No time for church?

Colleen - posted on 12/10/2008

God First, Husband second, Children third. If you keep that in perspective, and pray for Gods will you can never go wrong. You can not worry about what other church members think. if they are judgeing you they are WRONG and will answer to God for that. You get to be selective about what you participate in. you do not get extra points in heavan for all the meals you served of how many times a month you worked in the nursery. If you are praying about where to serve God will supply and answer but you must do it with the right motives. There are so many minisrty activities that you can participate in that the children would be an added blessing. Is there a new mom at church that you can invite her and her child to tea and fellowship together. If there a nursing home you can bring the children to visit, they will love the comversation and love to see the children. Can you cook a meal for a sick church member? These are not highly visible ministires but you are doing God's work. When you have children you must think outside the box. Also Church is as important for you as it is for your children, you MUST get it together get them in the children's activities (and not feel bad when they cry for the 5 minutes that it takes them to get aclimated) and get yourself into the worship service and focus on your realtionship with your Heavanly Father.

Gretchen - posted on 12/09/2008

When I had my fourth child a couple years ago I felt like my life was one big chaotic mess. I could barely get us out the door... forget about sunday school or volunteering. I had to step down from some of my activities because I was exhausted. I felt guilty and sad and I was concerned that I wasn't able to do what God wanted, what I had always been able to handle before. I was disheartened. But, a very good friend of mine took me aside and told me that there are different seasons to life. I need to enjoy my children. After all God has entrusted me with their care. I need to minister to my Husand and my children first. They are my first ministry. I serve God by serving them. I then understood that there will be time later, that I can say no if I need to and I can volunteer when it works out. I have slowly added a few activities as I was able and I always pray before taking on a new church job. May God bless you in this season of your life.

Bev - posted on 12/09/2008

Enjoy your wee ones now!! the time will fly by and then you will wonder what to do with all your free time!! My kids are all teens now, but back then, I mostly helped in the nursery or just took a breather during church....hopefully others are understanding that you are busy at home.

Mollie - posted on 12/09/2008

enjoy this stage in your life. It flies by faster than you can imagine. there will be time to be as involved as you were before. in a few years it will be easier.

Melinda - posted on 12/09/2008

My husband and I take turns SUnday nights because when my daughter is there we just can't consentrate on the service. Sunday mornings she heads off to Sunday school so that frees us up to worship (unless I am teaching that day) many couples with small children find this is the best solution for them. I know you have to give up a couple of services a month but the ones you are to you get more out of. As for the volunteer part you and your husband decide what is most important and figure a way to fit them into your schedule maybe have a evening with grandma and grandpa on a night where you have planned on taking part in the ministries of the church

Lisa - posted on 12/03/2008

I know how you feel when it comes to volunteering. I have four children...almost 8, 6, 4, and 2. I've struggled with being too busy and not able to juggle everything. I am "slowly" learning that I am not superwoman. I've learned to really pray about things before I volunteer to do something. If God plans for you to do a specific job, he'll make it very easy. It's also o.k. to say no. We all go through a season when we can do alot, and then we also have times when we need to step back and give others the opportunity. People will understand when you have small children. I also suggest finding an area to volunteer where you can have your kids with you. I guess we are lucky to be part of a church that is very "kid friendly". I drag mine to meetings all the time and no one seems to care. I agree with Laura about having your home and family in order. You need to really focus in on the work God wants you to do, not what you think will please God. Hope this helps and enjoy the blessings God has given you.

Dani - posted on 12/02/2008

I was (and am the leader now) on the worship team when my kids were those ages. Since I HAD to be there at 7:30am, we had a teenage girl from church stay the night with us Sat. night and then get the kids ready and bring them later so my husband (associate pastor at the time) could go early. that was a HUGE blessing.

Mandy - posted on 12/02/2008

Do you have family that might rotate sunday's with you? Then maybe you could at least get in a couple of activities a month.

Winnie - posted on 12/02/2008

do you know some of the teenage girls there well?? maybe you could talk one into helping you out for a little while so you can have a small break? Offer to make her dinner or something small like that. Maybe if she took the 3 year old for a little bit on the days you would want to volunteer to serve dinner??

User - posted on 12/02/2008

Thanks so much. My 3 year old is am amazing little girl (smart, energetic, ...). I feel like my primary mission is to raise and guide her. It feels like a full-time job especially with the baby and working full time. However, when I can't help serve a dinner because I know she will want to be with me or have my attention. I did sign up to be the helper in her VBS class but we did not make it every night (toddler melt down one night, child care issues another) and I felt so guilty.

Thank you for reminding me that my first ministry is being a mom. =)

Laura - posted on 12/02/2008

Hi Jackie, I know this can be a tough age, but Pray for the Lord to change your heart. I know volunteering for ministries is good, but please don't loose sight of the fact that your husband, daughters and your home is your biggest ministry. Being a wife and mother is a blessing and is also a huge ministry the Lord has given us. Yes it can seem like a thankless job, but remember we are storing our treasures in heaven. I've seen mothers over the years volunteer at church and their homes were a wreck and their husbands miserable. That is not Godly.



I hope this encourages you.

Jane - posted on 12/02/2008

We were fortunate to have outstanding nursery care @ our church. We also have a paging system that works very well when the little ones are just unconsolable. If you don't know the Nursery ministry workers well, sit with them during a service and watch them interact with the parents and kids. That's what we did for new parents that came into the nursery, they got to serve by being in the nursery and get to know the people that will be caring for your kids. Once they are famliar and feel comfortable with the nursery/child care - the parents and the kids feel better about being seperated for an hour or so. If your kids can tell that you are confident in the child care, it will make them feel better. If they can tell your apprehensive . . . well then, so will they. Before long the kids are clamoring to go the child care and play with their friends and the workers. Hope this helps . . . Boy - I miss that age . . . . God Bless