We either worry too much or we don’t care enough. Inevitably, we put far too much stress on the unimportant while neglecting the important. We expect our chosen formula to yield certain results, only to find ourselves deflated when our fearfully and wonderfully made children don’t conform to the “norm.” How do we find the balance between fear and flippancy?
Tag: @wearethecourage
Five Habits for a Strong and Healthy Family
What will be our legacy as 21st-century Christian Parents? While we cannot control what our nation chooses to do, we each choose the direction in which we lead our families. The battle for the hearts and minds of our children doesn't begin in the schoolyard. Success cannot be found in a pew cushion. If we want a shot at winning this war, we prepare for the fight on our knees. God is not going to force us to be good parents nor will he force our children to robotically obey him. He will, however, equip us with the strength and wisdom to guide our families in the right direction.
When You Don’t Receive the Recognition You Deserve
“Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it's thinking of yourself less.” ~ C.S. Lewis One challenge of choosing stay-at-home parenthood is the dealing with perceptions. In my younger years, I was a girl of great ambitions. I graduated second in my high school class and graduated college with honors, even after switching my major… Continue reading When You Don’t Receive the Recognition You Deserve
What’s the Point of Going to Church if I Can Worship God Anywhere?
“Why do I have to go to church?” “I can do “church” on my own.” “I don’t get anything out of it.” I’ve heard all of them. I used to say the last one in my weaker seasons. I once had a friend tell me, "I can worship God anywhere. I can do church in… Continue reading What’s the Point of Going to Church if I Can Worship God Anywhere?
If Chaos is Controlling Your Family
Two things never cease to amaze me: 1) How quickly life moves from calm to chaos 2) How God consistently provides—especially in the chaos. The last five days of my life have been like something from a comedy show. If I were watching myself on TV, it would be hilarious. It's one of those segments… Continue reading If Chaos is Controlling Your Family
If You Worry About It, You Can Pray About It
As our car pulled out of the church parking lot on Sunday, all five of us spotted a cloud of smoke billowing on the distant horizon. My oldest daughter’s voice rose in panic from the backseat. “Do you think our house is on fire?!” My husband, in his calm reassuring manner, replied, “No, honey, it’s… Continue reading If You Worry About It, You Can Pray About It
If You’re Doubting God’s Plan
Elijah sat in a dark cave brooding over the current state of affairs in Israel. He had rejoiced as he watched God's power thunder from heaven onto Mount Carmel, validating the Almighty’s supremacy over man-made Baal. The long-awaited revival of Israel seemed imminent. But that woman... The word of one wicked woman toppled Elijah from… Continue reading If You’re Doubting God’s Plan
If You’re Overwhelmed With What You Should Pray
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, ESV In the chaotic frenzy of life it is our nature to forget. We forget that person we said we would pray over. We forget God’s answered prayers in the… Continue reading If You’re Overwhelmed With What You Should Pray
Social Media Ground Rules For Your Children
We take so much care with driver’s training, yet so little care with technology training. Our electronic devices provide children access to one of the most powerful and dangerous tools of our age—the internet. Occasionally, we are lulled into a false belief that parental controls will prevent our children from being “one of those kids”—those who post inappropriate pictures, suffer from bullying, or get lured away by predators.
When Your Plans Are Constantly Interrupted
We never like to address the inconveniences of parenting. We don’t like to tell expecting moms and dads, “Sleep now, because you won’t be sleeping for the next few years.” Or, “Enjoy that pre-baby vacation because it’ll be awhile before vacations are relaxing.” It all sound so “glass-half-empty,” doesn’t it? Here’s the reality: Raising children is inconvenient, but it’s the opportunity of a lifetime. When the Lord blesses us with children through adoption or birth, He has entrusted a young soul into our care for teaching, training, and affection. Your plans are going to be interrupted, and at what seems like the worst moments! How do we react to these interruptions?
Elihu's Corner 