#10 Engage Your Spirit
Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a right spirit within me. -Psalm 51:10 NLT
Great people are often remembered because of their spirit, their determination to consume every drop of their cup of life, despite their circumstances.
Teenager Anne Frank died because of Nazi oppression during World War II. She left behind a diary that touches people everywhere because of her indomitable spirit and optimism.
Helen Keller, although she could neither see nor hear, graduated from Radcliffe College, spoke around the world, and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Lyndon Johnson. Keller was determined to make the most of God's purpose for her life.
>> Wholeheartedly participate in life today. See things with spiritual eyesight as well as your physical eyes. Notice the beauty of creation, the glorious colors, smells, and sounds that surround you.
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#10 Forget Perfection
Children have more need of models than of critics. -Joseph Joubert
Great moms are not perfect moms. They're women who are ordinary who trust God, who is extraordinary.
Great moms don't try to hide their mistakes or pass the blame to keep up appearances. They don't expect their children to be perfect so that their behavior will reflect well on their own parenting skills. They still answer the door to unexpected company, even when the house isn't spotless. They're women who risk greatness by risking failure and who are honest with themselves and others about both their victories and their defeats. They're women just like you, committed to being exactly who God created them to be.
>>The next time your children make a mistake, share openly about a time when your humanness was as obvious as theirs is now. Remind them that only God is perfect.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
#9
#9 God's Purpose for your Life
Examine Your Emotions
Many persons have a wrong idea of what constitutes true happiness. It is not attained through self-gratification but through fidelity to a worthy purpose. -Helen Keller
God's top priority for you is more about chasing holiness than pursuing happiness. God desires you to turn the focus from the way you feel to what you should do. Too often, people abandon good work that pleased God -a marriage, a career, a ministry -because they don't feel like doing it anymore. They don't feel like they are in love. They don't feel fulfilled.
If you tend to act hastily based on the way you feel, consider the ways your emotions influence your decision-making. Ask God to arrange your actions today according to his will rather than according to your feelings.
>>Pray that God will give you strength to carry out his purpose in your life today, even if you don't feel like doing the tasks at hand.
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Be a Great Mom(and Dad)
#9 Follow in Higher Footsteps
Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children. -Ephesians 5:1 NIV
One way children learn is by imitating their parents. As God's child, you have a perfect Parent, one whose love never ails and whose patience never ends. There is no better example to follow than that of your heavenly Father.
Though Jesus never had children, you can better understand God's love for his children by reading about how Jesus loved the people God put in his care. Pick up a Bible and read the book of John. Notice how Jesus responded to interruptions, how he used everyday life as a teaching tool, how he humbly washed his disciples' feet. Consider what aspects of Jesus' life you can apply to your own.
>>Choose one verse from the book of John that inspires you to be a better mom(and dad). Read that verse every morning for the next month, acting on what you learn.
Examine Your Emotions
Many persons have a wrong idea of what constitutes true happiness. It is not attained through self-gratification but through fidelity to a worthy purpose. -Helen Keller
God's top priority for you is more about chasing holiness than pursuing happiness. God desires you to turn the focus from the way you feel to what you should do. Too often, people abandon good work that pleased God -a marriage, a career, a ministry -because they don't feel like doing it anymore. They don't feel like they are in love. They don't feel fulfilled.
If you tend to act hastily based on the way you feel, consider the ways your emotions influence your decision-making. Ask God to arrange your actions today according to his will rather than according to your feelings.
>>Pray that God will give you strength to carry out his purpose in your life today, even if you don't feel like doing the tasks at hand.
**************************************************************
Be a Great Mom(and Dad)
#9 Follow in Higher Footsteps
Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children. -Ephesians 5:1 NIV
One way children learn is by imitating their parents. As God's child, you have a perfect Parent, one whose love never ails and whose patience never ends. There is no better example to follow than that of your heavenly Father.
Though Jesus never had children, you can better understand God's love for his children by reading about how Jesus loved the people God put in his care. Pick up a Bible and read the book of John. Notice how Jesus responded to interruptions, how he used everyday life as a teaching tool, how he humbly washed his disciples' feet. Consider what aspects of Jesus' life you can apply to your own.
>>Choose one verse from the book of John that inspires you to be a better mom(and dad). Read that verse every morning for the next month, acting on what you learn.
#8
#8 Exercise your body
Physical exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is much more important, for it promises a reward in both this life and the next. - 1 Timothy 4:8 NLT
Exercise provides many benefits to your life, and keeping in shape is part of God's purpose for you. Exercise keeps your body healthy and strong, your mind alert, and your emotions positive, releasing natural chemicals that stimulate good feelings. Sedentary bodies lead to minds that are unfocused, emotions that are out of control, and a spirit that wrestles with resting in him. Exercise helps develop a positive self-image.
God expects his followers to develop discipline-mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically-in order to unveil his best work in them.
>>Begin the day with a brisk walk. Determine to implement a new exercise program; pat yourself on the back if you already exercise regularly, and keep up the good work.
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#8 Learn from your little ones.
Who cannot find God in the heart of a child will never know him within cathedral walls. -Author Unknown
Some of the world's best teachers aren't even old enough to attend school themselves. You can learn many lessons from your children, lessons such as the wonder found in a common ant or the fun it is to ride a swing. Sometimes "why" can be answered only by God.
To learn from a teacher of any age, you need to be an attentive student. Watch how your children interact with the world around the. Tune in to them when they talk, even if they talk a lot. Ask them questions. Give them ample opportunities to explore. Encourage them to try new things. And try new things yourself.
>>Write down some of the lessons your children teach you. What you've written could make a great baby gift when grandchildren come along.
Physical exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is much more important, for it promises a reward in both this life and the next. - 1 Timothy 4:8 NLT
Exercise provides many benefits to your life, and keeping in shape is part of God's purpose for you. Exercise keeps your body healthy and strong, your mind alert, and your emotions positive, releasing natural chemicals that stimulate good feelings. Sedentary bodies lead to minds that are unfocused, emotions that are out of control, and a spirit that wrestles with resting in him. Exercise helps develop a positive self-image.
God expects his followers to develop discipline-mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically-in order to unveil his best work in them.
>>Begin the day with a brisk walk. Determine to implement a new exercise program; pat yourself on the back if you already exercise regularly, and keep up the good work.
*************************************************************
#8 Learn from your little ones.
Who cannot find God in the heart of a child will never know him within cathedral walls. -Author Unknown
Some of the world's best teachers aren't even old enough to attend school themselves. You can learn many lessons from your children, lessons such as the wonder found in a common ant or the fun it is to ride a swing. Sometimes "why" can be answered only by God.
To learn from a teacher of any age, you need to be an attentive student. Watch how your children interact with the world around the. Tune in to them when they talk, even if they talk a lot. Ask them questions. Give them ample opportunities to explore. Encourage them to try new things. And try new things yourself.
>>Write down some of the lessons your children teach you. What you've written could make a great baby gift when grandchildren come along.
#7
#7 Meditate on God's Word
Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habits. Watch your habits; they become character. Watch your character; it becomes your destiny. -Author Unknown.
Meditating means to go beyond mere thinking about it. Meditating implies centering thoughts around a concept, turning the concept over, and going back to it again and again.
Meditating on Scripture is a great way to find God's purpose, for it is in the Bible that he reveals his directives. When you meditate on the Bible, you gain spiritual maturity and wisdom. The Reverend Richard Baxter wrote in the seventeenth century that just as your digestive system processes the food you eat for your body to use, meditation digests the things of God and makes them a power that renews your heart.
>>Meditate on a favorite Bible verse, creed, or prayer by reflecting on the full meaning of meditate: "to contemplate or reflect, to focus your thoughts or ponder."
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#7 Say "I'm Sorry"
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. -Ephesians 4:32 NKJV
Big or small, everyone blows it now and then. A mom who can acknowledge her own failings, apologize to those she's hurt, forgive herself, and then move on is a mom who models humility and the frailty of humanity for her children.
Righting a wrong takes more than just muttering "sorry" under your breath. It takes admitting what you did, voicing a sincere apology, asking anyone you've offended to forgive you, and making restitution, if necessary. When you apologize to your children, or your children witness you apologizing to your spouse or a friend, you help give them the courage to do the same.
>>When you apologize to your children, get down to their level and look at them in the eye. Always end your apology with an "I love you."
Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habits. Watch your habits; they become character. Watch your character; it becomes your destiny. -Author Unknown.
Meditating means to go beyond mere thinking about it. Meditating implies centering thoughts around a concept, turning the concept over, and going back to it again and again.
Meditating on Scripture is a great way to find God's purpose, for it is in the Bible that he reveals his directives. When you meditate on the Bible, you gain spiritual maturity and wisdom. The Reverend Richard Baxter wrote in the seventeenth century that just as your digestive system processes the food you eat for your body to use, meditation digests the things of God and makes them a power that renews your heart.
>>Meditate on a favorite Bible verse, creed, or prayer by reflecting on the full meaning of meditate: "to contemplate or reflect, to focus your thoughts or ponder."
****************************************************************
#7 Say "I'm Sorry"
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. -Ephesians 4:32 NKJV
Big or small, everyone blows it now and then. A mom who can acknowledge her own failings, apologize to those she's hurt, forgive herself, and then move on is a mom who models humility and the frailty of humanity for her children.
Righting a wrong takes more than just muttering "sorry" under your breath. It takes admitting what you did, voicing a sincere apology, asking anyone you've offended to forgive you, and making restitution, if necessary. When you apologize to your children, or your children witness you apologizing to your spouse or a friend, you help give them the courage to do the same.
>>When you apologize to your children, get down to their level and look at them in the eye. Always end your apology with an "I love you."
#6
Find God's purpose for you life
#6 Refine Your Talents
Let all the skilled craftsmen among you come and make everything that the Lord has commanded. -Exodus 35:10 HCSB
God designed each human being with unique talents, gifts and abilities that are meant to be developed for his glory. An undeveloped talent is like a fertilized field that never grows, a muscle that withers from atrophy, or a promise unfulfilled. An undeveloped talent is a waste.
If Michelangelo never studied his craft, there would be no breathtaking mural on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel and no masterpiece like David. While you may not believe you have what it takes to craft a David, God has endowed you with talents and skills. Determine to practice and refine your abilities for him.
>>Pick up the guitar again, grab a paintbrush and a canvas, or use your singing skills. Take the talents you are using for God to the next level for his glory.
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To be a great mom(and dad)
#6 Support your children with prayer
A mother's prayers, silent and gentle, can never miss the road to the throne of all bounty. -Henry Ward Beecher
As your children learn to walk, you support them with a strong, steady hand. Through prayer, you put your children in God's hands, which is a way of supporting them every step of the way, every day of their lives.
Prayer is a way of loving your children-as well as acknowledging that God's love for them is even deeper than your own. Turn every hope and fear you have for your family into a prayer. Then relax and be the mother(and father) God created you to be. Your children's heavenly Father is at work, even when you're asleep.
>>Use driving time as prayer time for your children. When you put the key in the ignition, remind yourself that the key to your children's future is found in God.
#6 Refine Your Talents
Let all the skilled craftsmen among you come and make everything that the Lord has commanded. -Exodus 35:10 HCSB
God designed each human being with unique talents, gifts and abilities that are meant to be developed for his glory. An undeveloped talent is like a fertilized field that never grows, a muscle that withers from atrophy, or a promise unfulfilled. An undeveloped talent is a waste.
If Michelangelo never studied his craft, there would be no breathtaking mural on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel and no masterpiece like David. While you may not believe you have what it takes to craft a David, God has endowed you with talents and skills. Determine to practice and refine your abilities for him.
>>Pick up the guitar again, grab a paintbrush and a canvas, or use your singing skills. Take the talents you are using for God to the next level for his glory.
*************************************************************
To be a great mom(and dad)
#6 Support your children with prayer
A mother's prayers, silent and gentle, can never miss the road to the throne of all bounty. -Henry Ward Beecher
As your children learn to walk, you support them with a strong, steady hand. Through prayer, you put your children in God's hands, which is a way of supporting them every step of the way, every day of their lives.
Prayer is a way of loving your children-as well as acknowledging that God's love for them is even deeper than your own. Turn every hope and fear you have for your family into a prayer. Then relax and be the mother(and father) God created you to be. Your children's heavenly Father is at work, even when you're asleep.
>>Use driving time as prayer time for your children. When you put the key in the ignition, remind yourself that the key to your children's future is found in God.
#5
Find God's purpose for your life
#5 Pray for Direction
Nobody can know God unless God teaches him. -Saint Irenaeus
If a young whale were to lose its sense of direction, it might end up on the beach. If migrating flocks of birds were to lose their instinctive sense of direction, they might end up in Alaska instead of Florida, facing harsh conditions instead of basking in the sunny South. When people lose their sense of spiritual direction, they often reach a dead end in their jobs, their marriages, and their families.
How is your sense of direction? In order to uncover God's purpose for your life, you need to be headed in the right direction. Ask God to get your life pointed toward him.
*(This is a BIG thing right now in our life with a lot of things!!)*
>>Picture yourself navigating an unfamiliar city without maps or directions. Imagine hitting dead end after dead end. Thank God for the direction he gives you, and ask him to lead your way.
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To be a great mom(and dad)
#5 Celebrate the Little Things
This is GOD's work. We rub our eyes-we can hardly believe it! This is the very day GOD acted-let's celebrate and be festive! -Psalm 118:23-24 MSG
Each new day, fresh from the hand of God, is worth celebrating. There's joy to be found even in small, unexpected places. Get into the habit of joining together as a family to celebrate the little things in life-the first snowflake, the last day of school, a power outrage, a special act of kindness between siblings, or perseverance through a tough time.
Celebrations don't have to be expensive or stress-inducing. They can be as simple as a picnic by the fireplace during a thunderstorm or a hurrah-for-you note tucked in your child's lunchbox. The key is making memories you can share.
>>Hold a just-because party at the dinner table. Give each member of your family a small gift, such as a handmade card or chocolate kiss, just because you love them.
#5 Pray for Direction
Nobody can know God unless God teaches him. -Saint Irenaeus
If a young whale were to lose its sense of direction, it might end up on the beach. If migrating flocks of birds were to lose their instinctive sense of direction, they might end up in Alaska instead of Florida, facing harsh conditions instead of basking in the sunny South. When people lose their sense of spiritual direction, they often reach a dead end in their jobs, their marriages, and their families.
How is your sense of direction? In order to uncover God's purpose for your life, you need to be headed in the right direction. Ask God to get your life pointed toward him.
*(This is a BIG thing right now in our life with a lot of things!!)*
>>Picture yourself navigating an unfamiliar city without maps or directions. Imagine hitting dead end after dead end. Thank God for the direction he gives you, and ask him to lead your way.
**************************************************************
To be a great mom(and dad)
#5 Celebrate the Little Things
This is GOD's work. We rub our eyes-we can hardly believe it! This is the very day GOD acted-let's celebrate and be festive! -Psalm 118:23-24 MSG
Each new day, fresh from the hand of God, is worth celebrating. There's joy to be found even in small, unexpected places. Get into the habit of joining together as a family to celebrate the little things in life-the first snowflake, the last day of school, a power outrage, a special act of kindness between siblings, or perseverance through a tough time.
Celebrations don't have to be expensive or stress-inducing. They can be as simple as a picnic by the fireplace during a thunderstorm or a hurrah-for-you note tucked in your child's lunchbox. The key is making memories you can share.
>>Hold a just-because party at the dinner table. Give each member of your family a small gift, such as a handmade card or chocolate kiss, just because you love them.
#4
Find God's purpose for your life
#4 Try Something New
And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” And then he said to me, “Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.” -Revelation 21:5 NLT
As a child, do you remember the joy you felt when you tried something new and accomplished it for the first time? Whether it was something as simple as learning to snap your fingers or as complex as tying your shoe, the joy and satisfaction felt in first-time victories were unsurpassed.
Have you felt that thrill of discovery lately? Or have you packed your life full of the familiar and the routine? Trying something new like joining a scrapbooking club or playing racquetball can reenergize your life and reveal an aspect of God's purpose for you.
>>Add spice to your life by signing up for a class you've always wanted to take, learning to ballroom dance, or cooking a new dish.
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To be a great mom(and dad)
#4 Make Your Home Child-Friendly
Happiness is to be found only in the home where God is loved and honored, where each one loves, and helps, and cares for the others. -Theophane Venard
Get to know your children and their friends even better by making your house the "place to be." Set aside a room or corner of your home where children and congregate with the amount of privacy that befits their age.
Place a variety of toys, games, and DVDs on child accessible shelves. (Thrift stores are a great resource for changing this mix every so often.) Don't forget to keep a few quick-to-fix, healthy treats on hand that children can consume in their special place with a minimum of mess. Make every guest, big or small, feel welcome and at home.
>>Help your children and their friends practice responsibility: Ten minutes before guests are scheduled to leave, help guide them in getting the play area back in order.
#4 Try Something New
And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” And then he said to me, “Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.” -Revelation 21:5 NLT
As a child, do you remember the joy you felt when you tried something new and accomplished it for the first time? Whether it was something as simple as learning to snap your fingers or as complex as tying your shoe, the joy and satisfaction felt in first-time victories were unsurpassed.
Have you felt that thrill of discovery lately? Or have you packed your life full of the familiar and the routine? Trying something new like joining a scrapbooking club or playing racquetball can reenergize your life and reveal an aspect of God's purpose for you.
>>Add spice to your life by signing up for a class you've always wanted to take, learning to ballroom dance, or cooking a new dish.
******************************************************************
To be a great mom(and dad)
#4 Make Your Home Child-Friendly
Happiness is to be found only in the home where God is loved and honored, where each one loves, and helps, and cares for the others. -Theophane Venard
Get to know your children and their friends even better by making your house the "place to be." Set aside a room or corner of your home where children and congregate with the amount of privacy that befits their age.
Place a variety of toys, games, and DVDs on child accessible shelves. (Thrift stores are a great resource for changing this mix every so often.) Don't forget to keep a few quick-to-fix, healthy treats on hand that children can consume in their special place with a minimum of mess. Make every guest, big or small, feel welcome and at home.
>>Help your children and their friends practice responsibility: Ten minutes before guests are scheduled to leave, help guide them in getting the play area back in order.
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