Above Rubies Daily Encouragement Blogs
The following is an article from Katie LaPierre. I know you will be encouraged.
CHOOSING JOY
If we are constantly joyless and grumpy, why would our children want to have anything to do with Jesus?
If they don't know Him yet and we claim to know Him but grouch around the house, why would they think knowing Him makes a difference?
I must crucify my flesh hourly and CHOOSE joy.
Choose not to say that ugly thing I want to say.
Choose not to bark at my children.
Why?
Because I want to make Jesus attractive!
In a world full of attractive things to our children's flesh, we have to, with God's help, make Jesus more attractive.
If we show our children that life with Jesus means pouting and whining and discontentment, why would they choose Him over a world that looks like it creates fun and laughter and excitement?
Today when you are tempted to lose it or whine or complain, remind yourself that you represent Jesus to your children.
Remind yourself that you are called to die to self and live for Christ.
There's way too much at stake to constantly feed our flesh. Let's starve the flesh and feed the spirit today!
Let's point our children toward a wonderful, joy-giving Savior!
Abide in Him today and draw from His strength. We need His strength because our spirit is willing, but our flesh is weak.
KATIE LAPIERRE
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Eternally Minded Mamas
Picture: Katie with her six reversal babies! Isn’t this so wonderful? Six beautiful children who would not be in this world and who would miss out on the glorious eternal world if she and her husband had not opened their hearts to God’s plan.
“A mother is a chalice, the vessel without which no human being has ever been born. She is created to be a life-bearer, co-operating with her husband and with God in the making of a child. What a solemn responsibility. What an unspeakable privilege—a vessel divinely prepared for the Master’s use.”
This is where God planned for children to be nurtured and taught, not in daycares away from their mothers. Children need their mothers.
I read this quote when raising my children and it has always been a challenge to me. It is so true that just as camellias bruise so easily so we can hurt the hearts of our children—a harsh and unkind word can be like a sword in their spirit. Brushing them off because we are too busy doing other things can cause rejection in their hearts. Ask God for His grace each day as you nurture and train these living and eternal souls that God has so graciously given to you.