I is for Intelligent Decisions

Dear Moms,

The next key-word is Intelligent Decisions for the letter I of Discipline. As moms, we need to make intelligent decisions daily, sometimes hourly. Motherhood is an on-the-job training career. Why? Because every child is different and every situation is different. Let’s face it, mom, every day is different. They say, “VARIETY IS THE SPICE OF LIFE.” Children have a way of making that cliché a reality in your life. So what’s a mother to do to have the wisdom of Solomon and the heart of the Blessed Mother, Mary?

READ, READ, READ, and learn all you can from the experts about discipline. There are some fabulous Christian authors out there. Here are a few:
1. Dr. James Dobson
2. Dr. Gary Smalley
3.Dr. John Trent
4.Dr. Kevin Leman

Anything written by these four authors, I can highly recommend. I’m sure you have some favorites as well. Let me know your favorites! Read when you are pregnant because it is never too early. Read as you nurse your newborn baby. Mom, never stop reading. As you read, you will begin to form your own philosophy of motherhood, taking a little bit of wisdom from each person. It is very important that you become the unique mom that God created you to be. In fact, all moms should be different because all children are different. When a problem arises, research the issue from a variety of sources, and then decide how you will handle the situation. Think before you act. Use your brain.

Scripture says in Proverbs, “A WISE MAN SEEKS THE COUNSEL OF MANY.” I know that this applies to women as well. So, talk to your spouse first. Make sure you are in unity on every discipline decision. Remember scripture says, “A HOUSE DIVIDEDED AGAINST ITSELF WILL FALL.” Also, talk to other mothers, and talk to your mom. If at all possible, have a spiritual mom as well, to sit at their feet and learn the skills. The happiest and most successful moms are those who are surrounded by a network of caring woman. Of course, all of this should be run by your husband no matter how brilliant it sounds. God has entrusted these children into both of your care. Part of making intelligent decisions is making them together. So, think before you act and learn all you can. Learning the proper parenting skills will help you in many facets of life

The Bible is also an excellent resource for learning how to discipline your child, especially the book of Proverbs. It is amazing how God can direct you to just the right passage, which will give you just the right answer for a daily dilemma that you are facing in disciplining a particular child. It is the LIVING WORD and we have a Personal Savior, that’s why.

God taught me a long time ago that you can’t just pray and do nothing. You also can’t just take matters into your own hands either. In almost every area of life, PRAYER PLUS EFFORT= VICTORY IN JESUS. Let me repeat that. PRAYER PLUS EFFORT= VICTORY IN JESUS. That is tried and true. So, pray as if it all depends on God and act as if it all depends on you. Seek until you find the answer. YOU CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGHTENS YOU.

The vocation of Motherhood gives you the opportunity to grow in so many areas. Use all your resources, Books, Wise Counsel, Scripture Study, and Prayer. Then, make an Intelligent Decision.

Do you have a discipline problem that has you stumped? Ask Ellen--I don’t have all the answers, but I may have an answer for your particular problem. E-mail me at www.momsbestwisdom.com.