I'm currently in a unique place in my mothering. My infant and toddler need me for every aspect of their little lives. My ten year old needs me a bit less, but still depends on me a lot. Two of my teenagers need me, but pretend they don't. And then my oldest teen doesn't think he needs nor wants to need me at all right now. So... my mothering journey is crazy and messy and exhausting, but I love it. Every. Bit. Of. It. I love being the mom of these 6 kids and I love them fiercely! I am so grateful that I have the opportunity to love them, nurture them, care for them, train them, and enjoy them. And I don't want to take them or this experience of motherhood for granted.
I am not an expert in parenting. But... I have had lots of experience, trial and error, and a few successes in many areas. But, in many other areas, I'm still learning. All 6 of my kids are different, and require different love languages and approaches from me. I don't always get it right, but I'm trying. I think the hardest thing for me- in this season I am in- is the age differences. There are great things about having littles and bigs at once: watching my teenagers hug, love, hold, help and spoil the babies just melts my heart. I am so glad that my big kids are getting to experience the joy of watching little ones learn and love life! Then there is the help. I have extra hands this time around with my little ones and that is AWESOME (all the mothers out there with toddlers say AMEN!). But the hardest thing for me, is finding the balance between their needs. See, my little ones need me more physically, and it is exhausting and draining. But.. my older ones need me more emotionally and mentally. They can take care of their physical needs, but they need me to talk to them, listen to them, guide them, teach them, and just spend time with them. Sometimes it's hard for me to give everything that they all need from me, so I'm still learning that balance. There is one thing that I have learned over the past 17 years of parenting that I now know is most important. Out of all the things my children need from me, there is one thing that we don't always realize the importance of: prayer. The most important thing I can ever do for my children is pray for them. Daily. Without ceasing. Pray for them. Pray over them. Pray on their behalf. Pray for guidance for me as I train them, love them, encourage them and care for them. Prayer. I pray for my children in different ways. I keep a prayer notebook with certain Scripture that I pray over them. I add to this often. I pray over them physically, individually and together. Sometimes I "prayer-walk" through my home and pray for them as I pray in their rooms and the other rooms in the home that they spend time in. And recently, I purchased " A Book of Prayers: The Power of a Praying Parent" by Stormie Omartian. I am trying to read through this daily, praying for specific items and situations pertaining to my kids. When I began this little book of prayers, the first thing I read, hit me hard. It's so true. It's so right. And I don't won't to forget it. In fact, it has caused me to pray even harder for my children. "If you are not covering your children in prayer every day, you are leaving their lives to chance." Whoa! What? Leaving their lives to chance? God created these children and He gave them to me. He loves them more than I ever could, even though I would give my life for each of them. They were His before they were mine. He designed them and He has a purpose for them. The best thing I can do for them? Pray for them, asking God to intercede on their behalf in every way. Spiritually, physically, emotionally, mentally, relationally, financially and more. They need us to pray for them, even when they don't realize it. My children need to be covered in prayer, from head to toe,from the little things to the big things, the easy things and even the hard ugly stuff. Whatever is going on in their lives, they need to be prayed for, and who better to do that than me, their mom? I'm challenging myself to pray more often and more specifically for my kids, and I encourage you to do the same for yours. Let's not leave their lives to chance, let us leave them in the hands of God Almighty. "Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere." ~ Ephesians 6:18 Keep reading God's word! Joyfully His, Andrea
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Your honestly, love and dependence on God is so heartfelt. Yes, Pray without ceasing..and always intercede for your children. There IS Great Power in Prayer! We are so Blessed that the Lord is open, to our prayers... and He listens. I hope I can pass these words to others.
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For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. " AuthorHi! I'm Andrea, wife to my handsome hubby, homeschooling mama to my 7 amazing blessings, and daughter of the King of kings. I am so glad you have stopped by my little piece of the web. My prayer is that the Lord will use this blog to encourage you in your personal, daily walk with Christ. Archives
October 2021
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