Blog Archives - Page 8 of 10

Two are Better than One

Truthsfortots Blog, Guest Blog June 24, 2013June 24, 2013children, family, parenting, teaching activities 0 Comment

Daily Truth: “Two are better than one….For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.” Ecclesiastes 4:9

Two ARE better than one.

This past month I have experienced just a taste of what it would be like to be a single mom. I’ve been at my mom’s house for a month with the kids. Love being with my family but miss the hubs ALOT.

Two ARE better than one.

I received a “sunshine” package a couple of days before Father’s Day from three of my sweet friends. They knew Father’s Day would be tough. The package contained all things yellow and three encouraging notes.

Two ARE better than one.

When we first got all three of our kiddos from the agency, all three were in diapers! It was almost more than I could handle. Friends prayed for me and sent encouraging emails. It didn’t make the diapers disappear, it just helped ease the transition from mom of one to overnight mom of four.

Two ARE better than one.

I have found that running is so much more enjoyable when doing it with a friend, my husband, or even one of my kids. It especially makes 13.1 miles go by much faster and seem more doable with a friend.

Two ARE better than one.

We’ve all had those moments as moms that we just can’t do it anymore….not one more diaper, not one more dish, not one more whiny child. We’ve all had those moments when we just needed someone to understand.

Two ARE better than one.

Our kids need that same understanding. They need to know that they are not alone.

They need encouragement.

They need love shown to them.

They need to see that two ARE better than one.

How can we show this to them?

1. Teach them at a young age to play nicely with other kids their age.

2. Teach them how to play nicely with their siblings (this can be tough at times).

3. Take time to listen to them. Their concerns are just as important to them..even if it is just they can’t find their favorite blanket.

4. Give them encouragement.

5. Spend quality time with them individually as well as together as a sibling group. Our kids LOVE dates with mom or dad. It’s their one-on-one time with one of us.

6. Surprise them with little things that you know they like. This could be as simple as playing play dough with them or baking their favorite cookies together.

7. Give hugs at random…not just first thing in the morning or the last thing at night.

8. Teach them to work together. Let’s face it, a household of six cannot run without everyone helping out somehow. They can get pretty creative when they have to solve a problem together….like how to get trash out to the curb.

9. Give them love notes. Even the little kiddos love getting cards and notes.

10. Show random acts of kindness to each child.

There are so many more ways to show your kids that two ARE better than one. These are just ten ideas.

This week, try to show your kids that two ARE better than one and spread some sunshine in your home this week.

Until next Monday,

Rebekah

Summer and Kids: The Season Begins, What are Your Plans?

Truthsfortots Blog, Cathy Jo's Blog, Uncategorized June 21, 2013June 21, 2013children, family activities, parenting, summer 0 Comment

Genesis 1:14 And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons and for days, and years:

Summer and Kids

For most of us summer begins on Memorial Day. The school year is either completed or almost finished by the end of May. But, the first day of summer and longest day of the year, in the northern hemisphere is June 21 this year. (It will be the first day of winter in the southern hemisphere.) It all has to do with the tilt of the earth.

Activity: To help children to understand this concept of longest day and first day of summer; have a child hold a globe and another child or adult holding a turned on flashlight, which represents the sun, pointed at the globe. The northern hemisphere should be slightly titled towards the flashlight. This position of the earth and sun (flashlight) illustrates the first day of summer in the northern hemisphere. Have the child holding the globe move around the sun (flashlight) as if the earth was orbiting the sun. The child will get a clearer picture of how the sun is at the earth’s closest point in the northern hemisphere on the first day of summer. This point is called the summer solstice. For more information about this click here.

Our amazing God makes everything so perfect! The earth, sun, stars, and seasons are just a few of the wonderful things God created for us and His Glory. Nothing is by chance. Creation was all set in motion by God just speaking! Teach the above verse to your children. Show that the word “season” is a word that God used in making the world for us. As you do activities this summer actively thank God for this wonderful summer season.

Summer provides extra time for family activities. Please check out Truths for Tots Activity Calendar for daily activities. There are also many activities on Truths for Tots Pinterest Summer Board.

Make a list of “summer fun activities and projects” with your children. Post list on the refrigerator, write on slips of paper to be drawn daily, or make two different kinds of list. One list could be those activities which will need take more planning and the others that can be done spontaneously. What ever you decide is best for your family, make sure that each child contributes and all children understand that each idea is as special as the one who suggested the activity.

You may want to work in activities that would be helpful to another person such as pulling weeds for an elderly neighbor, baking cookies and taking to a shut in, or having a lemonade stand where proceeds go to a worthy cause. Take the extra time of summer to encourage someone. Your children will learn what fun it is to be a blessing to someone.

Make this season a wonderful time of family fun!

God gave us the seasons, enjoy your summer:)

Until the next “Truth” telling moment,

Cathy Jo Johnson

Father’s Day: Giving Honor to a Great Dad

Truthsfortots Blog, Guest Blog, Uncategorized June 17, 2013June 18, 2013children, christian, family 0 Comment

Daily Truth: “Honor your father…which is the first commandment with promise.” Ephesians 6:2

Honor your father is such a passe’ phrase in this day. How are most father’s portrayed? Well, let me give you an idea…lazy, sitting in front of the TV, remote in one hand, demanding, self absorbed, and ignorant of all that goes on around them. Basically, a space filler.

However, that is far from the description of my father. My father was a godly man who made it clear what his priorities were: God, family, and work.

Mom was queen in the house and my siblings and we never doubted their love and commitment for each other.

We never saw dad just sit. He was always on the go, whether it was fixing something in the house or spending time with his family.

We always knew we were loved and that he was proud of us. He was always there for us, willing to here our concerns, and praying for us.

He was man enough to stand up for his family and humble enough to serve others. Tears were a sign of strength in our dad.

He LOVED his grand kids. He was always so excited to see them and when we would part he would gather us together and pray for each grandchild by name.

When I was younger, I wanted to marry someone just like my dad. You know what? I did! My husband portrays all those same characteristics to my kids as my dad did to me.

This Father’s Day is going to be a very difficult for me. You see, my dad passed away unexpectedly this past September and this will be my first Father’s Day fatherless.

My husband is in Panama on a mission trip this Father’s Day. So, my kids are missing their dad as well as their grandfather.

You know, it’s too late for me to tell my dad just how much I loved him or how thankful I am for all that did for our family. I miss his hugs, his advice, and his booming voice saying, “Proud of you kiddo”. Yet, I can still honor him by my life and by showing honor to my husband.

I want my kids to know that their dad is king in our house.

I want them to know that he is loved and that they will never doubt our commitment to each other.

I want them to know that his strength is often displayed in his quietness and tears.

I want them to know what his priorities are: God, family, work.

I want them to know that he is proud of them and prays for them daily.

I want them to know that he is man enough to stand up for his family but is humble enough to serve others.

I want my boys to view their dad as their hero and my girls to view their dad as their first love.

I want my girls to want to marry someone just like their dad.

I want my kids to get excited to see their dad when he comes home from work.

I want to be second to my husband.

Did dad have his shortcomings? Yes, but those aren’t remembered.

Does my husband have his shortcomings? Yes. But I made a vow that I would do my best to NEVER be critical of my husband to my kids, family, or friends. I haven’t always succeeded, but I have done and am doing my best to be his greatest cheerleader.

So take the time to teach your kids to honor their father. It was so important to God, that He made it the first commandment with a promise….”our days may be long upon the earth.” (Deuteronomy 5:16)

Until Next Monday,

Rebekah

Liberty and Flag Day, What’s it all About?

Truthsfortots Blog, Cathy Jo's Blog, Uncategorized June 14, 2013June 17, 2013christian, family activities, scripture, summer 0 Comment

Daily Truth: Jesus said, “The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, Because He has anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; He sent me to heal the broken hearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight the blind, To set at liberty to those who are oppressed.”

Luke 4:18

Flag Day is about celebrating liberty and remembrance. Liberty is defined as” freedom from control, interference or physical restraint”. Jesus spoke of liberty. He came to “make you free” (John 8:32).

Flag Day represents a day in which we honor our country by honoring our country’s flag. The American Flag symbolizes liberty to all.

How did Flag Day begin? The flag of the United States of America was born out of a Revolution in 1977. It has remained the same except the addition of a star for each state added to the United States.
What do the colors and symbols represent? The 50 stars represent the states of the United States. The 13 stripes represent the 13 original colonies. The red is said to represent valor, the white to represent liberty, and the blue to represent justice and loyalty.
Who made the first American flag? Reportedly, Betsy Ross sewed the first flag by hand in 1776.
Why June 14? That was the day in 1877 the the adoption of the American flag took place by the Second Continental Constitution. President Woodrow Wilson made a proclamation in 1916 that made June 14 Flag Day. Flag Day is not a federal or state holiday except in the state of Pennsylvania.
What are the American Flag’s rules and regulations? Visit US History.org for details.

The Flag Goes By

Hats off!
Along the street there comes
A blare of bugles, a ruffle of drums,
A flash of color beneath the sky:
Hats off!
The flag is passing by!

Blue and crimson and white it shines,
Over the steel-tipped, ordered lines.
Hats off!
The colors before us fly;
But more than the flag is passing by:

Sea-fights and land-fights, grim and great,
Fought to make and to save the State;
Weary marches and sinking ships;
Cheers of victory on dying lips;

Days of plenty and years of peace;
March of a strong land’s swift increase;
Equal justice, right and law,
Stately honor and reverend awe;

Sign of a nation, great and strong
To ward her people from foreign wrong;
Pride and glory and honor, – all
Live in the colors to stand or fall.

Hats off!
Along the street there comes
A blare of bugles, a ruffle of drums;
And loyal hearts are beating high:
Hats off!
The flag is passing by!

~ Henry Holcomb Bennett

Happy Flag Day to you!

Until the next “Truth” telling moment,

Cathy Jo Johnson

Still Enjoying the Joys of My Heart

Truthsfortots Blog, Guest Blog, Uncategorized June 10, 2013June 10, 2013family activities, parenting, summer 0 Comment

Daily Truth: “God keeps him busy with the joy of his heart.” Ecclesiastes 5:20b

So, my joys made their “Summer-To-Do” list and I thought I would share it with you.

1. Holiday World

2. ~~The beach~~

3. Riley Park

4. Holiday Park

5. ~~The Smithsonian~~ (In progress)

6. ~~Washington~~ ~~D.C.~~ (In progress)

7. Children’s Museum

8. ~~Swim~~

9. Zoo

10. Splash Park

11. Friends over

12. Krispy Kreme

13. McDonalds

14. Waterballoon Fight

15. ~~Play in the rain~~

16. Go to Sonic

17. ~~Candy Store~~

18. Cupcake Shop

19. Ginter Park

20. Imax

21. Sky Zone

22. Mini Golf

23. Library

24. Make snow cones

25. ~~Ice Cream for lunch~~

26. Make ice cream

27. Camping in the back yard

28. Catch lightning bugs

29. Glo in the dark sticks

30. ~~Hide and seek in the dark~~ (multiple times already!)

31. Flash light tag

32. ~~Make S’mores~~

33. ~~Make cookies~~

34. ~~Make sand castles~~

35. Make green eggs and ham

36. Boys night at Aunt Sarah’s

37. Girls night at Aunt Sarah’s

38. ~~Date with Grandma~~

39. ~~Play in the sprinkler~~

40. Play on the slip and slide

41. Playdough

42. Sidewalk chalk

43. Bubbles

44. Bike rides

45. Walks (although after walking around D.C. for the day, I doubt that this is still on their wish list).

46. Movie night (complete with sleeping bags and popcorn)

47. Picnic in the park

Sophia wanted to add Disney World, but that wasn’t going to be possible…obviously.

As you can see, there are a mix of things they have planned. Some of the wishes have to do with trips already planned for the summer. Others are just…well…wishes and we will get to as many as we can.

We have a busy summer ahead of us. As my Sam said after we made the list, “That’s it for today”.

Until Next Monday.

Rebekah

Grow More Than Vegetables This Summer With Your Kids

Truthsfortots Blog, Cathy Jo's Blog June 3, 2013June 5, 2013children, christian, family activities, parenting, summer 0 Comment

Daily Truth: You (God) cause the grass to grow for the livestock and plants for man to cultivate, that he may bring forth food from the earth. Psalm 104:14 ESV

There is still time to plant and grow a garden before summer arrives. Bring God’s Word alive for your children by teaching them how to plant, cultivate, and harvest a garden this summer.

Some easy plants to grow from seeds are green beans, pumpkins and zucchini. If you feel uncomfortable growing seeds try a tomato, basil or oregano plant. Tomato, basil, and oregano plants are great to plant as all three work well in making tomato sauce for an easy spaghetti dinner to be enjoyed later in the summer. Ask your local garden shop for the best way to grow the plants you decide to purchase for your area.

Teaching your child how to tend a garden takes time and patience. What great character qualities to instill. Time and patience are modeled to your child as you plant, tend and care for the seeds and plants together this summer.

Whether growing a vegetable or flower garden there are ways to involve even young children. For the young child begin with larger seeds as sunflowers, pumpkins, or squash seeds. These seeds will be easier for a child’s fine motor skills. Tools that are a children size such as a shovel and wheelbarrow make gardening more fun. The child can model their parent using the same grown up tools. After planting, watering is best with a sprinkling can or a nozzle attached to the hose so the seeds and plants do not get washed away. God’s sunshine and rain (or your child’s watering) will in time grow your plants to maturity. I know that you will all enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Some wonderful children’s books about gardening and growing plants include: “Roots, Shoots, Buckets, and Boots” by Sharon Lovejoy, “Planting a Rainbow ” by Lois Ehlert, “Gardening with Kids” by Catherine Woram and Martyn Cox, and “Jack’s Garden” by Henry Cole.

There are many references to plants and growing in the Bible. A good word study may include looking up the verses of the Bible that contain the word “grow”. Make this summer one of growth for your family both physically and spiritually.

When teaching the Bible verse Psalm 104:14 to your child make sure that they understand each word. The word “livestock” means horses, cattle, sheep or any other useful animals kept on a farm or ranch. The word “cultivate” means to improve or promote the growth of a plant by attention and care.

By having a better understanding of the words and concepts in the Bible your child will understand God better. With practical application of God’s Word, as actually growing and cultivating a plant, children are able to learn about God and the world He created. A child also learns how amazing it is to watch a plant grow and eventually provide food just as Psalm 104:14 states.

“The wonderful thing about garden-based learning is that it’s a hands-on, minds-on experience where my students and I learn together.” Kids and Classroom

Gardening is a “growing experience” in that both child and adult learn from watching and participating in life together.

Check out Truths for Tots on Pinterest or Facebook.

Until the next “Truth” telling moment,

Cathy Jo Johnson

Enjoying the Joys of My Heart

Truthsfortots Blog, Guest Blog, Uncategorized May 27, 2013family, family activities, parenting, summer 0 Comment

Daily Truth: “God keeps him busy with the joy of his heart.” Ecclesiastes 5:20b

Summer is FINALLY here! You know what I love the most about summer? It is the fact that I get to spend it with four of my favorite people and the “joys of my heart” – my kiddos!

I thrive on “no schedule”. (This is why I could never home school my children. Everyday would be a field trip!)

It drives me CRAZY when the kids want a minute-by-minute briefing of the day. I love the fact that we can wake up in the morning and do whatever we feel like that day.

Now don’t get me wrong. We do lay out a game plan for the summer. I sit down with the kids at the end of the school year and we talk about what they want to do that summer.

These things can range from places they want to go, people they want to have over, food they want to eat, or things they want to accomplish. For example, the Creation Museum is always on the list of places to go. However, so is getting frozen yogurt, playing in the sprinkler, having water balloon fights, and tenting in the backyard.

Right now we are accomplishing one of the many items on our list. We are vacationing at the beach in one of our favorite places – Outer Banks, North Carolina.

Time is FLYING by! My kids are growing so quickly and I often forget to savor the moment and to enjoy the “joys of my heart”.

This past week my Sophia graduated from kindergarten and Alexandra finished 5th grade. I was pregnant with Alexandra when I taught my last 5th grade class.

Did you know we are commanded to enjoy the life God has given us? (Ecclesiastes 11:9) It’s true! God commands us to enjoy life while we are able.

However, there is a warning. We will stand in judgement for our actions. Therefore, we are instructed to enjoy life within the parameters that God has given us.

My challenge to you is this – enjoy each moment you have with your kids this summer. Find ways to spend time with them doing things that THEY enjoy. Don’t forget to take lots of pictures so that you can relive those moments together when school starts again.

P1070060

I saw this notebook at Target the other day and couldn’t resist.

So, excuse me for having sticky floors this summer, a messy kitchen (what else do you expect when the kiddos want to help you make cookies), and piles of laundry to fold. I am enjoying the”joys of my heart”!

Until next Monday,

Rebekah

klink

Why, When and Where to Pray: The Bible Tells Us and Jesus Shows Us

Truthsfortots Blog, Cathy Jo's Blog May 17, 2013May 17, 2013christian, parenting, scripture 4 Comments

Daily Truth: Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed into a solitary place, and there He prayed. Mark 1:35

Early in the morning is sometimes the only time when all is quiet and time to pray is uninterrupted. In order to have the time and energy to get up early takes planning the night before. With little ones it is more difficult to plan as their needs sometimes dictate the schedule. Spending time with God is the most important thing you will do and once the day begins it is very difficult to stop, pause and reflect once in motion. Planning with flexibility is what a mom is about right? So plan carefully with time for prayer as a priority.

The verb “pray” is found 146 times in the Bible. We are taught how to pray in Matthew 6:13-19 when Jesus teaches the disciples how to pray by teaching them the Lord’s Prayer.

The following is a list of times, places, and reasons to pray from the Bible.

1. Paul tells us to “pray without ceasing” in 1 Thessalonians 5:17. Think about all the questions you answer or how many times you are giving directions to your children throughout the day. That is how much time we are to communicate with God. Prayer is talking to God. God wants a relationship with us. He speaks through His Word the Bible and communicates through prayer. How easy is that? No iPhone, Droid, Bluetooth, etc. required!

2. In Mark 1:35 we are told that Jesus prayed in the morning before all the activities of he day. Jesus is our example in all things. Planning in the evening to go to bed at a specific time will help establish a regular wake up time.

3. In Matthew 6:6 we are shown to pray in solitude. And yes that can mean behind a bathroom door but better elsewhere. By having a specific time and place each day your prayer time will be more meaningful and special. When you are a mother of little ones or a mother of a child with special needs, early morning is the only time that you can call your own. God wants to spend time with just you. We need the time with God.

4. Matthew 5:44 we are to pray for our enemies. When we focus on the needs of others rather than ourselves it places us in a place of humbleness. God is ultimately in control. By praying for our enemies we take ourselves out and let God work. It keeps our focus in line with Christ. Jesus Christ came so we might have life, and what an abundant life we have!

5. Sometimes we are overcome with such grief that we cannot think of any words to articulate. That is when Romans 8:26 gives us hope. The Holy Spirit will help us in our weaknesses when we do not know what to pray.

6. In Ephesians 6:13-18 we are told to put on the full armor of God and to cover it in prayer. Learn about the armor of God, place it on yourself and dress your children in it as well. Then as written in Ephesians 6:18 cover it all in prayer.

The Bible tells us how, when, where, and why to pray. When we pray we are giving God glory, confessing our sins, showing our thankfulness, and making requests. It is a privilege that we are able to talk to God at any time and any place.

There are many books and devotionals that teach us about prayer. Please check out my Pinterest board on “Prayer” at Truths for Tots.

“Bow, stubborn knees!” William Shakespeare

“Prayer is simply a two-way conversation between you and God.” Billy Graham

“The prayer offered to God in the morning during your quiet time is the key that unlocks the door of the day. Any athlete knows that it is the start that ensures a good finish.” Adrian Rogers

When and where do you pray?

Until the next “Truth” telling moment,

Cathy Jo Johnson

“Hi Ho Hi Ho, It’s Off to Work We Go”

Truthsfortots Blog, Guest Blog, Uncategorized May 13, 2013children, family activities, parenting, teaching activities 0 Comment

Daily Truth: “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might.”

Ecclesiastes 9:10

We’ve all heard the Snow White classic song, Hi Ho Hi Ho, It’s Off to Work We Go sung by the seven dwarfs a million different ways. We kind of chuckle at it, but you know the dwarfs might have had something. Singing on your way to work and singing as you work is a good way to get the kiddos to do their jobs.

I know….jobs. It often takes more time to get the kids to do the work, check the work the kids did, and sometimes have them to the job again than to just do the job ourselves. However, if we do that the only thing we are teaching our kids is how to be lazy, not to be responsible.

So, here are some jobs that little guys can do.

1. Pick up their toys.

2. Make their beds. (Forget military style made beds. Remember, that’s not the point.)

3. Empty the dishwasher. One child does the silverware, another the plates, and another the cups. (Side note: Put your plates in one of the lower cabinets so that your child can reach them. Brilliant…I know!! Thank you to my aunt.)

4. Set the table. One child puts on the napkins, another the silverware, and another the cups.

5. Clear the table.

6. Clean the bathroom sink.

7. Empty the trash.

8. Dust the railings.

9. Feed the animals.

10. Fold towels.

11. Put their clothes away. (My boys REALLY struggle with this one.)

The list could go on, but these are just a few ideas.

Now the hard part. How do I encourage my children to do these jobs and to them correctly?

1. An award chart. This could be a sticker chart. When they get so many stickers they get some kind of reward.

2. A ticket or marble jar. The children earn tickets or marbles for each job completed. The tickets or marbles can be exchanged for prizes. We are currently doing this system with our kids for them to earn money to buy a souvenir on our vacation.

3. A penny jar. This is the same concept as the ticket jar.

Their are two keys to our kids earning their tickets.

1. The job must be completed immediately and with the right attitude. If they have to be reminded more than once or if they do the job pouting the whole time (umm….my youngest has the least amount of tickets due to this problem) then they do not earn the tickets for the completed job.

2. The job must be done correctly. This falls on me. I must first show the child how I want the job done and then I must take the time to check the jobs to make sure they are done correctly.

Why rewards? Well, let’s face it. Doesn’t God reward us for jobs well done and if we keep His commandments? The Bible is full of verses that support this. Here are just a few.

Exodus 20:12, Deuteronomy 4:40, Matthew 25:21, I Corinthians 9:25,

I know there is the whole debate out there on allowance vs. no allowance. I am not here to start a debate. Rather, let me explain why my husband and I decided to do allowances.

1. It teaches them how to save their money. If a child wants to purchase something, say a Lego set, then that child has to save for that set.

2. It teaches them to tithe. Ten percent of their allowance each week goes into the offering plate on Sunday. We want them to understand that God want us to give back to Him. (Malachi 3:8-10)

3. It teaches them to give above their tithe. Not only do the children give ten percent of their allowance but we also teach them to give a little more encouraging them to do so cheerfully. (II Corinthians 9:6-8)

4. It teaches them to appreciate the items that they have saved for. Besides, I LOVE seeing the pride in their face and the shock on the cashier’s face when they empty out their wallet full of change and dollars on the counter!

So, if part of my job as a mom is to represent Christ to my children, then that includes teaching them to be responsible and to be helpers around the house and to reward them for work well done. After all, isn’t that we Christian moms are also striving to hear?

“Well done.”

Until next Monday,

Rebekah

Motherhood- An Amazing Race

Truthsfortots Blog, Guest Blog, Uncategorized May 6, 2013children, family, parenting 0 Comment

Daily Truths: “Let us run with patience [endurance] the race that is set before us.” Hebrews 12:1

I am a mother and I am a runner. This weekend I ran an amazing race and when I went home after the race, I continued running another amazing race – the race of motherhood.

This weekend, a number of my friends and I ran the Indianapolis mini-marathon. It was a perfect running day and the air was filled with excitement as 35,000 runners and walkers took their places to begin their 13.1 mile journey.

Someone would finish first and another last. The participants came in all shapes, sizes, ages, and ethnic backgrounds. Some had trained for months and others only weeks. Some would walk and others would run. However, we all had the same goal in mind – to cross the finish line. As I hit mile 11, my body started getting REALLY tired. One thing that kept me going was that I would see my hubs and kids cheering me on near the finish.

The Christian life is compared to a race. However, let’s take it one step further – so is motherhood. You stand at the start line eagerly anticipating the arrival of your baby that will catapult you into this race of motherhood. When the moment comes to finally cross the start line, you are so excited to finally be called a mother. As you continue your run, people cheer you on, encourage you, and give you refreshment from from God’s Word.

Then you stumble, get tired, and the race starts to get more difficult. At times it becomes painful. You just want to take a break. You can’t and you keep going because you know that you HAVE to run this race and finish as strong as you can.

Then your children give you little trophies along the way. One child tells you that you are “bootiful”. Another giv P1060980 es you a bouquet of dandelions. Another wraps her arms around you and says, “I’m so glad you’re my mommy.” (If you know our story you understand the depth of that statement). Your 10 year old writes, “My my is hot stuff” on the back of her shirt and wears it proudly for all to see. These are little trophies that mean the world to only you.

What is the medal we are striving for as Christian mothers? It is to hear our Heavenly Father say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant [mother]” (Matthew 25:21).

There are mothers at all stages of this race. Some are holding a newborn, while others are chasing toddlers. Some are teaching middle school children, others are chauffeuring teenagers, and some are encouraging college students. Some are embarking on another part of the race called “grandmother”. Some have had their race cut short by a miscarriage or the death of a child. Yet, we are all mothers.

I saw a shirt this weekend that said, “Motherhood is hard. It’s like running a marathon every day!”

Yep. It’s hard and there will be times you want to quit. Ecclesiastes 9:11 states, “The race is not to the swift”. In other words, ‘hang in there – this is a long run’.

So, as we draw close to Mother’s Day this weekend, keep your eye on the Savior, cherish those little moments with your children, and be thankful for the little trophies they give you.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Rebekah Klink