Child Rearing in the Year 2012

Happy New Year to all our mothers in the blog world, and a warm welcome to our new mothers.  As we start the new year I would like to share some thoughts about child rearing in the year 2012.

Child rearing in this day and age can be very challenging. Most people would agree that raising children in any era has it’s own set of challenges.  I am sure that some mothers would readily agree that when we were growing up our mothers did not have it half as challenging as mothers do these days. What then is the cause of this and what has changed?

Unlike those days gone by, mothers today are faced with a unique set of challenges that seem to make it so much more difficult to raise their children. A major source of these challenges manifest in the form of technology. This includes: computers, texting, tweeting, facebook, video games, and of course television.  Yes, challenges have changed...but the methods have not.

Putting it in perspective:

As mothers, it is imperative that we are empowered with the right knowledge base from which we carry out the important ministry of child rearing.  God has not only entrusted this very vital ministry to us, but has provided the resources for us to be successful at it. For example, it is important for us to remember that our children are made up of body, soul and spirit.

Body is where the senses dwell; soul is where self dwells; spirit is where God dwells

The soul is made up of three parts: emotion, intellect and will. Children, created by God, disobey your command because their "soul-life" activates their personality [that is, their mind, their will and their emotions]. Knowing this help us use wisdom to deal with the issue of disobedience.

Likewise, it is important for us as mothers to be familiar with the fact that our children go through developmental stages, and that these stages are accompanied by certain behaviors. Erik Erikson, the famous developmental child psychologist, has done an excellent job outlining and explaining these stages.  This is important for us as mothers to know because it helps us to understand that, for example, the 2 year old that is hitting and taking other children’s toys should not be labeled a “bad boy” because he is going through the stage where these behaviors occur or are expected. If we are not aware of these stages and corresponding tasks and behavior; when we observe certain behaviors in our children we end up blaming demons, the devil and others.

Child rearing at times not only tests our faith in God, but it also puts our witness on display. It is imperative that we have faith in God in spite of how that child behaves. We have to trust that God will do what He says he will do. We cannot focus on the behavior; we have to focus on the word of God. Your faith will sustain you in the challenging times. Jeremiah 17:7-8 says: “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD And whose trust is the LORD. For he will be like a tree planted by the water, that extends its roots by a stream and will not fear when the heat comes; but its leaves will be green, and it will not be anxious in a year of drought Nor cease to yield fruit.” 

God bless you richly! 

In his service,

Paula Watson

MPUSH Team Member

Don't forget to visit our new website: www.mpush.org 

Our Children Also Get a Fresh Start

January 9, 2012

How is the New Year going so far?  I imagine those of us with younger children or grandchildren are busy getting them ready for school, college or university, making sure that they have the tools they need to function and get those expected good grades.  For those leaving home for the very first time, you may also be worried not knowing what to expect.  Worrying was one of the things you should have left behind in 2011- oops!!

Well lets thing of them as either starting a new phase in life or as you have had they are also getting a fresh start.  Try not to hold those things they did in 2011 to color our expectations of them for 2012.  I do believe however, that this is not an easy thing to do especially if the grades were bad and they got involved in things that made your hair curl.  I know we want to read them the riot act, but let us try a different strategy.  Yes we will acknowledge our disappointment or gratefulness for last school year but make sure you also point out that they have the ability to be successful or to continue to do well.  Here are some verses that you may want to read for them and pack for them to take back to school.

Philippians 4: 13 - I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  

I John 4:4-Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

Psalm 139: 14 -I will praise thee; for I am fearfully [and] wonderfully made: marvellous [are] thy works; and [that] my soul knoweth right well.

Mathew 28:20- Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world.

Psalms 91:11-12 -For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in [their] hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.

In his service,

Vilma,

Please visit my  website www.mpush.org or follow me on Twitter mpush810.

A Fresh Start

  Let me wish everyone a Happy and Prosperous New Year. As we start this New Year, think of it as an opportunity for a fresh start, a new beginning, a new season, a chance to get it right.
Whatever was done in 2011 we cannot undo.  So try not to get stuck in 2011, instead let us move forward.  Here is what I believe God is saying to us.
Isaiah 43: 18-20: Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.  Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it?  I will even make a way in the wilderness, [and] rivers in the desert.  The beast of the field shall honour me, the dragons and the owls: because I give waters in the wilderness, [and] rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people, my chosen.
Let us not over -look the unique opportunities that God has for you- Remember He is doing a new thing.
Father I thank you for a fresh start, a new beginning, for me as a mother as well as for my children.  I look forward to you making a way in the wilderness places of my life and having rivers in the deserts that I may encounter.  Help me accept your will in our lives, In Jesus name.  Amen.

In His Service,

Vilma

2011 - The Year in Review

In 5 days, the year 2011 will be over and a new year2012 will be ushered in.   So for today’s post I would like to leave you with some thoughts to ponder as you reflect on the year 2011.  For some of us as we reflect on this year we have different emotions- joy, and happiness, and for some sadness and despair.  Some cannot wait to say goodbye and others are clinging to it, embracing every last minute. Regardless of your emotion let us pause to thank God for His goodness and Mercy knowing that regardless of what we went through He was with us all te way as well as understanding that things could have been worse.

Most of us had plans, for what we wanted to do and how we wanted to do them.  Others had no plans and just rolled with the punches.  In whatever category you found yourself- Did you achieve the goals you had for 2011, your personal goals, as well as your family goals?  For some, our goal was to spend more time with the children and grandchildren.  For some it may have been to have more family prayer time, for others it may have been more family bible study, to get married, to get that promotion on the job, a new car or a new house.  Were you at least close?  If the answer is no, think about the reasons why you were not able to achieve them?  If you answered yes, think about what you did to accomplish your goals and see what you can repeat for 2012.

Here is some food for thought as you make your plans for 2012: What or who did you align yourself with in 2011 that was a hindrance to your progress and success, which you must leave behind and not drag into 2012?  Were your plans similar to the plans that God had for you?  Did you do what you promised God that you would have done for Him in 2011?

God has a purpose for you as a mother; do you know what this purpose is?  Have you wondered how many destinies may be wrapped up in your obedience to what God is asking of you?  Jeremiah 29:11 says: For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. So why not ask Him for 2012?

 It is better to be unsuccessful doing what God has planned for you to do, than being successful at what He did not ask you to do.
For 2012: It is my prayer that as mothers we will operate in the will of God and according to the word of God.  It is my hope that we will not do what is popular but instead will do what is righteous.  It is my hope that we will love not just our children more, but our neighbor’s children and the nation’s children.  It is my hope that we will remain steadfast, and will not give up easily, that we will exemplify the fruit of the spirit in our homes and everywhere we go.  It is my hope that any broken relationships with our children in 2011 will be mended for 2012 and that your children will rise up and call you blessed.

In His Service,

Vilma

The Perfect Gift

In 6 days it will be Christmas day.  The Christmas season on a whole is one of the most celebrated holiday seasons in a number of countries.  It would be correct to say that every person in this country regardless of their religious belief is usually affected in some way by the Christmas season.  The merchants are busy stocking and restocking their shelves, offering the latest and best in toys, appliances, electronics, and clothing, trying to satisfy the demand of shoppers giving them what they want and much more.  There are also the shoppers who are very busy depleting the store shelves giving the merchants and credit card companies what they want, money.  Some are finished shopping and are busy wrapping gifts, or hiding gifts, so that are can give what their children, other relatives, and friends want.  Some are working extra hours to give themselves the extra cash they need to spend.

There are still others who have just had relationships severed with little or no warning; there are those who are giving into depression because of loneliness, homelessness, or joblessness.  There are still others who have given into memories that make them dread the season, for some it may be the loss of a loved one or some other catastrophic event.  Last but not least, there are others who are filled with excitement and hope, knowing that if there was no Christmas, there life would be utterly meaningless.  Good or bad we are affected.

 There is one word that seems to be evident it all the scenarios I just described and that is the word “Giving”.  Hence we can come to the conclusion that the Christmas season is a time of Giving.  I sometimes question how many times we really nail it by giving or receiving the perfect gift?
For me I just do not like shopping, the crowds are one thing, but the main reason is that some people are just too hard to shop for.  Sometimes even when you are told the color you still get it wrong, for example a red sweater is not just a red sweater, because of the many shades of red, sometimes the size is off, or the brand is wrong, it may be too short too tight too…., (you can add yours) and sometimes even when you get it right, then they may have changed their mind and want something else. Did I hear somebody say GIFT CARD!!?
 It seems that the “perfect” gift was always elusive.  Why is this?  I am so glad you ask.  I believe it is impossible because THE PERFECT GIFT WAS ALREADY GIVEN, OVER 2000 YEARS AGO.  The name on of this gift was JESUS CHRIST THE SAVIOR OF THE WORLD.

“Twelve days of Christmas” is a very funny song that we usually sing around this season, but as I think about this little song, I reflect on my true love and what He gave to me and this is what I now sing. 

Many thousands of years ago, My True love looked on earth and He saw some sinners that He truly loved.  He tried different ways to wash away their sins, so He could have a relationship with them.  No person or thing He tried was able to get the job perfectly done.  Finally over 2000 years ago He looked at his son Jesus, perfect in every way and decided He would be the one.  In obedience to His father’s will Jesus did not hesitate but left his home in Heaven and came down to earth.  He was born in a manger to the virgin Mary, He was ridiculed, talked about, hated, and eventually was sacrificed on a cross, but as promised He rose up after 3 days with all power in his hand.  He had accomplished His mission, to save the world from their sins, and also to heal all their diseases.  Now He is at the right hand of God making intercession for us, and where He is we will also be. 

This perfect gift keeps on giving.  It will never get outdated.  After He went back to heaven He left us the Holy Spirit, to be our comforter and guide revealing to us all truths.  He gave life and Life more abundantly (John 10:10).  He has given us power/authority (Mat. 10:1), the same power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead (Eph. 1:19-20).  The gift gives Love (John 3:16), Peace (John 14:27), Joy (Nehemiah 8:10), Faith (Romans 12:3).

 As a matter of fact whatever you need this gift can provide.  This gift is the right color, size, shape, and name brand.  It is not battery operated, neither does He depend on electricity.  It will never become outdated, will never spoil, and fits into every season of the year.  All you need to do is to accept this gift, do not worry that you may mess it up, it does come with a manual (the Bible) that will show us how to operate it, so that we can maximize His potential.  Every day you will discover new possibilities about this gift, and the more you share Him with others, the better He gets.
So for this very busy season as you give and receive gifts, remember what I have shared in this blog, and somehow start a conversation about this gift.  

Isaiah 9:6- For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

In His Service,
 

Vilma

Looking at His Promises - Isaiah 44:3-5

We have just completed our prayer for our children to exhibit the fruit of the Spirit.  I hope this was helpful to all who were able to read them. 

Starting with today’s blog I would like us to look at some of the promises from God concerning our children.  As I mentioned in a previous post it is important to know these promises, so we can constantly remind ourselves of them, knowing that He who made these promises, will never go back on what He promised.  When we look on our children, what do we see?  Do we see potential/Possibilities?  Do we see hope and a future?  

I would like to share with you a promise form the book of Isaiah.  
Isaiah 44:3-5.  For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants.  They will spring up like grass in a meadow, like poplar trees by flowing streams.  One will say, 'I belong to the LORD'; another will call himself by the name of Jacob; still another will write on his hand, 'The LORD's,' and will take the name Israel.  (NIV)

God has promised not to sprinkle, wet, or make damp, but to Pour out His Spirit on your children (offspring) and His blessings on your descendants.  Not only your immediate child or children, (offspring) but their children and their children’s children and as far down the line as you can possible imagine (descendants).  It is the gift that keeps on giving.  God says our children will spring up like grass in a meadow, like poplar trees by flowing springs – think about it.  The poplar tree translated “white tree” though usually a shrub can grow up to twenty feet.  A shrub is not a tree but with the right care- by flowing streams -it can surpass many trees.  Do not discount what or who they are, with the right care you can bring them to their 20 feet. 

Father I thank you for my children, I pray that as they grow in your grace they will recognize who they truly are in you.  I pray that they will confirm who they are by the words from their mouth ‘I belong to the Lord’ or call themselves by the name of the Lord or they will confirm this by writing on their hand, “The LORD's,' In Jesus’ name Amen

Do you believe this?  If you do, then try to maintain your focus on it; though it may tarry it will surely come to pass.

In His Service,

Vilma

Prayer for Self-Control/Temperance .............. Fruit of the Spirit

Galatians 5: 22-23: But the fruit of the Spirit is ……..meekness, TEMPERANCE: against such there is no law.
For this post we will look at the the final aspect of the fruit of the spirit which is TEMPERANCE. In the NIV the word SELF-CONTROL is used instead of the word TEMPERANCE. The word self-control  is self explanatory, however, I would like  share with you the definition from the New Ungers Bible dictionary which states: the virtue of one who masters his desires and passions, especially his sensual appetites. In other words having control over our “temper and emotions”.
Controlling our temper and emotions seems to be a difficult thing to do for most of us. We frequently will hear people justify their actions as being triggered by another person or thing. Whereas we cannot control other people’s action, we certainly need to know that we can control ours. We do have a choice of how we respond when confronted by certain situations. Because it is an “all you can eat buffet”, does not mean that I need to eat myself sick. Because the driver cuts me off, it does not mean I give him the finger, because a male may pay me a compliment , does not mean I need to  pursue a realtionship, because the cashier gave me too much change does not mean I put it in my wallet and leave. In all these situations I had the choice over my actions.  In other to control our emotions and passions we need to first start with the mind, we need to make sure that our minds are renewed daily with the word of God. We need to pause before we react and think of what would Jesus want us to do,counting to 10 may not be enough.

Father, I pray that my children will exhibit the fruit of self-control/temperance in their everyday life. Control over their emotions and passions, knowing when to say No, or Yes, or when to walk away. I pray that they will renew their mind with your word, and will pause before reacting to situations.  That they will not see this as a weakness but as a strength. As I pray for them, I pray that I too will exhibit before them this fruit of Self-control/Temperance in the way in which I respond to situations. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“Of such there is no Law” Any person who exhibits these virtues of the fruit of the spirit, cannot be condemned!!!!!

In his Service,

Vilma