Thursday, January 2, 2014

Softly

This morning the girls and I went to the cutest little book store in the historic district of town. Its the cutest little thing. Just picture the shop around the corner from you got mail and you'll know exactly what I'm talking about.
Lovely and quaint. 
The only thing it lacks is an open coffee bar. So not kidding here.

Our day was long.
We're in a fussy stage, with all three of the girls, so I'm working on patience and low tones.
My days are filled with a lot frustration and learning.
I've found myself raising my voice...well...down right yelling a lot more than I like. I hate it. I know it tears them apart. It breaks my heart knowing that I can predict their reaction but man, they just don't listen. That's when the Lord taps me on the shoulder and reminds me they're only 3. 
Only so very little.

I have a lot of little goals for myself this year. Yelling at my kids, well it's a BIG one, tops them all off. I want to quit. I want to find another way to share with them that I'm not happy with their choices. Another way to express my emotions than raising my voice and bringing down-right-fear into our relationship. My word for 2014 is very fitting for where my heart is right now.


In Isaiah 40-2-12, it says to speak softly yet clear to let the people of Jerusalem know and prepare themselves for the arrival of the Lord.

-5- "Then God's bright glory will shine and everyone will see it."

This year I will be treading softly down the road He's leading me on, but with a voice loud enough for those that need to hear me to hear me without fear in their eyes. My Lord sees where I lack. He speaks softly in my ear without disappointment but full of hope that I will reach for Him in due time. This year, I will strive more to leave my heart more open to His goodness and mercies. I will open my arms even more wide than before to accept His strength where I have none.

A few of my goals for the year are:

2. drink less coffee
3. declutter our house of things holding zero importance 
4. read this book
5. pay off debt
6. pick back up on my workouts

That's it. I'm keeping it real. Do you have any goals or maybe a word to stand by through out the year?


2 comments:

  1. I'm gonna try your Reading Program myself!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I love your word for 2014. I have to work on my yelling too. I grew up in a family that raised our voices a lot - even when we weren't upset…we were just a loud, fun family! And so, it's easy for me to lose my patience and yell. And I am with you - I know it's not right or helpful, and it tears my kiddos up. I've been working on it the past few months, a lot more. It's so, so hard to change habits though! Praying for you! Also, loving your goals for the year!

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But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more Psalm 71:14