Teachable 2's

Jonelle has officially hit "terrible 2s"- or as my mom would say, "TEACHABLE 2's"

GASP! Jonelle??!? YES! Even our little princess is capable 

of whining and throwing tantrums.

Who would have thought?!? lol. 

This brings on a HUGE challenge for her mother!

I have been praying for more patience and the Lord has given me PLENTY of

opportunities to practice :)

I went to work the other night and told another mom from my job that I just feel emotionally drained from fighting with my 2 year old all day-sounds pretty pathetic, but it was so true.

Jonelle is precious beyond belief but she also has some of her mom's feistiness and stubborness!- YIKES! Now I know what J has to put up dealing with me!

Not only that, but as Proverbs would say, "Every child is full of foolishness" (22:15).

Everything she is doing now is normal, and even like J told me today, it's GOOD-shes being a kid and she's acting her age-PRAISE THE LORD!

Being a mom is hard-really hard.

My hearts desire is to be a mom who points her daughter to Christ and who teaches her to be a strong woman of God. 

I am realizing that in the process of training my baby girl, I find myself reaching and crying out to my God more and more for help. I can't do this alone and I am not intended to. 

Being a mom is a high, high calling and huge privilege. It is an honor and a serious responsibility.

It is so HARD for me to want to control, and then I feel guilty, and then I just feel like a failure...BUT thank the Lord that He cares, and that He himself is a FATHER and He UNDERSTANDS what it's like to have a CHILD. He knows the frustrations, fears, worries, joys, and trials.

I spent 2 hours today just searching and searching Scripture for any glimpse of HOPE, WISDOM, or ADVICE (after a horrible mommy-daughter trip to the grocery store).  :/

I was overwhelmed and so thankful to find treasure after treasure of hope, encouragement, and guidelines on parenting and raising children in a way that honors the Lord.

Ephesians 4:2, Deut. 6:5-9, Prov. 22:6, Prov, 29:17, Prov. 14:26, 3 John 4, Hebrews 6:10, etc....

I don't know what I would do with out my solid Rock and Foundation. I had the Chris Tomlin song, "I will rise" on repeat today: 

"There's a peace I've come to know 

Though my heart and flesh may fail 

There's an anchor for my soul 

I can say "It is well" 

Jesus has overcome 

Victory is Won!"

I am refreshed and encouraged and ready to take on the challenge of motherhood again! 

Who would have thought that I could learn so much through the life of a 2-year-old!- and 

THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING :)

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."

"You have my love forever;

I adored you from the start;

It’s a privilege to be your mother,

Dear daughter of my heart."