While You Were Sleeping

Note - Some of my blog posts are for Caleb and Ella.  I want them to go back and read them when they are older so they will know my heart.  It is my little journal to them so feel free to skip over.  I just want to document for them and this is the best place I know to do it

I have recently been reading a book about 12 character traits for moms to pray for their kids.  I've been working on the first two.  I pray for you both now, but I want to do a better job.  I want to really pray for you and for your character.  I want to faithfully and fervently pray on your behalf and the work that God is doing and will do in your lives. 

I love the scripture in Lamentations 2:19 that I had never read before reading this book- "Arise, cry out in the night, pour out your heart like water in the presence of the Lord.  Lift up your hands to Him for the lives of your children."    I pray that Caleb and Ella will grow up loving the Lord and grow to reflect His character.

#1 - Kindness

Kindness is giving up something for the benefit of others.  Kindness is treating others the way we would like to be treated.

Dear God, May Caleb and Ella not only see the needs of others but act upon these needs.  Don't let them hold too tightly to their worldly possessions.  Give them a willingness to share with others. Help Caleb and Ella to love others not only in words but in actions.  Give them a desire to help others.  Please help Caleb and Ella to recognize the value of being kind.  Help them treat others as a friend - to show love, acceptance, and compassion for the people they encounter.  I pray that Caleb and Ella will not be caught up in thinking only of themselves but would think of others first. 

"If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but have no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him.  Let us not love with words and tongues but with actions and in truth" I John 3:17-18

"And just as you want people to treat you, treat them in the same way"  Luke 6:31

"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other just as Christ forgave you" Ephesians 4:32

#2 - Humility

Humility is thinking more highly of others than you do yourself.  Humility is having a correct evaluation of yourself.

Dear God, Give Caleb and Ella the sensitivity to see beyond their own interests and see what is important to those around them.  Reveal to Caleb and Ella that real character is being able to humble themselves before You and others.  Give them the eyes to see the destructiveness of pride.  I pray Caleb and Ella will not have an attitude of superiority but allow them to see themselves as one of your wonderful creations.  Keep them from falling into the trap of comparing themselves to others.  Take away any arrogant attitudes and give them a spirit of humility.

"Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low positions.  Do not be conceited"  Romans 12:16

"The greatest among you will be your servant.  For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted"  Matthew 23:11-12

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourself.   Each of you should look not only to your own interest, but also to the interest of others"  Philippians 2:3-4

"God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble"  James 4:6