NOTE TO SELF RE:PARENTING

Lecture less, pray and fast more. Believe, wait and see what God will do.


MY HUSBAND: AN UNMINED TREASURE

Do I seek the wisdom of books and other teachers (men or women) instead of my husband? He is already called the spiritual leader of our marriage and home; he need not aspire to the position. Wait, pray, watch and see what God will do. When I bring my questions and concerns about anything first to God and then ask my husband's opinion - it's amazing what comes out of his mouth. I always knew he had wisdom but I think I never allowed him the chance and stepped out of God's way to allow God to speak through him. I love him more and respect him more than I ever have. Praise God for what He's doing in my heart and in our marriage.


SPIRITUAL CLONING

I love methods and formulas. I have tried to copy other people's methods and formulas in all sorts of areas of my life: parenting, infant care, prayer, scheduling a homeschool, Flylady, etc. Probably any problem I was having, I've tried to seek the advice of other women or men I respect. That is a good thing. I need to surround myself with wise people. However, let me give you an example of how this has backfired for so many years and how God has been graciously and gently teaching me about this this very week. I've always desired to have a vibrant prayer life. Most young moms feel frustrated that they don't have enough time with God to pray and meditate on His word. I was one of those. Years ago, I heard Peter Lord speak at our church. I spent money on his "method". "It worked for him," I told myself. "Wow, it can work for me too!" Soon after trying to implement his method, I failed (or so I thought). I felt guilty and would try again but soon failed again. More frustration. Then another person came to the church - Becky Tirabassi. "Wow, what a testimony," I said to myself. "Her method is great. I think I need to buy this. It will certainly work for me!" Guess what? Same results. More frustration and guilt. You know what I've seen this week? God has showed me how I've been trying to be a clone of whoever I admire or whatever method has worked for someone. It has failed because of this - God had worked in these different people's lives in amazing ways to bring them closer to Christ. God wants to work this way in my life, but not necessarily using the same methods! Yes, He wants me to pray and fast and meditate on the Scriptures. And be still and know that He is God and the way He works in my life will not look like a clone of someone else. In the past week, this has revolutionized my prayer life.


BLOGGING AND PROVERBS

"When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise." Proverbs 10:19
A woman (me) who restrains her fingers from the keyboard and prays for wisdom before she blogs is wise too.
"She opens her mouth in wisdom and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue." Proverbs 31:26.


ONE MORE FOR NOW: BAPTISMAL FEAST, SOUTHERN BAPTIST STYLE

Last Sunday our church started a modest family baptism service. This was in the afternoon. Family and friends gathered in the chapel to worship and celebrate the baptism of 16 children ages 1st through 4th grade. Our whole family attended to share the joy of a family we are friends with. Their daughter was baptized. My children watched with wondering eyes and happy hearts their friends testify to their faith in Christ and why they wanted to get baptized. Most of the children quoted their favorite bible verse, John 3:16 and said they wanted to get baptized to follow Jesus in obedience. Afterwards, we celebrated with cake and fellowship with other families. Praise God with me as we anticipate the baptism of our son#1 on May 15th in another family baptism service at our church. Praise Him for He is answering the prayers of His people according to His good will and timing.