Tag: beautifulheartedparenting

Sibling Arguments & a Gratitude Journal

Linsey Driskill

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Sibling arguments are inevitable. But, if there’s a way to limit them, I sure want to.

Yes, my kids still argue, but this verse has been a wonderful motivator to not repay insult with insult, but with blessing.

When one of my kids chooses the latter, I celebrate it big time.

When our kiddos have these words in their minds and hearts, they are more likely to pause before paying back and to repay with blessing instead.

I love how the end of the verse explains why: “because to this you were called.”

I share with them that as followers of Jesus he has called us to love one another deeply. With a love that doesn’t always make sense. When we repay evil for evil, it stirs up anger and hatred, but when we repay with blessing, it stirs up love, goodness, peace.

When we walk in love like Jesus tells us to, we experience more of his kingdom, his power, him. “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” Jesus (John 8:12)

Lord, help our kids and us to love one another like this. When we want to repay with anger, harsh words, and frustration, Jesus, help us to be a light for you and react with peace, kindness, and love. Thank you for filling our minds and hearts today. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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After a recent move, I’ve found myself wading in ungratefulness at different times. But yesterday morning, I read this verse: “He who sacrifices thank offerings, honors me.” Psalm 50:23

So, each morning, my kids and I have written one or more things we’re thankful for in our “Gratitude Journal”.

When we place our minds and hearts on the Lord and gratefulness, it overpowers the darkness and honors the Lord.

Want to join us in doing a “Gratitude Journal” with your kiddos or just yourself? It doesn’t have to be drawn out – keep it simple and just jot down one or more things you’re grateful for.

Let’s start the mornings by refreshing our minds, hearts, and souls with giving thanks to the Lord. 😊

The Lord Does. Not. Change. & “Godliness With Contentment”

Linsey Driskill

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There are so many changes as we raise our kids. And so many changes in life in general. We’ve spent almost a month in hotels because of moving. This morning, I felt overwhelmed (no dishes and or making beds has been great, but 8-year-old triplets in this tiny space- you can imagine. 😂)

Everything in our lives seems to be changing… a new city, a new house, new friends – everything is just new. It can be exciting, but it can also be a lot.

After living in Atlanta, Guatemala, Colorado, Florida, Ohio, Virginia, and South Carolina over the past 20 years, I sure have seen a lot of change. But, as I prayed this morning, I was comforted by the words the Lord settled into my heart: The Lord. Does. Not. Change.

Wherever you are today, if you feel the floor beneath you slipping or if you are rejoicing, remember that the Lord doesn’t change. He is strong. He is capable. He is.

The Lord is near. The Lord is here. He goes ahead of you. Before you. Beside you. With you. The Lord. Does. Not. Change.

Now, bring on the adventure!

A prayer for you and your family today:

Lord, help us reach “Godliness with contentment” in the small and big things so we can honor you, and so our kids will be more likely to do the same. ❤️ In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Mimicking Our Kids’ Pace This Summer

Linsey Driskill

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My daughter can be sooooo slow getting ready. I found myself getting really frustrated trying to get out the door, and rushing her. Then, I read this verse: “Calmness can lay great errors to rest.” (Eccl. 10:4)

That morning, instead of hollering up to my daughter to hurry up and come downstairs, I went up to see if she needed any help. After trying the former many times, I prefer the latter. We walked downstairs to breakfast in peace.

Before we left for school, we started the process five minutes earlier, so even though she was taking a long time to simply put her shoes on, I didn’t need to rush her.

The words, “Hurry up”, wanted to seep out of my mouth, but I sealed my lips.

And one minute later, she was ready. Our morning was much more peaceful for her, her siblings, and me, because I didn’t rush her.

One minute. It was worth it to bite my tongue.

Believe me, I’m not always that patient, but I sure hope to get better at it. Instead of creating moments of worry and anxiety, I can help create moments of joy and peace.

Instead of depleting those moments, we can add to them by LEADING with peace.

I love this quote from Ann Voskamp’s book, “One Thousand Gifts” about one pastor’s greatest regret in life:

“Being in a hurry. Getting to the next thing without fully entering the thing in front of me. I cannot think of a single advantage I’ve ever gained from being in a hurry. But a thousand broken and missed things, tens of thousands, lie in the wake of all the rushing.”

Let’s embrace the thousand gifts, tens of thousands, right in front of us, by slowing down, mimicking our kids’ pace, and welcoming His peace.

Let Summer Begin!!!

A Fun Way to Help our Kids Fall Asleep & Giving Consequences

Linsey Driskill

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After giving my daughter a consequence the other day, along with a few minutes to settle down, I made sure to continue speaking to her in a loving way.

I had to rise above my frustration and show my daughter that her actions and response DIDN’T MOVE ME – they didn’t change how I felt about her.

Even though my daughter knew the consequence stood, her defenses lowered when she saw my consistent loving attitude toward her. She went from saying this was “the worst day” to feeling secure enough to move forward pretty quickly. We ended up having an awesome hike twenty minutes after the episode and she said, “Mommy, this did turn out to be the best day.”

My daughter saw that how the day went was her choice.

It definitely doesn’t always turn out like this. And, I don’t always respond this way. But, seeing the fruit from me being the ANCHOR and continuing to SPEAK LOVE into my daughter alongside the consequence, sure made me want to try and do this the next time.

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When my kids can’t sleep, they love for me to tell a story to “start” their dreams. As I leave the room, I tell them to finish their dreams and that I want to hear what happens in the morning.

I just turn whatever pops into my mind that they’d like into a story (it doesn’t take much to entertain kids!). For example: “Once upon a time there were two unicorns who couldn’t fly. They walked down the road together feeling so sad. Suddenly, a tiny mouse popped out from behind a rock. He squeaked, “If you follow me, I’ll take you to the magical land that will give you wings so you can fly high into the sky.”

Then I tell them to finish the story and that I can’t wait to hear about it in the morning. I do this from time to time when they can’t sleep, are frustrated or scared, or if they simply ask me to. Sharing an imaginative story is a fun, sweet way to calm their hearts and bring them into dreamland.