Memorising verses

A friend shared today how she started teaching her daughter memory verses when she was about Sarah's age (4), and how easily she learnt them. My friend and her husband started telling their daughter just little bits of Psalm 23 when was having nightmares. They encouraged her to say the verse over and over to help her go to sleep.

What a great way to help your children hide God's Word in their hearts. The only difficulty is that there are so many great verses to choose from! :)

I don't have to do it alone

Realised I never did a follow up post to my last one about doing it alone. Last week at one point when I was really struggling I was talking to God about doing it alone and how I'm not prepared to do it alone. I was asking questions about how to get through it.

Not long after a friend was talking with me, and she reminded me of all the people God's put in my life to support me, and of course that He is with me. I love God's timing, answering my question by reminding me that I don't have to do it alone, though sometimes I feel like I do. And as I was reminded Sunday morning, I need to listen to God's truth, not my feelings.

Tough

I hate doing it alone.

Disconnected

I've decided that one of the struggles of motherhood that I often experience, particularly as a single mum with young kids, is feeling disconnected. Disconnected particularly in relationships.

The last few months I've finally been taking the girls to Sunday School consistently, but some weeks it's been a real struggle. I've often ended up either staying with them in Sunday School or taking them home early. Other weeks they've been OK till close to the end so I've had to duck out of the service early - it's all just a part of being a parent I guess. But I find that as a result I often feel quite disconnected.

I long for the day that life will be at least a little more predictable, and I'll hopefully feel a bit more connected.

Proud

Today I'm feeling privileged to be a mum. It's so exciting seeing my little girls grow into the unique people God's made them to be. Despite my many mistakes as a parent, there are times when I feel really proud to be their mum.

Last night apparently Sarah was explaining to my mum that I won't let her have cow's milk anymore - only once in the morning, and once at night - other than that she can have water, soy milk or juice. I read recently that cow's milk can sometimes contribute to constipation so decided to try reducing her milk intake. She went on to say that this made her cranky. Yay!!! I'm so proud of my little girl - she's learning to express her emotions in a healthy way.

Lead Me Prayer

I was drawn back to the song Lead Me by Sanctus Real last night. I was having one of those I-don't-know-what-to-pray-for-my-kids moments and remembered the prayer on the website, so wanted to find it again.

Decided it'd be worth sharing. I can't figure out a way to easily copy the text, so here's part of it.

'Lead me into a greater love for your word and truth, and into a greater hunger for you, so that my children might grow up in a home where your presence is known, learning by example what it means to seek you with all of their hearts.

Above all, lead me to the cross, the place where I might receive the grace required to humbly model for my family what it means to follow in the footsteps of Christ, loving and serving them as Christ loves and serves his church.

I bow my heart before you in recognition of my utter dependence. Leading this family requires more wisdom, selflessness and strength than I possess. But as you lead me me, I know that you will show me the way to lead them.'

You can read the whole prayer on the Sanctus Real website.

Being Led

I heard the song Lead Me by Sanctus Real for the first time this afternoon. If you click the link, you can hear the story behind the song - it's an awesome testimony. Very honest about some of their struggles, and the need to depend on God and seek His guidance.

When I first listened to the words I thought how appropriate some were even for me as a single mum, I certainly can't do it alone. I need God to lead me!! The days I'm struggling as a mum, I hope I'll hear this song again and be reminded to depend on God and seek His leading as I love and lead my girls. There's a great prayer to pray for your children on the website too. Love the song, think it might become a favourite.