Tuesday, March 2, 2010

A Discipling Mother

I want to share an excerpt from a book that I've been reading lately. After reading this I find myself reflecting on such a high calling discipling mothers have. The excerpt is taken from the book titled:
"The Joy of a Word Filled Family" by Dr. John S. Barnett.
This particular quote is from his wife Bonnie Barnett who wrote the 12th chapter titled:
A Discipling Mother ~
" When I walk around at night and look at those still forms of my children asleep in their beds- my heart leaps within me-for no one on earth holds more sway over their precious little hearts and minds than I do. For many years, I can shape their world by my life, my words, my touch, and my prayers. Even my dear husband who proclaims God's Word so faithfully and fully can't come close to what God has given me. I can melt them with love, steel them with truth, shape them with conviction, guide them with insight- and all that is what God called me to do! Fellow women, rejoice! I can't imagine a higher calling in the universe than what God has offered us. Mothers can tremendously impact the future of the Lord's heritage, as Paul testified about Timothy's start for the Lord....
How do we begin holding their hands to disciple them for Christ? How will our children begin to see what God is like through us? Children will better understand to see what God is like by first learning to honor their father and mother. One of the discipling mother's top priorities is to promote unity among family members-that they may all be of one accord, of one mind.
The more you grow in Christlikeness, the more your children can envision what God is like, and thus desire to worship and serve Him with their whole heart, soul, mind, and strength".
"We are never more like Jesus than when we are serving others". ~Nancy Leigh DeMoss regarding John 13:5

4 comments :

  1. Echoing much of what God has been speaking to my heart recently. This "sounds" like a fabulous book. I have been reading Nancy Leigh DeMoss' book, "Lies Women Believe and the Truth That Sets Them Free" for a monthy book study. This months chapter is on Children. :) Just posted on my blog a bit about my own mother and the influence she is/was on me.

    Thanks for sharing this today. :)

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  2. I think the best thing we can do as parents is to teach through modeling those behaviors we expect in our kids.

    In case you get the chance, stop by my blog today for a great opportunity to enter another giveaway I'm doing.

    Love and Hugs ~ Kat

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  3. Hi there,
    Thank you for visiting my blog. It's nice to meet you!

    I love listeningn to Nancy Leigh DeMmoss' radio show and think I actually heard her talk about this. It's good stuff!

    Re: your question on my blog title: I believed God for many years to save my marriage and use me. I believed God, and He totally changed my life. I still believe Him, and He is still transforming me. *smile*

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  4. Our Heavenly Father has made a wonderful plan for all of us. Part of it is setting an example in our daily lives. Bringing our friends, family, and those who we meet closer to Christ. Wonderful post!
    God Bless:)

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