If you're anything like me, you have moments of sheer frustration, as your child (or niece/nephew, or student, or neighborhood kid) asks "Why?" for the umpteenth time, ignores a direct instruction, or looks at you blankly as though the simplest request has been one request too many that day.
If you're like me, you find no comfort in hearing certain phrases come out of your mouth, whether in desperation, or for lack of anything better to say. It might be "because I said so" or "because I'm the [mom] and you're the kid" or "no more questions, you're driving me crazy" or even "I'm so tired of you [committing this certain act of disobedience or annoyance]."
I earnestly desire to be a good mom, but I make mistakes, I get frustrated, and there are days I know that I'm leaning wholly on my own abilities (which are lacking). I do all this even though I know I should be leaning instead on the One who has given me this calling and the three (almost four) wonderful blessings who are in my care.I don't want to compartmentalize my faith in its own pretty little church "box" and still flounder as a parent. Instead of passing on our culture's pattern of making faith just another aspect of life, I want to raise children who value biblical truth above all else and can apply it to every aspect of life.
That's why I'm really excited about this new book, Parenting Moment by Moment, by Carla MacLachlan.
Carla MacLachlan is one of a few ladies the Lord has used greatly to mentor me over the years. I love her dearly, but I must tell you that what makes her most winsome and precious to me is not so much her personality, her image, her status, or her ability to make me feel better about myself. The Lord has equipped Carla with a fierce love for Him and His Word. She is gifted at being able to ask loving questions that pierce right to the spiritual heart of a matter. She encourages like no one else I know because her basis for encouragement is Scripture and its principles. I can depend on her advice, not because it's "hers" or it's clever or convenient, but because her words point to God's.
What I love about this book:
- its format: Devotional reading. I've read some really helpful Biblical Parenting books, but I struggle to complete them. The stream of "Mama!" calls and tyranny of urgent tasks at home limits my reading time during this stage of life. Parenting Moment by Moment has a brief daily entry which is clear, concise, and biblical. Additional Scripture is included for me to meditate on at the end of each entry.
- its divisions: Spiritual Stages. While physical ages are typical sections in parenting books and they could certainly apply here as well, readers are encouraged to approach the sections with Spiritual Development in mind. Parents of Elementary Students need not skip ahead and worry they'll be playing catch-up or that it's too late.
- its focus: the standard of absolute truth. No matter what different stages of parenting or types of personalities exist amongst my kiddos, I can stand securely and confidently on God's Word. No more "because I said so"-- now my reasons for expectations and my methods for training are based on God's infinite wisdom and loving discipline.
- its effect: I too am trained. I'm equipped to better communicate truth to my kids. I grow in my own knowledge and understanding of Scripture. I become a parent who honors God and trains my children to recognize and follow God's plan.
I am pleased to give away a copy of this book! Here's how to enter:
1. You get 1 (one) entry for posting a favorite Bible verse.
2. You get another entry (one) if you follow @mbmministries on Twitter and/or "like" Moment By Moment Ministries on Facebook and comment here a second time saying which you followed/liked.
One comment series per family please! You have until 11:59 pm Central time NEXT Wednesday, December 1st, to enter. The randomly selected winner shall be proclaimed the following day.
Bonus! Go to Carla's website, where you can download a free excerpt from the book!
