Mommy Mondays

"Being a mom is my greatest joy."

"I love being a mommy."

"Motherhood is my calling."

I'm pretty sure the moms who said the above didn't say them on a Monday - or maybe even a Tuesday or Wednesday. While being a mom has its joys, there are days when the joy just never seems to show up. Cranky babies, whiny toddlers, rebellious teenagers, and fighting siblings can happen any day of the week. How often have you woken to find nobody in the house is happy? Breakfast is denied. Shoelaces are broken. Car keys are lost. And somebody forgot to mention they had homework due that day. It's enough to wear a mommy out. Unfortunately there's no human resources to call in a personal day, a mommy must punch the clock as usual - even if she literally wants to punch the clock. Take a deep breath. Look away from the spilled Cheerios and focus on the Heavenly Father who is ready to scoop you up in His arms.

Father,

It's been a day when nothing seems to go right we are left feeling unloved, unappreciated and discouraged. Renew our spirit and give us the strength to handle the little stuff as well as the big. Give us patience with our children. Make our tone loving and kind despite how frustrated we feel on the inside. Let us look to our great provider to show us how to love with gentleness and lead with tenderness. Replace our anger with delight. Turn our dismay to gladness. Our journey may take dips and turns but help us to see the reward that awaits a faithful follower.

Amen

"And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me - everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you." Philipians 4:8,9

On Our Hearts: A Godly Home

Are you taking care of your home? I'm not talking about the dusting, cleaning, and the endless pile of laundry. Or the weeding, mowing, or trimming that gives our home curb appeal. Is your home walking in the will of God? You may have your child's extra-cirricular activities all planned out, or even your summer vacation plans booked but have you thought about what's truly important? Just as God has a plan for each of our lives, He has a plan for your family. He desires an obedient household that shows mercy and love not only to each other but to all on the outside looking in. Your home may need a fresh coat of paint on the exterior, but a covering of God's grace on the interior will ultimately increase your home's value.

Dear Heavenly Father,

We are so thankful that You are a loving and forgiving God. Lord we submit every area of our family to You. We ask that You be the head of our household. May we look to you for guidance and leadership. Show us how to be obedient to Your Word and fulfill the purpose that you have set aside for us. We also ask that there be peace in our home. May our words be filled with love and mercy. Let us be slow to anger, and quick to hear. Lord, let us rejoice and laugh with each other. May we freely forgive those in our home, just as you have forgiven us Lord. Thank you for the family that you have blessed us with. While our home may not be perfect, we can rest in knowing that You are, Lord. Let our front door be an entrance to solace and delight to You, God.

Amen


"He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built." Luke 6:48

On Our Hearts: Family

Heavenly Father,

The season is upon us. It's that time of year where family often makes an extra effort to be together. A time to surround ourselves with the ones we love and to be reminded of what truly matters. So why is that while we attempt to connect with our loved ones we find ourselves full of dread? There's the family member that is just a little too nosey, the one who knows how to push our buttons, and the one with the annoying habit that likes to ruin everyone's fun. Suddenly that loving moment turns into one big aggravation.

Father, please forgive us when we feel resentment during this time. Restore that desire to spend time with our family. Let us love them exactly where they are and not where we wish they would be. Give us patience and grace when handling awkward and uncomfortable situations. Let us stand firm in our faith when we are tested by those we love. Give us a supernatural understanding when it comes to dealing with our family members. And let us be the one true example of Your love. Thank You Lord, for the family that You have given us. May we be blessed and be a blessing this season.

Amen

"Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry." James 1:19

"Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you." Exodus 20:12