Thank you for today

This morning, we had our first of what promise to be many ultra sounds. Our baby is 18 weeks old, and the doctor wanted to see how he is growing. Unlike my pregnancies with our other children, I find myself waiting for the bad news at each appointment. It is always a relief to hear the nurse or technician say, "There it is," about the heart beat. Today was no exception. When we finally saw the little heart beating on the screen, the tears of thanks ran down my face. So now, I say, "Thank you," to the Giver and Preserver of Life. I also want to learn to give the lives of each of my living children to God in the same way each day. I want to consciously acknowledge that He alone has the right and power to give and take life. "Lord, thank You for giving our littlest one more days on this earth. Help me to love him and all those that You have put into my life to love, in ways that please You and show my understanding of Your power and control."

Are you telling the truth?

Nap time can be one of the most difficult parts of my day as a mother. I not only need a few minutes to breath deeply and think without interruption, but I also desire for my tired little ones to surrender and get the rest that I know that they need even when they think that they aren't tired. Today looked like one of those days when I would battle my two-year-old most of the afternoon just to get her to give in minutes before I had to wake her to head to a her brother's soccer game. I was especially convinced of this when I looked in to see her standing up in bed and dancing around with her blanket. After correcting her, we tickled and kissed then I reminded her that it was time to settle down and rest. The next time I looked into her room, I was prepared to enter the battle once more, but wonder of wonders, she was asleep. It was then that I realized how important it is to her that I keep my word, when I tell her that I will be checking back to see if she is asleep. When I keep my word and punish her for her misbehaviour, I am giving her reason to believe all the words that I say. Words like, "I love you," or, "You are smart." When I keep my word and make her obey, I am proving to her little heart that I am telling the truth when I tell her about the God of the Universe and His love and sacrifice for her. What a motivation to take care with the words that I speak to my children! What conviction that I must follow through on the expectaions that I set.