InstaEncouragements Building a worldwide online community of encouragers encouraging others in the faith of Jesus Christ. Join the movement!
  • Home
    • About
    • Contact
    • Etsy Shop
    • Library >
      • Bible Emergency Numbers
      • LOVE Coupons
      • Christmas Songbook
      • Character Trait Worksheet
      • The Red Sea Rules
      • The Heart That Heals Printable Package
      • 12 Letters I Wrote
      • 16 Names of God
      • Praying Proverbs
      • Come and Gather
      • Bible Reading Plan
      • Disciple Me Program
    • Christianity
    • Bible Study >
      • 14 Things God’s Love Letter Says About You
      • A Journey of Worship
      • The ABCs of God's Love Letter
      • She Loves Truth
      • Hey Mama! PRAY
      • 52 Days in Psalms
      • 10 Weeks in the New Testament
      • 2 Months in The Pentateuch
      • 12 Minor Prophets
      • 3 Biblical Statements
      • 7 Books of Faith
      • 4 Major Prophets
  • Blog
    • Guest Bloggers
    • IE Link-up
    • Praying Proverbs
    • Jordan River Rules
    • Choosing Gratitude
    • Aging With Grace
    • Seeking Him
    • She Loves Truth
    • Red Sea Rules
  • Come & Dwell
  • The Heart That Heals
    • The Heart That Heals Media Package
  • Sweeter Than Honey
    • Sweeter Than Honey Media Package
  • 16 Names of God
    • 16 Names of God Media Package
TDGC shop the sale

The Winds and Waves of Christian Parenting With Purpose

5/7/2021

4 Comments

 
The Winds and Waves of Christian Parenting With Purpose
The assumption that I am an expert in the mom category based on numbers always amazes me.

It is humbling and at times a bit overwhelming.

In my heart, I often whisper, “If they only knew what a mess I have made of things.”

Over and over again I am reminded of my own failings and shortcomings.

​The Rossiters are a living example of the fact that the quantity of parenting decisions does not always produce quality. 

​Strangely enough, the verse that comes to mind is found in Mark 4:41,
​
“And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this that even the winds and waves obey Him?”
TDGC logo banner
TDGC Colossians Bible study banner
Stormy days are how I would describe many of the ones I have experienced.

The day starts off with calm waters and a still house and then I get out of bed!! Sometimes in minutes, I am met with a cranky six-year-old who doesn’t approve of his socks or a teen who believes that school is more like a prison sentence.

The disciples felt much the same way as they set out to the other side. When they stepped in, all was well and the sun shone brightly.

​This calm was as brief as my morning coffee can be.

Being experienced fishermen, they would have been familiar with storms, as I am now twenty-four years into parenting. However, this one was different, and so is each day in my mothering journey.

​Even if I have seen the sock storm before, it is brewing in a different child with a different temperament and reaction. How I navigated the impending hurricane of a morning with one child may just signal a shipwreck reminiscent of the Titanic in another. 


As the storm approaches, I can quickly find my heart in a panic. This is where the disciples and I are kindred spirits. They too fall prey to distress and fear, rushing to the back of the boat to wake a sleeping Jesus. I love how Scripture records Jesus’ response to being shaken awake by a bunch of overreacting disciples.

The Bible simply says, “Jesus got up.” This truth is one of the things that gives the confidence to tackle my mom role. Jesus is never confused, threatened, or dismayed by any storm I am facing. When I call on Him, even from a frantic place, He is ready to listen and act on my behalf. He has weathered every storm I have ever faced, and I am assured that He will continually do so. 

Even when I feel that I am sinking under the waves of attitude and disobedience from all sides, Jesus will stand ready to still the sea of my own heart and mind. The words, “
That is enough, be still,” are the same ones He whispers to me. Oh, how I need to hear this command!​​
Fear and turmoil do not a wise and loving mother make. To try and quiet the storm myself will always leave me near-drowning if not completely swallowed up. To run to Christ is both necessary and the only real option. 

The last part of this account is a rebuke to this mother. After Jesus does what only He can do, He speaks the truth that calls out the disciples, and in doing so also reveals my own weakness. “How can you be so afraid after all you have seen, where is your faith?” Dagger to the heart right?

Yes, I went to the right source. At least I recognize the source for peace and wisdom, Sadly, I often still react from a place of unbelief. Do I really trust that Christ in His omniscience was already there in the midst working for my good, my children’s good, and His glory?

If I did, my calling out would liken more to a controlled conversation instead of an anxious shout.
I must confess that I am still so far from conquering this part of parenting. I still let fear get the best of me. I swiftly imagine the child with the sock dilemma on a path to being a reprobate. Being stilled by God’s character and presence remains a needed area of growth for this mother.

Now we end up where we began. How is it that the wind and waves obey Him?

Jesus is the only answer! He is the only source of true peace and calm in the midst of the turbulent seas of child-rearing.

The disciples got an up-close look at Who had been in the boat with them the whole time. I get that same opportunity when I run to Him, and thankfully He shows mercy to me even in the midst of my panicked cries.

​“Call out to Jesus and let Him calm your storm and trust Him to help you in whatever circumstance,” is really the only advice that holds any security or credibility. Being a mom of eleven means nothing unless Christ is my stay. 

If a storm is brewing mom, find your still waters in Him. 
Christine
How do you need to call out to Jesus and let Him calm your storm today?
Please Share
4 Comments
Lauren Renee Sparks link
5/7/2021 05:19:45 pm

Thank you for this encouragement on Mother's Day weekend.

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
5/8/2021 07:37:48 am

Thank you for stopping by, Lauren, and HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY weekend (because we all know one day is not enough LOL) to you as well! :)

Reply
Jeanne Takenaka link
5/11/2021 01:41:02 pm

Oh, how I need this reminder. It reminded me of a song that came out years ago with the chorus, "Sometimes He calms the storm. Other times He calms the child." I've seen it happen both ways in my mothering journey, but always my heart had to come to Jesus and see Him first.

I'd like to invite you to share your post at the Tell His Story linkup at my site. I think the readers over there would appreciate it! :)

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
5/12/2021 07:30:03 am

I LOVE THAT, Jeanne!!! —> "Sometimes He calms the storm. Other times He calms the child." Thanks for the invite! :) Will do!

Reply

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Patsy
    Hi friend, welcome to InstaEncouragements. I am so glad you are here. You’re among friends. You belong here. 

    How would you like access to our online library of helpful eBooks, devotionals, printables, and more? You’re going to love this library, which has all kinds of exclusive content just for you!

    Join the movement by signing up below and I'll send you the link today. And no worries, We don’t spam. Promise! We don’t like spam either.

    After you've joined the movement, hop on over to our about page to learn more about us and then to our contact form and introduce yourself so we can be on a first-name basis. I'd like that! —Patsy

    Join the movement!

    * indicates required
    Come & Dwell
    16 Names of God
    Sweeter Than Honey
    The Heart That Heals cover

    Top Posts

    8 Ways God Spoke to People in the Past and How He Speaks to Us Today
    16 Names of God & What They Mean
    12 Things the Bible Says God Knows About Us
    From a Proverbs 31 Woman to a Titus 2 Woman
    A Lesson From King Jehoshaphat
    16 Names of God:
    ​El Shaddai
    David's Second Goliath
    3 Practical Points
    ​About Prayer
    5 Characteristics
    ​of God's Love
    12 Favorite
    ​Bible Study Tools
    Honoring God by Maintaining Our
    ​Physical Health
    Artza blog banner

    Featured

    Welcome Heart
    LaurenSparks.net
    beLydia.org
    Brave Women Series
    Grace & Truth
    WORTHY Bible Studies
    Money Wise Steward
    Woman of Noble Character
    The Best Bible Study Books For Women

    Categories

    All
    16 Names Of God
    7 Biblical Feasts
    7 Things God Is Not
    ABCs Of The Bible
    Amanda
    Bible Emergency Numbers
    Bible Study
    Books We Love
    Cami
    Cancer
    Christine
    Come And Gather
    Debbie
    Elisabeth
    Evidences Of Faith
    Family Life
    Guest Post
    Journey To The Cross
    Julie
    Kathy
    Link Ups
    Link-ups
    Our Words Matter
    Prayer
    Printables
    Stephanie
    Summer Book Club
    Sweeter Than Honey

    Archives

    May 2025
    April 2025
    March 2025
    February 2025
    January 2025
    December 2024
    November 2024
    October 2024
    September 2024
    August 2024
    July 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    April 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024
    December 2023
    November 2023
    October 2023
    September 2023
    August 2023
    July 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018

InstaEncouragements participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a
​means for this site to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. 
This site also contains affiliate links for The Daily Grace Company, Not Consumed, and Artza.
InstaEncouragements will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking one of these links or a link from one of our posts.
​​Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Terms & Conditions
InstaEncouragements logo
© InstaEncouragements |2025|  all rights reserved
IE blog footer image
  • Home
    • About
    • Contact
    • Etsy Shop
    • Library >
      • Bible Emergency Numbers
      • LOVE Coupons
      • Christmas Songbook
      • Character Trait Worksheet
      • The Red Sea Rules
      • The Heart That Heals Printable Package
      • 12 Letters I Wrote
      • 16 Names of God
      • Praying Proverbs
      • Come and Gather
      • Bible Reading Plan
      • Disciple Me Program
    • Christianity
    • Bible Study >
      • 14 Things God’s Love Letter Says About You
      • A Journey of Worship
      • The ABCs of God's Love Letter
      • She Loves Truth
      • Hey Mama! PRAY
      • 52 Days in Psalms
      • 10 Weeks in the New Testament
      • 2 Months in The Pentateuch
      • 12 Minor Prophets
      • 3 Biblical Statements
      • 7 Books of Faith
      • 4 Major Prophets
  • Blog
    • Guest Bloggers
    • IE Link-up
    • Praying Proverbs
    • Jordan River Rules
    • Choosing Gratitude
    • Aging With Grace
    • Seeking Him
    • She Loves Truth
    • Red Sea Rules
  • Come & Dwell
  • The Heart That Heals
    • The Heart That Heals Media Package
  • Sweeter Than Honey
    • Sweeter Than Honey Media Package
  • 16 Names of God
    • 16 Names of God Media Package