loved children, sending each one as a special gift. But He also wanted to meet with me. I worried about keeping Him waiting while I continually tried to get to Him without success.

Then one day my heart heard from God. “I can meet with you smack dab in the middle of your crowded days.”

He filled my mind with biblical examples. “Didn’t I meet with Peter out in a boat? And didn’t I counsel my disciples at the beach? Don’t you remember how I chatted with Zacchaeus in a tree and taught two men on a long walk? I’ve had meaningful meetings with people in gardens, on mountainsides, during dinners, in courtrooms, on roadsides, and in cemeteries. Can’t you and I talk like that?”

I felt as if I’d had a devotional aha moment, and my heart surged with hope for success at learning from the Lord. Maybe He would talk with me as I peeled carrots or calm my spirit while I folded laundry. Maybe He’d instruct me as the kids and I raked leaves or shoveled snow. And if I was watching for Him, He might minister to me in the middle of the night as I fed a baby or rocked a feverish child.

SIDEBAR: HOW TO FIND TIME FOR GOD

  • Restrict time on social media.
  • Watch for small pockets of peace to connect with God.
  • Ditch the idea of a perfect quiet time.
  • Know that God doesn’t hold it against you if you can’t meet with Him.
  • Believe that quick “arrow prayers” have power.
  • Worship through hymns and choruses.
  • Tune in to Christian radio.
  • Keep trying.

Sneak Peek #11

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Excerpt from THRIVE AND SURVIVE, ZERO TO FIVE

Though conversation with a husband can meet a certain need for adult companionship, we all know they don’t enjoy chatting as much as we do, not to mention they’ve never been moms.

After an especially draining day, I (Mary) couldn’t wait for my husband to walk through the door after work. His sympathizing ear would soothe my intense frustration and encourage me.

As soon as he was within earshot, I began detailing my distressing day, eager for his encouragement. When he reminded me I was blessed to be a mother and ought not to be complaining as I was, it didn’t do a thing to help me.

Since he was unwilling to give credence to my complaints, I snatched a piece of notebook paper from a nearby table and wrote, “I UNDERSTAND!” in big, bold, capital letters. Then I held the paper in front of his face and said, “Say this to me.”

He did, and though I knew he didn’t really understand, it helped a little. But better than expecting your husband to sympathize with the relentless demands of motherhood, it’s more effective to find another mother.

SIDEBAR: WHERE TO FIND ANOTHER MOTHER

  • Church nurseries
  • Parks
  • Book clubs
  • Co-ops
  • Neighborhoods
  • Bible studies
  • Health clubs
  • Relatives
  • MOPS meetings
  • Sunday school classes

Sneak Peek #10

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Excerpt from THRIVE AND SURVIVE, ZERO TO FIVE

God considers children one of life’s most valuable blessings. In the Bible, He often rewarded a woman by way of sending a newborn. It’s as if the best gift He could think of was arranging for women to raise, nurture, and love a child. Although the job can completely deplete us, He sees that as our opportunity to call for extra blessing, which He then joyfully delivers.

The next time you’re up during the night feeding a hungry newborn, resist the urge to make a mental list of complaints. Instead list what you find to be precious about him and thank the One who created him with those things, mentioning each one. Or study your baby’s face in the dim glow of a night-light and thank God for each of her features.

Softly hum a worship song or hymn as you rock your little one, reciting the words inside your head. Pray rich blessings over your baby, telling God what your hopes and dreams are for him. Name spiritual blessings you hope he will experience. Quote Scripture over him as you snuggle together.

Turn those 3:00 a.m. feedings into something special, and you might even begin to value what you gain during these unique moments together. And please remember that as you hold your child, the Lord is holding you, looking at you through eyes of fervent love. As you cradle your child, He is cradling you . . . “in his everlasting arms” (Deuteronomy 33:27).

SIDEBAR: VERSES TO PRAY OVER YOUR CHILDREN

  • Psalm 119:72—to love God’s Word
  • Proverbs 10:9—to walk in integrity
  • Proverbs 14:23—to work hard
  • Psalm 107:1—to be thankful
  • James 4:7—to resist the devil
  • Proverbs 1:10—to choose friends wisely
  • 1 John 1:9—to confess sin
  • 2 Timothy 1:7—to have self-discipline
  • Colossians 2:8—to believe only truth
  • Psalm 3:5—to sleep well
  • 1 John 5:13—to be eternally secure
  • 1 Corinthians 10:13—to escape temptation