Tag: children

What’s Normal?

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Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! 1 Chronicles 16:11

Ever heard the phrase “the new normal”?

Usually means something bizarre is becoming commonplace.

Normal used to mean a two parent family with a few children, living in the same house for decades.

Normal used to mean church anchored the neighborhood, threading lives together as one.

Normal used to mean children knew their place and it wasn’t in charge of adults.

While we can sit here and debate “normal” social behaviors, I was wondering something completely different.

How often do you think about God?

Does He fill your thoughts most of the day? Or just when there’s nobody else to turn?

Do you talk with Him once a day, maybe as your eyes close?

Or do you talk to Him in a constant chatter about this or that, basically whenever anything comes to mind?

Do you wake with His song on your lips?

What’s your music choice? Whatever it is demands space in your head.

Sometimes I think I’m not normal.

I adore worship music. It’s all I listen to, with the exception of occasional classical music.

My head is filled with God because of it. I regularly wake with His song on my lips.

I think of heaven, too. Life is incredibly short and I hope I’m helping others see the importance of God.

Do you feel an urgency to align your heart to God’s?

What if you don’t wake up tomorrow?

Or what if you have only today to share God with another?

God takes our life seriously. So seriously that He rescued us from eternal separation by sending His son, Jesus, to take our sin for us.

If we really thought long and hard, we’d prioritize filling ourselves with worship to God, seeking His face. We owe Him everything.

So, in the end, normal for Christians should be our never-ending focus on God.

Putting Him first.

Above all else.

And that means above you and me.

As we live God’s purpose for our lives, may we consistently place Him first as we seek Him in all we do and say.

Photos by Doncoombez, Jeremy Thomas, & Taylor Cole on Unsplash

Genesis 5

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When God created man, he made him in the likeness of God. Genesis 5:1

So amazing isn’t it?

The reality that we are created in the likeness of God.

God is so creative. So were Adam and Eve.

Imagine them creating their first abode. Their first home.

Did they fashion bowls from the earth, hardening them in the sun?

Find herbs to make hot drinks?

What about clothing, how did they manage that?

You know the leaf thing didn’t last, or did it?

Diapers for the children?

What bedding did they use? Pillows?

Before they left the garden because of sin, I imagine they had a ball discovering all God had created.

Birds, plants, animals, and food.

But when they were banished, it was a different story.

Not sure what their landscape looked like.

Homesteading as the first ever on this earth must have been frustrating, yet rewarding.

I’m sure they came up with all sorts of solutions as they had God’s creative mind.

The chapter ends with the generations of Adam to Noah, each living to almost 1,000 years old.

Lots of time to be creative. Or sin.

Our world complains when parenting more than one child.

Imagine dozens as those early generations likely had.

I know, I can’t either.

Created in the image of God. That’s you, too.

How will you showcase God’s creativity today?

Photos by Gabriel Jimenez, Walter Martin, Chris Abney, &  Shoeib Abolhassani on Unsplash

Children of the Heavenly Father

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Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. Psalm 55:22

I love hymns. Do you? They speak such powerful truth in their short verses.

This Swedish hymn is a favorite of our family. I can still hear my grandmother singing it with us.

Children of the heavenly Father safely in his bosom gather; nestling bird nor star in heaven such a refuge e’er was given.

We, as God’s children, are safely settled into His giant arms.

Nothing on earth dares to compare to the safety we experience as His children when gathered up in His arms.

God his own shall tend and nourish; in his holy courts they flourish. From all evil powers he spares them; in his mighty arms he bears them.

God takes care of us, His own. We flourish and grow mightily in His presence.

He shields us from all evil. All evil. Even when surrounded by death and destruction, we are safe. His strong arms hold us. Yes, we may suffer, but God stands with us.

Neither life nor death shall ever from the Lord his children sever; for to them his grace revealing, he turns sorrow into healing.

Nothing in life or death will ever separate us from God. We will abide with Him now and forever.

His grace provides healing for our every sorrow.

God has given, he has taken, but his children ne’er forsaken; his the loving purpose solely to preserve them pure and holy.

God is in control. He gives and He takes away, but He will never leave us alone.

His ways are higher than ours and purpose to only keep us pure and holy.

When we trust God as our Father, He lovingly cares for us – His beloved children.

Forever and ever. Amen.

Hymn writer: Caroline W. Sandell Berg 1832-1903 (Swedish)

Photos by Gianluca Carenza, Derek Thomson,  Priscilla Du Preez, & Natasha Ivanchikhina on Unsplash

Tired Like a Mama

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And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat……And they went away…..When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them… Mark 6:30-34

Jesus preached and worked all the live long day.

Every day, tirelessly, He fed His sheep.

But even Jesus wanted rest.

But when He tried, the crowds would run to find Him.

And He would begin again, feeding them. Healing them. Helping them.

As mamas, our children tend to find us, too.

We try to get away, but it’s never for more than a few minutes.

You hide in the bathroom.

Pretty soon, you hear the little feet outside your door. A timid knock. You reply, “Just a minute!”

You lay your tired head down to sleep, and your baby awakens, demanding attention.

You try sleeping in past the ungodly hour of 6am, but the dog comes in with a note on its back, asking for pancakes. Pancakes?

When babies are little, you carry them everywhere with you.

Bedtime? They are next to you in a cradle.

Want a shower? You bring them to the floor in a bouncy seat.

Just starting to walk? They are always within view.

Going anywhere? Guess who is coming with you!

Yes, we have moments where they nap.

Yes, we have moments when they’re occupied and you can catch your breath.

But the constant parenting is never ending, even when they’re older.

I’m convinced tired mamas are under God’s wings.

He knows dog tired as He was so many times while walking this earth.

Humans are exhausting.

But here’s the good news: God is never exhausted.

He has unlimited strength to give you.

Jesus experienced human tiredness as He was fully human, yet fully God.

And He remembers.

Ask Him to fill you with His strength. His peace. His joy.

And smile, because He understands tired.

He gets it!

So if you’re in the season of tired mama stuff, take heart.

God understands. And I promise it will end, but not soon enough, I know.

And if you’re plain tired from reasons other than helping tiny humans survive, God’s ready to fill you up with His strength, too.

Because when we are weak, He is strong. So very strong.

Photos by Jon Flobrant, Ephraim Mayrena, Olivia Snow, & Sai De Silva on Unsplash

Directing Your Steps

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In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. Proverbs 16:9

Does God direct your steps?

Do you allow Him to plan your days?

When you wake up, what is your first thought?

Often we decide what is next.

We decide what is on the agenda.

But is that the very best?

When you look back at your life, what steps will be the most memorable?

Which ones will come to mind?

Sure there are big steps like marriage, the birth of children, the death of loved ones.

But even those are made of little steps in between.

The dating years that led up to your wedding day.

The long days of pregnancy, leading up to the birth.

Years of moments with your loved one before their last.

When you think of your childhood, lots of little steps create the emotion you feel when recalling your youth.

The millions of tiny moments with your children create the fond yearning of wishing to hug their little selves just one more time.

Healthy eating, exercising, or any healthy habit consist of directing step after step.

Bad ones, too, unfortunately, arrive just the same way.

Ask God to direct your steps.

He wants the best for you. The very best.

It’s never too late to start.

And today is a great day to begin.

Photos by Lacey Raper, Renaud Confavreux, Samuel Foster, & Jake Hills on Unsplash

Can I Have It?

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved. Psalm 55:22

Her back ached as she stumbled along the path.

Taking a tissue, she wiped the sweat from her brow.

“How much longer,” she thought aloud to herself.

“When will this load go away? I’m so tired of carrying my entire life every single day.”

She knew why it was so heavy.

She simply couldn’t resist keeping decisions for her alone to make.

She liked that so much, issues multiplied in her bag daily, adding to the weight.

Approaching a hill, she saw a figure, standing on her path.

He looked tall. Kind. Strong.

As she drew near, she recognized who He was. Jesus.

The relief almost caused her to fall down, yet she caught herself.

“Jesus,” she called, “can you please help me?”

Reaching out, she caught his arm as He steadied her on her tired feet.

He placed His hands on her shoulders, removing the burden from her back.

He easily lifted it, placing it down on the ground.

“Why, my daughter, are you carrying something so heavy? Have you forgotten Who I am?”

She looked up at him, unsure of what to say.

He peered into her burden, lifting out the first rock.

“Your marriage. Can I have this one?” Jesus gently asked.

She nodded her head.

He reached in again, this time lifting out three rocks.

“Your children. Can I have them, too?” Jesus asked. “They are safe with me.”

She nodded, tears running down her cheeks.

As Jesus kept reaching into her burden, he brought out all of her rocks, including her job, future, friends, home, and identity.

And each time, she willingly gave them up as Jesus instead placed them into His bag He so easily carried.

Willing to give up control, she whispered, “Thank you, Jesus. You have freed me beyond my wildest dreams.”

Jesus smiled at her, held out His hand, and together they walked down the path of life.

She was now skipping and smiling, fully reliant once more on her God, who created her and her precious little life.

She knew life was back in order with God taking her worries.

Reading her thoughts, Jesus bent down to whisper, “Now don’t try to pick these back up. You were not made to carry them. I was.”

And she wholeheartedly agreed.

Photos by Karsten Würth, Thomas Schweighofer, Marc Rafanell López, &  Olivia Snow on Unsplash

Holding Onto What?

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And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

What are you holding onto that is keeping you from the promises of God?

What are you keeping closer to your heart than God?

God’s promises are for you.

You. His beloved.

But only when you surrender everything.

Everything you hold dear and everything you hold in place of God Almighty.

So, I ask you again. What are you holding onto that is keeping you from God’s promises?

Are your spouses actions or inactions causing you to resist God’s promises?

Are your children’s attitudes or flaws causing you to stay within yourself?

Are your flaws and failures causing you to calculate without God?

God’s promises for blessings require your dedication to Him.

To Him and Him alone. God, that is.

When your spouse repeatedly disappoints you, should that matter?

When your children fail you, does that reflect your parenting?

When you succumb again to your temptations, do you stay stuck within yourself?

Keep pursuing what God has for you.

Keep placing your trust into His hands.

Keep surrendering your life to Him.

As you repent and place yourself at His feet, His promises will be yours.

All He wants is you.

All of you.

Even the dark parts.

Let Him make everything new.

Determine to make this new year God’s and God’s alone.

Photos by Rolands Zilvinskis, Ant Rozetsky, Katarina Miloševic, & Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

Not for Sale

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

With God we shall do valiantly; it is He who will tread down our foes. Psalm 108:13

Seen the movie Sound of Freedom yet?

It was new this past week. Opened on July 4th.

That’s when we saw it. Powerful film.

It’s a true story about saving trafficked children.

The first one he saves at the U.S. border.

Shocking our beloved country is one of the top 3 destinations for child trafficking.

Worldwide, it’s a 150 billion dollar yearly business.

Ever chosen to attend a movie that begs for respect?

Like not your typical movie?

Read about a young reporter once, who attended a Holocaust movie premier with several survivors.

He was questioned about bringing popcorn to munch as the topic was horrific.

That was me the other day.

Sitting in the movie Sound of Freedom, my husband and I brought nothing.

Water, yes, but that was it. I just couldn’t imagine enjoying food while viewing what I was about to see.

The older couple beside us had a giant container of popcorn and two sodas.

To hear them crunching popcorn while watching the big screen swallow children into oblivion was a stunning contrast.

At one point, the older lady simply said, “Wow”.

I agree.

While I’m not here to judge anyone eating popcorn at a movie, it speaks to something larger.

What is your reaction to sin?

To the injustice of over 1.2 million children trafficked each year, adding to the already insane numbers?

Is your reaction to pat yourself on the back, knowing you are not participating?

Or is it to support the movie, forgetting about it when the credits roll?

Or will you allow it to change you, causing you to seek ways to make a difference?

As Psalm 108 reminds us, when we partner with God, He will destroy our foes.

I for one, have seen enough.

Partner with God to trample not only the enemies we see, but the ones we know exist.

Joined together, we can echo the truth God’s children are not for sale.

Sound of Freedom trailer link

Tim Ballard apple podcast link (movie is about his true story)

Get involved options link

Photos by Annie Spratt, Susie Ho, Nehal Patel, & Aaron Burden on Unsplash

Warsaw Grit

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 1 John 4:8

Recently finished a book one of my daughters gave me for Christmas.

Love WW2 historical fiction as it draws me into a time where heroes multiply.

Reading about Dr. Korczak, a teacher who ran his orphanage full of parentless children, was touching to say the least.

While in the ghetto, he began working with another hero Irena Sendler, a Warsaw woman who saved over 2,500 children during the war.

Reading about Irena made me smile as I had just finished a book about her.

I love it when books talk about each other.

Dr. Korczak had to move his orphanage into the Warsaw ghetto, a small section of the city authorities forcefully moved all Jews.

Who was working to smuggle children to freedom?

Irena. The two met regularly, working to save those they could.

Dr. Korczak’s book ends with soldiers marching his orphaned children down the street into the waiting train cars.

He would not leave them.

They needed him. Even unto death.

As they left, he encouraged singing, one boy playing his violin as they emptied the streets of their voices.

Irena saw him go and wept.

While reading Irena’s book, she described the child’s parade out of the ghetto. Extremely moving.

I thought to myself, what an example of pure love.

Dr. Korczak had multiple opportunities to escape the ghetto, forging a new life for himself with a new identity.

But he refused to leave.

He refused to leave his family. His children who counted on him.

They were his family.

While he was unmarried and without natural children, he was a father to hundreds.

A hero.

The love he exhibited was so deep, it touched the hearts of everyone around him.

But you know what? God loves you even more than that.

From the day you were born, He continues to smile at you.

He weeps when you weep.

And He smiles when you smile.

God sees you. The whole you and He loves you so very much.

Creating you for such good things, do you trust Him for your everything?

Release your future into His hands.

Rest in the knowledge that He holds your today, your yesterday, and all of your tomorrows.

Just like Dr. Korczak led his children in good times and bad, God will go to the ends of all the world with you.

Because He loves you just as you are.

Photos by Sixteen Miles Out, Anita Austvika, Piron Guillaume, Andrew Yurkiv, & Caroline Hernandez on Unsplash

Christmas Morning

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

I can hear their whispers.

All four children clamoring down the stairs to celebrate Christmas.

The anticipation.

The presents.

The moment.

I climb out of bed, putting the cinnamon rolls into the oven and popping on the local classical radio station.

As the children open their bulging stockings, carols fill the air while we sniff the first smells of cinnamon.

They delight in their gifts.

Just one more, mama, please, they beg.

They climb onto our laps as we enjoy their stocking gifts with them.

No, not from Santa, but from family, god parents, and others.

The timer goes off and I run to the kitchen, little feet padding after me.

Scooping them onto plates, my helpers carry them to the dining room table.

Toddling to the table, the littlest one climbs up.

We pray. It’s Christmas.

Diving into the sweet goodness, conversation erupts.

As they excitedly discuss their stocking gifts, we point them to the real meaning of the day.

“Why are we celebrating Christmas today, kids?” we ask.

“Because Jesus is born,” one replies.

“Yes!” we respond.

“What should we give Him? All I can give Him is myself. I have no present!” my eldest responds.

“Son, that’s all He wants,” I respond.

Bowing our heads, we pray, thanking God for sending His one and only Son to save us from ourselves.

Fast forward a few years and I think back to times like this. Times when children were small and times were simple.

My eldest gave all of his money the year he was six to purchase bibles for those in need.

Literally all of his money.

This Christmas, think as a little child. A little child thinking only of one thing: Jesus.

May you put Him first as you celebrate His birth.

May you help others see Him as you celebrate this year.

And may you return to your first child like love: Jesus.

May Jesus cover all of your thoughts, purposes, and actions today and always.

Photos by Kira auf der Heide, Erica Marsland Huynh, Max Beck, & Greyson Joralemon on Unsplash

I Refuse

Published on by amylinnea1 Comment

..to allow my child’s negative attitude bring mine down to their level.

..to participate with fear when it whispers into my ear.

..to give worry any seat at my party when I know God holds my future in His capable hands.

..to withhold forgiveness from those who don’t deserve it.

..to filter life through a negative lens.

..to dwell on justified wrongs from others instead of living within my blessings from God.

..to participate with negative attitudes from those around me.

..to focus on what I don’t have, switching to all the blessings I do have from God.

..to agree with the lies from the pit of hell, instead purposing to agree with who God says that I am.

..to find my worth in ungrateful children who have not matured to what God has given them.

..to rely on the world to give me my worth in their terms.

..to define my value in the world’s unreachable standards.

..to stoop to the devil’s level as he tries to fill my head with destructive thoughts.

..to rely on myself, instead relying on God and His Holy Spirit to fill me with His power and all truth.

..to be a door mat, ignoring my God-given desires, quietly asserting my value within my home.

..to be ungrateful, instead smiling as I remember all the good things God has given to little ole’ me.

..to forget what my salvation has cost my dear Savior who sacrificed everything.

..to define parenthood on the ungrateful whims of children no matter their age.

..to seek my selfish desires above what plans God has for me.

..to expect more of others than they are capable; God is everything, filling in holes created by others’ lack of compassion or thought.

..to keep pursuing my own selfish ambitions, instead asking God what He has for me and my future.

..to listen to the devil as his only purpose is to steal, kill, and destroy all that I hold dear.

May God give us His strength to purpose our thoughts only on Him.

He is all that we need.

May God fill us up with His strength, power, peace, and love as we go forth spreading His purpose to others.

Listen, my friends, to our Lord, ignoring your flesh and the devil’s deception which foil God’s plans for you.

Photos Priscilla Du Preez, Drew Beamer, Miguel Bruna, Clay Banks, Heather Ford on Unsplash

Mommy-hood

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Moms are the most underpaid, under acknowledged, under revered bunch.

Not only do we grow humans from within our bodies, we grow them in our hearts.

Children, whether natural or adopted, are extensions of ourselves.

We ache when they cry. We rejoice when they laugh. We cry when they fail.

I can remember my eldest. I had pre-eclampsia, so my feet were puff balls.

Literally swollen and blue if I stood too long, which means like a few seconds.

He was 2 weeks late and I labored all day and night for him.

Having no drugs, I can remember referencing Eve’s sin while in the throes of labor pains.

But when he was born, it was literally all worth it. The pain evaporated.

Motherhood is like that. Sacrifice. Emptying of ourselves for another.

There is no relationship like it.

When these humans become adults, we let them go. Off into the world, exploring for themselves under the protection of their childhood.

It’s no easier, folks. My eldest recently married the love of his life. Wasn’t there as they privately wed before a judge.

I love them so much, but it hurt not attending their wedding.

But it’s their choice. Sigh.

As mothers, we must do our very best. We continually sacrifice for them, whether it’s when they are small or grown.

Mothers are always there for their children. Not letting attitudes pass, but we are their constant.

Yes, we face multiple disappointments. But we are still there. A constant in their life like God is for us.

What an honor. Thank you God, for allowing us to be your hands and feet to others.

Help us to navigate the waters of motherhood as you would want us to act.

Fill in our cuts and bruises, which seem to reopen with a child’s actions.

Only with Your constant presence may we even begin to excel at this, the toughest job in the world.

For Mother’s Day, we mothers choose to honor God, our loving, constant help.

God, who gives us His strength, when ours is never enough.

God, who gives us His love, when ours is all used up.

God, who gives us His peace, when ours last nerve has been clearly trampled.

God, who hears our every complaint and joy, yet never chooses to leave our side.

God is our constant. Our everything. He will always be your faithful companion as you navigate the calm or troubled waters of motherhood. Give Him your family again today. He will make you a happier mother today.

Photos by Guillaume de Germain, Alexandra Fuller,  Ben White, & Anthony Tran on Unsplash

Letting the Children Grow Up

Published on by amylinnea4 Comments

As moms, we pour into our children our very lives.

Sacrificing our bodies, minds, and emotions for their well-being.

Rarely are we thanked or fully appreciated.

Sure, we have moments of redemption, but let’s face it: motherhood is a sacrifice.

We sacrifice for them. For those little people who either came from our bodies or grew within our hearts.

Only when they become parents will they even begin to realize our sacrifice.

But that’s ok, because that’s our job.

As kids grow older, our relationship changes.

We can do anything while they remain under 10.

Overnight, we suddenly know nothing, cannot possibly relate, and are not “with it”.

Finally, as our children enter their 20’s, they regain consciousness, acknowledging our immense wisdom.

Gasp, they even apologize or come to us for advice.

As kids grow, don’t take things personally.

They need to grow up. Without us hovering over them.

The goal is for them to leave the nest. Able to navigate life without us.

So if that life includes choices we would not deem appropriate, it’s their choices. Does not reflect upon you.

While not every child will wrap up their college graduation with a proper wedding, embrace your child anyhow.

So what if they get married before a judge, not telling you in advance?

They have married the love of their life. Hallelujah!

Plus, you just saved on wedding costs. Sigh, I know. It’s better if you’re there.

Give it to God. He knows your heart.

Give your mommy heart to God. You work like a slave when they are young, but when they are older, it’s the big things that can break you.

But remember, God loves your children even more then you.

He’s got them and you. Keep praying, paste that smile on your face, and let them go.

Because when you do, God’s peace will cover your anxiety and your children will text you back.

Maybe not right away, but eventually they will.

Photos by Joshua Reddekopp, Guillaume de Germain, & Helena Lopes on Unsplash

Walking Away

Published on by amylinnea1 Comment

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

Have a loved one who has walked away from God?

Maybe abandoning God or simply choosing to skip church?

It’s heartbreaking.

As parents, we want the very best for our children.

And the very best includes God.

When children are growing, we banish the thought they will ever willingly walk away from God.

We think our children will never be one of those outcasts.

Our precious little angels would never choose the world over God.

Well, it happens.

Even with our best laid plans, they do.

Kids can walk away.

It’s heartbreaking, knowing they are choosing to live without God.

Choosing to live outside of God’s umbrella of protection.

Know something?

God understands this pain parents experience.

The deep pain of knowing your child is not choosing God and His truth.

As our Father, God’s heart wants all of His creation to know Him.

To choose Him, delving into His abundant grace and love.

And every person who turns their back on God, breaks His heart.

His father’s protective heart.

Rest in the knowledge that God, as a parent, understands.

Not only does He understand, but He cares even more than you.

He seeks your children, too.

Place your not so little ones back into the arms of God.

Lift off your burden, handing it also into His capable hands.

Keep interceding on their behalf.

But partner with God.

Lean on Him, remembering how much He understands your pain.

You have one Giant Ally- God Himself.

That should produce a smile. 🙂

Photos by Claudio Schwarz, Daiga Ellaby, Ekaterina Shakharova, & Nick Fewings on Unsplash

Punch Me

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Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy! Psalm 126:5

Not literally.

Thanks.

Because I get it alot.

Often.

A punching bag.

I seem to garner the offense of the children.

Regularly, maybe because I’m safe?

I’ll never reject them?

While I’m happy to be their safe person, I detest conflict.

I hate being their punching bag.

I’d rather see marshmallows and rainbows.

Why, God, are mothers treated so?

Why, when we try our hardest to build little respectful humans do our children respond with anger?

It’s our role.

Our mission.

From You, no less.

Mothers are thankless soldiers in the trenches of life.

We know what people need, we see what needs to be done, and we strive to seek the best possible outcome with our families.

Our lives are living testimonies to what God does for us.

God sacrificed His only son for the salvation of the world.

Mothers sacrifice themselves for the sake of their children.

We are hardly thanked for what we do.

We are hardly noticed for what we do.

But we are a constant.

Reliable.

Always there with a listening ear.

Always there with a hug and a snack.

Always ready with a hug.

We love and we pray.

We serve mostly in the background, making sure bread is in the pantry for lunches.

But there is One who knows.

God.

He sees it all.

He sees all of our tears as we pray for our children’s souls.

He sees all our cooking as the bodies are nourished.

He sees all our cleaning as our homes are tidied.

He sees.

He notices.

And He approves.

God, who created ALL things, notices your every act of love.

And He says, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Oh, and Happy Mother’s Day 🙂

Photos by Arisa Chattasa, Simon Rae, & Tracey Hocking on Unsplash

Good

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And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

God is still good.

He is.

He is still good.

Even though….

Fill in the blank with whatever your even though is.

Even though your family breaks apart, He is still good.

Even though your life isn’t what you pictured, He is still good.

Even though your children’s attitudes are louder than their love, He is still good.

Even though your selfishness overwhelms you sometimes, He is still good.

Even though your parents are separated, He is still good.

Even though your child rejects you, He is still good.

Even though your child’s lifestyle doesn’t match your view of them, He is still good.

Even though.

Even though everything, right?

Do the little things matter?

Yes, they do, because we are human.

But the bigger picture remains God’s alone.

God alone is on the throne, and He is good.

He works everything out for our good if we trust in Him.

Romans 8:28 says, And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

All things He works for our good.

Because we love Him and are called according to His purpose.

When we keep placing our trust in Him, He works all things out for our good.

Thank goodness.

Purpose to place your family in His hands.

Purpose to place your life in His hands.

Purpose to place your very self within His capable hands.

In return, He will work all things for your good.

Because He loves you that much.

Photos by Clémence Taillez, eberhard grossgasteiger, & Paul Green on Unsplash

The Faithfulness of God

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But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, and His righteousness to children’s children, to those who keep His covenant and remember to do His commandments. Psalm 103:17-18

Keep trusting.

Keep believing.

God has a plan and it is our only job to keep going, trusting and believing He will do what He has promised He will do.

You must remember how faithful God is to us, His beloved.

If you have forgotten, look through the Bible.

Look back into your life.

Notice again those moments He was faithful to you.

Inspect the lives of others and notice how very faithful God always is, even when you think He’s not.

When we have doubt, it’s because we don’t see God moving fast enough for us.

We don’t see evidence of our prayers immediate fruitfulness.

We don’t see the movement of God with our loved ones.

Those reactions are rooted in our flesh and not in the space of God.

God always hears your prayers.

And yes, they work, meaning He always hears them.

Your prayers matter.

You might not see the fruitfulness for years, but they still matter.

I understand wanting to see a sign from God, confirming the assignment of our prayers.

I’ll share mine.

I’ve been praying for the souls of my children.

While I know all 5 of them have faith deep down from their itty bitty childhood selves, their adolescent and young adult selves have not exhibited the faith they once had.

I’ve been asking God to surround them with godly friends.

To cover them with His peace, freedom, and the knowledge of His truth.

My youngest son’s life was recently spared from death.

His car was totaled on the interstate during an icy spell.

He came within inches of death and he knows it.

Thank you, Jesus, for your evidence of faithfulness.

He’s been reminded how precious life is.

His heart has been opened to God.

Both he and my eldest son have recently realized what a treasure our family is to them.

My oldest two daughters have shown care for others beyond themselves.

Restoration has happened on many levels within our family from the brokenness and ugliness of the world.

All of this possible only from the faithfulness of God.

Every morning, after inhaling my devotions, I seek the Lord for my family.

Today, God showed me He is working, even when I don’t see it.

That’s what faithfulness is – keeping the prayers flowing even when I don’t see it.

Even when you don’t see it.

Thank you, God, for allowing me to see a glimpse of what You are doing, how You are working.

May we all see evidence of Your faithfulness as we lift our families before Your throne.

And may You continue to run after our family with reckless abandon, bringing them into Your arms once again.

Photos by Olivia Snow, David Beale, & Ben White on Unsplash

Loving God’s Way

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As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear Him. Psalm 103:13

Sigh, I admit, this is hard.

Way hard.

Loving God’s way means loving the unlovable.

Not caring about the reaction.

But loving anyway.

Because that’s what God does.

He loves you, doesn’t He?

And let’s admit, you’re not always perfectly loveable either.

Everyone deserves to be loved.

No matter how they act towards you.

I’m not excusing behavior, just pointing out the underlying layer of love that must exist.

We do things out of love.

We cook dinner.

May I say that again as it truly is an act of love? 🙂

We drive people.

We plan outings, birthdays, and holidays.

There are hundreds of things parents do for children that remain un-thanked.

But we do it out of love.

We make our spouse coffee.

We think of them as we plan meals.

There are hundreds of things spouses do for their spouse that remain un-thanked.

We diligently work at our job.

We pour our hearts into our very lives, while pouring out onto others in our path.

Sometimes we are loved back.

Those moments are precious.

But sometimes we are ignored or even shunned.

But we still love.

Why?

Because that’s what God asks of us.

If we are to be His hands and feet…

If we are to exhibit His character…

If we are to bring others to Himself, we must remain in love.

We must love others who not only love us back, but also those who do not.

While I never excuse behavior, I simply always love.

How?

With God’s love surging through my veins.

Only with His love, am I able to reach beyond my human limitations and love God’s way.

Photos by Debby Hudson, Tyler Nix, Photo by Jez Timms, & Fadi Xd on Unsplash

Bottom Line

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For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly. Psalm 84:11

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When you strip it all away,

When you remove all of the extra fluff,

When you focus on what is truly important,

You focus on God.

God is everything.

He is the beginning and the end.

He is eternity.

Eternity is infinitely longer than life on earth.

Next to God, people come next.

How much are you praying for the people God puts into your life?

Praying they will know God with all of their heart, soul, and mind?

Because that’s all that matters.

Jobs come and go.

Houses are built and eventually crumble away.

Children are born and grow, leaving to live on their own.

Meals are prepared and eaten.

There will always be more to do.

There’s only one thing certain that will last forever.

Your relationship with God.

And your loved one’s relationship with the Almighty.

Again I ask,

How much are focusing your temporary life to bring more with you to heaven?

It’s easy to let the pleasures of this world distract your focus from things eternal.

God wants us to enjoy this life, yes.

But make sure you also focus on your people.

They need your prayers more than you know.

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Photos by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

Stand Up

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Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13

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When it comes down to it-

When the rubber meets the road-

When the time has come-

What will you decide?

What will your choice be?

Will you stand up?

Mock?

Or stay seated?

When life turns a corner….

When left unsupervised….

When no one who matters is looking…

What will you decide?

No one can see your heart.

Literally, no one can see your true self.

But we can see your actions.

Your words.

Your inaction.

Those reveal your true self.

They witness the desires of your heart.

So I suppose, yes, we can see it.

Your true self.

Clearly.

But beyond the rest of the world, your God sees.

Nothing escapes His notice.

Nothing.

Whether you trust Him for your life or not, He sees.

He sees everything.

Absolutely everything.

Your tears He tenderly watches when no one else is there.

Your triumphs He rejoices as He longs to see you thrive.

But He also sees your blunders.

Witnesses these as well.

When you bend to the world, spewing forth ugly words, He sees.

When you succumb to popularity, demeaning those inferior to you, He sees.

When your will bends to the winds determined by your peers, He sees.

When you mock authority in secret or in public, He sees.

When you pretend to follow God, He sees.

When you laugh with degrading jokes, participating in your heart, He sees.

He sees and He knows.

While you might succeed at fooling the world, you will never fool Him.

God, our ultimate judge.

Stand up for what you know is right.

Stand tall among the crowd.

When you do, that little guilty feeling which always accompanies an error big or small, will dissipate.

Be a light.

In this world, you’ll either bring light or darkness wherever you go.

Which would you rather do?

Next time you face a questionable situation, will you stand up, mock, or stay seated?

Stand up.

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Photos by Vladislav Babienko, Javier Allegue Barros, & Helena Lopes on Unsplash

 

Focus

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Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2

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What is your focus?

Yourself?

Your needs, wants, and desires?

I get it.

It’s totally natural.

When you focus on your own self, nothing else matters except for your happiness.

Satisfying your needs.

Children naturally look out for number one and our job as parents is to curb that selfishness.

Tantrums usually result when children have little consequence for displaying that me-monster.

You’ve seen the horror unfold in stores.

Good parents are those that take the child out, not giving in.

Hopefully, as we grow into adults, we focus less on ourselves, and more on other people.

Parenting thrusts us into this role whether we want to or not.

I can remember staying home for years with the children.

My needs were second to theirs; however, their daily “after lunch quiet times” away from me provided sanity, key to my mental state.

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Focusing on others with physical work is relatively easy.

Physically hard, yes, but easy in a way.

Unless you are grumbling and complaining as you work, thinking of only your “put out” state of mind.

On the other hand, mentally focusing on others and not yourself is an entirely different ballgame.

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For example, what if your spouse communicates differently from you?

Should you focus on your natural point of view or theirs instead?

Imagine the difference if you focused first on your spouse, turning to yourself last.

What if your students at school or your own children at home seem to come from another world entirely?

Enter that world and look around.

Mentally.

Little people need authority from parents and teachers, but the focus can still be them.

Authority which oozes love and acceptance.

Think of Jesus.

He would patiently listen to children, calming them down with his love and authority.

And if He was married to your spouse, He would think of them first.

Always.

As Christians, Jesus DOES live in us.

We can be His hands and feet.

With strangers.

With children.

With our spouse.

The next time an issue crops up, don’t immediately switch the focus to yourself.

Keep focusing on Jesus.

Give yourself a time out if needed.

Yes, moms need those as well. 🙂

Invite God to wash your mind with His.

To give you His focus.

To see what He wants you to see.

And to ignore what He wants you to ignore.

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Photos by Elena Taranenko, Dmitry Ratushny,  Joanna Nix, & Keegan Houser on Unsplash

Voice of God

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Who are those who fear the Lord? He will show them the path they should choose. Psalm 25:12

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How do you listen to God?

Are your hands open, always ready to receive?

You can listen to Him during prayer, not merely filling every moment with your voice, but also sitting still in His presence.

He can also speak to you during sermons or while reading something that strikes you as profound, resonating with your spirit, which is God’s.

As I was listening to my eldest daughter yesterday, I heard Him speak through her.

It was advice I knew myself to be true, but this time I knew He was speaking to me.

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Are you listening?

He can whisper words of life through your spouse.

He can remind you of His peace when life looks bleak.

He can direct your path through confirmation of circumstances.

He can convict you through any means necessary.

God wants to share His thoughts and plans with you.

He wants to be your Shepherd.

But you must seek Him.

Seek Him through devotions and prayer.

Declare yourself His.

And then listen.

Listen for His voice.

Feel His peace through your obedience to Him.

And smile when He confirms the plans He has for you.

I’ve never heard God’s audible voice.

However, I have known beyond a shadow of a doubt that He has spoken to me countless times.

And yesterday was one.

Listen always for the voice of God.

He will not disappoint.

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Photos by Luis Poletti ,Casey Horner , & Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Never Ever Leaves

Published on by amylinnea4 Comments

Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6

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God has promised to never leave us.

Never.

Flip that.

God has promised to always stay right by our side.

With us.

Right there.

Literally.

Deuteronomy 31:6 reminds us to be strong and of good courage…to fear not, nor be afraid.

Why?

Because the LORD goes with us…never failing us, never leaving us alone.

So why on earth do we ever allow fear to follow us?

Seriously, why?

We must stop this habit of turning to fear.

Since God is always with us, we have nothing to fear.

Nothing.

Not war.

Not screaming children.

Not sticky family situations.

Not even changing jobs.

We can jump into what God has for us, because He is with us.

Nervous to make a change?

Wondering if you can handle today?

Well you can do it.

Certainly not on your own.

But with every little thing, remember that God is with you.

He’s with you doing the dishes.

He’s with you driving your child to work, during awkward conversations, and while you mow the lawn.

He’s with you at the doctors and He’s with you at the drive-thru.

He’s with you as you wake in the night and He’s with you on the porch when you sip your morning coffee.

What difference would it make in your life if you began to remember He is always at your side?

Present in every moment?

Be strong and courageous.

God, who created ALL things, is with you every moment of every day.

And He will never leave you alone.

Ever.

How sweet it is to trust in Him.

Will you trust Him afresh today?

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Photos by Kyle Cottrell , Callie Morgan , & Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash

Exhaustion

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For I will satisfy the weary soul, and every languishing soul I will replenish. Jeremiah 31:25

Wrote this post a few years back, but never posted it.  As an exhausted teacher, beginning her summer break, it fits perfectly once again 🙂

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Today I’m so tired I can hardly keep my eyes open.

Nothing special, just lots going on.

Driving a child to basketball camp 45 minutes away.

Both ways.

Helping the seven year old get ready for the day.

Dropping off paperwork at the school, purchasing donuts for older daughter’s volleyball game since today is her birthday.

Picking up daughter from summer pe class and taking the entire tribe out to lunch.

Quickly changing clothes to jump into the pool.

Running back home to pick everyone up for daughter’s volleyball game.

Actually 2 games.

Back home, throwing pizza into the oven since the kids declare they must eat dinner, while making boiled frosting for the giant rainbow cake you made and did not have enough frosting for.

Then frosting the extra chocolate cake since that is the flavor your daughter actually requested.

Hosting a birthday party.

Entertaining the seven year old and her cousin for the night.

Oh – and they are sleeping in my room.

So, we need to make a pile of comfort on the floor.

Just need a good night’s sleep.

Or a vacation.

Smile.

Life is busy – but full of life.

When people need you, yes, it’s exhausting, but it’s rewarding.

Making memories.

That’s what this day was all about.

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Each day is full of possibilities.

Laughter.

Love.

Don’t create so much busyness that you forget to see the life you’ve created.

You’re tired because you are pouring your life into someone else’s.

You’re tired because your focus is on someone else’s needs.

That is awesome.

Someday it will all be a precious memory.

But for now, go sneak some rest, because the circus will begin again tomorrow.

And you’ll get to do it all over again.

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Photos by Chris Lawton , rawpixel , Annie Spratt , Lauren Kay , Jonathan Fink , & Joe Pizzio on Unsplash

Fairytales

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Once upon a time, there lived a little girl who had a big heart and lots of love to give.

She lived with her sweet parents, younger brother, and 2 kitties.

Her world was her room, which was filled with toys, dolls, and books.

She wanted for nothing.

She had everything.

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As she played with her dolls, she dreamed about her future.

Her playmate and her married multiple times in the backyard among stuffed animals as witnesses.

She prayed and asked Jesus into her heart, sang songs at church, and twinkled her toes during dance.

Her fingers began to fly over the keys as music became her companion.

She wanted to be a concert pianist, gymnast, or a fashion designer.  As unsure as she was about her job, she knew she wanted to live in a high rise condo in the heart of NYC.  Wearing heels to work of course.

Life wasn’t perfect, but it was amazing.

Life was simple.  Beautifully simple.

Junior year of high school, she was swept off her feet by a shoemaker who lived in her village.

After years of dating and engagement, she was married during a huge church ceremony with all the trimmings.

She had four beautiful smart children.  Life settled down into the mothering role she had always deep down wanted.

She nestled her babies in her lap.

She sang them songs, laughed at their antics, and went on lots of walks.

They collected leaves to press, carved pumpkins, made cookies, and read thousands of stories.

Life wasn’t perfect, but it was amazing.

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A few years later, the shoemaker departed, seeking a life elsewhere.

The little girl, now a grown woman, was reduced to tears as she picked up the pieces left.

She was strong for her children and they all worked together to make their home as safe and peaceful as possible.

She knew God was still on the throne and would see them through safely to the end.

Life wasn’t perfect, but it was still amazing.

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After awhile, she began to feel lonely.  Like part of her soul was missing.

God was there and told her not to worry, that He would take care of it.

And when she least expected it, her Prince Charming rode into town and stopped at her house.

He picked her up for dinner and they were together forevermore.

They became the best of friends and loved the other with all of their heart.

She stood amazed at God’s provision.

God knew exactly what was missing for both her and her Prince Charming.

And He amazed them both.

Looking back at her life, she recounted all of the details God had provided for her.

And as she began to think back over her life, her smile spread over her face.

Even in the darkest of times, God had been there.

He was in the tender care of her parents.

He was in the protection of her shoemaker while he was there.

He was in the sounds of her children as they played and grew into the miracles they were.

He was in the tender love of her Prince Charming.

He was there in the dark of night and light of day.

Every moment of every day.

And life was amazing.

Completely.

And they lived happily ever after.

Asleep

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The way of a sluggard is like a hedge of thorns, but the path of the upright is a level highway. Proverbs 15:19

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We are asleep.

Unaware.

Or maybe our heads are in the sand by choice.

We are consumed by things that simply do not matter.

Things that do not matter from the balcony of heaven.

Facebook.

Email.

Notifications.

Photos.

Image.

Control.

Consuming more and more.

Building ourselves up to be all that and more.

Some of our busyness is godly.

Some is not.

Do we really need to work these many hours?

Aren’t we living in plenty, most of us void of true need?

Why do we place our phones before relationship?

Our television before communication?

When did we move from caring more about our image than praying for our children’s future?

Our children need us to be present.

Your spouse needs you to be mindful.

Why?  Because the noise around us is deafening.

It clamors for our attention, little as we now have.

Yes, we need to relax.

Yes, we need time to unwind.

But we must not forget the real reason God has put us here at this time.

To speak life into others around us.

To be on our knees before Him, placing others into His arms.

To continually lay our burdens at His feet.

Our children need us to be in prayer for them.

Their precarious future depends upon it.

We can teach them God’s ways from the crib to graduation, but they must make faith their own.

They must choose God for themselves.

We must place our children before Almighty God each and every day.

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God calls us to have fun.

Shopping is, I’m convinced, God-ordained (wink, wink!)

But when we loose focus of our top priority, we are of no use to God.

Our top priority is sharing His love with others.

We can do that through praying with others, giving to others, and having real, purposeful relationships with others.

Be mindful of why you are here.

Shake your fist in Satan’s face and declare that he WILL NOT distract you any more.

Purpose your heart to pray for your children.

Purpose your heart to give of yourself to others.

In doing so, your focus will shift from yourself to kingdom work.

DING, DING, DING….

The alarm has sounded.

It’s time to wake up, people!

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Bless Your Mommy Heart

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He settles the childless woman in her home as a happy mother of children. Psalm 113:9

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As mothers, we wear our emotions on our sleeve.

We break our backs for our children, desperately crying out to God for their redemption.

Even if that’s not you and instead you have nieces or nephews or care deeply for other children, we all deeply love.

Sometimes, as soldiers, we become solitary, holding all the burdens in our tired hands.God wants to walk alongside you, helping you every step of the way.You can trust Him completely.

A gentle reminder from God for you this day:

I love your children even more than you can possibly imagine.  

They are mine.

I see them.

I know them.

I know their deepest sorrows and greatest joys.

I recognize their desires in life and I am present with them always.

Letting go of them is not easy, but as you do, remember I am God and I am their Father.

I hold them in the palm of My hand.

I will never leave them or forsake them.

When you lift them up before Me in prayer, rejoice that I am already working.

Rest, knowing I love them even more than you are able.

Their joys and sorrows are mine.

And as their future unfolds, I am already there.

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Gently Leading

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Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord! Psalm 119:1

How does a shepherd lead his sheep?

Building trust and gently leading them home.

Protecting their every step along the way.

The shepherd’s physical presence leads by example.

How are you leading your family?

Gently leading by example?  Loving them for who they are?

Providing a restful haven in a world full of chaos?

Or are you demanding they follow you.

Prodding with a giant stick, forcing them to obey your agenda.

Sometimes it’s not so dramatically obvious.

Your temper, your reactions, how you cope with life.

The grace with which you embrace life is what they see or don’t see.

Do I want to be like you, they ask.

Are your beliefs something I want to hold dear as well, they ponder.

You are an example of God to your children.

He uses you to reach them.

God’s mercy and love must flow from your lips and hands.

God disciplines us as well, but His motives are pure.

His ways are perfect.

As human parents, we make mistakes.

We fail our children on a regular basis.

Do we try our best?  Usually.

But unless we ask God to fill us with His parenting wisdom, we will rely on our own strength, which, I can tell you, is faulty.

Weak.

Flawed.

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 I desperately want my children to seek the face of God.

To know Him personally.

Fully.

Intimately.

Because they see God through me, I must reign in my own self, for God’s light to shine.

I must allow God to use me for His purpose – to parent His children.

Comes down to watching my lips, my hands, my eyes.

I must be like a shepherd leading his sheep home to safety.

To rest.

Not demanding one thing while acting like another.

As we ask God to pour Himself into us and our families, our children will take root and those roots will produce fruit for years to come.

 Might not see it for awhile, but it will come.

And it will be very good.

Photos by Tanner Yould, Sam Carter, Judith Prins, & Antonello Falcone on Unsplash