In The Process

My Children

After thinking this weekend about joy and my interactions with my children I decided I needed to change some things or rather work on some things.  My children are to be a joy to me, blessings from my Father in heaven, not just part of my job.  Oh my poor children!  I can't count how many times I've been frustrated with them when really it is me who is just being selfish and wanting it my way.  I have thought of some practical ways I can start to have "joy"  in my days with my children.

1.  The most important thing:  I need to daily go to the cross and lay my sins, weaknesses and burdens down.  Our pastor has a saying "Preach the Gospel to yourself everyday"-I need to continue to do this especially when it comes to my interactions with my children.

2.  I need to stop whatever I am doing and pay attention to my children when they are speaking to me.  I don't want them thinking that dishes, cleaning or computer things are more important than they are.  How can I say no to a child who wants me to spend time with them just so I can wash dishes?!

3.  At bed times I need to just love on my kids.  Many times I am exhausted and just want the bed time routine to be over quickly so I can have a break.  I really need to work on reading to them, praying with them and talking with them- making sure they are not going to bed with any unresolved feelings etc.

4.  In the morning, I need to be diligent about saying "Good Morning_________" and giving hugs.  I'm realizing that some mornings I'm more like a drill sargent than mom. 

5.  Lastly, I need to work on obeying the Lord when it comes to correcting and disciplining my children.  Lately I have become very lax in some areas and it is producing fruit which is not pleasant which leads to frustration and lack of joy when dealing with my children.

I really want my children to know I love them and that God loves them.  I want them to know that no matter what they are important!  Mostly, I want them to know the Lord and the joy that comes from knowing Him! 

This is my prayer:

Lord, I want to thank you for my beautiful blessings.  I pray that you will help me to love them the way you desire, and raise them for your glory!  I pray that you will bring joy to our lives.  Thank you Lord Jesus. 

Great post...

10:09 AM, Jun. 25, 2007 .. Posted by hrlabonte

"I can't count how many times I've been frustrated with them when really it is me who is just being selfish and wanting it my way."

Ugh! I so relate to this! I am encouraged and inspired to see how you and others are dealing with the same issues.

~Heather

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9:16 AM, Jun. 28, 2007 .. Posted by Tracy

Hi. I found your blog by a comment you left on someone elses, and just wanted to say I appreciated your thoughts in this post. I have three boys, and can relate to much of what you said. We never want to look back and say."I wish I had left those dishes to spend five minutes listening to my son tell me the story of..." Thanks for that reminder!

www.bizzyhousemommy.blogspot.com

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2:00 PM, Jun. 28, 2007 .. Posted by sdtorres

Heather and Tracy, thanks for commenting. I am glad to know that I am not the only one who struggles in this area! Be encourgaged Jesus is not done with us yet!
~Staci

Wow!

6:11 PM, Jul. 12, 2007 .. Posted by Anonymous

What a great post. I too have been struggling with feeling like I need to make some changes in regard to my sweet children. Some days I am spending so much time researching and preparing for next school year that I am missing the here and now! Thanks for sharing your heart.

Jennefer from Smooth Stones Academy