PRAY FOR YOUR CHILDREN

In 1833, John Abbott wrote: "The efforts which a mother makes for the improvement of her child in knowledge and virtue are necessarily retired and unobtrusive. The world knows not of them; and hence, the world has been slow to perceive how powerful and extensive is this secret and silent influence." [1] and [2]

[1] Donna Otto. The Stay at home Mom, for Women at home and Those who want to be. 1991. Oregon. Harvest House Publishers. Page 51

[2] John Abbott, "The Mother at Home," Grace Attending Ministries, Inc., (American Tract Society, 1978, 1984)

Goodreads: The Mother at Home by John S.C. Abbott

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1083464.The_Mother_at_Home

With thanks to Donna Otto, John Abbott and Goodreads

DEVELOP CHARACTER IN YOUR CHILDREN

"Shape your children by focusing on their character traits. When you see them exhibit traits such as faith, integrity, self-discipline, perseverance, and courage, applaud them. Be a role model of exemplary character before them. Identify other role models in their life who display these qualities. Impress upon your children this thought: Reputation is who people think you are; character is who you are when no one is looking." [1]

[1] Donna Otto. The Stay at home Mom, for Women at home and Those who want to be. 1991. Oregon. Harvest House Publishers. Page 131

The Stay at Home Mom. Goodreads

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1609641.The_Stay_At_Home_Mom

With thanks to Donna Otto and goodreads.com

WORDS OF INSPIRATION FOR MOTHERS

 

                                                                        Mary and Jesus

In God's Word, Christ told us about Himself. In doing so He gave us much to imitate. In His Word there are many others who set a good example. For example, Paul even admonished us to live as He lived. Read God's Word looking for others who were like Christ that you can imitate.

As you seek to know Christ better, you will begin to imitate Him as you minister to your family. As you learn to sacrifice and suffer loss, as you learn to set aside your personal desires, as you are willing to pray for your children and put them first, they will see what it means to serve Christ. They will see the invisible Christ in your visible example.

Marc Chagall, one of the world's most famous Jewish artists, created 12 stained glass windows for the Hadassah Hebrew Medical Center in a elevated section of Jerusalem. Each window depicts one of the 12 tribes of Israel. When the sunlight filters through these prominently elevated windows, they glow brilliantly and can be seen around Jerusalem for miles.

You are like ones of these stained glass windows. You have prominence. You have been elevated. You are a mother! As you allow the light of Jesus Christ to filter through you, your children will see His beauty in you. As they are drawn to Him, you will be instrumental in returning your children to the King as saints. [1]

[1] Donna Otto. The Stay at home Mom, for Women at home and Those who want to be. 1991. Oregon. Harvest House Publishers. Page 50

THE MINISTRY OF BEING A MOM

 

Do you think

of motherhood as a ministry?

I do. There is great,

encouraging authority for this view.

When you serve your family,

you are serving Christ. [1] 

____________

Vocation of motherhood

Being a mother is a vocation. Sometimes it doesn't feel like it, when the baby's crying, you're tired and the plumbing just broke. Yet you're changing the world by helping your unique child to develop personal life and talents. In so doing, you send an ambassador out to the world when the time of your child's independence arrives. An ambassador with godly values will bring sparks of the Godly Nature to a world often in great need of such.

Decent family values

If your child is not given the right support during early formative years, there may be negative consequences down the line. Your child has the capacity to affect the lives of others either negatively or positively. Help your child to grow to be a person with decent family values and spirituality. A good set of values is an invaluable compass in an ever shifting world.

Art of motherhood

A mother who cares enough to be there, accompany her child throughout childhood and the teenage years until adulthood has got what it takes. What it takes is love, prayer, compassion, grit, determination and awesome organisational skills. These skills often don't come naturally - they develop as you practise the art of motherhood.

Made in God's Image

This human being whom God has entrusted to your care is made in His Image and Likeness. It is up to you to nurture and support your child for as long as time gifts you. God will help you with your great endeavour.

My dear mom always used to say that the moment a mother gives birth to a baby, her life is no longer her own. The needs - physical, emotional, material and spiritual - of another now takes precedence. Sometimes at personal sacrifice.

Congratulations!

So congratulations for serving your family, for taking on your vocation as mom, and for forgiving yourself when you are slightly less than perfect. You're doing what needs to be done - that's what matters.

Blessings.

Rev Catherine

[1] Donna Otto. The Stay at home Mom, for Women at home and Those who want to be. 1991. Oregon. Harvest House Publishers. Page 35

YOUR UNIQUE TALENT AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS; STEPS TO A SERENE LIFESTYLE Two

Steps to a Serene lifestyle: Two

Search for your unique talent which God has given you. Your unique talent gives meaning to your days. The goal is not to make money or gain status, but to share the best of yourself and be fully immersed in a task.

Creativity is a great gift from God. Each one of us has received some special talent. Search for it; claim it and own it.

And then use it.

We are here on earth not merely to be served by others, but TO SERVE. Our lives - as Our Lord Jesus Christ showed us through the example of His own life on earth - is to be one of service. Serve with joy: using your unique talent or talents.

Remember that hard work often trumps talent. God may give a great gift to one who does not treasure the talent or put in the hard work the talent needs. It may be that another with little talent, who is wishful to practise the talent, and works long hours at developing the skills necessary, may eventually turn out to be the authority in the talent's sphere.

So do not be shy of hard work. Hard work, together with talent and the Grace of God, makes us like a beacon of light on a hill-top. As Christ commanded, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father Who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16)

All of us have times of low spirits, illness and depression. It is quite amazing how hope for a better future, hard work in pursuit of a creative talent and selfless service of others can lift personal spirits and bring happiness. "It is more blessed to give than to receive,"  as Lord Jesus said. (Acts 20:35)

With thanks to free clipart

STEPS TO A SERENE LIFESTYLE: One

STEPS TO A SERENE LIFESTYLE: One

Realize that you don't need to "keep up with the Joneses."

You ARE the Joneses.

What does this mean?

You don't need to have the most expensive of everything. You don't need to run into debt. You are not greater or less because of your possessions.

All you need is to have a good heart, pure intention and sincere mind. God will do the rest. He is working with you so you may become the saint He wishes you to be.

So don't feel inadequate or less than others. You most emphatically are not - never mind your status in whatever sphere in life.

You have the Image and Likeness of God within you. 

You ARE the Joneses!

Image with thanks to free clipart library - Floral

RELAXATION - NATURAL HEALING

A helpful method for getting in touch with one's inner self is through meditation. An essential part of meditation is relaxation. Some people begin with relaxation and move on to meditation. Others find that relaxation alone fulfils their needs. They find that through relaxation they can unwind totally and free themselves from a buildup of stress. 

By devoting time and space to completely relaxing themselves and to making their minds completely free of the accumulation of thoughts and worries which often occupy our minds, they can commune with themselves and so explore their inner selves. By means of screening out the world, they give themselves the opportunity to look into their subconscious, in the way that others achieve through meditation.

There are degrees of relaxation, and some people use relaxation techniques simply in order to de-stress themselves. This presents a therapeutic pause in a buy life. Others may see relaxation as a chance to make time for themselves, to clear the mind of all the impediments that have built up there. [1]

Relaxation techniques differ according to individual preference. It is important to find the method which is right for you.

HOW TO RELAX

1. Find a comfortable position, although not one which induces sleep. This is especially important for someone who is just beginning to learn relaxation techniques

2. The position of comfort may vary from person to person

3. Some people like to lie on the floor. Others prefer to lean back in a comfortable chair. Others may use the lotus position (Padmasana) usual in yoga

4. Choose comfortable clothing for use during relaxation. Loose and comfortable clothing is more conducive to relaxation than a tight work suit

5. Deliberately set aside some time daily for your relaxation session

6. It requires self-discipline to set aside a specific time daily just for yourself. Be aware that others may call to ask you to carry out tasks for them. Ten to twenty minutes daily is not too much to set aside for yourself and your health

6. Try to find somewhere quiet and private to set about the process

7. Don't practise relaxation technique immediately after a heavy meal. You may feel inclined to sleep

8. Clear your mind of sad thoughts. Think of your blessings or a joyful memory

9. Concentrate on your breathing techniques. Controlled, regular breathing is helpful with relaxation

Some people make use of relaxation tapes. Ordinary music tapes may be very helpful. Some tapes incorporate the sounds of nature such as running water and birdsong. These may prove very relaxing. Just let go of your anxieties, deep breathe in and out, and let your mind calm.

Many turn their minds to God and just sit in His Presence, allowing His Calm and Love to gentle their anxieties into relaxation. It may prove helpful to lay personal difficulties at His Feet, and ask for help. Often guidance may present in your consciousness with an answer which is helpful to your personal situation. 

At the end of the relaxation time, come slowly out of your relaxed state. You may be surprised just how helpful this method may prove. Don't stand up too quickly. Gently come back to yourself, and start moving slowly. Take your relaxed and happy state back into your daily life.

Relaxation may prove helpful with a natural healing to painful emotions or difficulty in dealing with challenging situations.

Disclaimer: this blog post is not meant to replace your health professional care

[1] Geddes & Grosset. Guide to Natural Healing. 1997. Scotland; David Dale House. Pages 119 to 120

ISBN 1-85534-333-9