Hands and Heart.

I strive for the truth of 1 Thessalonians 4 to be practiced in my home. 

Often times we miss the mark and sometimes there's a little bit of drama, laziness, and meddling going on around here. But in His goodness, like so many times before, God meets us there and covers us in His blanket of grace....

Just the other day I overheard one of my kids in conversation with someone. They were proudly telling all about what the other sibling did to them. 

I immediately stopped that child in mid conversation and told them that it was not okay to gossip.

"Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up..."   

-Ephesians 4:29

I made it a point later that night to let them know that the sin they were chatting about was between their sibling and the Lord not them and it certainly wasn't for them to be discussing with others. 

I emphasized how they would feel if someone was sharing their sins with other people. 

My last word to this particular child in all of that was this: in the end it wasn't just about doing wrong to their sibling, it was about rejecting God's truth. 

"8 If you disregard this advice, you’re not offending your neighbors; you’re rejecting God, who is making you a gift of his Holy Spirit." 1 Thessalonians 4:8

We go over this a lot because it's something that is so easy to get caught up in. 

Truth be told, I often find myself getting caught up in moments like this too. I'm just going to open up for a minute and say this whole divorce thing has made it even easier to to get caught up in. Sometimes I really do just want to 'vent' but then I realize i'm not really venting- I'm just giving gossip a less conspicuous name. 

It's true..and so I refrain. 

These are the moments in motherhood where I'm convicted and completely humbled. 

It's my job to shepherd my children's hearts, teach them, protect them, and show them who God is.

I'm reminded that in order for my children to yield fruit, I have to set the example and live in accordance to the truth's of His word.

"But he’s already made it plain how to live, what to do,

    what God is looking for in men and women.
It’s quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor,
    be compassionate and loyal in your love,
And don’t take yourself too seriously—
    take God seriously." 

I love that this passage gives me an example of how to live and what to do, but to not take myself too seriously...
Because see while my role in their lives is vital, in the grand scheme of things Motherhood isn't about me; It's about leading my kids to a relationship with Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey God's commands.

It's not about me; It's about Him.

Motherhood continues to challenge me, humble me, and draw me closer to Jesus.
I'm thankful for all of it-
The good, the bad and the ugly; the laughter, the tears, and the 4 a.m. bed head that wants to snuggle.

My hands are full..but so is my heart.