MOPS Moments: Courage to be a Sticky Faith Mom

When I think back to people who have had an influence on my spiritual life, my mom is number one on the list. It wasn't that she sat my sister and I down for deep, theological discussions. But instead, I saw that her relationship with the Lord as genuine and necessary.

I saw her sitting at the table reading her Bible in the mornings. I heard her love for Jesus in her voice when she prayed. I appreciated her calm and quiet spirit and her love for encouraging others.

We prayed together as a family in the mornings before school. My parents were so good to emphasize answered prayer and the Lord's direction. Even during difficult times, I was shown that God is in control and takes care of us.

And...I want to teach my kids those same lessons. I pray they see Jesus in me.

Yesterday's "craft" at MOPS was a couple tools to help these moms "stamp the image of Jesus" onto their children. I've been reading            and learning so much from the principles explained.

I love to think that my kids are my mission field right now. The Lord has given them to me to minister, encourage and show the Love of Jesus to.

It is easy for me to think that they are too little. But I have seen that Hudson can already memorize Scripture (If they can memorize Daniel Tiger songs they can memorize verses) and he is sensitive and so sweet during prayer times.

I provided ABC Scripture cards printed on white cardstock for the moms. You can print your own here on my sister's blog. She offers a link for the 8x10" size as well as the 4x3" size.

I told the moms they could hang a string up and use clothespins to attach their cards.Or put it into a picture frame. Or just stick it on the fridge with a magnet. Or punch a hole through each card and keep on a ring. Or put them in a photo album.

Then, we made prayer photo albums. Since kids are super visual, I thought this would help Hudson to keep a prayer list. I had picked up a bunch of those little vinyl flip photo books (about 12 pages each) after Christmas for 10 cents each. I love that you can just slide the cover out and decorate it as you wish. (Similar photo albums).

We will add photos and missionary prayer cards to the album. We may even write specific requests on index cards. Once prayers are answered, we will date the card and put it somewhere special. It is so important for him to SEE answered prayers.

We had a wonderful speaker, too. I was feverishly scribbling down her words of wisdom. For those moms who weren't able to attend the meeting...here's some of my notes.

Being a Sticky Faith Mom - Sandy Harris

Psalm 78:4-7

We will not hide these truths from our children;

we will tell the next generation

about the glorious deeds of the Lord,

about His power and His mighty wonders,

for he issued his laws to Jacob;

he gave his instructions to Israel.

He commanded our ancestors

to teach them to their children,

so the next generation might know them --

even the children not yet born --

and they in turn will teach their own children.

So each generation should set its hope anew on God,

not forgetting his glorious miracles

and obeying his commands. 

We are training our kids, as well as our grandkids, for eternity. 

Building Your Child's Foundation through Prayer

Kids should be prayer warriors in the Lord's Army because they don't doubt. They believe!

Teach them right now to pray specifics so that they can see answers to prayer. 

Teach them to pray for measurable things. (Not just "God bless Mommy and Daddy")

Make a prayer list for your child. Record answers and the dates. 

Instead of telling your kids God said "No," tell them "God had a better plan."

1. Lead them to Christ
2. Teach them to pray
3. Pray about mission opportunities
1. neighbors/friends
2. missionaries
3. sponsor a child
4. pray for a specific unreached people group

Take your kids on prayer walks. Draw out the shape of a country with sidewalk chalk and have them walk around the boarder praying

Mail cards to those your are praying for. Coloring pictures. 

    
  

I pray that you start influencing your children spiritually by encouraging them to pray and memorize Scripture. If your faith is genuine, they will see the real-ness and hopefully want it for their own lives.