Revisiting an old issue

Self esteem has lost its status over the last few years and isn't discussed nearly as often as it used to be. However, in the lives of children it is still something we need to consider. Children value themselves to the degree that they have been valued. Ouch! Does your child feel valued by you? What about when you have had "one of those days"---wake up late, nobody likes their breakfast or the clothes you laid out the night before, it is raining outside, the dog tracks muddy paw prints everywhere, library books are left sitting on the kitchen table, difficult day at the office, etc, etc. We've all had these, how do they impact our attitude and actions towards our children? I'm certainly not suggesting the love with no limits philosophy. However, it is important for parents to put themselves in their children's shoes and consider what messages are being sent in their direction. If we want respect from our kids, are we giving it to them? If we don't want them to talk back to us, are we speaking calmly and kindly to them? It is up to us to make our children feel loved, important, respected, capable....all of the things we desire to feel as well. Remember to model the behaviors you would like to have reciprocated!! "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." Proverbs 15:1

One for the adults...

A shocking event took place in my life this past weekend...I completed a book in ONE day!! I love to read and used to accomplish this feat quite frequently if I felt so inclined. Then I had children:) Yes, they are a joy and a blessing but they certainly put a halt to my times of relaxing and reading just for the fun of it. Well, a new friend loaned me Same Kind of Different as Me by Denver Moore and Ron Hall and my ability to hear my children or my husband ceased for the rest of the day. It is truly an amazing book and true story and one which I highly recommend. The main character, Deborah Hall, is a woman who lived her life glowing with God's grace every day. She impacted lives in a way I can only imagine and left a legacy behind that is still leaving a mark today in Dallas, TX. Take the time to read this one! We all seek glimpses of God in this crazy world and this is a beautiful one. Happy reading!!

Life goals...

I recently was blessed with the opportunity to watch someone I have known for 20 years attain a life-goal. Wow! We all have goals and dreams we set for ourselves during our early years but rarely do we get to be present when the summit of one of those precious mountains is reached. Was it an easy climb? Absolutely not. Were there many setbacks and stumbles along the way. You bet! Did he push through, endure, meet obstacles and have to refocus? Definitely! I felt the most unselfish sense of pride that I have ever experienced. It was not an accomplishment of mine, not my blood, sweat and tears; yet, my heart was bursting with happiness to get to be a part of every moment. As I reflected in the following days, it dawned on me that we have the opportunity to give God that same Oh My Gosh experience when we agree to follow Him and achieve the goals He sets before us. He knows that multiple obstacles will be placed in our paths and we will be tempted to stray. Imagine how His heart must swell when we remain steadfast and faithful. May we each look at our challenges differently today and find a willingness to endure through and for our Savior!!