Today, we are honored to shine the spotlight on Debi from Above & Beyond. Debi is a veteran home educator, wife of 30 years, mother of 11 and grandmother of 2. Debi blogs about motherhood at Above & Beyond. Inspired by Ephesians 3:20, she writes to encourage and help equip moms. She hopes to offer readers more of the ‘why’ in mothering than the ‘how’. She also tweets @mother211.
Our usual format for spotlights is an interview. In light of our recent emphasis on parenting, we couldn’t resist tapping into Debi’s wisdom on the subject. I think you’ll learn a lot about her heart from this post. You can learn more by visiting her at Above & Beyond.
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Perpetuating Goodness
Romans 12:2 – 3 “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Stop a moment and look around. We all feel it, hear it, see it, smell it … the culture around us. It seems to be decaying at an accelerated pace, right before our eyes! Once we saw the decline of society only in retrospect – now we watch it in 3-D {literally} and face the consequences in living color.
What’s a mom to do? Run for the hills? Lock the doors? Hammer into our children’s minds the differences between good and evil? Turn OFF the TV? Worry, fret … pray?! … Relax – this is NOT a trick question. There is no simple, direct answer to the dilemma of culture shock.
As a mom I would like to see this out of control world subdued so that my children can live in peace and safety. But, God’s ways are higher than mine. He works from within as well as from without. Our God changes the heart and navigates lives – turning the tide of culture and ultimately advancing His Kingdom.
Meanwhile, ‘back at the ranch’ {just kidding – we live in the ‘burbs’}, I have choices to make – daily. Because, the world that influences my children the most is in our home. It’s my hope to create an atmosphere of comfort, nurture and growth in our home. This involves everything from sights, sounds, texture, smells and attitudes {starting with mine!}.
The spirit of our homes and the details of daily living create a culture that offers so much more than the world can deliver. I want to give my kids a higher road to build their lives upon, a reason to live above the norm.
As Paul exhorted the Roman church, likewise we can prove to our families what is “good and acceptable and perfect” - in God’s eyes.
Why so much fuss over home-life? There’s a two-fold reason. One is to preserve this present generation from the unthinkable ways of the world; the other is to equip them to go out and preserve the culture, themselves. Perpetuating goodness.
For we are not better than those around us – but we DO have the answers and can show the way. “Christ in us” is the only hope of glory this side of heaven.
James 1:27 - “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: go visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.”
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I need to read this today! Thank you!
Kristy Kish´s last blog ..In Which I Talk About Bug Zappers- Shower Doors- and Walking with God- In that Order
Thanks for sharing with us today. I love this quote: “It’s my hope to create an atmosphere of comfort, nurture and growth in our home. ”
Thats what I want to do!!
Well said! I love your heart for God, home and family. It is as we live out our daily lives for Him that He prepares us for our next step…into the culture!
Debi…good post. While writing my life story through Mommy Piggy Tale I am realizing how much of the culture my parents had to deal with while raising me, 49 years ago. My mother provided the comfort of the home, so even though I lived during Vietnam and drugs everywhere I felt sheltered from the outside world. I tried to do the same for my children…four are now on their own and they will have to make those decisions for their families, while I continue to offer shelter for the two remaining
Enjoyed,
Janette
Thanks for this truth and encouragement Debi! The atmosphere does start with the mom, doesn’t it?
Thank you for asking me. You all have a lovely gathering place here. I’m honored to be a part. I’m attending Relevant and hope to meet you there.
Blessings~
Debi´s last blog ..Gather Inspirit I’m a guest writer today-
Great post Mom! Glad you can share your wisdom with so many other Momma’s out there!
I needed to hear that today! Thanks Debi!
Thanks for this. Having two grown children and an 8-year-old I sometimes find myself growing weary of constantly monitoring everything the youngest comes in contact with. Oh, but it is the most important job I have right now. I won’t give up!
Southern Gal´s last blog ..Little Firecracker
very inspiring! what a great model to set for women (moms and non-moms alike)! what a hope it is to know that we can create a God-driven culture of our own and to perpetuate that goodness for others around us!
Danielle L.´s last blog ..Shutterbug
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