Tag: moms
I Want To Be A Mom Like Deborah
Just recently, I began studying the Book of Judges. Specifically, I honed in on Deborah, who, before this study, I knew little about. As I read more about who Deborah was, I began to understand how I would really like to emulate her character–as a wife and mother.
Deborah lived in a time when there was no king over the nation of Israel, a time when the head of each family was responsible to teach faithfulness to God. Because of this, the people’s faith in God and loyalty to their nation was broken.
Deborah was incredibly wise. She was a prophetess who encouraged people to follow God’s Law and reminded them of His faithfulness. She was the only female judge in Israel. Because of her wisdom, people would come to her to help them sort through disputes. She was essentially responsible for leading the Israelites in battle against the Canaanites, yet she took no personal credit in the victory. But she was humble, the wife of Lappidoth, and even after a great military victory, described herself as simply, “a mother in Israel” (Judges 5:7).
Obviously she possessed great leadership skills, but her greatest character traits were her unwavering faith in God and her personal relationship with Him.
My recent study of Deborah came at a time in my life when I was contemplating making career changes – changes that would have a definite impact on my family, especially my children. Admittedly, I was longing for a type of personal achievement in my professional career and I guess also a bit of prestige – some of the things that we stay-at-home, home-schooling moms seldom receive. While I prayed about this possible change, I kept hearing God tell me, “Not now.” It wasn’t a stern voice, admonishing me for being selfish, which is what I probably deserved–and even expected. No, God, my loving Father, knew my heart. He led me to His Word, and quite perfectly, He led me to read about Deborah; a mother in Israel, who He used for His great purpose.
God opened my eyes to the current career I have been personally called into BY GOD– motherhood; educator; advocate; wife; daughter; homemaker. He reminded me about the importance of these roles. He reminded me How my daily routine, while seemingly mundane to me, actually made a difference in the lives of those I love the most.
Studying Deborah has allowed me to re-evaluate my life, my purpose, and my calling. Deborah was concerned about people not personal success. In her example, we can all learn that God will accomplish great things through the people who are willing to trust Him! Like Deborah, I hope to learn the importance of fully relying on God, and pray for His daily guidance in every decision that I must make as a wife and mother.
This week I am keeping all of you women in prayer who are called by God to work at home with your kids. May God bless you with wisdom in your daily work as mother, mediator, counselor, educator and advisor.
About the Author: Lisa Strnad is a freelance writer/blogger, who regularly contributes to What’s in the Bible? and Jelly Telly. She is a homeschooling mom of two, who works independently in Christian media in the areas of writing, promotions and marketing. She lives with her husband and children in Nashville, TN. Follow her blog at www.talkinglikeagirl.blogspot.com
How to Talk to Our Kids About Food Allergies and Inclusion
If you aren’t the parent of a child who has severe food allergies, you may be wondering what this topic has to do with anything Biblical. The fact is that many parents spend a huge amount of time protecting their children from the hidden dangers that seemingly harmless food items can cause. Reading every label, asking to speak to a restaurant manager before sitting at the table, and providing education to all caregivers is something that these parents do without hesitation. There are many Bible verses about raising up and protecting our kids. Danger can sometimes be classified as something spiritual, but many times danger also encompasses the physical. Perhaps a surprising fact to some, a child with food allergies can actually die from complications if mom, dad, teacher or caregiver don’t take the necessary daily precautions to ensure their safety. I can’t think of any better word to define such daily acts of protection, other than LOVE.
1 John 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.
Kids who have allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, soy, dairy, shellfish or gluten learn early on the importance of how live within their limitations because it can be a matter of life or death. Most are taught by the time they’re in preschool how to avoid the foods which will hurt them. Even at this young of an age, they are keenly aware that they can not go anywhere unless an adult accompanying them is carrying their epinephrine pens, oral antihistamines, and an inhaler. This medication arsenal is just something that is taken wherever they go…in case of exposure. But what do the other kids–or even adults– think about these weird dietary restrictions and precautions? Are kids sometimes ostracized because they can’t eat what other kids eat?
As the mother of a child with a life threatening food allergy, I appreciate the openness of other adults who want to learn how to protect my son when he’s at their house or if they cook food for a gathering, which he’ll be exposed to. Actually “appreciate” is too mild of a word. I want to physically hug these wonderful people to express my sincerest gratitude, because for a long time people (even relatives) took my son’s food allergies pretty lightly, even to the point of ignoring simple requests to ensure his safety and my peace of mind. We missed several parties over the years because the risk of exposure was simply too great to ignore.
We must lovingly educate our kids about a few safety precautions. First, for our kids who DON’T have food allergies, remind them that it’s best if they don’t share or trade their food with another friend, in case there is a food allergy present. School age kids who DO have allergies need to be reminded to not eat any food with unknown ingredients or known to contain (or may contain) any allergen to which they are sensitive. This includes foods at any classroom, church or birthday party.
When we talk to our kids about food allergies, we must reassure them that other children who may have a special diet are still just regular kids in most other ways! God created us all to be a little different. In His eyes we are all wonderful in our uniqueness. Our friend may not be able to drink milk or eat eggs, but she likes to play the same games, and watch the same shows that we like. She likes to dance and swim and ride her bike. It’s okay to invite our friend over after school, and it’s definitely okay to invite he or she to a birthday party! We can help our kids grow into caring adults when they see us take the extra time to talk to the parents of their friends, ensuring that we can provide a safe environment for everyone.
If you are the parent in charge of bringing in food for a class or church gathering, it’s such a loving gesture to ask if there are any known food allergies which you should be aware of. Perhaps you can bring in gluten free cupcakes, a fruit platter or fresh veggies and dip. Making these simple additions to party planning enables everyone to feel included. Inclusion is such an important life lesson to give our children, especially with the prevalence of bullying going on these days.
It has become pretty common to have kids with food allergies in almost every classroom. Most schools have standards in place to help keep kids safe. But I urge the parents of kids with food allergies to continue to educate people in authority positions in their churches and any club that kids belong to. Two great sites for resources and downloads are the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network and the Food Allergy Initiative.
Lisa Strnad is a freelance writer/blogger, who regularly contributes to What’s in the Bible? and Jelly Telly. She is a homeschooling mom of two, who works independently in Christian media in the areas of writing, promotions and marketing. She lives with her husband and children in Nashville,TN.
Confessions From An Imperfect Mom and the Power of Words
Last week as I was folding clothes in the downstairs laundry room, I heard running water. My first thought was, “Why is someone taking a shower at 3:30 in the afternoon?” I had just been upstairs ten minutes prior to this and both boys were playing quietly in their rooms. As I started walking towards the stairs to investigate who had gotten into the shower, I instantly realized the running water was coming from the hallway bathroom, downstairs. I knew something was terribly wrong! As I entered the bathroom, water was literally raining down from the exhaust fan and the can lights in out in our hallway! Knowing that directly above where I was standing was my youngest son’s room, I literally ran up the stairs to find the wood floor in his bedroom flooded!
He had plugged up the drain in his bathroom sink because he was playing with a newly put-together LEGO boat. After playing under the “waterfall” for a few minutes, he simply walked away with the water running, totally forgetting to shut it off. He then went into the bonus room and started playing something else, oblivious to the flood taking place in his room.
Great, ADHD strikes again!
Our house, now a total disaster, was also less than 30 days old! The absolute rage I felt as I began to clean up the water is still embarrassing to admit. Uncharacteristically, I yelled at my son. No beating around the bush– I was so mad at him! As he approached me, I told him not to talk to me! I was deep in thought about how we were going to fix this damage. How could this possibly happen in just 10 minutes? How could he have just walked off and left the water on?! … Oh so mad!!
And then I caught myself… WHAT AM I DOING?!! Get ahold of yourself, Lisa! This is just STUFF and it can be fixed or replaced; he is your child and part of your heart!!
My son was now crying, obviously scared at my freaky metamorphosis into the Mean Momster. From on top of his bed, he apologized and told me (again) that it was an accident. He equated my anger to hating him and told me so. Ouch!
With a fragment of clarity, I enlisted the help of my oldest son, my husband and even my mother to be the clean up crew and call some professionals. I then climbed into bed with my little one. I held him and apologized to him for getting so angry. I told him how wrong it was not wanting to listen to him and then making him feel as though I hated him! I tried to reassure him that my momentary meltdown had nothing to do with my lack of love for him – that I could never stop loving him. He told me that it “felt” like I didn’t love him anymore because of they way I was talking to him after he had made a mistake. Humbled, I was reminded how words can be so destructive, especially to the ones we love the most.
The Bible has many examples of the power of words. They have even been compared to the sword in their affect to hurt (kill) others! Another example is found in James 1:26, “If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless.”
My son recovered from his bout with the Momster. He has also promised to not play in his bathroom sink anymore! I have learned a valuable lesson about priorities and remembering that mistakes happen– and will continue to happen. What matters most is to always remember we are caretakers of our children’s bodies AND hearts!
As parents we can teach our children that as we all stumble our way through our daily walk with Christ, we can be glad that He’s not expecting perfection. Instead He loves us all in our imperfections; even through our failures. It is only in Him that all things are possible. It is His arms of grace which He wraps around us whenever we make mistakes which make us feel undeserving of His love. The enemy tells us how we are deserving of God’s hate, wrath, or at the very least a good flick on the forehead! During those times, our Heavenly Father sits beside us and reminds us that nothing will change His love for us…even if make big, fat, damaging messes. He is in love with each of us. And thankfully, unlike we imperfect mommies (and daddies), our God does this without first changing into a mean momster!
Lisa Strnad is a freelance writer/blogger, who regularly contributes to What’s in the Bible? and Jelly Telly. She is a homeschooling mom of two, who works independently in Christian media in the areas of writing, promotions and marketing. She lives with her husband and children in Nashville,TN.
Buck’s Bible Roundup: January 19, 2012
Look to Buck’s Bible Roundup for the best blogs, articles, and resources from the week to help you effectively teach the Word of God in your homes and in your ministry.
Today’s Roundup:
1. Memory Verse Helps – Isaiah 1:18 (2 Teaching Mommies)
Printables to help your kids memorize Isaiah 1:18.
Source: 2teachingmommies.com via whatsinthebible on Pinterest
2. Seven Ways To Keep Your Home Strong (A Holy Experience)
Seven ways to build a house of prayer.
Source: aholyexperience.com via whatsinthebible on Pinterest
3. Sometimes The Only Way to Read Our Kids is by Braille (The Gypsy Mama)
Thoughts on what it takes to truly see your children.
Source: thegypsymama.com via whatsinthebible on Pinterest
4. When My Wild Heart Pushes the Boundary (Lysa TerKeurst)
A look at boundaries and whether they are cruel barriers or safe freedoms.
Source: lysaterkeurst.com via whatsinthebible on Pinterest
5. Quiet Times for Desperate Mothers (Raising Homemakers)
Suggestions for making daily time in the Word work with a busy family schedule.
Source: raisinghomemakers.com via whatsinthebible on Pinterest
6. Memory Verse Helps – Matthew 4:19 (2 Teaching Mommies)
Printables to help your kids memorize Matthew 4:19.
Source: 2teachingmommies.com via whatsinthebible on Pinterest
Thanks for reading!
Being Thankful…
There, in the presence of the Lord your God, you and your families shall eat and shall rejoice in everything you have put your hand to, because the Lord your God has blessed you (Deuteronomy 12:7).
Over three hundred years ago, our forefathers gathered together in this new land and gave thanks to God for the blessings which He bestowed on them during the year. With the many daily challenges they faced in this untamed land they still chose to set aside a day in order to give thanks.
I hope that this coming week enables each of us an opportunity to sit with our children and discuss the personal blessings which God has given to our families this past year. It’s a great opportunity to talk with our kids about why we celebrate Thanksgiving, its history and to also discuss our own family traditions. It’s also a good time to remind them that Thanksgiving is so much more than some commercial holiday when we eat turkey, watch football and rest up before getting up super early on Black Friday—the biggest sale day of the year! Yes, it’s much more than that…
Family traditions make the holidays so special. They personalize these wonderful celebrations! Like most ethnically blended families, many of our traditions seem to come in the way of the food we prepare; the chorizo and corn bread stuffing, the rigatoni and meatballs, the hate-it or love-it green bean casserole and my mom’s homemade pumpkin pies—which no one has been able to successfully copy over the years. But I think what I love the most about Thanksgiving is the prayer before we eat. My dad would always find a piece of Scripture which he felt would bless our family for personal reasons. Maybe someone had lost their job, or someone was expecting a new baby, or perhaps the passing of a loved one during the course of the year was still a raw pain in our hearts. He always chose the right Scripture that gave us Hope, peace and remind us that God was there… and above all, that we were to be thankful for His many blessings. We haven’t done a great job of this since dad passed away two years ago. Maybe this year would be a good time to honor his tradition. What traditions do you have as a family?
This summer my family took our vacation in New York City. As we rode out to Liberty Island, I imagined myself as one of the many refugees who sacrificed everything in order to come to this great country, hoping to work towards a better life; willing to do whatever it took to give their family a chance to taste freedom in America. Can you imagine seeing Lady Liberty for the first time, after weeks at sea? Now, imagine reading these words:
Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door.
~ Emma Lazarus
Happy Thanksgiving! May God’s abundant blessings in your lives, this coming year, be a reminder to you and a testimony to all of His mercies and grace.
Lisa Strnad is a contributing writer/blogger to What’s in the Bible? and Jelly Telly. She is a homeschooling mom of two, who works indepently in Christian media in the areas of writing, PR and marketing. She lives with her husband and children in Nashville,TN. Follow her personal blog posts on www.talkinglikeagirl.blogspot.com.
How to Talk to Your Kids About Veteran’s Day
As the proud wife and daughter of U.S. veterans, November 11, Veteran’s Day, has always been an important day in our family. Veteran’s Day is a day of remembrance; a day to honor the men and women who have fought –or who are still fighting–to preserve our freedoms.
Perhaps your husband, wife, friend or loved one is currently serving in our military. If that’s the case, THANK YOU for your their daily sacrifice! We as a nation are truly grateful and eternally indebted!
How do we teach our kids the importance of celebrating veterans of war? First, it’s important to explain to them that throughout the Bible the position of soldier was highly respected. For example, Paul describes Epaphroditus, a fellow Christian, as a “fellow soldier” (Philippians 2:25). The Bible also uses military terms to describe being strong in the Lord by putting on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-20), including the tools of the soldier—helmet, shield, and sword. Iconic men of God, such Joshua and King David spent a good portion of their lives in battle.
Next, I would encourage you to teach them to honor our veterans in some tangible way. Because there have been so many people who want to send letters and care packages to “any soldier” who is fighting abroad, there are several programs that have stopped taking these gifts. The American Red Cross has always been a great go-to organization for information and resources about supporting our troops! If you know of an organization who is currently taking letters, cards, and care packages for our military personnel, please share that information in the comments section.
A really nice family activity that you may want to do with your kids, is to take them to a local retirement home where there are veterans from many different wars. Homemade cards, letters, cookies and especially a few minutes of conversation with these men and women who have served our country in the military would be greatly appreciated. Asking questions and giving these men and women a chance to tell their valiant stories can bless your children, greatly! (Always check with the retirement home to set up this type of visitation).
When kids ask why we fight wars, for us parents, those answers may be tough ones to convey to the little innocents that stand before us. War is ugly and it’s scary. It can be lonely for those away fighting as well as for the family who is at home praying for their loved one’s safe return. In the United States we have an philosophy that God created all men equal and that personal freedom is something worth fighting for– and even dying for. There are people in this world who don’t like our country and have started fights with us; sometimes we have started fights with other countries too. War is not something we ever want. In fact we strive for peace. But when either we or one of our friends are attacked, we must stand for what is right, and if need be, fight for that freedom.
Thank you to the men and women of the United States Military for your honor, your sacrifice and your love of our country!!
Lisa Strnad is a contributing writer/blogger to What’s in the Bible? and JellyTelly. She is a homeschooling mom of two, who works indepently in Christian media in the areas of writing, PR and marketing. She lives with her husband and children in Nashville,TN. Follow her personal blog posts on www.talkinglikeagirl.blogspot.com.
Buck’s Bible Roundup: October 27, 2011
Look to Buck’s Bible Roundup for the best blogs, articles, and resources from the week to help you effectively teach the Word of God in your homes and in your ministry.
Today’s Roundup:
1. B is for Bible Coloring Page (Ministry-to-Children)
Download this free coloring page.
2. Bible Ideas for Children (Almost Unschoolers)
A homeschooling mom explains a handful of resources she uses to teach her children the Bible.
3. In My Heart – Matthew 12:34 (Totally Tots)
Free downloads to help your child learn Matthew 12:34.
4. Lady of Wisdom (Home With The Boys)
A look at what the Bible says about being a lady of Wisdom.
5. Watch Your Tongue (B’Twixt and B’Tween)
Thoughts on how what we say can impact our daughters.
6. A is for Almighty – Coloring Page (Ministry-to-Children)
Download this free coloring page.
Thanks for reading!
How to Talk to Our Kids About Being Bullied
Some people may think that bullying is just a part of growing up. There’s always going to be that mean kid who torments those of us who are different in some way. But the truth is that no one should have to suffer through bullying. Our kids need to know that they can come to us if they are feeling threatened and that we will do something about it.
I write this blog as a mom, not a medical expert, but I believe that talking with our kids is a vital first step in considering how we are going to handle their very personal questions and emotions. Even if our own kids aren’t the bully’s target, they may have heard or witnessed things that make them fearful. Begin by listening to your child. Let him/ her tell their story. Remember that there will probably be emotional pain about the way they or a friend is being treated. Their feelings, fears and emotions need to be validated.
To be effective advocates, parents need to react to the knowledge that their child is a bully’s target in a way that encourages the child to trust them. Projecting displaced anger or throwing out negative judgmental comments will only make them feel more isolated. Asking them why they didn’t stand up to the bully might stop any communication in its tracks! Believe them and support them. Tell them that it is not their fault and that they do not deserve to be bullied. Empower the child by reminding them how special he/ she is, Psalm 139:14 “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
Be patient, because children may not be ready to open up to you right away. Talking about the bullying may be very difficult. There could be fear about retaliation from the bully. The child might be feeling insecure, withdrawn, frightened or ashamed. Give them the time they need to share what’s going on.
Parents can educate their child about bullying by providing information at a level that the child can understand. A good site that may be a useful resource is www.stopbullying.gov This site has some good information that can be shared with kids! Parents can also talk to their kids about workable options in dealing with bullying behavior.
For parents who have younger kids or kids with special needs and who suspect that there might be a bullying issue going on, here are some questions that might get conversation started:
· How was the bus ride today?
· Who did you sit next to today at lunch?
· I notice that you seem to be feeling sick a lot and wanting to stay home. Please tell me about that.
· Are kids making fun of you?
· Has anyone touched you in a way that did not feel right?
· Did the child hurt you on purpose?
· Was it done more than once?
· Did they make you feel bad or angry?
· Is the other child (more powerful, bigger, scarier…) than you in some way?
(Adapted from “Your Child: Bully or Victim”, Peter Sheras, Ph.D., 2002)
For older kids, talking about recent events in the news or bullying incidents on TV or in a movie might help lead them into discussion about how they are feeling.
The first step in understanding the emotional, physical or psychological effects bullying is having on our kids is starting a conversation with them and listening to them. All the while reassuring them how much we love and value them as individuals. Praying with them daily will also help empower them with the knowledge that God loves them completely and perfectly as they are– and how very important they are to Him. Everyday, when I drop my kids off at school, I pray for angelic protection to be like a hedge around them. Prayer is an essential part of our role as parents, and knowing that God’s abundant grace is ever-present fills me and my children with the biggest sense of peace.
How do you deal with bullying? Have you had conversations with your children about it? Please share.
Lisa Strnad is a contributing blogger to Whats in the Bible? and JellyTelly several times a month. She is a home schooling mom who works in christian media in the areas of writing, marketing and PR. Follow her on www.talkinglikeagirl.blogspot.com
Buck’s Bible Roundup: October 6, 2011
Look to Buck’s Bible Roundup for the best blogs, articles, and resources from the week to help you effectively teach the Word of God in your homes and in your ministry.
Today’s Roundup:
1. Teaching Our Children To Study Scripture (The Better Mom)
How one mom is helping her children learn Scripture each day.
Source: thebettermom.com via whatsinthebible on Pinterest
2. “Covered By Christ” Coloring Pages (Ministry-to-Children)
A free coloring page download that uses Scripture to remind children who they are in Christ.
Source: ministry-to-children.com via whatsinthebible on Pinterest
3. Lifegiver (Home With The Boys)
A look at how God created women to be a lifegiver.
Source: homewiththeboys.net via whatsinthebible on Pinterest
4. Reading the Bible With Your Children (Simple Things)
Three recommended children’s Bibles and devotions to use during Bible time with children.
Source: herdofsteph.blogspot.com via whatsinthebible on Pinterest
5. Run the Race (The Better Mom)
Applying Hebrews 12:1 to the journey of homeschooling.
Source: thebettermom.com via whatsinthebible on Pinterest
6. You Can’t Give What You Don’t Have (The Better Mom)
Displaying Christ-like character for your children.
Source: thebettermom.com via whatsinthebible on Pinterest
7. Five Tools That Build Character (B’Twixt and B’Tween)
An overview of a resource to help build character in your daughters and sons.
Source: btwixtandbtweenblog.com via whatsinthebible on Pinterest
If you’re on Pinterest, be sure to follow us for an easy way to re-pin all these great resources. Thanks!
How I’m Honoring My Mom (And How to Teach Kids to Honor Their Parents)
No inter-human relationship is more basic than that between parent and child. God thought the child /parent relationship important enough to make the fifth Commandment all about honoring that relationship, and then promises a blessing to those who follow this part of the Law. “Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.” (Exodus 20:12 NRSV)
We expect our children to respect us when they’re young; they’re taught that lesson from early on. But what happens as our parents age? Their needs will change as their very world and all that’s in it changes around them.
When my dad passed away two years ago, leaving behind my mother, my husband and I realized that our roles as children would also have to change as she aged. She had lost her partner of over 40 years, so a huge sense of stability in her life was now missing. My dad, even at his weakest, was her fierce protector. She felt a sense of safety with him around. She was now afraid of being alone. Her anxiety increased as her physical agility decreased. She needed to feel valued again, but knew her physical limitations would limit what she was able to accomplish. Life for mom had changed, drastically. And she was trying to come to terms with it.
Last year we asked her to come live with us on a full time basis. We assured her it would be a blessing for us to have her live in our home and be a part of our family. While it was obvious to her why she might be blessed by his arrangement, she was unsure how her living with our family would end up blessing us. In the months that have followed, I can tell you that we have all loved having mom here with us. She has truly been a huge blessing to our family.
The excitement that my kids felt moving across country was heightened knowing that grandma was moving with us. We are now a family of 5. She has added to their education about life. Her perspective, while a couple generations removed, is still so relevant and she’s knowledgeable. She has lived through World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam, the civil rights movement, the Cold War, the assassinations of JFK, RFK, Martin Luther King, Jr., The Beatles, the Moon landing and black and white TV. She has seen the world change drastically in her 70+ years, and while the changes were not always good ones, she has taught my children that we can always make a difference in the world for Jesus – a lesson she taught me a few decades ago.
Loving our parents is sometimes different than honoring them. I can love someone in silence or from a distance. But to honor someone, I must open myself up to them. I must let go of pride and ego, and give them the space they need to brightly shine and be that light that God (still) intends them to be, for His glory. Honoring my mom means that I value her, I cherish her and I acknowledge her worth in as many ways as I possibly can.
Looking at my boys, I hope this life lesson is one that they have taken to heart. I think it is. I think that they see how important a place their grandma has in our home; not taking away from anyone else’s place…but adding to our whole family.
As adults, how do you choose to honor your parents? How do your kids see you living this Commandment?
