Day 103 Pride

I have "fully embraced motherhood".  I no longer have a fulfilling job or do gratifying volunteer work.  I hold no committee positions and get no 'kudos' from peers in the community.  I earn no money at all.  When Jesus said "Only in his hometown, among his relatives an din his own house is a prophet without honor"  (Mark 6:4) , He had a very different context in mind.  Yet today I'm thinking of how "the world" doesn't honor or reward stay-at-home moms.  And even if I was the most famous, brilliant woman in the world, my kids wouldn't want my autograph.  Yet, there is a level of honor that is both earned and deserved.  God commands children to "honor your father and mother".  And if I live a godly example and teach/train them well, there will be honor and praise someday worth more that all the accolades of the world (Proverbs 31:28-31). 

Tip: If you need verbal praise, ask for it from your husband! 

Day 102 Holy Fear

"Then the woman came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told Him the whole truth"  (Mark 5:38).

Smart woman.  "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" (Proverbs 9:10 AND Psalm 111:10 - I never realized before it says this twice!).  She knew she was in the presence of a holy God.  We now (knowing the compassionate nature of Christ) realize that her fear was unfounded, but she didn't know that.  It's okay to tremble at God's holiness.  It's not okay to tremble at sickness, worry over baby's healthy, decisions as a parent, grocery bills, etc.  Help me, Lord, to always take my fears to You and release them.  You know me so well, Lord and one day I'll stand before You, knowing You've seen all my faults and bad Mom days.  Thank You, Jesus for covering my sin with your righteousness!

Tip: Truly, worry gets you nowhere. Try and reject fear and worry and embrace hope and peace in Christ. 

Day 101 Perseverance

"Consider it pure joy...when you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.  Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and compete, not lacking anything."   James 1:2-4

I used to think that the woman suffering with the bleeding issue  was distraught, desperate, at the end of her rope. But Christ told her that her faith had made her well.   Perhaps it was just the opposite - she was "complete"; she had 'persevered'; she knew Jesus was her only hope and let nothing hinder her from her focus to reach Him.  Wow.   Could I suffer for 12 years and grow in faith and not despair? Truth is, I will parent this child for longer than that and I'm sure we'll have some suffering along the way (mixed with lots of joy, I hope!).  Help me, Lord, to never despair, to always persevere until I'm a mature and complete mom and can mentor others. 

Tip: Join MOPS or another Christian Mom's group that will encourage, advise, and come alone side you during this time with little ones at home. 

Day 100 Faith

"Daughter, your faith has healed you.  Go in peace and be freed from your suffering."  Mark 5:34

Lord, You sometimes heal instantly, miraculously. Sometimes You don't.  You ALWAYS want to heal our hearts more than our bodies, though.  Increase my faith, Lord, through this "testing of my faith" (James 1:3).  Am I able to rise up above my circumstances and praise Your name, to experience Your joy and radiate Your peace despite sickness?  I call myself a Christian, but these are the outward signs, "fruits" of that inward faith - that with each increasing trial, I'd respond with increased faith demonstrated by my peace and joy.  How awesome to have the faith of Stephen, who glorified You with a radiant face while being stoned to death.  Or to be like Peter and Paul who sang Your praises after being beaten for their faith!  Help me, Lord, to know You like that and in turn to witness to my children what a great God You are!

Day 99 Suffering/ Doctors

"She had suffered under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse."  Mark 5:26

Lord, You have placed my husband and I as the authority over our baby, yet when it comes to his health, it's so easy to defer quickly to the doctor's orders.  If the doctor prescribes something that may do more harm then good, what do we do?  Do we by faith trust You are working through our doctor? Do we disobey our doctor and by faith trust You alone to heal? It's so hard to know.  Lord, You are the ultimate healer, our Great Physician.  We know that with just a word You could make our baby well - however You choose to accomplish it.  The main issue is our hearts - do we trust You? Are we seeking Your wisdom?  Are we listening for Your direction?  Are we reaching out to You in faith? 

Tip: Think twice before you immunize, give antibiotics or other medicine to your child.  Read the inserts, look them up online, pray over every possible side effect and seek the Lord for wisdom.  

Day 98 No Want

Years ago, I memorized Psalm 23 and I still recite it when I begin to be afraid. It always calms me, although I think I'm still far from understanding or living out it's truth.  Father God, You are my shepherd and You are taking care of me, Your little lamb.  I shall not want (be in need, go without).  This is both a promise from You and from me.  You declare that You will provide for me and not deprive me of what I need.  I declare that I will not long for what I don't have and focus on my perceived needs.  Right now I "want" more sleep, time to exercise, time alone and time for dates with my husband,  a healthy baby, more money and more affirmation  I surrender all these "wants" to You Lord, and embrace the fact that You have, are and will provide all I need.

Tip: Borrow as many baby items as you can and be generous to give/lend what you have when baby outgrows it. You'll be blessed and be a blessing. I've given all my maternity and baby stuff away 3 times and it all comes back around (sometimes better stuff) when I need it.  

Day 97 Faith, not Fear

Lord, I am like those disciples in the boat (Mark 4:35-41).  When things are calm, I'm full of faith. But tonight, the baby began to scream inconsolably.  I tried everything, but his little body is fighting for health and I'm afraid.  Will the vitamins work? Will he recover? I'm crying out to You to help me, to help him, to show me the way to wisdom and not worry.  And now this Word- "Quiet, be still. Why are you so afraid? Do you have so little faith?"  I walked away from the baby, leaving him with my husband, my partner, my love, and now all is quiet.  Perhaps You, Lord, want me to share this burden adn receive help from my closest family and to admit that I need help and am not super mommy.  Thanks for the lesson, Lord. 

Tip:  If baby is in a safe place, learn to walk away and take a 10 minute break if you need it.