What Would Mama Wesley Do?

By: Sherri Gragg

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Let’s celebrate Mother’s Day by asking ourselves, “What would Mama Wesley Do?”

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“When my kids become wild and unruly, I use a nice, safe playpen. When they’re finished, I climb out.” – Erma Bombeck
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Motherhood is not for wimps. It is both like running a marathon and riding a roller coaster- Grueling and rewarding. Pure joy and absolute terror. Most moms would admit to moments, days…years, when they wish they could crawl into a “nice safe playpen” and come out again after the storm has passed.

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Susannah Wesley must have had at least a few moments like that. Not only was she the “Mother of Methodism” she had 19 kids, including UMC founders John and Charles Wesley. Fortunately, she left a wealth of wisdom for us. So, the next time you are tempted to head for your “playpen,” instead ask yourself, “What would Mama Wesley do?”

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Susannah Wesley’s Ten Best House Rules

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Because no mom looks good covered in Robitussin-

1.Children are required to take medication without complaining.

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Because praise is powerful-

2.Comment upon and reward good behavior.

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Because nobody likes a liar-

3.To prevent lying, punish no fault which is first confessed and repented of.

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Because good families are built on mutual respect-

4.Preserve property rights, even in the smallest matters.

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Because a tired child is a cranky child-

5.As children, they are to be in bed by 8:00 p.m.

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Because if mama cooks, they better eat it-

6.Eating between meals is not allowed.

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Because we all need grace-

7.Never punish a child twice for a single offense.

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Because we are made by and for a loving God-

8.Teach a child to pray as soon as he can speak.

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Because self-control is important-

9.Require all children to be still during Family Worship.

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And, lastly, because nobody likes a whiner-

10.Give children nothing they cry for, and that only for which they have asked politely.

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