Yesterday, while waiting for my two youngest children to come out of school, I decided to use the time to respond to a few emails and clear out my inbox.  In the process, I came across this beautiful, sweet, simple prayer from Proverbs 31 Ministries;  "Jesus, help me to remember that the demands I feel in my life, do not give me permission to be demanding of others."
Ah. What a perfectly timed reminder.
I found myself repeating that prayer many times yesterday and started my day with it this morning.
If you're anything like me, your heart's desire is to be gracious to others, and again, if you're anything like me, the stress and pressure of super busy days can make that grace all but disappear.
Thankfully Jesus understands the life of a mom.
He is abounding in grace; for us and for others.  Always.  No matter what.

Be faithful in the small things

for it is in them

that your strength lies.

Mother Theresa



What you DO speaks so loud

I can't hear what you say.

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Actions speak louder than words.

I know that.

Many times throughout my life I have been both victim and perpetrator of spoken hypocrisy.

This morning, I was reviewing the list 10 Ways to Love and the second item; "speak without accusing" jumped out at me.

I admit this is an area of struggle for me.  I absolutely LOVE my family but they might not always feel that from me.  It takes a lot of organization to keep this home running and sometimes I feel that my role is to bark one order after another at my troops.

Wait a minute, my role?  Or the role I've assumed?

I want to be the type of mom that speaks words of life over my children.  That inspires them, encourages them and assures them they are loved.

There is a time and place for direction but lately that feels like all I am doing with my kids.

And this I would like to change.

Sweet Jesus, please help me speak words of life over my children.  Convict me when I don't and show me how I can be different.

Thank you for giving me the privilege of being their mom.