Get Out of that Trap!

'Comparison Trap' Resources from a talk for Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) meeting on...

"Is the Grass Really Greener?

Keeping the proper perspective will keep us out of the ‘comparison trap’ and give us a right focus. What our focus is as moms will be a huge part of our children's as well. That is back to that whole person and real life thing. Where you spend your time and energy is what becomes your focus. Habits of the heart are cultivated.

Scriptures: READ it! memorize, use posters, Steve Green’s “Hide ‘em in Your Heart” CD, DoorPosts.com For Instructions in Righteousness.

Write it! Prayer journals, thankful lists (1,000 Gifts), hymns, daily journals, start a ‘Lest we forget’ rock collection.

Study it!: The Pursuit of Holiness, Bridges, Discipline of Grace, Bridges, Cross-Centered Life, Hughes, A Baptist Catechism, Piper, Thirty Days of Bible Study for Busy Mammas, Doorposts.com 
*I am adding a new one: Future Grace, Piper* It's the new study I just started. 

Cultivate it! Moms and children both need to GROW! 

Because we are whole persons and all of life-daily life is to honor God:
Steady Days, by Jamie Martin

Hidden Art of Homemaking, Edith Schaeffer 
15 Minutes Outside, Rebecca Cohen

Because children are whole persons and habits of the heart are cultivated:
Hurlbut’s Story of the Bible, Everybody Can Know, Edith Schaeffer,  DoorPosts.com has great character curriculum

Quality Children’s Literature (Children understand big things and have tremendous insight – don’t be pithy or chose twaddle because they are children – CULTIVATE). Read classics aloud in short sections. Remember to read poetry. Discuss things. Don’t always explain everything and tell him what to think; Listen to your child tell you about stuff.

Just like quality books, we must have exposure to gain and cultivate an appreciation for fine arts.  Listen to quality music from great composers, make friends with the paintings of the master artists.  Learn to recognize and appreciate the beauty of creativity that God only gave to people.  

Go outside with your children! It helps us to find our place in the world and discover the intricate beauty of our Creator God.