A few weeks ago I sat my one-year-old in her high chair and put a plate of mac-n-cheese and watermelon in front of her. Those are her two most favorite foods in the world, so I assumed she would inhale it all by the time I even made myself a plate. 🙂 I buckled her in and went to the kitchen where my food was cooking.
It took me a good couple of minutes to finish my prep. As soon as it was done, I grabbed my plate of grilled chicken and salad {since that is pretty much ALL I eat these days #letsgethealthytoday} and sat in my chair right next to her.
I looked at her plate {expecting it to be half empty} – and not a little finger had even touched it. I said, “Ummm…Dear?! Why aren’t you eating?! This food is SO YUMMY and it is your favorite!”
I then took a big bite of my food thinking she would mimic me… but she didn’t. In fact, what she did do… changed me.
We had Disney’s Frozen Soundtrack on since that is all we listen to and two plates of food in front of us. It was quiet and the sun was coming through the window. We were having one of my favorite things ever… A mommy daughter lunch date! I look forward to them daily. 🙂
That was when it happened. She looked me in the eyes, folded her chunky little arms and bowed her head… She wanted to pray.
I honestly can’t even describe the feeling that overcame me at that moment! I couldn’t believe that my one-year-old had to remind ME to pray. I consider it a true “mommy moment.” One of those moments where tears fill my eyes and I realize that maybe I have done something right. I am so grateful for her example. She makes me a better person!
We folded our arms and said a prayer together. As soon as we said, “AMEN!” she grabbed her fork and ate her WHOLE plate. I knew she was hungry! 🙂
We have a sign hanging in our home that says, “Christ is the center of our home, a guest at every meal and a silent listener to every conversation.” It has been in the same place almost our whole married life, so it has become second nature to just walk by it ten times a day and not even notice it.
The other day though I was dusting and this inparticular sign caught my eye. It reminded me that I was never alone. Even on hard days. Even on fun days. Even on scary days. Even on the best days. He is always in our home.
No matter what your religion may be or what you believe, we have the opportunity to bring Jesus in our homes on a daily basis. Sometimes our lives can get hectic and we can forget the things that are most important. But I know as we keep Christ as the center of our homes, we can feel peace and happiness there.
So how do we bring Christ into our homes every day? Here are 10 Ways To Bring Jesus Into Your Home:
1. PRAY: I love that we can pray anytime, anywhere – and He will hear and answer our prayers. We can pray ALWAYS! Pray as a family. Pray as a couple. And even pray as an individual.
2. READ SCRIPTURES: Whatever books you believe in – read them. The bible is a great place to start! They even make books for children with pictures that help the little ones learn bible stories. We love to read books before bed – and these are perfect bedtime stories!
3. UNPLUG FROM THE WORLD: With the media these days our lives can be full of everything BUT Jesus. Turn off your phone. Close the computer. Hit the “off” button on the TV. Fill your home with uplifting and good things.
4. LISTEN TO GOOD MUSIC: I grew up in a musical home! My mom has a song for EVERY little thing that happens in life. Now that I have my own home, I find myself saying, “That was SO something my mom would do/say!” And often times it is me singing a little song. 🙂 We love dance parties and music is almost always on in our home. Listen to uplifting music that makes you feel GOOD.
5. HAVE A FAMILY NIGHT: Schedule in one night a week that you can be with your family and talk about Jesus. You can share stories, bare testimonies, look at pictures, sing songs and even play games.
6. HANG PICTURES ON YOUR WALL: My one-year-old has a picture of Jesus in her room. She is slowly saying more words every day, but one of her first words ever was “Se-Sus” aka “Jesus.” By putting pictures in your home or children’s rooms – they will be able to recognize and know who He is.
7. TEACH ABOUT JESUS: As the moms of the household, one of our duties is to teach our children how to read, write, communicate, listen, obey, have fun… the list goes on and on, right!? We can also add on to the list: to teach them about Jesus. There is no greater way to bring Jesus into our homes and daily lives than by actually talking about Him.
8. SING SONGS: One of my one-year-old’s favorite songs right now is “Jesus Wants Me for A Sunbeam.” It says, “Jesus wants me for a sunbeam to shine for Him each day. In every way try to please Him – at home, at school, at play. A Sunbeam. A Sunbeam. Jesus wants me for a Sunbeam. A Sunbeam. A Sunbeam. I’ll be a Sunbeam for Him.” This simple song teaches her who she is and what He wants her to be.
9. MAKE IT FUN: Learning about Jesus can be so fun! You should check out these free printables and coloring pages for your kids to color about Jesus. You can also watch videos and learn songs.
10. TRY TO BE MORE LIKE HIM: Probably the best way to bring Jesus Christ into our homes. When we try to be like Him – we are setting an example for our whole family. We all are going to make mistakes, but as we try to live like Him – he will be able to be in our lives.
Just as I learned from my one-year-old, your children can learn from YOU! I know as we try to bring Jesus into our homes every day – our homes will be a place full of love!
Ever since that day {might I add!} – We haven’t missed a prayer at meals. And if I forget {because I am FAR from perfect so I forget often!!} – my girl will be the FIRST to remind me. 🙂
How do you bring Jesus into your home?! I would LOVE to hear from you!
Don’t forget to share! –
Amanda @ The Oilfield Mom Survival Guide
September 16, 2014 at 1:31 pm (10 years ago)Awwww. What a sweet story about Laila! I always try to do all of the above. We have also incorporated praying and reading the bible as part of our bedtime routine every night! 🙂
Terri Ingraham | Sugar Free Glow
September 16, 2014 at 10:43 am (10 years ago)Great tips! Have you heard of Seeds Family Worship? They make cds and they are great for kids (and adults) because they use real scripture and turn it into a song. So my kids and I will often wake up singing scripture.
Chelsea
September 16, 2014 at 1:54 am (10 years ago)These are great tips! For Christmas last year my sister got our son a book of pictures about Jesus. I was reading them to him one time and he started kissing every single picture! It was so sweet. And he always reminds us to pray before meals, too 🙂
Scott
September 16, 2014 at 12:32 am (10 years ago)That’s such a cute story about your daughter! I’ll bet she’ll love reading about it when she’s older and you introduce her to your blog!
Maggie C
September 15, 2014 at 10:45 pm (10 years ago)I find that bible stories that talk about Jesus’ life really capture my kids’ interest.
Jana Seitzer
September 15, 2014 at 10:37 pm (10 years ago)These are good suggestions that can be applied to any passion or religious beliefs.