Day 13: Joy

-
I just have a moment to write today, but I am choosing joy, another fruit of the Spirit, to focus on as my way to lead her toward Jesus today. What are some ways you use joy in your children's lives?

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Honestly, do I care more about her bangs than her heart?

-
When my daughter's medical issues started flaring up and she was in a ton of pain, she cut bangs for herself, asked to donate the hair (she has the best heart even in her worst moments!) and then promptly was horrified at what she had done. (It may have been the worst haircut ever. Think reverse Mohawk.) I have been so worried about her hair.  I'm so embarrassed to tell you that. It feels so vain, but it looks terrible, and at my worst moments I struggle with how it reflects on me, and if it looks like I can't control my kids. Wait a minute?!? "How it reflects on me"? Why in the world is that my focus here? Something is really wrong with her (the physical pain) and the way she looks kind of reflects that right now (she's not herself - I believe subconsciously she didn't want to look like herself because she doesn't feel like herself). And I'm worried about how it reflects on me? That has been a not so welcome glimpse into my own s
Read more

Depends who you are traveling with...

-
I've driven through three snowstorms lately and have had two dramatically different experiences. The first was a white out only about two miles from my house. I was alone, in a zone where cell service cuts out, and very shaken up. I couldn't see the sides of the road or what was in front of me. I made it out safely, but it took a few weeks to recover from the overwhelm. The other two were less overwhelming - even though the traffic conditions were worse. One was a combination of blizzard and fog simultaneously. The other involved my car acting up in extremely cold, icy conditions. The difference? Who was with me for the ride. I did not feel overwhelmed when I had my friend my my side in the ice or my spouse by my side in the cold. I knew whatever happened, we would get through it together. Does life right now feel like a dangerous blizzard? Could it feel more like a beautiful sleigh ride if we saw God right there next to us, or asked him to drive? Instea
Read more

Day 8: Peace (Leading our kids toward Jesus by modeling peacemaking)

-
Jesus surprised so many by showing up not with a political overthrow using strength and war, but instead with gentleness, humility and peace. They were expecting him to conquer through force - after all, he had the power of God - but instead, he led by peace. His willingness to be a servant leader and not engage in power struggles led him to the ultimate victory, and one that will last forever and not just be a short term "umph" that wins the battle. This is challenging for me because I have a lot of "umph." A lot of my life has been spent finding the balance between my strong passion/"umph" with being a person of peace. Because while I so value passion and energy, I also so value peace and calm and quiet inner strength. I wonder if my daughter would describe me as a peaceful or a passionate person... I'd hope both, but it would be interesting to ask her. I'm learning both parts of me can exist simultaneously. One of the earliest ways I lea
Read more