Journal ~ Do your children need love?

Neighbors over for an evening treat

Hello Sisters!

I had hoped to return to "some" schooling, but summer seems to lend itself to late night swimming, laughing, eating and walks in the neighborhood. So, needless to say we have all been going to bed very late and rising late also. I have been slacking on my bible study the last few days, but got back into the routine this morning with my latte and dark chocolate to encourage me out of bed! :)

Have you ever had seasons in your life where you say, "my children need more love from me" and it is apparent because of how they are acting. It's hard to explain, but as a mom, you've probably had that feeling at one time or another.

The last time I had that feeling, the Lord spoke to me. He told me if I would just love my husband and make him my first priority, then I would not have to worry about the children, they would just fall in line.

"This I command you, that you LOVE ONE ANOTHER." John 15:17

That is the only command we have from Jesus...LOVE...to love the Father and your neighbor as yourself. THAT'S IT!!!!! And if we will just walk in that LOVE, EVERYTHING IN OUR LIFE WILL FALL INTO ITS PROPER PLACE.

I don't worry about my children walking in love because the more they see "mommy" (it's not my business to monitor daddy, the Lord takes care of daddy, I take care of myself, I'm not the Holy Spirit for my hubby. :) loving on Daddy by stroking his hair, rubbing his arms, siting with him while many times draping my legs over his, serving him, etc.... they REAP the benefits of love being sown into their lives!

"Love is PATIENT, love is KIND, and is not jealous, love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly, it does not SEEK ITS OWN, it is not TOUCHY, does not take into account a WRONG SUFFERED, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears ALL THINGS, BELIEVES ALL THINGS, HOPES ALL THINGS, ENDURES ALL THINGS. LOVE NEVER FAILS." I Corinthians 13

When I'm not hanging all over Hubby, they see Mommy (I'm not perfect, just trying to be :) striving to be PATIENT, KIND and the hardest one for me.....NOT BE TOUCHY. When they see Daddy trying to do 2 things at one time and he doesn't even look over at his wife with so much as a little thank you for the beautiful meal she has just made....and he runs out the front door and Mommy just smiles and says, "let's pray for Daddy" WITHOUT BEING TOUCHY, this will stick with them forever and especially as they see us overcome touchiness day in and day out!

This ability to become non-touchy, has a little to do with our own self. Truly we do "feel" the touchiness well up inside of us and we must take pains (and pains it is) in crucifying our flesh. But the REAL ability to walk in love has to do with being filled with the Holy Spirit and walking according to Him and not our flesh. And the only way to walk according to Him, is by spending time with Him so that we can be EMPOWERED with His power!

If your family needs rejuvenation, start by spending time with Jesus, let the love flow over to your hubby and then it will NATURALLY spill into your children!

Blessings,
Shannon