No Boundaries... Enjoy!

God the Father, Jesus the Son. 

I read Colossians 1:9-18 again this morning and was enlightened with a flood of fun imagery. 

It’s like one day God said to His Son, “What would you like as a gift?” This question is much like what we have asked our children recently – “What would you like to have for Christmas?”  However, this Son and Father team were very creative.

My husband and I brought the kids to Grandma & Grandpa’s house last night so we could go on a date…AND Christmas shop.  We had decided this year that we wouldn’t go buying like crazy so we adopted something my mother & sister-in-law are doing at their house.  Buy three gifts for each kid – one they need, one they want and one to help strengthen their spiritual growth.  This did help us have healthier boundaries.

As I read this section of Scripture this morning, I thought of God & Jesus having a conversation.  God says, “What would you like as a gift?  I want to bless you.  You are worthy of anything.  There are no boundaries.”  Jesus thought for a minute and then they both began to input creative ways to bless each other making the Universe and us too.  Oh, what fun they had!  Then they wrote a script and much like we do these days with Barbies or Legos, the plan starts to be acted out.  They made us in their Image.  They made things in heaven and earth that would be for Jesus’ enjoyment!  (see Colossians 1:16)

For our kids, whether their behavior has been “good or bad”, we still want to bless them… like God did for Jesus!  But Jesus was/is perfectly worthy!  Our kids (and us) are flawed yet we want to bless them, still, for their enjoyment. 

Think about how you and your family can bless and worship the only One truly worthy.  Take a minute to read His Word and worship Him.  After all, He chose to enter into “our” world even though He is above it.  But He did it so we would KNOW Him – our Creator and Savior.  (see Colossians 1:17)

Consider this: Colossians 1:13 “He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love.”

Happy Reformation Day!

It was on October 31 of the year 1517 that Martin Luther nailed the Ninety-Five Theses to the church door in Wittenberg.  His act along with many other men and women through the years played huge parts in us now being able to know we can have a personal relationship with our God.  Luther and other reformers obeyed God and were bold in faith.  We can celebrate that boldness in remembering to be bold ourselves on this day and others for the cause of Christ.

So, today before everyone comes to our doors for candy and a scare, let’s help our kids know that this day is really a day to celebrate the One who created it.  Our God gives us strength to be today’s reformers. 

I’m glad for present-day reformers – Christians like Danielle V. in my high school that lived out her faith no matter who said she was different.  She was a big part of my faith journey – she prayed with me to receive Jesus as my Savior.  Wouldn’t it be awesome to know your kids and my kids are out there being that kind of reformer for others?!!

Rushing Through

Have you ever rushed through something just to get it done?  Perhaps rushing to eat breakfast so you can get to work on time or bring the kids to school, etc.?  If you have you are in good company.  Most moms rush doing things for themselves because they are helping everyone else be on-time. 

Now what about rushing through reading books or listening to your kids?  Does housework or phone calls or texting take our time away from sitting face to face with them to do these all important things? 

“…For what is your life?  It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.”  James 4:14

A friend of ours took a job in a different state for a couple of months leaving family and friends back in FL.  He recently came back for a quick weekend visit in which he spent quality time with his mom walking and talking on the beach.  What he didn’t know was that only days later his mom would be taken from this life in a brutal way.  Wow!  If he had rushed through his short weekend without spending that sweet time with his mom, he would be dealing with the pain of regret. 

What about you?  Do you spend time with your family, namely your kids without rushing through?  Spending time reading, playing and listening to them is crucial and will create a pattern for your relationship now and in years to come.

Jesus spent time with his disciples—eating, walking and talking with them.  Our kids are our disciples.  We must take the time to eat, walk and talk with them too.

Suffering

Today as I awoke and needed some refreshment... this blog was in my email inbox. SO like God to refresh and revive us through the words of another broken Mama! Broken must happen in order to shine more clearly His light through. Click the link and be refreshed.

"Our Stewardship in Suffering" by Annie B. Garman

Who sees? He sees...

Sometimes I feel inadequate to even share a thought here on this parenting blog. My kids aren't toddlers anymore and I feel like the lessons God has been showing me lately are a bit heavy for a blog that is suppose to encourage moms.  (Just being real here.)

Yesterday, I came across this video again and knew I had to share.  It blessed me the first time I watched it and it blessed me again.  No matter what season we are in as moms and wives, we need to remember that we are serving the King and He sees us.  This is just a few minutes and a great reminder.

Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YU0aNAHXP0

Shake it off!

Defeated? Depressed? Doubting? Disillusioned?

There is a very real spiritual battle going on. The devil and his minions relentlessly attack with lies, broken relationships, chaos, confusion, etc... the same old tricks they've been using from the beginning of time. They rigorously cause division, destruction and despair and their efforts are persistent.  They never sleep.  These evil forces know they have ultimately lost the war, but hate God (and us) so much they will try everything in their power to keep us from the Great Commission.

Because they can't steal our eternal position in Christ, they try to render our efforts paralyzed.  If they can keep us focused on ourselves via doubt, disillusionment, fear, etc., they keep us from proactively sharing Jesus' love with others.  Our self focus will cause us to miss what He has for us to do and that is their plan.  They act as though they are victorious, but the ultimate authority, the Holy Word of God, declares them foiled.  The devil and his minions pretend like they have succeeded, but in reality they are completely defeated, and on their way to eternal damnation.

According to the Word, we, children and heirs of the Most High God are victors. The outcome is already certain.  Unfortunately there are times we live like we are defeated!

What?!?!

That's right. We look at the impossibilities and obstacles instead of the One who is able! We waiver, lose hope and give up, instead of standing firm on the truth of the Word.

Ladies, we worship the omnipotent Creator of the universe.  He is the great I AM! He is the Beginning and the End! He is able and He is willing!

Ask, seek, knock and repeat!  Believe on Him for all things!  Shake off the lies of the enemy like you would flick away a pesky little bug.  Declare victory in Jesus' name and be steadfast in your trust of Him.  We are victorious warriors and there is ground to be taken!

Give Thanks

"in everything give thanks;

 for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."  

1 Thessalonians 5:18

All I Want for Valentines Day Is....

-1 Corinthians 13:4-8

"What would you like for Valentines Day?"

A question we have either asked or been asked at one time. Oh there's a few things I would love to get from my honey. And those sweet nothings I enjoy picking up for my kiddos...just to see them smile and know they were thought of.

But I started to ponder how Jesus might answer that question if asked.

I mean really...what would the Lord like for Valentines Day? What could I give him that he doesn't already have? He owns the cattle on a thousand hills, right?

One gift that doesn't cost much financially, but will cost something sacrificially - is living out this verse in the life of someone less fortunate. Maybe it's taking your kids to visit a nursing home to talk to the residents. Or making cupcakes for that widow in the church with a love note tucked in with tons of verses telling her how much Jesus loves her. Maybe it's asking those singles in the church to come over and hang out for a meal with you and your family. Or could it be...decorating some Valentines Day craft, with your kids, for your neighbor to enjoy? Maybe you keep it really simple and craft a card filled with what you love about that neighbor who seemingly never smiles.

Valentines is a day we tend to focus inwardly on us and what we might get, but instead God challenges us to look around and bless others with something simple that tells of God's love.

How will your family share the love of Jesus this Valentines Day? 

Be creative. Be simple. It means a lot to the ones receiving! Make memories with your kids.

All Wrapped Up at Christmas-time

One day last week I was all stressed out, doing work stuff on the computer, trying to manage the children’s needs, hungry, and the list went on.  I felt so bad that I had to be so focused on the computer rather than giving the kids my full attention.  However, in a moment of clarity I looked at Matthew, our soon-to-be five year-old and said, “I just want you guys to know the real meaning of Christmas…” 

Matthew’s birthday is three days after Christmas so the thrill of getting gifts must be on his mind.  A little while after my “real meaning of Christmas” statement, Matthew came up to me all excited with one of his favorite cars that he made with daddy and said, “Mommy, Mommy!!  Since its Jesus’ birthday shouldn’t WE give Him gifts?!!”  He said this like a bright light had just gone on in his beautiful head.  So I chose to let him and our three year-old daughter go for it!  Cutting paper, wrapping and TAPING.

“In that hour Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit and said, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight.”  Luke 10:21

Since then I’ve noticed a few other toys have shown up under the tree with just a bow on them.  Matthew is the “bow-guy”.  If a present I’m wrapping for a friend needs a bow, I know I can call on him to get the job done.  He gets excited to help and a sense of accomplishment too.

“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’” John 14:6

It’s all about Jesus.  Instead of us getting all wrapped up in making everything just perfect, let’s focus on the perfect One – Jesus and get all wrapped up in Him!

Humbled, Grateful, Challenged!

Christmas is a special time of year!  This season brings out an introspective spirit in me.  I think of the unfathomable fact that the Creator of the universe, holy, righteous and true, saw fit to come out of perfection and dwell on earth. He chose the humble form of a little baby, born into poor conditions on a cold winter night.

He would live within the confines of His human body and work, sweat, love and cry so that I would know that He truly understands my trials.  Then He would suffer horrific torture and death on the cross, and supernaturally raise from the grave so that my sins were erased and that I could live forever free of the power of sin in this life and the next.   I am humbled!!!

In considering Jesus,  I start thinking about my family and the many amazing people He has brought into my life so that I might be a better person from knowing them.  Some have offered truth, wisdom and a listening ear, others a word spoken into my life at just the right moment, and others prayer and encouragement to stay in the race.  Wherever I have lived, the Lord has been faithful to put these kindred spirits in my path.  I am grateful!!!

Finally, I ask myself what kind of impact have I had on others?  Have I been faithful in prayer and eager to listen as others have been for me? Am I bold enough to speak a word of truth when prompted by the Lord?  And do I let others know how precious they are to me?  Now I am challenged!!!

Will you accept the challenge?  Join me in encouraging those around us this season! Let's express how they have blessed us!  When the Lord puts someone on your mind, shoot up a prayer for them and then send them a text or give them a call . . . or even write them a note:)   Let's remind folks that they are important and appreciated and can overcome.  Let's assure them they are not alone.  We are in this together ... let's do it well!

Giving Thanks....

Psalm 100:4

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.

Psalm 28:7

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.

Psalm 106:1

Praise the LORD. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.

Isaiah 12:4

In that day you will say: "Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted.

1 Thessalonians 5:18

give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Chronicles 16:8

Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name;
make known his deeds among the peoples!

1 Chronicles 16:34

Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
for his steadfast love endures forever!

Today we will spend tons of time creating, decorating, and making food for those we love. Spending countless hours basting turkeys, smashing potatoes, and setting the perfect table. Hoping it all comes together, our kids behave, and that our company enjoys themselves. Lots of pressure, lots to do, and only so many hours in the day! 

A few days ago, I began to think of all the preparation that goes into Thanksgiving and Christmas. The time, effort, and love that flows into our happenings. But I realized that many times, in the fast paced - trying to get it all done- wanting it to be perfect - day - we can forget to praise the One whom it all comes from. We can leave God completely out of our day- not because we don't love him - but because we are consumed with all the other busyness going on. 

So my challenge to you this Thanksgiving (and Christmas too) is to incorporate and create some traditions, into your day, where you can enjoy your kids & company,  and still create a space in time where your focus and praise can be placed on Jesus. 

A few ideas....

1. Reading a scripture verse about thanks. Each tell one thing thankful for.

2. Have everyone trace their hand, cut it out, & answer a question

    on each finger. 

       WHO - Who are you thankful for?

       WHAT- What are you thankful for?

       WHEN- When is a time (past, present or future) that you are thankful for?

       WHERE- Where is a place you are thankful for?

       WHY - Why are you thankful? 

3. Place two kernels of corn (or any thing you have plenty of) on each place 

    and ask each person to share two things they are thankful for - no repeats:)

 

What are your thanksgiving traditions? How will you incorporate Christ into your day of thanks? Enjoy, have fun, and create memories!  

Shout – the Stain Remover

Every time I use Shout, the Laundry Stain Remover spray I think about Jesus.  “Huh?” You may say.  Well if you look on the bottle, it is made by A Family Company, it’s Triple-Acting, Clings, Penetrates & Lifts.  It’s the Trinity!!  And the message on the handle of the bottle states, “Removes Stains the 1^st Time Guaranteed or it’s free*”.  I’m sure on the bottom of the bottle it must have a Scripture verse about how Jesus’ death on the cross is a free gift to us but it cost Him his life… Actually the asterisk after “free” leads you to the website where you can find out the “details”.   

“And the result of God’s gracious gift is very different from the result of that one man’s sin. For Adam’s sin led to condemnation, but God’s free gift leads to our being made right with God, even though we are guilty of many sins.” Romans 5:16 (NLT)

Since I have a boy who loves mud and a girl who loves to make messes with her food I use the stain remover spray A LOT.  What are the things that you use on a regular basis that remind you about Jesus?  In these moments of say, cleaning a stain on a shirt, pray for your kids while you spray, brush/scrub, rinse.  Pray for their salvation, for their future mate, pray for them to be forgiving toward others…

"bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you." Colossians 3:13 (NASB)

Love is Powerful

The kids and I were outside reading books under the shade of a few palm trees in our backyard.  We read “Ask Mr. Bear” and a Franklin book and a Dora book…  We made animal noises in all the books and stretched our arms like a goose with her wings spread and Baaaa’d like sheep as loud as we could.  Inside we play cars and dress barbies, twirl with our pretty dresses on and ram each other wearing helmets.  Yes, I have a boy and a girl J  We also read a children’s devotion and make reference to Scripture throughout the day.

“But take careful heed to do the commandment and the law which Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, to love the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways, to keep His commandments, to hold fast to Him, and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul.”  Joshua 22:5 

It’s in the daily life where these things are passed from one generation to the next.  They will see it, hear it, feel it, and maybe even taste and smell it.  Love is powerful.  The love of Christ is full of power.  I wonder if David played “cars” with Solomon.  I wonder if that is where he imparted the wisdom he learned from God to his son.  I wonder if Mary sat under the tree in their backyard and read books to Jesus and his brothers.  Moses to Joshua.  Naomi to Ruth.  Lois to Eunice to Timothy.  God has shown us in His word how important it is to spend time with our kids sharing what it means to love the LORD, walk in all His ways, keep His commandments, hold fast to Him and serve Him.

Thank You Lord for giving us yet another opportunity to live out these commandments for Your glory. This generation (whatever age our kids are) NEED to see real upright examples of those who walk with You with all our hearts and with all our souls.  You are worthy to receive all praise and honor, Savior.  Amen.

All Heaven & Earth Stood Still

The other day I was getting ready for company to come.  The kids were outside playing on “Matthew’s Castle” (jungle gym with slide, swings, etc.).  It was a very nice afternoon.

But all activities halted the moment I felt there was something wrong outside.  I don’t even know if I heard anything of alarm but I surely felt it.  I dashed outside in my apron, goggles on my head and tongs & potholder in hand (I had been deep-frying chicken wings).  The moment I saw her on the ground I knew something was wrong.  At this point the tongs & potholder were thrown into the dirt & I was scooping our 2 ½ year-old out of our dirt – I mean lawn.  Jordan is such a little gymnast, such strong arms and legs.  She can climb up anything and hang like the Olympians (well, ok maybe just in my mind).  So to see her on the ground was like that whole time all heaven and earth stood still without breath, without a bird flapping a wing, without anyone blinking an eye, without the slightest breeze. 

I wonder what Mary felt like.  I wonder what Jesus felt like.  I wonder what John and other believers felt like as they watched Jesus receive the many whips, or when he fell in the crowd carrying the cross, or when he released his last breath.  Jordan was fine, just all dirty and crying probably from the shock of falling.  Jesus told us a parable of how much we are worth in Matthew 10:31.  How much would he halt everything He is doing so he could pick you up from the dirt/lawn, hold you tightly then dust you off, look into your precious eyes and say, “I love you so much.  You are going to be okay….”  We need that sometimes as mommas. 

Matthew 10:31 “Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.”

Lord, I pray that each momma knows how incredibly precious and priceless she is.  Help her to never give up caring, loving and protecting her little ones.  There is no one more precious and utterly perfect than You, Jesus.  Please help us worship You in fullness of joy each day and as the Day approaches help us to be spiritually minded with care for people all around us.

Praying Beyond Protection & Blessing

 For this very reason, 

make every effort to 

supplement your faith 

with virtue, and 

virtue with knowledge, 

- 2 Peter 1:5 ESV

As a mom, you are always looking for ways to improve and "helpful hints" from those who have blazed before you. A few years ago I received some really helpful information, from Bob Hostetler, on his wide bookmark which read "31 Biblical Virtues to pray for your kids."  I placed it in my Bible and have prayed them over my children. With 31 days per month, it allows you to pray specifically for one virtue each day, you want Him to entrust your children with.

Below you will find the PDF file with the virtues on it. The first page gives an excerpt from the author and the second page is the actual virtues. Print them out. Put them in your Bible. Commit to praying them over and with your children daily. Enjoy!

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&ved=0CDIQFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.afmonline.org%2Fcontent%2Fresources%2F31_Biblical_Virtues.pdf&ei=EylbU6zYGe3gsASzsYLADA&usg=AFQjCNHkcR8cS6X_b8qTBBfd3jGLwpXvZw&sig2=PwE4J5H9X-V8UIOiCVqZmg&bvm=bv.65397613,d.cWc

Prayer Warrior Momma

Has the beginning of this year been as full for you as it’s been for me?  I am totally excited about this year though – don’t know what (or Who) it will bring but I’m expectant for Jesus to return!  What about you, momma?  This and the current events give me all the more reason to pray over our children Scripture prayers.  Here is a LITTLE list of Scriptures I read aloud in prayer to our kids at bedtime.  (I hold the Bible in my hands and read it so they get a visual to remember forever.) 

Deuteronomy 30:20 "that you may love the Lord your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days..."

Philippians 1:9-11 "And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God."

Philippians 2:14-18 "Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.  Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. For the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me."

Deuteronomy 6:5 "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength."

Numbers 6:24-26 “The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.”

And SO much more.

Jordan, our 2 ½ year-old daughter says, “Mommy, can you pray me the Bible?”  That works for me, SURE!  (Sweet moments.)  Another nightly tradition is to spend moments running my fingers through our kids’ hair and around their face reciting Numbers 6:24-25 (see above)… However, I said it from memory the first time years ago and stuck with that “version” to this day.  I say, “May the Lord bless you and keep you and make His face to shine upon you, giving you peace and comfort through the night…” and their part is (really loud), “AND JOY IN THE MORNING!”

Lord, I pray that this post serves as an encouragement for mommas to pray for their children out-loud, from Your word.  I pray your favor upon them as they raise the generations, blessing their household with faith and much grace.

Jesus, Thank You

Thank You for making life a thing to live, really live!

Thank You for making death a time for rejoicing.

Thank You for coming the way You did.  I celebrate You right now!!

Thank You for Christmas morning wherever I am, whomever I am with and wherever it happens.

Thank You for being the ultimate gift.

Thank You that as a mom, I have the amazing opportunity to show my kids Your wonderful gift.

Thank You for entrusting these little lives to me and giving me plenty of opportunities to bring Your name up when learning the stuff of life.

Thank You for choosing Mary – a great example of a mom who listened, obeyed, trusted and had peace in our Father concerning You.

Thank You for allowing us to have new mercies each morning (cause a lot of times I really need it!)

Thank You Jesus.

Psalm 107:1 “Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.”  (At some point read all of 107 –awesome Psalm!)

Merry Christmas momma.  I hope you enjoy this special day.  (And I hope you filled your stocking with lots of yummy chocolate candies!!)

Who is Jesus…Really?

When you think of Jesus, what image comes to mind? A quiet-spirited man sitting around a bunch of sheep with a staff in his hand? Maybe Jesus preaching with compassion to the multitudes? Jesus on the cross?

One thing that constantly amazes me is that we, as Christians, often have a warped or incomplete picture of who Jesus was when he walked this earth some 2000 years ago. Personally, I used to think of Jesus as a gentle, calm man who healed people, taught people, and died on the cross for my sins.

Yeah, that is part of the story, but the Bible details so much more. Jesus was passionate! He loved God and he loved people. He hated evil, and the effects of sin. He loved the sinner. He despised the hypocrite. He taught with power and authority. People either loved him and desired to follow him, or they were so mad at him that they wanted to stone him or push him off a cliff.

Jesus was pure strength and power under control. He was meek, but not weak. He spoke the truth with love, but also with a strong rebuke. He did not back down from a verbal “fight”. He healed many of their diseases…spiritually, emotionally, and physically.

I am writing this blog today to encourage you (just as someone encouraged me) to read through the New Testament book by book, chapter by chapter, verse by verse, line by line. I started with the book of Luke this year because it addresses the essentially question of who Jesus is, what he said, what he did, why he died, and how he rose.

All too often we skip around the Bible (Old & New Testament) picking out the most memorable passages, and then we teach them to our kids and they end up with the classic list of “children’s stories” from the Bible”: Noah and the ark, the Tower of Babel, Jonah and the Whale, Daniel and the Lion’s Den, the birth of Jesus, Jesus’ miracles, etc. All too often we neglect to give our kids the complete picture of Jesus. As parents, this is the BEST gift we can give them…a thorough knowledge of their God, Savior, and Creator.

Will you take the challenge with me? As you prepare for this Christmas season, will you start the book of Luke with your kids and take the marvelous journey of discovering who Jesus really is?

Prayer,

God we love you, and we are so thankful for the truth and power of your Word. May we seek you and find you. May our faith be based on the truth of who you are, and not based on our feelings and emotions. May we desire to read your Word, and may it produce a harvest of goodness, righteousness, passion, and love for you and your people. May we give you…the BEST GIFT EVER…to our kids so that our joy (and theirs) may be complete. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Christmas Traditions - part 2

As iron sharpens iron, 

so a friend sharpens a friend.

-Proverbs 27:17

Last week I posted a blog from my friend Elizabeth about Christmas traditions. You are going to LOVE part 2. Enjoy!

http://familymissionculture.com/2013/12/03/telling-the-story-of-us/

I Call, I Cry Out, and ...HE Hears

As for me, I call to God,
    and the Lord saves me. 

  Evening, morning and noon
    I cry out in distress,
    and he hears my voice.

 - Psalm 55:16-17

I read this in my devotion this morning and found great comfort. The Lord is into the small details of my life (Psalm 37:23) and knew it would refresh my soul. A simple truth jumped out...

I  must CALL

and

I must CRY OUT

and He promises to
 
HEAR MY VOICE 

So many times my first instinct, in times of crazy, is to call a friend instead of calling my Creator. My heart wants to flesh out by spewing my issues with hopes of feeling better, when I know deep down it is His Voice that I need to hear. 

Today was a great example of that. My kids had meltdowns at a park and as I drove home I felt hopeless. Exhausted and feeling overwhelmed, I called my husband and let out a gush, full of detail, about my experience of embarrassment as my kids misbehaved. Through tears and frustration my kids, in the backseat, listened as I "shared" with my husband.

I want my first call to be to Jesus. My Creator. My Maker. My Savior. My Peace. My Calm. It takes training, like anything in life, and discipline to create a habit. I am setting a goal to go to Jesus first in those times of utter crazy and He promises to hear my voice. After all, it is Him who will change my heart and my kids' behavior as well. Will you join me in this goal?

Do you need to call out to Him today?

Have you cried out to Him about those unnerving things in your life? 

He hears. He knows you. He has a plan.  He loves you.