CHANGE Magazine, a Creflo Dollar Publication

Finding Balance as a Single Parent

by Taffi Dollar

Our perspective of the average family is rapidly changing these days. The basic family structure, designed by God, includes a father, mother, and their children. However, due to high divorce rates, deaths, and other social problems, many of today’s families are far from the family structure God originally intended.

Now, more than ever, my advice for single parents is to remember to put God first. Do not allow your busy schedules to squeeze God out of the picture. Putting God first simply means to set aside time each day for prayer, Bible study, and worship. When we give God first place, before starting our day, we are able to receive wisdom from Him. We can receive answers to problems before they arise. Now that’s good news!

In addition, take time throughout the day to communicate with God. I know you are probably thinking this is mission impossible, but you can spend moments in praise and worship while driving to work. You can spend moments in prayer during a lunch break or bathroom break. You can also spend time reading your Bible on your breaks at work.  Carving this time out for Him may seem difficult, but it is possible.

I am a living witness of that fact. As a wife, mother, and pastor, I have many obligations. Although I am not a single parent, I can still become overwhelmed if I do not spend quality time with the Lord each day. The source of my strength does not come from me or anyone on the outside. It comes from God! I allow Him to direct me and give me wisdom.

You can achieve this type of balance also. When you are balanced, you understand your abilities in the natural, while relying on God’s supernatural ability. Here are ten practical tips on how to balance your natural abilities and avoid stress.

1. Prioritize. Evaluate your life. Know what is important and understand your goals.
2. Determine how your current commitments correlate with your goals.
3. Get organized—be committed to learning better ways of handling challenges and tasks.
4. Identify stressors and eliminate them if possible, or think of strategies to reduce stressors.
5. Check your motives—always ask yourself why you do what you do.
6. Calculate your decisions—decide what you are to do.
7. Don’t try to be a superhero. Get rid of the perfectionist spirit. Do not try to be flawless, or place impossible, unrealistic demands on yourself.
8. Consider the people in your immediate circle; who is in your empowerment circle of support? Be sure you have like-minded, trustworthy people included.
9. Know where your true value comes from (it comes from the Lord). Refuse to be in bondage to people. 
10. Have a winding-down period each day.

With these natural, practical tips, be sure to remember to keep God first, and train your children to do the same. Train them to do what they can in the natural, while relying on God’s supernatural ability. Teach them how to live according to the Word, by praying, attending church services, doing devotionals, and conducting Bible studies with them (Ephesians 6:4).

Implementing these practical tips will help you stay focused on what matters, and equip you to handle pressure more effectively. When you put things in the right order, you will find that life flows more smoothly and balance is established.

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In This Issue:

• Publisher's Statement
• Preparing for End-Time Events
• What Happens When a Believer Sins?
• Finding Balance as a Single Parent
• An Ounce of Prevention: The Importance of Annual Exams
• Seeking Godly Fathers
• Saving, Planning Ahead, and Anticipating Potential Setbacks
• Credits
• <- RETURN TO CURRENT ISSUE