Building your Singles Ministry/Single Parenting by Other Authors

Sacrificially Overlooked by Single Parent Director, Holly Crain

As a girl scout I promised to "do my best to be honest and fair, friendly and helpful, considerate and caring..." and so much more. We were taught to be prepared and it filtered through everything we did. Reflecting back I realize how much they involved us in the preparation process.

The leaders could've done it all, right? But they took the time to teach us preparedness. 



As parents, we try to teach our children biblical principles; being prepared is one of those reflected throughout the Bible. But as parents, we tend to overlook our own needs sacrificially in place of the children's needs. 



So, here we are heading into the long hot days of summer. Many of us will be without our children...and many will have their children every single day. Preparing for these days, no matter where you land with children, is so important.



I do want to encourage you this summer to find options that are life giving while the kids are away (or not). Here are a few ideas, but think of what YOU need this summer as well and add to this list: 
  • Carve quiet spaces out of your days to spend time and hear from the Lord. It will bring true refreshment to your soul. Set up a place stocked with your Bible, journal and a stash of pens. Then try to find a  time with little distractions. Commit to regularly spending time in this place.
  • Ask, seek, knock... pray and listen. Ask God to prepare your heart to hear what He wants you to hear. When we are overwhelmed and stressed it can be difficult to pray. But God knows! Share true and honest thoughts...even if it is a prayer of "help me!" He is faithful. 
  • Memorize scripture. Proverbs 3 is a great place to start. "Trust in the Lord with all my heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight." in Proverbs 3:5-6. Or Proverbs 3:3, "Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man." If you memorize, you will have these in your hip pocket when you need them in situations you find yourself in! Scripture immediately sets your perspective in line with the Lord.
  • Pray for your children. A powerful resource is praying scripture over your children. Another resource is a book called Power of a Praying Parent by Stormie O'Martian.
  • Find sermons and podcasts that can encourage you to take your next step of faith.

Expect to find the Lord. He is faithful and very much sees you, knows you and loves you. Allow Him to speak into your life this summer! 

 
If we have not met, I want you to know that my name is Holly and I walked into this church 22 years ago with a 5yo daughter and a 2 month old son in tow. This church embraced me but bigger than that the gospel and what God did in my life changed this common girl forever! And I know He will do the same for you! He will! Enjoy the SPF ministry and the newsletter and get excited about what God has in store for you and your children!

crain
Holly Crain, Single Parent Director
Houston’s First Baptist Church — The Loop
Holly.Crain@HoustonsFirst.org
O: 713.957.7674; C: 832-247-4787
HoustonsFirst.org ​
Kathy and I have had the pleasure of working with Kris of The Single Network Ministries at several events over the past three years. We always look forward to her insight and creative ways to connect with her audience sharing the Word of God with encouragement, humor and just being real. You will want to catch her for sure the next time she is in your area. Her sense of humor is a hoot and infectious.
—Kathy and Klay Watson,  Dating His Way Ministries

Single Parenting