I’m hoping the title will make you curious about this blog! We all want to be sure we are getting it right.
I am developing a new Bible study for MOMS! And I NEED YOUR HELP!
If you are a mom, would you please help me by filling out the below confidential survey!
Thank you for participating in my survey! Your feedback is valuable in helping me as I develop my upcoming Bible study
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Copyright©2017, Gloria Stucky
Photo by Alexander Dummer on Unsplash
The worst part about visiting our kids in Nashville is getting there after the grandkids’ bedtime. Their parents are strict concerning bedtime and their reasons become quite obvious after a few days in their shoes. Parenting toddlers is all consuming! You young parents are my heroes.
When the following morning arrives my husband can hardly stand the anticipation of their wake up. He’s been known to snatch them out of bed too soon if he even hears them cough or roll over. He especially enjoys the special moments of morning cuddles as they watch cartoons.
As usual Naomi was the first to wake. When Steve asked if she wanted to watch cartoons she replied: “Can you turn on our TV, it’s pretty tricky?” Steve let her know he’s a pretty smart guy and he thought he could figure it out. “My daddy is REALLY smart and he can teach you.” Naomi replied.
A four-year old little girl’s confidence in her father left me smiling!
I have a few areas in my life that have moved far beyond being a little more challenging than turning on a pretty tricky TV. I found her childlike trust in her earthly father a nice reminder to hold fast to my confidence in my Heavenly Father.
17 ‘Ah, Lord God! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you. Jeremiah 32:17 (ESV)
9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”… 2 Corinthians 12:9a (NKJV)
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. James 1:5 (ESV)
Are you facing a pretty tricky situation? I hope you’ll consider placing your confidence in Christ! He remains to be “REALLY smart” and can teach us!
Copyright©2016, Gloria Stucky
Another milestone for this mother! Last week our youngest child, Samuel, graduated from college. Although, witnessing fruit in the lives of our children continues to be incredibly rewarding, I’m pretty confident my kids are not perfect!
If you hang out with them long enough you may see their imperfections – just like the same would be true of their mom! I’m thankful for those imperfections as they continue to support our need for a Savior. And because if they didn’t exist it would mean they had gone on to be with the Lord. No matter how hard we strive to progress in holiness, none of us will reach true perfection this side of heaven.
I strongly believe prayer has been and continues to be my most effective parenting tool! I recently pulled out my little white notebook where I have recorded very specific prayers I have prayed over my children for many YEARS.
Here are a few of my most consistent prayers.
BEAR FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT DAILY
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…” Galatians 5:22-23
LOVE (the greatest commandment and a fruit of the Spirit)
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a
DESIRE RIGHTEOUSNESS
PROTECTION
I would love to know what specific prayers you pray over your children!
Copyright©2016, Gloria Stucky
As I opened the front door the wind powerfully pulled it from my hands. I quickly reached for it in hopes of preventing it from blowing off the hinges again. In my attempt to save the door, my body launched forward pushing the stroller which held my infant son. The impact forced it down the steps in front of me where it flipped landing upside down on the concrete sidewalk.
I stood there screaming for so long that I lost my voice! I stopped long enough to listen for his cries and heard complete silence. Not a peep came from inside the still upside down stroller. I was certain I had just killed my baby! Shaking uncontrollably, incredibly weak, unsure what I should do next I found enough strength to flip the stroller over and investigate the consequences of my failure as a mother.
His face was bloodied where the skin had been ripped from the impact with the concrete. He was attempting to cry but no sound came from his tiny little body. Somehow I managed to make it to the hospital. Why I didn’t just call for help is still unknown to me. Upon full examination, the doctor assured me he would be okay and then turned his attention to me. In his experience he knew I was also a victim in this situation. He knew I would struggle to forgive myself for bringing such harm to my baby.
These memories all came flooding back to me after I ran into a neighbor as she was pushing her adorable, almost 6 week old baby in the stroller. I was reminded how challenging those early years of motherhood can be – especially with multiple children.
As I listened to her joys and challenges I said a quick prayer, “Lord, help me to be an encouragement.” I didn’t share any nightmare stories of my own experiences nor did I tell her everything would be okay. I let her know how proud I was of her ability to discern and communicateI reminded her, that it is okay to struggle and I encouraged her to embrace those struggles on those difficult days. For those are the days we look back to and remember our great need for our Savior and His continued grace upon our lives.
My children endured their fair share of parental dysfunctions and inabilities but in the midst of it all, they had a Father who loved them and cared for them in ways unfathomable by their earthly parents. He is the one Who gets all glory for the two beauties I have the joy of calling my children! So blessed by the privilege of motherhood!
Copyright©2015, Gloria Stucky