10 Summertime Safety Tips

May 17, 2012 By

I’ve always loved the fun in the sun that defines summer. But it’s also a time when children experience more injuries and make more visits to the emergency room than any other time of year.

Before the last bell of the 2011-2012 school year ushers in the approaching summer season and before a momma starts filling her days with a plethora of plans for the kiddos, it’s wise to consider safety first.

The M.O.M. Initiative wants to help your summertime be filled with fun and accident free, so we’re offering 10 summertime safety tips to help you have the best summer ever!

1. Moderation is key to fun in the sun. Remember, your little ones can become overheated and dehydrated much faster than you. So, when you make outdoor plans be sure to either include some shade or keep the time they spend in direct sunlight to a minimum.

2. Keep the sunscreen on the kids. Sunburns are not only painful but can be dangerous as well as a big cancer causing culprit. Fifteen minutes in direct sunlight is all it takes for tender skin to begin to burn. When it comes to sunscreen a good rule to remember is, if they’re in the sun it’s on their skin. (Make sure the SPF is 15 or more)

3. Don’t be bugged by insects. Avoid scented soaps, scented lotions and perfumes. Avoid garbage cans, standing water, leaves and woodpiles where yellow jackets, mosquitos, ticks and spiders love to dwell.

4. Get ‘em geared up. Most outside activities require some type of gear. Bicycle riding requires helmets; skateboarding requires helmets, elbow & knee pads; soccer requires shin guards and boating requires life vests. Be sure that you get your children properly geared up for whatever activity they’re involved in.

5. Take lessons first. Whether it’s swimming, horseback riding, water skiing or some other sport, be sure to have your child take lessons prior to participating in those activities. Those who teach these lessons also provide safety instructions and help prepare your children to play it safe.

6. Be aware of the weather. Check the weather before you head out. If a lightning storm approaches, avoid open spaces, standing in water and standing under a tree. Find shelter inside if possible. If not, make your way back to your car. The same is true for wind and hail storms.

7. Teach them to stick to the rules. Whatever activity you choose to do, be sure your children are taught the rules. Teach them to take precautions and make sure they stick to the rules. If they do something you’ve told them is outside of the realm of safety, be a good mom and make them sit it out for a little while. While children are often fearless and aren’t mature enough to consider the significance of safety, the consequences of not being able to participate may make them choose to stay safe.

8. Keep it age appropriate. Children are often injured trying to do things they aren’t old enough to do. Their dexterity isn’t always as developed as it needs to be for certain activities. Don’t allow your children to venture into the world of trying to be too big for their britches.

9. Be cool by the pool. Be extremely careful when your are near water. Observe the 2 foot rule when with your small children in the pool. That means don’t allow yourself to be more than 2 foot away from a child even if they’re wearing floaties. Inflatable rings, wings and rafts can easily be deflated and are often too slippery for children to hold on to. No running by the pool. No wrestling in the pool. And most importantly, NO children near the pool without supervision by an adult who can swim.

10. Be prepared. Know CPR and keep a “Summertime Fun Kit” packed and with you at all times. Include a camera, snacks, boxed drinks, a first aid kit, sunscreen, bug repellent, anti-sting lotion, calamine lotion, bandaids, antibiotic ointment, an ace bandage, tweezers, scissors, alcohol or peroxide, Visine, a spare set of clothes, an extra pair of shoes, a comb or brush, a toothbrush and tooth paste, a couple of books, a couple of games.

Summer is such a fun time of the year. Don’t let an injury or accident ruin a moment of it! Keep the kiddos safe and make memories you and your family will never forget.

What would you add to this list?

By Stephanie Shott

PinterestShare
Filed Under: Active Kids/Healthy Kids, MOM Stuff, Stephanie Shott Tagged With: , , , Leave a Comment

Avoiding The Summer Meltdowns, 8 Tips How!

May 14, 2012 By
Tis the season for whining, crying, complaining and more. It’s summer time! Usually that means fun in the sun, but if you and you’re kids are like mine, meaning they strive on downtime, structure, and routine; I’ve got some timely tips to help you and your kids ease into summer! In fact, you could be the next ‘child whisperer’ among your peers!

STOP and HALT

No I’m not talking about stop signs, I’m talking about listening to the instincts that God has graciously instilled in us as mothers.
Okay, so you’re trying to get stuff checked off on that fabulous to-do list when you hear screaming and fighting for the millionth time today, let’s STOP before we yell at our kids.
Step away from the situation: stepping away allows our tempers to cool and for us to take a few deep breaths before going back into the action with a clear head.
Think: What is it about the situation that is driving you batty? Has it tripped your trigger?
What is the objective? Identify your objective before heading in, are you going to discuss kind hands or sharing?
Pray before heading in. Praying releases the situation into God’s hands and reminds us our strength comes from Him, as well as patience, sanity, and our cute kids! I pray often. If not constantly as I want to show them who Jesus is, what compassion is and reminds me that kind words bring peace, words in anger stir up dissension.
 This method works very well for me in times of heightened stress on top of my spirited kiddos. Especially when we tend to get out of our routines with those long summer nights–chasing fireflies :-)
Another tip to help with the season of summer fun, is what my friend Karla titles as HALT. We were discussing the terrible three’s when she advised us of what she has been doing with her kids. I love the idea so much that I’ve been doing it with my own. It helps remind me that my kids have needs and creates a renewed compassion in my heart, especially when I’m feeling stressed and overwhelmed.
The next time your child is driving you bonkers, stop and try to identify what her issue is; is she Hungry, Angry, Lonely or Tired. These are the basic needs our little ones have. When we identify and address the issue plaguing them, they will turn back into our sweet little angels that we know and love; plus add life to our dwindling sanity during the hot long summers.
So when you were attempting just another trip to the mall, grocery store, or the pool, remember STOP and HALT!
Let’s begin the conversation today, what do YOU do to avoid the meltdowns? What advice has a mentor shared with you that you would like to pass on? Hugs to you all sweet moms!
PinterestShare
Filed Under: Articles & Resources, Heather Riggleman, Parenting, Toddlers & Preschool 3 Comments

Mommy Guilt

May 10, 2012 By

I am not the perfect mom.

I love my husband and my kids, but I mess-up–often. Some days I make lots of mistakes–other days I do better. However I will never be perfect–not this side of heaven.

Sometimes I pick-up every mistake I make, but my burden is heavy. It whispers to my heart. You will never do this right. You are messing up your children. You are a bad mother. You will never be enough.

My heart convulses as I lose myself in the lies my burden feeds me. I lose my joy in fear. My strength evaporates in the face of guilt. A dark chasm threatens to swallow me whole. “I will never be enough,” I say to myself. “I will never…..”

The truth hits me square in the face. No, I will never be enough. Helping make a man or woman out of a helpless baby is more than I can do. Building character and encouraging faith is beyond me. No I will never be enough, but Christ in me is enough. “I can do everything through [Christ] who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13) Jesus even said, “…apart from Me, you can do nothing.” (John 15:5b) It is the Holy Spirit that empowers me to mother well.

When I remember Christ enables me my mistakes do not condemn me, instead they remind me of the truth. No I am not the perfect mother, but Christ is in me and He can do all kinds of things through me and despite me.

More than that God “gently leads those that have young.” (Isaiah 40:11) He knows mothering is beyond us and He gently guides us so we can make wise choices for our kids. Moms let us remember God’s “yoke is easy and His burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

He never intended us to carry our mistakes and guilt around. He tells us “there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1) We only need to lay our mommy guilt down at the foot of the cross, accept Jesus’ offer of forgiveness and give Him authority over our lives. Then His Spirit can empower us to mother with wisdom, compassion, and grace.

We cannot be perfect, but He strengthens us, gently leads us, and forgives us. Since God who is perfect offers us forgiveness, don’t you think it is time we forgive ourselves?

This week when you make mistakes instead of picking them up would you lay them down at the cross? Then ask God to forgive you and empower you to be the mom He created you to be.

If this mommy guilt or fear of failure speaks to you, you may also be interested in what Ann Voskamp shared this week for mothers who fear failure.

By Angela Mackey

PinterestShare
Filed Under: Angela Mackey, MOM Stuff, Parenting Tagged With: , , , 5 Comments

How Parents Support (and Sabotage) Student Success (Part I)

May 9, 2012 By

As parents, we want to help our children succeed in school.

In my twenty-two years as a classroom teacher (twenty-one as a parent), I’ve seen parent strategies that pay big dividends.

I’ve also seen well-intentioned efforts that actually cost the kids.

Today, I’m going to start a series in which we explore one support strategy and one form of sabotage.

Support 1:  Help your child learn their multiplication tables. 

Through the 20s. As soon as possible. I’m not suggesting “super baby” tactics. But do take advantage of edutainment software programs that will drill your child over and over again. Make your mantra, “We’re gonna keep on trying ‘til we get ‘em all right!”

A parent once accused me of giving “way too much” math homework. It was unreasonable for me to expect her 7th grader to spend 2 hours a night on math! I agreed and asked if we could go through a few math problems together with the student.

As we walked through the problems together on the white board, the mother was dismayed to hear her daughter struggling with basic multiplication facts: “4×6…21? 27? 22?”  She soon realized that I wasn’t giving 2 hours of homework each night. The problem was her daughter’s lack of basic math skills, which caused 20 minutes worth of homework to stretch on forever.

Once this student’s multiplication skills were up to speed, her homework time decreased, while her confidence–and enjoyment of math–rose.

Sabotage 1:  Talk negatively about the teacher to your child. 

The mother in the example above had been blaming me to her daughter for several months before she talked directly to me. This gave her daughter license to get mouthy with me in class, “forget” her homework, and “lose” her notes.

After we met, the mother started telling her daughter that I was a caring capable teacher. She instructed her to sit in the front row, listen, and take notes. She called and e-mailed me often to make sure her daughter was turning in homework and paying attention in class.

At first, the student resented me for bringing her mother “over to the dark side.” But as her math grades improved, she soon considered me a “favorite” teacher not because of anything I was doing differently but because of the changes in her mother’s–and her own–attitude toward me.

I’ve always remembered, and tried to emulate, one parent who spoke with utmost respect about all teachers while within her child’s hearing. When she needed to express a concern or disagreement during a parent-teacher conference, she excused her child, “talked turkey” with the teacher, and then moved back into your-teacher-and-I-are-in-this-together mode when the child returned.

How do you support your child’s school success? How might you be engaging in well-intentioned sabotage?

By Cheri Gregory

PinterestShare
Filed Under: Cheri Gregory, MOM Stuff, School Days, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , 2 Comments

10 Ways to Win the Whining War

May 8, 2012 By

It has a way of grating on your nerves. Whining can drive a momma up the proverbial wall. How do you stop a two year old from whining when it’s time for bed, when you take her favorite toy away or when she doesn’t get her way?

What do you do when your 5 year old whines about what you feed him for lunch, when you make him play outside or when you make him take a nap?

Somehow, whining is a universal language for children between 1 and 18… and if it’s not dealt with before they become adults, their spouses have the displeasure of dealing with their whining.

Since we all know there are no cookie cutter kids, we also know there are no cookie cutter answers. What works for one will not work for another. However, there are some things moms can do to help win the whining war! :-)

Here are 10 ways to win the whining war:

1. Identify your child’s triggers. What initiates the whining? Begin the process of taking note of what it is that seems to trigger the whining. You may notice a pattern and be able to distinguish between legitimate fears and overdramatized frustrations.

2. Define whining. You’re children need to understand what whining is and why it’s not acceptable. I know you’ve probably figured it out already, but telling them to stop whining doesn’t really help. Be sure to explain to your children what whining is and why it won’t be allowed.

3. Don’t give in. When children whine they have to know you won’t let them have their way… not because of whatever it is they are whining about but BECAUSE THEY ARE WHINING. It you reward whining by giving in to whatever it is they are whining about, you reinforce to them that whining works and you will lose the whining war before the battle ever begins.

4. Establish realistic consequences. Sometimes it’s not enough to not give in because they are whining, other times there has to be comparable consequences. If you have to take away a toy or a privilege for a day to wage war with whiny behavior, then you might have to do that.

5. Re-adjust their focus. Children have a short attention span. Use that to your advantage as a parent. When the whining begins, it’s very important to deal with it, but after you have done so, divert your little one’s attention in a new direction.

6. Don’t have a meltdown moment in front of them. Whining has a way of wearing a mommy out. Don’t let them know that. For some reason, those sweet little bundles of joy have a way of knowing what buttons to push and how long to push them before they get their way. If they see you wearing down, they’ll think they can wear you out and you’ll give in. You’re the parent. Remember, you don’t have to get upset. You just have to parent them well.

7. Be consistent. Probably the most important aspect of parenting overall is to be a consistent parent. If you corrected them for whining about something yesterday, it can’t be okay today. If they had a toy taken away from them from whining last week, it has to be taken away if they refuse to quit whining today. Don’t allow yourself to be so tired you become a wishy-washy mom. Remember, consistency is key and wishy-washy moms never win the whining war.

8. Show the love even when they whine. Being frustrated with a whining child is normal, but children have a way of being like a sponge and absorbing whatever attitude you display. Correcting your children must always be done in love. If it’s not, it’s just an overflow of your frustration and anger and there’s nothing good that can come from that.

9. Explain and reward proper behavior. Let your children know what you expect and how it is best to deal with something. Explain different ways they can deal with being frustrated and reward them with they behave well. Children like to please their parents… so tell them how to do so by giving them a good understanding of various ways they can respond instead of whining.

10. Don’t be a whiner. Behavior is much more caught than taught. What you do in moderation, your children will do in excess. That includes whining. You may want to pay attention to your responses to be sure your child isn’t just mimicking you. If you don’t want your child to be a whiner, then don’t allow your own behavior to teach them how to be one.

Whining is such a difficult behavior to deal with. Many a mom has crumbled under the weight of a whining child. But if you deal with it now… deal with it consistently… deal with it wisely and deal with it in love, you will win the whining war and before you know it, your home will be a ‘whine-free zone’ and you will be a less stressed momma.

What do you do to win the whining war with your children? 

By Stephanie Shott

PinterestShare
Filed Under: Behavior, Childhood, MOM Stuff, Stephanie Shott, Toddler & Preschooler, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , 5 Comments

Is it Autism?

May 4, 2012 By

“She does not like to be held or rocked at all.  She won’t look at what I am pointing at, and never points at things herself.  The softest touch sends her wailing, but being bitten by ants at the playground did not cause a stir.  She still is not talking, but all my friends have had late talkers.  She seems to look everywhere but in my eyes. So many things don’t seem right. Could this be autism?”

Autism. Just the sound of the word makes the strongest of moms weak in the knees.

So what is autism? 

According to the Mayo Clinic and my own experience with my child with autistic like tendencies:

  • Autism is a disorder of brain development that causes developmental problems and appears in early childhood.
  • Each child with autism is unique and affected differently than others, but all have problems with communication and interacting with others.

There is no cure for autism.

What are some symptoms?

  • The symptoms usually show up between 2 and 3 years.
  • The child will fail to respond to his/her name.  “My daughter at 8 years old will still not respond when I call her name.  This makes it very difficult to find her inside or out.   When I call out to her, I have to ask her, “Say Something!” And if I’m lucky, I will hear a faint noise from her and be able to then find her.”
  • Poor eye contact.
  • Does not like to be held or cuddled. “This is a real area of guilt as a mom. I tried for years to read to her and rock her like my other children. She would scream and claw her way out of my lap. It was very hard to bond and feel connected.”
  • Talking starts later than age two or loses ability to say previously acquired words.  “My daughter is 8, and praise God, she just started putting 5 words together! For the first time she is able to tell me if she is not feeling well, what she wants to eat, and small bits about her day at school!”
  • Can’t start or keep conversation going.
  • Likes repetitive movements (hand-flapping, rocking back and forth)  ”Our daughter loves to hold one leg, rock back and forth with humming/mumbling the same sounds over and over and over and over:)”
  • Children with autism look “normal”.  ”Going out in public can be very hard. I cringe every time someone comes up and asks my daughter her age. When I respond for my child, the stranger gives me a queer look, as if to say, “Why don’t you let her answer the question?” If only it were that easy.”

freedigitalphotos.net

When should I see my doctor?

  •  12 months- your child isn’t babbling or cooing, no pointing or waving gestures
  • 16 months- not saying single words
  • 24 months-not able to say two-word phrases
  • Any age-the loss of acquired language or social skills

Source: Mayo Clinic Staff, 2010, Autism. Retrieved April 16, 2012, from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/autism, para. 1-11)

I think my child may have autism, now what?

  • Your doctor will evaluate your child and refer you to a specialist.
  • If your doctor isn’t listening to your concerns, contact your local school for an evaluation.

And finally, here are some excellent resources to help you or a friend today!

Finally, my prayer for you is that the Lord will comfort you.  Isaiah 44:2, “Thus says the LORD who made you, and formed you from the womb who will help you, do not fear.” The LORD knew what he was doing when he made our children and will help us each step along the way! How has the Lord helped you or a friend on this journey?      ❥Tara Dovenbarger


 

PinterestShare
Filed Under: Growth & Development, Special Needs, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , 4 Comments

Breaking Out Of The Mundane

May 2, 2012 By

Shivering through goosebumps as I laid in my window seat–God had gotten my attention. The flashback to when Wade & Bea had prayed over me was suddenly loud and audible, instead of staying in the past. It sept forth into the present and mixed with the word, Eucharisteo–  jarring another memory from reading the book 1000 gifts.

“Heather, I can barely put it into words, but God wants you to know he is here; he is always there for you. It’s like that feeling of being watched and when you look over your shoulder, you won’t see anyone, but trust  me God is with you.”

I’ve been struggling with being so busy and was ashamed to admit, I didn’t want to take the time to read the Bible, do my prayer time, or devotions. Something I used to love, had lost its passion and joy–turning it into a mundane task. Yet, the more I ran through my week without trying, the thirster and more restless I became.

There were many nights in the last two months that I begged God to renew my passion, to create a heart just for him again. Each day I tried to sit at the table and go through the motions, the more I ached to just be done with it. But I wanted his presence so badly. Then I read the meaning of the words Eucharisteo–meaning thanksgiving, grace, joy in the constant. The word meant a way to a fuller life, instead of being a tired and weary mama.

As I sat up from the window seal, these two seemingly unconnected events–weaved together around the words from Ezekiel 36:25-27:

I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take our your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. And I will put my Spirit in you, so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations. 

Do you see the picture yet? Do you see the connections? My dear little mama, God doesn’t want us to be obligated to spend time  with him in a moment of structure. He wants to spend every waking moment with us. He wants to commune with us. As I walked through those dry and empty days, God was trying to get my attention.

 I bet you feel the same way sometimes. You want to be a good christian, to be a devoted woman of God; yet when you turn the pages of your Bible, you’re spirit is restless and the pages feel dry. It’s time to change your relationship with God. What I discovered laying on my window seat is this: God doesn’t want our time with him to be slotted into a specific time, and rigid in reading his word. He wants to walk with us, commune with us, talk to us. He wants to share the days with us. 

He knows we are busy caring for our little ones, and he isn’t asking for a time of commitment. He is asking that we give thanks in the moments around us, to talk to him, find the joy in the weary, find the thanksgiving in the mundane.  He is asking to join us when we are picking up socks, referreeing the 18th sibling squabble, and breathe in his goodness as we drift off to sleep.

He doesn’t want us to be stuck in devotional time and Bible time; both of these have significance– but God wants an ongoing dialogue. And if you’re feeling dry, disconnected; ask him to renew your heart. In Ezekiel he says he will, he will give us the passion if we have the ‘want to.’

If you’ve been feeling tired, restless, and thirsty try these tips:

1. Keep a list for one week of things you are thankful for (from the book 1000 Gifts). Here’s my list:

  • band-aids with angels.
  • coffee wafting before I wake
  • husband’s broad shoulders
  • the faith of my son
  • Tori’s strong fighting spirit
  • baking bread
  • my daughter’s smile
  • the soft light glowing in the middle of the night
  • shrimp
  • fluffy white clouds
  • robin’s eggs in our back yard
  • a good book
  • silence
  • brother saying sorry to sister

2. Ask God to renew your passion, it doesn’t have to be fancy. Tell him you are tired and thirsty.

3. Pray that he opens your eyes to the world he created around you.

4. As you go about your day of carpool, diaper changing, instructing, and laundry; tell God what is on your mind, your thoughts, feelings, frustrations and all.

5. Ask God to help start a running conversation through out each day.

6. Wake up each day and ask him, “God who do you want me to bless today? And will you be present as I start out today?”

What tips can you offer than helps bring God into the present?

PinterestShare
Filed Under: Heather Riggleman, M.O.M. Devos, MOM Stuff 2 Comments

I Am A Controlling Woman

May 1, 2012 By

By Special Guest: Gina Smith

We’ve all heard the phrase, “SHE wears the PANTS in THAT family!” We shake our heads and think about how controlling other women can be. But did you know that every time I complain or am discontent with my husband, correct or criticize him, tell him what to do, or interrupt him…I am controlling!?

I see it so clearly in others but the truth of the matter is that I am a controller. I wear the pants in my family. It’s a part of who I am. It’s a part of EVERY woman. The Word of God tells us that ALL women want to “wear the pants” in the family! All of us want to be in control! The truth is that we, as women, are ALL controllers!

Genesis 3:16 tells us of the consequences of the fall of man. It tells us that because the woman usurped her authority that she would “want to control her husband, but he will dominate you.”

“Sin produces a conflict or power struggle between the man and the woman. In her sin, Eve took the lead. She acted independently. She spurned her husband’s authority. She led the man into sin, usurping his role, acting independently of him in the temptation, overturning the divine order. She should have submitted to him, sought his counsel, let him be the leader. By taking control, she lost it permanently; just as by seeking the delight of the forbidden fruit, she lost delight. She wanted to take the lead and she lost it for good. And the legacy of this is conflict with her husband.” ~John MacArther

If it is a part of who we are! So what can we do about it?

When I see other women acting in a controlling manner, it motivates me to work harder at NOT being that way! When I see the ugliness of it–it causes me to cry out to God and confess my own rebellion and pride! Only as I cry out to the Lord in repentance and depend on Him and His strength am I able to CHOOSE to not be an overbearing and controlling wife. But…

  • I must see my need.
  • I must be able to acknowledge that I am a controller and that I need help.
  • I must crucify that part of me that is controlling!

Romans 12:1 “Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.”

I must choose to WORSHIP GOD by choosing NOT to be controlling. 

And when I do that…

1 Corinthians 10:31 “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Peter 4:11 “If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.”

HE is seen and HE is glorified! AMEN!

Gina Smith has served along side her husband at a small Christian college, right outside of DC for almost 20 years. She met her husband, Brian, while she was in college and he was in seminary. They married in 1988. After graduating, they served with “Youth for Christ” for 2 years until Brian was offered a job at the college Gina attended. Brian is a faculty member and the dean of students, and Gina is the dean of women. She has a degree in Bible and when she is not spending time with her family or students, she writes for MomLife Today and Internet Cafe Devotions. You can visit her at her personal website: www.keepinitreal-gina.com

PinterestShare
Filed Under: Marriage, MOM Stuff Tagged With: , , 16 Comments

A Mother’s Heart…Unmet Needs

April 26, 2012 By


Harried from too many tasks on her day’s schedule, she stumbled into bed, falling asleep almost before her head hit the pillow.

Rising in the morning, she had a strange feeling something wasn’t right, but she could not put her finger on it. Dismissing it, she hurriedly dressed and mumbled a few quick prayers.

With four kids, one husband, a slew of pets, and a busy calendar, she had plenty to do each day.

Throughout her day, thoughts of her weaknesses filled her head:

I wish I could handle my time better.
I wish I had more strength to meet all the challenges that pop up every day.
Why can’t I forgive my best friend?
I wish I had more patience with the children.
I wish I had more joy and love.
Why can’t I ever be at peace?
I wish I knew how to handle my in-laws.
I don’t understand why I’m so agitated with my husband.
I wish I knew what to do about…

The thoughts hounded her all day. As she trudged through each hour mumbling her wish list, the uncomfortable feeling that something was wrong hung over her head like a black shroud.

Late that afternoon, she died. Upon entering heaven, she stood before Jesus Who greeted her with open arms. After falling at His feet, she felt His loving hand on her shoulder.

Helping her up, He took her hand and said, “Come with Me.”

“Where are we going?”

“I want to show you something.”

He led her to a beautiful building. Entering, they strolled down a long, endless hallway with innumerable doors on each side. Each door had a wooden plaque on it engraved with someone’s name. Jesus stopped at the door with her name on it and opened the door.

To her amazement, she saw row after row of stacked boxes, piled higher than she could see. Each box was stamped with a date of her life. She noticed that a few dates were missing.

“What…”

Jesus interrupted her. Knowing her unspoken questions, He answered, “Each box contains the necessities you needed for each day of your life, but you rarely claimed them. All you needed – strength, power, love, joy, patience, guidance – they were here all along.

“My Father and I would have given you everything that was missing, but you did not believe you could receive from Us. All was planned for you in advance of your need. If only you would have believed, you would have received and your days would have gone much smoother.

“A mother has many needs throughout her day. Most of all, she needs someone who knows her struggles, her frustrations, her weaknesses, and her tears. And that one is Me. I would be all to a wanting mother’s heart, filling her every need and every desire.

“If mothers would only call on Me more often, I would soothe their hearts and gladly fill them with My love, joy, peace, and patience. But they must come to Me and claim My help, otherwise the answers sit on the shelf, just as you see here.

“Did I not tell you and promise you that if you would believe and rely on Me, you would see the glory of God?”*

She awoke. Dazed, she shook her head as if that would help to clear it. I’ve been dreaming. It was all a dream! But it was so real.

In the early hours of the morning while still dark and the family slept, she went straight to her Bible and spent time with the Lord. As the sun birthed the day, the family arose and the daily schedule rolled on.

She went about all her chores with the Scripture echoing in her heart and mind, “Did I not tell you and promise you that if you would believe…”* She praised the Lord, claiming all He had for her every need.

“For this reason I am telling you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe (trust and be confident) that it is granted to you, and you will [get it].” (Mark 11:24 Amp)

*John 11:40 Amplified

Lynn Mosher
Heading Home

PinterestShare
Filed Under: Lynn Mosher, M.O.M. Devos, MOM Stuff, Uncategorized Tagged With: , 6 Comments

Facing our Fears

April 25, 2012 By

What’s a mom to do when her child who never minded being passed around a room of eager relatives freaks out at the sound of a flushing toilet? Are childhood anxieties real? The day my four year old screamed from the back of our mini-van in the Hobby Lobby parking lot, I hoped everyone around me believed childhood worries are real. Fears are not because of anything moms do wrong; childhood fears are part of being a child.

Instead of finding the quickest way to squelch a panic, a wise mom knows fears are not only normal, they are the evidence of a growing awareness of a child’s world. As the nervous system develops, along with the ability to manage sensory input, children wonder at their world. For example, once they develop an understanding of object permanence between 8 to 10 months of age, they want to know where their parent went if they leave their sight.  Triggers arouse new questions and reactions for children as they move through new stages of growth:  noises, strangers, darkness, doctors, masked characters.  What’s a mom to do when a new fear trigger appears?

Fears present an opportunity to equip our children for life.

Whether clinging in panic to the rail of a crib or pleading in tears out the window, children who engage their fears are more likely to grow up to be confident adults. You don’t have to resort to trickery or sneaking out of rooms. Face those fears head on with your children! How we respond marks out the path for our children’s future; are you raising a paranoid child or a brave child? When fear grips your small one, use it to teach them:

4 Ways to Face Childhood Fears

Comfort – Let them know you love them and will be there for them. While you may be tempted to give in to a delirious demand, provide confident comfort that nurtures courage and peace in your growing child. Your comfort prepares them to understand that God is their loving Heavenly Father.

Experience – Instead of letting imagined fears dictate your boundaries, broaden your child’s experience base. They are less likely to fear what they understand. Play in the rain so they know how it feels. Listen to thunder and feel its rumble. Feel the tiny feet of a bug walking on your arm. Children follow bold parents into courageous territory.

Skills – Arm your child with skills to solve their problems and meet their needs. Independent skills prepare children to face the unexpected, knowing they are able to encounter and overcome their fears. Though they may cry for you to come turn on their light, teach them to sit up, lean over, and turn it on themselves. When the doctor asks for their name, resist the “mommy urge” to answer; let them learn to speak to the doctor themselves. Equip them to be brave.

Trust – Use crisis moments to teach children to discern the difference between what is true and false. Help them know they can talk to you about their concerns, but more importantly, help them know that they can talk to God. Mentor your child in learning to tell God their fears and ask for His help.

Everyone faces fear, but train children to say Psalm 56:3, “When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.” Take it from a mom who has faced fears of her own and anguished over a fearful little one. Our children need more comfort than we can offer; they need the divine, lifelong guarantee of God’s presence.

Sirens will sound, doors will slam, strangers will speak, and darkness will come. Will your child be ready? Let’s be comforting moms who equip our kids with the experience, skills, and trust needed to navigate days in the nursery to the playground to the dorm room and beyond!

By Julie Sanders

PinterestShare
Filed Under: Childhood, Growth & Development, Julie Sanders, Parenting, Toddler & Preschooler Tagged With: , , , , , , , 4 Comments
« Older Posts