Tales of a Thankful Mom

         I almost skipped this weeks five minute Friday. I have health issues prevent me from driving. I didn’t know at first what I could write about. My mom says, that you can’t miss something you never did. I don’t necessarily agree. I may not know the feeling of my hands on the wheel and my foot on the gas pedal, But I do miss the freedom, independence and spontaneity that being able to drive would be able to give me and my children. When I or my kids need to go somewhere we ask another member of our household (usually my Mom) to take us. I appreciate that my mom is willing to take us wherever we need to go, but I would love to be able to jump in the car and take my kids for ice cream on the spur of the moment, without having to make a plan. I realize that I need to guard my heart. I don’t want to have a bad attitude like is described Romans 9:20. “  On the contrary, who are you, O man, who answers [arrogantly] back to God  and  dares to defy Him? Will the thing which is formed say

In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [draw your strength from Him and  be empowered through your union with Him] and in the power of His [boundless] might.” Ephesians 6:10                                                                         If you asked me to think of words to describe myself strong would not be one of the words I would chose. I am thankful for the truth in the above verse. I do not need to conjure up strength on my own. My strength comes from God. As the hymn says, “I am weak, but Thou art strong” Our Heavenly Father’s might is boundless. He never grows tired or weary. This truth is so encouraging to me as a single Mom. I can rest soundly each evening. My loving Heavenly Father never slumbers. May I remember to run to my Strong Tower and find rest and strength in Him.  The Joy of the Lord Is My Strength  https://youtu.be/x3gLeCiMJqI

           When I read that the Five Minute Friday prompt this week was the word “Summer”, my first thought was the sound of Josh Gad in his role as the character Olaf in the movie Frozen singing the words “In Summer!” When I think of Summer, I think of watching my children ride scooters down the hills in our neighborhood. I think of the days being longer and that my children enjoy being outside in the early evenings because the middle of the day in Florida is so hot. I think of cool refreshing snacks such as watermelon, popsicles and ice cream. I was talking to my daughter on the phone the other day, and she chided me for bringing up the subject of school supplies because it was interfering with her Summer vibes. There will be plenty of time to talk about school shopping in August.  My children are spending some quality time with their Dad right now, but I look forward to making fun Summer memories when they come home in a couple of weeks. What are your favorite things to do in the Su

          My children are spending some quality time visiting with their father this Summer. Whenever they visit with their Dad, it gives me time to reflect on my parenting. Am I actively being the mother they deserve? Am I doing my best to be the mother to them that God has called me to be? Each time I have the opportunity to reflect, I realize that I need to look in their eyes more and I need to look at my phone less. I need to show them love, kindness and grace. They learn so many things by following my example, and I want to make sure that I am setting a good one. I want my children to know that they are loved, valued and heard. My prayer can be summed up from a song lyric by the group Sanctus Real, “Father, lead me because I can’t do this alone.”