All posts in category Faith

A Mother’s Prayer

A few weeks ago, I was talking with a friend of mine about praying for our kids. She shared a prayer list* that she’s kept in her Bible for many years, although she memorized the words long ago. I thought it was a beautiful reminder of the blessings we as moms want for our children. 

Each day, remember to pray for…

Physical, emotional, and spiritual health.

An abiding sense of safety and security.

Courage to face the problems of each day.

A calm spirit to hear the voice of the Lord.

A willingness to obey.

A clear mind, both to learn and to recall.

A generous spirit toward family and friends.

Wise teachers, mentors, and counselors.

Unshakeable self worth and personal dignity.

Eternal salvation and a home in heaven one day.

As I read through her list, I realized that I have a prayer list of my own, but I’ve never written it down in such an organized way. I’ve kept a prayer journal for some time, so I can look back and see God’s hand at work. If you look through my journal, there are some things I pray for consistently… so often that I’ve developed a kind of shorthand.

That their hearts, minds, and bodies would remain pure, and that they would grow to understand what a precious gift they have been given.

That God’s voice will be louder than any of the other voices that compete for their attention each day.

That He would bring Christian friends into their lives who they can truly rely on and learn with.

That they would be unashamed of the Gospel, and that they will have the opportunity, desire, and strength to share their faith with others.

That the Lord would reveal their weaknesses and help them become strengths.

That they would make an authentic connection with their Savior. That He would be real to them, and that they would be able to talk with Him like they would to a friend.

What is on your prayer list? Please share your thoughts in the comments!

*I’ve looked for the original source, but so far, I haven’t been able to uncover it, so if this is familiar to you, please let me know!

Leave a comment
by Shelby on November 29, 2011  •  Permalink
Posted in Faith, Kidlets, Mom Stuff, Parenting, Whole Living

Posted by Shelby on November 29, 2011

https://oldjeansandflipflops.wordpress.com/2011/11/29/a-mothers-prayer/

Happy Thanksgiving

Today, I’m giving thanks over at the new blog, Every Little Blessing.

Leave a comment
by Shelby on November 24, 2011  •  Permalink
Posted in Faith, Holidays, Writing

Posted by Shelby on November 24, 2011

https://oldjeansandflipflops.wordpress.com/2011/11/24/happy-thanksgiving/

Blessings {Thankful Tuesday, on Wednesday}

Surprise! I actually meant to post this list yesterday but was distracted by the baby’s birthday — although it was certainly a welcome distraction. We’ve had a very busy day today. First, we ate two Thanksgiving Lunches at the kids elementary school. In between the lunches, we came home so Caleb could eat his own lunch. After we were home from the school, I had to set up some technology and do some housework while the baby took a short nap, and then once the kids were home we had to go get haircuts and pick up dinner because it’s Awana night. Both kids finished their starter books so they’re moving on to the “real” program, and both are very proud of themselves.

In other news, the new blog design is on schedule. I’m still working on the organization end of things, but I hope to have it fully launched by December 1.

I am thankful for so many things this week. Here are just a few blessings that I’m thanking God for today:

— Both of our families were able to get together over the weekend to celebrate the baby’s birthday.
— All of the kids are healthy.
— I have two children who are excited about learning the Word of God, and are happily spending time at church (no fussing about it!).
— God has put new friends in our lives lately who have similar family situations (one has a husband who is away for work and kids the same ages and another is a mom to a large blended homeschooling family). I’m so thankful that God is helping us build a support system.
— We’ve had some cool fall weather. It might have been in the 80s today, but I still relish the slight snap to the air after sunset. This is my favorite season and I so love those windy cold-front days.
— And thank you, Lord, for yesterday’s rain! We need it so desperately here.

Leave a comment
by Shelby on November 16, 2011  •  Permalink
Posted in Baby-ness, Faith, Kidlets, Seasons, Whole Living

Posted by Shelby on November 16, 2011

https://oldjeansandflipflops.wordpress.com/2011/11/16/blessings-thankful-tuesday-on-wednesday/

One Year

One year ago today, my husband and I waited in a hospital triage room to find out if we were really in labor or if we would be sent home.

One year ago today, we were a family of six, waiting on a seventh.

One year ago today, we prayed for a safe and healthy delivery, as we worried over the monitor readout.

One year ago today, I became a mommy again. It seems like yesterday, and at the same time, a lifetime ago. I can’t remember what life was like without this little guy.

We had such a scary pregnancy with this one. I have always had complications, including problems with placental attachment with my last pregnancy. But this time, I had a serious subchorionic bleed that kept me on bed rest for weeks at a time, more than once.

At ten weeks, I woke up in the middle of the night feeling a little wet and saw so much blood that we thought we had lost him. I remember sitting in the emergency room with my husband and the littles, trying not to cry while we waited for an ultrasound. Worrying about whether or not we should take the littles in with us and how we would explain it to all of the kids, because they were so excited about the baby. And the joy of seeing that precious heartbeat and knowing that he was still okay, combined with the fear of what was causing the bleed. God used this time to teach us faith and patience, as we learned to trust that we were all in His hands, and that whatever happened was beyond our control.

Later in the pregnancy, I had blood pressure issues that caused me to pass out without warning — a scary thing when your job is to be up on your feet in a classroom full of high school students all day. We were so thankful and relieved when he was finally born. He was preterm, but healthy and perfect, and we rejoiced and praised God that He had given us this little one.

I can’t believe it’s been a year. I can’t believe that the tiny baby we hoped and prayed for is now a big, friendly baby giant. Thank you Lord for letting him be a part of our family. We love you so much, birthday boy.

Leave a comment
by Shelby on November 15, 2011  •  Permalink
Posted in Baby-ness, Faith, Mom Stuff

Posted by Shelby on November 15, 2011

https://oldjeansandflipflops.wordpress.com/2011/11/15/one-year/

At Just the Right Moment… {Thankful Tuesday}

The baby is sleeping. The laundry is spinning. The beds are made… and all is right with the world. Thank you, Lord, for these small, quiet moments!

God is blessing us in so many ways this week, big and small.

I am thankful for a small boy who is continually joyful. Yes, he has his fussy moments, but if you met him in person, you’d never believe that he spent the first four months of his life screaming in pain with colic. 24 hours a day. Non. Stop. But now, he has a grin for everyone, and it’s such a blessing to see how his joy touches people all over town, all day long. Wherever we go, he leaves a path of smiles in his wake, as he passes his along.

I am thankful that God is letting me see Him at work in the lives and hearts of my children. I do a devotional with the middles every night, and it always seems that whatever topic has been troubling them that day is the one that we talk about that evening — and this is not “mommy magic,” because we use a dated daily devotional book. They have been able to really experience God’s voice during these devotional times, and that has opened up all sorts of doorways for discussion. I am so thankful that they are able to hear His voice so clearly right now, because they needed Him to be real during this time of transition. Even thought the biggles aren’t here as often, our oldest has also begun to pay attention to His voice, and hearing her observations and how she is beginning to tie them in to what God says is a huge answer to prayer.

And finally (for today), I am thankful that God’s hand has moved at just the right time for us financially. When we are faithful stewards, He has blessed that faithfulness and has given us exactly what we needed, at just the right time. Just last week, we received a “surprise” check in the mail — a refund for the district insurance premium from my old job — that was exactly the amount we were lacking for the budget this week. Thank you Lord for taking care of us, and for blessing us in ways beyond what we could have hoped for or imagined.

7 Comments
by Shelby on November 8, 2011  •  Permalink
Posted in Baby-ness, Faith, Kidlets

Posted by Shelby on November 8, 2011

https://oldjeansandflipflops.wordpress.com/2011/11/08/at-just-the-right-moment-thankful-tuesday/