I Followed Through

When I was a kid we were taught to respect our toys. I think it is such an important lesson for kids to learn. That toys cost money and we work hard for our money.

Last night was the last straw. Derek and I checked on the kids before we went to bed and what I found angered me. They had ripped up a book that Ashley had gotten for her birthday. This was after they had broke Ashley's sing and dance My Little Pony a couple of days ago.

It saddened my heart that I had not emphasized respecting property more. It saddened my heart that my kids were breaking things that were gifts that people had put thought and money into.

So this morning I took every toy they owned and put it in the basement. Alexander's bike and fire truck he got for his birthday are also in the basement. I explained to them why we were doing this and I don't think they really get it right now. I know they will though when it comes time for them to play outside or they get bored and want a toy to play with.

It is at that point that I will explain to them again that we respect toys and the like. Because I refuse to have children that think respecting property is a joke and that toys fall out of the sky.

I'm praying that my children absorb this lesson and learn what I'm trying to teach them. I'm also praying that I stay calm and not go crazy when my kids ask me 50 times where this toy is or that toy is.

Master Your Tongue

As you've noticed the title of my blog is "Beautiful In God's Eyes", but I've not actually read the book. *Hangs head* I started, but felt so condemned at how I didn't measure up that I quit reading. Well, today I started reading it again. The part that resonated with me today was

Master your tongue:

• Speak less often (Proverbs 10:19)
• Speak only after we think about what we're going to say (Proverbs 15:28)
• Speak only what is sweet and pleasant (Proverbs 16:21)
• Speak only what is wise and kind (Proverbs 31:26)

I don't do ANY of these things. God laid on my heart today as I was praying that I tear other women down because of my insecurities as a wife and mother. I am by no means excusing this wretched behavior.

Do you find yourself doing this too? Do you say things like "I can't believe she would feed her child that?" or "She should spank them more" or "I can't believe she buys prepared food" or "Look how dirty her house is" Isn't it awful? I feel awful just writing it and even worse admitting that I think those things. Instead of spending the energy criticizing these woman I could be spending that energy praying for them!

This book is amazing and I'm only chapters in. I know it's a process becoming this woman, but I'm excited to know that I'm becoming a jewel in my husband's crown.

If you are looking to become a more Godly wife, mother, and person than I strongly recommend Elizabeth George's Beautiful in God's Eyes.