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- Herausgeber: BroadStreet Publishing Group, LLC
- Kategorie: Religion und Spiritualität
- Sprache: Englisch
- Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2017
Motherhood is a gift from God! You want to be the best mom you can be, but often you are left wondering if you're even close to achieving that goal. One day you feel like an enormous success, the next a total failure. It is a crazy combination of peaks and valleys. Payment for this wild adventure comes in the form of sticky kisses and dandelion bouquets—priceless, unforgettable rewards from the most precious of treasures. Mother of the Year will take you on a 365-day journey filled with purpose, guidance, inspiration, and encouragement to be the mom you want to be. Motherhood is the toughest job you'll ever love, but you can do it!
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BroadStreet Publishing Group, LLC
Racine, Wisconsin, USA
BroadStreetPublishing.com
MOTHER OF THE YEAR: 365 Days of Encouragement for Devoted Moms
Copyright © 2017 Kendra Smiley
ISBN-13: 978-1-4245-5409-6 (hardcover)
ISBN-13: 978-1-4245-5410-2 (e-book)
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form, except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Unless otherwise noted, Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Scripture quotations marked ESV are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Copyright © 2000; 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked RSV are taken from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1946, 1952, and 1971 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture marked KJV is taken from the King James Version of the Bible. Scripture quotations marked TLB are taken from The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked NRSV are taken from New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked NCV are taken from the New Century Version®. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked AMP are taken from the Amplified® Bible, copyright © 2015 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. Scripture quotations marked CEV are taken from the Contemporary English Version. Copyright © 1991, 1992, 1995 by American Bible Society. Used by permission.
Stock or custom editions of BroadStreet Publishing titles may be purchased in bulk for educational, business, ministry, fundraising, or sales promotional use. For information, please e-mail [email protected].
Cover design by Chris Garborg, garborgdesign.com
Interior design and typeset by Katherine Lloyd, thedeskonline.com
Printed in China
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Contents
Introduction: A Mother Understands the Heart of a Mother
January: It’s a Roller Coaster Ride
January 1 Happy New Year!
January 2 Learning Contentment
January 3 Never, Never, Never
January 4 Actions and Decisions
January 5 Under Her Wings
January 6 Not What I Expected
January 7 Never and Always
January 8 This Is the Day
January 9 God’s Love
January 10 All-Purpose Answer
January 11 In Our Family
January 12 Prayer Changes Things
January 13 Countercultural
January 14 Working Together
January 15 A Gift for You
January 16 Please Listen
January 17 Daddy’s Tricky
January 18 Tears of Joy
January 19 No One to Chat with
January 20 Seven Pounds of Baby, Fourteen Pounds of Guilt
January 21 Good Medicine
January 22 Hardest Job You’ll Ever Love
January 23 A Disinterested Cook
January 24 It’s Contagious
January 25 God Isn’t Finished
January 26 Sweater Obedience
January 27 The Blues
January 28 Give Up
January 29 Children of God
January 30 Good News, Bad News
January 31 Discernment
February: Do These Things
February 1 Encouraging an Encourager
February 2 Expectations
February 3 Courage and Encouragement
February 4 Powerful Words
February 5 Do Love
February 6 Be Good to Your Kids
February 7 Do It
February 8 Good Gifts
February 9 He Carries You
February 10 Tunnel Vision
February 11 Put on Your Shoes
February 12 A Gentle Whisper
February 13 Thank You
February 14 Keeping It Simple
February 15 No Fear
February 16 Not in Vain
February 17 Woe
February 18 Music Trivia
February 19 Missed Opportunity
February 20 Wise Counsel
February 21 A Heavy Load
February 22 Pray the Word
February 23 Your Home
February 24 Saved
February 25 The Word
February 26 Think About It
February 27 Growing Up
February 28 Encourage Her Children
February 29 The Bonus Day
March: You Are a Role Model
March 1 You Are a Role Model
March 2 Instant Oatmeal
March 3 Complaints Department
March 4 The Explanation Is No Excuse
March 5 “I Know Everything”
March 6 Fight-or-Flight
March 7 Walk This Way
March 8 Rotten Potatoes
March 9 The Leader
March 10 PPS
March 11 Actions Give You Away
March 12 An Easy Outline
March 13 Show-and-Tell
March 14 God’s Glory
March 15 Stretching the Truth
March 16 Forgiveness
March 17 Behave Yourself
March 18 Choose Your Attitude
March 19 Too Busy
March 20 Living on the Edge
March 21 Please Listen
March 22 Peach Pie
March 23 Be Kind
March 24 Ashamed
March 25 Older?
March 26 Gossip
March 27 Teach Your Children
March 28 Robbery
March 29 It Is Written
March 30 Good Better Best
March 31 It’s Your Choice
April: Motherhood Is Not a Call to Perfection
April 1 A Do-Over
April 2 Availability
April 3 Practice, Practice, Practice
April 4 Pleasing God
April 5 Wisdom
April 6 Win the Prize
April 7 He Knows You
April 8 Justice and Mercy
April 9 Moms Need Rest
April 10 Attitude Adjustment
April 11 Modern Idols
April 12 Help My Unbelief
April 13 Patience, the Elusive Virtue
April 14 The Problem and Solution
April 15 Recalculating
April 16 Make Time
April 17 Fix Your Eyes
April 18 Feeling Hopeless
April 19 Growing
April 20 Equipped
April 21 Straighten Up
April 22 Control
April 23 Ordinary Mom
April 24 Nourishment
April 25 Eternal Guarantee
April 26 Perfect?
April 27 There’s a Limit
April 28 Mary Poppins
April 29 God’s Law
April 30 No Comparison
May: God Disciplines Those He Loves
May 1 Safety and Security
May 2 Consequences
May 3 Boundaries
May 4 Guilty as Charged
May 5 Thinking and Feeling
May 6 Who and What
May 7 Correction
May 8 Prove It
May 9 Never in Anger
May 10 Little Red Wagon
May 11 To-Do List
May 12 Relationship Guidelines
May 13 Rules
May 14 Lots of Fun
May 15 Ears to Hear
May 16 Pain or Peace
May 17 I Love Him
May 18 Yes and No
May 19 Lies of the World
May 20 Restrain Your Child
May 21 No Emotion
May 22 The Truth of the Word
May 23 Consistent and Reasonable
May 24 React or Respond
May 25 Excuses, Excuses
May 26 The Transition
May 27 Eliminate the Vote
May 28 Resist the Rescue
May 29 Choose Today
May 30 Mom-Control to Self-Control
May 31 Discipline
June: Teach Your Children to Think Long-term
June 1 Even If
June 2 Making Choices
June 3 Expect It
June 4 Diligence
June 5 Perseverance
June 6 Sowing Seeds
June 7 Practice
June 8 Fix Your Eyes
June 9 The Waiting Game
June 10 Now!
June 11 Saving for the Future
June 11 Reality
June 13 Detour
June 14 Flexibility
June 15 Long-Term Thinker
June 16 Not a Sprint
June 17 What’s Your Goal?
June 18 Building Adults
June 19 Remember
June 20 Don’t Burn Bridges
June 21 The Fine Line
June 22 Stand for Christ
June 23 Each Day
June 24 From Suffering to Hope
June 25 Strong and Courageous
June 26 Face the Target
June 27 It’s Not Fair
June 28 Exceeding Abundantly
June 29 The Solid Rock
June 30 Think
July: You Are His Child
July 1 Christ’s Ambassadors
July 2 Masterpiece
July 3 Humility
July 4 Calling on Him
July 5 The Guest
July 6 Tyranny of the Urgent
July 7 Expectations
July 8 Open My Eyes
July 9 Do These Things
July 10 Anything Worth Doing
July 11 Hearing from God
July 12 A Friendship
July 13 The Basics
July 14 Perfect Timing
July 15 Your Desires
July 16 Abba, Father
July 17 Love You
July 18 Nothing
July 19 An Overcomer
July 20 Love Is
July 21 A Peculiar People
July 22 He Makes Me Crazy
July 23 His Kids
July 24 The Motivation
July 25 The Right Combination
July 26 Direction
July 27 A Safe Place
July 28 His Representative
July 29 Favoritism
July 30 Thank You
July 31 God’s Children
August: God Loves Your Child More than You Do
August 1 No Secrets
August 2 Now What?
August 3 God’s Will
August 4 Peace
August 5 Sleep Soundly
August 6 Somebody!
August 7 Day and Night
August 8 Awesome God
August 9 Upside Down Thinking
August 10 Next Right Choice
August 11 Love You More
August 12 Whatever It Takes
August 13 Challenges
August 14 It’s a Boy!
August 15 You’ve Got a Problem
August 16 Joy, Patience, and Faithfulness
August 17 Join in Prayer
August 18 God’s Love
August 19 Peek-a-Boo
August 20 More Than These?
August 21 Your Story
August 22 Good Gifts
August 23 God Is Smarter
August 24 If or Because
August 25 Delightful
August 26 Don’t Underestimate
August 27 Trust in the Lord
August 28 No Fear
August 29 Comfort
August 30 God Is Always Near
August 31 He Leads
September: God’s Not Kidding!
September 1 Fear God
September 2 Please God
September 3 Obedience
September 4 Please Listen
September 5 Pay Attention
September 6 The Majesty of God
September 7 Courage
September 8 Obey God
September 9 Uncomfortable
September 10 That’s Familiar
September 11 In Conclusion
September 12 Search Me
September 13 Partial Obedience
September 14 I Hear You
September 15 No Excuses
September 16 My Heroes
September 17 God’s Timing
September 18 Thinking of You
September 19 Staying or Leaving?
September 20 Free Gift
September 21 Deserve? Appreciate!
September 22 Faithful
September 23 How Much?
September 24 In My Opinion
September 25 His Powerful Word
September 26 Simon Says
September 27 My Rock
September 28 What’s in a Name?
September 29 Wiser and Stronger
September 30 Just the Beginning
October: Transfer Your Faith
October 1 Don’t Forget
October 2 An Enthusiastic Fan
October 3 Enduring
October 4 Exaggeration
October 5 Sweet Perfume
October 6 But How?
October 7 The Mission Field
October 8 Team Effort
October 9 Can’t Stop
October 10 Your Story
October 11 Hope
October 12 Knowing God
October 13 Excuses!
October 14 Should
October 15 Whatever It Takes
October 16 Looks Good
October 17 Feed ’Em
October 18 Every Opportunity
October 19 Priorities
October 20 Pass It On
October 21 The God Card
October 22 The Real Deal
October 23 Live Your Faith
October 24 Lost and Found
October 25 The Power of Love
October 26 Measure Up
October 27 Sympathy and Empathy
October 28 Back on Track
October 29 How Much Time?
October 30 Authentic and Forgiven
October 31 Fearless Words
November: Teach Us, Little Children
November 1 Follow the Rules
November 2 Don’t Be Afraid
November 3 It’s Daddy’s
November 4 Pint-Sized Teacher
November 5 Heaven
November 6 Peter Sank
November 7 Don’t Keep Score
November 8 Consulting
November 9 Asking Permission
November 10 Birth Order
November 11 Filthy Rags
November 12 How Big?
November 13 Miracle
November 14 Good for Dancing
November 15 Sit Anywhere
November 16 Student as Teacher
November 17 Keep It Simple
November 18 Go to the Refrigerator
November 19 Community
November 20 Suggestions
November 21 Training Manual
November 22 Evangelism 101
November 23 Count Backward
November 24 Catch the 9:05
November 25 A Pleaser
November 26 Prayer
November 27 Your Choice
November 28 Slow Learner
November 29 The Tea Bag
November 30 Encouragement
December: Give Your Children Roots and Wings
December 1 The Powerful Gospel
December 2 A Time and Season
December 3 No More Lectures
December 4 Holding Hands
December 5 Long Days
December 6 Hard Work
December 7 A Worthy Life
December 8 At Home
December 9 Look Ahead
December 10 Warning Signs
December 11 Your Prayer List
December 12 Affirmation
December 13 More Like Jesus
December 14 A Safe Place to Grow
December 15 Preparation
December 16 Listen and Learn
December 17 Christmas List
December 18 Tis the Season
December 19 To: God From: You
December 20 Do You See What I See?
December 21 Wrapped in Love
December 22 Home Sweet Home
December 23 The Goal
December 24 No Room
December 25 All You Need
December 26 Up and Down
December 27 Rise and Go
December 28 He’s There
December 29 Thank You
December 30 Straight to the Top
December 31 Wings
Conclusion: Choose to Obey
About the Author
INTRODUCTION
A Mother Understands the Heart of a Mother
Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.
—ROMANS 12:15 ESV
Motherhood is an adventure, and as with any adventure, there are peaks and valleys. One day you feel like an enormous success; the next like a total failure.
Motherhood is a roller coaster ride that can bring you overwhelming joy and sorrow you never imagined.
Motherhood is an incredibly important responsibility, with the goal being to work your way out of a job. When it begins, you have a starring role—but as the years pass by, you become a supporting actress. Finally, your children reach adulthood, and you have a bit part. And with that, dear mother, you are deemed a success.
Motherhood is a gift from God, the One who created both you and your child.
Let me join you on this adventure, this roller coaster ride of responsibility. Let me hold your hand as you work your way out of the most precious and important job you will ever have—the one given to you by God.
IT’S A ROLLER COASTER RIDE
“A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world.”
—JOHN 16:21
JANUARY 1
Happy New Year!
You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.
—1 THESSALONIANS 1:6
Happy New Year! That exclamation was shouted many times as the clock struck midnight, and it will be spoken many more times throughout the coming week. But having a happy New Year, a happy day, or even a happy few hours can be difficult when you’re busy raising a family.
Why? Because happiness is based on happenings, and the happenings in our lives aren’t always pleasant. Perhaps we should consider a different encouragement for the New Year. How about wishing others a “Joy-filled New Year”?
As I ponder the possible change, I realize it might not be much better as a greeting. All too often the happenings in my life not only make me unhappy, but also they rob me of my joy. To be more accurate, I allow them to steal my joy.
When that happens, I need to remember I can have “the joy given by the Holy Spirit”—regardless of my circumstances.
LET’S PRAY
Lord, I admit that at times I allow circumstances to steal my joy. As this New Year begins, help me find my joy in the knowledge of your love.
JANUARY 2
Learning Contentment
I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
—PHILIPPIANS 4:11
Have you ever noticed how content your children are when they’re sleeping? (And so well-behaved too!) There are some days when those hours of rest are the only hours of contentment. Let’s face it; it’s not just kids who struggle with feelings of discontent. Thankfully, God’s Word gives us a clue to finding contentment.
The apostle Paul learned to be content. It wasn’t automatic for him, and it isn’t for you. The very word learning implies a change of behavior. We have no idea what Paul specifically did to change his behavior, but he found contentment.
For each one of us, learning to be content involves more than reading a well-written book or hearing a gripping sermon on contentment. Those two sources can give you helpful instructions for achieving your goal, but ultimately you are the one to initiate a change. Just like Paul, you can learn to be content “whatever the circumstances.” You can choose a change in behavior.
FOR YOU TO CONSIDER
Are you feeling discontented in a particular area of your life? Ask God to help you learn to be content as you develop a healthy change in behavior.
JANUARY 3
Never, Never, Never
Jesus was telling the disciples a parable to make the point that at all times they ought to pray and not give up and lose heart.
—LUKE 18:1 AMP
I am not a history buff, but there are some quotes from noted historical events that have found their way into my memory. One of those is from Winston Churchill. He addressed the people of England during the Second World War with these words: “Never give in, never, never, never, never!”* His urgency and passion made it a quote to remember.
A verse from the book of Luke made me think of Churchill’s words because both sources remind us to never give up. In addition, Jesus’ words go beyond those of the prime minister of the United Kingdom. Jesus’ instruction is twofold. He tells believers what not to do (give up and lose heart) and also what they should do—pray!
As a mom, there are moments when you might feel like giving up. That’s the time to remember what you should and should not do. Pray and never, never, never give up!
NOW IS THE TIME
Close your eyes and take a deep breath. Exhale and do the same thing again. Let God’s Spirit give you a new resolve to pray when you feel like giving up.
* Winston Churchill, “Never Give In,” address given at Harrow School, London, England, on October 29, 1941.
JANUARY 4
Actions and Decisions
Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.
—PROVERBS 20:11 KJV
When my boys were little, they learned that the words I’m sorry were almost magical. They would utter that sentence, and it instantly would disarm me. I’d accept the apology at face value and praise them for their good decision.
It didn’t take long, however, for me to discover that many times those words were spoken simply to absolve them of responsibility or to avoid retribution. Fortunately, while my boys were still young, I wised up. I realized that unless the “I’m sorry” was followed by actions reflecting those words, they were meaningless. If a person, young or old, is truly sorry, their actions will give them away.
When I finally saw the light, I would follow their hollow apologies by saying, “If you were truly sorry, you wouldn’t have repeated that behavior. Your actions gave you away.”
HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you telling God you’re sorry and then repeating your poor choice? Remember, your actions are giving you away. Ask him to help you make a change.
JANUARY 5
Under Her Wings
“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing.”
—MATTHEW 23:37
Even though I live on a farm, I have no experience whatsoever with hens and chicks. I do, however, have an idea of how a hen might feel (if indeed a hen can feel) when it comes to protecting her chicks. The hen has a nurturing nature, and she wants to keep her little ones safe. I think there’s actually a “motherhood thing” going on—not just a “chicken thing.” Perhaps what’s really going on is a Jesus thing.
The Lord has a nurturing nature when it comes to his children. He wants to guide you and keep you safe, to draw you close to him just as that hen does when she gathers her chicks under her wings. As a mom, you exhibit that same nature when you draw your children to your side—to the shelter of your presence.
THINK ABOUT IT
As a mother you know how heartbreaking it would be for your children to stay at arm’s length and resist the safety and love you provide. Are you keeping the Lord at a distance by rejecting his love and protection?
JANUARY 6
Not What I Expected
“People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
—1 SAMUEL 16:7
My husband, a US Air Force Reserve pilot, had been gone more than usual, and I was feeling a little lonely. A temporary answer to my loneliness popped up one afternoon when our fourteen-year-old son invited me to go to the high school girls’ volleyball game with him. I was pleased and immediately answered yes.
When we entered the school, he headed for the student cheering section, and I located a friend among the adults. After the match was over, my son asked if he could stay at school for a while to work on their class float for the homecoming parade. Our neighbor was helping with the project and was willing to drive him home, so permission was granted.
As I drove home alone, I realized the volleyball game wasn’t exactly the mother-son bonding experience I’d expected. Had I been conned into providing transportation? Or had he, sensing I was missing his dad, included me to exhibit compassion? (Fourteen-year-old boy compassion, that is.) Until further notice, I’m going with the compassion explanation.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
You always have a choice when it comes to your perspective. Remember, God looks at the heart.
JANUARY 7
Never and Always
Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”
—JOHN 6:35
It’s interesting to listen to kids, especially teenagers, trying to manipulate their parents. I’m not saying I condone manipulation; I’m just fascinated with their techniques. Kids, through trial and error, develop a method that is most effective in their home.
My boys, for example, discovered that I respond best to humor or hyperspiritualism. “Mom, I just witnessed a miracle! The truck ran off the icy road, hit a telephone pole, and I walked away unscathed!” (Yes, I did actually hear those words.)
One technique that didn’t work in our home was the popular “always and never” argument. “I always have to babysit!” or “You never let me go to the movies!”
Very few things fall into the always or never categories—with one obvious exception. When words come from the Lord, you can count on them. He is always true to his word.
LET’S PRAY
Lord, you are trustworthy and your word is true. Help me walk in that knowledge and know you are always with me.
JANUARY 8
This Is the Day
This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
—PSALM 118:24 KJV
“I can’t wait until the baby is born. It’s getting harder and harder to get comfortable.”
“Surely the baby will sleep through the night before too long. Won’t he?”
“I wish we were done with this potty training thing. How long does this usually take?”
“Pretty soon he’ll be in school. Then I’ll get a lot more done around here.”
And on and on, we wish away stage after stage of parenting, hoping “the tough one I’m in now” won’t last long.
Years ago I framed a cartoon. A mom is standing with her hands on her hips, looking with disgust at her son’s messy room. “You need to grow up,” she scolds. Then she instantly imagines what life will be like with him grown-up and gone. She quickly adds, “But not too soon.”
HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you rushing through your days as a mom, looking forward to tomorrow and missing today? If so, remember to enjoy today. This is the day the Lord has made. Rejoice and be glad in it.
JANUARY 9
God’s Love
God shows his love for us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.
—ROMANS 5:8 RSV
My husband taught a high school Bible study in our home every other Wednesday evening for almost eight years. More often than not, he began the study by writing several basic concepts on a whiteboard. One of those basics was this: God loves you.
You might think that statement would get repetitious after so many sessions, or you might wonder why he bothered to write it almost every time. It’s because the reminder of God’s love is so basic, so supernatural, and so incredible, it deserves to be said again and again.
God doesn’t wait for you or your children to deserve his love. In fact, he doesn’t even demand that you appreciate his love. He simply blesses you with it. Helping your children remember that truth is fundamental. God loves you!
JUST FOR YOU
God loves you. Jesus died for you. It’s not based on your performance. It is because of his very nature. His desire is for you to love him back.
JANUARY 10
All-Purpose Answer
At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.
—PHILIPPIANS 2:10
I have fond memories of countless children’s sermons I heard in our little church. The kids loved those messages, and so did the adults. There were times, in fact, when the nugget of truth offered in those few minutes stayed with me for days.
Regardless of the message presented, the adult in charge tried to engage the kids by asking questions. That was typically when the humor—planned or unplanned—began. Family secrets tended to pop out when children answered the innocent questions that were posed, occasionally resulting in an embarrassed mom or dad.
But beyond those amusing moments, my favorite memory is how kids answered questions by shouting out the name of Jesus—whether or not it applied. When in doubt, they simply went to the all-purpose answer to any question: Jesus.
IT’S TRUE
No matter what is happening in your life or in your home today, Jesus is the answer.
JANUARY 11
In Our Family
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them.
—1 JOHN 2:15
“We don’t do that in our family,” I’d say whenever one of my children had done something disgusting or disrespectful. Then one day it dawned on my eldest that the statement wasn’t entirely true.
After I uttered that frequently heard phrase, he looked at me and said innocently, “Well, we just did.” And he was correct. Whatever disagreeable action I was attempting to squelch had just occurred.
Perhaps it would have been more accurate to say, “Let’s not do that anymore. We don’t want to do that in our family.” But that might not have been exactly right either.
You understand what I was trying to say, don’t you? “Do not do that!” That’s more to the point.
God gets right to the point with his family. Loving the world? We don’t do that in God’s family!
A QUESTION FOR YOU
As a child of God, are you paying attention to the family rules?
JANUARY 12
Prayer Changes Things
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.’”
—MATTHEW 5:43–44
There are many catchphrases when it comes to prayer. One I’ve heard and said more than once is: “Prayer changes things.”
One day, I started to wonder: Does prayer change things, or does prayer change me? When I pray about a situation or concern, does praying alter the way I view the circumstances? That was something I hadn’t considered before.
At that point, I admitted that when I truly seek the Lord—when I don’t just go through the motions and run through my list of concerns—my perspective changes. Sometimes I have a change of attitude. Other times I realize something I’ve overlooked in the past. On occasion, I gain compassion or wisdom.
LET’S PRAY
Lord, help me remember that prayer is not a monologue; it’s communication with you. I want to hear your voice and be changed.
JANUARY 13
Countercultural
“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.”
—LUKE 6:27
It can be easy to overload your children with stuff. There are many reasons to purchase more and more “things” for your kids. There is peer pressure, for one. Keeping up with the Joneses can take quite an investment. Add to that your children’s demands and the things you buy to compensate for time spent away from them, and you’ve got a pretty hefty list of reasons to spend money on stuff.
But if your goal is to raise creative problem-solvers who can think outside the box, the abundance of things can hamper that goal. There are positive aspects to having less, but that idea is countercultural.
More importantly, many of the teachings of Christ are not mainstream. Consider his instructions: “Love your enemies” and “Do good to those who hate you.” As a believer, following the example of Jesus may mean being countercultural.
LET’S PRAY
Lord, give me the courage to follow your instruction even when the world sees it as foolish.
JANUARY 14
Working Together
Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
—ECCLESIASTES 4:12
The four-year-old handed her mother the papers she had gotten in Sunday school and heard a question many children hear each week. “What did you learn this morning?”
The little girl thought for just a minute, then answered with confidence. “Two are better than one! That means if you’re strong, you and your friend together are even stronger. And if you are smart and have good ideas, you and your friend are even smarter together.”
Sounds like she got the picture. The truth is that working together with a friend can lighten the load. It can bring a fresh perspective to the circumstances in your life.
In our home we like to say, “The two of you together are much smarter than either of you alone.” The smartest and strongest friend is Jesus—who knows you, loves you, and wants to make you even stronger and smarter too.
WHAT ABOUT TODAY?
If you find yourself needing a friend’s help, call on Jesus. He wants to be that friend, and he is available now and waiting for your call.
JANUARY 15
A Gift for You
Encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today.”
—HEBREWS 3:13
“I wish it was Friday already!” said my friend. It was only Monday, but between home duties and work, she had a stressful week in front of her. I also knew how she felt. As a mom, I had those times when I looked at my day or my week and thought the demands were just too many and too difficult. I imagined that somehow flashing forward would be the best thing to do.
Then I’d remember a quote I heard (probably from an anonymous source). “Every day is a gift. That’s why they call it the present.”
That isn’t really why they call it the “present,” but I appreciate the thought. Every day is a gift—a gift from God. There are no guarantees of quantity or quality of life on this earth, so be encouraged and unwrap the gift of Today!
HERE’S AN IDEA
Maybe there’s another mom you could encourage today. Pray and ask God to lead you to that special woman who needs to recognize the gift of Today.
JANUARY 16
Please Listen
To answer before listening—that is folly and shame.
—PROVERBS 18:13
Occasionally I’ll remember some amusing thing one of my parents used to say, and the recollection will flood me with memories. My dad had a line he repeated more than once, and—come to think of it—he was the only one who found it amusing.
As a teenager, I’d be in the middle of a compelling argument about why I should be allowed to go somewhere or do something, and my dad would hold up his hand, smile, and say, “Don’t confuse me with the facts. My mind is made up.”
That was code for: No. That’s not a good idea. Permission denied. He wasn’t answering before listening; he’d just heard enough to give an educated answer.
That memory helped me as a mom. I wanted to listen before answering, but I learned that I didn’t have to listen to endless pleas when I already knew the correct answer.
HOW ABOUT YOU?
Does your child go on and on and on and wear you down? Listen attentively until you’re certain of the correct answer, and then feel free to gently stop the one-sided conversation.
JANUARY 17
Daddy’s Tricky
The appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you.
—1 THESSALONIANS 2:3
I sat in my oldest son’s family room on the evening of the last day of school. His two older daughters would be entering the third and first grades in the fall, and his third daughter, Ava, would be in preschool once again.
“Okay, girls,” he said. “It’s time to go to bed. You have school in the morning.”
All three kids stayed right where they were, looked at him, and giggled. Then Ava turned to me. Thinking I might not understand the obvious humor in her father’s request, she whispered loudly, “There’s no school tomorrow. Daddy’s tricky!”
Indeed he was tricky, but not in a mean or deceitful way. His motive was not impure; his words were meant to entertain. And from the continued laughter I heard coming from his children, it was clear he had succeeded.
WHAT IF?
Make certain your words are not misunderstood. Make certain your motivation for speaking comes from a pure and honest heart.
JANUARY 18
Tears of Joy
When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dreamed. Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.
—PSALM 126:1–3
I sat in a chair at the back of the sanctuary. The worship began, and before the first song was finished, I was aware of God’s presence. The knowledge of God’s love became more real as everyone sang another song together.
As I thought of the words we were singing, I started to cry. The tears of joy gently rolled down my cheeks as the truth of God’s amazing grace pierced my heart.
Then I felt the touch of a small hand on my arm. I opened my eyes to see a sweet little girl with whom I worship each week. This two-year-old was gently patting my arm as she looked at my tears. She’d mistaken my tears of joy and thanksgiving for tears of sadness. She was comforting me.
LET’S PRAY
Lord, your grace is amazing. Let me never overlook that truth. May I never refrain from crying tears of joy and thanksgiving as I live in that grace.
JANUARY 19
No One to Chat with
“God does speak—sometimes one way and sometimes another—even though people may not understand it.”
—JOB 33:14 NCV
When Megan’s dad got home from work, he asked her about her day. “How was preschool today? Was it thumbs-up, thumbs-down, or in the middle?”
Megan responded by pointing her thumb to the side. It was neither a very good nor very bad day.
“Why was your day just in the middle?”
Without missing a beat, she answered, “No one would chat with me. Not even Nathan, and he’s my good friend.”
Maybe you’re like me and you can understand Megan’s frustration. She wanted to “chat” and couldn’t find anyone who was interested. That’s when it’s good to know the One who is always available for a good chat—the One who speaks and listens.
JUST FOR YOU
Have you ever felt lonely, even with someone nearby? When that happens, remember who is as close as the air you breathe. He is longing to chat with you.
JANUARY 20
Seven Pounds of Baby, Fourteen Pounds of Guilt
For I have kept the ways of the LORD; I am not guilty of turning from my God.
—PSALM 18:21
My oldest son likes to say I practiced on him to get ready for the next two. There is some degree of truth in that statement, but he’s giving me more credit than I deserve. When he arrived I didn’t even have enough mothering skills to call what I was doing practice. I needed “Parenting 101.”
Here’s my explanation: I’m the baby in my family, and I only had one babysitting job in my life. When I came home from that particular evening, I announced that there “had to be an easier way to make money.” I mowed lawns.
Then my first baby arrived. I was certain I was doing everything wrong, and occasionally an experienced mother (purposely or accidentally) confirmed my feelings of inadequacy. I imagined God had given me seven pounds of baby and fourteen pounds of guilt.
In all truth, God had given me a great blessing, and little by little he gave me confidence that extinguished the guilt.
THINK ABOUT IT
Is someone or something giving you an undeserved guilt trip? If you’ve done nothing irresponsible or purposefully wrong, you can throw that guilt away. You’ve been declared not guilty!
JANUARY 21
Good Medicine
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
—PROVERBS 17:22
Not all medicine is easy to take. I’ve seen capsules so big that they should have been prescribed to a horse or some other large animal. Then there is the medicine that smells and tastes so bad your child won’t get within ten feet of the serving spoon.
On the other hand, there is one medicine that is not unpleasant at all. In fact, God’s Word calls it “good medicine.” It’s a cheerful heart that can laugh in spite of circumstances.
Maybe it’s been a long time since you laughed with your child. Not a polite little tee-hee, but a robust belly laugh. When was the last time you laughed so hard you had tears in your eyes or found yourself doubled over, trying to catch your breath? When did you see your child doing the same thing? If it’s been a while, now is the time to take some “good medicine” and enjoy a cheerful heart.
HERE’S AN IDEA
Watch a funny movie together. If you or your kids like slapstick comedy, try a movie with the Three Stooges. Those are hard to resist for their sheer silliness.
JANUARY 22
Hardest Job You’ll Ever Love
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.
—COLOSSIANS 3:23
In my lifetime I’ve had various jobs. When I was a teenager, I worked at the local swimming pool as a lifeguard and later managed the pool. As a newlywed I taught gymnastics at the area YMCA, and after I finished my college degree, I taught elementary school and coached high school girls’ athletics.
The jobs I had before motherhood had challenges, but none compared to the ones I encountered as a mom. I was a mediator, disciplinarian, tutor, chauffeur, cook, investor, and first responder all at once. Being a mom was the toughest assignment I’d ever had.
My teenage jobs also had rewards, but by the same token, none of those rewards compared to the ones I encountered in motherhood. Being a mom is the toughest job you’ll ever love!
LET’S PRAY
Lord, you know it can be difficult to be a mom. You also know the joy my kids can bring me. Help me to stick with it and continue to love my job, even in the rough times.
JANUARY 23
A Disinterested Cook
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
—COLOSSIANS 3:12
I’ll be the first to admit I’m not fond of cooking. But as the mother of three sons, it was irrelevant whether or not I enjoyed spending time in the kitchen. It was my responsibility to be certain those boys had three square meals a day. I wasn’t concerned about presentation; it was all about quantity—especially when they reached their teen years.
After they were out of the house and well on their way to adulthood, my middle son heard me refer to myself as a bad cook. Perhaps out of gentleness and compassion he corrected me. “Mom, you’re not a bad cook. You’re a disinterested cook.”
I considered that title an upgrade and appreciated his kindness.
THINK ABOUT IT
Have you been a little too rough on yourself? It might be time for an upgrade. How about your kids? Is there a label someone has attached to them that should be changed? Take action today.
JANUARY 24
It’s Contagious
Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared.
—PROVERBS 22:24–25
When you have more than one child, the odds are very slim anything contagious will attack just one of them. I can still remember the fall when the chicken pox managed to haunt our home for weeks and weeks!
After the first child who’d contracted the disease seemed to be on the verge of total health, one of his brothers began to develop all the sadly familiar symptoms. Then when child number two was on the mend, the third one started to develop the telltale rash.
We experienced a chicken pox epidemic in our own home. The only way I could have possibly stopped the cycle of contagion would have been to quarantine the sick one or send the healthy ones to Grandma’s house.
The childhood disease of chicken pox is not the only thing that is contagious. Kids can also catch your attitude, so make sure it’s the kind of attitude you want them to catch.
IT’S TRUE
Attitudes are contagious. Is yours worth catching?
JANUARY 25
God Isn’t Finished
He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
—PHILIPPIANS 1:6
Years ago my brother gave me a T-shirt imprinted with the words “Under Construction.” That exceptionally loud, orange-colored shirt became one of my favorites, not because of the atrocious color but because of the message on the front. I was “under construction” then, and I will continue to be until God finishes his work in me.
Ever since God began the good work in you and in your children, you’ve been under construction too. You might clamor for the construction of your home to be finished or wonder if the carpenters will ever finish the job. But you can relax and be assured that God’s work will someday be complete. He never begins a good work without the intention of finishing the job.
It’s a process, and a process takes time. The key is to celebrate each step closer to the finished product and to have confidence in the fact that God will complete the good work he began in you.
THIS IS GOOD NEWS
God loves you with an everlasting love and will continue the good work he began in you until it is complete. Put your confidence in him to do what he has promised.
JANUARY 26
Sweater Obedience
Walk in obedience to all that the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess.
—DEUTERONOMY 5:33
Do you know the definition of the word sweater? You might be thinking, What? Of course I know the definition. My guess is you know the traditional definition, but in the Kids’ Dictionary of Actual Life, I found one that is a little different. According to that seldom-used reference book, a sweater is “something you put on when your mother is cold.”
To a child, putting on a sweater just because Mom told you to do it may or may not seem logical. It may, in fact, appear to be rather arbitrary, but out of sheer obedience, children will dutifully comply.
The instructions of the Lord do not always seem logical either, but the big difference is they are never arbitrary. Unlike Mom, God sees the big picture perfectly and always knows what’s best.
FOR YOU AND YOUR KIDS
It’s easy to question the instructions in God’s Word. Always remember, they are never uninformed. He knows what’s best for you.
JANUARY 27
The Blues
Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
—LAMENTATIONS 3:22–23
Things can become rather overwhelming when you’re raising kids. I call those overpowering feelings of exhaustion sprinkled with temporary inadequacy, the Blues.
Different moms handle the Blues in different ways. I have a friend who gets out her journal and records her thoughts and feelings. Another friend of mine puts on her running shoes and goes for a jog.
Me? I tend to hit the sack. A quick nap is my antidote for a rough morning. When I shared my remedy of choice with another friend, she was able to make it sound rather spiritual.
“Good idea,” she said. “After all, God’s mercies are new every morning, so in a sense you get to experience a new morning when you wake up from your nap!”
I know that was stretching it, but I did appreciate her positive spin.
A QUESTION FOR YOU
How do you handle those days when everything seems to go wrong—days when you have the Blues? The key is to handle them wisely.
JANUARY 28
Give Up
A time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away.
—ECCLESIASTES 3:6
There was a sweet little boy in Sunday school who was having a difficult time adjusting to being away from his mom and older sisters. He whined and cried until one day, in frustration, his mother asked me if I would help and I agreed.
The next Sunday rolled around, and I was in charge of helping Jason adjust to his class. At first he cried and protested, but I calmly and lovingly explained that he had no option. That wasn’t what he wanted to hear, so he sat on my lap with a disgusted look on his face.
Before long, my oldest son, a teenager at the time, came into the room and saw the drama unfolding. “Jason,” he said, looking at the forlorn child on my lap, “I know my mom, and she’s going to win—so you might as well give up now.”
Jason believed him, relaxed, and returned to his chair in Sunday school within minutes—only to discover his class really was fun!
LET’S PRAY
Lord, there are times I don’t want to give up my will and trust you. Help me always remember that surrendering to your will is best.
JANUARY 29
Children of God
Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.
—JOHN 1:12
Years ago, the idea of wearing a garment with the manufacturer’s label prominently displayed on it would have been considered ridiculous. It would have been akin to wearing something with the tag showing.
That was years and years ago. Now, in many cases, pieces of clothing are chosen simply because of the manufacturer’s label. Labels have become significant and influential.
