Jacob said to Laban, “I will again feed and keep thy flock” (Genesis 30:31). For 20 long years Jacob shepherded Laban’s flock (Genesis 31:38), but he continued shepherding all his life.

Our mothering is also a shepherding role and even though we may continue mothering for 20 years or more, it doesn’t stop there. We are shepherd-mothers all our lives. This is our role.

What does it mean to shepherd? Two massive tasks—to feed and to keep.

The word “feed” is raah and means “to feed, pasture, rule, and care for our flock, but it also means to associate with as a friend.” The Hebrew literally means “to continue tending.” Like a literal shepherd, we don’t leave our flock. We are always with them—feeding (it’s hard to get out of the kitchen, isn’t it?), leading, and guiding them.

The word “keep” is shamar and means “to guard, keep safe, watch over and protect.” Once again, we are always near our flock. We can’t watch over them if we are not with them. And, of course, we not only protect their physical lives, but their souls and spirits.

A powerful full-time career. Embrace it and enjoy it today.

Love from Nancy

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Psalm 37:34 NLT says, “Don’t be impatient for the Lord to act! Travel steadily along his path.”

I don’t have visions and dreams (I would love to). I don’t live by my feelings. How then do I live out my walk with God? By plodding on from day to day.

I don’t have to be disturbed by my circumstances because God is bigger than all the challenges I face. I don’t have to be intimidated by my antagonists because God’s truth will eventually win the day.

I don’t have to be fazed by what is going on in the world for God is in control. He is the only Potentate, King of kings and Lord of lords. All presidents, prime ministers, and leaders of this world are all in His hand and He will have the last say.

Therefore, by faith, I walk steadily along God’s path. I don’t have to be high one day and low the next. I keep on plodding on faithfully from day to day, no matter what the day brings. I can patiently wait for God to move because His timing is better than mine.

Steady your soul today, dear mother. God is in control of your life and the life of your precious children.

Love from Nancy

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How much to do you believe in the power of God’s Word? I read this morning in Psalm 19:7-11 that His Word restores the soul, makes wise the simple, rejoices the heart, enlightens the eyes, gives us warning, and “in keeping of them there is great reward.”

I believe God’s Word has the power to fill up weaknesses in our own lives and our children’s lives. If you have a weakness in your life, search the Scriptures for God’s victory in this area. Meditate on and memorize these Scriptures. Constantly confess these Scriptures out loud. As you do, you will find that the weakness will turn into a strength in your life.

I also used this principle as I raised our children. When I saw an area of weakness in their lives, or an area where I knew God needed to work in their lives, I would search the Scriptures to find answers. I would then minister these Scriptures into their lives. It is not your words, but God’s Word that will change their lives.

I would encourage you to do this also in the training of your children. Write the applicable Scriptures up on your walls. Teach and explain the Scriptures you researched to you children. Use them as memory verses. Repeat and recite them over and over again.

You will be amazed at how the Word brings change into their lives and mold them into the image of God.

Love from Nancy

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Can I remind you today to make every decision in the light of building your marriage and your home? Ask yourself, “Is what I am doing, or what I plan to do going to fragment my home or build and strengthen it? Are the words I am speaking to my husband strengthening my marriage? Are the words I say to my children building them up?

In this hour of the weakening of families, we must make every decision in this light. The decisions we make not only build or pluck down our family life now, but also future generations.

You as a wife and mother have power to affect this nation. You can strengthen this nation and turn it more toward God as you strengthen your marriage and your family life. The decisions to build can sometimes be sacrificial, but they bring great fruitfulness. The decisions to take the easy or selfish route may seem fine for now, but in the end they wreck havoc on the family.

Think not only of the now, but of the future. Be a nation builder today.

Love from Nancy

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