We, at Habits for a Happy Home, have the pleasure of introducing you to Melanie Robbins. She is the mother and writer behind Passionate Purposeful Parenting. We are excited to announce that she will be writing for us quarterly! Today she is hosting us on her site.
I encourage you to click over and spend some time there. Not only are there parenting posts from 18 authors, there is also a resource section and a prayer calendar.
Now, I will turn it over to Melanie…
Who is Number One?
by Melanie Robbins
They say there is nothing like a mother’s love. I think most mothers can relate with this saying.
Extravagant love – the love I have for my children. I would do and/or sacrifice most anything for my children. I don’t believe that there is anything inherently wrong with this, but it can lead to something that should not happen – having my children come before my relationship with God.
I must confess that I feel like I have made my children an idol sometimes. So much of my life, it seems, now revolves around them, especially now that I am homeschooling. Anyone who knows me and/or reads my website/blog knows that I am passionate about parenting.
Children truly are a gift from God. (Psalm 127: 3) He entrusted them to me to raise the way He would want them to be raised. I am to love, provide for, and train them up in the way that they should go, yes, but not put them before God.
We are created to love God first and foremost with all our heart, soul, mind and strength – this is the first and greatest commandment. The second greatest commandment is to love others. (Matthew 22: 37-40) When I reflect on where my time, energy, thought, and commitment are spent, I know that I switch those commandments around.
I can get so consumed with being a good mother that I lose sight of what is most important and why I am here.
Please read more at Passionate, Purposeful Parenting today…
Melanie is wife to Tyler; married soon-to-be 15 years. She is a homeschooling mom to two precious children. She is passionate about many things including her faith, living life purposefully, and parenting. Her passions and a prompting from God led her to start Passionate Purposeful Parenting, a website created to try to help encourage and equip parents. She is a lover of wisdom and enjoys spending time with friends and family (especially in God’s creation), camping, attending cultural events (doesn’t happen too often), and being physically active.
Melanie, we are thrilled and privileged to have you here at Habits for a Happy Home! Thank you for sharing from your heart such an important message we all struggle with as parents. And, what a beautiful family!
Please, dear readers, click over to Passionate, Purposeful Parenting. I promise you will be blessed!
Thank you, Tricia! I am thrilled to be a part of Habits for a Happy Home! Thank you for inviting me to join you and becoming a sister site to Passionate Purposeful Parenting!
Melanie ~ Thank you for sharing such a powerful message. Many times we as moms & grandmoms, get caught up with our children and forget where our source of love, strength & wisdom come from… the Lord! Putting Him 1st as you suggest, is the key to good parenting. Great article!
Thank you for your kind, encouraging, and affirming message!
Wow!! Those are powerful words and a very much needed reminder for all moms. Thank you so much for sharing your heart and words with us. Also thank you so much for joining us at HHH!!! Be Blessed in HIM (Christ)!!
~I posted my comment here and on your blog =)~
Thank you, Angie! I am excited about being a part of HHH and feel so welcomed! 🙂 I also get really excited and passionate when God lays something on my heart to share! 🙂