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Kerrington's Posts, {Love}

{Love} The Sweet 16. 

UYM

Written By: Kerrington Sweeney

I remember the day like it was just yesterday…it was a chilly April spring afternoon.  My 14 year old-self was busily getting ready to go to one of my close church friends Hawaiian Style “Sweet 16.”  This was my very first co-gender party I was ever attending.  I was so thrilled.  Like I mentioned before, I was 14 years old and still in the process of ‘finding myself’ so to say.

That evening before I was just about ready to leave for the party, my parents were in the process of ordering new cell phones online.  They were put on hold for what felt like forever (literally over 2 hours long…gotta love customer service.  Urggh!)
At this point the party had already began and I was getting very impatient to get going.  I arrived only about 30 minutes late to the party but, still I was late!!!

Upon my arrival, I walked in the back door of my friends house and was greeted by a staircase landing filled with dozens of shoes.  I could hear the voices of tons of people partying and loud music playing from inside.  My heart began to pound.  I am at a BIG party and it’s going to be a late night…this is amazing!  I thought.  With great anticipation, I opened the door and the party was already in full swing.  I had noticed vaguely that there was some guests that I didn’t know at this party but, I didn’t really pay much attention to it.

Like any other teenage-birthday party we all visited, played games and ate snacks.  But then…it was cake time!  I remember making my way to the dinning room where cake was to be served.  Between getting up from my chair in the living room to making my way the short distance to the dinning room, my attention was caught by a very handsome young guy whom I had never met before in my entire life.  My Friend, the ‘Birthday Girl’ saw that I was intrigued.  And quickly ran to my aid and introduced us.

I was speechless.  In that moment, I could feel my tummy fluttering frantically with hundreds of butterflies.  I mustered up all the courage within me to say “Hello!”

We chatted for quite some time that night and in amongst the crazy chaos and noise of the party for that 20 minutes or so it felt like it was just us there.  No one else.  Just he and I getting to know each other.  The party went on and it was such a great night filled with so many memories.  I remember leaving the party that night, with many hopes that one day I would see this young man again.

About a weeks time had passed and I had given up any hope of really ever seeing him again.  Besides I didn’t even know if he was a Christian or anything like that. I let the ‘feelings’ I had go.  It was now the next Friday and I was off to youth group.  All of us youth were just casually relaxing and chatting in the lobby of our church that night waiting for worship to get started.  My back was faced towards the door.  I heard the door open behind me and for some reason I turned around and long behold… there HE was.

As time went on, we both began to have a crush on each other for about a year and a half between seeing each other at youth on Friday Nights and now at Church on Sunday mornings.  I was so excited to finally turn 16, so I could just date this guy.  Then Life happened, and reality struck…

I knew without a doubt, deep down in my heart, that this was not the guy, God had chosen for me.  Experiencing a heart-break for the first time was very difficult.  I felt so empty…like I had nothing to offer.  Like I wasn’t worth it.  I came so close that time, to having that ultimate life goal fulfilled, with that perfect dating relationship and possibly filling that blank-space on my wedding invitations.  But God had other plans for me.  I moved on and began walking a different journey in my life.

Around that time, I joined a Book Study Club that my youth leaders, Mandy and Cindy, were hosting for the girls of our youth group…and it so happened to be, that the book we began studying was “When God writes your Love story.”  Perfect timing, I know!  I still remember the day that we ended our book study, and we had a time of reflection.  It was then that, I rededicated this part of my life to God.  May 30th, 2013…I gave my Love-story to the Lord once again.

In that special God ordained-moment, right in Mandy’s living room…sitting with 6 other single young ladies, who also were patiently waiting for their prince charming.  We prayed together.  We prayed that we would praise God in the good times and we’d praise Him in the tough times.  We prayed that we would be patient for the right one to come into our lives and that we would trust God from that day forward with everything.

So Ladies my testimony is one of, God’s grace…Coming from a girl impatiently waiting to date just any guy, to a young woman waiting with purpose for her future Godly husband.  My desire for my life is to be a reminder to the world that singleness does not mean you are “stuck”.  The purpose I believe in my season of singleness is to take every day and to glorify Jesus in everything I do.  It is an opportunity to let my life, be a true living sacrifice for Christ.

Until Next Time,
~Kerrington

Guest-Writers, {Life}

{Life} 4 Keys to Letting Go and Trusting God.

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Written By: Angela Howard

I’ve heard the same question repeated over and over from anyone facing a battle beyond their control: how can I genuinely let go and trust God?  Looking in the mirror, I’ve asked myself the same thing: will I trust God with everything?  It’s an internal tug-of-war.  My mind has no trouble acknowledging that God is good, faithful and powerful.  But, looking at the towering mountains before me I can struggle to put my faith into practice.  Don’t you?  Maybe you’ve wondered like me… Wouldn’t it be easier if I just solved this problem myself?  After all, I have some pretty great ideas!  Surely God has bigger problems!  When all is said and done, isn’t it all up to me?

The answer isn’t simple but as I choose to rely on God each time I encounter a trial, I’ve found some important keys to letting go and trusting God:

4 Keys to Letting Go and Trusting God

“Control is just an illusion.”

The above statement was made my son Ben when he was just a little boy.  I’m not gonna lie, it’s annoying when your kid is smarter than you.  Nevertheless, the truth has rung loudly in my ears, reminding me that grasping for control will only lead to disappointment.  We can’t control our circumstances, or other people, but we can control how we choose to respond.  Will it be with faith or fear?

I don’t know all the answers.  And that’s okay.

Do you love to problem solve?  I do.  Honestly, it’s one of my best assets.  Show me a challenge and I’ll find a way to overcome it.  Don’t tell me I can’t do it.  I’ll fix it; I’m relentless.  This skill has served me well–most of the time.  But sometimes there isn’t an answer.  Sometimes, we have to wait with confidence that God knows and sees the beginning from the end.

As for me, I look to the LORD for help. I wait confidently for God to save me, and my God will certainly hear me. Micah 7:7 (NLT)

Rest in God

Sharing a frustrating situation with my mom she asked me one important question: “Where does resting in God fit into the picture?”  I didn’t want to hear it.  I think I said something flippant, not willing to consider the root of the problem.  I wasn’t trusting God with my concerns and within a few short hours I had to admit the truth.  Could I rest in God even if I didn’t like the results of my situation?  The bottom line is this: God is with me.  I am never alone.  He will sustain me.  I don’t need to rest in my desired outcome; I need to rest in God.

God offers something better than our fantasy; he offers himself. – Mark Buchanen

Surrender in Prayer

Have you ever felt like you turned your problems over to God only to discover that you were just rehashing them again and again to anyone who would listen?  It might be time to pray a prayer of surrender, just as Jesus did before his death and resurrection.

Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine. Luke 22:42 (NLT)

Finally, letting go and trusting God is a practice of faith that we will repeat throughout our lives.  This is not a one-time-lesson, but a decision we make for every challenge we encounter.

What would it look like for you to let go and trust God in your current trial?  How can you surrender your life to Him today?  I’d love to hear from you, please comment below.

About Angela:

Angela Howard is an author and minister who loves empowering people with authentic encouragement and Biblical perspective for their imperfect lives.  Her book: How To Love Your Crazy Family  is on Amazon and you can connect with her on her blog No Ordinary Days.

Guest-Writers, {Faith}

{Faith} When Will My Journey End?

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Written By: Stacy Lee Flury

For many parents with a teen who is struggling or in crisis, it seems that the road they are travelling on is much like the Great Wall of China.  The question most often asked, “When will this be over?” can resonate in a big way when it relates to that very distinctive road.

The journey for many is long and tiring, filled with highs and lows and twisted turns that are not expected.  It involves strength when many parents feel so weak.  Sometimes there is confusion and frustration if a parent is wondering if they are doing the right thing or going in the right direction.

In the dark moments, it is very difficult to see the path of wisdom that guides a parent into the right decisions that need to be made.  Fear can overwhelm a parent and stop them in their tracks, keeping them from finding the help they need.

What parents do not realize is that there are others on the same path.  They are trying to find answers and an end to their journey just as much as the other parent passing them by.

There really is an end to this journey, just like there is an end to the Great Wall of China, into the Bohai Sea.  I never thought there would be an end to the journey of my teen’s depression, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, anxiety, and other issues my teen was suffering from.  But they did.  How?

With God’s help, guidance and wisdom, He gave us the strength to get through it.  It didn’t happen overnight.  It took time, lots of time with prayer and His Word to bring about healing and hope.  We didn’t have to walk alone on the journey either.  He was there by our side through it all.

Looking back, I am thankful for that journey.  My faith in God changed to an intimate relationship with Him that I would never want to lose.  It increased our prayer life.  Even in our brokenness, we were vessels that God used to minister to others in their time of need.  Our hope was restored and there was not just healing for our teen, but for our whole family.

Are we still on that great journey?  Slowly, we are coming near the end of the path.  What I offer to you is this:

  • Pray – Prayer is powerful.  Using the scriptures as your prayer module is even more powerful.
  • Seek the Word of God for your wisdom in all matters.  He will guide your every step and bring others to help you.
  • Get involved in a support group who understands your needs and pain.
  • Seek counsel from a therapist, clergy, and doctor if needed.
  • Try to find rest – You need rest to gain strength and keep your health intact.
  • Listen to uplifting and encouraging music.  My favorite is KLove.
  • Find one person you can trust to share your prayers and needs with ( such as someone else walking the same journey).
  • Remind yourself that God is BIGGER than any problem, crisis or circumstance.  He knows your teen better than you and loves them just as much.  He knows what their needs are.  Just rely and trust in the Lord!

Isaiah 41:10
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (NIV)

Psalms 46:1
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (KJV)

About Stacy:

Stacy Lee Flury was just a mom with two daughters.  Ten years ago she found her youngest spiralling out of control from sub-cultural identity problems to self-harm, body issues, depression, and suicidal thoughts along with many other struggles starting at the age of nine.  Crisis after crisis, Stacy hid her daughter’s problems from friends and family because she felt like a failure as a parent.  Ashamed, guilt-ridden and embarrassed, she too spiralled into a life of depression trying to help her daughter on her own.  However, with God’s intervention, He turned her situation around and her broken family began the journey of healing.  With the encouragement from her daughter, she began the ministry of Anchor of Promise, a support blog for parents with teens in crisis.  She is now working on several devotional and prayer books for parents with teens in crisis, which she hopes to have published at the end of the year.

Guest-Writers, {Beauty}

{Beauty} Fearfully and Wonderfully Made

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Written By: Stacy Hudson

Someone says “you look great today!” and the person replies “oh my goodness no I’ve got bags under my eyes and this shirt is so old!”  Sound familiar?  Why do women do this?  Whether I am hanging out with family, friends, or even at Bible study… I always hear at least one…usually many more… comments like this!

In a world that fills our heads with ideas of what we are supposed to be… we need to stand firm on what the Bible tells us we are!

14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;    your works are wonderful,    I know that full well. -Psalm 139:14

YOU are fearfully and wonderfully made!  Does that make you stand up a little straighter?  I hope so!  This is just one of the many Bible verses that should help us curb our self hate talk.

Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. -Hebrews 10:35-36

DO NOT throw away your confidence!  This means you should have some!  And you will need confidence and endurance to accomplish the will of God in your life!  Not only that but then you can receive what is promised!

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. -Hebrews 4:16

YOU NEED confidence to draw near to the throne of grace!  We all need mercy and grace right?!

 

I think women (myself included) often times confuse confidence with arrogance.  So if someone tells us that we look nice…instead of saying “thank you” we immediately try to “not be arrogant” by insulting ourselves.  We all do it!  WHY?!  I think this is one of the biggest tools the devil uses against women.  He sets us up against ourselves and he is free to go attack someone else.  After all, if we will insult ourselves for fear of sounding arrogant he doesn’t need to.  And yet while we are “not being arrogant” we are actually not being confident!  We are also not living up to our full potential in God.  The devil knows if he can keep us drowning in self doubt… he has us kept.

  • The next time your husband gives you a compliment just say “thank you” and maybe give him a kiss on the cheek just to be sweet!
  • The next time your mom tells you she likes your new haircut just say “thank you” and maybe compliment her as well!
  • The next time a friend mentions that your hair is long and beautiful just say “thank you” and maybe remind her that she too has beautiful features.

CAN YOU IMAGINE THE IMPACT IF WE ALL BUILT EACH OTHER UP?!  INCLUDING OURSELVES?!

The devil wouldn’t stand a chance.

If we were all confident enough to use the gifts and talents God has given us then so many more lives would be impacted.  So many more lives would be written in the Lamb’s Book of Life!  What do we gain by putting ourselves down?  I would venture to say only a stiff neck from hanging our heads in self doubt.  If we would have confidence in ourselves and confidence in the Lord… we could move mountains!

We are God’s handiwork…His creation…His design… remember this the next time you want to correct someone and tell them that you are too short or that you wish you had different colour eyes.  GOD MADE YOU JUST THE WAY YOU ARE TO FULFILL HIS PURPOSES.  Do not grieve His heart by putting yourself down.  Walk confidently in the Lord and hold your head up.

About Stacy:
Stacy Hudson is a wife, mom, daughter, sister, and friend.  She has been married to her husband Dwight for 5 years!  Stacy is a stay at home mom and spends a lot of her day chasing their curious and quick 1 year old around!  She loves to hang out with family and friends, get crafty or techy, and watch their little girl grow.  She also loves to get deep into the Word, into worship, and into the works of the Holy Spirit.  She is a work in progress but she knows God isn’t finished with her yet.  She loves to watch God at work in her life and the lives of those around her!  Connect with her today and read more from Stacy at www.BetterThanNewlyweds.com.

Guest-Writers, {Worth}

{Worth} You are Beautiful…

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Written By: Cindy Morrone

“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
Romans 12:2

I drove past this house countless times but for some reason that day, memories from a long time ago rushed in my consciousness; like something caged finally, set free.  I recalled that day clearly and heard all over again the hurtful things said and done.  I realized in that quick drive past that home that I had accepted those painful offences and tucked them away into recesses of my being.

I believed and so I became…

I remember going to this house, tagging along with my bff (well, that’s not what we called each other way back then; that term wasn’t yet invented!) and visiting some others.  I really wasn’t wanted there.  The others really just invited my friend to visit, but since we went most places together I went along.  I wished I hadn’t.

This mixed company told me how they felt.  I don’t remember the words exactly but I do remember feeling and believing I was ugly….fat…. and not wanted.  It was a long and horrible visit.

I recall similar situations throughout my growing up years…feeling unwanted and somehow unworthy to most.  Whether it was my childhood and living through the tragedy of a parent gripped in alcoholism or being raised in a single parent home; whether it was just what kids/people say/do to one another; or whether it was my own perceptions observed by my tainted vision.  I allowed harmful thoughts to build one on top of the other, setting a firm foundation in self-defeat.

It is no surprise that what followed my growing up years was laced with self-inflicted turmoil and sin, only meant to further take me away from who I was truly created to become.

“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
2 Corinthians 12:5

If I could go back; do a ‘do over’, this scripture would be impressed upon my heart as it is today and I would take every thought captive; every single one, is this what my heavenly Father thinks of me?  Is this the truth?  Is this who I was created to be?

You see my biggest problem wasn’t the situations or circumstances or happenings in my growing up years, the biggest problem was that I did not truly know who I was and am in Christ!!

Your self-worth; beautiful ones cannot be found in a new pair of jeans, a hair style, the friends you keep or the boyfriend you have, what others say about you or what they do to you.  You are already beautiful, you see,—protect all that God has created you to be!  Do not accept the harmful lies, instead turn them over to your loving and heavenly Father and He will help you and take care of you.  You are unique; hand crafted and set-apart for His glorious and divine purposes!

I have just turned 45 years old and I was so taken aback by my memories.  It was like the Lord opened that door and let all those lies and memories fly away; not to be kept anymore.  I am so thankful for His love for me; He has redeemed me and my value and my worth are solely in Him!  The Lord didn’t leave me there in the pit of destruction and today I am certain of who I am in Christ!!

Bless you beautiful ones!

About Cindy Morrone:

Cindy is a daughter of the great I Am; the one ‘who is, and who was, and who is to come’.  A true county girl, she has lived most of her life in the small towns of southwestern Ontario.  Cindy has been married to the man God handpicked for her for 20 years.  They have two amazing identical twin daughters that were hand delivered by God.  Just recently Cindy has officially become a stay at home, homeschooling Mom.  And even more recently has been obedient to the call of fostering.  She has a passion for speaking and is dedicated to the youth ministry at her home church. Cindy is honoured to be a part of, “We Are His Daughters” and counts her friendship with Mandy as one of God’s richest blessings.

Guest-Writers, {Love}

{Love} How to Wait on God in the Silence, When Nothing Seems to Change…

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Written By: Gwendolina Paoletti

Waiting patiently when you can see what you’re waiting for is one thing.  When God puts a dream or goal into your heart to believe for and the “coming to pass” part starts to take longer than our patience wants to wait, that is a whole other level of waiting.

Silence has such an odd way of playing games with your mind and your certainty.  This is why it is such an overlooked strategy the enemy uses over and over.

The goal is to get you to stop believing, to make you doubt in the silence when nothing seems to be changing.  If the silence can cause you to get you off track enough where you start to “speak” your fear, discouragement and doubt, you can delay your own breakthrough.

We certainly know it isn’t realistic to be able to avoid the “go-through” part of the journey, but we definitely do NOT want to be the reason it takes us any longer than is necessary to get to the end.

How do we do that?

How do we do make sure the length of the wait is part of the process, and not an unnecessary period of time WE are causing from something we are doing, or not doing?

The 3 Check Points That Make Sure YOU Don’t Cause Further Delay:

  • Make sure your beginning each day in The Word and with God.  He will be the one holding the details of your day.  Partnering up with Him before you make one move, or say one word, will bring you a success and advantage you could never have apart from this.
  • Ask God to reveal to you if your heart is holding any unconfessed wrong.  Is there anything you are not aware of that maybe your doing or speaking that could cause delay or where you may be planting seeds of fear, doubt, or discouragement.
  • Reflect on anything God had already asked you to do or say that maybe you ignored. God is all about First things First.  Every step through the process of getting promoted to receive the blessing your believing for has a purpose and an order.  You MUST do the last thing He put on your heart to do or say FIRST, then you get to move on to the next.

Implementing these 3 Check Points into your waiting season, will allow you to fight the doubt and the discouragement, knowing that you are not getting in your own way.  This alone, will help you stay focused on trusting God, and make room for hope to fill you up as you approach the day of the appearance of your blessing.

Enjoy a week of peace and power.

Live Generously and Keep Shining!

Love, Gwendolina

 

Guest-Writers, {Life}

{Life} Entrusting Your Children to God 

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Written By: Karen Sweeney-Ryall

(BecomingMyBestMe.com)

Can you remember the absolute joy you felt when your baby was placed in your arms and, at the same time, your realization of the awesome responsibility you now had?  This precious, tiny being that you had nurtured in your womb was now living in our big, sometimes dangerous world.  Scripture tells us in Psalm 127: 3-5 “Behold, children are a gift of the Lord, The fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one’s youth. How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them”.  God, their creator, entrusts our children to us to love, nurture, teach and protect.  We, in turn, must entrust them to God for their ultimate safety and destiny.

We watch over our children carefully: checking to see that they are breathing in their crib; trying to shield them from getting hurt as they learn to walk, climb and explore; standing at the bus stop to ensure they get off safely; learning about their friends and their homes.  But deep inside we know we can’t protect them completely.  We can only do our best and pray that is enough.

A paradox is that while we want to keep our children safe, we also need to give them opportunities to grow, explore and learn new things.  Part of raising them to be mature, independent people is to teach them to expand their experiences without fear and anxiety and how to make their own decisions (hopefully wise ones).  Children are born with an innate curiosity that increases their knowledge and understanding of how the world works.  They are driven to crawl, walk, climb and explore.  Each day is a step of learning, growing and becoming a more independent person.

One of the most difficult things I ever did as a parent was allow our daughter Natalie to travel to Guatemala on a mission trip at age 14.  I felt as though the fingers of my heart were painfully being pried from holding onto her.  Tears streamed down my face as I spoke to the visiting missionaries and entrusted her care to them.  But I believed that I needed to encourage her love for the Lord and for those broken and lost.  I had to trust that God would watch over her and protect her.  If fear tried to rise up, I prayed to God until peace replaced the anxiety and concern.

When she returned home a week later, I learned that while sitting on a bank, tossing stones, it seemed as though the stone was still in her hand.  After tossing again, she looked to discover that a scorpion was attached between her fingers.  Thankfully, she shook again and it flew off, without stinging her.  She and we, her parents, received a deep assurance that God kept her in His care.

Philippians 4:6-8 gives us this precious advice: Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  Take time today to meditate on how vast God’s love is (Ephesians3:17-19) and how faithful and trustworthy He is (2 Thessalonians 3:3; Lamentations 3:22-23 ).  This can help you to release your child into His loving care, while they are with you and when they are not.

Until Next Time,
~Karen

Guest-Writers, {Faith}

{Faith} “His Still Small Voice – Can You Hear It?”

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Written By: Michelle Slauenwhite

His Still Small Voice – Can you Hear It?  Humour me for a moment, will you?  Stop what you are doing.  Close your eyes.  Remember that good old childhood song favourite ~ Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star?  With your eyes closed (yes, I’m really asking you to do this – and no peaking!)  hum the tune in your head (without making a sound). 
Could you hear the tune, even though your vocal chords weren’t actually producing an audible noise?
Years back, when I was a child in Sunday School, I remember Pastor Julia (my Children’s Pastor) explaining to a group of us kids, about how the exercise that you just did is very similar to what God’s still small voice sounds like.  God’s voice may come to you in the sound of your own voice, yet it is God speaking to you.  I find that He uses words and phrases that I would use  (not complicated wording or old English!).
When you hummed Twinkle, Twinkle in your head, you could almost “hear” the words and the tune, couldn’t you?  That’s exactly how God’s voice sounds to me!
 I remember back as a kiddo, thinking to myself ~ well how will I know if it’s God’s idea in my head or something I conjured up in my own mind?  Pastor Julia must have known that we would all have that same question because she continued on, explaining that if the idea or thoughts in our heads were Biblical, and something good, that we would then know it was a “God thing”.  God has spoken to me time and time again! 
Whether He asks me to bless someone financially, to drop a coffee off to brighten someone’s day, or to send a letter of encouragement to a friend ~ I just love the moments when I’m sensitive enough to the Holy Spirit to hear His leading!  Not to mention all the times He speaks to me about my own spiritual journey, and reveals His love and direction to me, especially in moments that I truly need it!  Pastor Julia’s lesson never left me. 
Even as an adult, life can become quite noisy ~ phones ringing, texts dinging, Facebook messages pinging and TV’s blaring.  It’s no wonder that often, no matter what our age, God’s still small voice can be drowned out by so many of life’s distractions.  I would encourage you ladies to take a few quiet moments throughout your day to give God room to speak to you. 
Silence the noise that you find around you, and quiet yourself with Him, asking that He would guide you and direct you.  Ask Him what His plans are for your day.  Ask what you can do for Him each day.  Ask Him to reveal truths to you that will encourage you in your spiritual walk.  God is always near – but He is waiting for moments to connect with us in meaningful ways.  Let’s not miss an opportunity to hear His still small voice.  After all, it will change everything!
  About Michelle:
Bio Pic 2
Michelle loves doing life with her handsome husband, Shaun, and her two beautiful girls, Braeya & Analeigh.  Michelle is a pastor’s wife and loves to see God working through children in their local church!  She also enjoys being a stay-at-home mom and doing ministry together as a family.  You can often find Michelle in high heels, in search of candy, and enjoying life’s everyday moments.
Guest-Writers, {Beauty}

{Beauty}  5 Things I’m Learning from My Teenage Daughter!

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Written By: Angela Howard

If you Google “teenage daughter” some of the first results include:

Drama Overload

Why Mothers and Teenage Daughters Fight

Obnoxious

Angry

Rude

This feels less than encouraging for those who are entering this parenting stage or for those of us smack dab in the middle of it.  Is it really as bad as all of that?  I’d like to offer another perspective.

Last week my 14 year-old daughter, Emily, came home from school to learn that a friend’s family was in crisis.  I was bringing dinner to them, so she offered to make a cake.  The only problem was that she’s never actually made a cake before, technically speaking.  This didn’t stop her for a second.  She tackled the task, and 30 minutes later there were two 8-inch chocolate cakes cooling on baking racks in the kitchen.

“Let’s go upstairs and talk while they cool.”

Before I knew it she had me in her room, snuggling on her bed, while she described in detail all of her dreams for designing a new room.

“We should take a nap!” she declared.

So we did.  Twenty minutes later the kitchen timer woke us up and she frosted the cakes, complete with pastel-coloured sprinkles.

On our way to deliver to goodies I asked her if she had any homework.

“Mom, you need to be mindful and present in the moment.  I can’t do my homework right now in the car.  Just be with me.”  She reached over and held my hand.  I could have cried.  Is it really possible to live like that?  Not being concerned about the next thing and just enjoying the moment?  Emily is showing me it is.

 5 Things I’m Learning from My Teenage Daughter

Be present: When I choose to be in the moment with my daughter I’m able to connect with her in a meaningful way and show compassion instead of selfishness.

Value people over tasks: Multi-tasking is for tasks, not for people. – Alicia Britt Chole

Rest: Getting enough sleep and even taking a nap is a sign that you trust God with everything that might not get done.  Can we humbly admit that we’re not in control of everything and just go take a nap?  (Achieve More by Sleeping More)

Learn something new: Last week it was baking a cake and this week it’s drawing.  Emily is never afraid of learning something new.  Are you?  You might discover a new passion.  Set aside your fear of failure and go on an adventure!

Trusting God: Last night I tucked Emily into bed and I looked at a young woman who is fearfully and wonderfully made by her Creator (Psalm 139:14).  God is with her and He has made her in His image.  I can trust God with my daughter because He is her Shepherd (Psalm 23).  He will take care of her needs, He will lead her, guide her, restore her, comfort her, love her—God is with her.  My prayer is that she will always choose to be with Him.

What are you learning from your children?  Please comment below.

Can I ask you a quick favour?  If today’s post has impacted you, would you share it on your social media sites?  When you do, it helps me get my blog in front of more wonderful people just like you!  I’d be very grateful.

~ Angela

Guest-Writers

Stop the Fear In Your Life, Before It Stops You.

UYM

Written By: Gwendolina Paoletti

Today is the moment you can step out to live the life you were created to excel and enjoy.  Learn how to fight your fear, how to overcome your fear, and how to stop the fear from stopping you or your future.

No matter what your circumstance, you have something more inside you; more to give, more to do, more to become.  There is something still waiting to be released from within you, something God imparted uniquely to  you.

Maybe it’s as simple as a hobby you’d love to do or learn or a place your heart has always been drawn to go visit or move to.  Is it a complete career change that requires new learning, a job change that would require you to build new skills to offer better value to a new company or department?

For someone reading right now, there is a book you’ve thought of writing, a business you’d like to open, or a powerful message or ministry if you shared would benefit so many.

There’s still sooo much in you, so much life to still live, excel in, and enjoy.  Making sure your words are life-building and not faith-eliminating is a critical piece to bringing that into a reality.  Our words carry power with each one we assign to a thought, emotion, or action.  This is true even if we don’t recognize it on a conscious level.

In today’s episode, you will learn how to STOP fear at its onset, before it gets any more opportunity to mess with your mind or your destiny.

Today’s Power Truth: ” For God has not given you the spirit of fear; but of POWER, and of LOVE, and of a SOUND MIND.”  (2Timothy 1:7)

Everything we say and hear impacts us on some level, so does how we say it.  Take a look at these 2 negative dis-empowering phrases:

  1. “I’ll never be able to do this, so why try?”
  2. “I’m always broke and I never have any money.”

These images formed when you think or say things similar to this are destructive and hopeless.  The results of the seeds you are planting will be extremely different than if you were to say or think:

  1. “It doesn’t matter how many times I’ve failed, I won’t give up.”
  2. “I’m going to get resourceful and begin using my creativity and energy to do what it takes to earn the level of income my value and effort deserves.”

The 1st one is bound in fear and discouragement, shutting the gates of possibility and puts your momentum on lock down.  The 2nd one, leaves you and your faith wide open for creative thinking, fast momentum, and opportunity.

Its time to play big in your own life and step out courageously.

You deserve a life, you not only live, but LOVE LIVING!

You are a blessing and a gift, and you are here to make an impact that only you can make.  Your greatest days wait right within this day and in those that follow.  Be bold and BELIEVE God to walk you through with a peace, joy and certainty like you could only have dreamed of until now.

Until Next Time,
~Gwendolina