Discipling for the Kingdom

Nov. 9, 2006

Living sacrifices

  

Being a mother of many young children, I can relate to how many of you mothers feel. It can be exasperating at times, with so many responsibilities. I used to get so stressed about all that needed to be done, and so tired just thinking about all the work yet to accomplish.
Being stressed and miserable did NOT make me happy, or pleasant to be around. I would rant and rave at my children, complain to my husband, and be a general source of unhappiness in our home. With my husband's encouragement, I decided that I was NOT going to get stressed out anymore. It just wasn't worth it. So I allowed myself to relax, learned to take things one day or one minute at a time, and whatever didn't get finished would have to wait. I learned not to over-commit myself, and to frequently evaluate my priorities. Viewing my life as a living sacrifice has made a siginificant change in my attitude, because if I am not living it for Christ, I may as well not live it at all. God gives grace to carry on when life is dreary and so very daily. He alone gives us strength. After having three or four children I realized I was trying to live by my own strength, and it was not going so well. I seek His strength and give Him the glory when others remark that they "don't know how you do it!" In serving my family, I am serving Him. That is a living sacrifice. I know that one day I will be rewarded for that if I am faithful. I would be ashamed to receive a reward if all I did was grumble and complain about my supposed sacrifice.  And I have learned to take time for myself in small ways, which has become easier as the older children can take on responsiblities to help around the home and with caring for the younger ones. I pray you will find peace in your life and that God will fill you with joy and thanksgiving to be considered worthy to be a servant of Him.

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Nov. 13, 2006 - Amen!

Posted by Genesis1x28
Thank you, Annette. What an inspiring and encouraging post. I have similar struggles and have made similar commitments (with my husband's help and encouragement as well). I am still wrestling against my sometimes frazzled, impatient tendencies, so thanks for the encouragement.
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We have homeschooled from the beginning and currently have children in grades 9,8,6,5,4,1 and K, plus a few preschoolers. Baby #10 arrived in February. In general we use Rod and StaffEnglish and Bible/reading, Saxon math, A Beka on occasion for history and geography, and some Christian Liberty Press and Veritas materials. Next year we plan to do some unit studies with three of the girls using the Prairie Primer.

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