Of Raising Kids and Writing

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While at my sink doing the dishes today (that’s where I do my best thinking) something occurred to me. My thoughts were prompted by a blog-conversation with Phillip Mullins

Writing is a lot like raising kids.

My husband and I  have six kids. Their ages range from the oldest being old enough to get married this year and the youngest in middle school. When we adopted three of our kids about five years ago, we realized that having raised teenagers once was coming in handy. We are not as easily hoodwinked the second time around.

It has also been helpful that we don’t compare ourselves to other parents and their children as we did many years ago. We have realized that success in our children (and in parenting) is not what the world says it is and know that each child, adopted and biological, was given to us by God. Each person is an individual with unique gifts and tough challenges. Each person has been set in our family on purpose.

It has never occurred to me to question the place of my kids in our family. When looking at other parents who have been “more successful”, it has never crossed my mind to send my kids to live with them in hopes that they would be better off there (ok, maybe once or twice).

As writers we have been given unique creative power and individual stories, which are not better off with someone else. They are ours to “raise” and to bring to light, make known to a world that needs them. When God called the writer to write the story that He put there, He made provisions for that story to reach whomever He needed to reach.

Maybe our kids won’t become celebrities who are known by millions. Maybe they won’t be the next president of a huge company. But maybe they will change lives and be an encouragement to someone who has lost hope. Maybe they will be in the right place at the right time to bring a smile and hope to a hurting heart. Maybe they introduce others to Jesus.

So, don’t get rid of your stories because others are better at telling theirs. Tell them the way you know how  … and please … try not to get rid of your kids either.

For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.
Romans 12:3

20 responses to “Of Raising Kids and Writing”

  1. Redeemed on Purpose Avatar

    This is all so true. Thank you for sharing. Great post.

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    1. Heidi Viars Avatar

      Thanks, Carmen, for taking the time to read and comment! How encouraging 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  2. seekingdivineperspective Avatar

    I am in awe of anyone who can write with kids in the house! I am an “empty-nester” (except for grandchildren who arrive expectedly and unexpectedly) and I struggle to make the time I need. God bless you, and all your not-so-little-anymore ones.

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    1. Heidi Viars Avatar

      No need to be in awe… trust me 🙂

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  3. Nancy Ruegg Avatar

    I experience slumps of doubt now and then, but God reminds me, someone led Charles Spurgeon to Jesus, and D. L. Moody, and Billy Graham. Those “someones” may not be well-known, but God used them as part of a magnificent master plan that impacted thousands–perhaps millions as we consider the ripple effect. My responsibility is to plant the seeds; God is in charge of the harvest. (Lord, help me not miss an opportunity!)

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    1. Heidi Viars Avatar

      Thank you, dear Nancy, for always being such an encouragement! Yes, the Lord is in charge of the harvest .. and amen to your prayer. 🙂

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  4. awomanaftergodsownheart170052837 Avatar

    Thank you for your words of wisdom! I litteraly just said to my husband..im shipping our kids to someone else. Im sure they would be better parents. I know God gave me the kids I have and I love them so much! Sometimes its hard to not compair woth other parents. I just have to focus on the job God gave me to do and do it to the best of my Godly abilities! Thank you for posting this story!

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    1. Heidi Viars Avatar

      I was just going to tell you that you are amazing parents, but then I remembered the Scriptures in Matthew 7:11 and Luke 11:13 🤣… I guess all we can do is follow the One who IS amazing! ❤️Thanks for being you and loving on so many kids 🤗

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  5. Brenda Lynn Avatar

    Man, is this ever a right thing at the right time. Seriously. I seem to have lost my voice under a mountain of doubts. Thank you for this.

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    1. Heidi Viars Avatar

      Brenda, let God speak, not doubt! Thanks for being you and for using your gifts for Him 🤗

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  6. Phillip Mullins Avatar

    So glad you hit “publish” 🙂

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    1. Heidi Viars Avatar

      Ya, me too! and did you read that a local blog hit (not near) record blog count???? 🤔
      Yep, Keep Going! You never know 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Debbie Avatar

    Dear Heidi . . .thank you! I will keep those simple poems before God, for Him to do as He pleases with them. :). And I’ll keep my girls too. :). Love and prayers!

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    1. Heidi Viars Avatar

      Your “simple” poems are an incredible blessing to us, Debbie! Good idea about the girls! 😉

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  8. Collene Avatar

    I absolutely love that analogy. That was beautiful and inspiring. I am in the middle of the teen years with my firstborn son. 😊

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    1. Heidi Viars Avatar

      I have four sons … buckle in … and stay buckled 😜 Boys are awesome

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Collene Avatar

        Thanks for the encouragement! I have a tween girl so we shall see how much worse a girl is.🤣 Also, I nominated you for the Sunshine Blogger award. I have really enjoyed your writing. Check out the post here:
        https://restandchaos.com/2020/01/04/walking-on-sunshine/
        Have a wonderful weekend! God bless!

        Like

        1. Heidi Viars Avatar

          Thank you so much, Collen. How kind! I loved reading more about you! I see we have many things in common 🙂

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  9. francesrogers Avatar

    Heidi, the Lord continues to make you a blessing to me, your children and others. Much love and blessings as we continue to live in praise and thanksgiving to Him.

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    1. Heidi Viars Avatar

      Thanks, Fran … you too!!!! 🤗

      Like

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