Praise and Prayer

Praising God for the blessing of 3 beautiful children who each turn one year older in this 2 ish week span of Fall time.

 

David is a sweet, hilarious, energetic 5 year old, who has been going through a "jammy phase" for almost 2 years now. We praise God for his unique spirit, and his desire to protect and defend those he loves. This boy is definitely in the Lord's army. And, randomly, he loves mustaches!

Joshua is almost 3, and he loves to run around with his "brudders" and play as hard as he possibly can during all waking hours of the day (and sometimes partially into the night). He also has an interest and love for all animals, and is often on a toad hunt in the backyard. He keeps us on our toes for sure, but he has a beautiful heart. Praise God, he has finally gotten the hang of potty training after a month of strong-willed battles!

Hannah Grace, our big 1 year old girl. So hard to believe. It seems like yesterday she was born. She is still so happy & content almost all of the time. She loves her brothers, is very observant and tender-hearted, and gives her snuggles out freely. She learned to walk about 3 days before her birthday, and is now toddling around everywhere. Praising God for her sweet (and somewhat calm--at least for now) spirit in our family:)

Children are a blessing, a heritage from the Lord. I truly believe that. With all these blessings, though, also comes lots and lots of hard work. I am often weary. I was telling a friend recently that I feel like I come to the absolute end of myself so often these days with my kids. I don't know how to make them listen or obey, or even care. Actually, I know that I can't! I've come to realize that my only option is prayer. I know it is the best option, but sometimes I do still wish there were some parenting book out there that had all the answers spelled out in a ten step formula. I would follow it to a T! I have looked, but unfortunately it does not exist. I am thankful, though. A fool-proof formula would be too easy, and then my kids would be robots and I would have no need to stay connected to my Savior.

At the end of the day (or beginning) I think the Lord is teaching me it is about where my heart is. Am I following my own selfish desires, inconvenienced by constant needs to correct or teach a child because of sin? I frequently am, if I am honest. But God, I want to change that. I am desperate for HIM to teach me how to parent these children. For HIM to show me what it means to truly be humble in front of my children, and to show mercy as I have been shown mercy.

This month I am joining again a 21 day challenge to pray God's word specifically over my sons (themobsociety.com). It is a powerful thing. Lord willing, I will share what I've learned from that sometime down the road. For now I am just so thankful that, despite my wayward, fickle self, God remains as faithful as the sunrise. Day after day. His mercy will not end.

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, "therefore I will hope in him.” ~Lamentations 3:22-24