Eight Great Ways to Raise Strong Kids: Train Yourself to Sustain Yourself

This blog series is adapted from "Woman of Valor" written by Marilynn Chadwick. To download the full book, please go here. by Marilynn Chadwick Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us (Hebrews 12:1b). I want to take a minute to encourage you as a parent to take care of yourself. This goes back to our earlier discussion about building your spiritual house. Your relationship with Jesus is the foundation. Your marriage is next. Children love knowing their parents have a healthy marriage. And that they are strong as individuals. Your strength in the home will set a climate that somehow encourages your children to dream big. I remember one time our daughter asked me, “Mom, do you enjoy us?” Wow. I had to pause and reflect. In that moment, I knew I had gotten to a fragile point where I was not creating habits to help me sustain the joy of motherhood. I became more mindful to enjoy my children, and our family, rather than just “enduring them.” A thankful heart is a happy heart and makes for a happy home where children, and their dreams, can grow tall. Remember, mothering is a marathon, not a mile run. So pace yourself. Are you taking care of your “temple”? Getting enough exercise, good food, and pure water? Do you have good friendships? Prayer partners? Now I sound like a mother, don’t I? But it really is so important for us, as moms, to guard our mental and emotional health. Malachi 2 warns us to “guard ourselves in the spirit” as a protection against so many things, including divorce. So, be alert and watchful for the purpose of prayer (1 Peter 4:7). Then “throw off what hinders and the sin that entangles us,” as Hebrews 12:1 encourages. Watch as God strengthens you and sustains you again and again.