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| Christian Moms |
| Public online group |
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| ok I have a question for this group. im in a point in my life were i want to bring religion to my kids even though they are really little but i wasnt educated growing up what so ever. i went through a really bad phase as a teen because i was scared. i was uneducated so anyones reaction would be rebel right? well i dont ever want my kids to go through that for the reasons i did.i just dont know were to start.when i did try i felt judged alot. thats something i cant do is be judged. also i still dont know much. does anyone have any sugestions? i went to a nondenomination church and loved it. but how do i go about this right? i want my 2 kids to have it better than what i did. please help. |
| Posted by laura on 06/09/2007 05:05 PM
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hi Laura
i was not raised in a Christian home either, not a bad home but i still do not knwo if my mom is a believer or not. She pretty much evades the question and refuses any organized religion. There are many times at church and church functions where i feel SO OUT of my element. I do not thing Christians who were raised in the faith really comprehend how foreign it can feel. Now i am not saying GOD feels foreign but the organized church part does.
As far as the judging goes, that is not a fellow Christians' job to judge you. One day we will all stand before God and be held accountable for our actions. I will say that i believe you should have a close relationship with at least a few fellow Christians who will help you stay in a right relationship with God. Doing things like calling/visiting you if they have'nt seen you at church/ss in a few weeks. Pray about it and find a church that welcomes everyone with open arms, but remember Churches are full of sinners...that is one reason we GO to church. And as Christians we need to forgive each other.
As far as raising your children in the faith, i believe that LIVING what you say you believe means you are on the right path. This is so hard to do daily for me. Simple things like keeping your patience with the slow, rude checkout person or forgiving your husband when he wrongs you even when you might want to give him the cold shoulder for a while, lol.
My husband and I are also struggling with how to bring God to our children in our home and not just on Sundays. A good idea i have heard, but not tried yet, is the family bible time. We want to start this one but we have just been LAZY....
I admire you for coming from a troubled background and wanting a better beginning for your children..God bless you and your family. I will pray for you. Keep us posted. : ) |
| posted by Andrea R. on 06/09/2007 05:30 PM
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I also wasn't raised in a christian household. I went through some hard teen years too. My parents got divorced when I was 13 and remarried before I turned 15. My mother changed and her and my step father were very abusive to me. I left at 17. Just a year earlier I meet the man of my dreams, a christian man, but I didn't except Christ into my life until I was 21.
I am a doer. I had to do everything for myself at a young age. When I was 15 my mom got me a job with a friend and I had to give her all but $20 a week of my check. Sometimes not even that. Believe it of not I worked close to 40 hrs a week after school and on weekend. Ok why am I telling you this? I thought I had to do everything for myself even when it came to God and my children. My mom didn't even give me lunch money so if I was taking care of myself, no one would have.
I changed alittle when I excepted Christ but not much. Not until I had kids and read a wonderful book call The Power of a Praying Mom. If you need the author let me know. I'll have to look for it. I was given this book as a gift and it made me realize that I didn't have to do it on my own. Praying has great powers. No one but God is perfect. And everyone is different but God know us and he will show you the way to raise your children in the way they should go so when they are older they will not part from it. I pray, pray and pray some more. Then I read my bible and then pray some more. I have seen some great changes in me as a parent and also in my children. I would like to pray for you know.
Father,
You are the perfect father. The father to us all. And I know that you're just waiting to show us the right way to parent our children. Not my the worlds way but by your way. Father I ask in Your Son's name that you show and lead Laura in the way that is right for her kids. You knew them before they were born and only you know what they truely need. Be with her and her family as they learn to love and walk with you. Thank you Lord for your faithfulness for I can say with all faith that everything I've prayed will come true. I love you Daddy
In Jesus' name,
Amen
I will be praying for you for I know just how hard it is to raise a family when you don't have anything here on Earth to go by. Bless you and your family forever
-Jessa |
| posted by Jessica on 06/09/2007 09:36 PM
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Hi Laura! Its wonderful that you want to have you kids know about God. That is a great start. I'm so excited for you. You mentioned how you wanted to do it right. If I may suggest to you that the first thing you might want to do is make Jesus the Lord and Savior of your life. How do I do that you may ask? Simply share your heart with God. Ask Him to forgive you of your sins and to come into your life and into your heart. You may feel like crying or maybe not. Or you may not feel nothing. Its by faith in God. The Bible says "if you confess with your mouth and believe with your heart that Jesus Christ is Lord you shall be saved". He can change your future, forgive your past and your decision to accept HIm into your heart and life will change the course of your children's life. I have seen it in my own life.
The second thing you can do is attend a church that preaches the Word in its fullest. They believe in all the Bible says not part. If you enjoyed the non-denominational church you attended then continue there. Get plugged in there. See if you can attend any disipleship classes (classes that teach new comers about God's word, what that church beliefs and vision of that church) etc...This will help you grow as a new Christian and set a solid foundation. If you feel in your heart talk to someone on their staff that you can share your heart about wanting to teach your children about God and wanting to know about God and could they help you. In the beginning you may have alot of different emotions going on inside you. You may be feeling judged, guilty but Laura don't let those feeling control you or keep you from doing what is best for you and your family. Talk to someone there maybe a counselor at the church to help walk you through some of those emotions. And its ok that you don't know much. I had no knowledge of the Bible or of God other than what my parents told me which was incorrect I found out later. And I have been a Christian now for 15 years. And I never thought I would be who I am today especially from where I came from. Knowledge comes with Time. Time in reading the Bible, praying (simple conversation with God everyday about anything and everything in your life) and attending a good, solid church.
Third, I just mentioned is reading the Bible and Praying. If you don't have a Bible you can find several translation at a Christian Bookstore. One translation that is easy to read and understand is the NIV or New Living. Ask a sales clerk at the Christian bookstore and they will help you. They also have great books on prayer. The teach you how to pray. Stormie Omaritan has great books on prayer. Also, Cindy Jacobs. Give the clerk the names and they will find them. Spend time each day ready the Bible and praying. Wether its in the morning, afternoon, evening you set a time that will work with you. If I can suggest start reading in the New Testament in Matthew thru Revelation and then start the old Testament which is the 1st Book of Bible called Genesis. In the old testament there is the Books of Proverbs which is the Book of Wisdom for each day. There is 31 chapters read one chapter everyday (which will cover each day) and each time you read it you get something new. Also, Psalms is my favorite read one a day too. They will encourage you no matter where you are in your walk with God. The Book one of the girl mentioned about the Power of a praying Parent is by Stormie Omaritan. She has bunch of prayer books that will help you in your journey you embarking upon. Don't give up. You don't have to know alot or alittle for God He will guide each day if you let Him. And word from the Wise don't worry about People and what they think. What they think of you is irrelevant. It doesn't make you who you are. Its there opinion.
Also, listen to christian music. There is so much variety out there now. There is rock, contemporary, country. For what every your taste is. Tell the Christian Bookstore attendant they your looking for what every your style of listening and tell her to suggest and listen to them.
Ask God to send you some new Christian friends. You need support and friendships that will help you.
And as for your little ones involve them in the children's ministry at your church and let them grow there. Buy children christian music, bibles and you start reading to them and praying with them. They will catch it I promise. God sees your heart. You don't have to be perfect, just start where you are.
Laura, I hope this will help you out on your journey. I will pray for you and your family. If you follow your desire to know about God He will show you the way. He will heal your hurts, your wounds, and make everything more beautiful then you could possibly ever dream of. HE LOVES YOu and your family more than you know and HE has an Awesome Plan for your Lives. Seek and you shall find, Knock and it shall be opened unto you. God bless you. |
| posted by on 06/09/2007 11:10 PM
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Read your Bible regulary and read It to your kids as well,and abide by it (you are your kid's role model right now).
Have fellowship with other Christians that acts orderly according to the Word.
Search the web for Christian sites for any questions you may have.
There's also Christian radio stations you can listen to.
God Bless you Laura.
With you in Christ,
-Maila
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| posted by Maila on 06/09/2007 11:47 PM
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Hi Laura........
I too am a young mom who is starting on the Christian path. I have a 3 yr old daughter and a 4 month old. My husband is not a practicing christian and so everything is left to me when it comes to shoing my kids who Jesus is. But let me tell you.....once you find your groove...everything falls into place. First and foremost, you need to find a church that fits you!!! Then join a study group and find a christian mentor. Explain your need to him/her and let them know your situation.
When I found my mento....it was the best move I ever made. I told her that I needed her to keep me accountable. She calls me once a week and we discuss what I am learning and how I am applying it to my life. I learn a new Bible verse every week. You know how? I pick it out.....then I write it on several pieces of paper and stick them in all the places I visit the most. I have one on my bathroom mirror, computer, television, and refrigerator. Another thing was that I was having a problem fitting in time to show my daughter the Bible as well as have my own quiet time. Soooo, my mentor suggested that I learn the stories WITH my daughter. She bought me this amazing book for kids. It has 43 Bible stories in it and it comes with a cd too. So as she is learning....so am I!!! It was a great way to get myself into the habit...and now whenever my daughter asks about Jesus.....I can pick up the Bible and read to her!!!!
Laura, just make sure you start small. Don't overwhelm yourself. Make sure you pray in the morning and in the evening. And eveytme you can remember..PRAY!!!! God will shine through you and onto your kids. He is an awesome GOD and can do GREAT things through ALL of us!!!! And remember....you are just as important to HIM as the Christian with 12 years experience under her belt!!!!! GOD needs ALL of US...and GOD loves ALL of US!!!!! So when in doubt....just pray and HE wil see you through!!!!
-JESS |
| posted by Jessica on 06/10/2007 11:06 PM
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| Amen! This group is wonderful. What a blessing to belong to such a wonderful group of Christian women. |
| posted by Jessica on 06/11/2007 01:20 PM
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