I’m an average mom. I yell too much and don’t listen enough. I mess up. Daily.
My kids are normal too. They can be delightful one minute and talking back or writhing on the floor in a tantrum the very next.
[If you can’t relate to the above confessions, you are probably above average and might want to skip this post.]
And we probably don’t love each other any more than you and your kids.
But, that doesn’t mean I’m not going to brag. (See first sentence about being an average mom: I can’t help myself).
Because this is the happy face of a Mom who hasn’t seen her kids in 10 days (or had a shower in 30+ hours):
Returning from Africa was a celebration!
We did it: my family (with the help of grandparents and friends) championed the cause without complaint and only offered me unconditional love and support while I was away. I couldn’t have done it without them.
Life is full of ups and downs. The good and bad mark our journeys. But it’s the celebrations we remember. Whether it’s overcoming fear (my first Goodnites post) or celebrating victories, we are in this together.
Speaking of celebrations, someone will be rejoicing with a $2500 victory by winning the Bedtime Theater Writing Contest! Just submit your 275 word chapter and it could be you!
Oh, and a lucky reader, will have cause to celebrate when they win what I’m giving away TODAY:
- 2GB Silver iPod Shuffle
- Logitech Speakers
- $25 iTunes Gift Card
- Brookstone Cuddle Blanket
- Patagonia Bag
A prize package worth approximately $175!!!!!!
To enter, please leave a comment that might help a child overcome adversity (like “have faith”, “don’t give up!’ etc) Who knows, you might even come up with an idea for the next chapter in Iggy’s Great Adventure at the Bedtime Theater.
great giveaway!! (would really come in handy on my flights for an upcoming missions trip to africa…)
I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me. Phil 4:13
You can be anyone you want to be!
Every Saint has a past, every Sinner has a future!
Faith in God and knowing HE can help you in All things! We try and tell them that life is not perfect, that there will be hard times and share the times we have been through.
Do the best you can, and have no regrets
God loves you and has a plan for you, trust him and pray a lot!
When you are afraid… trust in God.
I have learned that one of a man's greatest needs is that of honor. As I try to meet that need for my husband I also try to meet it for the two youngest men in my life and that is my two young sons. I tell them often how proud I am of them and do not laugh or ridicule them when they fail at something. I also never complain about them to other moms, or family members.
And although I don't have any girls, I would use the same philosophy with them. Women need security so I would encourage Daddy to tell her how precious and special she is and how she will always have her mommy and daddy to tell her how much they love her. I believe that filling these needs even as children can help them to deal with adversities in their lives. Besides, have you ever met a child that didn't want to be told how proud you were of them or how special they are? I never have.
Very cool conecpt. I think I’ll head over there and check out some keywords for myownself. thanks Cow.AL
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Live, Laugh, Love!
What a sweet homecoming!
My advice would be "Be yourself no matter what."
Never say never…you can do anything you put your mind to!
He won't let you down.
I'm a runner, and I'm blessed that my kids have seen me finish some of my biggest races, including my first marathon, which I ran in pouring rain and driving wind. In difficulty I remind them that sometimes it does rain on your biggest race, things don't always turn out the way you dreamed, and our God sometimes gives us tough situations. But He doesn't ask that we win every race, only that we trust Him and do our best. And His rewards are better than some dinky medal. (I tell myself this too.)
Karina
You are an ameriCAN not an ameriCANT
Cyndee Esquibel
I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me
When I'm facing difficult tasks, I think of Larry The Cable Guy's saying, "Get er done". That's what I tell myself when I'm trail running in the mountains and I have to run up the mountain. It makes me laugh and helps me get through it!
What a great giveaway!!!
"Do you want to pray about it together right now?"
"Daddy always loves you, Mommy always loves you, Jesus always loves you." – MKWold
You are my little boy/girl, I have faith that you can conquer this. The only way to find out is to try, the only way to learn is to try.
From Ephesians 6:
stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
Deb
Awesome giveaway 🙂
God's Love Never Fails!!
Let Go! And Let God!
You are LOVED!!
No, you won't do everything perfectly–no one does. Christ was the only perfect one to walk the earth. So, be persistent, and trust that God will fill in the gaps!
Not exactly encouragement, but my grandfather always told us, "If you can't stand it, suffer." He taught us that life isn't always easy, but it doesn't do any good to complain about our circumstances.
Do your best, God will take care of the rest.
Well, my son is wearing GoodNights underpants right now. And, we got the cd with Iggy's adventures on it. Both of my boys LOVE the cd. The one thing that I tell my son on the mornings that he does wake up with a wet pull up on is, "It's not your fault". I believe that it's very important that he understands that and doesn't get discouraged.
Celebrate your diversity every day. You know you're different. You know your difference makes you special. Whenever you are facing a hardship, think about what makes you special and put it forward. Be yourself!
internationalfreebies AT gmail.com
You are Amazing, and God calls you Beautiful!
God is right here — with you!
Stay true to youself and never give up.
Nothing is ever so bad that a little grit, determination and faith can't get you through it!
You have a whole army on your side, even if you can't see it at the time, get going…someone will always have your back!
I Peter 5:7
Cast all your cares on Him for he cares for you
God is faithful.
If you can dream it, you can do it! Walt Disney
You can become anything you want in your lifetime. It is there waiting for you to find it. It is not a dream but an reality, once you find it. And you will, because you are strong.
I love Jer. 29:11 and it is one of my favorite "go tos" during times of need but lately, God just seems to sing "Jesus Loves Me" in the voice of my 3 year old just when I need it most.
Thanks for the giveaway
Rebecca
5langfordatcomcastdotnet
Just take the next step. You'll get there one step at a time.
God's plan for you is the ultimate plan, so be flexible! It's in His time – so be patient.
As a mother of three teens, I often remind "my babies" that there is no failure.
For each each choice we make, there is a learning curve. A teaching moment if you will.
Take what you learn and grow.
Change, what you don't like but keep the process, as we use this is how we make the "right" choices down the road.
We choose to be happy and take what God gives us and make the most of it.
"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."
~ Eleanor Roosevelt
I have been so moved by your writings from your trip to Africa. I am amazed and that the beauty that is there among some of the most tragic circumstances and conditions.
I am sure that as a mother, wife, friend and writer that those experiences will change you, just as hopefully your visits have offered hope to those you met while you were there!
Just keep swimming!
God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
"Ask Jesus to help you."
Would love to win. Thanks for all your blogs about Compassion. It has really caused us to consider and think. Unemployed right now, but still trying to find a way to make it happen. My kids are on board! Your blog posts are honest and inspiring. Thanks Kristin.
BELIEVE!!!
In God above all, In His love for you, In the fact that He created you exactly the way He wanted you!
I (you) can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (you). Phil 4:13….does it get any better than that?
I'm always telling my 9-year-old — it's not impossible, it's just a challenge! Just keep trying your best. Also, we tend to make challenging things funny. Make a joke and a lot of the tension will go away.
Beckie
nbakerfamily at yahoo dot com
You can never be bad enough I love you less or good enough I love you more!
You can never be bad enough I love you less or good enough I love you more!
You can never be bad enough I love you less or good enough I love you more!
Do your best, and God will take care of the rest. Truly believe that. Thanks for writing such inspiring posts. jadjenny at gmail dot com
you are not alone, God is with you.
To not fear because God is always near. Knowing God is there with them, even though they can't see Him, has always helped my kids through troubles and scares. Thank you for the giveaway.
koinonia572001@yahoo.com
A hurting heart is an opportunity for God to do a miracle
God is bigger than any fear — that includes the boogey man, monsters under the bed, etc. — real or imagined.
"The most authentic thing about us is our ability to create, to overcome, to endure, to transform, to love, and to be greater than our suffering."
This will end; it can't last forever.
You can give without love but you can't love without giving 😉
No matter what, I am PROUD of you.
Things don't always turn out as planned – but they always turn out.
Not every day is a good day – but you can make tomorrow better.
Pray and ask God for help.
Big at our house: I think I can, I think I can! (channeling The Little Engine That Could) This gets chanted whenever my 3½ year-old says in frustration, "Mom, I can't do it!" Hearing that line makes him grin and try again…and he usually succeeds!
Your way of explaining the whole thing in this post is genuinely good,
all be able to without difficulty understand it, Thanks a lot.
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