Last night Jessie and I went to Lowell Correctional in Ocala to minister to the women in the Annex. We went with one message, Jesus. Many were saved, healed and delivered last night as we brought the Word and laid hands on them. Each time we go the size of our meeting doubles from the previous visit.
One lady came up for nerve pain in her legs. Several of the bones had been broken in an accident and she hadn't been the same since. She wanted to be healed. When I laid hands on her and commanded the pain to leave in Jesus name, I told her to walk and see if the pain was gone. She did, and said, "it's better." She was excited but I told her that by the time we left last night it would be gone all the way. A little while after I asked anyone to come up who had unforgiveness. She came up again and told me that she needs to forgive her sister Janet. This inmate confessed that she burned Janet's house down- down to the ground... Sometimes it's hard not to awkward laugh because this is not the kind of stuff you hear everyday. We prayed, she forgave Janet (to me it seems Janet is the one who probably struggles with unforgiveness towards a sister who burned her house down, but anyway..) As soon as we got done praying I said, "Okay now walk, is the pain gone?" It was!! She walked pain free and was so excited! I told her that unforgiveness was the reason she didn't receive a complete manifestation of her healing the first time we prayed and now that block was gone, she was healed! It's truly amazing how God is able to work when people are hungry to receive.
Another lady came up who had injured her hand playing sports, she said the pain left as I was praying for someone else.
Jessie prayed for an inmate who just got off death row in May and now is instead serving a life sentence in the general population of the prison. She had been saved on death row, but received the baptism of the Holy Spirit last night and spoke in tongues. She was among the many who signed up to receive a copy of my discipleship book, Rise Above, that we will bring more copies of next meeting.
Another inmate came up to Jessie concerned about her salvation because she had been taught by other ministers that her sin was going to send her to hell, even though she had been born again. She is a lesbian and was told that she was going straight to hell because of that. Jessie explained to her that she is not going to hell for that sin if she is born again. She smiled with a huge sense of relief. Jessie went on to further explain that it is God does not speak to us through fear and condemnation and just to work on the discipleship book we gave her and strengthen her relationship with God and he would speak to her about this issue with love, not fear of hell. You see, it is not our job to change people's hearts. We must simply deliver the truth in love and let God do the heart work. This girl needs love. We know from past conversations with her that every man in her life has hurt her in horrible ways and the last thing she needs is to think of God as just another person who is going to hurt and punish her. These situations are so sensitive and while we never condone sin in a person's life, we must be gentle in the approach and let God do the inside work.
Another girl came to the front for prayer but looked lost. I asked her what she wanted me to pray for and I realized she didn't really know what she needed. I said "do you know you need something, but you don't know what?" This happens a lot. She said yes. I knew she needed deliverance and laid hands on her and rebuked the spirits. When we were done she looked up at me almost in a trance, but seconds later started sobbing a huge cry of relief. That girl walked out of there a totally different person. So amazing. Praise God!
Last time we were there I prayed for a woman to be delivered and when she looked up at me here eyes were black and also looked as though she was in a trance. She was set free and threw her hands in the air with excitement. If you don't believe in demons, you would change your mind after visiting a prison. These are just a few of the stories. I wish you could be there. I wish you could see. God has a deep love for the least of these. We can't forget about them.
“Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned. These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak in new languages. They will be able to handle snakes with safety, and if they drink anything poisonous, it won’t hurt them. They will be able to place their hands on the sick, and they will be healed.” Mark 16:15-18
XXOO Courtney
“The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.” Matthew 9:38
To partner with Courtney, click DONATE! Each inmate book sponsorship is $10
I WAS IN PRISON DOCUMENTARY
Let Your Kids Be Bored
We live in busy times. Full days of school, activities, sports, time with friends and church. My favorite movie quote (from my favorite movie, Sound of Music) rings very true these days...
"Activity suggests a life filled with purpose." -Captain VonTrapp
Being busy makes us feel important. It makes us feel as though our lives have value. People are terrified of boredom. They fill their schedules so full that downtime is a treat and rare occasion. For whatever reason we push this same mentality onto our children. We put them in activities that they could care less about when they are way too young to handle such a crazy schedule and then wonder why they drive us crazy by the time summer comes and schedules clear.
Having a busy schedule is not good for kids. Boredom promotes creativity. It allows time for exploring themselves. It sparks their imagination and helps them identify what they are truly passionate about.
Every summer when our oldest gets done with school there is a transition period. Transitioning from being at school where everything is planned and scheduled, she is told when and where to be, and monitored every second, to being home, without a schedule and very few pre-planned activities.
The other day we "celebrated" our first day of event-free schedules by staying home, working on house projects and mostly staying in pajamas. With our younger two this is nothing new so they were off to do their own thing when I discovered the oldest in her room crying. I went in to ask what was wrong and she finally admitted she had nothing to do and was bored. I am sure you Moms can relate to my initial feelings of wanting to just give her something to do, or worse reacting like, "really? Crying about THAT?" but I pushed my feelings aside and told her what most adults should probably hear as well. I said "Listen Bre, we all have different gifts that God has put inside of us. We are all good at different things and we all need to figure out what those things are so that we can spend our time working on them." She seemed to really be listening so I continued, "Being bored is a really good way to figure out what you are really passionate about. Why don't you go up to your room and pray. Ask the Lord to give you some ideas and help you figure out what your gifts and talents are, write down the ideas, and if there is something I can do to help you with them we will go from there. The Bible says if we ask Him for wisdom he will give it to us (James 1:5)" She agreed, stopped crying and went up to her room. When she came back down a few minutes later she had a few things written down. She seemed a lot less discouraged and began working on a couple art projects. This was such a practical way to show her how the Word of God can work for her! It's also amazing how much easier children can hear from God without constantly questioning if that was really him. We have a journey still in front of us but it was a great starting point.
Since that day all three kids have played together from sun up to sun down. Restaurant, house and ice cream shop are among the activities, but most importantly they are just being carefree kids! Just as it is sometimes painful to establish any new habits with your children, allowing them to be bored is just another one of those habits. In our house we avoid electronics as a way to fill that void, and encourage reading, art projects and going outside. I remember as a kid spending a lot of time in my room or outside with my brothers. We rarely had scheduled activities and almost never watched TV. This helped me figure out who I was a lot quicker and I have always been really confident with who I am (to a fault at times! LOL.) I am glad I had that time of self discovery and I want to give my kids that same opportunity.
Let your kids be bored this summer. You might find that it won't just be your kids who discover themselves, but you as well!
Overcoming Trials
Without trials there is no proof that the Word of God works. Overcoming trials is the manifestation of your faith. Rejoice!
“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.”
James 1:2-3 NLT
Abraham is considered the father of the faith. He lived before Jesus had come and was under the old covenant. He didn't have the Holy Spirit living inside him, nor did he have the power that we now have when we are baptized in the Holy Spirit, yet he simply believed what God said. It is because of his faith that we are now heirs of all the promises listed in Deuteronomy 28:1-14.
If Abraham believed God and walked in faith without the Holy Spirit and without the Bible imagine how much easier it is for us! How can we complain?!
“by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ), which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets: that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel,”
Ephesians 3:4-6 NKJV
We have the Bible that tells us the dead can be raised, he didn't. Yet he was willing to sacrifice his only promised son Isaac, believing God would raise him from the dead! Once again he proved his trust in God's word.
We have the power of God living inside of us because of Jesus and the gift of the Holy Spirit!
Right now my family is going through a trial which, in the natural, doesn't look so good. BUT we serve a SUPERnatural God, so we give no place to fear. This is sometimes a daily battle, as we live in a fallen world, completely driven by fear and worst-case-scenerio. Staying in the Word is not optional, our peace depends on it!
Every trial is an opportunity for God to show himself strong in your life. It's a chance for new strength.
Have the God kind of faith. Does God worry? Does God fear? Does God get concerned that your situation is beyond his expertise? No way!! Then why are you?!?! Faith is a fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:22)
There is only ONE faith, God's faith! That is what you have!
“one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.”
Ephesians 4:5-6 NKJV
God already gave us faith (Romans 12:3,6)
When you are in faith sometimes it comes across as uncompassionate, insensitive, people may think you don't even care. They might even think you are delusional or in denial about the "reality." The carnal mind can't comprehend faith. Only a mind renewed in the word can grasp this concept. Satan is carnal, faith confuses him.
Fear creates worry, faith produces results. Would you rather have sympathy or solution?
To accomplish all that God has for you it is going to require the supernatural. Faith won't be optional in the places where he wants to take you!
Be encouraged if you are going through trials, this gives your faith an opportunity to grow and you have nothing to fear, Jesus promises victory!
“And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.”
Romans 5:3-4 NKJV
The Reason I don't have any problems
I have never had my three year old stress out over whether or not I would provide snacks for him. My five year old has never gone on google to check her symptoms if she isn't feeling well. Our nine year old has never had to question if there would be enough gas in the tank for us to take her to school.
Is that strange?
No.
Children never worry about anything, and if they do worry about something we reassure them that it will be okay. They believe us.
There is a reason why people miss being a kid and not having any problems. Yet the funny thing is that when they were kids, there were just as many problems in the world.
The problem is not the problems but rather that we have let them become OUR problems.
The bible tells us that unless we become like a child we will never inherit the kingdom of heaven. Why is this? Children are faithful little creatures. When you tell them something they believe you. It's simple. They don't have any problems because they know that we, their parents will take care of all their problems.
God wants us to trust him to fix our problems. He tells us in his Word that by his wounds we are healed. He tells us that he became poor so that we through his poverty, we could become rich. He tells us that he has good plans for us. Plans for a hope and a future. He tells us that this is a free gift. He tells us that grace has provided for it.
He gave us everything we could possibly ever need or want by grace. Undeserved favor. We can't earn it. No matter how hard we try.
The only way to receive everything that he has provided by grace is to take it by faith. We have to use our faith to be healed. We have to use our faith to prosper. We have to use our faith to overcome our circumstances.
You cannot be in faith and in worry at the same time. Worry is fear and it's the polar opposite of faith. If you need something from God, he has already provided it for you. Your job is simply to rest in the finished work. Like a child.
"Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief." Hebrews 4:11 KJV
The only "work" you should be doing is the disciplined work of getting rid of unbelief so you can stay in a state of rest (faith.) Keeping fear and doubt out of your mind is your only job. And it is not an easy job because we live in a fallen world. A world that revolves around fear. God gave us his Word which can renew your mind to the truth. His Word is the only way to break the cycle of fear and doubt, that if left unchecked, will run your life.
Am I saying that you won't ever have any problems? No, not at all. I could list quite a few things in my own life right now that I could be worrying about. I have chosen not to do that. I have rolled my problems over to the Master problem-solver instead. If I get tempted to be anxious then I get in the Word and remind myself who I am. I am royalty. The God of the universe is my Father. He wants to take care of all my problems, but he can't do it if I won't give them to him. Remember, it is by faith that we inherit the promises. Faith rests and lets him do the work.
I challenge you to renew your mind to this truth. We are so used to "working" that it almost feels irresponsible to let go and give him your problems. We are so accustomed to solving our own problems that we feel our whole world will crash down if we don't take care of it ourselves. That is what the enemy wants you to believe because a burned out Christian is an ineffective Christian.
It's time to start seeing your break through! So tell me, what do you need from God?
XOXO
Is that strange?
No.
Children never worry about anything, and if they do worry about something we reassure them that it will be okay. They believe us.
There is a reason why people miss being a kid and not having any problems. Yet the funny thing is that when they were kids, there were just as many problems in the world.
The problem is not the problems but rather that we have let them become OUR problems.
The bible tells us that unless we become like a child we will never inherit the kingdom of heaven. Why is this? Children are faithful little creatures. When you tell them something they believe you. It's simple. They don't have any problems because they know that we, their parents will take care of all their problems.
God wants us to trust him to fix our problems. He tells us in his Word that by his wounds we are healed. He tells us that he became poor so that we through his poverty, we could become rich. He tells us that he has good plans for us. Plans for a hope and a future. He tells us that this is a free gift. He tells us that grace has provided for it.
He gave us everything we could possibly ever need or want by grace. Undeserved favor. We can't earn it. No matter how hard we try.
The only way to receive everything that he has provided by grace is to take it by faith. We have to use our faith to be healed. We have to use our faith to prosper. We have to use our faith to overcome our circumstances.
You cannot be in faith and in worry at the same time. Worry is fear and it's the polar opposite of faith. If you need something from God, he has already provided it for you. Your job is simply to rest in the finished work. Like a child.
"Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief." Hebrews 4:11 KJV
The only "work" you should be doing is the disciplined work of getting rid of unbelief so you can stay in a state of rest (faith.) Keeping fear and doubt out of your mind is your only job. And it is not an easy job because we live in a fallen world. A world that revolves around fear. God gave us his Word which can renew your mind to the truth. His Word is the only way to break the cycle of fear and doubt, that if left unchecked, will run your life.
Am I saying that you won't ever have any problems? No, not at all. I could list quite a few things in my own life right now that I could be worrying about. I have chosen not to do that. I have rolled my problems over to the Master problem-solver instead. If I get tempted to be anxious then I get in the Word and remind myself who I am. I am royalty. The God of the universe is my Father. He wants to take care of all my problems, but he can't do it if I won't give them to him. Remember, it is by faith that we inherit the promises. Faith rests and lets him do the work.
I challenge you to renew your mind to this truth. We are so used to "working" that it almost feels irresponsible to let go and give him your problems. We are so accustomed to solving our own problems that we feel our whole world will crash down if we don't take care of it ourselves. That is what the enemy wants you to believe because a burned out Christian is an ineffective Christian.
It's time to start seeing your break through! So tell me, what do you need from God?
XOXO
In Prison Today
Coming home has never felt quite as good as it did today. Being able to say yes when my little boy asked me to snuggle has never made me happier.
Today I prayed with several women who wouldn't get to raise their own children. One mom in particular asked for prayer for her two boys and little girl who are now in the foster care system, with people she doesn't know. She cried as we prayed and gave the care of them over to Jesus and asking him to be their guardian since their mom no longer could. She was empowered and found peace knowing that even though she had to be away from them to fix herself, she could still effectively pray for them and God will move in mighty ways on their behalf.
The women I met today were broken. They were hurting and empty. They were in desperate need of help. When I looked at them I saw lost faces that were just searching for an answer. A hope.
We ministered a message of redemption, love and freedom and their faces lit up. True freedom is found in Christ, I don't care if you live in prison or the fanciest house on the planet. Those women soaked up every word into their thirsty souls. Jesus is the well that never runs dry! Many of them left with a new excitement after learning that the promises in the Word are for them too, even in prison. Where sin has run in their lives, his grace runs deeper.
I got a new understanding of what Jesus meant when he said the harvest is plenty but the laborers are few. We were completely outnumbered by those women. There is just not enough time. Each one of them need and desperately want discipleship, yet it isn't available to them.
Then He said to them, "The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest." Luke 10:2
We need more laborers. While it is not possible for every single person to go minister in prison, there are still ways to get involved. My book, Rise Above is designed for discipleship and teaching people how to walk in their authority in Christ to overcome any situation and accomplish all God has for them, no matter the circumstance. Our goal is to get a copy into each hand that wants one.
I wish you all could be there to experience the overwhelming gratitude they showed us, the tears streaming down their faces, their new excitement and their new found hope. If you would like to help us spread the good news then consider a partnership with this ministry. Each inmate is $10 so just click the "donate" button on the right then select the "recurring" option. This allows us to cover our costs and purchase the books for them, as the prison does not provide any funding for this sort of thing.
Please be in agreement with us that God will provide everything we need to saturate the inside of those prison walls with the message of FREEDOM in Jesus!
XOXOXOX
Know Your Authority!
We had such a good night last night at our Women with Vision meeting! If you are a lady in the Orlando area and you are looking for some powerful, straight from the Word teaching then you need to come join us!
Last night we talked about knowing our authority as believers and our rights in Christ. This revelation truly set me free in so many ways and gave me the ability to boldly approach my problems knowing that the God of the universe has got my back! Here are the notes from last night, I pray they inspire, transform and empower you in your calling!
Last night we talked about knowing our authority as believers and our rights in Christ. This revelation truly set me free in so many ways and gave me the ability to boldly approach my problems knowing that the God of the universe has got my back! Here are the notes from last night, I pray they inspire, transform and empower you in your calling!
Faith works by love (Galatians 5:6) Not our love to him because we fail him daily. But his love for us. When we get an understanding of that love then our faith is super charged.
One of the laws of faith is authority. We must understand our authority in Christ if we ever want to take hold of the promises of God.
You ARE a redeemed people. You ARE healed. It's who you are. Anything other than that is a violation in your body and life. God has given US the authority and power to overcome the enemy.
“Behold! I have given you authority and power to trample upon serpents and scorpions, and [physical and mental strength and ability] over all the power that the enemy [possesses]; and nothing shall in any way harm you.”
Luke 10:19 AMP
http://bible.com/8/luk.10.19.amp
Luke 10:19 AMP
http://bible.com/8/luk.10.19.amp
Jesus is not going to force himself on you. He gave you a free will so that you can freely choose him.
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears and listens to and heeds My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will eat with him, and he [will eat] with Me.”
Revelation 3:20 AMP
http://bible.com/8/rev.3.20.amp
Revelation 3:20 AMP
http://bible.com/8/rev.3.20.amp
“I am the Door; anyone who enters in through Me will be saved (will live). He will come in and he will go out [freely], and will find pasture.”
John 10:9 AMP
http://bible.com/8/jhn.10.9.amp
John 10:9 AMP
http://bible.com/8/jhn.10.9.amp
Freely. Not forced. He loves you too much to force you to love him back.
Whereas Satan does not come in with an invitation, he comes and checks all the doors and if he finds one open he will go in it. Uninvited.
“The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).”
John 10:10 AMP
http://bible.com/8/jhn.10.10.amp
John 10:10 AMP
http://bible.com/8/jhn.10.10.amp
The thief is the devil. He comes in like a robber. We must be on guard and keep him out. How can we do that? Knowing our authority.
Satan is the god of this world.(2 Corinthians 4:4, 1 John 5:19)If we are trained up in the world instead of the word then we are basically trained in the enemies territory.
Nobody goes to war not knowing what they are defending. They know what belongs to them so they can defend it. Sadly most Christians don't know what belongs to them and because of that they are not able to withstand the enemy.
When you are told a lie long enough, it becomes truth to you. That is the only power Satan has. Lies. Jesus didn't tell us he would resist the devil for us, he told US to resist him! His work is done! The devil is defeated but now it's our job to use the authority given us to keep him OUT!
We don't need to look at society for truth, we need to look at Gods word.
Satan does NOT want you to find out your authority. He will do anything to keep you from finding out your rights in Christ.
Satan does NOT want you to find out your authority. He will do anything to keep you from finding out your rights in Christ.
“Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world.”
John 17:18 NLT
http://bible.com/116/jhn.17.18.nlt
John 17:18 NLT
http://bible.com/116/jhn.17.18.nlt
He told us to speak to our mountains. He didn't say he would do it for us. He already made the ultimate sacrifice in sending Jesus. He finished it all!
We need to stop seeing ourselves as defeated and victims and recognize the mighty soldiers we are because of Christ in us.
Stop continuously acknowledging your weaknesses and ONLY acknowledge his strength. Acknowledging your weapons, not your inadequacies.
Stop feeling sorry for yourself. That's pride. When God promises us all these benefits we need to believe him! They belong to us!
What are you according to the word?
I am the head and not the tail
I am above only
I am blessed in the city and in the country
I am fearfully and wonderfully made
I am seated with him in heavenly places
I am healed
I am prosperous
I am filled with joy
I am above only
I am blessed in the city and in the country
I am fearfully and wonderfully made
I am seated with him in heavenly places
I am healed
I am prosperous
I am filled with joy
Until you recognize and acknowledge who you are in your mind(transform your mind) you won't see it physically manifest.
Join us in our meetings Thursday nights, 7pm in Lake Mary.
268 Volterra Way
Lake Mary, Fl
XXOXO
We need to stop idolizing our children
Do not be deceived by all my social media pictures I post of my kids. Don't think that just because I am a stay at home mom that my children are the center of my universe. Just because I quit my day job to trade it for the mom job does not mean that my kids are the most important thing in the entire world.
Insert your *gasp in horror* right here.
Let me say first that I love my kids with all my heart. I thoroughly research every decision I make about them and almost all my time is spent caring for them. I am a true believer in the fact that if you are going to have children then they should be raised by you.
There is a disturbing trend that I have noticed when it comes to motherhood. One that leaves the mom unfulfilled, frustrated and even depressed. It's not doing the kids any good either.
We are idolizing our children.
While children are a blessing, and a gift from God, raising them is not the sole purpose that God put you on this earth.
Yes, I know that it may shock you, but God has a purpose for you beyond your just your kids. Raising little ones is such a tiny percentage of both their lives and ours. They should be a blessing, but they will end up driving you crazy if they are not taking the proper and God given role in your life.
The first thing that we need to understand is that God did not design children to come first. God is first, then your spouse, THEN your children. Spending time in the Word of God is the best way we can grow in our relationship with him, it needs to be a priority. This also means that we should be nurturing and improving our relationship with our spouse before our children. If you don't spend time laying a firm foundation in your marriage then your entire family will crumble to the ground. Kids do not come before your spouse. Don't get mad at me, the bible says it. I'm just the messenger.
Some ways you can put your spouse first are:
The other point we need to consider is that when we spend all our time and energy on our kids and their millions of activities, we are doing them a disservice. Kids need to be bored. They need to have time to play and get creative. If we are over scheduling them then they will not have this crucial time and it will effect their development. They learn through creative play, yet these days there is such a child centered mentality that we worry if they have a single moment of boredom then it will ruin their childhood.
You know what my kids do when they are bored. Clean. No, not for money. There are extra things they can do if they want to earn money, but they have regular tasks that they do as members of this household (even the 3 year old.) I sure wish someone paid me every time I cleaned my house, but the truth is that ain't happening! We don't want to raise spoiled and entitled brats.
God has big plans for you. Plans beyond just your kids. Yes, your kids will be part of that plan, but we shouldn't limit ourselves. We need to be spending disciplined time in the Word to grow into the purpose that he has put us on earth to accomplish. God comes before your spouse and your kids.
"I just don't have time to spend time in the Word because my kids just take up so much of my time!"
I get it, but you need to schedule everything around your relationship with God. Your kids are under your command and if they are not "allowing" you to spend time in the Word then you need to get your house under control. Set aside time every day that you can pray, read your bible, or listen to a good podcast.
You only get one life to live! Put your kids in the proper ranking order in your household and watch your life flourish!
XOXO
Insert your *gasp in horror* right here.
Let me say first that I love my kids with all my heart. I thoroughly research every decision I make about them and almost all my time is spent caring for them. I am a true believer in the fact that if you are going to have children then they should be raised by you.
There is a disturbing trend that I have noticed when it comes to motherhood. One that leaves the mom unfulfilled, frustrated and even depressed. It's not doing the kids any good either.
We are idolizing our children.
While children are a blessing, and a gift from God, raising them is not the sole purpose that God put you on this earth.
Yes, I know that it may shock you, but God has a purpose for you beyond your just your kids. Raising little ones is such a tiny percentage of both their lives and ours. They should be a blessing, but they will end up driving you crazy if they are not taking the proper and God given role in your life.
The first thing that we need to understand is that God did not design children to come first. God is first, then your spouse, THEN your children. Spending time in the Word of God is the best way we can grow in our relationship with him, it needs to be a priority. This also means that we should be nurturing and improving our relationship with our spouse before our children. If you don't spend time laying a firm foundation in your marriage then your entire family will crumble to the ground. Kids do not come before your spouse. Don't get mad at me, the bible says it. I'm just the messenger.
Some ways you can put your spouse first are:
- Going on dates regularly
- Putting the kids to bed early so you have alone time with your spouse before bed
- Making the kids have a "quiet time" or nap during the day so you can spend a little while connecting with your spouse
- Bottom line is that your kids should not run the house, you and your spouse should.
The other point we need to consider is that when we spend all our time and energy on our kids and their millions of activities, we are doing them a disservice. Kids need to be bored. They need to have time to play and get creative. If we are over scheduling them then they will not have this crucial time and it will effect their development. They learn through creative play, yet these days there is such a child centered mentality that we worry if they have a single moment of boredom then it will ruin their childhood.
You know what my kids do when they are bored. Clean. No, not for money. There are extra things they can do if they want to earn money, but they have regular tasks that they do as members of this household (even the 3 year old.) I sure wish someone paid me every time I cleaned my house, but the truth is that ain't happening! We don't want to raise spoiled and entitled brats.
God has big plans for you. Plans beyond just your kids. Yes, your kids will be part of that plan, but we shouldn't limit ourselves. We need to be spending disciplined time in the Word to grow into the purpose that he has put us on earth to accomplish. God comes before your spouse and your kids.
"I just don't have time to spend time in the Word because my kids just take up so much of my time!"
I get it, but you need to schedule everything around your relationship with God. Your kids are under your command and if they are not "allowing" you to spend time in the Word then you need to get your house under control. Set aside time every day that you can pray, read your bible, or listen to a good podcast.
You only get one life to live! Put your kids in the proper ranking order in your household and watch your life flourish!
XOXO
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