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More Good, Less Great & Letting Our Kids Be Where They Are

Linsey Driskill

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“Letting Our Kids Be Where They Are”

Why do we push, push, push our kids to reach an invisible line we draw?

We of course want our children to thrive and do their best, but when we push them too much, what’s our end-goal? 

If we think they’re ahead or behind, what’s the standard? What’s that line we NEED to get them to?

Why?

Our kids are at the level where they are because that’s where they are.

It’s not necessarily bad or good, it just is. It might look one way to the world, but to the Lord, it just is.

Drive and determination are big to me, but I’ve also been trying to breathe easier and release that invisible line I draw.

If the frustration or tears arise in our kids, that’s a great time to take a break, a breather, and then see where they are, so we can meet them there.

Right where our kids are, instead of pushing them ahead when they’re not ready.

When we loosen our grip on that line, our kids’ determination might even improve because they’ll be at their own pace and feel more capable.

What are your deepest hopes for your kids?

What matters most?

I want my kids 

to have integrity,

to have drive,

to love learning,

to love Jesus,

to love others.

But, to be the best?

To be number one?

To always rise above the next kid?

I’m okay if that’s not the case because my goal for them is not to be “the best”. 

What I want to know is

are my children only looking out for themselves or are they considering others?

Are they reaching out to kids who are left out?

Are they serving with love?

That matters deeply to me.

The Scripture that seeps into my mind is Matthew 20:16 when Jesus says, “the last will be first, and the first will be last.”

Those who choose to love and serve others really live.

Are we directing our children toward what matters? 

Toward honesty?

humility?

perseverance?

compassion?

loving Jesus?

loving others?

Because at the end of the day, we take none of the temporal things with us. 

What lasts are eternal things we’ve invested in.

Yes, instilling drive, perseverance, and diligence is important, but let’s also ask ourselves in parenting our kids, what are we prizing the highest?

If it’s to outshine the next person or to meet a particular standard just because, let’s reevaluate.

Let’s encourage our kids to work hard and do their best with a settling calm of letting them be where they are – 

enjoying them right now, in the place they’re in.

As parents, while our kids mimic so much of what we do, let’s notice what we’re seeking after most,

and pursue the things that last…

Loving Jesus,

Loving others.

That’s what I want my kids to invest in.

That’s where the kingdom of God is found. 

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I love this perspective by Emily Ley. Yes! ❤️

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Lord, no matter what’s going on, help us to find peace & joy in You. ❤️

A Prayer, Starting School, & Remembering

Linsey Driskill

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School looks different now. Sports look different. Our mudroom looks different as masks hang alongside our kids’ backpacks. 

As anxiety and worry usually accompany the unfamiliar, they grew in my daughter’s mind the morning school started after being closed for so long.

We talked about how she was feeling. 

I told her to take some deep breaths to calm her down. 

I shared that I felt nervous going back to school when I was her age and that it was normal to feel that way. She was glad to know she wasn’t alone. 

I told her she was strong and could do it.

And, then we prayed together. 

After that, we sat squeezed together in my sunroom chair & my daughter said, “Mommy, instead of having 20 butterflies, I only have 3.” (:

There’s no easy fix when our kids feel this way, and some children need different responses than others, but if our kids are experiencing some anxiety or worry, those are a few tools that can help.

That morning, words came to mind by Sissy Goff, Christian author of “Raising Worry-Free Girls” and Counselor:
“Avoidance strengthens anxiety. She’s just going to have to do that scary thing. When you make all the scary things go away, it sends a message to her that she can’t handle them. Rescuing communicates that she needs rescuing.”

My daughter ended up having a good day at school and the next morning she was stronger, excited for school, and had a great day. I think doing the “scary thing” made her that much stronger – for her to see, for herself, that she could do it. 

What a gift that we get to be right by our kiddos’ sides as they walk through the challenges and triumphs in their lives – the beauty of parenting. ❤️

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If you’re struggling with this below, New Life Ministries is an excellent ministry that can help: 1-800-New-Life. We’re praying for you.

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KIDS’ DEVOTIONAL GIVEAWAY!!!

Linsey Driskill

*Giveaway Closed*

Congrats to Holly for winning the Giveaway!

TO ENTER Giveaway, comment on this post. You’ll automatically get 5 extra entries for being subscribed to my Blog. (:

For 5 EXTRA ENTRIES, share with friends – just let me know you shared this post in comments.

Start out the school year doing devotions with your kids! Each day takes 5 to 10 minutes. This is one of our very favorite devotionals to do together! 

To enter giveaway, you must live in the continental United States due to shipping. Giveaway closes Sunday, September 6th at 3pm. The winner will be announced on my Blog. WordPress is in no way affiliated with this Giveaway.

The Power of Praying for Your Family

Linsey Driskill

I pray that the following words would encourage you in loving Jesus with all your hearts and loving those right in front of you. Lord, would you lift up each person reading this – please meet their needs and give them your joy and peace today, Jesus. Give us eyes and hearts to see you, seek you, know you, and honor you. In Jesus’ name, amen. ❤️

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When we think the world is spinning out of control, let's breathe and remember that the Lord is above all, over all, in all-2

 

Lord,-3

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, turn to Psalms, and take time to praise the Lord.

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Incentive Idea and Keep Walking, Keep Hoping, Keep Praying

Linsey Driskill

Here’s a practical idea to help your kids with bickering less, being kind, listening well, good attitudes, or another area:

  1. Create a chart for each child like the one in the picture.
  2. Cut some slits on the bottom of the chart like in the picture and write a reward on each one. Ask your kids for reward ideas and share some of your ideas in the comments too.
  3. 3. Pick 1 or 2 areas your children can work on (no more). Each time your child does well in that area, they get a tally (one rule – they can’t ask for one). Examples of earning tallies: when my son washed all the dishes in the sink and not just his own, when my kids worked out a conflict well, & when they listened to me the first time which shows kindness.
  4. Once they earn a certain number of tallies, they get to rip a reward off and use it when they want. Our number is 15 tallies. If your kids are younger, you could do 10 tallies so they earn a reward more quickly and stay motivated. Mine earned a reward after a few days. (I also give a tally once they memorize the verse for that week.)

Once they earned a reward, we started the tallies again. We’ll probably do this for a few weeks to help create habits of speaking more kindly and going above and beyond.

If I can find a way to replace nagging with encouragement, I’m in! ❤️

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Let’s not get stuck in the cement of guilt when the Lord wants us to fly free like an eagle.-4

At times, I’m tempted to think I can earn the Lord’s approval – to think, when I “get things right”, I’m accepted and loved. But, when I fall short and mess up, there is more distance between the Lord and me.

Friends, the good news is that we are no longer held by the old testament law. Jesus, in all his perfection, radiance, love, took our place and made a way to be connected with God always.

Jesus took our imperfections upon us on the cross and rose above it all. Our sins are released, done, gone and we are fully forgiven when we believe in him.

When I begin thinking that I fall under the old testament ways, the Lord graciously reminds me that, in Christ, we are free indeed.

Feeling the conviction of the Holy Spirit when we have wronged someone or the Lord is a good thing, but it does. Not. cause separation between you and God. Jesus bridged that gap long ago.

All the Lord asks us to do is to believe in him. To have a willing and humble heart to ask for forgiveness and be forgiven. To seek him, so we can be the led by the Spirit and live a life of love.

Isn’t that freeing?

Let’s not get stuck in the cement of guilt when the Lord wants us to fly free like an eagle.

Jesus made a way so we don’t have to shrink back in guilt and distance.
He made a way so we can approach the throne of GRACE with confidence.
He made a way because he loves us.

Today, embrace his love,
not because of what you have done,
but because of what he has done for you.

“Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.

He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.”

Isaiah 40:28-31

A Call to All Mamas...-5.png

What is far more important than any homeschooling schedule or goal is your connection with your child.

To all the Tired Mamas trying to managing virtual school and just hanging on. Pre