Boys

I am raising gentle warriors.

Now that my oldest child, my daughter, has graduated highschool and gone to college , I am left at home being mom to two teenage boys.

For most of their lives, my two boys have been raised by a single mom (me, to be clear).  This has not been easy, especially considering the fact that I am such a sensitive person. But I can see how God is using even my softness to mold my boys.

Life has handed both of them hardships in their pasts. But they are such strong individuals. And I know that they are going to use those hardships to become wiser and stronger, someday.  I've no doubt, whatsoever.  The growth and character that I am seeing in them make me feel so at peace with the future that God has for them.  I just know they are going to do great things for this world.

I definitely believe in the power of women. I am a very, very strong one, although, a very sensitive one. Sensitivity doesn't make one weak.  It makes one wise.  But, I also believe in the power of men!  There are so many wonderful characteristics that I do not possess that my boys and husband do. I am so thankful for their gifts that are so different than mine.  God's design is just so perfect and balanced.  I feel that men and women need to acknowledge each other's strengths and weaknesses, and encourage them! 

I have definitely noticed a difference between boys and girls in my relationship with my boys. They're each a little bit different from each other, too... Okay, a lot different.  But they are also completely different than I am.  All of us appreciate the differences in the dynamic that we have, and that is why I truly believe that there does not need to be segregation between male and female to the point where one needs to be demonized. They are such beautiful people.  There can be no competition between the sexes, when they are both so beautiful and so different. It would be like comparing a rainbow to a waterfall.

I don't know what in the world I would do without my precious boys.  I can't tell you how many times they have been there for me when I was low, and my protectors when I was weak.  And I know they would say the exact same thing about me.  A family is a unit. We are all work together to be the best unit we can be. .....I wish the world was more like that.  All of this competing and comparing is dragging us down as a people.

I know that God is helping me raise these boys to be strong.  I am so very thankful for God's leadership in my parenting of them!  I would never be able to do it without Him.  They're going to do really great things.

If you are a mom of boys, consider yourself extremely blessed. You have an opportunity to show them how to be empathetic, while still being the men that they are. You have an opportunity to make this world a better place in the way that you raise your boys.  My suggestion to you when times get tough with them, as they will, I guarantee you... keep being you, while continuing to encourage them to be who they are.  Never take that away from them.  Help them to see the full picture.  It is up to us to nurture compassion, while encouraging strength.  It is not easy in today's times; but with God's help, you can do anything, and do it well.  We've got this. ❤️

The Shift

I, and many of you, are noticing that many of us are experiencing a spiritual shift right now. Some of you are seeing it and some of you are actually feeling it within yourselves.  I have been feeling it within myself, and want to talk about it for a minute, to encourage you on this journey and let you know you are not alone.

When the shift begins to happen within you, you might face some opposition, both from outside sources and from within yourself. Historically, change doesn't come about without resistance.  So, if the change that you see growing within you is a good thing, then I would just suggest that you try to feel encouraged when you encounter resistance!  That means that you are on the right path.

It is super important for you to be covered in prayer. You don't necessarily need to acquire it from outside sources (though it definitely helps), unless you are not able to pray, yourself. But all of us have the ability to pray, if we can just get past our walls, insecurities and faithlessness.  Reach out to your Creator, speaking to Him directly; asking for His covering, protection and enlightenment.  We can do this for ourselves AND we can do this for others. This is the best gift that we can give to anyone, including ourselves.

As you shift, you will notice that everything changes, from your desires, to your interests, to your entire way of thinking.  When you see this happen it will either make you feel excited or afraid. Don't be afraid of the unknown.  God is doing a good work in you, and he will be faithful to complete it.  This is a promise that he has made to us in Scripture.  It is written upon our hearts.

Listen carefully to His voice. You will know God's voice when you hear it within your being.  It is not something that you typically hear with your ears, and it is not something that mirrors your normal emotions, thoughts or feelings.  It is much stronger. And God's voice will never ask of you things that are not morally right. The shift that you experience with God will only cause you to want to do good, and to spread that good to others.

Be aware. Be aware of the things of this world and also the things of Eternity, and find your ability to discern between the two.  Put your focus on the things of God, not on the things of this world.  If you do this, you will begin to feel a deep sense of inner peace that no words can describe.  When you sense this, you will know you are on the right path.

God's way is the only way, IF what your heart of hearts wants is to have ETERNAL success.  Best wishes on your journey!!!  This is a very exciting time.

Be a Blessing

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
- Galatians 6:9

Don't give up.  It is easy to become tired of doing good when we are doing good solely for the response that we wish to receive.  But if we do good without any expectation, and we do it solely for the sake of being a blessing, it's not as easy to become tired of it.

Doing good is addictive. I talk a lot about the mind and the power of thought. When we do good for others, it gives our minds an actual scientifically proven physical reaction. The naturally resulting dopamine pings in our brain remind us that we feel good when we do good for others.  This is the reason that giving truly does feel better than receiving.  If you find yourself in a place where you are doing most of the giving, then be grateful! Because you are not only blessing the other person, you are actually blessing yourself, as well.  Don't stop!

Kindness is contagious.  Selfishness is not.  Both are a choice.  Most people do not set out to be selfish.  Most have good intentions, initially.  Choice comes into play with doing good works when your good works become expected and/or taken for granted.  It can become harder to give when you realize you are giving to a taker.  This is not to say that you should not give to someone who is not grateful, it is just to remind you that their gratitude is not the point. Your kindness will catch on.  You WILL see the fruits of your actions when you give, even if it takes more time then you wish for it to.  Not that that is the point... just sayin'.

Observe your good works.  Find something genuinely nice to say to the grouchy person ahead of you in line, and observe how you both feel, afterwards.  Give a homeless man a sandwich and some encouraging words and observe how you both feel.  Give your spouse a random hug and kiss and observe how you both feel.  Serve a snack to your child and ask them about their day and observe how you both feel.  Call a friend and ask how they are doing (and really listen to them) and observe how you both feel.  Compliment a stranger and give them a genuine smile and observe how you both feel.  Most times, both parties will feel very positive things.  And if one of the parties does not, chances are the other party does. So you have a 50-50 chance of making someone feel really good today, even if it is just you.

Speak life!  Random acts of kindness are on the rise.  You are not the only one.  Be an intrigal part of the kindness movement.  Practicing the "Golden Rule" makes this world a happier place to be, for you, and for others.  Be a blessing today, in some small way.  It will be worth it.  Know that your actions DO make an impact on this world.  Be a blessing.