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LIR RESPATI BUMIDAYA

two cents to a new mom

Posted by Kelly

I was asked to share at a baby shower today a poem or song that encouraged me in my journey of motherhood. My mind immediately took me to the poem that (in many ways) has become my credo when it comes to motherhood. It is a special poem to me because my father-in-law wrote it for me shortly after Joey and I announced our first pregnancy. He knew then what I have found to be true now: that Christian parents (especially first time parents) are often bombarded and overwhelmed with the "lists" they are expected to follow in order to raise the perfect child. While books, speakers and seminars may provide helpful tools to parents, we can easily get caught up in their "lists" and lose sight of our primary help when it comes to parenthood. The fact is, there is NOTHING so powerful as simply bathing your children in prayer. NOTHING. Let me say it again. NOTHING. This poem has become my parenting credo because it reminds me of that very fact and brings me to my knees.

How to Raise Your Kid - OR - A Christian Society: Listing

The list of lists is growing

On how to raise your kid

Whose crest resides atop the page?

What secret's been unhid?

A list of vast credentials,

A list of offspring named,

And all of their accomplishments -

My shoulders droop ashamed.

Here's a list of attitudes,

And this one, books to read.

A new must-see: the latest list,

"From Teenage Culture Freed."

A list of adages you'll hear;

A list to ne'er allow.

The words that lead to early doom,

Hell's grip in "Holy Cow".

A list of songs to never sing,

A list of singers lost.

A list of fashions from the pit,

All catalogued by cost.

A list of things to look for

When suspicious habits show

The world has oozed around the seal.

Those cds have to go!

A hundred listers list their trade.

A hundred books are bought.

A hundred readers face despair,

They can't do what they ought.

Yet quiet 'neath the stormy fray,

The Holy Spirit sees

Kids gently wrapped in truth and love

By parents on their knees.

Acknowledging their frightening lack,

They bow before the One

Who birthed the stars and raised a King

To rule when time is done.

And from His limitless supply,

He dips out just enough

To make a parent from a fool,

Without that other stuff.

Their lists remain impressive,

But none impress so deep

When parents lay their children down

And pray their souls to keep.

Then I couldn't get away without sharing my favorite song/prayer for my children also. I remember listening to this song over and over again during my pregnancy with Jonah. Now I am often found singing it over my children as I put them to bed. Powerful words. Powerful prayer.

Your Whole Life Long - Twila Paris

I pray the Lord will hold you close and keep you through the night

That you will wake up smiling in the early morning light

That He will always comfort you and make you brave and strong

I pray that you will follow Him your whole life long

I pray that you will grow up to be wise and good and true

I pray that you will please the Lord in everything you do

I pray that you will hear His voice and learn to sing His song

I pray that you will follow Him your whole life long

I pray the Lord will bless you with his presence every day

I pray He will protect you every step along the way

Help you love what's right and lead you far away from wrong

I pray that you will follow Him your whole life long

I pray that you will follow Him

I pray that you will follow Him

I pray that you will follow Him your whole life long