Christianity Oasis Forum

[tsmama]

Ok! Hello everyone (hopefully someone reads this). I am a mother of 3 girls here on earth and a son who was beautiful, but is more beautiful in heaven (where he is now). I am married and in addition to my kids and husband, my little sister lives with us.

So I have had a long journey and finally returned home to Christ, like the prodigal daughter, in the fall of last year. I was raised in a good, bible-believing church and yet I feel as if through my journey and stupid wandering away bouts, I have lost so much of the knowledge I should have retained. I have so many questions, but I'm going to start with only a few.

First, are all Christians called to do something for the glory of God? If so, how do we find our God-given talents and then utilize them in a way that will bring glory to his awesome name. Furthermore, how do we use our talents to bring him glory without letting our heads explode with pride?

Second. How important is decipleship? Can a re-run ignoramus like me actually grow spiritually in Christ on her own or is seeking an experienced mentor advised?

Third. I am the mother of the world's most beautiful daughters, ages 6, 4, and 1. How do I, a 3rd-shift working mother (this is a very recent development), go about teaching them about the word of God? I am clueless on so many levels. And to catch in advance those who would tell me to ask my stay-at-home-dad husband to help in this matter, that is not an option. He says he is Christian, but he knows less than me about the bible. If you don't agree with his role, then pardon me, neither does my mom; but my situation came about in an answer to prayer regarding submission to my husband and until the Lord sees fit to change it, it shall remain in place.

Other than that I don't have much else to say. Bless you all in the name of our Lord Jesus. I hope that you all respond helpfully and thank you all in advance.

[Mackenaw]

Hello Tsmama

God bless you this day.

Welcome to Christianity Oasis.

You asked:

First, are all Christians called to do something for the glory of God? If so, how do we find our God-given talents and then utilize them in a way that will bring glory to his awesome name. Furthermore, how do we use our talents to bring him glory without letting our heads explode with pride?

Yes, all Christians are called to do something for the glory of God. We can praise Him, share Him with others, recognize Him in all things, etc. I suggest you read the CCCC 14 Day Study here on this site. CCCC stands for COOL Confidential Christian Counseling. (COOL stands for Christianity Oasis On Line) Hundreds of people have benefited greatly by that blessed study, myself included. It really helps us to get started in developing our relationship with The Lord, and to begin recognizing The Lord's will in our lives -- the hows, whys, and whens, if you will.

There are also many other studies on this site, that have blessed me and others so very much. But, I really encourage you to begin with the CCCC Study. Here is the link: http://www.christianityoasis.com/CCCC/Forum.htm

How do we use our talents to bring Him glory without letting our heads explode with pride? Well, The Lord will point those things out to us too. He loves us so very much, and He corrects those He loves, just as any loving parent would -- only better...He corrects perfectly. We just need to A.S.K. = Ask, Seek, Knock -- seeking Him in everything.

We also have some really nice Chat Programs here too. We gather together and discuss various scriptures, and experiences and the trials and tribulations of this life. God is Good to give us one another too. Yeah!!!

As far as how to teach your young children about Jesus...well, with my own daughter, I began by talking about Him. Not in a formal setting or anything, but in short sharings -- talking about how He loves us, and how He watches out for us. My husband and I introduced saying a prayer before meals, and at bedtime, and when we got into the car to go anywhere. We would say the short prayers aloud. It didn't take long before, if we forgot, our daughter would remind us. God is so very Good!!! Young children are more receiving of God's message than older adults, because they still have so much innocence about them...their connection to their Creator has not had that many years for corruption to taint them.

The Word says that we are all to come to Him, as a child:
Luke 18:16-17
(16) But Jesus called them unto Him, and said, Suffer (allow) little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
(17) Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.

Introduce saying "Thank You Jesus" with every blessing. We are surrounded by blessings. With every skinned knee, lead them in saying a prayer to Jesus. And encourage them to pray to Him, too, when they are upset.

Children are awesome -- their hope is inspiring, and their eagerness to forgive is so very SWEET!!! A beautiful example to all of us.

You said:

Second. How important is decipleship? Can a re-run ignoramus like me actually grow spiritually in Christ on her own or is seeking an experienced mentor advised?

You made me giggle a little. And I share the following scriptures:
I Corinthians 1:26-31(King James Version)
26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:

27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:

29 That no flesh should glory in his presence.

30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

You see, none of us were called to Him because we were something to admire, but because He knew we would give Him glory and admire Him.

As far as an experienced mentor -- we have many here on this site willing to share and assist; however, all would encourage you to begin by growing in your relationship with The Lord: God The Father, God The Son and God The Holy Spirit, by reading His Word -- The Bible, reading the blessed studies (here is a link to a whole list of studies: http://www.christianityoasis.com/Keywor ... tudies.htm ) and prayer. But, we're here for you, and are willing to help and walk with you in this blessed journey.

I hope I have not overwhelmed you with too much information. But, I am so very excited for you, because I know, first hand, the difference God has made in my own life. Thank You Jesus \o/ \o/ \o/

I'm looking forward to getting to know you.

God bless and keep you.
In Christ Jesus' love,
Sister Mack

[TrueAndMagneticNorth]

Hi tsmama,

I sense a humble soul in your post, and that is precisely the sort of attitude that God wants. But you shouldn't be referring to yourself in such disparaging terms (ie. ignoramus), even if it's meant tounge-in-cheek.

In Psalm 111:10 we are told, 'The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.'

Thus, in acknowledging Him the way you do, you already have the foundation of wisdom that so many sadly don't have, including suited men with serious looks on their faces and cultured accents, whom the world would have us believe are geniuses (I'm talking here about certain pushers of the Darwinist world-view, but hey, I don't want to stray too far off topic here).

As for growing spiritually, leave that to God. In Phillipians 1:6, for example, Paul (and/or Timothy) remind that The Lord is the One who plants righteousness in us, and further develops it in us. (“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.”)

I don't feel in a position to address all of the aspects of your post, but I can give you some testimony, as a fellow parent, on raising young kids in the ways of The Lord.The Lord has used me to actively build His Kingdom in my 3-year old daughter, and He is already giving her real awareness and understanding of Him.

I'm not saying that my way is the best way for you, for The Lord undoubtedly has a different way for every different situation. But I think an important initial step is to obtain some Christian materials that have been specifically designed for kids, things such as DVD's, books, kid's bible with colourful illustrations, etc. Just start off by exposing the kid's to The Lord with such materials (I can recommend some particular materials if you like).

Secondly, it's a good idea to take them to church on a regular basis, and that they have fun with it. My pastor told me not to be afraid to let my daughter run amok during the service (as long as she didn't disturb too much, of course). He said this because it was, at that young stage of life, more important that she associate positive vibes with church, rather than being held down and forced to sit through a whole service with no sense of fun or freedom (another tip, take some toys or things to draw with, whatever. If the kid/s disturb too much, take them to a side room and play a little bit until they're ready to rejoin the congregation).

In a nutshell, expose the kids to The Lord on a daily basis and in various ways, ie. one day it might be church itself, the next maybe a DVD, and the next day maybe read the kid's bible as a good night story, etc. Keep it light and fun for the kids, no stress. Just a little bit every day, in my opinion, is better than 2 hours one day, then nothing for 3 days, then another 90-minute session, or whatever.

Gradually, work various ways of observance in. Once saying a quick good night prayer comes in, then maybe something else, such as saying thanks before eating.

Again, I'm not saying my way is the only way. The Lord works differently with everyone. But I praise The Lord that he is really working already in the heart of my 3-year old. She is at times asking deep questions about God, and is already aware of various amazing things from the bible. This is not due to anything I have done. Just through near-daily exposure, even if only 15-30 mins a day, and a fortnightly church service, The Lord has already planted seeds in her heart, and is building His kingdom in my daugher.

Hey, sorry to talk so much about my daughter when the post was about your family. There's no doubt that He loves your kids dearly and that you (and your husband) have a special calling to be the medium through which He will build His Kingdom in their hearts.

Just give your kids the exposure to Him, and He will do the rest! And this is coming from someone (me) who also doesn't have the greatest knowledge of the bible at this stage of my life yet.

Anyway, I'll stop there. God bless and good luck with everything.

[TrueAndMagneticNorth]

Hi tsmama,

I sense a humble soul in your post, and that is precisely the sort of attitude that God wants. But you shouldn't be referring to yourself in such disparaging terms (ie. ignoramus), even if it's meant tounge-in-cheek.

In Psalm 111:10 we are told, 'The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.'

Thus, in acknowledging Him the way you do, you already have the foundation of wisdom that so many sadly don't have, including suited men with serious looks on their faces and cultured accents, whom the world would have us believe are geniuses (I'm talking here about certain pushers of the Darwinist world-view, but hey, I don't want to stray too far off topic here).

As for growing spiritually, leave that to God. In Phillipians 1:6, for example, Paul (and/or Timothy) remind that The Lord is the One who plants righteousness in us, and further develops it in us. (“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.”)

I don't feel in a position to address all of the aspects of your post, but I can give you some testimony, as a fellow parent, on raising young kids in the ways of The Lord.The Lord has used me to actively build His Kingdom in my 3-year old daughter, and He is already giving her real awareness and understanding of Him.

I'm not saying that my way is the best way for you, for The Lord undoubtedly has a different way for every different situation. But I think an important initial step is to obtain some Christian materials that have been specifically designed for kids, things such as DVD's, books, kid's bible with colourful illustrations, etc. Just start off by exposing the kid's to The Lord with such materials (I can recommend some particular materials if you like).

Secondly, it's a good idea to take them to church on a regular basis, and that they have fun with it. My pastor told me not to be afraid to let my daughter run amok during the service (as long as she didn't disturb too much, of course). He said this because it was, at that young stage of life, more important that she associate positive vibes with church, rather than being held down and forced to sit through a whole service with no sense of fun or freedom (another tip, take some toys or things to draw with, whatever. If the kid/s disturb too much, take them to a side room and play a little bit until they're ready to rejoin the congregation).

In a nutshell, expose the kids to The Lord on a daily basis and in various ways, ie. one day it might be church itself, the next maybe a DVD, and the next day maybe read the kid's bible as a good night story, etc. Keep it light and fun for the kids, no stress. Just a little bit every day, in my opinion, is better than 2 hours one day, then nothing for 3 days, then another 90-minute session, or whatever.

Gradually, work various ways of observance in. Once saying a quick good night prayer comes in, then maybe something else, such as saying thanks before eating.

Again, I'm not saying my way is the only way. The Lord works differently with everyone. But I praise The Lord that he is really working already in the heart of my 3-year old. She is at times asking deep questions about God, and is already aware of various amazing things from the bible. This is not due to anything I have done. Just through near-daily exposure, even if only 15-30 mins a day, and a fortnightly church service, The Lord has already planted seeds in her heart, and is building His kingdom in my daugher.

Hey, sorry to talk so much about my daughter when the post was about your family. There's no doubt that He loves your kids dearly and that you (and your husband) have a special calling to be the medium through which He will build His Kingdom in their hearts.

Just give your kids the exposure to Him, and He will do the rest! And this is coming from someone (me) who also doesn't have the greatest knowledge of the bible at this stage of my life yet.

Anyway, I'll stop there. God bless and good luck with everything.

[TrueAndMagneticNorth]

Sorry for posting twice (now three times). Didn't mean it.

[tsmama]

Hi
Thank you for your post. I have been unable to attend church on Sundays because I work a 12 hour night shift on Saturday night and then again on Sunday night. I have began to see that the Lord doesn't only function on Sunday. I would probably be able to experience just as much of the blessing of fellowship on a Wednesday night as I could on a Sunday morning because I do not believe that God has any limits, and he is more flexible than us humans.

[TrueAndMagneticNorth]

Fair enough. That's between you and God. There is certainly no biblical evidence suggesting God wants us to remember him on Sunday more than other days. And you're right, He's a 24-7 God, not a Sunday God.

[tsmama]

That is absolutely right, he is a 24-7 God. Jesus states this himself in John 5:17:

But Jesus replied, "My father is always working and so am I."