Sunday, February 5, 2012

Have a HEART For Your Kids - Accept Them


A - Accept them 


Navigating life's trails can be more than a little difficult at times. 


We keep paddling on, rowing ahead, moving forward. 


Or go around in circles.
Sometimes I find myself going around in circles.

Accepting your children is one of the most important things you can do for them.
It's easy to accept them when they are doing what's right.

It becomes a bit more difficult if you have extenuating circumstances that cause tension and stress.

Some are faced with problems in their home that feel out of control and even hopeless.
I'm here to tell you that no situation is hopeless.
God can work miracles in your home - your family - your children.
He is working miracles in mine! Really.

As I read chapter 3 in  Rachael Carman's book -
 I became more and more convicted about something in particular.
My face. 

Yup. My face. Also my tone of voice - but I hear myself speak, so I at least am a bit more
aware of my tone than I usually am of  - my facial expressions.

Children are so very perceptive. 
They know when they are loved - and my children are all loved.
They know when they are respected and cared for - and my children are all respected and cared for.
They know when they are ACCEPTED - and my children . . . . may be reading mixed messages in my face.

Shocking. I know. But seriously, I have one child in particular who really knows how to push buttons.
And, you talk about stubborn, I've NEVER met anyone so stubborn. Sometimes he pushes me beyond what I feel capable of handling. I've questioned my parenting skills like never before. It makes me tired!

He's brilliant. He's extremely creative. He's beautiful. He can be the sweetest, most charming child on the planet. He has charisma that can charm and entertain a whole room full of people!

God has brought him out of a very bad situation
He's been RESCUED from a life of neglect and rejection that landed him in foster care -
 and God placed him in our home. In my care.

I love him. He is my baby.
Even when he's been misbehaving - when he walks into the room
I want him to see my face light up! I want him to SEE love ALWAYS in my face -
love and ACCEPTANCE - I don't want to let stress wear me down
I don't have to - (it isn't in his best interest - isn't real love) to accept the behavior - but him
I accept him and I want to make sure he hears it, knows it, and sees it in my face! 


If I hesitate when he walks in the room - if I take a second to wonder what he may have just
been up too or if he's hiding something - what is he seeing in my face in those seconds?


Chapter 3 is about a radical change of perspective - I want his perspective to be simple
total love an acceptance for who he is and continual encouragement to do what is right.
I want him to KNOW :

Ephesians 2 : 10 
10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works,
 which God prepared in advance for us to do.

He is chosen and has good work to do!
I must NOT grow weary in making sure he knows that

Teaching all my boys about God's Word and helping them memorize scripture is one of the ways I am
helping to prepare them for whatever God has planned for them
Now, if their mommy can just walk it daily - we'll be in good shape!

HEART Book Club Banner1 Rachael Carman on HEART Chapter 3
If you haven't read the book - I hope you will - It is one of my favorite ever! 

On Thursday I'll be the featured blogger sharing my heart on chapter 4 
"Release Them To God" 
I hope you'll check back as I'll be sharing a personal story of how I had to let go of my oldest 
child - both figuratively and literally - and place him in God's hands.  
It was the most difficult moment of my life! 

#1000 Gifts of Gratitude and beyond:

160. Books from God that teach me
161. The Word that sustains me
162. Being convicted and making changes
163. Grace when I don't get it right
164. Family game night
165. Strangers in Publix
166. Cuddles in the morning
167. Little smiling faces
168. Little boys with proud puffed up chests
169. Encouraging mamas who "get it"

Linking up: 



Mustard Seeds  Saints and Scripture Sunday

11 comments:

peggy aplSEEDS said...

amen! i do hope my face shows my love and acceptance. thank you for sharing,
hugs, peggy aplSEEDS

Sunliz said...

I hadn't thought about that. Sigh. Convicting!

Keli Kalani said...

Beautiful thoughts... and list.

JOYfully in Him,
Kelli

Gidget said...

Such true words! My son will actually comment on how my face looks and do you know that I'm so dense i didn't put two and two together until I read this? :)

I will be getting this book - not sure when - but I am definitely getting it!

MomLaur said...

Oh it's so true! I tend to scowl when I'm disciplining or talking to them, and it's a bad tendency! I do not want them to see my disappointment written all over every inch of my face, but rather my love for them and a commitment to help! Thanks for this reminder to watch my tone AND my face!

Unknown said...

This is really convicting. When I need a break, am tired, get interrupted, I am SURE my face does not look accepting at all. May God do a mighty work in me, that I will always be welcoming.

Dianna@The Kennedy Adventures said...

This is such a struggle for me .... to embrace my vocation as a mother with JOY ... and not get so caught up in all the things I 'have to do."

Beautiful pictures and a beautiful post!

Dolly@ Soul Stops said...

Yes...what a wonderful reminder to make sure that our faces communicate acceptance...regardless...challenging at times...definitely need God's grace to do so. Thanks, Kelli :)

Stef Layton said...

good thoughts here - last year was a big year for me to embrace how God created my son (not for my pride but for HIS glory).

Rebecca said...

Yes...it's all for him....even our kids.... I wish I had known that 10 years ago....I would have made some better choices! Love ya!

Jennifer said...

You're right! I want my children to see love and acceptance always on my face and hear it in my voice. Thank you for reminding me to be aware of my facial expressions!