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.