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.
As my 5 year old told me just last night…I am brave because I know I am not alone. Jesus is with me all the time.
Sarah Shay
sarahsshay@yahoo.com
"Never give up, never surrender!"
Tell me you've seen that movie 😉
"NOTHING is impossible with God."
Or…
"No one's perfect, we all make mistakes, it's what we learn from these mistakes that is the true measure of strength!" or something similar in a simpler form…
🙂
These are all great! Truly a belief in something greater than one's self is powerful. And confidence that God does indeed love each and every one of us and cares for us individually makes a huge difference!
TheTrainToCrazy (at) gmail.com
Stop and smell the roses – and don't forget to laugh!
The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is the little extra.
You can do anything you want to do in life as long as you set your mind to it.
mami2jcn at gmail dot com
You can do it!
Shoot for the moon!
~Thanks! Amberloo22 AT aol DOT com
Try and try again! If you never try then you never knew if you could do it.
You are loved!
June
Kennlaff@comcast.net
With God, all things are possible!
Never say never…. because anything is possible!!
If you can eat those lima beans, you can do ANYTHING!
God never promised life would be easy, just that He would never leave us.
If at first you don't succeed . . . try, try again!
PUSH… Pray Until Something Happens
K
mom to 10 blessings
If God brings you to it he will bring you through it… if you let him!
Gods love is bigger than the moon and can fit in the tiniest crack. He is so awesome its unbelievable. And the best part is, HE believes in YOU!
You know what, I can't in good conscience offer a "God encouragement" for a prize. I tried, but it doesn't feel right. If you draw me please try again. Love reading the others, it gave me encouragement! (That is a prize in itself!)
Love what you do, Thanks!
Lisa
Keep your eyes on Jesus.
Jeremiah 29:11 all the way!!! HE does have plans for you – plans to prosper you, NOT to destroy! Trust HIM with ALL your heart!
Believe in yourself, and do your best in all you do.
Cast all your cares upon Him:)
Dory in Finding Nemo has some good advice… Just keep swimming!
Shelly
Sometimes the thing you thought would never happen is the best thing that ever happened!
(Repeated to myself often during this surprise pregnancy, job loss, car trouble and all the rest the last year has sprung on me! Despite all the struggles, I am happier–more content–now than I've ever been!)
MARANATHA!
BJ, Silver Spring, MD
In honor of Diary of a Wimpy Kid, I'm going to go with "just be yourself". Thanks for the giveaway, hope to win:)
I will always love you!
I'm here for you when you need me.
dmfitzpatrick16 @ rangers.nwosu.edu
I love you very very much, but God loves you even more. He created you to be just the way you are. Jesus is your best friend.
If God brings you to it, he will get you through it! :0)
Pray, Rejoice, and Give Thanks Daily! 🙂
Believe, and you will achieve.
kahenry9@hotmail.com
With God anything is possible.
You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. Just because we're scared doesn't mean we can't do something!
Give it your all. If it doesn't work, know that you tried, and we love you anyway.
Sarah
sarahtonyk@gmail.com
Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
I love you and God loves you. Nothing else matters. †
George Patton once said that his troops were brave for going to battle afraid, not for not being afraid.
Believe in yourself.
rgbarron01 at yahoo dot com
Be the superstar you are!
God hears all your prayers.
You can do it. See, you are doing it! Things will get easier with practice!
You are never, EVER alone. Just close your eyes and you'll feel his arms around you. Always.
"Shoot for the moon, even if you miss, you'll land among the stars!"
Or my recent favorite for myself:
"Don't quit before the miracle!"
~LEW
Always try your very best, and if your best wasn't quite good enough, never forget you are loved ; and the One who loves you most, is never disappointed by your effort or in who you are.
Always try your very best, and if your best wasn't quite good enough, never forget you are loved ; and the One who loves you most, is never disappointed by your effort or in who you are.
Our favorite around here: if you have Jesus in your heart, you have a Superhero to help you! No need to fear the dark at night. But if you're still afraid, flip your pillow to the happy dream side. 🙂
I remember when my oldest started to be afraid of the dark. We told her that if God was in her heart, he was always with her. She could pray, and he would help her. It really helped her!
There once was a fine southern lady
Who thought it was time to leave her babies
To see a new land
and give a helping hand
to those who were in great need.
This lady was touched by all that she saw
and knew she couldnt do nothing at all
so she went to the keyboard
to spread the one true Word
about all we could do to help.
With the fire in her heart
she made others start
to give some of their own precious time.
All because one woman, one sister in Christ, one mother, one friend set out on a new adventure.
To all the children, sisters, mothers, brothers, mothers, and fathers and everyone in between remember that no prayer falls on deaf ears and that to someone you are special and important even to people who you have never met.
Be who you are no matter who that is! I promise…that is who you are best at being!
I believe in you…
God wants you to do YOUR best, not comparing to someone else. He created you special and just the way he intended you to be.
Even though it may feel like it sometimes, you are NEVER alone. God is always with you.
reinforcement. Its a must in this house. With 4 kids ranging from 11-2 we have a lot of reinforcment around here!! Adversity comes when one does not belive in themselves. This is where I come in (for now) as the reinforcer. IN fact just the other day when my son was racing his cousin across the park (and lost) he said "thats ok, I might not be the best runner, but I am the best hugger" then promply hugged his cousin. Showing them that can are good at some things, and not everything helps them over come adversity. Me just being there to remind them of what they are good at encourges them at the same time.
Remember who you are. A child of God.
Be still, and know that I am God…
I believe in you!
Growing up my life was, challenging. But I wouldn't trade it now. There is nothing like truly appreciating the little things in life, like a hot shower and a dishwasher!
Have faith, and you will grow!
God is in control. Nothing surprises Him!
Keep the faith, believe, endure, strive, live, love and hope. All things are possible! Never give in and never give up.
I am the mom of a child who has a primary immune system deficiency and I teach him each day that he can accomplish anything that he wants to! Because of his hardships, he will be a stronger, kinder, more empathetic person and I am grateful for that!
"I can do al things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13)
You were created by God for a purpose, don't let anyone or anything tell you different.
There is a light at the end of this tunnel, just stay focused on the Father and he'll see you through to the other side. God is with you every step of the way!
jennybenny19 (at) yahoo (dot) com
God is bigger than anything you or I can do or say
or believe.
"Is anything too hard for God?!"
Brenna
You are the answer to all of your problems. If you don't like it, change it. If you like it, keep getting better. YOU are the answer.
You can do and be anything that you put your mind to. Just be who you are and do what you can to acheive it!
I realized early on that success was tied to not giving up. If you simply didn't give up, you would outlast the people who came in on the bus with you. Harrison Ford
Successful people are those who keep going when others quit.
The first response to anything should be to pray! Little ones are never too young to learn that.
jennifer@beautifulcalling.ca
I am excited to see everyone else's responses. We are struggling with this as our 1st child is in 1st grade and now has homework. He is a perfectionist (not a good quality to pass on to your child) and gives up easily when he gets something wrong. We have been working on this since September. I just continue to tell him that he can do it. We don't expect him to be perfect or get everything right. We just expect him to do his best. The tears are so hard to see when he gets frustrated with himself. So…looking for some more good reponses from the list of comments.
Give it to God!!
When things are bad … remember: There are people out there pulling for you … who love you for WHO YOU ARE.
Find strength in yourself and believe…
When we lean on others they may bend but God is a rock… Always lean on him, let him be your crutch through everything. Today your problem may been like a HUGE mountain but when you conquer it, you will look down and realize it was so small that you are almost standing flat. Always look for that silver lining because there is beauty in any situation. To the world you are just somebody, but to somebody you are the WORLD. You are beautiful and special because everything God created he said "was good" he didnt make junk 🙂
Believe in yourself!
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid for the Lord your God goes with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9
Just remember that you are never alone in these times. God is thinking about you ALL of the time and LOVES you more that you can imagine! He is on YOUR side and by your side. And Mommy and Daddy are here, too!
Those pictures of your return are priceless, as are your words. High five to your ordinary family doing extraordinary things through and with God.
To help a child overcome adversity: You have a friend in Jesus.
stepping back and taking a deep breath has always helped me to work through issues …. it's a good first start, anyway.
"You won't even remember this in a few years" 🙂
Hope can be found in the lowest valley and the highest mountain; the darkest night and the brightest day. It can be found no matter what our situation in life, because Jesus can be found no matter what we're going through or where we are. He has promised to never leave us nor forsake us and we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us!
I can do ALL things through Christ who gives me strength!! Just remember that you are a child of the King!!
Keep trying! Don't give up!
Don't tell God how big your mountain is, tell the mountain how big your God is!
Try a smile!
You can do anything if you just put your mind to it!
Thank you!
Maggie M.
You can do it, I am with you every step of the way!
Thanks,
Jen A.
Never give up!
Thank you,
Leroy M.
You don't always get what you want — but you'll find sometimes: you get what you NEED! (Okay, it is a Rolling Stones lyric — but God works through all things ;-))
God Love ya — can't wait to read all about your faith journey to Africa! (I am behind on all my blogs!)
In my house we say, "this too shall pass".
I can do all things – EVEN overCOME fear – thru Christ who strengthens me.
OR God is the MOST powerful superhero. Period.
God hears all our prayers!!
Karis
Jesus, loves you baby!
Trust in the God who defeated death, hell, and the grave. Never forget that He alone is the author and the FINISHER of our faith.
"Love Them Like Jesus"- we say this daily to our girls and have it posted many places in our home. Not only "them" as in our family and friends but "them" as in orphans, strangers, everyone. God created each of us in HIS imagine- "cool" or not. We are all perfect!
Always remember Whose you are . . . and "the (insert family name here) Smiths try and try until they get the job done!"
Nancy
My grandpa used to always say "Can't who never tried, never couldn". Now you have to say that with a southern drawn to appreciate it fully.
I may be way off base with this phrase, but the one we use a lot is:
"Different families have different rules."
When he gets ridiculed for not being able to do or say something I gently remind him of that phrase!
Believe you can.
Just keep swimming!
Where hope grows, miracles blossom.
Don't give up, God is with you and will sheild you on all sides, ground your fee, and lift your head high (Psalm 3:3 MSG).
My son used to get so upset when he'd do something wrong. My response was this you need to say to yourself "I made a mistake, but I can fix it."
By fixing it, he would apologize to the person and ask God for forgiveness.
He was always so much happier after that.
Keep on, keeping on! You're doing great!!
Let go and let God!
"You can do hard things"
I like what Veggie Tales has to say on the matter…
"God made you special and He loves you very much!"
Blessings,
Pam
My son struggles in school and often has fits where he calls himself an idiot. I tell him "you're only an idiot if you think you're an idiot" Then follow up with "You are fearfully and wonderfully made, and God doesn't make idiots. He just allows us to be one."
God made you special!
Every day is a new beginning.
Just keep swimming!
My mom used to put vinyl clings on our bathroom mirror with encouraging sayings. One of them that I remember and was special to me was, "I'm glad you're my kid!".
Try again!
Try again!
You can do it! I believe in you!
We remind our kids that excellence does not equal perfection. It's simply doing the very best you can with what God has given you.
"I LOVE you unconditionally"
Believe in yourself – I know I do! What a great giveaway – pick me 🙂
In our family we always say
"You've got this!"
and
"If He leads you to it, He will lead you through it"
You'll never get it if you never try!
i'm not sure it's quotable, but we say it over and over again at our house when someone's having trouble: "try again… or ask for help".
Don't worry about where you are coming from – I've got your back! Keep on moving ahead and I promise to catch up when you need me in front too.
This too shall pass.
It is never too late to start fresh!
Nothing is impossible with God. I know its already been posted, but its a good thing to memorize. 🙂
Jesus will give you the strength!
Don't let anyone tell you that you can't!
Love God, Love people.
When God closes a door, he opens a window.
kg4rmt at arrl dot net
Cry out and believe someone is listening.
Becky
rahastings@juno.com
Be strong, and take courage. Do not fear or be afraid.
'people who never make mistakes, have never tried anything new.'
try new things, knowing you might not get it right the first time. discovery comes after many many mistakes.
There is nothing new under the sun…just look in the photo album. I can always find a picture of one of our family at a similar age going through the same thing. The Bible shows us that our history goes way back and He was always there for His children, and he will be there for you, too! Someday you can show your kids a picture of how you feel now and make them feel better!
EVERYTHING is possible to he or she who BELIEVES.
Be courageous in the Lord. We don't always have the ability to muster the courage ourselves, but if you rely on God…it will be there.
Don't Stop BEEE LEAVIN'!
xoxo
Jen
I am so taken by your blog. It is down right honest, compassionate and inspiring.
I am the mother of a 22.5 year old daughter and a Nana to a 22 month old granddaughter.
I have found in our house that we strive to continue to work on the following:
confidence in ones self
positive thoughts
loving unconditionally (this has proven to be the one that is always steadfast during our last two years of emotional issues)
regaining TRUST
I often giggle when I see your title of the blog as I'm sure that title can fit most families….
No matter what we are bound together as a family, good, bad, whatever anyone thinks.
You are a great inspiration.
Thank you!
"I can do hard things."
We ask our kids to, "Show me how to …." They are encouraged by the feeling that Mom and Dad are certain of their success. Of course, there are times when they need a, "You can do it!" – and we have plenty of those to hand out, too.
I always tell my son/family "Wow, that was a rough 20 minutes!" or "That was a bad hour!" It kind of puts a close to the rough patch and we have a new hour or 20 minutes etc! It really works around here and now my husband says it too!
amanda@ Shawnmckee.net
I always tell my son/family "Wow, that was a rough 20 minutes!" or "That was a bad hour!" It kind of puts a close to the rough patch and we have a new hour or 20 minutes etc! It really works around here and now my husband says it too!
amanda@ Shawnmckee.net
my 4yo daughter usually always counts on & plays w/God. when most kids make up an imaginary friend. when i hear her talking to herself or playing by herself, i'll ask who she is talking to and she says, "GOD, he's always w/me". Last night she was playing "Dancing With The Stars" w/GOD, he was her dance partner. totally cute.
nicolepipkin@gmail.com
God promises to never leave us and He is our Refuge and our Rock. He tucks us under His wings and no one can ever take us out of His hands.
Recently we've been watching a live barn owl webcam and it's been amazing to watch the owl mommy "Molly" cuddle her eggs and now one owlet "Max" under her wings. Such a beautiful picture of God's faithfulness to us!
Heather
http://lilyofthefield-heather.blogspot.com
"What time I am afraid, I will trust in God"
One thing that my parents always told us:
We still love.
God still loves you.
And the sun will still come up in the morning!
God isn't impressed by our abilities nor is He hindered by our disabilities, He is simply seeking our availability. It's a quote, but I don't know who said it.
Believe in yourself! 🙂
Press on!
What my daddy always told me:
"Just do your best"
You'll always be happy with that because you know you gave it your all.
Do the right thing and I will ALWAYS be proud of you…
🙂
No matter what is happening in your life, you can always turn to the Lord and to us (your parents) for comfort and guidance.
valerierinman (at) msn (dot) com