She stared at me blankly and refused to move. It wasn’t defiance. She was giving me grace, a chance to redeem myself, a chance to remember she is only a child and I had asked her to do a woman-sized task. I took a deep breath, let it out slowly and apologized. My daughter was content to silently forgive, quickly hug me, and run off to join her siblings during this morning’s school break. I sank into the nearest chair at the dining room table and let my head fall to the table. Ever since I was a little girl, I’d dreamed of being a wife and mom and staying home with my babies. But this. This was certainly not what I expected. It was only the morning and already we had short tempers, ugly words, unfinished work, a messy house and twin toddlers climbing every table and counter in the house. This was reality and it didn’t fit my lifelong dream. With my head still on the table, my heart cried out to God. Lord, I can’t do this anymore. Forgive me for my harsh words and impatience. You are ever faithful to give me mercy and grace when I don’t deserve it.Give me a small measure of your grace and mercy today so that I may be gracious and merciful to these little blessings. Help me to succeed today and accomplish Your will. Help me to point these precious blessings to You in everything we do. I know I’m not a failure but I also know I cannot get through another minute of this day without You leading us. Help me to step back and let You step in. Amen.

You’re Not Alone

As I lifted my head, I felt a familiar calming peace. The Lord was with me. He is my Helper (Ps. 54:4) and in His strength, I knew I could do all things (Phil. 4:13). He would never leave me, nor forsake me (Deut. 31:8). He would be faithful to give me mercy and grace in my time of need (Heb. 4:16). I stood up slowly, pushing the chair back, ready to try again. The front door creaked as I pulled it open to call the kids back in. They were gathered around my eldest, rocking in the porch swing as she read a book to them. My heart clenched as I recalled the harsh words I had spoken earlier and then just as quickly, it fled. I’d been forgiven and this was a second chance. They looked up towards the noisy door, smiling at me, forgiving me. I beckoned them to come in and the pitter-patter of little feet warmed my heart as they filed in the house to pick up our schoolwork where we left off, but this time, the Lord was with us.

Hope for the Weary Mama

Life is often different than what we perceive it to be and the unrealistic expectations we have of ourselves and others doesn’t help. In times like these, it’s helpful to remember we don’t have to do things on our own. In fact, it’s when we DO try to do them on our own that we royally mess up. Psalm 18:6 says, “In my distress, I called upon the Lord, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.” Call upon the name of the Lord! He hears our cries, He knows our hearts. He loves us and cares for us and has the best plan for us. Don’t let the enemy get to you. As you go through this week, remember you are not alone. We need the Lord’s strength and help every day so let’s ask Him for it!

Digging Deeper

Whether you’re at your lowest or highest, here are some comforting promises from the Lord to remind you He is always with you. Commit them to memory. Call on His name for help. Behold, God is mine helper; the Lord is with them that uphold my soul. Psalm 54:4 I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 And the Lord, He is the one who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed. Deuteronomy 31:8 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16