Check Please!!

Evelynne loves being out and about. She is actually at her best when we go out and do things. I guess it's because she loves seeing and being around new places and because she loves food so much eating out wasn't always a major struggle. That was until she became a toddler LOL

She still loves food and she still loves and prefers to be out. But now that she's walking and has that curiosity where she wants to touch, feel and run everywhere she pleases eating out has been a  little bit hard. So after doing some research and watching what the other mamas did before me. I found a few things that helped.

1. Bring extra food// My daughter is a snacker. She is never a big eater in one sitting because I don't thing she has the attention span for a whole sitting unless the whole family is there to keep her entertained. But she catches up with snacks and I think she prefers it that way. So when we go out I always pack with me some sliced fruit, veggies, smoothies, crackers and fruit snacks. I also pack  cheeses and stuff just in case she decides she doesn't want what I had ordered for her. Yes, that does happen. She can be s picky sometimes to where she would prefer the cheese, meat and crackers over pizza.

2. Bring quiet toys// Bringing quiet toys is a must such as books, crayons and paper, Evelynne must have her bear at all times, and she loves cars. So she'll read her books, or run her cars on the table while we wait for our food.

3. Keep them in the conversation// No matter who I'm out to lunch/dinner with I always try to keep Evelynne in the conversation. Whether it be asking her how her milk is, or asking her if her meal is good. That way she feels included and her mind stays on mama and playing at the table even longer..

4. Have walking sessions// If you wouldn't be in anyone's way have a walking time with your toddler so they don't get restless. Show them the things they're interested in like the paintings on the wall, or the waterfall. Maybe even take her/him outside for a little bit to get some fresh air.

5. Be consistent and understanding// No means no when you tell them no and also be understanding to how long they've been sitting. It takes a lot  for  a toddler to sit still for longer then 15 minutes.

These are things that have helped us have victory with taking out toddler out to eat however, we still have moments when we say "Check please!!" And run out of the restaurant with our to-go boxes praying that no one we know saw us! ;)

  What is your secret trick to eating out with your little one?  Check out the other mama's blogs for even more tips!  And be sure to link up with us below if you also have a post on this.  

Like a Morning Cup of Coffee// From Here to Eternity// The Not Quite Military Wife//

A Cowboy's Life// My Delicious Adventure// Sadie Sky Boutique// Meet the Sullivan's//

Love and Life//  Foxy's Domestic Side// Everyday Love// Life of Faith

July 10:  Keeping your marriage alive with a toddler

July 17:  Favorite summer toddler activities

July 24:  Helping Your Toddler to Communicate (Words, emotions, etc.)

July 31:  Dealing with Separation Anxiety

Aug 7:    Car Trip Necessities

Aug 14:  Deciding when the time is right for baby #2 (and/or how to handle these questions)

Aug 21:  Tricks for eating out with your toddler

Aug 28:  Feeling confident as a mom (How to feel this way, Your struggle with, etc.)

An InLinkz Link-up

One Year & Beyond. Taming the Tantrums

 

Welcome Beauties to the very first post to our link up series called " One year and Beyond"  I'm so excited to discuss this topic and more so I'm excited to read what you have to say on the matter because honestly, dealing with the tantrums is something  I still need work on. It's been a struggle but I believe that's what all of us mamas are here for. To help each other out.  I'm really hoping this series will not only create great friendships but also create a community for mamas to learn from one another and most importantly I want you to know that you are not alone. :)

Evelynne Started the tantrums when she was around 12 Months. At least that's when they got serious as in throwing herself on the floor in a kicking, screaming fit. Did I ever tell you Barnes and Noble was the first location she chose to do such a thing??  I have still not yet shown my face there since. 

Since then I have learned a bit more on how to handle those undesirable tudes and here are some tips that have helped me out in the last few months

1. It won't be cute later.

I remember one of the biggest mistakes I've made was giggle at one of her tantrums. At home  of course because it's never funny in public! However, it was when tantrums were still new and to be honest it was a little adorable.. But I shouldn't have giggled because then she thought it was permissible and it so wasn't! It's one of those things I had to learn in the long run. If it won't be cute the 5th time they do it or a few years from now it's better not to encourage.

2. Be consistent//

Ah, this was a struggle for me folks. Consistency.  Some days it's forbidden and other days when I was exhausted I just didn't care. But I needed too.  I believe kids throw the biggest tantrums when they're confused.. When they don't understand why they can't have this or that when they could do it yesterday. They feel like they've been treated unjustly so they're gonna go out with a bang so you'll hear they're not happy! I believe the biggest way to avoid the crazy tantrums is to always be consistent even on the hardest days because it will pay big on the long run and also the tantrums with be shorter because they would expect that they couldn't have it in the first place.

3.Give them things to do//

You know what they say "Kids are born with tons of energy. Point that energy in the right direction and it will avoid disaster"  Anyone with a toddler knows how true that is! When I take Evie out and do projects with her most of the day she is all happy and content and usually if I tell her "no" she's fine with it because she has other things to do. However, on days when we don't have anything planned she's like a different child. She's everywhere she's not suppose to be. Literally! So my plan is to start an activity plan to have something automatically planned all week so I don't have those "nothing to do today" days.

4.Discipline, They're old enough//

Leon and I came into the agreement that if they're old enough to do wrong and doing it knowingly that they are not supposed to that they're old enough to have some sort of discipline. Starting the process of disciplining Evelynne has really helped her and shaped her to know what is "right" and what is "wrong"  We both agree that disciplining out of anger or frustration is not an option. We mainly do time-outs which has worked a ton.  And most importantly we always praise her with lots of hugs and kisses afterwards.

I really hope these tips have helped you and brought you encouragement in some way. Do you have any disciplining wisdom or tantrum experiences and how you dealt with it? I'd love to read it in the link below. Xoxo

                
Come link up with us every Thursday and share your wisdom. Also, come check out our mamas who have some wisdom of their own.

Like A Morning Cup of Coffee               The Not Quite Military Wife

From Here To Eternity               Words About Waverly

Pardon My French             Beautiful Family Affairs

My Delicious Adventure                  The Life Of Faith

Running From The Law             The Olive Tree          

May 8:          Taming the Temper Tantrums

May 15:        Weaning from Breastfeeding or From Formula to Cow’s Milk 

May 22:        Dealing with Mommy Guilt

May 29:        When People Share Their Opinions and How to Lovingly Handle it

June 5:         Traveling with your Toddler

June 12:       How to get your toddler to eat their veggies…or their food at all

June 19:       How to make time to blog in the busyness of motherhood

June 26:       Bedtime Battles (nap or bedtime)

Now it's time to link up your posts with us!

An InLinkz Link-up

The most important work

In Seventeen years Evelynne will be eighteen. She will be grown up into the woman God had created her to be. She will be beautiful, strong, confident and Jesus will be her everything.

Maybe she'll be going to college, traveling the world, fulfilling  her dreams or maybe even getting married to the man God has for her. *tear

In Seventeen years I do not want to have to admit that I could have done a better job as a mother.
 I don't want to wait until my daughter is grown to come into the realization that I was just getting by as a mom.

I want this calling on my life to come 3rd to God second to Marriage and before anything else. Ministry, friends or even "me time"

These seventeen years of my daughter being at home are years that need to be cherished, thought about, and taken advantage of because once they're gone that's it. My daughter isn't getting any younger and the time I have to teach her, raise her, discipline her,  encourage her and love her before she meets the world isn't getting any longer. In fact it's going to go by quicker then I can imagine.

Thinking that eighteen years of a child's life will go by slowly is a mistake that is made by many mamas.. And that is the #1 thing that they tell you when you're pregnant/new mama.

"It goes by fast so cherish them" 

These are the years I have to train, teach,disciple, and influence my baby girl. Years that I won't get back so I need to make the decision quickly.

"Will I spend 90 % of my time raising my daughter today or watching other people raise their kids on media and showing everyone how I raise my kids on media?"

I have made the decision today that while my daughter is awake and in my care I will not be affiliated with media (including texting)  Unless it's an emergency.

I don't want to be a mama who looks back and realized that  I had just  gotten by as a mama.

But I want to give this girl the best 18 years of her life teaching her and allowing Jesus to use me fully to shape Evelynne into the Woman of God she'll be.

I no longer want to compromise in motherhood but instead I want to be 100% after my daughter's (And future children's) heart. I want to show my love for them with my time and availability.

These are seventeen years I have with my daughter.. And maybe they won't go as fast as many say.. But I'm not taking the chance. This is my calling. I am 100% called to be a mom and if I'm lacking in my mothering how can I encourage other moms as well.. I can't.. I just can't. So I'm done compromising.

My girl comes first folks.. In ministry, blogging, and all that jazz. If I don't have time to get a post in because I was too busy loving on her and teaching her I'm sorry  I'm really not sorry but I do hope you understand.
                                                 Much love!
                   

I am all in to go after my children’s hearts and their behavior. I want to love them practically; I want them to have me available. - See more at: http://sarahmae.com/#sthash.7NaFfSD1.dpuf

I am all in to go after my children’s hearts and their behavior. I want to love them practically; I want them to have me available. - See more at: http://sarahmae.com/#sthash.7NaFfSD1.dpuf

I am all in to go after my children’s hearts and their behavior. I want to love them practically; I want them to have me available. - See more at: http://sarahmae.com/#sthash.7NaFfSD1.dpuf

Cherish them.

Don't worry about what you can and can't buy them or whether or not you're child has the best and newest gadgets. Don't worry about what other parents are doing for their children. Just focus on you and what you can do for your child with what you have.. Love them and cherish them because they won't remember the stuff you did for them but they will remember how you loved them.

A New Perspective For Moms

Hey lovelies!! So I have been so busy this week I have barely had time to blog! I guess you can say I started my spring cleaning early. I've been cleaning out cabinets, cleaning Evelynne's room and all that fab!




So for today I really want to share with you a video that spoke to my heart so much and I just know it will do the same for you!

Remember mamas, no matter how you  see yourself as a mom your kids think your awesome!!! 

For the mom who sees herself as ordinary.

         For the mom who sees herself as ordinary.

          Can I share something with you?

                                You may feel like just a mama. 
                        
                         You may feel like just a woman.
    
 There are times when motherhood makes you so joyful.
   
And if you're anything like me there are times when you   want to make a run for the door when your husband walks in. 

There are times when you may feel ordinary. An ordinary person, woman, wife, and mother. 

But let me tell you..

You are the furthest thing from ordinary.

You are the extraordinary in the every day life.

You are the beauty in the ordinary that so many search for and some take for granted.

You are the one who wakes up and gives and gives.

You get tired.

You lose it sometimes and that doesn't make you  a bad mom. Despite what the world thinks what a perfect mom is.

  Jesus has something else to say about you!

He has a plan for you and your family! To prosper, to bring hope and a great future.
(See Jeremiah 29:11)

You are a mom for such a time as this!  
(See Esther 4:14)

Because your hope is in Him His strength lives in you and girlfran,  You will soar even on the hardest days!  
(See Isaiah 40:31)

You have been called to heal the sick and raise the dead!
(See Matthew 10:8)

We are not just moms but also Daughters of The Most High God! Because of Jesus we can not only come boldly to our Father but also confidently into His Awesome presence anytime we want and need to! 
 (See Eph 3:12)

You are clothed in strength and in Dignity! And there is no need for you to worry about your future. 
(See proverbs 20:25)

God is within you and you will not fail!!
 (See Psalms 46:5)

You are loved with an Everlasting love! 
(see Jeremiah 31:3)

God is in the Midst of you and you will not be moved!
 (see Psalms 46:5)

There will be days when people will question you as a mom.. They will question your ability, your boldness, your wisdom, your beliefs and your parenting skills.. 

There will even be days when people criticize everything you do as a mama.. 

But don't lose heart dear sister..

God doesn't think that... at all!
 In fact He sees your heart, your soul, your intentions and He is pleased. He sees that you try your hardest with what you have and that you are doing what you feel is best!

In His opinion you are most qualified to raise the children you have! And if anyone can raise that little joy running around your house like a little crazy person, you can!


 You are an extraordinary mama doing an extraordinary job. You are raising the future and making a difference for tomorrow.
                                                 

Give Him your mornings.

but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.  - Is 40:31

Ever since  I became a Mother Jesus has really been encouraging me to wake up before light and spend some quiet one on one time with Him. Those quiet mornings are so important to me, it's a breath of fresh air, it's life, it's peace and it's powerful.  It's something I need and without a doubt would go crazy without. It's a love encounter. A love encounter that makes me stronger, energizes me and encourages me to love throughout the rest of the day which is much needed!

Some mornings it can be a huge struggle to get out of bed before the sun shines through my windows and sometimes I'm so tired I can't even open my eyes to get up. But when I don't get up I find myself even more exhausted, and tired throughout the day then I would have if I had gotten up earlier..
 Mornings have become my favorite part of the day.. Minus the annoying frog ringtone I have on my phone that goes off.  But after I manage to hurry up and turn it off my mornings are golden.

 I start of by thanking Jesus and asking Him to use me this day even before putting my feet on the floor.  I want both Jesus and the devil to know that as soon as I put my feet on the floor I am mission minded. I want all of Jesus and I want Him to do all He wants with me for that day.

Then I go upstairs, make my breakfast, pour my delicious and creamy season  flavored  coffee  and continue to thank Jesus and sometimes check my phone for random texts that was sent to me from my late night friends sisters. After that I go into the living room, sit on my comfy couch with a blanket and cup of Jo and just sit and soak. I read my daily prophetic book given to me by this girl,  and of course The Bible. And then I write in my journal while worshiping Jesus.

Something so intimate and something so powerful!  And by that time I am ready to go get my darling girl who is for the most part one happy baby in the morning. She also benefits a great deal of me waking up in the morning because this is where my patience and love for the day is fulfilled. It is very rare when I feel like my patience is tried, or tempted to be loosened. Because it is His patience.. His love and patience that has been renewed in me. And it is extremely good because she has been really testy lately so I thank Jesus that His patience and love in me  never ends and is always overflowing. .

 I also pray that Evelynne takes this with her.. That every time she wakes up Jesus is the first she goes to and gets her mind renewed, her strength strengthened, her love deepened, and her patience refilled.. Because it is definitely needed.

Darling, Today Jesus wants me to encourage you to do the same.. He wants to have a love encounter with you and give you strength before you start your day.. Would you let Him strengthen and love you more than you have  ever experienced before? I'm telling you It's awesome!

So, close your eyes, grab your journal and pen, get a nice warm beverage, turn on some classical music and be loved sister!

                                             Love ya!
                                       xoxo Heather.
                      
                                                

For such a time as this.

For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”  -  Esther 4:14

Don't you just love it when you're reading The Bible and you've come across a certain verse that you have most likely read hundreds of times before and  for the first time you have something to take from it??

Yep, this is happened to me with Esther 4:14 recently and I want to share it with you.

If you know me or I'm sure just by reading my blog it's pretty obvious I'm a peace maker..I will do almost anything to keep peace and avoid confrontation. Which is why I keep silent sometimes on my media spaces because I know so many would freak out  on what I have to say!

Am I saying that I'm terrified of negative comments, people leaving my blog because they can't take the heat, loosing friends, and getting face book messages from family and friends saying they don't appreciate what I say? YES!! Well, at least I was.. But this verse right here has given me a heart change.. BIG TIME.

While I was reading these words of wisdom I felt the Holy Spirit whisper to me saying

"Heather, if you remain quiet in this season of life, everyone will be good for a while and for a while the peace will be kept and eventually help will come to them but you and your family will truly die!"

Of course it's not a physical death.. But perhaps spiritual or even death to gifts or talents. Not because God would take them away because God is not an Indian giver but we'd give them up because we'd rather keep quiet then use them to touch the lives of others.. Just for peace that really isn't peace.

I didn't understand at first what God meant by family though? Why would my family die spiritually if I chose to keep silent? and during that week it hit me like a huge wrecking ball.. It was some hardcore truth people.

When it says that you and your family will perish we're not talking physical death again but spiritual.. I want my children to be so on fire for God that it's dangerous! I want them to be fully sold out to God never being fearful with their beliefs but I want them to love and believe with boldness..

But how will they get that and know how to live like that if they don't see me walking in the same way?

If you don't show your family that the Gospel means so much to you that you would give your life and time for this Message of Truth then how would you expect your children or spouse to do the same?

If you ignore the hurting, ignorant and prideful because you are fearful of what they would say or to busy with your to-do list to let God move then how is your child going to see the importance of The Gospel of Christ?

Who else will they get that from if not you?

I want my children to be so bold that they would be willing to pray over strangers in a heartbeat.. And you know that starts with me.

This has become one of my nugget verses.. A verse that I can apply to every aspect of my life.
Even blogging.

I have noticed that I'm not the only one who likes to keep away from confrontation in this blogging community and you know there is nothing wrong with that.. Unless you are put here to make a difference. Because  how would you make a difference if you're apart of the crowed? Or sitting on the side waiting for someone else to make that difference?


My friends and fellow bloggers. You are here for a purpose and for such a time as this you are given this platform. You have the opportunity to change lives, make a difference, open the eyes of those who can't see truth and you have the power to encourage right there where you are sitting.. It's an amazing gift!

And you know speaking out on your beliefs, on the things you want to share or just some things you're passionate about  may cause confrontation, hate comments and you may even lose followers.. But I can guarantee that there will be one at least that will be touched by your words!

And If I can encourage one person with truth and life and be persecuted by the rest of the world then I am satisfied. 

You have the power today to bring healing  to those who are hurting and to speak life and encouragement into someone's morning.
 This is your platform, your blog.
What do you have to say?
Is your message worth reading?

For such a time as this you are given your platform, you are given followers, and you are given people who are depending on you to make their day different in some way. If they didn't they wouldn't be there.. So what will you do?

Love you guys! xoxo

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. 
- Romans 1:16

P.S Come back tomorrow for our very random Link up!!! This months topic is "The girl behind the blog" & we want to know what your favorite recipe is :)

Some Java for the Mama. My new online weekly devotional

                                           

      Hey Ladies, Happy Thursday! How is your week going? Great I hope!
    I wanted to share with you this morning a new series I'm starting called  "Java for the Mama".

I got this idea after reading Faith's new blog post called "Jesus time for mama's." Have you read it?? That's what I thought.. Go read it now! :) It's such a great reminder of how much we need that Jesus time every day. I know for me if I don't get it I'm just one big unmotivated lush all day. I feel dry, impatient, unmotivated and just unhappy and that's not good! Especially for the little life that depends on me every second of the day. How can I enjoy life if I don't spend it with the One who gives me a reason to be joyful?

So, ladies. I'd like to introduce to you my very new series called "Some Java for the mama".. A place to get your encouragement and Spiritual caffeine every Thursday morning.

My prayer for this series is to not only build a community of  mamas but also women who are not yet mamas.. I believe with all my heart that this devotional will benefit you because even though you don't yet have biological children you may have some children who are like your own, you may nanny and I guarantee that there is some little love out there who looks  up to you and even if you don't you could certainly apply a majority of it to your life.

I desire for this series to build a sisterhood and just energize you with everything you need.

                                                      You guys with me?

The Most important thing I can teach my daughter.

When I found out I was pregnant I was super excited about the responsibility God has anointed and blessed me with. It's something I take very seriously and I feel it should be.

I look forward to teaching my daughter so many things. To read, write, to find  beauty in the simple things in life. But  I believe really the most important thing I can teach my daughter, reveal to her and encourage her to receive and to know,  is her true identity in Christ! Because so many in the world are going to try and deceive her, and tell her who they think she is.  It is so important that those things don't matter to her and that the only opinion that should and does matter is from her Heavenly Beloved,  Father and King.

To remember that she is beautiful beyond compare. Not because of her looks or what she wears.  But to remember that she is beautiful because God made her that way. He looks at her, adores her and knows what He has made is really good!  Genesis 1:31

To remember that she is the Victor and never the victim. Because she is the true daughter of the most High God. A spiritual warrior that cannot be defeated.

"But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." -1 Corinthians 15:57

  I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. -Philippians 4:13  

  For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. -Romans 6:14

To remember not to fear because she is perfectly loved. And that nothing can harm her. To know that she has the authority to stomp serpents, to heal the sick, raise the dead, and no evil thing will come near her. To know that evil is powerless when the Children of God are unafraid. And that God has given her the Authority to do such things.

There is no fear in love but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

-1 John 4:18

 

Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. That she has the very abundant life that God has given to her through His Son. 
-1 John 4:17


And when He had called unto Him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.
-Matthew 10:1

I want Evelynne to know that even Before she was conceived God knew her and sanctified and anointed  her.

Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. -Jeremiah 1:5

 
She is the Bride of Christ. And she is cherished and crowned with glory and honor.

 

To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:  -Colossians 1:27

 

 For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour. 

-Psalms 8:5 

And She was created for His Glory to do the Mighty things that God has anointed her  to do. And only she can do! 

Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. -Revelation 4:11

Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him. -Isaiah 43:7

And that she can go to Jesus with anything and He will answer her and show her mighty things in His Name.   Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. -Jeremiah 33:3 


I have mentioned before that I believe the most important thing for a woman to know or anyone in general is to know their Identity in Christ! Because once they know that. Nothing will be able to stop them. Not fear, not condemnation, not people, and not even circumstances! When we know our identity in Christ we are dangerously unstoppable! 

I want to teach my daughter these things because I believe it is the most important thing a Born again Christian can know. If they don't know this, they will be stomped on and deceived by what the world thinks they are. 

My desire and dream is that my daughter knows who she is in Christ. That she can stand tall as a believer looking down to no one. 

 To have such authority and boldness  in Christ and allowing Him to work miracles in her life. 

My  prayer is that what people say doesn't move her but instead,  what she says moves other people. 

That she can stand inline at a grocery store and not envy or be discouraged by the half dressed model in a magazine, but instead pray for her and pity her.

 To not be effected by piers, but instead her piers be effected by her. 

I believe God has given Leon and I such responsibility by placing this little love  in our hands. A responsibility we will take most seriously. I can't tell you how blessed I am to be a mama!

No guilt.

 I have re-written this post about five times now.. Trying to figure out how and where to start. Sometimes posts from the heart are so easy to write and other times it takes time.. It takes time to just quiet your mind and everything around you and let your heart speak.. Today is definitely one of those.

I love being a Mama. I do! It's my calling in life. It's an anointing God has placed upon me and it's a job I know I'm good at. I know these things without a doubt and yet sometimes I still let the lies of the enemy bring me down by throwing guilt in my face or comparison.. Throwing at me the thieves of all joy..

It's something I have battled with ever since I became a Mama and it's suffocating at times by how awful I feel over the simplest things such as letting Evelynne cry herself to sleep because she won't let me cuddle her to sleep  or getting frustrated with her because I'm so tired and I feel exhausted still from that morning when she woke up at 1am wide awake..

I see all of these pinterest worthy Mama's and instagram and facebook Mama's  continually posting pictures of their daily activities with their children and it's so hard for me not to compare my motherhood to theirs.. With me not having a car our schedule sometimes just involves walks five times a day making it as exciting as possible and thank God for friends! 

And with all that being said I really feel like Jesus is always speaking to me through those times telling me

"Heather, Think of all the good things you did today as a Mama and stop drowning yourself in the things that didn't meet your expectations."

Let me see here..
My daughter woke up to hugs and kisses.
I fed her really good yogurt and toast for breakfast.
Provided for her clean clothes to wear that day.
did her hair.
took her on a walk.
Loved on her and gave her everything I had to give.

And Once I did that. Once I brought attention to all the things I did with my daughter I was proud of the stuff I wasn't so proud of wasn't a huge deal compared to everything else.

Yes, I get frustrated with my beautiful daughter sometimes.. 9 times out of 10 it's mainly because I'm tired and exhausted and the other time is because I really think often times I'm raising a three year old in a one year old's body. She's so older minded and likes to try and out smart mama sometimes and boy if she doesn't get her way the whole neighborhood knows it. She's a leader and I love her for that and she is determined to get what she wants and I admire her about that.. I just need to continue to seek Jesus and His wisdom to show me and and continue to receive His wisdom in raising my darling strong willed precious girl.

Truth is Mama's.. We have a huge job on our hands.. It's hard, crazy at times and sometimes exhaustion over runs it all. But there is seriously nothing more rewarding.

I am a firm believer that raising a child  is the most important job here on earth.. It's a ministry all in itself. It's where 24/7 you are always giving, always on call and you constantly have your   guard up  to protecting your precious child.. And I'm not saying it's the most important job to be prideful and I'm not saying it's the hardest job either.. But what we're doing while raising our children is we're raising the future. We're raising an opportunity to make a difference. When we make a difference in the lives of our children or other peoples children and when we give them unconditional love, mercy and compassion and show them that Jesus difference in a Mama they will take that and share it with the world.

And this is why the enemy tries so hard to take your mind off of the importance of Motherhood and plants thoughts of guilt and comparison. Because he wants your child to experience guilt and comparison as well. Mama's even at a young age your children are still watching you. Even in the womb they feel you and get vibes on how your feeling.

Satan is not only on a mission to steal your joy but also the joy of your husband and children.. Because he knows what your children carry. The very hope that is in Jesus Christ.  The hope that saves, heals, brings life and condemns darkness. And all we need is just one with that hope to bring condemnation to hopelessness.

I am learning this every day. In fact Jesus is showing me this in a new light as I'm writing it down. And I want to encourage you today that you are not alone and it's okay to feel frustrated, exhausted and even mad at times. In fact I sometimes believe that Jesus gave us this verse specifically for mama's at times. I deeply encourage you sisters to take this verse seriously and run with it. Jesus knows weariness better than anyone! And He gets you, He's got you and He wants to give you rest. And He'll do that. You just gotta go to Him.
 
Mama's will you let me encourage to today?

If you are experiencing guilt for something such as getting frustrated with your kids, maybe you punished them or yelled at them out of anger or  made them nap because you couldn't take anymore.

Maybe you feel bad for letting them cry themselves to sleep because sometimes you just have to do that.

Maybe you feel bad because you don't feel like you do enough things with you child.

Or maybe your a new Mama and your just so tired and you don't know what your baby wants. Or breastfeeding is  difficult and you feel guilty for switching to formula. You know there is nothing wrong with that and it doesn't mean you love your baby any less.. Breast feeding is not for everyone and it seriously has nothing to do with love. It's just a way of supplying food for your baby.

No matter what your going through as a mama leave it at the feet of Jesus.Know who you are as a Mama and know that you are a good one who is anointed and gifted to raise little warriors.

And remember that God is not  calling perfect moms!  Because there aren't any. Not even the one's on face book, blogger and instagram.. And that's okay. We all need Jesus and I'll choose His perfection to cover me and my weakness. Because that's where He is strong and He wants to be your strength as well.. He knows you can't do this mom thing without Him because He knows you and your child better than you do and He wants to help you out. So when your uncertain about something when it comes to your parenting, instead of all of a sudden feeling guilty about it or feeling like a horrible parent talk to Jesus about it. Ask Him His thoughts or if He has any ideas of a better way to do it.. I promise if you go to Him He'll guide you through this journey of Motherhood.



Always remember Mama's Jesus is with you always, and instead of dwelling on the thought that you are a bad Mama because of the fewish things you have done that may not have even been a wrong decision  but just a decision. Remember that you are not a bad mom.. But you are a pretty darn good one and Jesus makes you an even better one. :)

And always remember this!