Are Children Who Lie, Smarter?

August 4, 2010

 

Apparently some think so.  Does the research lie about kids? Read on and decide for yourself. Read more

TEN WAYS TO REFILL THE EMPTY NEST

July 13, 2010

Wikipedia describes the empty nest syndrome as “a general feeling of loneliness that parents or guardians may feel when one or more of their children leave home; it is more common in women.” Just as a bird prepares a nest out of bits of twigs, grass, and other sturdy ingredients to serve as a home and refuge for its babies, so we moms have built a nest through the years for ourselves and our families. When that nest begins to empty, how do we fill the vacuum? Read more

10 SIMPLE STRESS BUSTERS FOR WOMEN

June 28, 2010

Is your life blessed or stressed?  Whether working inside or outside the home, today’s moms, grandmoms, and women of all ages deal with stress. Here are ten simple stress busters you can practice daily:

1. Prepare yourself each day by spending quiet moments alone with God.

2. Plan your day the night before.

3. Prioritize your tasks according to their importance.

4. Participate in a regular exercise and healthy diet plan.

5. Pamper yourself by doing something you enjoy.

6. Plant seeds of kindness in the lives of others.

7. Preserve the small, penny-rich memories of your life.

8. Perfect the art of laughter.

9. Praise the Lord often for all His blessings.

10. Pray without ceasing (throughout the day).

“You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing.” Psalm 23:5, The Message.

What about you? What Scripture verse is your favorite stress buster?

Ten Ways to Encourage Children, Grandchildren, and Graduates

May 24, 2010

By Rebecca Barlow Jordan

They may be your children, your grandchildren, your friends, or your relatives. As graduates, they may qualify as “young” or “young-at-heart,” like Hazel Soares, a 94-year-old among the many graduates at Mills College, or 98-year-old Nola Ochs, who will soon earn her master’s degree from Fort Hays State University. But they’re all in need of your encouragement. Here are ten ways you can encourage them: Read more

A Challenge to You, Mother, for Your Children (With Application for All of Us)

May 18, 2010

A Challenge to You

If you can love your children when they reject your faith;

If you can keep your hope when all others turn away;

If you can praise your God in the midst of adversity;

If you can believe the best, when others cannot see;

If you can trust the Lord to keep them safe from harm;

If you refuse the fearful thoughts that only bring alarm;

If you can cling to Him, no matter what may come…

You’ll find your job of mothering is a faithful job well done.

-Rebecca Barlow Jordan

No Simple Formulas

I wrote this poem several years ago (with apologies to Rudyard Kipling). There’s nothing simple about being a mother and no formula to guarantee success in the challenge of raising children. But God’s Word is filled with principles to encourage you as a mother–or anyone–to love, hope praise, believe, trust, and to cling to the Lord in spite of all that you see around you. Your faith, your prayers, your love, your persistence in changing and fearful times will pay off. God is faithful, and He never changes.

You are not the only one who influences your children. You are not the only one who can make a difference in that life. But if you are a Christ follower, with His help, you can influence your children–and others–in a way that “sticks.” In little ways and big ways, known maybe only to God, your loving investments do make a difference.

Never Give Up

Regardless of the direction your children choose, God never gives up on them. I venture to say, neither will you as a mother. Someday, faithful mom, you will hear the Lord’s “Well done” for your job of mothering.  God is not finished with your child–or you–or anyone of us, yet. It’s His job to shape–and change–a life. He simply asks that we be faithful to Him.

“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6 NIV). 

(This is the 7th in a a special series of blogs for women, moms, and grandmothers).

How about you? What have been your greatest challenges in raising children? How has God helped you in this important job?

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On Another Note

I love to give away books. If you are a subscriber to these blogs (signup on my blog/newsletter), and are interested, I will be giving away a complete set of the new Day-votions books: Day-votions for Women, Day-votions for Mothers, and Day-votions for Grandmothers. I will draw a name from those who are subscribers and who will make comments on any of my past, present, or future blogs from May 15 – June 6, and give away these three books to that person. I hope you will encourage one another with appropriate comments–not ads or unrelated comments–but words that can help edify others. Use the principle, “Whatever is true, honest…lovely…of good report (Philippians 4:8). Offensive or unrelated comments will not be considered. If you’ve never commented on a blog, it’s simple, safe, and your e-mail address is hidden from public view. I’d love to hear from you and give these books away! And if you know any friends who might want to participate, e-mail this blog (below) to them.

Also, my friend Dena Dyer who writes a great blog for moms is featuring a special giveaway on her site, and is including one of my books. Check her out if you are interested.

Mother or Grandmother: Is There a Difference?

May 15, 2010

It really doesn’t matter what age or stage a mother is at. Once you’re a mother, you’re a mother forever. God places within each mom the need to nurture her little ones–always guiding, always loving, always giving and prodding them in the right direction with gentle reminders: “Be careful,” “Dress warm,” “Eat healthy.” And just when you think the nest has emptied and mothering can take a vacation, Read more

Thank God for Mothers

May 9, 2010

                            

                        Thank God for Mothers…                        

who sacrifice their time for our happiness,

and give us the freedom to be ourselves,

even when we disagree.

Thank God for Mothers…

who make home a place called love,

who desire the bond of togetherness,

 even in the midst of confusion .

Thank God for Mothers…

who never give up on us,

 who willingly believe in us,

 and who faithfully stand by our side.

 Thank God for Mothers…

who patiently try to understand us,

 and consistently overlook our faults

 with tenderness and love.

 Thank God for Mothers…

who don’t expect perfection,

from us or themselves,

and who lead us to the only One who is…

perfect.

Thank God for Mothers.

-Rebecca Barlow Jordan

 HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

“Her children arise and call her blessed.” Proverbs 31:28 NIV

Extravagant Love

May 8, 2010

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 TNIV 

            Much of my husband’s childhood years he spent on a lake in West Texas where his parents and grandparents owned a fishing camp. Like all boys, Larry loved to play “buried treasure.” The sand around the camp offered multiple opportunities for realistic pirating adventures.

            But one fateful day, Larry learned a powerful lesson he never forgot. Here’s his story: Read more

A Mother’s Creed: Ten Affirmations for Raising Children

May 4, 2010

• I will worry less about my children and trust God more.

• I will commit them into the Lord’s care.

• I will love my children unconditionally, and let them know I do.

• I will believe in them constantly, and encourage them often.

• I will nurture my children in the truth of God’s Word.

• I will pray for them daily.

• I will teach them responsibility for their own actions.

• I will try to be an example of godliness and beauty, but I will be unafraid to let them see my faults.

• I will give them generous doses of laughter, interspersed with fun.

• I will release them when they are grown, but they will always be my own. – RBJ     

Only with God’s help can we do that!

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways aknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV      

What “affirmations” would you add?  

(As Mother’s Day approaches, this is the second in a series of shorter blogs celebrating and encouraging women, moms, and grandmoms–and children, of course!)

Motherhood–Pleasure or Pain?

April 29, 2010

Every mom visualizes the moment when her perfect baby will emerge from the womb—the joy of her heart and life. But the first sounds she hears are not the sweet cooing of a contented infant, but the sharp wails of a screaming stranger. Years that follow may bring a love-hate tug of war between “I love you always,” and a “Who is this, child, anyway?” Read more

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