Freedom isn’t just about doing what you want—it’s about using what you have for what truly matters. It’s easy for kids (and adults) to think freedom means, “No one can tell me what to do,” or “I deserve this.” But that’s not how real freedom works.
Galatians 5:13 says,
“For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.”
If we want to teach our children to be grateful, responsible, and wise, we have to show them that liberty is a gift to steward, not a license for entitlement. It’s not about how many fireworks go off, but what kind of light we carry when the smoke clears.
A powerful real-life story of freedom with purpose comes from Saint Josephine Bakhita. Born in Darfur around 1869, she was kidnapped at age seven and sold into brutal slavery. For more than ten years, she was treated as property, tortured, and stripped of any rights. But when she was brought to Italy and came under the care of the Canossian Sisters, everything changed. A court declared her legally free—and she was baptized soon after.
Yet what made her story extraordinary wasn’t just her release from physical bondage. Josephine chose to forgive. She became a nun and spent her life serving others, even saying she would kiss the hands of those who once beat her—because through them, she came to know Christ. That is freedom with purpose. John 8:36 says,
“Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.”
Real freedom isn’t from people—it’s from sin, shame, fear, and self-centeredness. And only Jesus can give that. 1 Peter 2:16 says,
“Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.”
We don’t just teach our children to avoid bad attitudes—we show them what it means to belong to God and to use our freedom to honor Him.
So as we enjoy summer days and open schedules, let’s also open conversations. Let’s talk with our kids about what it means to be truly free—and how to use that freedom wisely. Teach them to be thankful, to notice needs, to help without being asked. Model it by how we respond when things don’t go our way, or when we’re tempted to complain. Gratitude and humility go a long way.
We don’t need a holiday to celebrate the gift of freedom. We just need to live it out with purpose—and pass that purpose on.
“Through wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established.” — Proverbs 24:3 (NKJV)
Hey y’all. Let’s talk real life for a minute. You know those evenings when you’re already done—emotionally, mentally, maybe physically too—but the day’s not over and your husband walks through the door?
Yeah. That moment matters more than we think.
As women, we’re wired a certain way. By the end of the day, we’ve poured out so much that we’re often ready to pour out more—but usually all over our husbands. Not intentionally, but because he feels safe, he becomes the place we unload. But the truth is, no one wants to walk into a storm.
I’m not saying you have to be Wonder Woman and “perform” for your husband. But let’s be real—the wife sets the tone. The warmth, kindness, and sense of purpose in the home are deeply tied to her presence. While the man of the house is absolutely responsible before God to lead his home well, the woman carries a special grace—she builds it from the inside. And that’s not sexist. It’s just biblical order. God designed family with intention, not hierarchy of worth.
“Every wise woman builds her house, but the foolish pulls it down with her hands.” — Proverbs 14:1 (NKJV)
We need to ask the Lord for wisdom to make a place where the husband, the wife, and the kids all want to be. That starts with us. The words we say, the way we respond, and even the atmosphere we carry—these things shape the emotional temperature of the whole house.
You don’t have to do it alone. Teach the kids to do their part. Don’t wait until you’re stressed and yell about it. Set some limits. Pick-up time before dinner. One basket of toys at a time. Don’t let “chaos” be the first thing Dad sees when he walks in—that screams, “This house is out of control.” And trust me, that affects everybody.
Little by little, your children will learn to value peace and order—not because you nagged, but because you made it part of life.
Now, let’s talk about the way we ask for help. There’s a world of difference between, “I’m drowning and no one helps me!” and “Could you give me a hand with this so we can both sit down tonight?” Guilt doesn’t draw love—it drains it. Invite your husband into partnership, not performance.
“Let all that you do be done with love.” — 1 Corinthians 16:14 (NKJV)
Creating a warm welcome doesn’t mean ignoring your needs. It means expressing them in a way that builds connection. You can be tired and still say, “I’m glad you’re home.” You can need help and still speak with kindness.
“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” — Proverbs 15:1 (NKJV)
We’re building something eternal here. So tonight, pause. Breathe. Ask God to help you lead with wisdom, respond with grace, and welcome love home. Not just your husband—but the Spirit of God Himself.
When I look at summer today, it’s a world apart from the summers I grew up with. So many children now expect to be entertained, always going somewhere, always needing something new. Screens are constant—from toddlers to grandparents. I grew up in a very different rhythm. And the older I get, the more grateful I am for it.
In our house, there was no endless TV running in the background. A week of television might have been a single one-hour family show on Monday and Wednesday night, and maybe some Saturday morning cartoons or an old western. But boredom didn’t live in our house. We read. And did we read! Huckleberry Finn, Nancy Drew mysteries, Helen Keller, the stories of missionaries and martyrs, The Chronicles of Narnia, Bible stories, and the Bible itself—all of them stretched my vocabulary, my imagination, and my hunger for learning.
Summer vacation was not for laziness. There was work to be done—always. Weeding the garden (a task I bartered out of whenever possible), cooking, dishes, laundry, and lots of canning. My parents both grew up in Amish farm homes, so canning was almost second nature. Learning to wield a paring knife was a necessary skill early on. We worked like a little assembly line: peeling, slicing, chopping, filling jars, and unloading the canner. I learned the satisfaction of seeing shelves full of food we had prepared for the coming months.
Sometimes we went on week-long camping trips filled with daily swimming, fishing, and hay rides. Those were simple but memorable times. We didn’t need fancy theme parks to create joy; the joy came from being together, from shared work, from simple adventures, and from knowing how to be content.
My family loved baseball, from t-ball to major league. No way we would miss watching the World Series, though that usually wasn’t sitting with chips and snacks like most. We were often out in the back greenhouse with a little black-and-white TV tucked in the corner, shucking corn, cutting kernels off, boxing it for freezing—all while cheering for our teams.
There were simple rewards too. Dad would often take us to the grocery store, and we each got to pick out a box of ice cream. That little treat felt like luxury.
I guess you could say I always had a love for teaching, even as a little girl. While some kids played house, I played school. I gathered neighborhood children under the bushes in our “forts” and pulled out my word and arithmetic flashcards, teaching my own backyard classroom. Chore charts? I was an ace.
And yes—we played. We built brush forts, camped in the backyard, hiked for berries (and found a few ticks along the way), played king of the mountain on leaf piles, and even climbed the tall pine trees behind our house. Church was a central part of our rhythm too—from midweek services, to home groups my dad led, to family fellowship nights and wiener roasts.
Were there moments I wished for something more? Probably. But as I look back now, I realize what I received was far greater. I learned to value a good day’s work, to appreciate what others might throw away, and to see the worth in people and things that needed redemption. Whether it was bruised fruit or a struggling single mom we took in, or foster children that joined our home, my parents lived out a lifestyle of rescue and restoration—and quietly taught us to do the same.
“Better is a little with the fear of the Lord, than great treasure with trouble.” — Proverbs 15:16 (NKJV)
Today, many kids (and parents) could benefit from that kind of simple, grounded summer. Summers that aren’t built on where we go, but who we become. Summers that teach our kids to work with their hands, to appreciate the little things, to find joy in family, faith, and small blessings.
“Now godliness with contentment is great gain.” — 1 Timothy 6:6 (NKJV)
Summer doesn’t have to be filled with expensive trips and constant entertainment to be rich and full. It can be full of work that produces joy, of moments that build character, and of teaching hearts to be thankful.
If I could give one encouragement to families looking at the long stretch of summer ahead, it would be this: Don’t fear the quiet days. Don’t worry about keeping up with everyone else’s plans. Don’t underestimate the gift of simple things done together. What your children will carry for life isn’t where they went, but who they became — and who they watched you become in front of them.
A simple summer reminder: The world may chase bigger, louder, and faster. But peace comes when we slow down, stay rooted, and let God’s hand shape the days—ordinary and sacred alike.
📖 Summer Bible Memory Challenge
Theme Verse: Joshua 1:8 (NKJV) “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”
Goal: Memorize 6 verses over 6 weeks of summer. Simple, consistent, and fun — with little rewards along the way to celebrate progress.
Week
Verse
Reward
1
Joshua 1:8
Family ice cream night 🍦
2
Proverbs 3:5-6
Stay up 15 minutes later 🌙
3
Psalm 119:105
Pick a family movie 🎬
4
Philippians 4:13
Choose dinner one night 🍽️
5
Galatians 5:22-23
Special family outing 🧺
6
Matthew 6:33
Pick a new book or small prize 📚
Read the verse together each morning.
Display it where everyone can see.
Practice during car rides or chores.
Celebrate weekly!
“Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” — Psalm 119:11 (NKJV)
“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” — Mark 12:31 (NKJV)
We don’t have to teach our children to think about themselves. That part comes naturally. What takes effort, grace, and consistency is teaching them to see beyond themselves—to recognize the needs of others, to value different perspectives, to serve when it’s inconvenient, and to love when it’s not returned. And the best way to teach that? Live it.
We all want our kids to be confident, secure, and strong. But we don’t want them to be self-centered, entitled, or unaware of others. That tension between identity and humility is where love does its deepest work. Because real maturity doesn’t just ask, “What do I need?”—it begins to ask, “What can I give?”
And that doesn’t come by accident.
“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” — Philippians 2:3–4 (NKJV)
The way we talk about others in our home—how we treat the person at the drive-thru, how we respond when we’re interrupted, how we care for one another in tight spaces—all of that is shaping our children. And if we’re honest, it’s reshaping us, too.
The world tells them: “Do what makes you happy. Put yourself first. Don’t let anyone get in your way.” But Jesus said something entirely different:
“Whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” — Mark 10:43–45 (NKJV)
Serving others doesn’t make us less—it makes us more like Jesus. When we help our kids learn to serve, to wait their turn, to share, to clean up without being asked, to speak kindly even when they’re frustrated—we’re giving them tools that last far longer than any academic or athletic skill.
We’re also teaching them that love is more than a feeling. It’s a choice. It’s an action. And it matters.
“My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.” — 1 John 3:18 (NKJV)
Love speaks up. Love steps in. Love makes room. Love notices. And love doesn’t need applause.
So what does it look like in real life?
It might be noticing when a sibling is overwhelmed and helping with a chore without being asked. It might be sitting next to the child who’s always alone at school. It might be choosing not to argue just to be right. It might be letting someone else go first. It might be praying for someone instead of gossiping about them. And sometimes, it’s just learning to say, “How can I help?”
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” — Galatians 6:2 (NKJV)
That kind of love begins at home. And the more we practice it within our four walls, the more natural it becomes outside them.
A Challenge for the Week: This week, help your family put love into action.
Here are two simple ideas:
Make space to serve someone together. It might be bringing a meal, writing a card, helping a neighbor, or sharing something with a family in need. Let your children be part of the decision and the action.
Speak appreciation aloud. At dinner or bedtime, take time to affirm something you saw someone in the family do for another person that day. Let love be seen and heard.
Loving others isn’t always convenient, but it’s always worth it. And when we live that out, we’re not just teaching kindness—we’re shaping character.
Next Week: Peace and Purpose While the Kids Are Home With school out and kids home all day, how do we keep peace, set boundaries, and keep little hands and hearts busy—without screens or screams?
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” — Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)
Putting God first isn’t just a principle—it’s a priority that reshapes everything. It’s the filter we live through, the foundation we build on, and the anchor we return to. And it’s not something we just believe—it’s something our children need to see.
In a culture obsessed with hustle, independence, and achievement, “God first” often becomes a slogan instead of a lifestyle. But when we say God comes first, we’re not just talking about Sunday mornings—we’re talking about every morning. Every decision. Every dollar. Every opportunity. It means we acknowledge Him in our planning, our parenting, our priorities, and even in the way we respond when things don’t go as planned.
One of the most important things we can model for our children is that God isn’t an addition to life—He is life. When they see us start our day in the Word or pause to pray when decisions come up, when they hear us give thanks and talk about what God is doing, it shapes their understanding of what it means to walk with Him.
We show them He is first in our time when we make space for Scripture, prayer, and worship—not out of obligation, but desire. He is first in our talent when we offer our gifts back to Him, whether it’s teaching, serving, creating, or leading, and use them to bless others. He is first in our treasure when we give with open hands, trusting Him to provide and choosing to invest in eternity rather than cling to what we think we’ve earned.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” — Proverbs 3:5–6 (NKJV)
Children quickly pick up on what really matters to us. They know what we cancel everything for. They know what we give our best energy and attention to. And when they see us consistently return to the Lord for guidance, correction, and strength, it teaches them that life isn’t just about us. It’s about aligning with the One who made us.
When God is first, everything else finds its place. Marriage, work, parenting, rest, even trials—they all come under His care and leading. That doesn’t mean life becomes easy. But it does mean we aren’t chasing after peace, purpose, and provision in all the wrong places.
Putting God first in family life requires intention. We have to clear space for the things that matter. We have to turn down the volume of the world. And we have to be willing to say no to things—even good things—so that we don’t miss the best things He has for us.
“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way.” — Psalm 37:23 (NKJV)
So this week, take a look at your calendar. Your conversations. Your heart. What comes first? And what do your children see?
It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being surrendered. It’s about turning again and again toward the One who holds your family in His hands and saying, “Lead us, Lord. We want to follow You.”
A Challenge for the Week: What would it look like to actually put God first in your home this week?
Here are two simple ways to begin:
Start your day together with God. Read a short Scripture, pray aloud, or listen to a worship song during breakfast or the car ride. If it’s just you, set aside a few first moments to acknowledge Him before the day begins.
Let your priorities show what matters most. Whether it’s how you spend your evening, how you handle an unexpected change, or what you say yes or no to—let your choices reflect that God’s ways come first.
Next Week: Life Isn’t Just About You We’ll reflect on teaching our children to live beyond themselves, love others well, and find joy in serving.
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” — Proverbs 18:21 (NKJV)
Our words hold weight—especially in our homes. They shape atmosphere. They shape identity. They can stir peace or provoke anxiety. And while we often watch what we say to strangers or at church, we sometimes forget that the people closest to us carry our words most deeply.
Personally, one of my biggest struggles in this area has been criticism. Maybe it comes from a perfectionist tendency or from my natural bent toward teaching. But I’ve noticed how much easier it is for me to point out what needs fixing than to pause and affirm what’s already being done well. It’s not that correction isn’t necessary—it is. But when criticism outweighs encouragement, especially with my husband or my children, it tears down what I want to build.
There was a moment when I realized that I was far more likely to say, “Do I have to tell you again to make your bed?” than to celebrate the effort they had put into homework or chores. And yet, recognizing effort and faithfulness—even when the job isn’t done perfectly—is one of the ways we help our children grow. They need correction, yes. But they thrive on encouragement. Our homes should be places where they’re built up more than broken down.
Scripture says, “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” — Proverbs 15:1 (NKJV)
This applies in the heat of conflict, but also in the daily tone we carry. When our default is harshness or sarcasm, our families learn to brace themselves around us. But when our tone reflects patience, even in correction, we open the door to trust.
Jesus reminded us, “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” — Matthew 12:34b (NKJV)
If criticism is what comes out first, it’s time to ask what’s overflowing in our hearts. Sometimes, it’s stress. Sometimes, unspoken disappointment. Sometimes, exhaustion. But the good news is—when we return to the Lord, He softens our hearts again and gives us fresh grace to speak from a renewed place.
Prayer is a cornerstone of motherhood. It’s through prayer that we intercede for our children, seeking God’s guidance, protection, and blessings over their lives.
“The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” — James 5:16b (NKJV)
By consistently lifting our children in prayer, we invite God’s presence into their lives, trusting Him to work in ways beyond our understanding. Prayer not only changes situations—it changes us.
We don’t need perfect words. We need faithful words. Words that bless. Words that guide. Words that remind our families who they are and whose they are. And when we fall short—and we will—let’s be quick to ask forgiveness, reset the tone, and speak life again.
“Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.” — Ephesians 4:29 (NKJV)
Let’s build homes where grace is heard often, where encouragement is normal, and where the words spoken lay a foundation of peace. Because our words don’t just fill the air—they fill hearts. And what we speak today will echo in our children’s lives tomorrow.
And as parents, let’s not be above admitting when we’ve messed up. Asking forgiveness doesn’t diminish our authority—it strengthens our influence. It sets the example that humility is powerful and grace is available. It frees our children to be honest, to confess, and to heal. When they see us take responsibility, they learn it’s safe to do the same.
Next Week: Living with God First Join us next Friday as we reflect on what it means to put God first in everyday family life.
“Through wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.” Proverbs 24:3–4 (NKJV)
Home. It’s more than walls and windows. It’s the place where we are formed, where we are known, and where we are either strengthened—or slowly worn down. But in a world of shifting values and fast-paced expectations, how do we build homes that truly last? How do we raise children who love God? How do we strengthen marriages in both calm and crisis?
Today begins Family and Home Fridays—a weekly pause to reset, realign, and receive God’s wisdom for the most sacred place on earth: your home. This space is not about perfection. It’s about grace—real, practical, biblical grace. The kind that works when toddlers are crying and dishes are piling up. The kind that holds a marriage together in quiet faithfulness. The kind that can be passed down as a legacy of truth and love.
These weekly posts are rooted in the same heart behind Sharing Grace, my book-in-progress focused on biblical womanhood, marriage, motherhood, and home life from Titus 2 and beyond. Whether you’re a newlywed, a single mom, a grandmother, or simply someone who desires to make your home a place of blessing and peace, this is for you.
Every home is built on something. Some are built on busy routines. Others on high achievement. Some on image, some on survival. But the only homes that truly endure are those built on the wisdom, strength, and grace of God.
Jesus said, “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock.” Matthew 7:24 (NKJV)
Grace-filled homes aren’t the result of perfect families. They are the result of surrendered hearts—people who daily depend on God, repent quickly, speak life, and choose love even when it’s inconvenient.
Grace starts with surrender. Before grace can fill our homes, it must first be rooted in our own hearts. If we are not receiving from God—through prayer, time in the Word, worship—we’ll end up running on empty. Our personal devotion becomes the foundation of our family direction. “Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established.” Proverbs 16:3 (NKJV)
Grace requires intentionality. You cannot drift into a godly home by accident. It takes deliberate, everyday decisions to speak kindly, discipline wisely, love consistently, and live with eternity in view. A grace-filled home is not just what you believe—it’s what you practice behind closed doors. “Be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us…” Ephesians 5:1–2 (NKJV)
Grace grows through humility. No matter how well we build, there will be days we fall short. Moments of frustration, failure, or forgetfulness are part of the process. But in those moments, humility becomes our lifeline. When we admit we were wrong, ask for forgiveness, or choose to try again, we lay another stone of grace in our home. “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6 (NKJV)
Grace multiplies when we speak God’s Word. The most powerful words we can bring into our home are not our own—they’re His. Reading Scripture aloud, praying the promises of God, and reminding one another of truth shifts the atmosphere. It sets our foundation on something eternal, not emotional. “These words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children…” Deuteronomy 6:6–7 (NKJV)
Let’s be women who build on the Rock. Not just in theory—but in the hidden places, in the daily rhythms, in the way we love, speak, forgive, serve, and believe. Because the home is not just where we live—it’s where we shape lives. And grace is the cement that holds it all together.
What is your home currently built upon? Are there areas where surrender, intentionality, humility, or truth have been missing? Ask the Lord to help you realign your foundation today.
Next Week: “Mothering with Grace: A High and Holy Calling” A special reflection for Mother’s Day weekend, honoring spiritual and natural mothers and encouraging the legacy of godly womanhood.
I love being a mom, but I love my kids more. You may be thinking, huh? What do you mean? Are these in competition? Well, they may be.
I was blessed to grow up in a loving home with mom and dad, a sister and two brothers. Then there were the years that my family took in foster children, several of them living with us for over two years, so for awhile we were 8 kids. And still any given day, there may have been one, two or three more for an overnight emergency that sometimes turned into a few days. My mom was undaunted by the task, holding her peace enough even to occasionally take a friend’s kids for the day, so her friend could “de-stress” from her two. Ha! I thought that was funny at the time, but I know now that I had a super mom as my role model, and am grateful for her. Since we all had our chores, and the older helped take care of the younger, it was just natural to be a popular babysitter at a young age. So by the time I got married at twenty, I was primed for motherhood.
I’ll never forget the birth of my first daughter and the wonder of her coming into the world. As she popped out, after many hours of painful labor I may add, the doctor turned to my husband and said, “Congratulations! They’re going to call you father-in-law!” That was his way of saying, it’s a girl. We laughed and cried and marveled at God’s wonderful design. But although we laughed, my husband scarcely had her in his arms when he somberly said, “Oh dear, now I understand your father completely.” What did he mean? The moment he laid eyes on our baby girl, he fell in love with her, and thought of all he would do to care for and protect her. Then he thought of the day some young man would come asking for her hand, and he would not want to let her go. Well, that day has come and gone, and though his tears may have dampened the pillow the first night she would no longer come “home”, it is our great joy to see her growing her own family. Now expecting her second child, my daughter recently said, I was born to be a mother.
Lately, I have been thinking a lot about raising children and letting them go. It may be one of the hardest things a mom does. Usually, but not always, moms tend to cling while dads tend to thrust. I mean, think about someone you do life with and how they play with their toddler. Dad will be throwing him in the air and catching him, while mom is shrieking, Be careful! Mom will be holding her in the pool and telling her to kick, while dad will throw her in and see her swim. There are challenges as children grow, such as teaching your child to walk, ride a bike, and drive a car, each meaning you must let go a little more than the last time, until the big one comes.
Letting go may be one of the hardest things a mom does.
Mom, I’m 18 and ready to move out on my own. Mom, I’m so excited about my choice for college (and it’s 1,000 miles away). Mom, he asked me and we’re getting married this year. Mom, I want to serve my country and go into the service. Face it, we all know it’s coming, but somehow we’re just not ready for the way it hits us. Why is this?
Being a mom around the clock, 24/7, for over 900 weeks, is not to be taken lightly! From stinky diapers to smelly gym clothes. From teething to term papers. From baby food to homemade faves. From comforting skinned knees to broken hearts. From setting limits to letting suffer consequences. Mom is caretaker, teacher, cook, nurse, taxi driver, counselor, homemaker, and basically just about whatever her child needs at the moment. And as tired as she may be and juggle what she may, she wouldn’t trade it for the world. Being mom is probably your number one most favorite role.
It’s no wonder so many moms feel the air has been knocked out of them when their child leaves home. Suddenly, you can’t make him breakfast or iron her favorite dress. You can’t tousle her hair or look in on him in bed. You don’t know how their day went and can’t rescue them from the world. What’s a mom to do?
I think one of the biggest factors is perspective. I love being a mom, but I love my kids more. Mothering is not about me. It’s about the men and women God gave me to raise. Because just as a single apple seed has the potential of a fruit laden apple tree, so each child we receive into this world has the potential for a fruitful, purpose-driven life.
Mothering is not about me. It’s about the men and women God gave me to raise.
Every child born into this world is a gift from God on loan. And if God has seen fit to send me one (or six in my case), it’s not because I am perfect. My mom told me when I started that God gives a portion of grace with each child, so I do believe I have received a lot of grace. God is trusting me to love them unconditionally (1 Corinthians 13), as an example of his love. He gives me wisdom to train them while under my roof in the way they should go (Proverbs 22:6), so when they go out, they are prepared to make the right decisions on their own.
I will always be a mom. Three of my children are now married, and their spouse and children are their priority. That’s natural, right and healthy. I don’t need to feel displaced or loved less. It’s not a competition. Please do not compete with your child’s spouse, consciously or unconsciously. Nobody wins, but everybody loses in division. Be a mom that patiently and prayerfully adds life and love to relationships. Then I have three younger… I love having two at home in school. And one is just finishing boot camp, which has been a whole new challenge in itself, where mothering is pretty fully restricted. However, I found that what he valued most through the difficult time of separation and denial of self-will was a flow of letters giving love, reassurance, encouragement and constant reminders of the Word of God to anchor him through thick and thin.
In the end, I believe mothering is most about doing everything I can, with the grace of God, to prepare and send the young men and women under my care out on the adventure of walking out their God given destiny with a firm foundation of unconditional love, faith in God, sure identity, love and compassion for others, and an eternal perspective. I will forever be grateful to God for the joy and privilege to be called “mom”. So relax, enjoy every season, cheer your children on, pray always, give thanks to God for every blessing and even the trials, and rejoice with each one in every experience on their journey.
Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, The fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; They shall not be ashamed, But shall speak with their enemies in the gate. (Ps.127:3-5)
Sueño, cansancio y antojos… El embarazo es hermoso y la maternidad es una bendición. Aunque tenerlos juntos es… lo más bello.
Mi niño de año y medio es un rayito de energía que pide la atención y el cariño de mami constantemente. Y yo en el primer trimestre de embarazo, muero de sueño y me falta la energía. ¡Que alguien me conecte la intravenosa de cafeína, por favor!
Ser mamá es para lo que nací. ¡Cómo amo y disfruto cada segundo con mi bebé! Pero hablemos claro. El cansancio alcanza otro nivel cuando eres mamá. Es totalmente cierto que no vuelves a dormir igual. Y la cereza del pastel es que aparece un nuevo reto cada día.
Cuando nació mi primer hijo, me cayó el veinte que era mamá ¡a la semana! Un día estaba amamantando a mi bebé, y mientras lo contemplaba, me llegó la avalancha de emociones. Lágrimas y lágrimas llenaron mis ojos (mi cara y hasta mi camiseta), al darme cuenta del gran peso de responsabilidad que tenía en mis manos. Tuve una consciencia más clara del efecto de mis decisiones sobre mis padres a lo largo de mi vida. Y en ese momento entendí, al estar en su lugar, a mi madre. ¡Wow! Soy mamá.
Son estas emociones las que llegan a abrumar y causar ansiedad en una nueva madre. Si esa eres tú, no tengas temor. Dios siempre nos dará la gracia para hacer un trabajo de excelencia. ¿Pero cómo? Si a veces no sabemos ni por dónde empezar.
Dios quiere que seamos exitosas en la tarea y el propósito que nos dio en esta tierra. No se trata de ti ni de mí. Él nos escogió y nos ama sin medida.
La Biblia lo afirma una y otra vez:
“No me escogieron ustedes a mí, sino que yo los escogí a ustedes y los comisioné para que vayan y den fruto, un fruto que perdure. Así el Padre les dará todo lo que le pidan en mi nombre [Jesús]” (Juan 15:16, NVI).
“Dios hará que esto suceda, porque aquel que los llama es fiel” (1 Tesalonicenses 5:24, NTV).
¡Qué alivio! No estamos solas en esto. Dios promete darnos todas las herramientas necesarias, y la ayuda del Espíritu Santo en cada paso.
¿Cuál es la clave? David la enseñó a sus hijos: “el principio de la sabiduría es el temor de Jehová” (Proverbios 1:7, RVR1960). Y en los versículos 14:26-27 (RVA2015) reafirmó el principio: “En el temor del SEÑOR está la confianza del hombre fuerte, y para sus hijos habrá un refugio. El temor del SEÑOR es fuente de vida, para apartarse de las trampas de la muerte”.
Nuestro Dios poderoso y Padre amoroso tiene cuidado de nosotros y los nuestros. Atrévete a pedirle sabiduría. Salomón lo hizo y fue el hombre más sabio de la tierra. Santiago 1:5 dice que, si nos falta sabiduría, la pidamos a Dios, y él nos la dará abundantemente y sin reproche. Él es el manantial de vida que día con día nos dará el amor, la paciencia y las estrategias para criar a nuestros pequeños y ayudarles a descubrir y alcanzar todo lo que Dios tiene para ellos.
Te invito a que me acompañes en esta jornada durante los siguientes meses. Espero que sea de bendición para tu vida en cualquier etapa en la que estés. Dios te bendiga.
Hay padres que creen que es su solitaria misión encargarse de hablar todas sus verdades a sus hijos, “para hacerles hombres” o “para que aguanten allá afuera”, pero muchas veces donde ya no aguantan es en casa. Y hay otros padres que solo saben consentir a sus hijos, ni les niegan ni les corrigen, porque “los aman tanto”. Pero ninguno de estos dos produce el mejor fruto.
Es nuestro deber como padres hablarles la verdad a nuestros hijos. Para algunas mamás, eso significa que primero tenemos que reconocer cual es la verdadera condición de nuestros hijos. No estoy diciendo que hables mal de tus hijos a otros ni que les condenes o les des una sentencia de vida- siempre serás así, eres igualito a tu padre, no llegarás a nada, etc….de ninguna manera. Eso es totalmente fuera de orden. Lo que sí estoy diciendo es que si mi hijo se ha hecho egoísta y petulante porque lo he mimado y le he permitido desarrollar tales hábitos, tengo que tomar responsabilidad por ello y hacer que él también lo haga, Si no, será aborrecido o rechazado por los demás afuera, que no le tienen el gran cariño que tienes tú…a los demás solo les llega el egoísta y petulante que no es su hijo amado. Mejor ayudémosle que todos lo quieran como nosotros.
La palabra de Dios dice que…hablando la verdad en amor, crezcamos en todo
Hace años cuando servía como maestra de jardín de niños, tuve a una niña en mi grupo que solía interrumpir el fluir de la clase y resistirse a menudo a las instrucciones, además de atropellar a menudo a sus compañeros, queriendo que las cosas se hicieran a su manera. Cuando la apartaba y hablaba con ella para resolverlo, casi nunca lo aceptaba, afirmando que ella tenía la razón. Al llegar la noche de la primera junta de padres, esperaba la oportunidad de platicar con su mamá para aliarnos en trabajar con la niña, así que le pedimos platicar. Desde el momento que empezamos a comentar que había que ver algunos puntos en la conducta de su hija, la mamá empezó a dar sus razones y sus justificaciones, y así siguió con cada comentario, sin escuchar en realidad cosa alguna que dijéramos- ella sabía mejor. ¡Whoosh! No nos quedó duda alguna de porque era tan difícil para la niña aceptar responsabilidad.
La palabra de Dios dice que…hablando la verdad en amor, crezcamos en todo… (Efesios 4:15) El amor siempre debe ser nuestro motivo, nuestra actitud y nuestra acción, PERO tenemos que hablar la verdad. Solo así crecemos sanamente, así como nuestros hijos también.
Proverbios 27:6 dice, Fieles son las heridas del amigo, pero engañosos los besos del enemigo. Un amigo verdadero nos acepta como somos pero nos dice nuestras verdades. ¡¿Cuánto más los padres que queremos ver a nuestros hijos disfrutar de buenas relaciones y triunfar en la vida?!
El amor siempre debe ser nuestro motivo, nuestra actitud y nuestra acción, PERO tenemos que hablar la verdad.
Como madre, no sé hablar destilando miel, sino al contrario, mi tendencia natural es de corregir e instruir en cualquier situación. Sí, en veces soy enfadosa, pero mis hijos saben que les amo y me he entregado a enseñarles para que gocen de todas las bendiciones que Dios tiene preparadas para ellos en esta vida y la eterna.
En esos tiempos era un palo con un pico, hoy da toques eléctricos.
Ya que parte del don que Dios me dio es de enseñar, siempre me ha gustado un texto del libro de Eclesiastés, que dice… Las palabras de los sabios son como aguijones (12:11). El aguijón mencionado aquí se refiere a un instrumento que usaban los agricultores cuando trabajaban los campos con unos bueyes. Si los bueyes se oponían o se querían desviar del camino indicado, el granjero los aguijaba un poco para impulsarlos a cumplir su misión.
Si somos sabios, usaremos nuestras palabras para impulsar a los demás a crecer en todo. Una palabra de advertencia, no estoy diciendo que seas cuchillito de palo o como la mujer de gotera continua que siempre está dale y dale con tus faltas.
Usa como estándar que tus palabras inspiren fe- Dios quiere lo mejor para ti… esperanza- sé que con la ayuda de Dios puedes hacerlo… y amor- eres amado y aceptado tal como eres, pero te quiero ayudar a ser la mejor versión de ti, la que Dios te destinó ser.
