Posts by triciahodges:
- When you hear a siren, stop and pray with the children. Pray not only for those that might be hurting but also for those that are responding to the emergency. Pray for healing. Siren prayers usually prompt us to pray for others we know with urgent needs.
- When that airplane flies overhead pray, “God, please bless the people in the airplane.” My mother taught us this simple prayer.
- Can’t find something? Pray. The simple act of stopping and praying for wisdom helps calm everybody down. “Mama, shouldn’t we pray?” my daughter reminds. We do. And then I find my keys.
- “Help!”
- “Please give me wisdom!”
- “Allow me to show love”
- Bible Basket in the center of the dining table
- Bible Basket with Prayer Sticks
- Morning Basket
- Scripture Memory Box
- Pray. Since I’m not even sure of how to pray, I send up the one word, “Help!” prayer. He answers, as He always does: Practical Prayer.
- Turn to Doorposts’ Watchwords placed strategically around our house: The Word Within Sight.
- Send for prayer intervention. Email or call a trusted friend, asking “Will you pray for me?”
- Encouraging and uplifting music often changes the tone in our house. I turn on: Sacred Favorites Radio (accessible via internet too!)
- Send the children outside! A change of scenery even if the day is: Mudluscious.
- Smile. Laugh! Laughing at the situation breaks the tension and eases stress.
- Decide that maybe everyone needs to go to their own little spot for some: Quiet Time.
- Rest may be in order. Even a parent can: Just Take a Nap.
- Make a simple, nice supper. Play a dinner game: Celebrate Every Day.
- Make cookies. Some days just call for: Cooking Fun.
- Just Step Outside right at dusk, so I will be ready to tuck in small ones and say prayers.
How to Savor Parenting: Three Steps
February 27th, 2013
Author: Tricia Hodges
Being a parent is hard. We face the task of raising little ones, pre-teens or young adults – or all three in my case! We search for answers to this problem or that. We long for encouragement in our parenting.
But sometimes we can lean so far trying to fix. We can also spend so much time searching for strategies that we forget to savor being a parent.
Being a parent is hard. Yes it is. But being a parent is also a privilege. So just how do we savor that privilege? Well, often we forget the very basic, Biblical answer to it all.
What if the answer to everything was a simple thank you?
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18 NIV
Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live. 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18 MSG
1. Rejoice always
This might be a tough one. But surely you can find something to rejoice over every day? A lost tooth, an extra measure of kindness, diligence in school work or finding the long-lost library book. We use the You Are Special Plate as a tool to help us rejoice in the day.
Everyone gets a turn with the special plate. Often we rotate through the family based on age. Even Mama and Daddy get a turn!
Whoever has the special plate at supper gets to lead us in the blessing. Then at some point during the meal, when tummies are about full, we ask the question. “What do you appreciate about ___________?”
One said, “I appreciate her because she plays great Barbie stories.” Another, “I like how she plays outside with me and bird watches with me.” Daddy said, “I appreciate how she’s made an extra effort to keep her room clean this week!” Youngest girl said, “I appreciate her because she is a sweet sister.”
The You Are Special Plate is a practical tool we use to encourage each other, rejoice always and practice Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to use in edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
2. Pray Continually
As a young mother, I thought I was supposed to get off in my little corner and have my quiet time. More and more that became a hard thing to do. I didn’t quite understand how I was supposed to pray without ceasing.
I imagined myself, face down, in the middle of the floor trying to pray and acting oblivious to children running all around me, hollering, “Mama!” “Ma…ma!” Me, answering, “Quiet now children, I’m praying.”
The Lord has gently taught me that prayer should be the foundation of our day. Not a separate practice, always apart from the children. Though there certainly is a time for formal prayer, the praying habit is to be passed on. It’s a way of life.
I once heard prayer compared to breathing. Breathe out… send a prayer up… Breathe in…soak up His wisdom, give thanks. It’s a conversation. It’s easy. Something you don’t even have to put effort into.
Pray without ceasing I Thessalonians 5:17
Guess what? I’ve found freedom in praying out loud while driving my homeschool bus to activities. “Lord, help us to be safe. Help children to obey. Help us to be polite and have a good time.”
Yes, I enjoy quiet time before the children wake. But the children should also catch me with my Bible when they come down the steps, all sleepy-eyed, in the morning. “Here, child, bring that warm blanket and snuggle with me. Let’s have some quiet time with Jesus.”
Other practical prayers as you go about your day:
Simple, anytime prayers:
Just pray. All day.
4. Give Thanks in All Circumstances
The Every Day
For several years now I have been counting gifts following Ann Voskamp’s suggestion. Counting every day gifts all around me as Ann has modeled in her writing via her website http://www.aholyexperience.com/ and her book, One Thousand Gifts.
Here’s an example of a recent thank you list. “Pirates of the Caribbean heard from the piano, a Middle Girl-made cake, Steve home just a little early, good meds for round two of strep, PG Tips tea, Nerf darts littering the floor…these are a few of my favorite things” #1000gifts
Then, when I spy a mound of laundry needing folding, I try to be thankful that it’s already clean. Say thank you for each and every one of those that wear those piled up clothes. Next, I turn to the sink following supper and I recall this poem:
Thank God For Dirty Dishes
Author Unknown
Thank God for dirty dishes; They have a tale to tell. While others may go hungry, We’re eating very well With home, health, and happiness, I shouldn’t want to fuss; By the stack of evidence,
God’s been very good to us.
What about when you are feeling defeated. When you want to quit?
…give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
It’s His will. Why do you think?
Yes. Thank you God for that argument. Thank you God for that bad attitude. Thank you God for this hard time. This financial hardship – it’s too much Lord! Thank you that this situation is absolutely more than I can bear. I thank you…because it reminds me to ask for wisdom. To pray about this circumstance.
Saying thank you reminds me that You are in control. You are taking care of it. Giving thanks right there in the midst of the no good, very bad day turns your focus to Him.
The obedient step of saying thanks breaks the tension, relieves stress. Maybe instead of counting to 10 we should pray while we count to 10?
Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
For the Lord is great and greatly to be praised. Psalm 96:4
I pray that Christ will live in your hearts by faith and that your life will be strong in love and be built on love. Ephesians 3:17
Rejoice. Pray. Give thanks. That’s how to savor being a parent.
Next Week’s Author:
Bible Basket
September 19th, 2012Author: Tricia Hodges
When something is right in front of you it’s hard to ignore it. I’ve seen many different versions of a Bible basket shared around the internet lately and I was inspired. I gathered all our Bibles into one basket. I put the basket right in the center of the family room table.
The basket is simply a cheap one I picked up at Walmart in the back to school sale aisle. Yet it’s sturdy enough for every day use.
Now, all the Bibles the children have received from church are right there. The Child Training Bible is an easy reference. The Word is right in front of our eyes. The answer we are looking for is within reach – in plain sight. We have to move the basket to play a game. Matchbox cars race around it. All the family activities are centered around that basket of Bibles.
Plus, at busy bed time, Leading Little Ones to God is within reach. We don’t have to go hunting.
Jesus answered, “it is written: man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4
Take this idea and tailor it for you and your family. Teen devotionals, whatever helps you get into the Word. Put your basket right where you will all see it. Here are a few more versions of a Bible basket you might like as much as I did:
How do you keep The Word right in the center of your day?
Next Week’s Author: Kelly Patchin
Asking Forgiveness vs. Saying I’m Sorry
May 8th, 2012
Author: Tricia Hodges
Humpphh! {arms folded across the chest and frowning face} “I’m sorry.”
“Would you please forgive me?” {eye contact with another person or head bowed in prayer}
Which one sounds genuine to you? Both of the above imply an attitude. One is a statement. One is a question.
Will you please forgive me? It is a call to action. This question admits guilt even if the one asking is not guilty. Asking for forgiveness places others above self. Forgiveness is the Biblical model.
There is freedom in forgiveness. Simply saying you are sorry can just mean you are sorry for being caught.
A recent visual explains it well. We often use a resource entitled, 365 Days of Celebration and Praise. Each day shares something to celebrate, questions to discuss, a related activity, a verse to memorize and a prayer suggestion. This day was ‘ Eraser Day.’ We asked the questions: “What does it take to be forgiven of our sins? When you have wronged another person, what do you say to that person, and what do you say to God?”
The related activity was to draw a heart. We followed the instructions, writing in pencil some the events of the day – good and bad. We were to record sins and shortcomings as well. We saved the paper for prayer time that night. Then, later, we talked to God about each one. We asked God to erase our sins. Then we used an eraser to “take away” the sins on our paper. We thanked God for His forgiveness!
The heart activity was a wonderful picture of forgiveness. Forgiveness wipes it all away. Saying I’m sorry just isn’t enough. We as parents sometimes have to ask our children to forgive us and start over. We might even ask forgiveness for allowing a certain behavior or habit to continue in our homes. As parents, we have the chance to model and the privilege to teach this principle of salvation daily!
When we forgive others, this unlocks the power of God’s forgiveness.
And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins. Mark 11:25
Helpful resources:
Doorposts Brother Offended Checklist
365 Days of Celebration and Praise
How do you model forgiveness in your home?
Next Week’s Author: Tyler Robbins
What We Need
January 4th, 2012
Author: Tricia Hodges
I recognized the cough. The bark that comes in the night after tucking in.
So the youngest girl and I went out in the cold, night air. Cold air to battle the croup. We snuggled on the front step and awed at the full moon. We decided that this was a treat.
Once her breathing had steadied, we went back inside. Daddy had the cool mist humidifier all set up.
“Come, sweet girl,” I said. “The most important thing you need is sleep.”
There was a poignant pause on the step. She turned. And though her voice was raspy her message was strong. “No,” she said. “The most important thing I need is God.”
As the deer pants for streams of water,
so my soul pants for you, my God. Psalm 42:1
This new year of parenting, let us need God. Let God be the most important need. Let us turn immediately to Him for the wisdom we need in parenting. Let us ask Him first.
Turn to His parenting book. Rest in His Word.
Jesus answered by quoting Deuteronomy: “It takes more than bread to stay alive. It takes a steady stream of words from God’s mouth.” Matthew 4:4
Next week’s Author: Tyler Robbins
It’s All in the Tone
September 4th, 2011
We’re at the neighborhood pool on a Saturday. Littlest guy, who is not scared of the water at all, jumped and dog paddled all morning. I look over as he swims to his Daddy, face down in the water. Suddenly, he comes up coughing and sputtering. Calmly, Daddy says, “You’re ok. Cough it out now. Good job on the swimming!” Littlest guy smiles at his Daddy.
How would our three-year-old have acted had we all jumped at him, scooped him up and frantically asked if he was ok? He likely would have been scared.
A few nights later, I awake to booming, rattling thunder, bright flashes of lightning and weather alert alarms going off. We, as parents, can set the tone, model the reaction.
God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7
If we, as parents, have these truths from the Bible tucked in our hearts, they will naturally set the tone in our homes.
We can talk about The One in control when four out of our five are gathered around on our bedroom floor at 3:23 a.m. It can be a learning opportunity. We wonder about the one
child still resting peacefully. How can she sleep? This verse comes to mind:
…I’ll put you in the cleft of the rock and cover you with my hand…Exodus 33:21
“God is taking care of us,” I tell littlest one as I pull him close. He then asks, “Where is God?” Daddy answers, “Why, He’s on His throne in heaven as He always is. He’s King of the universe. And He’s taking care of us.”
Singing also breaks the tension of a frightening moment, no matter what your child’s age.
…His eye is on the sparrow and I know He’s watching me.
…All day long, I’ve been with Jesus, it has been a glorious day. I’ve just moved up one step higher and I’m walking on the King’s highway.
…Jesus loves the little children. All the children of the world…
Laughing at the situation. That’s right, in an extra tense moment, burst out in laughter. Or share a funny story from your childhood. “So, when I’m lying in my bed and the furniture starts creeping. I’ll just laugh and say, hey cut that out and get back to my sleeping…”
Trusting at all times. But setting the tone in our homes applies not only when the spiders or scary bugs show up. But also…
…when the financially challenging times come.
…after your child is hurt by a friend.
…whatever challenge or storm looms then booms on every side.
Parents set the tone in the home. Isn’t it best for our children to learn the way to react from us? at home? See, often it’s not the words we say but the tone of voice that conveys our love and care. Daily, daily, daily we are the example of how to live in this world. Ouch! That means admitting to our children when are wrong. Asking, “will you please forgive me for…” Modeling forgiveness so our children will know just how to ask for forgiveness too. But also so the children will know from the day-to-day goings on in our homes the freedoms that exist with a life in Christ.
…but of power and love and discipline.
…and forgiveness.
…and loving care.
So, teach them as you lie down and as you walk on the road…Yes, through His strength we can be purposeful in our parenting. Even when a child comes up for air and is sputtering.
Even in the middle of the night, in the thick of the storm.
What is the tone in your home?
Next Week’s Author: Tyler Robbins
It’s Terrible to Terrific Tuesday
April 20th, 2011
“Your worst days are never so bad that you are beyond the reach of God’s grace. And your best days are never so good that you are beyond the need of God’s grace.” ~ quote from my daily desk calendar “If Everything is Coming Your Way You’re in the Wrong Lane.”
I’ve almost found solace in coffee or chocolate 50 times and it’s just 2 pm. It’s Tuesday and the ‘to do’ is a lengthy one. The parenting challenges are multiplying, having a ripple effect. I’m disappointed in myself and in the children. Yet coffee and chocolate aren’t the answer.
Everything’s falling apart on me, God; put me together again with Your Word. Psalm 119:107 The Message
What’s a parent to do? I…
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. Romans 8:25-27
Dear parent – It’s worth it.
There is always something to be thankful for. Always something accomplished. At least a stride in the right direction – and usually it’s in my character. My walk with the Lord.
If a day seems like a big mess up, then find the bright spot. Concentrate on the goodness of the backyard slide pile up.
We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed. 2 Corinthians 4:8
And blessed more than we realize.
It’s worth it.
And I consider a new name for this day. Rather than Terrible Tuesday, I rename it Terrific Tuesday. Just like we parents did when the terrible twos hit. Really, those growing pains are terrific. The results are, that is. And doesn’t Terrific sound better than Terrible?
Right now, will you stop for a moment and thank the Lord? Think of three things you are grateful for. Praise Him for it!
Next week’s Author: Melanie Robbins
A Clean Slate
December 30th, 2010
Sometimes I find that performing a common, household task helps me to think. The past couple of years I’ve gotten into the habit of cleaning off the top of my fridge around the 1st of January. I can see the cleared surface and the shine. It’s a visual. A clean start for the new year.
This time also affords me a fond look back over the flurry of December. I find all kinds of discarded items on top of my fridge, as well as those that were strategically placed there to stay out of reach. There are a couple of broken tree ornaments I thought I’d glue. The loud, tooty horn I swiped away when I could stand it no more and… ah, the angel halo from early December’s performance.
What’s this? A pack of water balloons and a mostly used bottle of bubbles? I spy a bucket of art supplies. Surrounding it all is the dust of so many weeks. I flip the calendar draped off the side of the fridge. January. Time goes so fast.
“Teach us to realize how short our lives are. Then our hearts will become wise.” Psalm 90:12
Something about this physical act of cleaning off and clearing out helps me to usher in the new year. Scrubbing away and clearing off the things that piled up. It’s a fresh start even if it is only my kitchen.
But most importantly, this tackling the top of the fridge also reminds me of the clean slate we have always with Jesus. Not just at the start of a new year. How thankful I am that I get a new start every day! Every hour. Every minute.
But what about how poorly I handled… Forgiven.
Well, but I should have… Forgiven.
Even all my parental failings? Forgiven.
His grace. Freely given. Available always. Wiped clean. I don’t have to make resolutions. His forgiveness deals with the dust that always seems to pile up in my life. This life of parenting. Maybe I should clean off the top of the fridge more than a few times a year?
Remembering my new heart, I turn and wash my hands clean at the kitchen sink, glancing at Vicki Bentley’s quote I propped on my windowsill. From Everyday Homemaking:
“You can’t change what you have or haven’t done over the past year. Just start where you are, ask the Lord to make you a “joyful mother of children,” pray for grace and wisdom (and strength and patience), and move forward.
See I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:19
Next Week’s Author: Melanie Robbins