Christianity Oasis Forum

[lyl1114]

It has been over a week since I started my journey but was not able to follow through...until now.

Stepping stone #2 THE GARDEN
After the first day, I read step 2 but wasn't able to post. Truthfully after taking this journey, I felt the attack of the enemy more profound in my life. I was overwhelmed with a lot of negativity and I strayed far away in my effort to get closer to God. However the stepping stone #2 helped me through and here I am again. My mind, the garden...stop the enemy from planting weeds...pull them out before their roots grow deep. Christian music helped me uplift my spirit and focus on the positive...and Jesus.
*One song I wanted to share with you all is Blessings by Laura Story (check out the youtube video with the lyrics).
My garden is like the soil with thorns... Mark 4:18 Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; 19 but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful.
Must cultivate the soil...My mind knows but my heart is still slow to follow...Lord, soften my heart.

Stepping stone #3 FORGIVENESS
This step gave insight as to how God is a parent to all of us. His love is unconditional...we don't NEED to earn His love. Got me thinking as a parent, where A LOT of my frustrations, anger, depression comes from now. I am a mother of a 4.5 and 2 year old girls. My first one is tough. She is strong willed and highly emotional. "Only if she would ____, I can love her" is what I say to myself. She is defiant. She drains me out and I am left burnt out and very angry. Now all this said, I must remember that if God parented like myself, I would be getting a lot of spanking. Must remember that children are a gift from the Lord and that I must LOVE UNCONDITIONALLY and be firm and strong and fight the good fight to lead her in the right path. I ask God that He gives me wisdom and strength to raise her according to His will.
I must forgive myself for not being a perfect, super-mom. (& I don't have a very great example of parenthood from my own parents). I see other moms with overflowing patience and gentleness, who adore and love their child. Sometimes I seriously have to convince myself that I do, but I do. Deep down I do. Through my journey as a mother, I seek close relationship with my Heavenly Dad. Teach me, Lord. Heal me, Lord. Strengthen me, Lord. Forgive and restore me, Lord.

[Debbie]

Beautiful posts lyl; I'm so glad you're back on track. Thank you so much for sharing so openly. I pray God's anointing touch upon you and your family. God be with all of you!

[Dora]

Hello lyl

I found after I worked on the scars created by my own parents and others who wounded me as a child was I able to really feel love towards others, even my children. It's a love that doesn't pull back so to protect ones self. I pray you find this as it releases a lot of guilt from with in. Guilt is a heavy load to carry.

I find with children if they have a great relationship they tend to want to obey more. Relationships are built with children through play, and experiencing life together, and time. Baking, reading, fixing something, tickling each other, chasing her around and pretending to be a big "monster" or alligator or bear. Have tea parties. We are soooo busy. But she is the most important thing in your life right now. Her and her little sister. Of Coarse God. You two are a team in raising this child together. He often sends others to help out, like teachers, neighbors, grandparents.

I have also found if a child isn't sleeping well or eating well they tend to act out. They can't deal with their emotions if their brain doesn't have the right foods, or the right amount of sleep.

I hope this helps. love you sister!

[lyl1114]

Thanks you, Debbie, for your sweet words and encouragement!!

Thank you, Pine, for your words of wisdom. I still not sure how to let go of the resentment towards my parents but hopefully God will work in me and lead me. And thank you for the advise with children. we went outside to play in the park yesterday...it has been a while since we did that. Thank you. God, give me the strength and joy to spend more times like this with my children...

[JohnR]

I wasn't the one who spend all day with our kids (It must be quite trying) but I missed a lot of time with them. I too had issues not with both my parents but with my father & anger, authority, drugs, alcohol, sex, you name it. All of these things conspired to cause me to loose ALOT; self-respect, time with my kids, & a relationship with the Lord. Things could have been very different if I had fostered that relationship with the Lord a loooooong time ago. The one thing you can never get back is time. Once it's gone it’s gone. You have a golden opportunity & you are still young. I hope the Lord will help you find the tools you need to deal with your children when they get unruly so you can enjoy each & every moment whit them. I will pray that the Lord continues His work in your life & that He strengthens & guides you & gives you comfort.
God Bless