A to Z Blogging Challenge "Ordering Morgan's Graduation Cake"

 “Ordering Morgan's Graduation Cake”

(HyVee had a cupcake tower
on display. We ultimately
decided on traditional cakes
but treated ourselves to a
cupcake after ordering.
YUMMY!) 

Yesterday Morgan and I ordered her graduation cakes. It only took a few minutes to choose the flavors (one chocolate, one white), frosting (buttercream of course), and decorations (bright flowers). I walked out of the grocery store excited but a little sad. As I drove home (Morgan stayed in town with a friend) I began to think about Morgan’s growing up years and the future. Since I knew today’s letter for the A to Z Challenge is “O,” I thought about “O” words that apply to parenting.

• Only 25 days until graduation. WOW. And YIKES! 

• Obeying God’s command of baptism (Matthew 28:19-20) and instilling His Word into her as He commanded in Deuteronomy: “Fix these words upon mine in your hearts and minds…Teach them to your children…” (Deuteronomy 11:18-19) Now we pray that she will continue to seek Him and study His Word as she moves on to this next stage in her life. Are you following these commands as you raise your children? 

• Observing her growing up. What a blessing it’s been to have the joy of watching Morgan grow from a child into a young woman! Years ago at MOPS our MOPS mentor said, “The days with young children may seem long, but the years will seem short.” I have found that to be so very true! Especially since our kids became teenagers, the years have just flown by. Parents, treasure every moment with your kids! 

• Obedience. Children are commanded to “obey your parents.” (Deuteronomy 20:12) Unfortunately children don’t naturally obey; they have to be taught to do so. It’s not always easy, but it is necessary. There were times that Tim and I had to show both Cody and Morgan that they were expected to listen to and obey us, and that they would face consequences if they did not. Parents: YOU ARE IN CHARGE. It’s part of your job to raise your children to respect and obey authority; you are preparing them for “real life” (which can be very difficult if they don’t know how to respect others). 

• Obstacles. Morgan has struggled with obstacles—all kids do! She had an especially difficult time when she changed schools in 8^th grade. Thankfully, with much prayer and the help of caring people, she made it through that tough time and has loved school since the first hard weeks of that year. It is very hard to watch a child face obstacles, but learning to work through them is a necessary life skill. Don’t be afraid to let your child struggle, whether it’s with a zipper or homework or something bigger. Pray for knowledge as to when to intervene, with professional help if necessary. 

• Over and over…Tim and I have prayed for our children almost constantly since they were born…praying for their safety as they drives to and from school…as Morgan went through tough times at school…when they were sick…for Cody to make Godly decisions as he is at college and away from us…for Morgan to choose the college that will be right for her. When I am worried about either of them (or anyone else I love) I remember this command: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6 God hears our prayers! Consider keeping a prayer journal so you can see His answers to your prayers.   

• Over and over…listening to “Pomp and Circumstance” on YouTube….hoping to get most of my crying at the song done before graduation day (it worked when I did it before Cody graduated!).

 May God bless you as you raise your children! Remember to invite Him to be your partner in doing so.

I’m also blogging at Nebraska Family Times.

Today you’ll find my thoughts about a song that kept going

through my mind, “Open the eyes of my heart, Lord”