Mothers, He loves you

"The Lord Your God in your midst,

the Mighty One, will save;

He will rejoice over you with gladness,

He will quiet you with His love,

He will rejoice over you with singing."

-Zephaniah 3:17

books that inspire: heaven is for real

Even though this book isn't directly about parenting, I think it is a must-read for every mom. Not only does it give us a glimpse of heaven and of the magnificent, loving God we serve, but it is a great tool to help our children tap into the realities of heaven as well, all the while drawing their hearts and minds closer to Jesus.

So, what are you waiting for? Go get this book, grab your Bible and a box of kleenex and dive in!

Tips and Tricks: A Soft Answer

The scriptures say that a soft answer turns away anger and I have found this to be true.

The following excerpt is taken from Jim Bob and Michelle Duggars book The Duggars: 20 and Counting!: Raising One of America's Largest Families--How they Do It that encouraged me to use a gentle voice even when I feel angry.

"The Wisdom Booklet [part of Michelle's homeschool curriculum] advised that when you feel anger starting to well up, you lower your voice instead of raising it. I thought, Okay, Lord. I can do that - with Your help. When the next opportunity came to put it into practice, I was amazed at the difference it made. I lowered my voice to almost a whisper, and our children noticed a much calmer mommy. Instantly I knew that God's Word is true: by using a soft voice, I was learning to turn away from anger."

- Michelle Duggar, mother of 19

The privilege of motherhood

Some say motherhood is a chore, a duty, even a drudgery, yet motherhood is a beautiful privilege. It is God handing down gifts from heaven - tiny persons He loves and treasures. Such an honor to be entrusted with the care of those intricately, tenderly, delicately woven together by the hands that cradle the world. Yes, every child is a gift. Motherhood is indeed a privilege.