Teach Intentionally..."Family Time…God knows your needs and limits temptations", with Stacy Davis ~ Bible Teacher and Sky Ranch Board Member

Family Time…God knows your needs and limits temptations

Are you “a take matters into your own hands” kind of person? If you are, is it a struggle to trust God as your Provider? For the “take charge” person, which is often men, but it can be women too…trusting God is one of the biggest challenges. God provide us with intelligence and skill so that you can take care of yourself and others. But sometimes God places you in a situation to show you how much you actually trust Him or don’t trust Him. He uses the situation to teach you about yourself and your own heart. Can you see yourself wandering in the wilderness and trusting God for your next drink or meal as the people of Israel did in Nehemiah? Do you recognize God as He provides drink, food or clothing now? God is providing for you now…you just have to open your eyes, see it, and give Him the credit. It helps to recognize Him in the obvious provisions when life is easier. Then, in the challenging times, you will learn to see Him there too.

As a Mom when I was raising toddlers, one of my biggest challenges was to fight the urge to race in a save my child as they began to walk. God provided my child with legs, very wobbly at first, but they worked. I understood that He had provided for my child, but I still had difficulty trusting that my child was ready to use them. I was tempted to always jump in and catch my child on their wobbly legs, but each time that I did, I prevented my child from learning to stabilize him or herself. There is a balance. I wanted to prevent a serious fall, but I did not want to hinder learning to walk independently. Both of the family time topics for this week focus on trusting God to provide for your needs and not giving into temptation. God used my time as a toddler Mom to help me learn to trust Him and not give into the temptation to always fix things for my kids. This verse has helped me…”fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe” (Proverb 29:25). Today, I still have to trust that God has provided for my kids and resist the temptation to fix things for them. I personally think trusting God to parent instead of me… is one of my biggest challenges as a parent. Sometimes, I just need to keep my opinion to myself and let my kids struggle through experiences in their lives and figure it out themselves. Easier said than done! It can be hard to hold my tongue! But, just like with the walking stage, if I keep intervening, I will actually hinder their learning.

This week in your family time, I would encourage you to prepare by praying for your family and asking God to show you if you truly trust God to provide for your needs and your family’s needs. Ask Him to show you if you or your husband have difficultly resisting the temptation to “fix” things for your kids. Every parent has difficulty letting their kids “fail”…but do you prevent their failures so much that life lessons are missed too? There is a balance. Pray and ask God to show you the balance and ask Him to give you the wisdom to guide each family member so that you prevent serious blunders, but do not hinder them from learning valuable life lessons.

Do you have questions or need prayer for your family? Email me at SkyMoms@skyranch.org.

I will be praying for you! 

Stacy

Stacy A. Davis

Teach Intentionally

This week we are in the 10^th  Month Topic and 4^th & 5^th Family Time (or page  88 & 89) of the Sky Ranch Devotional “Open Your Eyes”…

Family Time 4: 

Month 10 Topic:  God is my Provider…Needs

Talk with God: Read…Nehemiah 9:15, Nehemiah 9:21

~ Nehemiah 9:15  You provided bread from Heaven for them for their hunger, You brought forth water from a rock for their thirst.

• In verse 15, what did God provide?  Where did the water come from?

~ Nehemiah 9:21  Indeed, forty years You provided for them in the wilderness and they were not in want; their clothes did not wear out, nor did their feet swell.

• In verse 21, how long did God provide for them in the wilderness?  Were they in want?  Did their clothes wear out?  Did their feet swell?

Walk with God: Discuss… These verses remind us of how great God is and that He truly does supply all of our needs.  Who among you has clothes you have worn for 40 years?  Probably no one in your family still wears clothes that are 40 years old.  When God provides, He really provides! Why is it important to thank God for our food prior to eating a meal?  Recommit to doing this as a family before each meal.  It will make mealtime much more enjoyable!

Prayer suggestion… “God, thank you for new clothes! And every meal we eat on a daily basis.  Thank you for meeting our most basic needs like food, water and clothing.”

Family Time 4: 

Leader Answers:

• Bread and water; from a rock
• 40 years; no; no; no
• Discussion ideas:  Mealtime prayers are a great way to bring community to your family.   Encourage your little ones to bow their heads to pray, even when they are not with you or at home.  Prayers can be silent, but giving thanks is important.

Family Time 5: 

Month 10 Topic:  God is my Provider…Freedom from temptation

Talk with God: Read…1 Corinthians 10:13

~ 1 Corinthians 10:13  No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, Who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it.

• According to this Scripture, will God allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able to endure?  
• Will He always provide a way of escape?

Walk with God: Discuss…Temptation is a scary thing sometimes.  We don’t know when it will rear its ugly head next.  Jesus was tempted.  He knows how we feel when we are tempted.  He escaped the temptation and so can we, according to this verse.  Why is it hard to escape?  Is it sometimes easier to give in to the temptation?  What have you been tempted with this week, today, in the last hour?

Prayer suggestion… Thank God for providing everything in your life.  Thank Him for providing a way out of temptation and for making your family stronger through temptation.  

Family Time 5: 

Leader Answers:

• No
• Yes
• Discussion ideas: Matthew 4 tells the story of Jesus’ temptation by Satan.  This might be a good chapter to read to discuss temptation.  Notice that Jesus counters Satan with Scripture…that works for us, too!

© 2011 Lisa Clark and Stacy A. Davis, Inc. All rights reserved.

SkyMom Holly Shiver's experiences "Unplugged" while at Sky Ranch Family Camp in Ute Trail, Colorado!

Unplugged

I just returned with my family from a week long vacation trip to Colorado(Of course, you call it a “trip” when the munchkins are with you!) We spent the week at a Christian family camp there and had such an amazing experience. While the scenery was breathtaking, weather absolutely perfect, activities so fun and adventurous, and the people very delightful, those were not the things that had such an impact on us as a family.  Rather, it was what we like to call, “unplugging.” It is as if someone reached down, picked up our family and transported us to some far away land where there is no such thing as email, cell phones, TV, itouches, video games…you get the picture. It was just us. Just us. Certainly, every family in ministry rarely finds the time or opportunity to truly disconnect from everyone and everything in order to focus on family and feel spiritually refreshed. What if we were more deliberate in making that happen?

As we began our drive back to Texas and got closer and closer to an actual town, we began our re-entry into the all too familiar world of technology. In those moments, I felt a sadness come over me. That strong, powerful force that is too much to resist was headed right toward us, and ready to steal away what we had come to know so intimately throughout the week – really being together.  

Now, I am not saying that I think “Talking Tom” is the anti-Christ, or that there is not a time and place for being “plugged in” to technology in this day and age. But I can say, however, that you leave a lot more room for the Holy Spirit to move and speak when you are less distracted by it all. Not to mention the irrefutable rewards of undivided attention on your kids and spouse.

As a child, I remember my Dad preaching a sermon entitled “Being comes before doing.” This is the familiar idea that we need to focus on being who God wants us to be, before we turn all of our efforts toward doing the things that we think make us look good.  In the same way, I believe there are times when a family just needs to be. And it’s very hard to be when you are reading emails, returning texts, playing Angry Birds or tuned into your favorite show.  My struggle is often doing all of the things that need to get done as a wife and mom, but neglecting to take the time to just be with my family.  {Confession coming…} I often hear myself repeating phrases like “In a minute” or “Not right now” when asked to play a game, go outside, or read a book. This past week reminded me of the need to take more opportunities to be, and cease, for awhile anyway, to do. 

The question becomes, will your children look back one day and remember all the clean clothes they had, how the house was in order, all the dishes you washed and how good you were at staying on top of those emails…or will they remember you looking into their eyes, playing on the floor with them and just being together?  

So, you ask, “How?” How, in today’s society, do I say “No” to all of these things that pull me away from true quality time with my family? Especially when so much of it is necessary? And even more so, how do I encourage my kids to do the same? I for one like small goals. One way my husband and I have decided to implement this idea is from now on, when we enter a restaurant as a family, we do not even allow ourselves to take our phones inside. This is an easy way to have an automatic built in time of unplugging. Maybe you choose one hour every day when as a family, you unplug. I have a friend who has made a commitment to only check her email two times every day. This was challenging at first, but guess what? It turned out that the world did not stop spinning when she did not send immediate responses to her emails! Who knew?!

In what ways do you unplug in order to focus on what’s in front of you? Leave us a comment and let us know…then take some time to just “be” today.

~Holly Shivers

Prayer Encouragement: "Good Friends in the Faith!" by SkyMom, Terrie Chevaillier

Good Friends in the Faith!

That is, that we may be mutually strengthened and encouraged and comforted by each other's faith, both yours and mine. 

Romans 1:12

As I came across this verse on Monday, I realized that is exactly the scripture behind the interactions I witnessed with two of my boys as we dropped them off at Sky Ranch this past Sunday.

For one son, his face just lit up when he saw the counselors he had already spent  a week with this summer during session two. There were hugs, laughing at what only they understood between themselves with hand gestures, hand shakes, and word phrases. Sweetness and brotherly Christ like love. A little taste of heaven on earth is how I would describe it.

For the other son, as soon as we got on the wagon, he started seeing campers and previous years counselors that he had shared life and faith with for one amazing week in past summers. What I witnessed....shouts of joy and greeting and hanging out the wagon just to touch the hands of friends that he had a deep connection with. A faith connection. It was sheer joy to see my sometimes "under the radar " child let loose in abandon with his expressed joy at seeing other brothers in Christ.  Pleasure.  Sweetness.  Love. 

My response...tears of joy and thanksgiving! 

I had to share those things with you to encourage us to continue making it priority to do whatever it takes to re arrange schedules, put aside money, and guard time to allow our children the pleasure and joy of spending time with friends in the faith

Let's pray God's Word:

Father, thank You for places like Sky Ranch, church, small groups, youth groups, mission groups and other circles of brotherly love.  They are good and perfect gifts from You. 

I pray that our children would be strengthened by the mutual love experience of being with other believers.

It brings encouragement and comfort to withstand the pressures and stress of daily living in a fallen word. Bring them more of these experiences in their day in and day out world throughout the year to be strengthened, encouraged, and comforted.

Amen

~Terrie Chevaillier

Ronda from ~ The Family Table, brings us "Scrumptious Cinnamon Rolls"!

Hey Skymoms,

 How are you all doing? I hope relishing in the warmth of a fantastic summer :). If your house is anything like mine, it is filled with camps, swimming, play dates and food...lots and lots of food. I think I may go broke this summer with all the mouths I’m feeding, but especially with my own three who are eating me out of house and home! I feel like I make one meal and before the last plate is in the sink someone is asking for a snack which really equates to a mini meal in our neck of the woods.  The good news is that our kids are all healthy eaters and lovers of good things but the flip side of that is a bag of gold fish just won’t suffice hahahaha. Somedays I sure wish it would. 

I have been cookin a blue streak in the house but today I am going to write up something that I usually think about during the holidays...Cinnamon Rolls. And the reason for that is because I have a little story to go with it :)....

The secretary from our school had a running joke with our middle son, Collin. Everyday when he would walk into school she would say,” Collin, where is my cinnamon roll?” And then they’d both laugh until the next day when it would happen all over again. Stacey is the type of school secretary that is friends with everyone. She always has a big smile on her face and she treats the kids with so much love and attention it is as if they are her own. With me being a full time student myself, she has helped me out of many pickles, and I don’t mean the baseball type (that’s a baseball joke for those of you with only girls)! 

My intent was to make her a big pan of homemade rolls before the end of school. Well, that didn’t happen for several reasons. First, I don’t have that one perfect roll recipe. I have been searching high and low, but I am a picky baker and hadn’t found the one I was looking for. They either made too many (who wants 9 trays of rolls), or they had too many steps (who has 4 hours to devote to cinnamon roll making) or the taste fell short of what I wanted if I was going to blow it and have a real treat. 

All that changed when I came across a recipe on Pinterest! OH my goodness!!! Whenever I make food for someone, I always have to do a test run to make sure it turns out ok. And if it is a baked good of some sort, well I might have to make it three or a dozen times (wink wink) to make sure it is just how I want. 

This little recipe claims to be the fastest cinnamon roll, but I was skeptical that it would taste ok. I wasn’t about to trade taste for time. Let me assure you, the taste was perfecto in every way. Also, I didn’t want a whole lot of rolls sitting around tempting me after I walk in from my yoga class. When it comes to will power, I am certainly lacking in the food department. Finally, the dough had to be easy to work with and this one certainly is easy.

Bright and early, like 5 am bright and early, when I couldn’t sleep, I decided to treat the kids to warm, fresh from the oven cinnamon rolls to go along with their scrambled egg breakfast. Let me just say, all the kids were happy campers that day.  

And my friend Stacey, well, she will get her batch delivered next week when my daughter heads to basketball camp at the school. 

Scrumptious Cinnamon Rolls 

adapted from FineCooking.com

Dough:

3/4 cup part skim ricotta cheese 

1/3 cup low fat buttermilk

1/4 cup sugar

1/4 cup unsalted butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups all purpose flour 

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

Filling:

2 tablespoon unsalted butter

2/3 cup packed brown sugar

1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom

 Glaze:

4 tablespoon cream cheese, room temperature

1/2 cup powdered sugar, or to taste

1 tablespoon skim milk, or as needed

1 tsp. vanilla extract

Heat the oven to 400°F. Grease the sides and bottom of a small baking pan with cooking spray.

Combine the ricotta cheese, buttermilk, sugar, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth. Add the flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda just until the dough clumps together. The dough will be soft and moist. Now knead together a few times to make a ball.

With a rolling pin, roll the dough into a 12×15-inch rectangle. I roll the dough out on silpat and cover the top of the dough with plastic wrap to make my rolling out an easier process.

Brush the dough with the melted butter.  In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and spices. Sprinkle the mixture over the buttered area of the dough.

Starting at a long edge, roll up the dough jelly-roll style. 

Cut the roll in half and then cut those in half until you have eight pieces. Set the pieces, cut side up, in the prepared pan. 

Bake until golden brown 20 to 30 minutes. 

In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla to make a smooth glaze. Add milk as needed to achieve thin consistency. Drizzle onto warm rolls. Let stand 10 minutes (or as long as you can stand) and serve.

***Because the recipe only makes eight rolls, I put them into my bread loaf pan, but I wouldn’t do that again. Because the insides were all bunched together, I had to bake the rolls longer.  To make sure I didn’t burn the tops, I covered the rolls with a piece of foil. My advise for pan size would be to put the rolls in a round tin and put them close together, but not crammed.

Serve fresh from the oven with scrambled eggs and hot coffee. Delicious!

I hope all of your little ones are looking forward to their Sky Ranch experience. I know our kids are counting down the days until session 7 arrives!! 

Happy Summer and many blessings to you all :)

Ronda from The Family Table

Teach Intentionally..."Family Time…God gives", with Stacy Davis ~ Bible Teacher and Sky Ranch Board Member

Family Time…God gives

Every good and perfect gift comes from above. (James 1:17).This month's topic is focused on God as our Provider and part of providing is giving. God gives to you and me. His gifts are very similar to how a parent gives to their own child, but it is even better than anything a parent can do. God has the ability to know everything including your heart and mind. He is constantly developing and changing you based on His knowledge of your needs. He can give you the gift of an experience that trains and shapes you so that you will be able to perform well above anything that you had ever dreamed. Sometimes He also gives gifts as a blessing in your life and He understands much more than you even understand about the exact gift to bring you joy.

As a Mom, I have noticed that family pets can bring joy or tears depending on the disposition of the pet. We have had good and bad ones. After a series of bad pets, I finally concluded to pray before picking the next one and asking for God to pick the animal for us. He sent us a Shi Tzu puppy that looked like a guinea pig and was not what we expected.  I was also concerned that she would be a high maintenance yap dog, but she has turned out to have the sweetest personality and has been one of our favorite pets. God knew what our family needed and sent her to us...but it was important that we asked for His help! We are so thankful!  As a result, our family has learned to ask God's opinion and thankfully accept what He sends...our Father really does know best!

This week in your family time, I would encourage you to prepare by praying for your family and asking God to reveal how accepting your family is of the gifts that God provides for you.  When you recognize God’s blessing in your lives, how do you respond? How often do you acknowledge God's wisdom in His choice of gifts? Do you spend time discussing all that God has done for you? Recognize Him in the family time this week and spend time giving Him the credit. Also, share about a time that a gift or blessing in your life turned out to be better than you expected.

Do you have questions or need prayer for your family? Email me at SkyMoms@skyranch.org.

I will be praying for you! 

Stacy

Stacy A. Davis

Teach Intentionally

This week we are in the 10^th  Month Topic and 3^rd Family Time (or page  87) of the Sky Ranch Devotional “Open Your Eyes”…

Family Time 3:

Month 10 Topic:  God is my Provider…Giving

Talk with God: Read…Matthew 7:11, Genesis 22:14

~ Matthew 7:11  If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your Father who is in Heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!”

• Who is evil, according to Matt 7:11?
• In Matt 7:11, how do we receive good gifts from our Father?

~ Genesis 22:14  And Abraham called the name of that place ‘The Lord Will Provide,’ as it is said to this day, “In the mount of the Lord it will be provided.”

• In Gen 22:14, who named the place of provision ‘The Lord Will Provide’?

Walk with God: Discuss… Do you consider yourself evil?  What do you think God meant by this term?  Parents, discuss the joy you feel when you give your children gifts.  Kids, how do you feel to receive them?  It’s been said that Heaven is full of gifts (remember, yesterday’s Scripture said Christ Jesus has riches!) just waiting to be bestowed upon us! Do we boldly go before God and ask for the desires of our heart?  Sometimes all we need to do is ask.  What have you asked God for lately, and has He answered your prayer?

Family Time 3: 

Leader Answers:

• We are evil! (sinners)
• Ask

• Abraham
• Discussion ideas:  Evildoers are sinners who are preoccupied with doing evil/wrong.  We are all sinners and we still have redeeming qualities. 

Prayer suggestion… Thank God for providing for your needs.  Thank Him for allowing you to provide for your family.  

© 2011 Lisa Clark and Stacy A. Davis, Inc. All rights reserved.

Prayer Encouragement: "Bad Company" by SkyMom, Terrie Chevaillier

Bad Company

Don’t be fooled by those who say such things, for “bad company corrupts good character.” 

(1 Corinthians 15:33 NLT)

Who are your children hanging out with?

Is it primarily with those of good character?

How about your children's character....are they being more of a positive influence on those around them, or are others influencing them more...for good or bad?

How is your character influencing your children?

Aside from friendships...is the character of  coaches in your children's lives influencing them in a positive way?

Are you a coach representing good character to those you teach or mentor?

How much time are your children with you? 

Are they away more hours of the day at friend's houses or yours?

How many hours in the week are spent at after school activities or sport practices?

Who is the biggest influence on your child right now?

The above list is just a grid of questions. Read today's verse above and then just read each question in light of the verse. No right or wrong answers necessarily. A lot of good things and time spent in good places. However, if the influencing character of these places or people in those places are harming your children....you want to know. It is often said that we become like those we are with the most.

Let's pray God's Word and seek wisdom:

Dear Lord, Your Word says that bad company corrupts good character. Where am I being fooled? Where are my children being fooled? I pray that I am not sacrificing the influence on their character with any selfish desire of my own to have them busy or occupied elsewhere. 

Please help our home be one that glorifies You and seeks holiness. Let my character and influence be a helpful presence over a hurting or harming presence, especially in the formative years.

If their is anyone that is bad company for my child right now, give me wisdom and insight and then courage to help make a change if needed. If there is any bad influence in my children's lives, I pray that the influence would come under the love of Your healing presence and be changed  or be removed for a time from the presence of my child.

I pray that our family would have character that leaves a lasting mark for the good in the relationships in and around us.  Let the light of Christ be the character that shines 

in us.  

Amen
~Terrie Chevaillier

Check out the newly constructed Prayer Wall and Chapel!

Check out the newly constructed Prayer Wall and Chapel!  This incredible “commons area” provides the opportunity for every camper to engage in spiritual thought and examine their lives as they move along the walkway and savor the scripture panels that reflect Christ’s prayer life revealing God’s truth and the power of prayer.

Sky Ranch’s fifty-five year history of transforming lives for God’s Kingdom is due in large part to the faith expressed by our founders as well as our “parade of saints” who have supported the ministry of Sky Ranch over the years.   We believe that the contribution of their time, talents and treasure warrants a permanent place for recognition on the Prayer Wall and surrounding walkways.

For more information about being a part of this legacy, please contact Tamora Mahaffey at tamoram@skyranch.org or call (469) 484-4840.

 

Teach Intentionally..."Family Time…God’s security", with Stacy Davis ~ Bible Teacher and Sky Ranch Board Member

Family Time…God’s security

What is security to your family? Is it physical protection, financial protection, spiritual protection? Security can mean different things depending on the needs of the situation that you are in. In Job 24, God is referring to a secure life which includes direction, physical protection, financial security, spiritual security. God covers all areas of security and He tells us that He alone is the Provider of this security. God may send people or events into your life to help you with a secure lifestyle but He is the Source or the Provider.

As a Mom, I have had to deal with fearful kids, have you? Fear is the opposite of feeling secure. When your kids are fearful, there is a lack of trust. They don’t believe that they will be taken care of and worry that they will be harmed in some way. My young kids, as all kids, struggled with this fear when they went to bed at night or were left with a new babysitter or started something new. Even as an adult, I still worry about the unknown. It is natural. As a Mom, I encouraged my kids to keep trusting God and reminded them that God causes all things to work together for our ultimate good. You may not always see the good results right away, but because of God’s character, you can know He loves and cares for His children and there will be good results someday.

This week in your family time, I would encourage you to prepare by praying for your family and asking if anyone struggles with fear or questioning that God will provide and keep them secure. In this week’s family devotional scriptures, God gently is reminding you, that you can trust Him and your lives will be secure. God doesn’t promise that there will not be any challenges, but in the end and if we trust Him, He does promise to keep us secure, supported and His eyes are on our way. Encourage your family to discuss if they are feeling insecure somehow. Kids often feel anxious about school work or friendships. Encourage them to share, then support them and pray about it together.

Do you have questions or need prayer for your family? Email me at SkyMoms@skyranch.org.

I will be praying for you! 

Stacy

Stacy A. Davis

Teach Intentionally

This week we are in the 10^th  Month Topic and 2^nd   Family Time (or page  86) of the Sky Ranch Devotional “Open Your Eyes”…

Family Time 2: 

Month 10 Topic:  God is my Provider…God’s security

Talk with God: Read…Job 24:23, Philippians 4:19

~ Job 24:23  He provides them with security, and they are supported; and His eyes are on their ways.

• What does God provide to His people in Job 24:23?
• Where are His eyes in Job 24:23?

~ Philippians 4:19  And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

• In Phil 4:19, what shall God supply?  Whose riches are they?

Walk with God: Discuss… Does your family have a security system?  Is it monitored by the police department or a security firm?  Discuss how this makes you feel as a family.  Secure?  That same security is found in God.  He provides this free of charge.  Is anyone feeling anxious or in need?  Are there family members who need prayer right now for a certain situation they are dealing with?

Prayer suggestion… Pray for your family.  Pray that they feel the security that the Father provides if we only ask.  He is our Creator, our Provider, and He knows our needs.

Family Time 2: 

Leader Answers:

• Security
• On their ways
• All your needs; Christ’s riches
• Discussion ideas: Security is important for peace of mind.  We sleep better knowing we are secure.  If a family member is dealing with insecurity in a specific area, really listen and discuss, then pray for God’s provision in this area.

© 2011 Lisa Clark and Stacy A. Davis, Inc. All rights reserved.

Lisa Life Lesson, “When Our Children Struggle”

“When Our Children Struggle”

I have been made aware recently of many preteens/teens who struggle with depression and anxiety.  I’m so thankful for summer for many reasons, but mostly so that our kids can relax and unwind.  There is way too much pressure on them to overachieve and be better than the rest.

When our children do take off the mask and make us aware of their struggles, we can react in several ways.  Many parents will try to hide their children’s struggles so as not to draw attention to the fact that they might have dropped the ball along the way.  Some parents will try to minimize it and chalk it off to relationships, school, sports, whatever, in hopes that it will all go away.  And then some parents will take action and get their kids help.  

In a small group recently of 12 high school students, I heard 8 share that they’ve dealt with depression and feelings of loneliness and anxiety.  Does that mean they all need professional help?  Probably not.  But it does mean they need someone to talk to, relate to, and to show them biblical truths that can/will help them with their struggle.  

I remember several years ago, my 22 year-old daughter shared something with me that helped me in my parenting.  She called from California and said, “Mom, I’m only going to tell you this because I know you’ll go straight to Jesus with it and won’t worry.”  Wow.  That spoke volumes.  I WANT my children to share their struggles with me.  I don’t want them to wear a mask and act as if all is good.  But I want them to share with me because I will in turn share with Jesus.  

Moms, no matter what your child’s struggle, we have a Savior who can help them.  Please don’t feel inadequate or inferior when your kids hurt and struggle.  As I tell my girls, “The struggle keeps us on our knees.”  Without the struggle, we get dependent on self and feel as if we don’t need God.  That is not where we want to be.

Continue in open communication with your children.  Talk about everything.  Keep it all on the table.  This promotes an environment within your home that makes it safe to talk.  Don’t carry your children’s burdens.  Lay them at the feet of Jesus.  Talk to a professional if your child’s struggle merits it.  Be encouraged.  WE ALL HAVE STRUGGLES.  Let me say it again…WE ALL HAVE STRUGGLES.  As long as you have skin, you will struggle.  Praise God for the struggle and trust Him to bring you through.  God bless you!

Lisa Clark
Sky Ranch SkyMoms Parenting Mentor