Lead Your Family Like Jesus + Monday M.O.M. Link-Up

May 5, 2013 By

by Tricia Goyer

Three Ways You Are A Leader in Everyday Life … and how to be a better one

Family_In_FieldMany people are confused about the term “family leader.” As I’ve blogged about moms being leaders I’ve had both men and women pipe up, “But wait, the man’s supposed to be the leader in the home, right?” Yes, but women are leaders, too, in many ways you may not realize. 

1. You are a Leader in Your Role As Spouse.

Yes, friends, I believe in the “S” word … submission. I believe God has called men to be the spiritual head of the home, and the one to care for and provide for his wife and family and lead the family unit. I believe wives come under their headship in willing submission … yet women are leaders too.

Any time you strive to guide the thoughts, behavior or direction of another person we are a leader! Or as John Quincy Adams said, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”

Go ahead, read that again. Mom, you are a leader! Wife, you are a leader! Your thoughts and attitudes guide your closest relationships. Family leadership can be as intimate as offering words of guidance and encouragement to a discouraged loved one, or it can be as directive as issuing specific instructions on how to drive the family car.

2. You are a Leader in Your Community.

A man or a woman’s position as a family leader also extends beyond the four walls of the home. Just think of your roles at your work, at your child’s school, and in your neighborhood. Influence can also be exhibited in your roles as church volunteers and community leaders. These are important roles in our every day life, especially since many couples today are often not well-connected with siblings and parents.

Many families are spread out, living far from extended family members. This causes many couples to create their own “family units” with like-minded friends. These are the people they vacation with and spend free time with. Seeking God in roles is important because it’s then couples realize they can be a positive influence in their church and community outside of their own home.

3. You are a Leader in Your Extended Family.

Sometimes this is the hardest place to be a leader. We can’t choose our relatives, and sometimes the relationships with parents, siblings, aunts, uncle and cousins can be the hardest. Often people are put into “roles” within their family. Yet in your actions and reactions you are showing leadership—whether you like it or not.

In each of these areas … you make an impact!

As a leader you …

  • Build enduring relationships within the home that can have far-reaching impact beyond the home • Set the basic direction of life values, character development and relational behavior
  • Involve seasons of personal sacrifice to promote the spiritual and physical well-being of others
  • Sustain love, loyalty, trust, mercy, forbearance, forgiveness, and sacrifice
  • Mature and grow
  • Foster values of love, compassion, trust, commitment, honesty, and grace within its members.

Think your role as a leader doesn’t matter? Think again. The #1 way you can be a better leader in each of these areas is to pray.

Today take a few minutes to pray for your role as a leader.

  • Pray for your leadership in your family.
  • Pray for your leadership in your church.
  • Pray for your leadership in your neighborhood.
  • Pray for your leadership at work and school.
  • Pray that God will show you how to lead.
  • Pray you will submit to His leadership in your life.

The impact we can have in the lives of people around us can’t be underestimated … and only prayer prepares us for the work ahead!

 

Your Turn!

How is Jesus your role model as a leader in your marriage, community, and extended family?

 

Lead Your Family Like Jesus

Lead-Your-Familysm-e1360603289982Does your family need a five-star general at the helm? A psychologist? A referee?

Ken Blanchard, best-selling co-author of The One Minute Manager and Lead Like Jesus, points to a better role model: the Son of God. Joined by veteran parents and authors Phil Hodges and Tricia Goyer, renowned business mentor Blanchard shows how every family member benefits when parents take the reins as servant-leaders.

Moms and dads will see themselves in a whole new light—as life-changers who get their example, strength, and joy from following Jesus at home. This user-friendly book’s practical principles and personal stories mark the path to a truly Christ-centered family, where integrity, love, grace, self-sacrifice, and forgiveness make all the difference.

The M.O.M. Initiative is giving away a copy of Lead Your Family Like Jesus! Enter via the Rafflecopter below:

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Now it’s time to LINK UP & join the fun, meet new friends & make your message more available to others!

 

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Filed Under: Books & DVDs, Featured Guests, Growth & Development, Relationships, TMI Link Up, Tricia Goyer 5 Comments

RENEWED: An Interview with Lucille Zimmerman + Monday M.O.M. Link-Up!

April 7, 2013 By

BookCover-1

Overwhelmed.

I’ve been speaking to women’s groups for more than two decades. And while fashions and American Idols and fad diets have changed over the years, this one thing has remained constant:

When I ask women what they struggle with, day in and day out, their #1 answer is “I feel so overwhelmed!”

So I fell in love with Lucille Zimmerman’s new book the moment I laid eyes on the cover.

Renewed.

Ahhhh…what an invitation!

I spent two weeks enjoying Lucille’s stories, Biblical insights, and practical wisdom as I savored (and stuck Post-It Notes all over!) a chapter a day.

Renewed now resides on the “grab often” bookshelf near my writing desk, as I know I’ll be quoting from and highly recommending it daily.

So I’m thrilled to welcome Lucille to The M.O.M. Initiative today!

Cheri: In Chapter 7, “Renewed Through Appreciating Beauty,” you advise “Don’t multitask–enjoy the one thing you are doing now.” How can we teach the value of focus to our children who seem to thrive on multitasking?

Lucille: I think a good way to do that is to take a mommy time-out. Mommy can turn off the phone, get off the computer, and take some quiet time to read or whatever it is that helps her relax. At the same time she can put the child in a quiet space with his or her own books.

Cheri: I’ve re-read Chapter 11, “Renewed Through Creating a Place for Grief”, several times and shared it with my college-aged daughter, as our family has experienced numerous losses recently. I’ve never learned to grieve, so I’ve felt helpless and inadequate watching her struggle. How can mothers help their children learn healthy ways of grieving?

Lucille: I’m so sorry you are both experiencing so many losses.

It seems common in America to hide or bury grief. If people grieve they do it behind closed doors. Many people are ashamed to shed a tear in public.

This creates an environment where people don’t know how to grieve. But while there is no right or wrong way to grieve, we know that burying grief does not work. Grief waits. There’s a wonderful book, for children or adults, that helps normalize the grief process, and gives readers encouragement. It’s called Tear Soup. Here’s a short video clip about the book:

(Can’t view embedded video? Click on this link to view Tear Soup directly in YouTube!)

Cheri: In Chapter 14, “Renewed Through Generosity and Gratitude,” you give practical tips for adults. What advice do you have for mothers who would like to teach their children to be generous and grateful?

Lucille: People who are generous and grateful are also much happier. Studies prove the powerful and long lasting effects of writing a thank you note or even giving a $5 item.

Here are some of the ways I tried to model gratitude and generosity to my children:

  • Talk about what you are thankful for. (e.g. “Aren’t we lucky to have such a nice cozy house? Clean clothes? Yummy food?)
  • Model a giving heart by anonymously paying for a person’s coffee or meal. Or pay the toll for the car behind you.
  • Volunteer at food banks or deliver meals to the needy during the holidays.
  • Sponsor a child in a third world country through organizations like Compassion International and
  • Highlight the feeling a child gets when someone is generous to him or her. (“Wasn’t that nice how Elizabeth thought about you and gave you half of her cookie?”)
  • Have older children journal and younger children draw pictures of the people and things they are thankful for.

Cheri: Lucille, thank you so much for sharing with our moms and for sharing a message through your book that is both challenging and reassuring!

ReturnImage.aspx.jpegLucille Zimmerman is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a private practice in Littleton, CO and an affiliate faculty professor at Colorado Christian University.

She is also the author of Renewed: Finding Your Inner Happy in an Overwhelmed World. Through practical ideas and relatable anecdotes, readers can better understand their strengths and their passions—and address some of the underlying struggles or hurts that make them want to keep busy or minister to others to the detriment of themselves.

Renewed can help nurture those areas of women’s lives to use them better for work, family, and service. It gives readers permission to examine where they spend their energy and time, and learn to set limits and listen to “that inner voice.”

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Filed Under: Books & DVDs, Cheri Gregory, Featured Guests, M.O.M. Approved Resources, TMI Link Up 12 Comments

Mentor”ish”ing on the Trail + Monday M.O.M. Link-Up!

March 31, 2013 By

** TMI_Running_Image

by Erin MacPherson

I’m part of a run”ish”ing group with six of my girlfriends.

We call it run”ish”ing because if you’ve ever seen me run, you’d know that I certainly could not be labeled a runner.  Run”ish”er is a stretch.  But regardless, every Saturday morning we get up bright and early and meet at a local park to go run”ish”ing.  We even have shirts to remind us of our athletic prowess (or lack thereof).

Now, I know it sounds crazy (who gets up at 6 am to do something sporty?) but it’s become the part of my week that I most look forward to.  Not because of the huffing and puffing (although, on certain days there is a lot of that), but because of the conversation.

My run”ish”ing girls are my best mentor moms.

Not because they are famous authors or counselors or teachers, but because they are real.  They have kids who do crazy things like pull all of the dryer sheets out of the box and spread them into a giant car track around the house.  And they don’t judge me for choosing to avoid the 5 o’clock meltdown by making PB & J for dinner.  And they even understand that there are times when being a mom is the last thing I want to be.

There’s just something about long hours on the trail that leads to real conversation.

But there’s more.  Because beyond honest conversation, there’s an atmosphere in our early morning runs that gives us permission to mentor each other in a way that’s just as honest.  My run”ish”ing girls don’t hold back any punches.  Instead, they listen carefully to what I say and then they tell me what they think, even if it’s something I don’t want to hear.

It’s as if we can tell the truth with each other as long as we’re run”ish”ing.

So when I told my run”ish”ing girls that I was feeling crushed in my marriage, ready to run away and find something or someone better, they listened.  But they didn’t commiserate.  They didn’t tell me that I had every right to feel the way I did.  Or that my husband was the big, bad guy and I was the innocent victim.  Instead, they spoke the truth in love, if you will.  They mentor”ish”ed not with lectures or even their own expertise, but with prayerful conversation and loving friendship. They walked next to me, becoming part of the healing.  They became more than mentors.  They were my partners.

Now I’m not saying that everyone should join a run”ish”ing group—trust me, some mornings it’s not as fun as it sounds.  But I do think every woman should have a group of friends who are willing to mentor”ish” them.  Not women who tell them what they should do, but women who are willing to listen and then step and walk (or run”ish) with them on their journey.  And whether that means getting up at 6 am on a Saturday or heading out for coffee after your kids go to bed, it’s important to have good mom friends who are willing to talk beyond diapers and sleep training.  And are willing to give you a break when you just can’t make it up that next hill.

Erin MacPherson is an Austin, Texas mom of three who stays home with her kids by day, writes by nights and (occasionally) run”ish”es half marathons with her friends.  She is the author of “The Christian Mama’s Guide” series and blogs at www.christianmamasguide.com.

A Christian Mamas Guide

A Christian Mama’s Guide to the Grade School Years: Everything You Need to Know to Survive (and Love) Sending Your Kid Off into the Big Wide World

Oh, how we needed this book two decades ago when the “self-esteem movement” was brainwashing parents into raising generations of entitled kids! Erin’s Fifteen Factors are spot-on remedies for the spiritual immaturity and arrested social development I see daily in my high school students.

With hilarious transparency, keen insights, and practical faith, Erin coaches you to support and challenge your child without enabling or over-protecting. Chapter 14 alone — “Do This, Not That” — is worth the price of admission!

Cheri Gregory  (aka ”Mrs. G”, 20+ year classroom veteran and ”Mom” to two college kids!)

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SUBSCRIBE to receive your FREE copy of Overwhelmed today!

AND/OR

SIGN UP to BEGIN a M.O.M. Initiative Mentor Group in your area!
You will also receive a FREE copy of Overwhelmed and as a ministry tool, please feel free to make as many copies as you need.

____________________________________________________________________________

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Filed Under: Books & DVDs, Character Counts, Cheri Gregory, Childhood, Education, Featured Guests, Growth & Development, Parenting, Responsibilities, School Days 4 Comments

Getting It Together + & The TMI Monday Link Up!

December 30, 2012 By

556491_407604185968728_1736217259_nKayse Pratt is a wife, mommy, and writer whose brand new eBook Getting It Together: Your Guide to Setting Up a Home Management System That Works releases on Monday, December 31.

I’m delighted to talk with Kayse about how we can set realistic home management goals for the new year–without getting overwhelmed!

How can we start the new year with reasonable get-myself-organized goals?

Kayse:  For me, having a system is key: a central place for all of my home management stuff! My goals themselves have to be organized: project lists, cleaning schedules, etc.

I think it’s important to start small, creating manageable goals that are actually attainable. Nothing’s more discouraging than setting huge lofty goals that you can’t possibly reach. Remember, every step toward organization makes a difference! Creating a simple cleaning schedule, having a central calendar for the family, finally creating that paperwork file you’ve been meaning to get to – each step is an important one!

Get-myself-organized goals can break the bank — How can we be frugal and still be well equipped with the right tools and systems?

Kayse:  Right now, I’m a stay-at-home-mom and my husband is in grad school full-time. We understand frugal! As far as organizational printables go, I’ve created most of my materials myself. For organizing gear, like tubs and boxes and files and systems, I really do love the dollar store! You’d be surprised at how many cute baskets and containers you can find there. A little spray paint or scrapbook paper, and they’re even cuter than full-price ones! Pinterest has some great ideas to make cheap things super cute.

Some get-myself-orgnaized goals discourage us by Day 3. How do we create goals that are sustainable?

Kayse: We’ve GOT to be real with ourselves. Creating small, realistic goals is so important. One load of laundry a day, sticking with meal planning for one week, trying to schedule one week’s worth of blog posts ahead of time – setting small goals and sticking with them is much more effective than the crazy dream goals we have. And when we set small goals we can stick with, we are then able to keep growing in our goals, knowing there are things we’ve already conquered!

What’s your top tip for trying to start the year more organized?

Kayse:  Start now! Set 2-3 small goals and stick with them this week! Next week, look at how you did and revamp it if you need to. Give yourself some grace and remember that perfect isn’t real.

What are some common mistakes we make when trying to “finally” get “all” organized?

Kayse:  Thinking that we can finally get it all organized. :) There’s always something else to do, am I right? I think what we’re going for is peaceful living – keeping a home that is both functional and welcoming, despite the daily messes that are impossible to avoid.

What are some little things in organization / home management that can make a BIG difference?

Kayse:  Many of us need good systems. That’s why my home management notebook works so well for me. I have everything in one place, and a system set up for each area. Blogging calendars, cleaning schedules, meal planning lists, info for the kids and babysitters, it’s all there. Simply having a notebook with all of my important information in one place is crucial for me, and such a huge help!

How do we teach our children basic organization skills and personal management skills…etc.?

GIT_3D_Paperback_FinalKayse:  I’ve been blessed with a toddler who is way cleaner than I am. She impresses me. :) But we’re still trying to impart good organizing habits to her. We work on picking up toys before naptime and bedtime, and teaching her that everything has a place.

She helps me fold simple laundry, and brushes her own teeth while I brush mine (I brush hers again afterwards, of course!). It’s important for our kiddos that we model the behavior we want them to imitate. This is always my biggest challenge, and greatest motivation!

You can connect with Kayse at her blog, on Facebook, on Twitter, or at her etsy shop, where she creates custom home management printables.

To check out Kayse’s new home management eBook, just click on the image above!

 

Now it’s time to LINK UP & join the fun, meet new friends & make your message more available to others!

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Raising Kids to be Independent Adults: How to LET. THEM. GO. & The M.O.M. Initiative Monday Link Up!

November 11, 2012 By

with Karen Ehman

My friend Sheila Wray Gregoire asked a great question last week: “When Does Childhood End?”  I agree with her premise that one of my duties, as a mom, is to help my kids find their route to independence, maturity, and purpose.

So it’s been hard to admit that I was a “smother mother” when my daughter was in high school. I ran interference with my daughter’s teachers so often, she did not learn how to advocate for herself.

She didn’t know how to ask, “When can I come make up the quiz I missed yesterday?” or “Why did I get 25/50 on this essay?” or “What can I do to improve my grade in this class?”

My well-meaning “help” (read: meddling) resulted in unintended developmental delays. My daughter’s freshman year was a tailspin of ditched classes, failed tests, social media overload, anxiety attacks, and depression.

And she’s not unique. I read daily on Facebook of the pain and confusion that blind-side many of my former students their first year of college, when they are expected to behave as adults but lack the skills and practice to do so.

Karen Ehman on “Turning Over the Reins”

Today, I’m thrilled that Karen Ehman, Director of the Proverbs 31 Ministries speaking team and featured speaker for Hearts at Home conferences for moms, is here to share her strategies for preventing such unnecessary challenges!

When They’re Little

Cheri:  Many of our readers aren’t even thinking about sending their babies and toddlers off to college. They’re just trying to get a decent night’s sleep! Should they even be worrying about letting them go this early?

Karen:  Absolutely!  In the toddler years, it’s important to allow your kids to get the feel for making choices. Offer them options that don’t really matter, like the clothes they wear or style of their hair. (Yes, you’ll survive it when they pair stripes with plaids!)

When They’re in Elementary School

Cheri:  In your new book LET. IT. GO.: How to Stop Running the Show and Start Walking in Faith, you emphasize setting boundaries during the elementary years. Does this just mean spelling out the family rules?

Karen:  No, it goes way beyond “laying down the law.” It’s vital to also explain the consequences and tell them why. When possible, use a story, a video clip, or a real-life tale to show them, not just tell them.

When They’re in Middle School

Cheri:  You recommend involving our children in setting boundaries and consequences in middle school. Why?

Karen:  First, they’ll feel a sense of ownership and will be less likely to balk at the consequences, since they helped invent them. Second, you’re inviting your children to discover how society works, on a microcosmic level. The real world has laws and rules; bad behavior has consequences.

When They’re in High School

Cheri:  I can attest to the wisdom of your advice for parenting high schoolers. Instead of treating them “like young adults, not babies” I stepped in and rescued mine far too often. I thought I was “helping.” I now see that I needed to walk alongside them through the normal pain of growth.

Karen: This is so hard! When your fist is almost unclenched and your baby birds are test-driving their frail, underdeveloped wings, it will tear your heart right in two, and it will toy with your emotions daily. But you have to fight the urge to step in and overcontrol.

And don’t beat yourself up for their bad choices. They aren’t your fault. Yes, equip them as best you can, but don’t glean your identity from their decisions. It’s God’s job to be their God and your job to be their mom.

When They’re in College

Cheri:  You’re so right in saying that where others may see our college-aged child as “a young, independent man taking his place in society..but you may still see a little boy.”  My son was born prematurely, and even though he stands six feet tall and sports an impressive beard, I still see a little blue bundle in an incubator when I think about him!

Karen:  It’s hard, but necessary, to remember that while your adult children will always be your children, they are now also full-fledged adults. You may want to intervene when you see your children making choices that will lead to heartache or trouble. However, sometimes you need to keep quiet and let them take a path that might temporarily sting but, in the end, will steer them in the direction of spiritual maturity and success in life.

Fight the urge to step in and intervene when God is trying to teach your adult children a life lesson. Back off. Hit your knees, not the phone.  Know your role as a praying parent, not a meddling mother.

Always: To God

Cheri:  You emphasize that during all stages, we are pointing our children to our faith. What might this look like?

Karen:  Make applying biblical principles around your house as natural as breathing.

  • Show your children — by your attitudes and actions — that God is your plumb line for living life and that you long for every decision you make to glorify Him.
  • Knit Scripture into your conversations, not as a weapon, but as a way of showing your children that God is right and good and knows what He’s doing.
  • Steer, cheer, and encourage instead of control.
  • And don’t forget to ask for forgiveness when you blow it.
Many thanks to Karen for sharing her time-tested strategies for “Turning Over the Reins” slowly and intentionally so that our children are ready to go when the time comes!

Karen’s new book LET. IT. GO.: How to Stop Running the Show and Start Walking in Faith releases tomorrow! A Participant’s Guide and 6-week study DVD are also available.

You can read an excerpt from LET. IT. GO. and sign up for the 5-day From Chaos to Calm: The LET. IT. GO. Christmas Challenge (I just got my 5th e-mail today and have LOVED the whole series!)

AND, you can enter to win a copy of LET. IT. GO!

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Filed Under: Behavior, Character Counts, Cheri Gregory, Childhood, Featured Guests, Growth & Development, Responsibilities, Teens, TMI Link Up, Toddler & Preschooler Tagged With: 74 Comments

Parenting from the Overflow

October 16, 2012 By

Today, we’re so excited to have our guest, Teri Lynne Underwood, share about her book Parenting from the Overflow with you sweet moms!  Teri Lynne is a dear friend of The M.O.M. Initiative and her book has now made available in print and on Kindle as well as a PDF. Teri Lynne has a beautiful heart for God and for moms and if you’re not familiar with her already, we know you’re going to love her as much as we do!

Teri Lynne is giving away 2 PDF copies of her books to two blessed winners that will be announced in tomorrow’s post! So, be sure to comment or subscribe to our website to enter to win.

 

What is Parenting from the Overflow?

This parenting gig is hard work!  The days are long and the nights can be even longer.  Often as moms we find ourselves pulled into the undertow of diaper changes, carpools, and the never-ending laundry pile.  InParenting from the Overflow, I invite you into this truth: we parent best when we remember we are children of our heavenly Father first. 

To be completely honest, this isn’t really a book about parenting, it’s a book about your heart.  Rather than focusing on tips and techniques, I explore our lives can overflow with qualities such as love, patience, grace, and courage, all rooted in God’s work in us, not our efforts or abilities.  Parenting from the Overflow is practical, encouraging, and filled with honest stories from my own journey of learning to lean into God so the overflow of Him pours on to those around me.

Parenting from the Overflow is more than a method or theory, it’s a biblically-based framework for living in the abundance God has for each of … and modeling that life for our children.

Designed for the busy mom, each chapter is broken into four sections.  I know how life really works—so I wanted you to be able to sit down and read for 5 minutes and receive encouragement and challenge, even if you can’t finish a chapter.  Each chapter concludes with Just for Moms questions for you to slow down and consider how to apply what you have read.  In addition, there are application and reflection questions within each chapter.

Parenting from the Overflow is available on Amazon for your Kindle or in print. You may also purchase PDF or print copies on my website.  Amazon & PDF copies are $5 and the print book is $8.

 

Married to her talented Worship Pastor husband and momma to a beautiful tween girl, Teri Lynne Underwood is living out her own happily ever after. Author of Parenting from the Overflow and Prayers from the Pews, she’s amazed at how God consistently uses ordinary people to communicate His extraordinary message.

Teri Lynne is learning a fresh perspective on lifeexploring the way of living big without missing the small. She writes almost daily at her blog and loves playing on Pinterest. She’d love to connect with you on Twitter and Facebook.

 

Don’t forget to comment or subscribe to our website for your chance to win one of the two PDF copies she is giving away of her amazing book, Parenting from the Overflow.

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Changing Your Point Of View

July 12, 2012 By

Do know you moms who are currently avoiding their children? There’s no shame in it, because sometimes, I feel that way too.  Most tell me, “I don’t understand how you can stay home, you have a college education, loans up the wazoo and there are plenty of good daycares in town.”

I smile while biting my tongue. Only because I used to be one of them, actually I was hungry to prove to the world that I could do it all. After going back and forth about staying home, God planted my rear within the confines of my home, telling me this is where He wanted me.

A few months later, I was ankle-deep in dirty diapers and laundry piles. Having two children in two years, on top of caring for a special needs child put me over the edge. There were days when I never changed out of my pajama’s, the house was a mess, and I was feeling irritable, overwhelmed, and tired. Ill-tempered didn’t even begin to describe my mood.

Do you feel that way? Don’t give up, God changed my heart and perspective.  God created you with everything you need to survive and even flourish in the early years of mothering. If you’re feeling burned out, a bowl of your favorite comfort food, a hot bath, and a decent night’s sleep should get you feeling better.

In the meantime, here’s a few tips to get through those hectic days:

Regain Your Perspective

A mama who is focused on the loads of laundry, crumbs, clutter is one who is fixing herself up for a mental breakdown (believe me I’ve been there, imagine me sitting on the floor, bawling my eyes out because there are fifty loads of laundry and my son peed on them). We are the chauffeur, maid, chef, babysitter, and disciplinarian–but these are minor details in the midst of motherhood. If we focus on these areas of motherhood, we’re going to want out. Yes, those chores must be done, but it’s not the sum of who we are. Focus on why you became a mother in the first place. Focus on the greater purpose of mothering, not the little details (besides we have closets for that mess right?).

Focus On The Bigger Picture.

Why do I stay home with my kids?

1. It’s where God called me.

2. I want teach values, morals, that reflect what is most important me. No one else can do that, no one else can take my place.

3. I want to be there for all of life’s important milestones, first words, first steps, learning to ride a bike, accepting Jesus in their hearts, and learning hard lessons along with their pain. No one else can coach, counsel, or take my place.

4. I want my children to look back on their childhood with warmth and love. No one else can do that for my children (which reminds me, I need to run to the store so I can make cookies for after school this week–sorry, back to the point.)

5. I want to know my children inside and out. I want to be able to direct them on the path God has called them to. No one else can do that. Only I can see and encourage their God-given potential and purpose.

When the days are overwhelming and hectic, I think of my orignal reasons for staying home. Then I whisper to God to give me His perspective on the days events. Most of the time, as I review it with Him, I find myself laughing over the worst moments. Take a moment and remember Proverbs 31:28, Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her. Then look out on your front porch, breath in, and remember the bigger picture of motherhood.

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Wende’s Story

July 3, 2012 By

By Featured Guest: Kathy Howard

How does a mom keep going when she knows she could lose her son any moment? Wende’s answer comes without hesitation. “I couldn’t have done this for five minutes without God.”

Ethan was diagnosed with an extremely rare condition when he was just ten years old. Arterio-venous Malformation (AVM), an abnormal formation of blood vessels in the brain, can cause seizures, hemorrhages, and strokes. Larger AVMs, like Ethan’s, results in progressive neurological deterioration. And a ruptured aneurysm is a daily possibility.

Wende smiles when she describes Ethan’s early childhood years. He was in the gifted program at school, could beat his dad at Chess, and loved to write and garden. Ethan was a beautiful and happy child with a contagious grin.

There was no hint of a problem until ten-year old Ethan’s hands started shaking. It took eight months and several doctors before they received the AVM diagnosis. Shortly after that Ethan suffered a stroke.

The stroke left Ethan with some physical challenges but it did not weaken his spirit or his faith in God. He never asked “Why me?” Instead Ethan firmly believed that God wanted to use his illness for a specific purpose.

Wende agrees completely. “I’ve seen God use Ethan to change people’s lives. They’ve caught his joy. He loved people just the way they are. The way he lived taught people not to get caught up in things that don’t really matter.”

But how did Ethan’s mom cope? Wende remembers a specific moment just days after the diagnosis. “I was washed by an overwhelming sense of God’s peace and I felt God whisper, ‘I’ve got this.’ And I believed Him.”

The Holy Spirit continued to pour peace into Wende’s life. “Those moments were a rest from all the things I had to deal with, so I could keep going.”

Wende experienced the Holy Spirit working in other ways as well. Joy when she was grieving. Strength when she felt weak. The constant awareness of God’s presence and love. And the physical support of God’s people.

After nine years of battling AVM, Ethan went home to heaven. Today, the day after Ethan’s memorial service – Wende is choosing to cling to the peace God continues to provide.

Like Wende, you may be a mom carrying an overwhelming burden or struggling with deep grief. God wants to strengthen and comfort you. Your faith in Him can bring you through any trial. If you aren’t facing trouble right now, prepare your faith to stand firm through whatever may come in the future. 

This story is an excerpt from Kathy Howard’s 8-week Bible study, “Unshakeable Faith: 8 Traits for Rock-Solid Living.” This study on the life and teachings of Peter can help you build a faith that will weather every storm of life. Find out more now.

Have you seen God show up like He did with Wende… even in some of the darkest times of your life? How has this story inspired you to have unshakeable faith?

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Perfect Counsel

April 5, 2012 By


By Featured Guest: Lisa Buffaloe

“Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:14-16 (ESV)

 Our college-aged son stopped by my study. Worry seemed to crease his forehead as he sat in the chair across from my desk. I quickly put on my fix-it-all-mom hat and began bestowing sage advice. I was on a roll. Mentally, I was waving my virtual cheerleading pom-poms as I sought to encourage him.

He thanked me and left. Satisfied all was well, I went back to work.

Less than an hour went by before he returned. He confided that during our earlier conversation he had actually been in a great mood, and my quick counsel had done the exact opposite of my intent. I had completely missed the mark. Ouch. Obviously, my body-language and mind-reading skills were lacking. Fortunately, my son is quick to give grace and forgive his misguided momma.

Have you ever had someone who offered too quick or uninformed advice? Friends and family may fail on comfort or counsel, but God’s counsel never misses the mark. I am so grateful Jesus knows precisely what is happening with us every moment of our days. We can be confident when we seek His advice, we will find the exact mercy, grace, and help we need.

If you would be willing, take a piece of paper and write down the things troubling you. When you finish, take those items to God in prayer. As you release your burdens, confidently rest that Jesus is lovingly (and properly) interceding on your behalf with our Heavenly Father.

Lisa Buffaloe is an avid blogger, writer, speaker, and radio host for Living Joyfully Free. Her past experiences—molestation by a baby-sitter, assault, rape by a doctor, divorce, being stalked, cancer, death of loved ones, seven surgeries, and eleven years of chronic illness from Lyme Disease—bless her with a backdrop to share God’s amazing promises. She loves to tell others that God’s love is unending, and through Him we find healing, restoration, and renewal. 
Please visit Lisa Buffaloe at…
www.Fliterary.com (Fun for the Literary)
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Five Ways to Impact Your Children & Grandchildren with the Message of Easter

March 27, 2012 By

By Featured Guest: Kathy Howard

 

Rich memories of childhood Easters keep popping up in my mind. I can still feel the cold metal of the folding chair as I sat with my family in the church parking lot waiting for the first rays of the sun to make their appearance. And with the sun, the somber notes of “low in the grave He lay…” became the joyous thunder of “up from the grave He arose (He arose), with a mighty triumph o’er His foes.” After prayer and singing, everyone escaped the chilly air and enjoyed pancakes and sausage in the church fellowship hall.

Recently, I’ve been thinking about the impact Easter had on me as a child. I also have wonderful memories of Christmas, but Easter took root in my soul from an early age. Even then, I must have sensed the eternal significance of Christ’s death and resurrection. As parents and grandparents, we have a great opportunity – and God-given responsibility – to make sure our children understand the great truth and power of Easter.

Below are five easy, but memorable, ways to help your children understand the Easter story. Make sure you check out the links for details and more information:

  • Make a set of Resurrection Eggs – This is a fun way to “concretely” share the Easter story with your kids. You can purchase a ready-made set, but putting them together with your kids is part of the fun. Here are the instructions for making your own Resurrection Eggs. http://www.kathyhoward.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Resurrection-Eggs.pdf
  • Watch a movie together – One great way to start a conversation with your children about the Easter is by watching a movie that portrays the Easter story or illustrates its truths. Several great ones are available. Just choose one that is age-appropriate for the kids in your life. Here are a few suggestions:

Passion of the Christ (teenagers and older)

Jesus of Nazareth – You can rent it on Netflix!

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe – Here’s some helpful notes to spiritual truths in the movie  http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/lion/themes.html

Veggie Tales’ An Easter Carol – http://store.veggietales.com/an-easter-carol-veggietales-dvd.html

Veggie Tales’ Twas the Night Before Easter – http://store.veggietales.com/twas-the-night-before-easter-veggietales-dvd.html

  1. Attend a Good Friday service or event – Many churches have services on Good Friday to help us remember Christ’s sacrifice on our behalf. This is a great opportunity to talk about Jesus’ death and what it accomplished for us. Cochrane, the small town where we lived in Canada, had a “Cross Walk.” Members from all areas of the community met downtown and prayerfully followed the cross as a volunteer carried it through the streets.
  2. Make Resurrection Cookies – Use this tasty object lesson to teach your kids about the empty tomb. Make them on Saturday night and enjoy them first thing Sunday. Here’s the recipe and how-to’s for Resurrection Cookies. http://www.kathyhoward.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Resurrection-Cookies.pdf
  3. Experience the Easter Sunrise – Like the women who went to the tomb, be up and ready to greet the first light of Sunday morning. You can do this at an official sunrise service or in your own backyard. Friday was somber. Sunday is a celebration! (And don’t forget the pancake breakfast!)

I’d love to hear about your childhood Easter memories! Also, please share ways you celebrate Easter with your kids and grandkids. 

To find out more about Kathy Howard, please visit her website at www.kathyhoward.org  and you can also find her on our Featured Guests page.

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