I am honored, as I have been asked to write to you MOPS. I first want to say, even though I am a 'seasoned' MOPS of 11 years, (having 5 children ranging from 11yrs. to 21 mos.) I still face many challenges that this journey of motherhood brings. I feel it is important for us to be 'real' with one another as moms. Do any of you remember the MOPS theme "Real Moms"? (hope I'm not that seasoned...LOL)
Recently, the Lord has been speaking to me about my attitude. Phil. 2:5 Paul states, "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:"
It is easy to be Christ-like when my day is going well, when the children are obeying and showing love to me or to one another. BUT what about the times, whether often or seldom, when the opposite is present? When the children are angry, sad, hurt or disobedient.....when the house is a wreck because we 'live' in it, or when NOT one thing has been checked off my 'to-do' list for the day ?
Am I being Christ-like, is my attitude that of His?
Do I realize my children are watching me, DAILY?
'Being real' ,I NEED the Lord to continue to help me to grow in this area! I DO want to make a difference in the lives of my children.
Col.3:12 states," Therefore as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
On paper, I traced and cut my hand out adding these 5 virtues, one on each finger, and on the palm wrote Col.3:14 which states, "And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." (I'm placing this above my sink where I OFTEN am )
Isn't that what it's all about...LOVE, not human love, but God's love. How much more could God's love be displayed than at Christmas! Christ was born to set an example for us to follow!
May we strive to live a life pleasing to Him.
Merry Christmas!
Journeying Together,
Lauren Martin
(Gal. 6:9)
Lauren, thank you for the great reminder. Our attitudes are so vital and really make or break the atmosphere in our homes. I can't think of a more powerful tool in shaping our children than modeling positive and Christlike attitudes, especially in tough times. What a powerful message we give our kids when we really live what we teach them! We can only do that with God's help!
ReplyDeleteThanks Lauren...you're so right about love being central as well as our attitudes. Easier said than done, huh? Growth is usually slow, but hopefully we're at least improving!
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