"Behold, children are a heritage frm the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward." Psalm 127:3

I love bringing forth children... and this is my journey in training them for the King

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

"God's will isn't always easy, but it's always right."

God is definitely using Sally Clarkson's books lately to confirm what He's trying to convey to my spirit!

After two late nights in a row for my children, they are all three napping this afternoon. I thought about taking a little nap myself, but decided to read through the next chapter in Seasons of a Mother's Heart instead, before hopefully dozing off... WRONG! I think I'm more awake now than I was before laying down...

Ok, I'm just going to confess it. I've been back on Facebook for what, two months? And already, I've felt convicted of spending too much time on there when I should be devoting that time to my children. Honestly, I've struggled with cutting it back again, because I have received encouraging comments one after another from people who say my posts, links, etc. have been such a blessing and encouragement to them... they are so happy I'm back on FB... and so on. I have felt torn between ministering to needy mother's hearts and meeting the needs of my own children! Afterall, Ephesians 2:10 says:

"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do"

Now, I don't have near the influence that Sally had when she was publishing a Wholehearted Mother Newsletter, and even then, God led her to sacrifice the influence she had on other women through that avenue to devote her time to her family. I never realized that until I read this chapter today. Why would He not be asking me to sacrifice somewhat of the same thing?

The Lord has been teaching Dwight and me to live for the here and now and not what we think He may have for us in the future. We can completely miss out on the blessings He has for us now if we're always waiting to 'do His will' until we think we have reached that unknown perfect place in the future!

So, with that said, I can't wait until we have our own place to limit the amount of TV my children watch. The truth is, I have every ability to do that now. I simply have to be obedient to the Spirit's leading and TURN IT OFF, don't give in to their whining desire to 'watch one more episode', don't turn it on so I can waste precious time piddling on Facebook... just set the boundaries I feel led to give them and stick to it. I really am the one in control of how much they watch it. I just have to be willing to do what it takes to get over the hurdle of pacifying them with 'candy' when what they need is pure spiritual milk.

"God has already dedicated my life in eternity past to do good works. His workmanship created me as a mother, and that is the work he has prepared me to do, especially at this time in life when my children are young. How can I ignore that calling on my life and expect to find blessing and fulfillment somewhere else?" -Sally

These are my thoughts for right now... a trial and error kind of proposal for myself and my children.

1. Resolve to feed them God's Word every day, preferably first thing in the morning so the day doesn't get away from us.
2. Use God's Word when correcting their attitudes/behavioral issues rather than just my 'opinion' of why they should or shouldn't react a certain way.
3. Only 'reward' them with the privilege of watching cartoons and/or movies for special occasions, weekends, or when the more important tasks have been completed.
4. Likewise, for myself, Facebook and blogging will be reserved for those times when the more important tasks have been completed.

I believe God's will for me to this dilemma is pretty simple. The real question is, will I obey His will for me? Am I willing to set aside the lure of media for my family's sake? Is it really that important in the grande scheme of things? Getting captivated by media is not... obeying the Lord most certainly is!

This final quote pretty much rocked my face off, so I will leave you with these few statements by the lovely Sally herself. If you have to, take a seat (if you're not already), read it slowly... then repeat! :)

"God's will isn't always easy, but it's always right." 
"If I want to be set apart for God's purposes, then I need to have an intimate knowledge of the God whose purposes I want to serve. The more I fellowship with him through prayer and reading his Word, the more clearly I will begin to know and recognize his will for my life. While other trusted believers may provide some needed wisdom or perspective, God's will is primarily a personal matter discovered through prayer, reflection on his Word, and daily obedience. God's will is not something hidden that needs to be found out but, rather, something revealed that needs to be done."



4 comments:

  1. I've had this same pulling at my own heart. I spend way too much time on the computer trying to find what is already in front my face if I'm willing to nurture it. I've been wanting to go on a 30 day media free diet. No TV, no bloggging, no Facebook, and I would say no email but I pay bills with it but only would use it on Friday's. In the same idea as a fasting, everytime I want to go online I go to prayer or read the bible instead. Hoping to start this May 1.

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    1. Great idea, Chels!! I sure you won't regret being obedient if you do it! :)

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  2. I look forward to your posts they seem to give me the insight that I need to get and keep on track. Thankyou for inspiring me to grow closer to Jesus and in my faith everyday. You and Dwight play a good role in this for me. It's nice seeing that I'm not the only mother out there that struggles with stuff and seeing and hearing your lil blessings has helped me to step back and take a second look at what has is and will be.my girls and family are everything and I don't want life to take away the chances I am given to nurture and teach them about Jesus and how to live life through him.

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    1. I am humbled that the Lord uses my thought/struggles to encourage and exhort you! Being a mom is very difficult sometimes, especially when you choose to go 'against the grain' when it comes to what is socially recommended on how to raise your children. But if you know that God's asked you to do it, you must be willing to lay down the criticism of others and obey His will for you and your family. That breeds a huge need for prayer from others... so don't EVER be afraid to share your struggles with me and ask me to lift you in prayer. I'd be honored to do so! I need the same thing from other frequently!! :)

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