Prayer for Protection

"For every child of God defeats this evil world by trusting Christ to give the victory."

1 John 5:4 (NLT)

Let's Pray:

Lord, thank you for reminding me that I do not have to run around fearful that my kids are going to get hurt at every turn. Thank you for reminding me that i don't have to rush around trying to solve all their problems or make all their wrongs, right. I pray that you will help us defeat the evil in our world as we trust in you to give the victory. In Jesus' name, AMEN.

Moms-
I am constantly rushing around trying to fix all my kids' problems and protect them from ALL harm of any kind! I have begun to understand that honestly, I will run myself ragged if all the protection depends solely upon my ability and wisdom in every situation we come up against.

Through this verse, I have discovered that it does not depend upon my ability to protect my children but upon my trust in Christ who loves them and knows what's best for them even more than me. I am thankful for this verse! It helps me to remember that my best form of protection against evil in this world is using the brain God has given me, and trusting that He will do what I can't. If and when trouble hits, I can know that God will work it all out for our good according Romans 8:28.

-Kristy

“How to Handle Criticism From In-laws”

"I come to you for protection, O Lord my God. Save me from my persecutors –rescue me."

Psalms 7:1

Moms,

We can often face loads of criticism when we try to raise our kids in a different way than our parents or our spouse's parents raised us. God tells us in many places in His word that we should expect challenges and criticism from others. Many times Jesus was persecuted unjustly. He tells us that just like they persecuted him they will also persecute us. I personally have felt heavy criticism for my parenting choices and for a long time it would really hurt me. I was too caught up in getting everyone's approval and when I didn't get it, I was crushed and broken- hearted over it.

It's taken a really long time, but I have begun to realize that #1: The criticism will probably never stop and #2: I better look for approval somewhere else.

I have had to adjust my thinking and remember that I am to follow Christ and when I do that others may not always agree. Moms, I am not in any way, shape, or form telling you I have this mastered. In fact just this week I was challenged to either choose to believe what God thinks of me or allow the opinions of others overwhelm me with sadness consequently ruining my day.

Psalm 7:1 reminds us where we should go when we're being criticized or persecuted. What also helps me to keep moving forward is reading certain scriptures over and over. I make sure I am filling my mind with the words of God and not the words of others. I would challenge you to do this.

When you're being unjustly criticized by someone, instead of dwelling on it and letting it ruin your day, go sit down and read some verses and I promise you, your heart will feel better.

-Kristy

How To Apologize To Your Kids

STRAIGHT TALK about three words your kids need to hear you say...

"I WAS WRONG"

I know you thought it was going to be "I love you". They need to hear that, too. Here's three tips on how to do it:

1. Apologize quickly. Do not hesitate! This will eliminate hurting them even more. Not to mention, if you wait too long, they will feel devalued and more damage will be done.

2. Do not include the word "But..." in your apology. It will completely cancel out your attempt to apologize.

3. Ask for their forgiveness and offer lots of hugs and kisses. If that doesn't work try offering money...just kidding.

You will be surprised how gracious your kids will be when you apply these three tips. I was when I had to apologize to my eight year old at the end of the school year when I completely forgot to buy her a school yearbook. She kept asking me to order one and as usual I would say "Ok...Ok" and then not do another thing about it.

When she came home from school about a week before they got out for summer vacation, she sadly announced, "They passed out yearbooks today and I didn't get one." My heart sank realizing I had not ordered her a book. I felt horrible, like if there was a Worst Mother of the Year award, I certainly deserved it! How could I forget, I thought to myself. I quickly called the school and found out that there was already a waiting list and it was fairly long so my chances of getting one of the extras was slim to none.

I sat in my chair, paralyzed. There was no way I could fix it this time. I slowly made my way to her room where she was lying on her bed. I sat down and began to apologize. "Sweetie, Mommy really messed up. I forgot to order your book. I am so so sorry." I said.

Surprisingly she said it was ok. I couldn't believe it. I thought for sure she wouldn't even want to look at me. I was so relieved.

Funny how this is just like God is with us. We get so scared to go to him and admit we've messed up. Instead we waste so much energy trying to do everything perfect to make up for our mistake, or blame someone else, or we sometimes run away from him. He just wants us to admit we messed up and ask for His forgiveness so He can graciously give us another chance.

A couple of days before school got out, Brooklynn came skipping into the house with her school yearbook tucked tightly under her arm sporting the biggest smile I had ever seen! She got a yearbook after-all!

--Kristy