So here we all are, with the exception of our step-granddaughter who was with her mother. None are perfect. Some are related by blood, some by marriage, but all by choice. When stepfamilies are created we all have to give a great amount of Grace to one another, and take it slowly.
Just like in a garden, we can see flowers blooming in different seasons. Some children will accept willingly the new family; and, some take years to adjust; while others, may never fully accept the new family at all.
All we can do is be willing to be used as Christ sees fit. Because our full reward and blessings will never be seen here, in the land of the living – though some certainly could. Our reward is in the hands of the one who loves us all more than we could ever understand and more than we could ever love in return.
For you in stepfamilies, here is the end message,
Love,
Laugh,
Show Mercy and Grace,
And keep your eyes on the One who makes all things new in His time.
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Good thinking, sharing re: the difference we walk through in our families by our mix of kids. Being honest, and straight-forward and understanding life’s reality is a blessed and wonderful “teaching” element. Even at my age with kids and g-kids in their less-than-perfect life choices and experiences, it is a good reminder of how to be a godly thinker.
Thanks.
You have blessed me greatly Joanne. Merry Christmas, dear friend.
Diane, thank you for this series. I found it yesterday while looking for help and ideas in praying for my stepdaughter, and have now read all 30 posts. This stepmother challenge is a hard one. Thank you for your wisdom and your wonderful ideas.
Amanda, wow – all thirty days! You and I both know, step parenting is not for the tender of hide! I begin to see the most change when I began to pray Stormie Omartian’s book Praying for your adult children ( I was kind of slow getting started on full-out prayer) I prayed it over my birth children as well as my step children. Fervent prayer of a righteous mom/stepmom accomplishes much! Thank you for stopping by…reading 30 Days to a better stepfamily, and leaving a comment. ~di
I am currently considering “walking into” a broken family … and I feel like I am intruding where I do not belong, even though the birth-mother left years ago. Thankfully, I have been encouraged by both the father, the kids, the potential inlaws, and my parents and everyone involved. I was desperate for some help and I found your blog. I too read all 30 posts in just two days. It has given me a lot to think through. Just about the time I think, “I can’t do this!!” I am given a nudge that says, “yes, I can” because I can do all things through Christ.
Nikki, If God is calling you into a Step family then He will provide for you. That is not to say it will be easy at all times. My job is to love first my husband, then to love my step children as I would my birth children, even if they don’t always receive the love – they will remember your kindness as they mature. Stay close to the Lord, and come here anytime you want to talk! You can do this and be a blessing!