Metro Moms

Andrew Murray on Humility

"The only humility that is really ours is not that which we try to show before God in prayer, but that which we carry with us, and carry out, in our ordinary conduct.  The insignificances of daily life are the importances and the tests of eternity because they prove what spirit really possesses us.  It is in our most unguarded moments that we really show and see what we are.  To know the humble man, to know how the humble man behaves, you must follow him in the common course of daily life." Humility by Andrew Murray

If I could go back and change one thing when I was a mother of young children and pre-teens, it would be to diligently pursue humility in the "unguarded moments" of my daily life.  Pride so often kept me from the help that I desperately needed.  The Lord regularly allowed my children to confront my idols of comfort and ease.  Rather than respond to these interruptions with humility and repentance, I was too often harsh and irritable. 

This became a habitual routine -- one that for years I was embarrassed for anyone to know about.  I was being resisted by God because I was too proud to let others know the real me. As the Lord has allowed me to grow in this area, one of the greatest benefits of humility I'm experiencing is the ability to laugh at myself, and to include others in on the humor.  I can remember years where I took myself far too seriously, especially when things weren't going my way.  Laughter is a wonderful deterent to pride.

I have learned that God gives more grace when I am willing to embrace the trials and struggles of parenthood and trust Him for the outcome.  It is true that every test I face matters for eternity, and I want to pass this test - not so that I'll look good to others, but that God might be glorified in my life as a wife and mother (and soon-to-be grandmother!!!).

Posted by Debi

John Charles Ryle on Prayer

One of the child-training books on my shelf that gets read at least once a year is "The Duties of Parents" by John Charles Ryle.  There is much Biblical wisdom contained within the pages that have served my heart well in the area of child-training. 

I'd like to share an excerpt from this book on teaching our children to pray.  It has encouraged me to not take lightly the opportunity I have as a mom to teach my children from a very young age to commune with the Savior through prayer.

"Parents, if you love your children, do all that lies in your power to train them up to a habit of prayer.  Show them how to begin.  Tell them what to say.  Encourage them to persevere.  Remind them if they become careless and slack about it.  Let it not be your fault, at any rate, if they never call upon the name of the Lord.  This, remember, is the first step in religion which a child is able to take.  Long before he can read, you can teach him to kneel by his mother's side, and repeat the simple words of prayer and praise which she puts in his mouth."

I've taught my two sons to go to the Lord in prayer because we are taught to do so in the Word of God.  Romans 12:12 exhorts us to "be in constant prayer."  They are learning to pray about the big and small things in life.  They have experienced God answering their prayers and this has helped to cultivate faith in their hearts to continue praying.  It makes God very real to them.

One answered prayer came in the form of a much desired snow fall while visiting our families in Maryland for Christmas one year.  At the time we were living in Acworth, Georgia and ice storms were our winter treat....not pretty, fluffy, white, wonderful snow storms.  Michael was longing to play in the snow, so we began to pray several months prior to our trip up North.  A few days after we arrived the snow began to fall, and soon after we were dressed from head to toe in borrowed snow gear, ready for an adventure.

We spent the next few hours enjoying this precious answer to our prayers.  Many wonderful memories were created that day.  One of the greatest is that Michael still recalls God answering his prayers for snow.

It's Harrison's turn to pray for snow this year.  We head North to visit our families for Christmas and we all have the faith to pray because we know we serve a God who hears the prayers of His children.

Posted by Michelle 

Gary Thomas on the Sacred Call of Parenting

I love to read...at this stage of my life it seems somewhat of a past time, but I still love it! It's definitely on my top five list of things to do.  And here's a secret. On occasion, I have gotten a babysitter so that I could take a book to Starbucks and read (and enjoy a drink...smile).

A book I have read recently is Sacred Parenting by Gary Thomas.  It is not a book of how to's or methods but one that calls us to embrace the "sacred call of parenting." This type of parenting "points our children to their need for a relationship with God and his wonderful answer to this need." Just flipping through looking at different quotes I had highlighted inspired me all over again!

The most impacting quote for me is found in the epilogue.  Referencing Matthew 25:35-36 the author says: "When a mother welcomes a child into the world, feeding her and giving her drink and clothing her and holding her when she gets sick (and, at least with the first child, boiling the pacifier when it drops to the floor, and rushing her to the emergency room when her temperature reaches 99.5), she is doing exactly what Jesus tells us will be most rewarded in heaven."

This helpful reminder has stuck with me in the day-to-day activities of being a mommy. I am bringing God great pleasure as I care for and love my children.  This perspective has helped me to see there is nothing better I could be doing with my life right now!  If you have a few moments to read every so often, I recommend this book.  Just keep a box of tissues nearby...especially for the last chapter!

Posted by Taraleigh

Charles Spurgeon on Trusting God

This week members of the blog team will be sharing one of their favorite book quotes and how God has used the truth that lies within to encourage and strengthen them as wives and mothers.  Each quote includes the name of the book and the author.  We commend them each to you.

"I have never been so happy in all my life as when I have had nothing to trust but God.  The times when I have been flung into the sea and compelled to swim because I could not trust the bottom have been the most joyous times to my own heart.  In the times when I have been enabled to just believe God and to leave everything in His hands, I have seen the Lord's hand working marvelously in the midst of the earth, and it has given me the utmost delight.  Happiness is not found when the barns are full and the vats are running over.  Happiness is knowing that whatever you have, the Lord is your provider." The Triumph of Faith in a Believers Life by Charles Spurgeon.

These words accurately express what I know to be true in my own life, but could never have said so well.  Many times I have wondered why the most difficult, challenging and heart wrenching times have been those when I was closest to our Lord.  I believe it is His mercy.  When there was nowhere else to turn and no other hope to find, it was much easier to rest in Him. 

And during such times I have found that He gives me not only peace, but also real joy.  The kind of joy which can only be found in Him.  So when I struggle or face the daily challenges of life as a wife, mother, teacher, friend....it helps to remember these truths.  My happiness is not found in my circumstances which are always changing, but in knowing my God -- the Unchanging One -- and His continual provision and love for me.

Posted by Elyse