Christian mamas, help me be a grace-filled mom - Page 6

[Purple Sage]

Just want to wish you all a happy Mother's Day! (for those who celebrate) Hope you ALL have a wonderful day!

[bluebirdiemama]

hey there mamas, wow this thread has been neglected!

I would like some advice...

I was yard saleing this morning, and got a vhs for my kiddos... it is really cool, fun, funny, goofy, they love it. It's called the marvelous musical mansion.
And I love that they love it, and I think it's a great video... but there is a lot of magic in it.

....so... I would love to get ya'll mamas opinions on it... it might help me to think the issue through....

like, I kinda see magic and magical things, ideas to be an indispensible part of childhood. but everytime there was magic performed or mentioned in the video, I just... kinda... remembered the passage in the Old Testament where it talks about palm reading and divination and other magical things and says they are not from God...

IDK!!

[Grace and Granola]

Bluebirdie--Thanks for magically resurrecting this thread!!

I know exactly what you mean! I have that same cringe when I see/hear stuff about magic in kids media. I meet with a small group of 5 women and the other day one of the moms mentioned that she was reading one of the Magic Tree House books and there was alot of magic (obviously, it's the MAGIC tree house!). But I knew just what she meant. The book she was referring to had alot of spells being cast and things like that. She and I were in agreement that we weren't comfortable with magic, as in spells and witchcraft type stuff. But have no problem with magic as in make believe things happening in a story. I hope I am making sense. Two of the other women had a look of disbelief come over them like WOW, we aren't going to tell you what we let our kids watch! Now, one of them is little bit loose on her christian beliefs, but the other is a very conservative mom who is very biblically knowledgeable. I ended up feeling like a prude!

I think on this you have to go with your gut. Prayerfully consider it and the Holy Spirit will lead you. In this case, I think it's better safe than sorry. What harm can come from them NOT seeing this stuff? I didn't notice the age of your kids, but I can see getting more into fantasy type novels when they are way older and we can talk at length about what is real and what is sheer imagination and what could be both real AND dangerous.

[genifer]

bluebirdiemamma, Im sorry to say this, well kinda, but only bc I dont want to come off as judgemental, yk? But whenever I get that feeling, especially when scripture pops up in my head about it, I know I gotta just ditch whatever it is. I think its conviction. I mean, there are things that I dont get a conviction about. Then there are things that are kinda along the same lines that I DO get a conviction about and I know I gotta do something. There's stuff like Harry Potter, then there's stuff like Narnia?! Yk? Some christians will have a cow about Narnia stuff and all, but Idk, I dont get that same conviction about ALL of it. There might be something that particular video that has some kind of spiritual effect on oneof your kiddos. The Holy Spirit would be sensitive to that kind of thing. Thats my take on things like that.


On another note... Boy have things changed for me in the last few weeks. Spiritually, I mean. Ive just moved to a place where I am at such peace. I havent felt like this in such a long time. I had spent a lot of years waiting on the Lord, knowing very little peace, joy or anything special like that. Its hard to explain. Im just SO in love with the Lord again. No struggling, no wrestling, loving the word, no confusion! And there's peace in my home, between dh and I. I feel like we've come to a new place in our relationship, its just wonderful!

Hope you guys are great. Oh yeah, Nazsmum... If you read this... Ive picked up the book you sent me again. What a blessing!! There are just times when you are open to hearing God and other times when you should be but arent ... ykwim?

Anyway, the book is called (for the rest of you) 'You dont find water on the Mountaintop'. Dont have it to hand so I dont remember the authors name. Montbleu, I think. Its great!

hugs to all you wonderful ladies!!!

[Grace and Granola]

ITA with you Genifer. And what wonderful new about your new found peace and joy in the Lord! Wonderful! Please do share your joy with the rest of us, as some are still waiting.... patiently.

[genifer]

Please do share your joy with the rest of us, as some are still waiting.... patiently.

Well, Im not sure where to begin! lol. I think there is a lot to be said for 'patience' actually. I wonder if sometimes while we're in the 'waiting' we 'feel' like we're missing something or doing something wrong, but a LOTs being done in that waiting, a lot that we dont see. Another thing I realise about this... 'getting there' (as opposed to being in the 'waiting to 'get there'') is that Ill most likely go thru this aaall again. Its a bit like growth spurts, I think.

Now, thats one aspect of it. Something else thats helped me personally was acceptance. There have just been so many things about my life that I wasnt willing to accept. Some things, while I couldnt control, I could certainly do something to bring about a certain amount of change... if I were to go against God's will. But that wouldnt bring me peace either! So I was frustrated, wrestling, felt stuck and angry with God for making me do something I didnt want to do. Now, there's a LOT to that part. Love. I was quite selfish about love. And I guess I still am, I feel like Im primitive when it comes to the kind of love God wants to grow in us, but God's begun that work. This love is SO hard sometimes! I really wrestled with it. I didnt want to love a certain someone bc they had hurt me so much. I really had to pray about that, let God have those hurting parts of my heart, even tho it hurt for Him to 'go there' even. Like a festering wound that needed cleaning in order to heal properly, but getting the cleaning solution on it was too darn painful!! I did it tho, bc the option was unthinkable. I DID know God's love for me, I DID know He wanted good for me, so I did it. Where Im at right now is revealing the fruit, the blessing of doing that.

Ive also got a chronic illness that I was, at first, in denial about, then angry about (a little), well, more frustrated then angry. Goodness did it hold me back!!! I wanted to do so much with my life. Have a few more kids. Work outside the home maybe, do something! But this stinking illness was just holding me back from living LIFE!! Ive got inflammatory bowel disease, or ulcerative colitis. I dont have it bad either, Im realising. Ive read about people who have it worse then me and let me tell you I cannot imagine how people live with it if they got it worse then me bc its stinking miserable! Everything I eat hurts. I dont know what its like to not be in some kind of pain or discomfort unless Im not eating... then Im hungry... cant win, lol. I have flareups where my guts bleed and Im so lethargic I just dont want to be a mum, wife, I just wanna lay in bed and sleep. So, I wrestled with this for the last five years. I wanted to eat what I wanted, drink coffee, tea, whatever I wanted!! Then I got to a point where I didnt want to do that to my body, but I was addicted to the caffiene.... Then I got to the point where the caffiene withdrawl was better then suffering... it was a slow process. Right now, having a cup of tea just isnt worth the pain! lol. I am tempted tho. How stupid is that? Whats your poison? Mine's caffiene! (among a myriad of other things the Lord's probably going to reveal in time). Just this week, Ive come to an acceptance that I have this incurable, chronic illness. Im realising I can manage it with diet, but also... by learning to trust and lean on the Lord. I can be healthy. I just gotta o.b.e.y... that nasty word.

Trust and Obey, for theres no other way to be happy in Jesus... then to trust and obey. It means pressing in. Listening carefully. Going 'there' with Jesus. I dont know why it should be so scary or why we should resist. I do actually. I believe its bc we ...*I*... love my flesh, sin. Thats not popular to say these days either but I believe its true. I believe it bc its ME. Bc *I* live it! Jesus takes me by the hand and wants me to walk into the light, into that field where the pastures are green and Im like 'No ta. I like my sin. Thank you very much.' Id much rather satisfy my flesh, its instant, can be painless (for now) and I can run away from anything I dont particularly like... With YOU Jesus, well you make me go thru the pain.. and I dont like that very much. It does sadden me to admit that, but admitting it is the first step. Repentance. I dont want to walk in 'that' way, the broad way. I love the narrow way actually. I love Jesus and I dont give a toss what that sounds like! I really dont. How naive or foolish or childish or ridiculous that sounds to nonbelievers, let them scoff, if they only knew!

So... this is how Ive come to this place of peace. I dont know if thats what you expected or if I should have said something else.. if Ive missed something. There are other things too. I mean, it IS important to read the word. SO important, and to take it seriously... and dont mess with it, twist it to satisfy our itching ears. Let it convict you. Let it change you by the work and power of the Holy Spirit.

So, yeah, confession, repentance, acceptance, not resisting anymore. Thats what given me my breakthru. I have NO idea if its what anyone here needs, yk? But thats me. I could say ask the Lord to examine your hearts, but then be prepared for what he could show you. And again, Im not typing this to preach at'chya anyway...

hugs gals!!!

[Purple Sage]

The peace you've found sounds lovely, Gen.

I am not being a very good mother these days. The last day of school is Wednesday, and I'm dreading summer with my (almost) 7yo and 3.5yo who fight all.day.long. Where is that ripping your hair out smiley when you need it?

Anyway, I don't mean to be a downer! Prayers would be appreciated.

[Momma Aimee]

mommmas i am loosing it.

e have several challanges in our life right no. mainly external -- but i am sorry they effect us all day and all night.

add to that 2.5 is in big CRANK mode for days -- sleeping badly, shreeking a lot day time ... just unhappy

4.5 yo is a SN kid he needs 110% of me to keep on track.. he can be amazing and great -- or a huge stuggle.

i am just gone.

I am so ANGERY all the time at everything .....

I feel like i can't strech any thinner adn there is no joy

[Purple Sage]

Aimee, I understand completely. I will pray for you.

[Momma Aimee]

Originally Posted by Purple Sage

Aimee, I understand completely. I will pray for you.

i am under attack what i feel is a very real spiritual attack -- we have some real challenges in our life and any time i try to seek friendly emotional support i get nothing but a big game of "beat up Aimee".

I am struggling spiritually, and mental health too …really struggleing

not only because of the many challenges in my / our life -- but also because i feel like i am being punished and attacked and can't get any support -- so i am feeling lost and along emotionally and spiritually too.

I am in a really bad place.

i need pray personally.

I also need support in my constant pray that God ill step in and do something about the challenges e are facing.

Best case – we need to sell and move.

Prays appreciated.

I am not sure how to move on .. and i am not at all sure what to do with this realazation .. but there it is.

HUGS

[Grace and Granola]

Purple Sage and Aimee, my prayers are with you.

Aimee, I have felt those same feelings you expressed. For two years external factors bore down on me. I felt like a terrible mom. I knew the enemy was behind it when I was sleep deprived one night and started having very dark thoughts. When terrible thoughts come into your head whether they be negative thoughts about yourself or others or feelings of hopelessness, remember that those are not of God. Try to fill your head with good things to push out the bad. If you like christian music or have some favorite hymns, try to fill your mind with those things, so that the evil doesn't seep in. I know you might not feel like singing, but even in the worst times with my kids, if I just stop and turn on some great music, it lightens the mood for all of us and gets my mind set towards Christ. He is always with you. Remember, you are a daughter of the King. Nothing can touch that.

[Momma Aimee]

Originally Posted by Grace and Granola

Purple Sage and Aimee, my prayers are with you.

Aimee, I have felt those same feelings you expressed. For two years external factors bore down on me. I felt like a terrible mom. I knew the enemy was behind it when I was sleep deprived one night and started having very dark thoughts. When terrible thoughts come into your head whether they be negative thoughts about yourself or others or feelings of hopelessness, remember that those are not of God. Try to fill your head with good things to push out the bad. If you like christian music or have some favorite hymns, try to fill your mind with those things, so that the evil doesn't seep in. I know you might not feel like singing, but even in the worst times with my kids, if I just stop and turn on some great music, it lightens the mood for all of us and gets my mind set towards Christ. He is always with you. Remember, you are a daughter of the King. Nothing can touch that.

thanks

[Purple Sage]

G&G thank you for the prayers.

Aimee, the single most helpful thing I can think of to do in moments when feeling that low is to repeat the Jesus prayer. Lord Jesus Christ Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner. It works like nothing else.

[Awaken]

Originally Posted by Purple Sage

I am not being a very good mother these days. The last day of school is Wednesday, and I'm dreading summer with my (almost) 7yo and 3.5yo who fight all.day.long. Where is that ripping your hair out smiley when you need it?

Anyway, I don't mean to be a downer! Prayers would be appreciated.

Wow, same for me!!! My kids are nearly the same ages and they fight constantly. School is over now and we have a loooooooooong summer ahead of us. They usually go to camp but they actually fight so badly, that we can't even send them to camp together. So they will be going one at a time- which I'm sure will create another huge fight!! I will still have both of them (plus the baby) every single afternoon and one full day a week. And my husband works long hours so doesn't get home till bedtime. I feel bad, b/c everyone is so happy to have their kids out of school and for a long relaxing summer, but I'm more anxious over it and worried about how I will keep them occupied and how we will have any degree of peace around here

Ok, new question: how do you be a grace-filled mom when your partner isn't interested? My dh is wonderful, really THE BEST dad ever. But he isn't interested in spiritual things or disciplining the kids from that perspective. I've really been trying to get more into the word lately and wanting my parenting to honor God, but it's hard when I'm co-parenting with someone who is not interested in looking at it from a Biblical perspective. I am going to start a separate thread on this.