Before I get into Chapter 2, I want to give a great big PRAISE THE LORD! On Tuesday, little 4 year old, Lesley Perez was abducted from Hidalgo, Texas. She was playing baseball with her 12 year old sister and other friends right across the street from her house. A man, which we now know to be a sex offender-carnival worker, circled the neighbor hood several times. On the last time, he jumped out of his truck, struck the 12 year old girl in the face and snatched little Lesley and drove away. Apparently, he had been targeting the little girl. The 12 year old sister helped the FBI in identifying the man and little Lesley was found!!! The headline of the local paper read, "There is a God!" Yes, there is and I want to say Praise the Lord one more time!!!
Is that not a parent's worst nightmare? As I watched the story unfold, I felt like I had been kicked in the stomach thinking about that little girl and her parents, but also my children as well. One of my best friends here in Texas learned several years ago that sexual offenders can and do target children. I am not going to get into the details, but because a neighbor was "aware of the surroundings" she called the police when she noticed someone unusual parked in the neighborhood and he was caught. He had hours of my friends daughter on video tape along with two other little girls. The worst thing....this man didn't even live in the same town.
As I think of the two stories above and my own children, I had to ask myself, "Do I release my children into God's hands? or Do I think I have everything under control?" I have to say because I am constantly afraid of all the bad things that might happen and I tend to be a control freak, I would have to go with the second! God doesn't want us to do this. I think when Stormie Omartain was writing this chapter, God knew I was going to read it one day. I felt like they both were speaking right to me!
I was also reminded of the story of Hannah in the bible. She prayed so long for a child and when God gave her one, after he was weaned, she took him to the church to live with the priest, Eli. (He was just a toddler!) Can you imagine that? Hannah did that to fulfill a vow she made to the Lord and Sammuel grew up to be a great prophet. Hannah had complete trust in the Lord and her child was blessed. What a great example of "Let go and let God."
Here are some of the things that I highlighted from Chapter 2. I hope it helps you as much as it helped me!
Do you have peace about your children or are you concerned with everything?
Our children are a gift from God and He cares even more about them than we do!
Don't strive to parent by yourself, enter into a full partnership with God.
Whenever you have a fear about anything, take it as as sign to pray. If you don't have peace right away, call a prayer partner and pray together.
Release your child to God and ask Him to be in charge of their life.
No matter what stage of life your child is in, when we release them to God, they are in good hands! (What a great comfort!)
We don't want to limit what God can do in our children by clutching them to ourselves and trying to parent them alone.
You will be ruled by fear if you are not positive that God is in control of your children's life. SURRENDER your hold on your child and allow God full access.
When we release our children into the Father's hands and acknowledge that He is in control of their lives and ours, both we and our children will have greater peace.
God is everywhere. God can see everything. God can know everything. We can't.
Prayer for our children begins with releasing them into God's hands!
**Read the prayer on page 36. It is powerful.
"Whatever we ask and receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight." 1 John 3:22
Monday, May 18, 2009
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Chapter One Study Guide Questions!
Please look over the following questions and feel free to respond in the comment section. If you do not have a study guide, copy these down in a journal so you can come back and refer to the questions/answers throughout this journey!
Becoming A Praying Parent
1. List three traits you see as your child's best qualities.
2. How could these good qualities become liabilities if they are not covered in prayer?
3. List three biggest concerns you have for your child.
4. Do you ever feel overwhelmed by any of these concerns? In what way?
5. Does your child have any negative character traits that need to be covered in prayer? What are they?
6. How could these negative traits be turned into positive qualities or assets in your child's life?
7. Look up James 4:7 and underline it in your Bible.
Who are you supposed to resist?
When you resist, what will happen?
Do you believe that you can successfully resist the enemy's plans for your children in prayer?
8. Read Deuteronomy 32:30 and underline it in your Bible.
How many of the enemy's forces can cause to flee when you pray?
Do you believe there is power in praying with other believers for your children?
Why or why not?
9. In what ways do you feel you have done a good job as a parent?
10. Do you feel you have ever made any mistakes as a parent?
If so, make a list of what they are and what you would have done differently. Write a prayer asking God to redeem those situations.
11. Do you ever feel guilt as a parent?
Why or why not?
12. Is there anything that you would like to change about yourself or your life that would alleviate the guilt you feel as a parent?
Explain in your journal and write a prayer to God asking Him to help you make the changes.
13. Do you feel that you generally expect a lot of yourself?
Do you expect yourself to be a perfect parent?
14. Read Romans 8:1 and underline it in your Bible.
How are we to walk in order to be free of feeling condemnation?
How are we not to walk?
Write a prayer in your journal and ask God to help you walk free of condemnation.
15. Read Ephesians 6:12-13 and underline it in your Bible.
Whom are we wrestling against when pray?
What are we supposed to do to withstand them?
Write out a prayer asking God to help you do that, especially with regards to your children.
16. Read 1 Peter 5:8-9 and underline it in your Bible.
Who is your enemy and the enemy of your children?
What is he constantly doing?
What are you to do in response?
17. Read Luke 10:19 and underline it in your Bible.
God has given you authority over all _____?
That means for your children and yourself.
Do you see the enemy trying to threaten your child in any way?
If so, what way?
18. Read John 15:5 and underline it in your Bible.
How does this verse apply to you as a parent?
Are you able to fully depend on God to help you raise your children?
19. Read 1 Peter 4:8.
What will cover the places where we miss the mark as parents?
Write out a prayer asking God to help you love your child with such unconditional love that it smooths all the rough places, heals all wounds, and covers your weakness.
Again, please feel free to respond in the comment section for an "online" discussion!
Becoming A Praying Parent
1. List three traits you see as your child's best qualities.
2. How could these good qualities become liabilities if they are not covered in prayer?
3. List three biggest concerns you have for your child.
4. Do you ever feel overwhelmed by any of these concerns? In what way?
5. Does your child have any negative character traits that need to be covered in prayer? What are they?
6. How could these negative traits be turned into positive qualities or assets in your child's life?
7. Look up James 4:7 and underline it in your Bible.
Who are you supposed to resist?
When you resist, what will happen?
Do you believe that you can successfully resist the enemy's plans for your children in prayer?
8. Read Deuteronomy 32:30 and underline it in your Bible.
How many of the enemy's forces can cause to flee when you pray?
Do you believe there is power in praying with other believers for your children?
Why or why not?
9. In what ways do you feel you have done a good job as a parent?
10. Do you feel you have ever made any mistakes as a parent?
If so, make a list of what they are and what you would have done differently. Write a prayer asking God to redeem those situations.
11. Do you ever feel guilt as a parent?
Why or why not?
12. Is there anything that you would like to change about yourself or your life that would alleviate the guilt you feel as a parent?
Explain in your journal and write a prayer to God asking Him to help you make the changes.
13. Do you feel that you generally expect a lot of yourself?
Do you expect yourself to be a perfect parent?
14. Read Romans 8:1 and underline it in your Bible.
How are we to walk in order to be free of feeling condemnation?
How are we not to walk?
Write a prayer in your journal and ask God to help you walk free of condemnation.
15. Read Ephesians 6:12-13 and underline it in your Bible.
Whom are we wrestling against when pray?
What are we supposed to do to withstand them?
Write out a prayer asking God to help you do that, especially with regards to your children.
16. Read 1 Peter 5:8-9 and underline it in your Bible.
Who is your enemy and the enemy of your children?
What is he constantly doing?
What are you to do in response?
17. Read Luke 10:19 and underline it in your Bible.
God has given you authority over all _____?
That means for your children and yourself.
Do you see the enemy trying to threaten your child in any way?
If so, what way?
18. Read John 15:5 and underline it in your Bible.
How does this verse apply to you as a parent?
Are you able to fully depend on God to help you raise your children?
19. Read 1 Peter 4:8.
What will cover the places where we miss the mark as parents?
Write out a prayer asking God to help you love your child with such unconditional love that it smooths all the rough places, heals all wounds, and covers your weakness.
Again, please feel free to respond in the comment section for an "online" discussion!
Monday, May 11, 2009
Chapter One/Becoming A Praying Parent
"Lift your hands toward Him for the life of your young children."
Lamentations 2:19
Today is Monday.......Are you praying for our children???????
I really enjoyed reading this chapter. I highlighted some of the main points of the first chapter. Did you relate to something that you read in this chapter? Did something in this chapter help you in regards to something you are going through right now? Did you make a detailed list of things about your child to pray about? Are you using a journal and if so, have you had any prayers answered yet? Are there children that you know of that are not covered in prayer? If so, please let me know, so I can add them to our list. ****Please go to the comment section to discuss or elaborate any thoughts concerning Chapter One. Tomorrow night I will post a few things from the study guide. Remember, you can comment anonymously. It will be VERY boring if I am the only one to comment or share. I learn from others, so please help me out!
*Parenting: We feel successful when all is going well and we feel like a failure when all is wrong.
*God is the expert parent. Turn to Him for help, one step at a time.
*Praying can make a positive difference in our children's future.
*It's never too late to start!
*At every stage in their lives, our children need prayers. Cover the details of our children's life in prayer.
*Without God, we are desperate to repeat the mistakes of our past and to mimic what we've observed.
*God wants us to entrust our children to Him on a daily basis. Then, He can take care of our worry and fear.
*God will take our burdens and provide wisdom, power, protection, and ability.
*Our jobs are to discipline, teach, nurture, "train up a child in the way he should go," knowing that "when he is old, he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6)
*We can cover our children in prayer and release them into God's hands. Then, he will release our minds from that particular concern.
*God doesn't promise that nothing bad will never happen, but praying will release the power of God to work in their lives and give us more peace of mind.
*Don't force your plans on God. Ask God to show and help you pray for your child.
What Is Prayer and How Does It Work?
*Prayer is acknowledging the and experiencing the presence of God and inviting His presence in our lives.
*Seek God's presence!
*God can give us the means to overcome any problem.
*God will give us the power to bear everything we are praying about.
*Major Key to God's Power: Praying in the name of Jesus!
Jesus said, "Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give you." John 16:23
*Praying in the name of Jesus gives us authority over the enemy.
*God knows our thoughts and our needs, but he responds to our prayers.
*That doesn't mean there is an immediate response, but our prayers are never lost or meaningless.
*If we are praying, something is happening whether we can see it or not.
*All that needs to happen in our lives cannot happen without the presence of God.
Begin With A Personalized List
"He has blessed your children within you." Psalms 147:13
*Every detail in life is important to God.
*Pray for concerns of the moment, the future, and the effects of the past.
*Make an extensive, personalized, and detailed list for each child.
*Include concerns for each of your children.
*God knows the needs of your children and what challenges they will face in the future.
God's Word As Your Weapon
"God's word is living and powerful and sharper than a two-edged sword." Hebrews 4:12
*When we don't pray, we are sitting on the sidelines watching our children in a war zone.
When we do pray, we are in the battle beside them covering them with God's power.
*Encourage your children to learn and quote, "I can do all things through Jesus Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13
*When you pray for your children, incorporate the verse, "The righteous cry out and the Lord hears and delivers them out of their troubles." Psalm 34:17
*Gods word: guides us, speaks to us, reminds us He is faithful, builds faith in our hearts, and enables us to understand his heart.
*REBUKE SATAN!!!
"Get behind me, Satan! For it is written you shall worship the Lord your God and Him only shall you serve." Luke 4:7-8
*JESUS IS OUR ROLE MODEL!!!
"If you abide in Me and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you." John 15:7
*Resist the devil by praying for God's direction. If we Watch Him, Walk with Him, Wait on Him, Worship Him, and Live in His word then we will WIN this battle for our children!
*God has a perfect plan for our children's lives, but Satan has a plan too. A plan to destroy by using any means possible. DISSIPATE Satan's power by prayer! "Resist the devil and he will flee from you." James 4:7
*Pray with fervency and passion for our young ones and look forward to prayers being answered.
When Answers Don't Come
*The hardest part of praying is waiting for our prayers to be answered.
*Don't give up when things seem hopeless! Stand strong and say, "I've only begun to fight!"
*Your fight is not with your child, it is with Satan. He is the enemy not your child. Stand strong in prayer until you see a break through in your child's life.
*If there is anger or unforgiveness, tell God. If you feel disappointed or hopeless, state it clearly. Ask for God's forgiveness and ask Him to guide you toward your next step.
I Said "Praying" not "Perfect"
*None of us are perfect, so how can we be perfect parents? It's becoming a praying parent that makes the difference.
*If you know of a child that does not have a praying parent, step into the gap and answer that need. YOU can effect a change in the life of any child you care about.
*Submit yourself to God and ask Him to help you become the parent and intercessor that He wants you to be!
Lamentations 2:19
Today is Monday.......Are you praying for our children???????
I really enjoyed reading this chapter. I highlighted some of the main points of the first chapter. Did you relate to something that you read in this chapter? Did something in this chapter help you in regards to something you are going through right now? Did you make a detailed list of things about your child to pray about? Are you using a journal and if so, have you had any prayers answered yet? Are there children that you know of that are not covered in prayer? If so, please let me know, so I can add them to our list. ****Please go to the comment section to discuss or elaborate any thoughts concerning Chapter One. Tomorrow night I will post a few things from the study guide. Remember, you can comment anonymously. It will be VERY boring if I am the only one to comment or share. I learn from others, so please help me out!
*Parenting: We feel successful when all is going well and we feel like a failure when all is wrong.
*God is the expert parent. Turn to Him for help, one step at a time.
*Praying can make a positive difference in our children's future.
*It's never too late to start!
*At every stage in their lives, our children need prayers. Cover the details of our children's life in prayer.
*Without God, we are desperate to repeat the mistakes of our past and to mimic what we've observed.
*God wants us to entrust our children to Him on a daily basis. Then, He can take care of our worry and fear.
*God will take our burdens and provide wisdom, power, protection, and ability.
*Our jobs are to discipline, teach, nurture, "train up a child in the way he should go," knowing that "when he is old, he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6)
*We can cover our children in prayer and release them into God's hands. Then, he will release our minds from that particular concern.
*God doesn't promise that nothing bad will never happen, but praying will release the power of God to work in their lives and give us more peace of mind.
*Don't force your plans on God. Ask God to show and help you pray for your child.
What Is Prayer and How Does It Work?
*Prayer is acknowledging the and experiencing the presence of God and inviting His presence in our lives.
*Seek God's presence!
*God can give us the means to overcome any problem.
*God will give us the power to bear everything we are praying about.
*Major Key to God's Power: Praying in the name of Jesus!
Jesus said, "Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give you." John 16:23
*Praying in the name of Jesus gives us authority over the enemy.
*God knows our thoughts and our needs, but he responds to our prayers.
*That doesn't mean there is an immediate response, but our prayers are never lost or meaningless.
*If we are praying, something is happening whether we can see it or not.
*All that needs to happen in our lives cannot happen without the presence of God.
Begin With A Personalized List
"He has blessed your children within you." Psalms 147:13
*Every detail in life is important to God.
*Pray for concerns of the moment, the future, and the effects of the past.
*Make an extensive, personalized, and detailed list for each child.
*Include concerns for each of your children.
*God knows the needs of your children and what challenges they will face in the future.
God's Word As Your Weapon
"God's word is living and powerful and sharper than a two-edged sword." Hebrews 4:12
*When we don't pray, we are sitting on the sidelines watching our children in a war zone.
When we do pray, we are in the battle beside them covering them with God's power.
*Encourage your children to learn and quote, "I can do all things through Jesus Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13
*When you pray for your children, incorporate the verse, "The righteous cry out and the Lord hears and delivers them out of their troubles." Psalm 34:17
*Gods word: guides us, speaks to us, reminds us He is faithful, builds faith in our hearts, and enables us to understand his heart.
*REBUKE SATAN!!!
"Get behind me, Satan! For it is written you shall worship the Lord your God and Him only shall you serve." Luke 4:7-8
*JESUS IS OUR ROLE MODEL!!!
"If you abide in Me and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you." John 15:7
*Resist the devil by praying for God's direction. If we Watch Him, Walk with Him, Wait on Him, Worship Him, and Live in His word then we will WIN this battle for our children!
*God has a perfect plan for our children's lives, but Satan has a plan too. A plan to destroy by using any means possible. DISSIPATE Satan's power by prayer! "Resist the devil and he will flee from you." James 4:7
*Pray with fervency and passion for our young ones and look forward to prayers being answered.
When Answers Don't Come
*The hardest part of praying is waiting for our prayers to be answered.
*Don't give up when things seem hopeless! Stand strong and say, "I've only begun to fight!"
*Your fight is not with your child, it is with Satan. He is the enemy not your child. Stand strong in prayer until you see a break through in your child's life.
*If there is anger or unforgiveness, tell God. If you feel disappointed or hopeless, state it clearly. Ask for God's forgiveness and ask Him to guide you toward your next step.
I Said "Praying" not "Perfect"
*None of us are perfect, so how can we be perfect parents? It's becoming a praying parent that makes the difference.
*If you know of a child that does not have a praying parent, step into the gap and answer that need. YOU can effect a change in the life of any child you care about.
*Submit yourself to God and ask Him to help you become the parent and intercessor that He wants you to be!
Monday, May 4, 2009
Our First Meeting!
Tonight, we officially had the "first" Moms and Mondays tonight at my house! We had a great time of fellowship and I can already tell that God has great things in store for this group! For those of you who planned on coming, but did not get to make it last minute, I ordered your books and study guides and they will be in on Thursday. I will call you as soon as I get them.
Several of you that do not live in Wichita Falls have emailed me and have asked either how to participate or follow this blog. I think to actually follow the blog, then you have to be signed up with blogspot. If you do not have a blog, that doesn't mean you can't participate. Please participate!!! Here's how we decided that it is going to work:
Each week, we will read one chapter and answer the questions to that chapter in the study guide. On Monday, I will post a reflection/summary from the chapter and the questions from the study guide. I ENCOURAGE those who are participating to go to the comment section and either answer/respond to some of the questions or share an experience. You can do this by going to the comment section and signing up with an email and a password. If you want to comment anonymously, you can. We can all learn from each other and you never know who is going through the same parenting situation that you are going through. Also, if I am the only one writing or commenting, it is going to get VERY boring.....fast! :)
The author, Stormie Omartian, mentioned that journaling during this process might be a good idea. (She explains that in the beginning of the study guide.) I shared my "Praise and Prayer Journal" tonight with the group and gave everyone that came a journal. I use mine to write down a list of things I am praying for (Prayers) and a list of things that I am thankful for (Praises) each day. In the beginning, believe it or not, it was so much easier for to think of Prayers to ask God for than to think of actual Praises. How selfish was that? Each day, I try to make each side "equal" so my prayers never out number my praises. This has been such a blessing in my life to look back over the years and see how many prayers God has answered. I wanted to share this experience of mine because I think it has helped me evolve in the way that I pray. I have even started "writing out" more prayers here lately and that is how I am going to incorporate a new journal with this study. I have some extra journals, so if you weren't here tonight and would like one, please let me know!
Another thing that we decided to do is to make a list of children and their ages that we will be praying for. (See side section.) Please email me at csfowler4@gmail.com to add your children or grandchildren to the list. I will not put last names, only first names and ages. I ask that each Monday when you are praying for your child that you will refer to this list of children and pray for them as well.
Please check back next Monday because we will be covering Chapter One on this blog. Also, our next meeting together is at my house on Tuesday, June 2nd. (I know this is supposed to be a Monday meeting, but June 1st is my anniversary so I have to make an exception!)
The power of prayer is an amazing thing so I hope that you will join us in this journey for praying for our children!
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