Ministry of Motherhood Week 8

“My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.”

2 Corinthians 12:9

• Good Morning Girls Downloads for Week 8 (Make sure to head over to see Sally’s video fro this week too!)
• S.O.A.P Discussion Week 8
• Book Discussion for Week 8

 

My Thoughts for the Week:

I have read 2 Corinthians 12:9 many times, but I have to say that as a homeschooler this verse has a whole new meaning! I literally breathed a sigh of relief when I re-read it this week. I fail almost daily not just in raising our children, but in the HUGE task of homeschooling them. I’m so grateful that even when I fail the Lord is there to protect and guide the hearts of my children!

As a homeschooler I tend to focus on the academics. Are they learning enough? Am I doing enough? Is the curriculum I’ve chosen working? Am I missing anything? I could go on and on and on. So much so that I can tend to forget about their character development in the process!

But as Sally so graciously reminded us this week, our mission as we train our children isn’t just to make them behave or live “good” lives, but to reach their hearts for Christ so that their lives will glorify Him!

“One of the central ways we give our children the gift of faith is to base everything we do on the Word of God.” ~ Sally Clarkson

So what does that mean practically speaking? If we expect our children to have faith we must also model it for them. Show them what it’s like to be in the Word daily, read together, memorize scripture, and turning to the Bible for help in all circumstances. Let our children literally “see” God in action!

“Making the Word of God the foundational source of instruction and training in our children’s lives will ensure that, wherever they go the rest of their lives and whatever they encounter, God will lead them.” ~ Sally Clarkson

And walking in the Word daily will help us to walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh. In chapter 12 Sally hit something for me.

“If you give yourself a license to get angry or frustrated every time you feel you can justify it, then you risk sacrificing your testimony…” ~ Sally Clarkson

As a mom of a large household, I often put myself in the position of martyr…oh woe is me…I have to do everything myself…blah blah blah. All too often I use this attitude to justify stomping around the house, cleaning up messes, mumbling my discontent with those socks all over the floor. But really what I’m doing is teaching my daughters that motherhood is not a joyful position, that I’m dissatisfied with what God has called me to do.  What kind of role model am I really being for my children? What will they say of me when I am gone? Do I want them to remember a scowl on my face and my constant harsh words, or good memories, encouraging words, and Godly example?

Yikes…better get to work…thankfully I am not alone in my task. I have the Holy Spirit working through me to accomplish His purposes! My success does not depend on my being perfect!

“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” ~ Philippians 4:13

Loving Father,

Thank you so much for the opportunity to know You through Your Word. I pray your remind me daily to turn to You to deal with daily circumstances and thus model that behavior for my children as well. Thank you that you do not expect perfection from me, but only an open heart and a willingness to obey. I am thankful that despite my shortcomings, you will be with my children and family, wherever we may go. Teach us to respond to your guidance and trust you in all circumstances. Amen.

Make sure to hop over and join in on our Blog Frog discussions!

• Good Morning Girls Downloads for Week 8 (Make sure to head over to see Sally’s video fro this week too!)
• S.O.A.P Discussion Week 8
• Book Discussion for Week 8

If you haven’t already, make sure to grab your copy of The Ministry of Motherhood! It’s definitely a book worth reading!