First Five Challenge

As mothers we are nurturers, encouragers and supporters.  We also manage to be a chauffeur, maid, chef, referee etc. but have you ever considered that being a mom is a ministry?  I believe God has put me right where I need to be.  He has entrusted me with four girls and expects me to raise them in love and faith.  Being a Mom makes us disciple makers.  We are made in the image of God.  He has blessed us with children and asked us to fix His commands in our heart and minds: teach them to our children, talk about them when we sit at home or walk down the street, when we lie down and when we get up.  As we make these disciples, God sees and is by our side cheering us on!

Proverbs 14:1 states "The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down."  How can we build our home with God as our foundation.  We can pray, worship, and do devotions together.  We can read the bible, serve one another and remind others God is there for us.  I  have enrolled my children in a Lutheran School, attend church weekly and get involved in our church community, but still feel I can do more.   I believe we can tear down just as easy as building up and at times without even realizing it by breaking commandments or not leading well by setting good examples.  How about when my kids do something nice, like the dishes, or display very polite behavior? What I should do is praise them for it, but I have caught myself stating, " I wish you would do that more often or why don't you do that at home."

Raising four girls is challenging, ok who am I kidding, it is difficult, I could never do it on my own.  I admit I have a loving, compassionate, hard working husband which helps, but I have the Lord by my side day in and day out.  I have recently been challenged to include Him in the first five minutes of my day.  Not realizing it, I had my alarm set to my favorite song, You are My King (Amazing Love) by the Newsboys, but I wanted more.  Next a friend suggested I put a flip calendar in my bathroom, so when I brush my teeth I read a little devotion with bible verse. Then on the way to school we read and discuss a devotion.  Finally, to keep God in my day I try and keep Christian radio on in the car, where we spend most of our time.  Putting God first helps everything fall into place.

If you have any suggestions on how to start your day with Jesus please leave comments.  I encourage you to take on our challenge!