Tag: faith

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My daughter was frustrated about something at school and I wanted to solve it for her. But I stopped myself (yey mom!). I showed her empathy and told her that that is hard. Then I asked her one of the most powerful questions we can ask our kids:

“What are you going to do about it?”

This simple question communicates:

I believe in you.

You’re smart enough and capable enough to solve this.

You can think for yourself.

It doesn’t mean we can’t guide them and offer wisdom as that is one of our big roles as parents, but it does mean that as our kids get older, we should be encouraging them to do the thinking more and more for themselves and not solving every issue for them.

This will grow their confidence so much and help them think more for themselves when the crowd is trying to get them to do the wrong thing.

As our kids get older, we want them to be able to know how to solve problems and listen to their own voice. As the book, “Parenting with Love and Logic” says, if kids only listen to their parent’s voice as they grow up with solving problems and not their own, when they get older and the voice they listen to shifts from their parent’s to their friend’s, they will be more likely to listen to their friend’s voice.

But, if they are used to making decisions and thinking for themselves, when the crowd is running one way, they will be more likely to listen to their own voice, make their own decisions, and have the confidence to do what they think is right and best, with God guiding them along the way.

Jesus Himself asked about 80 questions just in the book of Luke alone. Let’s mimic His example and ask our kids questions now so they will learn to confidently make their own decisions as they grow up and not just follow the crowd.

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We all have “off” days sometimes. Where it’s just a tough day from the start.

When impatience grabs a hold of us. The dishes, the laundry, the messiness, the lateness, the traffic on the way to school, the raised voices.

For me, today was one of those days. Those days are frustrating. But, I have to remind myself that it’s a part of life. I have to give myself grace, apologize to my kids for lost patience, and grab a hold of the grace that we can start over.

We don’t have to wait until the next day.

We can start over right now. In this minute. In this very second.

We can grab a hold of God’s grace in the midst of our imperfections.

In the midst of our messiness.

With Jesus, there is always forgiveness.

There is always hope.

There is always a way to start over and restart the day.

So, if you have had one of those days or weeks, start over now.

It’s a new moment full of God’s grace for you and for me.

We are loved by the Lord, so loved, not because of reaching perfection, but because of who He is and who we are – His children.

Abide in his grace. Breathe it in. Let it refresh your soul. And as He renews your heart, mind, and soul with his awesome love, let that overflow to your children.

“Put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing loveand with Him is FULL Redemption.” Psalm 130:7

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The simple things in motherhood- they hold my heart.

My daughter reading, while my son picks music for us to listen to, while my other daughter braids my hair.

All together. In one room. Enjoying our sweet time with one another.

These simple moments. Enjoy them.

When we look back years from now, these are the moments that we will long for, remember, cherish, and wish we could have before us.

Everything in parenting doesn’t have to be extravagant. Enjoy the simple things in parenthood while these moments are right before us.

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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 shared 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, and “the life that is truly life”.

When we walk in love like Jesus tells us to, we are a light for the Lord, experience more of his kingdom, his power, and 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 repay with peace, kindness, and love. Thank you for filling our minds and hearts today. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Remember the “check this box if you like me” love notes from elementary school?

Well, my friend’s son received a number of love notes several days in a row from a girl in his class. She wanted to know if he had a “crush” on her too. He told his mom that he was going to ignore the notes so he wouldn’t hurt her feelings and so she would stop. His mom said that would just make her like him more – that the right and kind thing to do was to be straight-forward with her and to tell her directly that he didn’t like her, but that they could be friends.

So, he did. Now she knows, and he hasn’t received any more love notes from her. (:

How do they learn what being respectful and kind means if we don’t teach them?

We have awesome teaching opportunities in moments like these to share with our boys what it looks like to be courageous, kind, and respectful to girls right now, so when they grow up, they will know how to be men who are straight-forward, respectful, and kind as well.

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Getting my covid vaccine was tough. Not the actual shot, but just going to get it.

Thinking, if my dad had been able to get the vaccine, maybe he wouldn’t be in the ICU as he has been for three months.

I waited in line for the shot, tears becoming very clear in my eyes as I watched people congratulate each other on getting the vaccine. I am genuinely happy for each and every person that can get it. I’m thankful I was able to get it since I substitute teach at my kids’ school. But my heart is also so broken inside as I think, what if my dad had gotten it. This has just been so hard, but I’m still praying for a Miracle for my dad.

I’m not sure why I’m writing this, but maybe just to say if you’re one of those people who also has a broken heart and find yourself with tears falling regularly, I feel you. I get you. I understand. I can relate. It hurts. So deeply.

Jesus, would you lift up each of us who are broken-hearted inside. Jesus, would you be with our loved ones and heal them. Lord, help us look to you. This is so hard, Lord. We love you. In Jesus’ name, amen.“

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18

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