Tuesday, September 4, 2007

Mommy Moment ~ On Assignment from God


These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

~Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (NIV)



As mothers, we have countless, daily opportunities to plant God’s Truth and Love in the hearts and souls of our children. God desires for us to cherish the little (and big) hearts of our children, as a gift from Him. As my children have grown from infants, I have taken this scripture verse to my heart and prayerfully asked God to give me a passion for keeping my children’s hearts. In my quiet times with Him, I have been led in discovering what Deuteronomy 6:6-7 commands us to do. The first thing I discovered was my own need for daily time in God’s Word. Prior to this, I routinely attempted to handle each day in my own strength. I often sent “prayer arrows” up to God asking for help, but I was not faithful in seeking God’s wisdom for each day. Giving my early morning time to the Lord gives me the guidance and strength I need to reflect the attributes of the Lord, disciple my children’s hearts and train them in the way they should go. Another foundation in my life to apply this scripture has been through prayer. Having three young children has me on my knees and seeking God’s guidance in all areas of life. It is during these moments of prayer that I cast my concerns, frustrations, prayer needs and desires to the Lord. I strive to humble my heart and confess any sin in my own walk so that I may intercede on behalf of my child. I ask God to touch my child’s heart and reveal Himself to them in a personal way. I also pray for their spiritual development, for future Christian spouses, for God’s will in their life and anything else the Lord lays on my heart. I can honestly say that when I am daily praying for my children, I see a marked difference in their heart attitude as compared to days I do not pray. God shows me in marvelous ways that He does hear and answer my prayers! We might not know this side of Heaven how our prayers have influenced the lives of our children, but we can be confident that God is working in and through them!

So, how did I learn to apply Deuteronomy 6:6-7 in our daily life? God showed me that He wanted me to reflect His joy, love and affection as I trained my children. For me, this meant enjoying them as the treasures that they are. They are unique people whom I love to spend my days with. I laugh at their funny antics, show genuine joy with their presence in my life and lend kindness in my words and by my actions. I share with my children the majesty of God as we discover the beauty all around us. My husband and I strive to train them in God’s commandments through family devotions and Bible readings. They have plenty of opportunities to practice loving others first. They learn obedience in the home, which will mature to obedience in the Lord. Most importantly, I believe that my children will see our passionate love for God and will embrace His love for them as well.


As I was cleaning my young son’s room yesterday, I found a beautifully detailed coloring page that he created. I was moved to tears as I realized the picture was of him, holding a kite on a beautiful sunny day. Written on his kite was the name, “Jesus.” My heart rejoiced and praised the Lord for this Mommy Moment. It was a much needed glimpse of how God is working in the hearts of my precious children, May you be inspired today as you live out your own assignment from God ~ the job is not easy, but we can do all things through Christ who gives us the strength we need (Philippians 4:13).



9 comments:

Jennifer said...

Thank you so much for this post. The verse you discuss has so much more meaning now that I have my own child and I am not just taking care of other people's children. I even shared your post with my own blog readers (as few as they are).

Mississippi Songbird said...

I needed this today. Thank you..

... said...

what a wonderful post. that piece of scripture is so deep and needs to be explored individually by each family. it is what God asks of us, but what does that mean and how is it done for each one of us personally.

hopefully your post will spur readers into thinking about how it affects them.

Lori said...

What a beautiful post.

I also love that verse.

I agree when we (I) take the time and spend time with God in the morning everything goes better. So very true.

Amber said...

What a wonderful post Alycia!!! So inspiring, thank you!!!

God Bless,
Amber

Janis Rodgers said...

This was a beautiful post that really stirred my heart. I have never thought about the fact that the time with God in the morning can (and will) have an effect upon my children and how I deal with my children. You have inspired me and given me a new way to think. I love that! Blessings to you!

Mary@notbefore7 said...

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I loved this post. What a great verse to meditate on in my own heart.

MorningSong said...

So beautifully said! I often pray that I will not interfere with what God has in store for my kids. I have seen many parents get in the way of their kids calling and both the parents and kids are miserable. Sometimes God takes their lives in a direction we do not expect and we should remain in prayer so we will be on track with HIS plan for our kids lives. That is just a personal thing I try, not always successfully, to do. My kids are still young but I need to remain under God's will for how I direct their paths for now!

Blessings!

Anonymous said...

Wonderful post- Alycia, as usual...