Mentoring, Leadership, & Homemaking
Mother’s Day is just around the corner, as is my birthday. This is the time I usually drag out my big bag of regrets about my multiple mammoth, mortifying parenting mistakes. I take out each memory and pain, one by one, hold it up and turn it around, examining every facet. My kids are grown and out on their own. The memories of words said and blunders made trickle into my thoughts. The trickle picks up speed until a flood {Read More}
Years ago I read that Dr. James and Shirley Dobson fasted one day each week for their children. They felt a day spent in added prayer helped wrap their kids in extra protection. In time, as Dr. Dobson’s health wouldn’t permit him to fast, Shirley continued with the weekly privilege of interceding for their family. I liked the idea and adopted it for myself. Our children were young teenagers then. Throughout their high school years I kept my weekly commitment {Read More}
Although many family activities are together as a group and that’s a great thing, each child needs a one-on-one with each parent individually (mom and child, dad and child) and you as a couple (mom and dad and child) at least once a month. Yes, you can do this. You need to do this. Put this on your calendar. Children are not a herd. Your time together can be something as simple as a drink together at the table and {Read More}
“Me Time” is a phrase we hear a lot. Yet as moms, we often feel guilty spending time on (or by) ourselves. While it is true we have an immense responsibility to care for the precious lives God has allowed us to nurture for Him, like a car without gas, if we are out of fuel, no one goes anywhere–we’re all stuck. Spiritually speaking, it isn’t at all selfish to make sure we spend time alone with God every day. {Read More}
“Mothers, don’t ever forget the permanence of your imprint. The kids may seem ungrateful, they may act irresponsible, they may even ignore your reminders and forget your advice. But, believe this–they cannot erase your influence.” ~ Charles Swindoll “No one has more potential for godly influence on a child than that child’s God-fearing mother. We, therefore, are to take up the cause, answer God’s call, muster up our courage, and set out to be the best, most faithful teacher {Read More}
In the 15th chapter of Luke, Jesus tells a parable about a father and his two sons. Usually, those verses are under a heading titled, “The Prodigal Son” and the focus of numerous lessons I’ve heard preached through the years typically seems to be on the wayward younger son. However, these days as I move to a different side of motherhood, the side where I have to start letting go, where I no longer choose who my child can hang {Read More}
“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.” I Timothy 6:6-7 This summer spend some time examining gratefulness and contentment in the hearts of your children. A few goals to work through this summer would be: Make plans to use your home to show hospitality to someone God lays on your heart. Trust God’s sovereignty that He has entrusted you with the income and possessions to {Read More}
“Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.” I Peter 4:9-10 This summer have your children or grandchildren use money they have saved or do some chores to earn money specifically designated for blessing others. Explain ahead of time what the money will be used for and how they will be involved. Money in hand, go to a restaurant and collectively allow them to use their money to anonymously buy someone’s meal. If you pay for someone (like a man or {Read More}
Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Romans 12:10 NLT If you have children at home, an important lesson to teach is how they can outdo one another in showing honor. By taking advantage of opportunities at home, our children can learn the importance of showing sincere appreciation and admiration to others. Ask your family members who they really admire and why, focusing on the character qualities or skills this person has. Next, invite {Read More}
My youngest daughter was standing in the kitchen ready to practice her violin. Her oldest sister said, “What’s on your cheek?” “Nothing. Just a red spot,” replied the youngest. Two other kids crowded around her instantly, pressing their faces close to hers to inspect this “red spot.” “Hey, you’ve got a pimple!” her sister announced. “No,” countered her brother, “it’s a real live ZIT!” So she ran off to the bathroom to check it out. Could it be true? Could {Read More}
We all need good mentors offering practical advise, wisdom, encouragement, and friendship. Here at MMCW you will find a storehouse of mentoring between generations, just as it should be.
