Every Mother’s Day, the past 8 years, I sit in awe of the Lord and, His goodness and many blessings to me. You see, for over 10 years of my marriage, and through many, many infertility treatments…..I always prayed for children, but, I knew that it may or may not happen, me becoming a Mom. You all have read it here before, but, the gift of ADOPTION has changed my life….I will never ever get over it!
Today, I want to encourage you as a Mom. Whether your children are already grown or, if you are a brand new Mom. Here are a few things that I am learning:
I have made SO many mistakes in my mothering, and, yet, we are not to dwell on the past. Confess your mistakes before our BIG God and, do not live in the guilt of yesterday.
“For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his lovingkindness toward those who fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, so far has HE removed our transgressions from us.” Psalm 103: 11-12
We read about Hannah in 1 Samuel, chapter 1, and, how she prayed and prayed for the Lord to give her a son. She literally GAVE Samuel to the Lord and, she never turned back on her promise. Samuel was raised in the temple. I too, GIVE my children to the Lord. They are HIS and, on those MANY days when my controlling self wants to “kick it into overdrive”…..lately, I have been meditating on 1 Samuel 1:28, “So I have also dedicated him to the Lord; as long as he lives he is dedicated to the Lord.” Anyone else wrestle with being a “control freak” like I do? Oh my! Motherhood is SO humbling!
Humility. This brings me to another thing I am continually learning. Do not be afraid to ask for help from some other mothers that you admire. My mother is such a blessing to me as I strive to parent well. She gives me GREAT advice and, she is quick to tell me she made mistakes as a mom too. WOW! I SO appreciate the fact that I have a great mom to talk about parenting issues with. Another HUGE influence on my mothering is my dear mom-in-law. She prays CONSTANTLY for myself and my children. Oh! How I need these prayers and, I truly, every single day….FEEL the prayer! My sister too, Patti Weaver. She is a great mom to three children and, they are quite a bit older than my children….she has wonderful words of wisdom for me as I mother….and, I could go on ….so many great and wise moms all around me!
Let me ask you? What thoughts “rattle” around in your head, as a mom? Are you ridden with guilt and shame on a lot of days? I want to ask you to please STOP the “negative tape” playing in your mind. The Bible tells us to “hold EVERY thought captive to the Lord”. 2 Corinthians 10:5. Every thought…..not simply a HALF of your thoughts, but, EVERY thought! We live in a world of comparisons and competitions among women…..LET IT GO! Let your messy house GO, let the feelings of “I am NEVER going to get this house organized” GO! Let it GO! Live in peace. Live GUILT free. Live IT UP with your children!
I would be willing to bet…..any mom reading this right now who has older and grown children would KILL to have some messes and fingerprints on windows again. I just bet……
Lastly, I want to encourage you to give yourself GRACE as a mom. This is the GOSPEL. Grace. Grace. Grace. Have you become angry with your children? Grace. Have you made mistakes? Grace. Have you been lazy as a mom? Grace. Apologize to your children. Tell them “Mom makes mistakes. No one is perfect.” Grace. AHHHHH……the message of GRACE! Thank you Heavenly Father for this GRACE!
My prayer is that this post encourages you today. Do you find yourself relating to any of this? I would love to hear from you!
Well…..I am going to finish this up, because, ONE precious little 8 year old girl just walked in with a VERY special surprise….chocolate dipped strawberries….oh my! I have a feeling her sweet father gave her the idea. He knows how MUCH I can’t resist these!
Happy Mother’s Day to EACH of you! Enjoy your day! Kick your feet up! Leave the dishes alone…..take a good nap…..REST…..count your blessings….ENJOY!
Love and Living With Flair,
Beth
This is Brooke’s finalization day, Utah court. 2006.
Brooke and Bo. Ages 4 and 1.
Finalization Day for Miss Blair Bryson. 2012. 
Mother’s Day May 2009. 
Proud Mom to this sweet pea, Beck Bryson. His 4th birthday, 2012. 
My dear Mom, Marcie Holt. AKA “Nana”. She has taught me MANY things about how to be a great Mom! 
Her children shall rise up and call her blessed. Proverbs 31:28.
