Faith @Home Mom

By Mark A. Holmen and Mark K. Holmen

This book is for all moms but especially for moms that are a little scared or intimidated by the idea of having to be a spiritual influence and example to their children. Through personal stories, practical ideas and straight forward Biblical wisdom Maria speaks honestly and directly to moms about the impact they can have in the lives of their children.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu Publishing Services
• Release date: Aug 12, 2019
• ISBN: 9781483424156

Book preview

Holmen

Copyright © 2019 Maria K. Holmen & Mark A. Holmen.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored, or transmitted by any means—whether auditory, graphic, mechanical, or electronic—without written permission of the author, except in the case of brief excerpts used in critical articles and reviews. Unauthorized reproduction of any part of this work is illegal and is punishable by law.

ISBN: 978-1-4834-2416-3 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4834-2415-6 (e)

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The NIV and New International Version are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

Lulu Publishing Services rev. date: 07/22/2019

I dedicate this resource to my mom, the source of hope I draw upon to do right by my child. The example she has set will be handed down for generations to come. What a great way to say I love you to your child. You’re my rock, Mom. Way to go!

Acknowledgments

I have to start with thanking my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who speaks through me daily and is the true author of this resource. Without this spiritual journey, there would be no story. Finally, I want to thank my husband and daughter for all they did to help me with this resource. We have yet another story to laugh about because of this project. Thanks for your unconditional hardworking love!

To find out more about Faith At Home Ministries: www.faithathome.com

Introduction

I looked in the mirror with the pregnancy test in hand, and an overwhelming thought rushed over me: I will never be the same again. Then I cried. I cried tears of happiness for what was to come, and tears of sadness for what had been. Mostly I cried tears of fear. What were we thinking! We didn’t know how to parent. What if God didn’t bless us with the ability to do this? What if He had other gifts in store for us, but not this one? What if no one helped us? What if we failed?

My husband, Mark, had never changed a diaper, baby-sat, or even longed to hold someone else’s baby. As a pastor, Mark looked with terror at the congregation each time he dedicated a baby. There would be a hush across the sanctuary as he would gingerly and clumsily hold the baby up for presentation. Would this be the time he would drop the baby? Of course he never did.

I was just as clueless about babies. I had worked all my life in office jobs, and even in high school when most girls my age were baby-sitting, you never heard me say, Oh, what a cute baby. I wish I had one.

Malyn Mae Holmen entered the world like many other children. She was put on my stomach, and Mark instantly started to touch her and talk to her. He was completely caught up in the moment. I could see and hear him doing the things I should be doing, but I knew that as soon as I touched her, she would have me, heart and soul. She would consume me. She would become the gift God had given to me, and I would never be the same again. I was right.

About two years later, I was on the phone with my mom when Malyn came waddling by. She was in her yellow pajamas with the feet. She was chewing on her toothbrush. She went over to the dog, sat down and leaned back on the dog as if the dog were a pillow, kicked her legs out and crossed them and smiled at me. I suddenly said, I would die for this child! My mom answered with a tone that I will never forget. I know how you feel. I’ve always told you that you are the best thing I have ever done, and now you know what I mean.

A mom moment. A little glimpse of heaven right here on earth. It was a moment that Mom had been waiting for since the first time she said, "I can’t wait until you have your own child. Then you’ll