Heart Work

No amount of effort will make our kids godly.  That is the work of the Holy Spirit and our daily dependence on Him.  - Sally Clarkson

A friend and homeschool support group leader shared that with our group after hearing Mrs. Clarkson speak.  I read the quote and the first thought that came to mind is, "how freeing!  The burden is off of me and on the Holy Spirit."

For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.  Matthew 11:30  

There is still much work to be done in training our children in the ways of the Lord, but our focus needs to be on Jesus.  Faithfully walking with the Lord and sharing that walk, and God's truth, with our kids.  But the Heart work is His.  Not mine.

Time Flies

I keep this little shoe on the book shelf in my room, because it's so darn cute! 

This is one of Brock's first "Benny shoes."  His favorite movie has always been The Sandlot. (File that one under "parenting fail", but that's a whole other post...)  I think Brock wore these when he was about 3 or 4, there have been many other pairs just like these, in just about every size since then.  I'm not sure, but there may have been an even smaller pair. 


Well, Brock is now 10 years old, and growing FAST!   This is somewhat of a milestone in his life.  He's always wanted the black on black chucks.  We actually spent a whole Saturday several years back looking for them, only to be told near the end of our day, "they don't make those in kids' sizes."  Great! 

Guess what?!  He can wear men's size shoes now.....

Embracing the Seasons

I'm not a fan of summer.  The best thing about summer is when it's over.  Despite my great dislike of summer, I choose to embrace certain aspects of the season.  I enjoy a refreshing dip in the pool, and  the excessive rest and relaxation that comes from being able to sleep in most summer mornings and even the warm, I'm mean HOT, sun shining on me after being in the COLD a/c.  And Snow Cones!  Yes, snow cones are great in summer! 

Okay, so maybe I don't loathe summer as much as I thought.  But you know what?  It's a choice.  I made the choice to alter my attitude and embrace the best of summer.  If I didn't I would waste the entire season feeling miserable.

And so it is with motherhood.  Certainly those sleepless nights, days of spills, messes and meltdowns (don't forget the meltdowns!) are less than likable.  But still, during those early years there are cuddles, hugs and kisses, bedtime stories and other lovables and likables to embrace.  I even learned to cherish middle of the night feedings.  Praying and singing softly in my littles ones ears are fond memories.  So, yes, you can even embrace the more difficult aspects of the seasons of motherhood.     

If I had one piece of advice to pass on to young mothers (besides PRAY!) it would be to embrace each season of motherhood with all that you have.  Particularly those early years.  Do your best to "redeem" those less than likable times, turn them into irreplaceable memories.  Unlike our yearly seasons that come and go and come back again for a lifetime, most of us only get one shot at these seasons of motherhood.  Don't waste it feeling miserable.  Choose to embrace it - choose joy!

How about you, what advice do you pass on to young mothers?  Or perhaps you are in another season of motherhood.  What challenges are you doing your best to embrace?