Tales of a Thankful Mom

1 Thessalonians 5:11         Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.           I have been encouraged by the kindness of others. My youngest daughters teacher has offered to bring books that she had planned on giving to her students and placing them in our mailbox. I know my daughter is going to be so happy to receive the books from her teacher. I am thankful for my friends who keep in touch with me through phone, text, email, and even Facebook. I am thankful to be a part of a community even when we are staying at home. I am thankful for daily phone calls from my sister. It is so good to stay in touch. I want to keep my eyes open for opportunities to encourage others and build up those that God has placed in my life. What are some ways that you have been encouraged recently? Do you have any ideas on how to build others up?

1 Corinthians 13:4   Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.           I hate to admit it, but I am not a patient person. Sometimes, when I am becoming impatient with my children, they will tell me that they are trying. I will respond, "Yes, you are trying my patience." I know that this is not the most understanding response. I want to set a better example. I want to be humble and kind to those that I interact with especially my children. I realize that patience will never come naturally to me, and that I need to cry out to my loving heavenly Father for help. This past month has been full of lessons for me and my children, as my children have adjusted to online e-learning. I have been learning right alongside my children about kindness, love and gentleness. I hope that we all look back on this season fondly once our lives get back to normal.     

          It is a brave choice to embrace shalom. It just seems easier especially in today's day and age to try to find peace in a wide variety of places. True peace is found in Jesus. It is not found in retail therapy. It is not found in anything that I try to justify by saying "I deserve it." It is not found in anything that can distract or entertain me. True shalom comes from abiding with Jesus. It comes from resting in the love of God. I am thankful for the season of Lent. This season reminds me of the sacrifice of Jesus and that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.