Comments on: They are Third

By: Sandra

Sandra — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:33:56 +0000

Karen,
Oh how you have hit on a precious lesson God has been teaching, helping, and working into my very heart of being a wife and mother!!! How I could go on and on with the testimonies of my heart in this area of my walk and intimacy with my LORD. Reading your devotional today on this subject really confirmed to me that I am hearing the whispers and commands of my Father in Heaven. Thanks and God Bless you for sharing. We need to remind ourselves EVERYDAY about the Truth of being a wife and mother, and even mentoring.

By: Karrie

Karrie — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 03:18:28 +0000

Karen, What beautiful truths to remember. A dear friend told me years ago that no matter how much you think you love your children, God loves them more. They are truly His, simply “on loan” to us to raise, love, pray for, and nuture in God’s truth. The first time I told each of my kids that their dad came first, they were shocked. Now, they simply accept it and say “I know, I know”. What a blessing for Kenzie too to have great mentors in NC. Blessings. Karrie

By: Jeanne

Jeanne — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:57:21 +0000

Karen,
Great post today! We have loved having Kenz in our home and are looking forward to her (and Marla’s) Christmas visits. Wonderful advice on making sure that your kids know that Todd is number 2 for you! Still, letting go is one of the hardest things I’ve had to do. Yet, every time, knowing that my girls are where God has them brings such comfort. And their visits home are so much fun! Have a great trip to Minnesota this weekend!
Blessings!
Jeanne

By: Renee Swope

Renee Swope — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 23:47:57 +0000

Oh Karen, this is such wise advice. I’ll tuck it in my heart and remember it when my heart strings are holding tightly to my kids. I am so thankful that I get to be one of those women that benefits and is completely blessed by the love and grace and wisdom you have poured into Mackenzie. We love having her with us on Monday’s. She’s such a huge help and fun to have around! And tonight I finally left Aster for the first time with her while I went to a coffee shop to write. It’s so hard to leave my new little girl but it’s so much easier because she’s with yours!! Hugs ~ Renee

By: Dawn Gudbrandson

Dawn Gudbrandson — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:44:29 +0000

Having been through this with one child already and anticiapting the next three, I just wanted to say that it was one of the hardest things I have done. When Ben turned to walk back to his dorm, I saw a little boy again and thought that I was unable to let him go. He needed me right? What I realized is I probably needed him more than he needed me. I had to refocus on who was more important and who would be there for me and that was GOD! Oh I spent alot of time in tears over what I thought was my lose,but I gained so much peace from an understanding savior. It is very exciting to see your kids fulfill their dreams and see who God has made them to be. It is exciting to know that they CAN handle being an adult and making decisions that will affect their lives.(of course with some guidance from God and mom and dad). For me it was a grieving process. I grieved not that Ben was gone but that this first stage was gone.Time really does go by fast so enjoy every minute with your kids. Ask God to help you to focus on today with your kids so that when they do go you will have many special memories to share.

By: Lelia Chealey

Lelia Chealey — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:08:29 +0000

This is exactly what I needed to read this morning and will be passing it on to others. Thank you Karen!

By: Julie Gillies

Julie Gillies — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:50:04 +0000

Sage advice here, Karen. I love how you’ve let your kids know where they stand. Love #3!

I’ve raised two boys and have a 14 year old girl still at home. She’s already SO not-needy that it startles me, but in a good way. I love her to pieces, but God has my heart, with my hubby coming in a close second. Not an easy thing when your “baby” is adorable, huggable, and well, your baby. LOL

By: Jolene

Jolene — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:53:57 +0000

Thanks, Karen. I’m working on this right now. My girls are 7 and 10. We have a running ‘joke’ in our house that they aren’t allowed to live farther than a one hour radius from me. I’ve started to realize that this probably isn’t a good thing to ‘joke’ about. The thing is, I moved from Alberta to Ontario to be with my husband and I have dealt with many, many issues related to being so far from my mom and dad. I’ve realized the importance of making our family #1. But lately I’ve also come to realize the things you talked about… they are God’s, not mine. I’m meant to guide them not plan their lives for them. This is a daily prayer for me! That I may give my children fully over to God. Thanks for the reminder.

By: Wendy Blight

Wendy Blight — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:02:40 +0000

Oh, Karen, this is SO beautiful!! With a daughter who is a junior, I needed to hear these words…especially today. She seems to be pulling away more and more, and I want to pull her back. Yet, I hear the Lord say…let her go…she is mine…trust who you have helped Me shape her to be.

We love having Kenzie here, and she is strong and confident, yet tender and kind. You (and the Lord) have done a splendid job with this young woman.

Thanks for sharing your heart and some very powerful truths.

Wendy

By: Bonita

Bonita — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:05:38 +0000

Karen, this is great advice and I assure you I’m taking it to heart. My son, a senior, is looking at a college that is five hours away. Last night I woke up in a panic thinking, “This time next year he won’t be living in my house!” Yet, like you, I know that it’s time for some other mentors to pick up where we’ve left off.

As a young mother, I saw several women completely fall apart and sink deep in depression when their kids left home and I determined not to do that when my kids were gone. You are so right about having the priorities straight and keeping God as the center of life. To that I’d add that’s it’s so important to gradually begin building a full life of your own BEFORE the kids leave. That way, when they do go you won’t have this big gaping whole of time on your hands and nothing to fill it. That’s a set-up for depression.

Thanks for sharing, Karen. I know it’s hard for you, but Kenzie is so blessed to have you for a mom and no matter where she goes, or who she is with, I’m sure she is always thankful that you are still her mom! She’s the fruit of your labors and some might great fruit indeed!