Mommy Mondays

"Being a mom is my greatest joy."

"I love being a mommy."

"Motherhood is my calling."

I'm pretty sure the moms who said the above didn't say them on a Monday - or maybe even a Tuesday or Wednesday. While being a mom has its joys, there are days when the joy just never seems to show up. Cranky babies, whiny toddlers, rebellious teenagers, and fighting siblings can happen any day of the week. How often have you woken to find nobody in the house is happy? Breakfast is denied. Shoelaces are broken. Car keys are lost. And somebody forgot to mention they had homework due that day. It's enough to wear a mommy out. Unfortunately there's no human resources to call in a personal day, a mommy must punch the clock as usual - even if she literally wants to punch the clock. Take a deep breath. Look away from the spilled Cheerios and focus on the Heavenly Father who is ready to scoop you up in His arms.

Father,

It's been a day when nothing seems to go right we are left feeling unloved, unappreciated and discouraged. Renew our spirit and give us the strength to handle the little stuff as well as the big. Give us patience with our children. Make our tone loving and kind despite how frustrated we feel on the inside. Let us look to our great provider to show us how to love with gentleness and lead with tenderness. Replace our anger with delight. Turn our dismay to gladness. Our journey may take dips and turns but help us to see the reward that awaits a faithful follower.

Amen

"And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me - everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you." Philipians 4:8,9

On our Hearts- Parenting

Since becoming a mom of two, I cannot tell you how many times I have compared my two girls. Maybe not intentionally but my oldest is the first and only experience I have. My two daughters could not be further apart in personality, demeanor, and attitude. I often catch myself exasperated by my youngest who is three and recently I have realized I have been unfair. 'Little bit' is as strong-willed as they come, determined to get her way, but incredibly loving and loyal. I have been reading up on how to parent a strong willed child, what I have learned is less about her and more about myself. You see, as a mom it is my job to look at her as she is, not to compare her to her older sibling or anyone else. Does God compare me to another? We are all created uniquely, individually, and purposefully. I truly believe that 'Little bit' will grow up with these wonderful traits to achieve whatever she wants. I need to remind myself that I cannot parent both of my children the same because they are not the same. What motivates one will not necessarily work for the other.

Father,
Being a mom is hard, being a parent is hard. I know as a child of Yours I have failed, faltered, not listened, and have been defiant. I pray that I can be a good parent to both of my children, to parent them individually, to look at them as unique. You have created each of them purposefully, and I am so grateful for that. Help me to be a good mother, to not just try to parent them but remember to pray for them and with them. Help me to stay calm in the moments I need it, to step back and look at the whole picture. Help me to embrace 'Little bit', direct and guide her the way she needs to be.

Amen


"Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out; you formed me in my mother's womb. I thank you, High God—you're breathtaking! Body and soul, I am marvelously made! I worship in adoration—what a creation! You know me inside and out, you know every bone in my body; You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit, how I was sculpted from nothing into something. Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth; all the stages of my life were spread out before you, The days of my life all prepared before I'd even lived one day." Psalm 139: 13-16

Guest Prayer: Precious Jewels

We are so pleased to introduce you to our friend Julie. Julie Evans Albracht has been wife to Cory Albracht for almost 14 years and is an amazing mother to almost 8 year old twin daughters. Julie lives in Colorado Springs and has a message of hope to wounded Christians in her blog Cushychristianity.com. Julie's blog is a refreshing look at today's Christians and their role as part of the Body of Christ.



Today we have asked Julie to share a prayer with us. We believe that as a mother you will be encouraged by Julie's honesty and humbleness as she asks the Lord's guidance in raising Godly children.


Our 7 year old daughters are continually exploring their relationship with God and what it means. They ask us many questions about God and His nature. One specific question they have asked recently is "Why did God put us on earth first if we are going to heaven eventually? Why don't we just go to heaven first?" Most of us probably have those days where we wish heaven were a present reality. Our very thoughtful response to this question also reminded us as parents why we are placed on earth at this time. We told them that not everyone will choose to serve God and go to heaven one day. God doesn't force us to serve Him, but gives us all a choice to make. God needs our help to show His love for others, so that they might join us in heaven for an eternity with our Lord.

Lord,

I pray that you will give us wisdom with our children as we are your example to their tender hearts. I pray you would help us show them your nature is not a forceful one, but very gentle and loving. We pray that your Spirit would do what we can't. Help us to show them your love so that they will understand and it would radiate from their hearts to others. I pray that we would be your light with our lives, not just our words. Let us show our children that being here on earth is not about our comfort, but about You in everything we do. May you use our lives to bring others to know your goodness and free gift of eternal life. Thank you Lord, for the tremendous gift of our children. May we guard and guide their hearts like precious jewels.


Amen


Thank you so much Julie for that heartfelt prayer. You can follow Julie and her Cushy Christianity Blog on Facebook by clicking the link below.

Cushy Christianity Blog - Julie Evans Albracht

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Guest Prayer: Raising Boys

We are so pleased to introduce you to our friend Crystal. As a very busy mom of four young (and adorable) boys she understands the challenges and blessings of raising boys in today's world. Moms of boys are faced with the unique challenge to form and shape someone who is completely opposite from them. So while they may have our hair or our eyes, we may never understand why we find rocks and bugs in their pockets on laundry day.

Today we have asked Crystal to share her prayer for her boys. So if you are a mom of boys you'll appreciate her honesty and her faith with the Lord. And even if you are a mom of girls, pray this prayer on behalf of the mother of your daughter's future husband.

Father, thank you so very much for the blessing of my children. When I had 4 boys in 3 years, little did I understand the job laid forth before me. Please work through me to instill a strong and abiding love for you. There are so many opportunities each day to invite you into our home. Even though we may be busy and distracted please help us see and use each and every opportunity to talk with you, about you, about your love for us, and our love for you. Forgive me when I let these opportunities pass by without notice.

They are only young for a fleeting time. In that short amount of time, help me create men who will grow to be loving husbands, fathers, brothers and friends. When I get overwhelmed with the energetic antics of young boys, help me remember that this time is special. It will not last forever. Help me cherish each and every day I have with them while they are young. The time will come for them to leave the nest, and when they do, I pray that they will have a strong foundation with which to build their own families. Help me to help them become the spiritual leaders in their own homes. So that knowledge of the love you have for us will remain strong for generations to come.

Thank you for the blessing of my family. I pray that you would continue to be with me, helping and guiding me, in one of my most important jobs on this earth, being a mother.

Amen

"Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate." Psalm 127:3-5

On Our Hearts: Growing Up

Heavenly Father,

Change in a mother's life is inevitable. As our children get older we find ourselves having to ammend our discipline, refocus our attention, and alter our schedules. Some moms are working on transitioning from diapers to underwear, elementary school to junior high, or being the chauffeur to handing over the keys. Parenting is a constant evolving process and it is often hard to let go of what is familiar to us. We try hard to provide just the right amount of love and devotion balanced with adequate supervision and guidance. It's not an easy journey.

Lord, we ask that You give us the wisdom to recognize our child's needs. Show us when to hold tight and when to let them spread their wings. Give us strength and patience when they push the boundaries and need to be pulled back in. Fill us with love and compassion as we watch them struggle to become independent from us. May we be an example to our children of how we are to love others, and love You, Lord. We pray over our children, Lord. Help them to rely on You and keep them safe.

Amen

"Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." Proverbs 22:6

On our Hearts: Our Priorities

Father God,

Being a mother, wife, and a woman means multitasking. Whether we are juggling a job, school schedule, visitation schedules, sports, or family, all of these obligations can create distractions and new priorities. Father, sometimes these other obligations seem more important than even our own children or husband. If our children are sick, we wonder how we are going to work. When we work late, we are spending time away from our husbands. When we fill our schedules with sports and extra curriculars, we are spending less time at home as a family

Father, help us to discern these "obligations" and remember what is most important. Help us to not feel guilty for letting others down - be it a boss or a coach. If our child is sick they need their mom, if our husband is sitting home waiting - where should we be? If there doesn't seem like there is enough time in the day, help us reevaluate our obligations.

Amen

"Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ." Phillipians 1:27

On Our Hearts: Our Children

Father,

We are so thankful that You have blessed us with children to raise. And as mothers we often think we know best. However, You have a plan for each of our daughter's and son's lives. You have given each one of them their own personality, future, and calling. Often times this can clash with our vision for our children and how we think their lives should be.

Father, sometimes we think that our children should be like us. As mothers it is our mission to raise, teach, instruct, guide, and love them. Help us to recognize our child’s potential, realizing that maybe the strong-willed personality is a strength that You have given them; it is for a reason, it is for Your work. Help us to take these challenges in stride and not personally or with discouragement.

Father, today we pray for our children. We pray for their future and the plan You have for them; whatever that may be. May we continually pray for them, the path You will take them on, and for ourselves for Your guidance and discernment in this journey.

Amen


"Teach your children to choose the right path, and when they are older, they will remain upon it. " Proverbs 22:6

On our Hearts: Our Role

Father God,

Many moms struggle with the sadness of their children growing up. In the early years it is in those small milestones where we see Your hand daily and put us in awe - the walking, the talking, our children growing before our eyes.

Father, we pray today for the mothers with children that are moving to that next step. The moms with children who are ‘growing up', are going to college, joining the military, or just moving out on their own. We ask that You give these women peace in their hearts. That they trust in You to protect their children and guide their choices. Father let it be a reminder to mothers with younger children what an important role they have to nurture those precious little lives.

Amen


"Teach your children to choose the right path and when they are older, they will remain upon it." Proverbs 22:6