Your Expectations

Dear God,

Thank You for giving me a life full of wonderful blessings.  You have also said that because of this, You also expect greatly from me.  I know that more blessings are in store if I am faithful in fulfilling the tasks that You have given me.  On the other hand, chastisement and discipline  await if I am disobedient to Your call.

I know from experience and from watching my very own kids that discipline is not fun. We would all rather receive rewards, and as a mother I would rather give away pleasant things.  I believe that You, my Heavenly Father, are like that too...

Please help me to be faithful and true to these expectations, Lord.  Instead of making excuses for why I failed in my responsibilities , I want to be bale to carry them out with joy and cheerfulness in my heart.

But the one who does not know and does things
deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows.

From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded;

and from the one who has been entrusted with much,

much more will be asked.

Luke 12:48

Gaining Honor

Dear God,

So sorry for being a nagger...  I really don't want to be like this, but  I forget and begin to be one when the kids take long in obeying or doing things I've told them to do.

I remember a Kids Pastor say that after you've told someone three times, it's no longer telling, but nagging.  But what about, say, (more than) the nth time?!?  I'm afraid I might be guilty of this, and I think I am not teaching my kids respect for me anymore.

I think if I respect their ability to do whatever I asked of them, I can perhaps stop repeating myself....  Then if they don't do as I have asked, they should face the consequences.  That way, I guess I will be more likely to retain honor and they will learn to respect themselves and me too.  Please help me in achieving this, Father...

A kindhearted woman gains honor,
but ruthless men gain only wealth.

Proverbs 11:16

Remind Me To Be Humble

Dear God,

Every time I try to be humble, my pride gets in the way.  I begin to think more highly of myself than I should.  And it's even harder to become humble about my children!  I love them very much that I want to brag about them all the time.

Lord, I need to encourage my DS and DD but not to be boastful, so I won't lead them to be prideful.  Finding the middle ground is difficult, but I know You will be faithful and steadfast to remind me when I get off the course.  (And I need that reminder all the time!)

I have to thank You, Lord,  for the times that I am reminded and humbled.  Because You are always there to listen, forgive, and most of all, to restore and heal.  Please help me to have a repentant heart, and to be willing to be brought down on my knees.  Please heal me, Lord.

...if my people, who are called by my name,

will humble themselves and pray

and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways,

then I will hear from heaven,

and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

2 Chronicles 7:14

Praiseworthy Thoughts

Dear God,

There is an image of motherhood that is somewhat idealistic but not exactly realistic ---  That very image shows me a perfect lady, always smiling and cheerful, helpful, and never speaks harshly, so full of wisdom, patience, and grace.  I think it sounds too wonderful, and at the same time, too good to be true.  Thing is, I know You want moms like me to have those character traits.  But I also guess moms like me would likely be that kind of mom if we only concentrated on pure thoughts.

I am aware that most of the time I get to focus on negative, ugly thoughts...  And sometimes still, my thoughts are clouded by impatience, envy, anger, or even resentment!  I know this is all wrong.  So please Father, help me focus on You alone.  Fill my heart and mind with pure, loving thoughts.  Amen.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true,

whatever is noble, whatever is right,

whatever is pure, whatever is lovely,

whatever is admirable —

if anything is excellent or praiseworthy —

think about such things.

Philippians 4:8

Like Jewels In A Crown

Dear God,

When I sometimes think too deeply about it, I get scared and worried of the thought that my kids won't be walking right with You.  I fear at the very thought that I would be separated from You still.

But my verse for today is such great comfort, Lord.  You are the sole author and architect of my salvation.  And all I have to do is turn to You, and You will do the rest.  I can safely place my children in Your hands because You are an all-sufficient God and Heavenly Father to us all.  You will protect my kids, because You love them even more than I do!

Father, please cleanse me of my ungrounded and baseless fears.  Please fill me with enough confidence that I can share it with my DS and DD.  You are the strong and powerful protector, Lord.  And I am thankful that because of Your Son, Jesus, we will be lifted up as jewels in a crown.

The Lord their God will save his people on that day
as a shepherd saves his flock.
They will sparkle in his land
like jewels in a crown.

Zechariah 9:16

Lift Me Up

Dear God,

In this world, honor and reward play a very big part in our lives.  We usually do things to look good in the eyes of other people...  We become conceited when we are praised...  And of course, working toward this kind of praise is a good motivational tool too.  But on the other hand, I know that there is danger in this kind of focus that is being misplaced.

I am aware that it is so much more important to be pleasing to You.  You have given me many great tasks, and being a Mom is one of my greatest favorites.  But, it can also be humbling at times.  I guess that is good enough for me, though...

Lord, please help me to do my job humbly and to rely solely on You.  I know that this is what would please You most, and that reward is the best motivator I could ever ask for.

Humble yourselves before the Lord,

and he will lift you up.

James 4:10

I Prayed For A Boy And A Girl

Dear God,

Thank You so much for granting my request two times :) And receiving a beautiful family from You is my greatest blessing in life.  Father, as Hannah did, I give my children back to You.  My prayer now is that each of my kids, my DSM, and DDG -- would accept You as their personal Lord and Savior.  And then I also ask that You would use each one of  them someday, for Your greater glory.

Father, please help my M and my G to dedicate themselves to serving You in whatever capacity You would call them.  Please be with them as they both face the many possible temptations that abound in this world.  Show them both what convictions to establish and give them the strength they need to stand firm and planted in those convictions.  And please protect them from spiritual and physical harm, and give them both sound minds and bodies as they face each new day.

I thank You in advance for answered prayers, dear Lord.

I prayed for this child,

and the Lord has granted me

what I asked of him.

1 Samuel 1:27

Telling Other People

Dear God,

Were you blessed today at the way my kids praised and honored You before other people?  My heart was bursting with joy as I watched and observed them.  As the day moved along, they were singing of Your love and grace.  Everyone heard how they praised You.  Yet, they were doing it for their own benefit, and were praising You because they love You.

How often do I become tongue-tied when I know I should talk to others about You...  Your Word says we should come to You as little children, and I hope to get my eyes off myself and praise You because of who You are.  I want to follow the example of my kids.

Thank You for this very valuable lesson, Father.

Sing the praises of the Lord, enthroned in Zion;
proclaim among the nations what he has done.

Psalm 9:11

Faultless

Dear God,

I can't believe my quiet time for today calls me, "faultless!"  What???  How can this be true, while I make so many mistakes in raising my kids?  What wondrous power can do this?

On second thought, my verse today says that You are able to keep me from falling, and I begin to look back at the mistakes I have made, and I see the tremendous but gentle power You have done to change me.  It has enabled me to become a better Mom through Your guidance and direction, Father.

Someday, when the time You have designated finally comes, You will present me as faultless, and cleansed by Your blood.  What happiness and joy there will be --- all my sins erased and taken away, no record of my weaknesses.  Only the proof of Your power to lift me up and make me whole and blameless fills me with excitement and anticipation.  I praise You forever and ever, Lord.

To him who is able to keep you from stumbling

and to present you before his glorious presence

without fault and with great joy —

Jude 1:24

When You Hear My Cry

Dear God,

I just had a comforting promise in my quiet time today...  If  I patiently wait, You will listen and hear my cry.  Psalm 40:2 talks about being in a "slimy pit..." and of being in "mud and mire..."  I have thought about the times when my troubles dragged me down like sticky, clinging, mushy mud, and yet You were always there to rescue and pull me out.

Lord, please put a new song in my heart.  Let my DS and DD see me as a patient mom waiting on You, no matter what difficult situation I am facing...  Help them learn by heart the same joyful song you are giving me.  Altogether we can sing praises of love and honor to You.  You hear us, Father.  You are our mighty Savior.

When I learn to be patient and trust in You,  I know that You will hear my cries and I will be blessed.  Thank You for  this rich blessing.

I waited patiently for the Lord;
he turned to me and heard my cry.

Psalm 40:1

My Desire To Obey You

Dear God,

Always, my intentions to obey are good.  I have read Your Word, and I know what You expect from me.  I want to obey all our commandments, but honestly, I am weak.  So may times I fail and fall short because I rely on my own strength and righteousness.  Lord, please give me Your righteousness.  When Your power is within me, I know I will be able to follow Your commands.

Sometimes, I watch and observe the look on my kids' faces when they are about to take action on something.  They know and perfectly understand what I expect of them, but their desire to do their own thing overtakes them.

Lord, please help me to help my kids do what is right.  I am depending on You alone to show me how to do it with Your gentle strength and grace.  Make us all more willing to accept and obey the help You offer.

How I long for your precepts!
In your righteousness preserve my life.

I will always obey your law,
for ever and ever.

Psalm 119:40, 44

Teaching My Children

Dear God,

Most of the other moms I know are always on their toes for teachable moments when it comes to teaching their kids.  Of course, I am also like them...  I want my kids to learn the alphabet, numbers, colors, shapes, etc... and to learn life skills, like feeding and dressing themselves.  I constantly look for opportunities to make these learning experiences fun, interesting, and effective.

You have said that as a mother, I need to take advantage of these teachable moments You give me to teach my DS and DD the truths about Your Word.  Then please do give me opportunities each day...  I also pray that I will never let one pass by.  I know that these teaching moments will have a lasting value in their lives.

 

Teach them to your children,

talking about them when you sit at home

and when you walk along the road,

when you lie down and when you get up.

Deuteronomy 11:19

Your Promise To The Humble

Dear God,

Many times I have a lot of questions about my life, my kids, and generally my role as a mother and homemaker.  The Bible gives a promise for me, as long as I am humble.  You have said that You will guide and direct my path.

Thing is , Lord, I struggle with humbleness.  I speak out when I should remain silent.  I usually get involved in "businesses" not belonging to me.  And I do other stuff that don't fit into the definition of humbleness...

Please forgive me, Lord.  I want to be humble because my desire is to be like You.  And I really need the guidance You will give me.  I want to please You in all I say and do.  Please help me to depend on You instead of on myself.

He guides the humble in what is right
and teaches them his way.

Psalm 25:9

Easier Said Than Done

Dear God,

You have commanded us to do everything with charity, or love.  That is quite a tall order...  I mean, I love my kids, my DH, and I want to show them my love each moment, each waking hour I spend with them; but when it's disciplining time, or to make it more concrete -- when it's 3:30 a.m., and one of them is still up, frustration and desperation set in, and love goes into hiding.

Oftentimes I am aware that my kids are not tired enough, and need a loving, disciplinary reminder that he or she must go to bed even if he or she does not want to.  Other times, when one of them is too engrossed in a  book, or a television show...  Please remind me, Lord, of the times that I could use a loving hug.

Please help me to put my need to rest or sleep aside, to draw my kids close, and to assure them of my love and, more importantly, Your love.

Do everything in love.

1 Corinthians 16:14