Thanks everyone for your patience since my last write-up in 2022 – over three years ago. It has been a long break and I am so excited and cannot wait to let you know what God has been doing in my life and extended family.
My prayer is that God will open your eyes to know that every good and perfect gift is from above (James 1: 17). We have no total control over what we do day to day and if He has a better plan than mine, who am I to complain! “He does all things well” (Mark 7: 37).
Having a constant and steady relationship with God after childbirth is very important yet challenging. It is always natural for one’s routine to change immediately after childbirth (especially with the first child) as taking care of your child becomes one of your major priorities. It becomes even more difficult when you have other children in the family to care for.
First of all, I would like to let you know that God understands and knows what you are going through so do not despair. Psalm 127:3 (KJV) says “Lo, children are a heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is His reward”. God gave us children to nurture and enjoy which is why He cares about how they are raised up.
Most mums suffer from the “baby blues” and lack of sleep in the early weeks after childbirth. Taking care of a baby is hard work, time consuming and sometimes stressful. Babies do not understand what you are going through, all they want is constant feeding and attention. As a new first time mum (in the early 80s), there were days when I felt so tired that reading my bible was the last thing on my mind – thank God for His constant grace and mercies. From my experience, it was difficult at first but I had to find a way to make sure I did not lose my relationship with God. I tried not to be too hard on myself by feeling guilty of not doing my Quiet Time consistently as I should or used to do. However, I made sure I communed with God always, sincerely conversing with Him, letting Him know my struggles and asking for help. During these early stages of childbirth, I realised that staying connected to God did not have to be boring, rigid or regimental – it was meant to be stress-free and enjoyable. At the same time, I was very conscious not to be too over-familiar with our loving Father that I take Him for granted.
There is great danger in not finding time at all to pray, read the bible and hear from God each day, no matter how short it is.. If we can spend time to scroll through our mobile phones, read the latest news or gossips, call friends/family, text and WhatsApp then, we have no excuse.
One important thing to be aware of is that we are all different so, what worked well for my husband and I may not work well for another couple. New parents have to find ways that work for them and stick to it without caring what others think. As time went on, I was able to get into a routine that worked well for us. My husband and I had to try different options and ways to make the experience an enjoyable one. We were very blessed to have families around who really helped. However, with our first child, there was the excitement of wanting to be around him at all times even though there were people ready to help. There were days when I would be in my pyjamas all day and would not even have time for myself at all. When the baby is sleeping, people always say “why don’t you go and sleep as well?” It is not that easy – there are feeding bottles to wash, clothes to go into the washing machine and other things to do. By the time I finish the chores and pick up my bible to read, I fall asleep until the voice of my baby wakes me up again – typical!
God never intended that this important stage in life should be stressful or difficult. Parents need His love, presence, guidance and support during these tough and challenging times. In Jeremiah 33:3 (NKJV), God says – “Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.’ In this day and age, there are more relaxing ways new mums can stay connected to God. There are lots of audio Bible Apps where you can listen to bible readings while you go about your day at home – thank God for technology!
One thing that worked for me was listening to gospel/praise songs as I do not think the above mentioned technology was available when we had our first son. These songs had a positive effect on my mental well-being, reducing stress, anxiety and lifting up my spirit. The lyrics of some of the songs immediately put me in the worship mood; encouraging me to praise and give thanks. God delights in praise and it is a sacrifice of the heart even when we do not feel like doing it.
Remember to do whatever works for you, ask for help when you need it and pray about everything! Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit, (1 Thessalonians 5: 15 – 19). Never think that God is too busy to listen to your little problems or that He has bigger problems to deal with. Look at your problems in the light of God’s greatness. God is very attentive to all our petitions, He wants us to enjoy every minute with our babies and also a relationship with Him – how wonderful is that!
As parents, we are the mirror our children look at every day. What they see will either boost their confidence in life and trust in God or make them feel inferior and lost in the world. What we do and how we live our lives each day is very important.
I grew up in a family where love, respect and discipline were taken seriously. We were not rich but we were very happy, comfortable and content with what we had. My dad was a head teacher and my mum a nurse. They did all they could (by God’s grace) to bring us up being proud of who we are, having confidence in whatever we do and respect for people in the society we live in. My parents were not perfect but like most parents who want the best for their children, they led by examples. I cannot recollect hearing my parents using foul languages at home or having unhealthy arguments with each other. This does not mean that they do not argue or disagree on certain issues; they sometimes simply agree to disagree without being aggressive or violent about it.
My dad was a very dedicated husband especially when it comes to helping my mum with house chores and taking care of us. He was always ready to help with ironing and cooking as much as possible. My mum, who had a shift job as a Nurse at that time was very appreciative and did not take it for granted. I could really see the love and care they had for each other so, at a very young age, I started praying that God will give me a husband just like my dad.
Fortunately, in Nigeria where I was born and in most African countries, once a woman gives birth, there are lots of people lining up to assist in caring for your child. That reminds me of the African proverb – “It takes a village to raise a child” so, that means the entire community of people must interact with children for those children to grow in a safe and healthy environment. This also goes to show that it is impossible for just a father and mother to bring up their children in a community without the help of others. Watching my mum and dad’s good relationship with the families and people around us made me realise how important it is to be part of a community – you will always need the help of others.
There were certain things my parents will never compromise on and these were clearly understood by everyone including us as children. There were rules to be followed in the household, chores to be done by each of us every day including school home works. We did not have the luxury of having a washing machine then so, my dad was constantly washing his clothes/mum’s himself so we had no excuse not to follow suit – he led by example.
When it comes to cooking, my mum made sure I was always in the kitchen with her whenever she was cooking, helping out. This really helped me and by the age of 15, I could go food shopping by myself and cook for the whole family. My brothers occasionally helped out but not as much as I did being a girl – they were responsible for other manly chores. In those days and hopefully now, for a girl not to know how to cook was unforgivable as parents (especially mothers) were seen as negligent and irresponsible for not training their children the right way. The bible says: Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it (Proverbs 22:6 KJV) – that is really true! My parents never took it lightly if we did not take responsibility of what we were supposed to do at home. They always say “All that we are doing now is for your own good”. I use to think they were too strict but looking back now that I have my own children, I thank and praise God every day for all they have taught me. It has made me the woman I am today.
As mentioned above, I vividly remember praying for a husband who can cook like my dad and God answered my prayers. When I first met my husband, one of the things that attracted me to him was the fact that he could cook and he really enjoyed doing it. This goes to show that God answers anyone (both young and old) who prays sincerely from the heart about anything according to His will. When we started having children, we made sure they occasionally helped in the kitchen when either my husband or I were cooking. At first, we tried to make it exciting for them by giving them things they enjoyed doing according to their ages and abilities and as they grew older the responsibilities changed. I must confess that there were times when they did not feel like helping in the kitchen or do certain chores. Sometimes, we were lenient with them but made sure it was not a constant practice. If children are left to do what they want at their own pace and time, nothing will get done.
We purposely did not buy a dishwasher because we wanted our children to get use to washing their plates when they finished eating and this became a permanent routine which they all got used to. Mum and dad’s plates were washed in turns by our children. With other house chores, we created rotas which we all followed included my husband and I (for monitoring purposes) so that the children had no excuses. We are not perfect parents but we tried our best (with the help of God and prayers) to teach our children the important things they needed to know growing up. Now that they are all adults and two of them married, it has really paid off and they have testified to it. I am so grateful to God for His guidance in helping us lead by example, and in bringing up our children. I am confident that He will help them to also pass it on to their children. Philippians 1:6 says: Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ (KJV).
Leading by example cannot be done by self-effort. Parents need to spend time on their knees asking God for wisdom and guidance each day. Children can only learn quickly from what they see their parents do and they always know when parents are faking it. If you are a mum or dad that swears all the time, your children will eventually start swearing too. As parents, we are to be good stewards of the children God has placed in our care – spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Isaiah 54:13 says: All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children. I say “Amen” to that and pray that this will be every parent’s testimony.
Never in a million years would I have thought that I will be able to create an avenue or have a website with the aim to encourage and spur parents (especially mothers) of young children to instil the love and word of God in their children: To know that God is real and not a figment of their imagination. This desire has been in me ever since I became born again and started having children – over 35 years ago.
I tried for so long to wave the thought off my mind as I felt inadequate. However, each time I tried to do that, I get words of inspiration and encouragement from God during my Quiet Time so, I started writing them down in a notebook. Towards the end of 2020, I was inspired by Deuteronomy 31: 12 – 13 which I will be using as the motto of Lasting Footprints.
“Gather the people together, men and women and little ones, and the stranger who is within your gates, that they may hear and that they may learn to fear the Lord your God and carefully observe all the words of this law, 13 and that their children, who have not known it, may hear and learn to fear the Lord your God as long as you live in the land which you cross the Jordan to possess.”
As already stated, I am a mother of four and believe me, it is a hard job taking care of four children but thanks be to God for His help and for giving me a wonderful husband who really helped at all times. As parents, who have experienced what the world was then and hoping for a better future for our children, our first priority was to see them grow to love and know who God really is. The only way to do this was to introduce them to the word of God in a way that they will enjoy, watering all our efforts with prayers. It was also very important to my husband and I that we don’t just say it but the children must also see us believe and act what we are teaching them.
My experience from being a Sunday school teacher over the years has made me realise that children are like open tapes, it is what you put in them that sticks. That is why the bible says “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he grows up he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22: 6). The earlier the love and word of God is introduced, the easier it will be as they grow up because the foundation has already been laid. Research has also shown that the first five years of a child’s life are particularly important for the development of the brain, experiences and relationships.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought a new perspective and value to life. People are now looking back and setting the right priorities in life – thinking ahead of what the future holds for the next generations to come. This is where parents/guardians are needed to make sure the feet of these children are well grounded to face the future. Unfortunately, the future of the world we are currently living in is bleak without God.
It has been God’s plan all along for children to be taught to know Him – they are His heritage. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me and do not forbid them for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 19:14 NKJV)
My desire is to encourage and help parents/guardians through prayers and shared practical experiences, invest all they can spiritually on these children as this will leave lasting footprints from one generation to another thus giving glory to God. I strongly believe that God is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think and that parents/children will be encouraged to know that they are not alone on this journey of life.
In my experience, nothing in life is successful without God. He is eagerly waiting to give wisdom and guidance to whoever calls upon Him for help (Jeremiah 33: 3). Therefore, the first step will be to admit that you need help and that you are ready to co-operate with God to guide you through this process.
The next most important step is to pray about everything. Prayer is just talking to God the way you would talk to a very good friend – without reservations. Right from when our first son was born, I could vividly remember praying each time before breast feeding him. When he started to have some solid foods, I would make sure he hears me pray aloud before giving him his food. As he grew older and was able to eat by himself, because he was used to seeing/hearing me pray, he was able to mumble some few words of prayer. This then became a natural habit for him to gradually learn to pray each time before eating. Children always learn by examples so it is imperative that they see us doing it.
Few words of prayer before going to bed at night is also very helpful for them to appreciate the fact that God has been the One watching over them during the day and will continue to keep them safe as they sleep (Psalms 4:8). This will take away fear and give them the confidence and security they need . I must say at this point that patience is something everyone should have when dealing with children. There were days when my children were not interested in whatever I have to offer such as reading a bible story or other story books but would rather just go straight to sleep or play games. As a mum, this is where my creative knowledge comes into play. So, I invented a “Thank You” game that indirectly made them thank God for each of the body part (eyes, nose, legs, etc.) they have used throughout the day and that became a pattern they were very interested in. Prayer time should not be a rigid experience but an enjoyable one so that they will always look forward to it. As they grow up, the prayer sessions and style eventually changes according to their age.
There is a book called Wonderful You by Linda and Alan Perry that our children loved so much as it explained how wonderful and unique God has made each child. Going through this book with them made them realise that even with the billions of people in the world, there is no one just like each one of them – each person is different and unique. This really helped them not to compete or envy each other as they grew up.
As parents, my husband and I try not to compare our children with each other or to other children. Making your children feel unique and special from the very beginning gives them so much confidence and brings out the best in them. God who created us has done a very good job and David the Psalmist put it quiet clearly in Psalms 139: 13-14 NKJV “For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvellous are Your works and that my soul knows very well”.
There are no perfect parents. No matter how much you try, there will be days when you feel discouraged and overwhelmed but be assured that God is always behind you. There were days when I felt so overwhelmed and tired but one way or the other, God always encouraged and reassured me that He is watering the seeds grown. I can now look back and truly believe that He has been all along and He is continuing.
We were currently blessed with a lovely grand-daughter this year (2022) and when our daughter was relating how she sings “Good morning Jesus” to the baby in her tummy each morning while having her quiet time, gave me great hope that God is doing what He said He would do. Now that the baby is born and the song is sang each time, the look on her (baby’s)face tells it all – Praise God!! So, relax, be filled with prayers and enjoy this wonderful journey of being a godly parent.
Hello, my name is Eunice Ogundimu, I have been married to my lovely husband since 1985. I am a dedicated wife and mother of four children (now adults taller than I) who is very enthusiastic about helping children know and explore who God really is; the love and plans He has for them both in the present and in the future.
It has always amazed me how Jesus, after healing people, always instructs them to go home and tell others the great things He has done for them (Mark 5: 19 and Luke 8: 39). We were told that they departed and began to publish the great things He has done for them – they shared their experiences and healing with others who were also blessed.
That became a great inspiration to also publish via this website, what great things God has done for me. To motivate and encourage other mothers through my experiences, never to give up despite the ups and downs of this present world and to have unchanging faith in these changing times. Being a Sunday school teacher for so many years has made me realise that the future God has already planned for every child, starts with an implementation – that is where parents, and everyone in charge of a child’s upbringing come in.
My hope and prayer is that this legacy will be passed from one generation to another so that parents can also testify like Joshua “… as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15).
If you have any comments as you read along or have a topic you would like me to write on, please do not hesitate to email me at the email address below.
lastingfootprints@outlook.com
lastingfootprints.co.uk 