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Grasp Now: 10 Ways We Can Live in the Present

February 26, 2020 by Tracey 3 Comments

My husband and I recently made plans for our summer vacation, which makes me so excited!! I love having events to look forward to! Whether it’s a family vacation, a date night with my husband, or buying an item I’ve been saving up money for, I enjoy anticipating what’s ahead.

But what I don’t want to do is wait for a future event to make me happy.

I talked with my daughters about this when they were younger.  There were many things they could hold up as benchmarks for happiness – when I can drive, when I have a boyfriend, when I’m a senior, when I have enough money to buy those shoes I want.  I simply encouraged them to look around and be grateful for all they have to enjoy this day, in this moment, to grasp “now.”

Grasp means “to seize and hold firmly.”  Every day, we’re given opportunities to seize. Most of them can seem insignificant at the time, but they are the building blocks of our lives. Rather than let the small moments slip past us, let’s hold onto them firmly just for this moment that they have been given. 

I had one of these moments on Saturday night. I was working in the kitchen, my husband was in the garage cleaning my car, and our daughter was practicing a song on the piano. Nothing extraordinary was happening. It was just a typical part of our day. But I stopped to thank God for that moment with the three of us here, all healthy, safe, and loved.

I like this quote from Sarah Ben Breathnach.

“Learning to live in the present moment is part of the path of joy.“

Here’s a list of ten things we can do to grasp the now that is today.

1. Give thanks for the small things.

Write down three things you’re thankful for right now. Bonus points if you put it on a sticky note and reflect on those things for the entire day.

2. Take five minutes and sit still.

Literally, five minutes. Set a timer on your phone and be still. Meditate on a Bible verse, sing through a song in your head, pray, picture your favorite place in your mind. Just don’t think about your to-do list.

3. Smile on purpose.

It can be at your family, at the cashier in the grocery store, at a perfect stranger behind you in line. It takes no extra time or money to smile.

4. Hug your family.

As in a real hug, body to body, not a quick pat on the shoulder as they head out the door.

5. Take a picture of something that’s beautiful to you.

It could be the flower blooming in your front yard, the plate of cookies you baked, your child’s smile. Use it as your home screen on your phone to remind you of the beauty around you.

6. Enjoy eating and drinking mindfully.

I eat way too fast, though I blame it on my kids. I like my food hot, and when they were little, if I wanted to get it down hot, I had to do it quickly before one of them needed something.

We gulp down most of our meals. Today let’s make it a process. Be grateful you have an appetite. Savor what you put in your mouth that nourishes your body.

7. Go outside.

Whatever the weather, try to spend at least a few minutes in nature.

8. Say a heartfelt thank you to someone who serves you today.

The bagger at the grocery store, the barista, the fast-food worker who hands you your chicken sandwich, or the teacher at your child’s school would likely all be encouraged by your expression of appreciation.

9. Meditate on a Bible verse that encourages you.

Here are a few to get you started.

“Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.” ~Isaiah 12:2

“My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.” ~Psalm 73:26

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” ~Matthew 11:28

10. Find a little time just to do something you enjoy.

Read a chapter in a book, listen to a podcast or playlist, work on a puzzle, bake cookies, or do some sort of craft. It doesn’t have to take a long time, but set aside a few minutes to do something that brings you pleasure.

We have been given today as a gift from God. May we use the day for His glory by living it to its fullest.

Related posts:

  • In the Midst of Change, Here’s Who God Is to Me Today
  • 5 Unexpected “gods” We Might Be Worshipping Today
  • 3 Truths About God from Psalm 91 to Encourage Us Today

Filed Under: Live

5 Principles from Proverbs to Guide Communication in Our Relationships

February 12, 2020 by Tracey Leave a Comment

Do you like to talk? I tend to think of myself as a fairly quiet person, but my husband may feel otherwise! 🙂

Regardless, most of us use a bunch of words every day. Those who are closest to us often get the benefit (or detriment!) of many of them.

This came to mind on Monday as I was reading Proverbs 10. I’ve read it often, but this time I noticed how many verses in this one chapter deal with our speech. I figured this topic must be important if it got this much attention!

Whether it’s in marriage, parenting, or friendships, our words have power. I found a few principles in the verses below that can be helpful to us. I’ve not mastered these guidelines that I’m sharing, but I definitely want to do a better job at them!

1. Make sure that our words are refreshing and lifegiving.

Verse 11: The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.

We want people to feel better – not worse – after talking to us! I’m reminded of Proverbs 18:21 which tells us that death and life are in the power of the tongue. The words we speak should energize and invigorate people. If someone comes to us down and discouraged, what we say can give them new energy and strength.

The opposite of this could be criticism or using words that wound. Sometimes if we’ve been offended, it’s natural to try to hurt the other person with our words. Or maybe we get frustrated with their behavior and are critical of our husband or one of our children. If we want to be that righteous man, we must choose to either keep quiet or speak kindly.

After a discouraging day at work, our husbands need us to use our words to build them back up. When our teenager’s missed out on an opportunity she really wanted to pursue or had a friendship breakup, she needs our words of support. She may not always act that way – and may even use her words to drive us away – but she needs us to continue to pursue and encourage her.

2. Speak words of wisdom.

Verse 13: In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding.

Speech that is discreet and prudent shows that we are wise. Here we need the Holy Spirit’s help so we can discern what to say at times. We want to be careful not to purposely offend with our speech, but to be tactful and considerate.

Verse 31 also fits in here. The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out.

Just like the fruit tree brings forth fruit, so we can produce wise words as we learn to be “just” and walk with Christ. I’m also reminded of the Proverbs 31 woman who is described as opening her mouth with wisdom and having the law of kindness in her tongue. I would love to be described that way!!

3. Don’t talk negatively about other people.

Verse 18: He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.

At times I struggle with all of these, but this one may be the most difficult to abide by. When we find someone else who shares our less-than-favorable opinion about another person, it’s easy to just dissolve into tearing that person down. Maybe it’s all true…but it takes us back to that old saying, “Is it kind? Is it true? Is it necessary?”

Even more seriously, we don’t want to be guilty of passing on rumors or sharing false, damaging information about others. Let’s stop the gossip train before it gets started!

4. Recognize the value of silence.

Verse 19: In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.

I was talking to another mom recently about a situation involving our kids that we were frustrated with. I think both of us felt like we should march up to the authority involved and address them about it. But then my friend saved the situation by saying, “I’ve never regretted what I didn’t say in these moments.” She was absolutely right. That advice can keep me from speaking hastily or harshly and later being sorry that I reacted that way.

Let’s listen more than we talk. Remember Proverbs 17:18? Even a fool is considered wise when he keeps quiet.

5. Choose words that are appropriate and applicable to the current situation.

Verse 20: The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth.

We’ve likely all been in situations where someone said just the right thing at just the right time and was a blessing to us. We may have also encountered people who ramble on and on (maybe about themselves) and what they said was of no benefit to anyone.

Verse 32 touches on this as well. The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness.

It’s important, too, to leave the past in the past when dealing with our families. Don’t bring up that old argument with your husband or remind your child about how they failed the last time. Let’s stick to the present and speak in a way that helps us all move forward together.

Our words can be truth-centered, grace-filled, and honoring to the Lord as we seek His help to follow these principles.

Related posts:

  • Don’t Be a Fool: Five Things to Avoid if You Want to Be Wise
  • 10 Traits of a Wise Woman
  • What Abigail Teaches Me About Discretion

Filed Under: Live

A Life Well-Lived

January 16, 2020 by Tracey 4 Comments

My dad passed away on Monday, January 6, 2020.

It obviously wasn’t the way any of us planned to start the year, but it was all in God’s timing. My father was saved as a young adult, and we are fully confident that he went straight from here into the presence of God. Never is heaven more real than when someone we love dearly now resides there!

Our family was overwhelmed by the love and support shown by the many who knew and loved him. As the pastor of a church for 46 years, he certainly influenced a large number of people. But even more deeply than that, it was the impact he had as a person. He treated everyone he interacted with as though they were the most important person in the world.

Not only in life but now in his passing, my dad was a testimony and a motivation to me to live this one life well. There are many ways in which I want to be like him, but here are three that came to mind. Hopefully, they can be a reminder to all of us to use the time we’ve been given with purpose and intention.

1. Continually seek wisdom.

I loved the verse my brother used at the funeral service.

“And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the sea shore.” ~1 Kings 4:29

Dad was wise because he spent substantial amounts of time in God’s Word. He was a humble man who knew he needed God’s help if he was going to be successful as a husband, father, and pastor.

I and many others benefited from that wisdom. Especially when it came to parenting issues, I was quick to ask how he might handle a certain situation. And the same wisdom that was available to him is there for us as we seek it in the Bible and pray for God’s guidance.

2. Be compassionate.

In the verse above, it says Solomon had “largeness of heart.” That would definitely describe my dad! He was always concerned about others and what they might be going through and wanted to help if he could.

My tendency is to be focused on myself. I need eyes to notice the needs of people around me and then respond quickly. The Holy Spirit can help me to “Bear…one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” [Galatians 6:2]

3. Live for eternity.

I have no doubt that my dad heard “Well done, thou good and faithful servant!” He cared more about pleasing God than anyone else.

This week I was convicted as I read Mark 8:33 which talks about savoring the things of men more than the things of God. Perhaps we all have a tendency to focus on the here and now rather than viewing our thoughts, words, and actions from an eternal perspective. We’ll never regret time we spend in prayer, God’s Word, and reaching out to others.

There were hundreds of people at the visitation and funeral service last week to honor his memory. But they came because of what he did – which was care about people in order to introduce them to his Jesus whom he loved so much.

Related posts:

  • 7 Steps to Becoming a Wise Woman: Live for Eternity
  • 3 Truths About God from Psalm 91 to Encourage Us Today
  • 8 Ways to Know if We Have Godly Wisdom

Filed Under: Live

3 Ways to Make a Difference in 2020

January 3, 2020 by Tracey 4 Comments

I love a new year.

It’s a fresh slate, a clean start.

And fittingly, it comes at the end of the previous year, which is a natural time to reflect.

So did you take any time to look back over 2019? Did you look ahead at what you want to accomplish in 2020?

As I did both of those things, I decided that I want to be able to look back at the end of the next twelve months and see that I’ve made a difference. Honestly, I don’t know exactly what that looks like. But, alongside the other affirmation I’m writing down every morning, I’m writing this.

I am going to make a difference in 2020.

Do you want to make a difference this year? As I’ve begun digging deeper into how I can achieve this rather nebulous goal, I came up with three actions I can take that will definitely get me moving in the right direction. These are things we can all do this year!

1. Pray.

This seems so basic, but if we want to make a difference, it starts here. If we try to make a difference in our own strength or by doing things our own way, it’s not going to be profitable or lasting.

Instead, we can ask what need does God have for us to meet? Which people do we know who are craving a word of encouragement?

The answer might be obvious…but just as likely, it’s not. Yet if we’re in a habit of praying for those opportunities and asking God to guide us, He can show us exactly how and where we can make a difference.

James 5:16 says “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.“

While praying might sound easy enough, it can sometimes be difficult. Prayer is definitely a discipline! But we can see blessings in our own lives and others’ lives if we make prayer a priority.

Our part is to pray. Then we trust God to actually do the work. We may not even know in this life how our prayers affected a situation.

2. Give.

Hearing this word usually brings money to mind. And that can certainly be part of it. But what difference could we make if we gave our time? How about giving our best effort to what needs doing? Maybe it’s just a hot casserole delivered to a front door or a few hours of free babysitting.

I love me some comfort and some quiet. Yet giving can require self-sacrifice and inserting myself into places that I might not always choose for myself.

Galatians 5:13 says, “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.“

Give a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on. Give up time that we wanted to spend on ourselves to serve someone else.

3. Submit.

Well, if we thought this process was going to be easy, this third one will remind us that it’s not. Are we really willing to submit our plans, our desires, and our will to God? Bottom line – that means we have to trust Him.

We can’t submit to what God wants and continue on with our own separate plan at the same time. We have to believe that wherever He leads and whatever He allows is for our good and His glory.

And no other person can make us submit. We are the only ones who have control over our will. Ouch! That means we also can’t blame anyone else if we fail to submit. No excuses.

James 4:6-7 says, “But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.“

We overcome our pride as we submit. We also become recipients of God’s grace in our humility.

I don’t want things to be the same at the end of 2020. Someone’s life could be better because I’ve interacted with them. A certain situation could have a positive outcome because I was involved. I hope you want that, too!

Related posts:

  • 10 Things God Might Use to Change Us This Year
  • 3 Things to Pray for in the New Year
  • 5 Daily Practices for the Christian Woman

Filed Under: Live, Worship

Merry Christmas 2019

December 25, 2019 by Tracey 8 Comments

So there’s no official family Christmas portrait this year, but we did get a quick photo of the four of us when we attended a performance of The Lion King a couple of weeks ago.

As we celebrate our Savior’s birth today, may our hearts be filled with the hope that His coming brings to each one of us.

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.” ~Isaiah 9:6-7

Wishing you and your family a very merry Christmas!!

Filed Under: Live

What Are You Looking Forward to This Christmas?

December 10, 2019 by Tracey 4 Comments

We’re just about to mid-December, and it’s an exciting time of year!

There are lots of words we could use to describe these weeks leading up to Christmas.

Frantic. Joyful. Crazy. Cheerful. Busy. Sparkly. Commercialized.

We can all likely relate to most of those. But the word I’ve been focusing on during this season is anticipation.

It’s that feeling you had as a child in the days leading up to Christmas. There was total excitement about what was coming on December 25th. You were filled with hope that one particular box under the tree held exactly what you’d asked for.

Perhaps we still experience some of that Christmas anticipation today. Let’s face it, though – it’s more likely to be the excitement we hope to see on our children’s faces when they open that special gift than it is about what we ourselves are receiving.

But as we move beyond the giving and receiving of gifts, I hope we take a few minutes to really anticipate the celebration of Jesus’ birth.

Anticipation is the act of looking forward. It’s expecting something good to happen. It includes an eagerness and an expectancy about what’s going to take place.

It reminds me of what can happen when we as women are in a serious dating relationship. At some point, you begin to anticipate that this special guy is going to ask you to marry him. You don’t know exactly when or where or how, but you know you’ve reached that point in the relationship.

This example reminds us that anticipation also involves an element of preparation. Because you believe something is going to happen, you do something to get ready. In this case, maybe you dress up and do your hair every time you get together. After all, you want to look nice since you never know when he might pop the question – and there are likely to be pictures involved!!

I think about the Jewish people who for so many years looked forward to the birth of the Messiah. They believed God’s promise to them and spent a long time anticipating His arrival.

One of those people we know about specifically is Simeon. We read about him in Luke 2:25-32.

“And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.

And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.”

What an exciting day for Simeon when what he had been anticipating came to pass! Not only did God fulfill all those Old Testament prophecies for the entire nation of Israel, but He kept His promise to this one individual.

We have a lot to anticipate in these next couple of weeks. Enjoy the Christmas parties, the gifts, the family gatherings, and some yummy foods.

But let’s make time to anticipate the celebration of Jesus’ birth. Let’s do some preparing of our hearts spiritually.

Maybe that looks like doing an Advent reading or devotional every day. (I use Ann Voskamp’s The Greatest Gift.) It could just mean dedicating a few minutes each day to getting still and being quiet long enough to ponder what Christ’s coming really meant for our world and for you as an individual.

Look forward. Be ready. For unto us a Savior is born.

P.S. After writing this post, I looked up previous Christmas posts I’d written to link up below. And do you know what I posted about around this time last year? The word anticipation. Guess I still need to work on my Christmas focus!

*This post contains Amazon affiliate links, which means that if you click on a product link and make a purchase, I’ll receive a small percentage from any sales.  This does not affect your price in any way. Thank you for supporting Girls to Grow through your purchases!

Related posts:

  • Don’t Let the Kids Be the Only Ones Anticipating Christmas
  • 7 Ways to Prepare Your Heart for Christmas
  • Unwrap the Gift of Peace This Christmas

Filed Under: Live

10 Things to Be Grateful for This Thanksgiving

November 21, 2019 by Tracey 4 Comments

It’s just one week away. I’m so looking forward to the Thanksgiving holiday when the four of us will be gathered around our dining room table for the first time in three months. There will be plenty of food on that table, but the best part of the day will be the people around it.

I’m sure we can all find plenty to be thankful for, not just during this Thanksgiving season, but all year round. Our life circumstances may look quite different from one another, but certainly, we are all blessed in many ways.

I decided to list out some of the things I’m thankful for this Thanksgiving. These are likely on your list as well! Just for fun, they all start with the letter P.

1. People.

There’s the obvious, our family and close friends. But go beyond that. Remember that teacher who impacted you as a child, the high school coach who poured into you, the friend now moved away who helped you through the first days of new motherhood.

So many people touch our lives over the years. Be grateful for them. And maybe find a way to let them know about it.

2. Providence.

Thank God for His hand in your life. We’d likely be amazed if we knew how many circumstances He arranges, the people He puts into our lives for a specific purpose, and how He uses events to prepare us for bigger things in the future.

3. Promises.

How wonderful and reassuring are the promises of God! The one who never changes says He will never leave nor forsake us. He will meet our needs, give us wisdom, and is even now preparing a place for us in Heaven.

4. Purpose.

We all have a purpose. Maybe, like me at times, you lose sight of that. Ephesians 2:10 says “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.“

Let’s be thankful that God has a work laid out for each of us to do. May we find and do His calling.

5. Peace.

Philippians 4:6-7 tells us that when we bring our concerns to God in prayer, He will give us peace. Recently I prayed several times for peace about a specific situation, and after a few days, I realized that I have it! Not much has changed, but I’m no longer worried about it.

That was a great reminder to me that peace is an immeasurable gift. We can’t earn or buy it, but as children of God, He gives it freely.

6. Pardon.

If we’ve accepted Jesus as our Savior, our sins have been pardoned, forgiven. Salvation through Jesus Christ provides us a home in heaven, a place where we will live with God for all eternity. This is the greatest gift for which we can give thanks.

7. Prayer.

It’s how we talk to God. I’m sure I underutilize this honor we have to approach God and communicate with Him. Let’s be thankful that we don’t have a God who is far off. Rather, we can approach Him with our fears, worries, and needs at any time, and He will hear us.

8. Provision.

God provides for each one of us. Likely none of our lives look exactly the same, but He meets our needs. Matthew 6:31-32 says, “Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.“

9. Present.

Nope, not as in a gift – Christmas is still a month away! Present as in today, right now, this very minute.

Be thankful for where you are, not just thankful for what happened in the past or looking toward when you can be thankful in the future. Give thanks for where you are right now. And be present in the present, with the people around you today.

10. Pumpkin pie.

Or pecan or sweet potato or apple! It does start with a p, so I couldn’t resist! But seriously, most of us in America will be surrounded with a bounty of food on Thanksgiving Day. Between the turkey, dressing, and mashed potatoes, let’s be thankful for food that not only sustains us, but that we enjoy eating.

Please let me know something you’re thankful for this Thanksgiving. (And bonus points if it starts with a P – ha!)

Related posts:

  • 10 Simple Ways to Show Thanks
  • There’s No Time Like the Present to Be Thankful
  • Living Grateful: Making a Daily Choice to Give Thanks

Filed Under: Live, Worship

2019 Christmas Gift Guide for Teen Girls

November 15, 2019 by Tracey 3 Comments

I have a countdown app on my phone. It tells me how many days till our oldest daughter comes home from college for Thanksgiving (12) and Christmas break (27). I don’t have a countdown to Christmas day, but I’ve seen lots of people on social media already doing their Christmas decorating, so I know it will be here before we know it!

Our 16-year-old has started playing Christmas music in the car, though we won’t do any decorating here until the day after Thanksgiving. We still get a live Christmas tree every year, so our older daughter wants us to do that together while she’s home.

I used to be great about getting most of my Christmas shopping done early. That changed when my girls became teenagers. For one thing, they’re likely to change their minds on what they want fairly frequently. They’re also at the point where they usually choose exactly what they want and I just buy it and wrap it!

However, if you’re shopping for teenage girls this Christmas, I thought I’d share this list of things we either already own or that are on my girls’ list for this year – at least the initial version of it!

We recently re-did our 16-year-old’s bedroom, and she’d like to add this set of Photo Clip String Lights to her room

We bought this Lighted Vanity Mirror for my daughter when she went to college. She can put makeup on while sitting on her bed or at the desk in her dorm room if there’s limited space at the bathroom mirror.

Speaking of makeup, she bought herself this Makeup Brush Set and really likes it.

Our younger daughter is definitely into larger earrings, and leather ones are nice and light! (The Leather Earrings she currently owns I found on Etsy.)

One of our girls has requested a bar necklace that can be personalized with her name or initials.

I considered getting my daughter this Reversible Tote Bag when she left for college. I didn’t make the purchase then, but I’m thinking it might make it under the Christmas tree!

We have a small collection of hair tools already, but I’ve heard good things about this Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer Hot Air Brush.

Since their dad’s a Georgia Bulldogs fan, this NCAA Women’s Hoodie would be a popular choice for either one of our daughters. (Lots of other teams are available as well.)

This Cable Knit Pom Pom Throw looks so cozy!

Our 18-year-old’s college roommate has a gravity/weighted blanket, and now she wants to try one! Let me know if you have any experience with these.

Another item for the college girl – rain boots!!

The Fujifilm Instax Mini Camera is a pricier item that’s at the top of our younger daughter’s list at the moment.

Both of our girls like to write, so this cute Llama Journal would be a nice gift.

Our older daughter already owns a version of this Journaling Bible and now our other daughter wants one.

Our younger daughter went through this 3-Minute Devotions for Teen Girls: 180 Encouraging Readings awhile ago and really enjoyed it.

I hope you will find some of these ideas helpful as you shop for the teen girls on your Christmas list!

This post contains Amazon affiliate links, which means that if you click on a product link and make a purchase, I’ll receive a small percentage from any sales.  This does not affect your price in any way. Thank you for supporting Girls to Grow through your purchases!

Filed Under: Live

Past, Present, and Future: God’s Faithfulness to Us

June 7, 2019 by Tracey 6 Comments

I’m on a bit of a blogging break, but wanted to share a few highlights from the last week and a truth about God that never fails to encourage me.

Our oldest daughter graduated from high school last Friday night.

It was a wonderful ceremony! On Saturday, we had a combined graduation party with several of her friends and enjoyed spending time with those who came to celebrate with us.

[And because we needed a little more excitement, our younger daughter took her driving test on Monday and got her driver’s license. I find that hard to believe, too. My “baby” can now drive a car by herself!!]

I was actually less emotional during graduation than I thought I’d be. Although my purse was packed with extra tissues, I didn’t really need them. My teariest moment actually came Friday morning.

Every day when she drove to school, she would text me to let me know they’d arrived safely. It was usually just the word “here.” (She can be a woman of few words.)

On Friday, the last day of school, she texted “here” but added a red heart emoji afterward. At that point, I realized that it was the last time I’d get that particular text from her. Her days of driving to high school were over. That was my saddest moment of the whole weekend!!

As Valedictorian of the class, she gave a speech at graduation. She included the following Bible verse.

She related it to God’s faithfulness as He guides and directs each one of her classmates into His next step for their lives. But I was blessed as I considered God’s faithfulness to me.

He’s been faithful in the past.

God has brought me through every trial. Not only has He brought me through, but I’ve grown stronger in my Christian walk and been drawn closer to Him.

Whether at 18 months or 16-years-old, He was faithful to guide us in parenting that sweet graduate you see pictured above through some tough times. We didn’t do it perfectly and often totally failed, but God was faithful to give grace and wisdom – and to work in her heart as well.

He is faithful in the present.

We can step into today knowing God’s faithfulness has not changed. Whatever the current challenge is, His promises are still true. His grace is sufficient [2 Corinthians 12:9] and His thoughts toward us are precious. [Psalm 139:17]

He will be faithful in the future.

This is a whole new season of life I’m about to enter. And I can be tempted to think I’m going to have to get through this big change by myself.

But I would be wrong. God will never leave me nor forsake me. [Hebrews 13:5] He never changes. [Malachi 3:6]

And it doesn’t depend on us.

“If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.” 2 Timothy 2:13

The ultimate fulfillment of His faithfulness will be our home in heaven one day. How we can look forward to that!!

Now our family is off on a celebratory vacation. Time to enjoy reading new books, eating good food, and soaking up lots of (unplugged!!) family time.

Filed Under: Live

12 Things I’m Glad I Did as a Mom

May 15, 2019 by Tracey 6 Comments

With our oldest daughter graduating from high school this month, I’ve been a bit reflective. Going through hundreds of her childhood photos and choosing our favorite ones to display on her graduation table will do that to you!

I started reminiscing about what we’ve done as we parented our girls that I’m so glad – standing on this side and looking back – that we did. I came up with this list of twelve in hopes that they’ll be helpful and encouraging to anyone who might be parenting an 8-year-old instead of an 18-year-old.

The list of things I didn’t get right is much longer than twelve. I lost my temper, nagged, and talked when I should have listened much more often than I’d like to admit.

I don’t tend, however, to dwell on regrets, so there’s no post on “24 Things I Wish I’d Done in Parenting” in the works at this point! Today’s focus is on the positive.

1. Established family traditions.

Every Christmas Eve, we go to a restaurant downtown for dessert. On Mother’s Day, we walk on the beach after dinner. We have specific meals on certain holidays. I love the continuity of celebrating in the same way year after year.

And while I enjoy traditions as much as anyone, I’ve also realized that families outgrow traditions. When the girls were younger, we’d go to a baseball game on the 4th of July. The girls would get their faces painted, and we’d stay for the fireworks after the game was over. But a couple of years ago, we let that tradition go. No one was that interested anymore.

One of the things I look forward to about a change of life seasons is establishing new traditions around the times when we’re together!

2. Attended our daughters’ ball games, concerts, and recitals.

Okay, some of the piano recitals were looong, especially when our girls were young. The order of the program was typically from beginner students to the most advanced. That meant they were done in the first ten minutes, but there was still another hour and a half to sit through!

However, watching the girls participate in their chosen activities has given us so much to talk about with them. We have rehashed many a basketball game while sitting in our living room! They also learned some great life lessons about teamwork, sportsmanship, and fairness (or lack thereof).

3. Took them on trips.

The older our girls have gotten, the more we value experiences with them over physical gifts. Some of our best memories have been made as we visited other cities and parts of the country as a family.

4. Read aloud to them.

This one started when our girls were little. I read aloud at bedtime for many years. During the preschool years, we’d read aloud at naptime, and during our homeschooling years, I’d read aloud after lunch. Both of our girls continue to love reading, and now that they’re older, we sometimes read the same books. It’s fun to talk about the stories we enjoy, and to share book recommendations.

5. Made them take piano lessons.

I know there are people who would disagree with this one, and I’m not saying it’s for every family. However, there are very few activities we’ve insisted that our girls participate in, but this was one of them. Before they were even old enough to take lessons, my husband and I agreed that we would make this a priority.

It definitely wasn’t always easy!! There’s been plenty of moaning and groaning about having to practice. But not only do they both now play the piano well, it also allowed them to join the school handbell choir and learn to play the saxophone since they could already read music. Beyond that, they have a gift they can use in ministry for the rest of their lives.

6. Ate meals together as a family.

This one is rather cliche, but I do think it’s important. We have had some wonderful conversations over the years around the supper table. And the point comes – sooner than I thought it would – that you don’t have the opportunity to do this. Sports practices, ball games, and teens working a job mean the family meals don’t happen as often as they used to – which makes me appreciate it all the more now when they do!

7. Put fruit in their lunch every day.

So this one might sound silly, but I am not the best at serving vegetables to my family. Our girls’ tastes have matured a little bit over the years, but we’re still not a family of veggie lovers. However, from kindergarten on, I put some type of fruit in their lunch daily, most often apple slices. Now they actually choose fruit as a snack and at other meals besides lunch.

8. Was available when they got out of school.

For years, I drove them home from school, and would get to hear all the stories from the day. Now that they drive themselves home from school, I make it a point to be at the house to greet them.

I know it’s not feasible for everyone, but being available when our girls get out of school has been a blessing. They usually unload all the excitements and disappointments right after they walk in the door, and I’m thankful that I’m usually able to hear all those stories.

9. Taught them how to handle money.

We started them at a young age with the give, save, and spend envelopes to use when they got paid for chores around the house. After their freshman year of high school (about 15 1/2 years old), they got a student checking account with a debit card.

Each month, we deposit into their account the amount of money we’d be spending on them anyway (clothing, money for school/youth group activities, etc.) They’re responsible for budgeting that money. They also understand that if they want more money, they can get a job and work for it.

Hopefully (fingers crossed!) they’ll continue into adulthood with good money habits!

10. Prayed for wisdom.

The truth is that I didn’t do this as much as I should have. But when I did, I know that God answered that prayer. This is one of the things I’m glad I did that will continue to be so important as we transition into our girls’ young adult years.

11. Loved their dad.

Our marriage isn’t perfect, but our children have seen us enjoying each other and prioritizing our time together. And this is even more important now that the empty nest season is getting closer every year!

12. Encouraged them in their personal walk with God.

From regular church attendance to Awana clubs, praying together to reading Bible stories aloud, we’ve sought to teach our children about God and His Word. Some of our after dinner, around-the-table conversations became teachable moments for spiritual truths.

Both of our girls asked Jesus to be their Savior at an early age. It’s one of the greatest blessings as a parent to see your children growing in their faith and making it their own.

While I’ll continue to be a mom for as long as I live, the hands on, daily work of mothering will definitely be less than it used to be. I’m challenging myself to use the time I have left with them in our home to invest in these precious souls. Let’s be intentional in doing the things we’ll be glad we did another ten years from now!

Related posts:

  • Am I a “Good-Enough” Mom?
  • 10 Ways You Can Tell She’s a Mom
  • A Mom’s Prayer for Today

Filed Under: Live, Parent

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Welcome! I'm Tracey, wife and mom to two teenage girls. I seek to help Christian moms raise children who know, love, and serve God by sharing Biblical wisdom, helpful tips, and practical advice. Read More…

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