Recently I was visiting with a lady from church. As we were talking she made the comment, "You're such a good mom." Wow! I didn't know what to say. Often, I feel like I'm not a very mother at all. But I sure do want to be the best I can be! We only have one chance to teach and train our kids, so we need to do our best.
What is it that will make us better mothers? Is it trying to do all the special fun things others do with their kids? Or is it giving our children lots of toys and clothes? If so, some of us would be unable to give as much or do as much, depending on our circumstances. That's why it's bad to judge ourselves as moms in comparision with other moms. Instead, we need to do what will help us develop and grow as mothers. I try to learn all I can about how to be a good Christian mom. Here are some things that will help each of us to be the best moms we can be!
Seek God's help and wisdom.
Raising children is a tremendous responsibility. We need to pray for wisdom. Many times a day I stop to ask God for wisdom in dealing with the situations that arise. At times I'm just at a loss as to how to deal with the kids and as I pray, God will bring to mind a verse, or the words I need to say. Later I marvel, knowing I couldn't have thought of that answer myself!
We also need to read God's Word if we want to train our kids in God's ways. I have found the book of Proverbs to be especially helpful, as it is the book of wisdom.
Read good books about parenting.
I am always looking for books that will encourage me and challenge me to do what's right; books that stress the importance of discipline; books that remind me of what a special job God has given me; books that give me ideas. It's easy to get tired and discouraged after days of endless discipline, diapers, etc. I need books that remind me of what God says is necessary and that motivate me to ‘keep on!'.
Many moms say, "Well, I just don't have time to ready anymore." I don't have time either, but I make it. I squeeze it in whenever I can.
Listen to CDs about being a good mother.
Again, the positive reinforcement we receive from these can be an inspiration to us to strive to be our best. (You can listen to quite a few CDs if you get in the habit of taking them with you whenever you drive somewhere.)
As I seek God's wisdom through these different methods, there are four ‘MUSTS' that stand out to me as truly vital in raising our kids. These four vital must do's are:
1. Consistently discipline our kids according to God's Word.
2. Teach our kids God's Word and develop in them a love for the Bible.
3. Train our kids in Godly character.
4. Pray for our kids without ceasing.
I am asking God to help me stop comparing myself to other moms, which leads me to discouragement, and help me to look to Him for the help I need to be the best mom I can be!
Hi Kathie,
I am really enjoying your email newsletter. I love the encouragement and need it so much. Thanks for all you are doing to keep this going.
Love, Kim
Thanks! I'm so glad you're enjoying it.
Hope all is going well for you.
Hi Kathy,
Great post. I am doing all those things, too, and I find that it really helps. I don't have lots of time to read but I try to take a few minutes here and a few minutes there every day. I keep books all over the house so I can read a little whenever I get a moment! It's the same with listening to CDs. It might take a week to finish one message, but I just keep plugging along a little at a time! Thanks for sharing. I found your post through 31 Thursdays.
Thanks Molly! It's like the Patch song says: "Little by little, inch by inch, by the yard it's hard – by the inch, what a cinch!" As moms we have to take the little bits of time here & there & make use of them.
Hi Kathie! Thanks so much for linking this up with me this week. I really enjoyed your list — I would add one other thing…confession! I have found that being real and honest with my children, confessing when I am wrong and sin (especially if against them) has taught them more than my words could about forgiveness and God's grace!
Looking forward to getting to know you!
Kate, you are so right about that!! I can’t begin to count how many times I’ve had to confess & apologize to my kids over the years. To me, that is what keeps the relationship strong. Admitting when you’ve treated them wrong or acted wrong, and apologizing.