To My Fellow Parents

Just a note of encouragement to say…keep going, keep wanting the best for your kids, keep training them up, keep trying, keep loving them, keep believing the best, keep leading them, keep their perspective in mind, keep trusting He cares for them more than you ever can.

Don’t give up. Parenting is one of the most important roles ever created for us on Earth. If you’re a parent, you know it’s one of the most challenging, too. There is no manual and it may get stressful to the point it hurts, but it is worth it. Your kids are worth it.

So, take a deep breath and know you are making a difference in their lives when you do your best as a parent. Sure, you’re not perfect, but they don’t need perfection. They need you to show them how to live, as best as you – flawed, imperfect but caring, loving, dedicated you – possibly can.

Love on your children today. It is a deposit you will get back with interest. It’s perhaps the best investment you will ever make.

Have a great day.

The Right Tool for the Job

After trying to saw through a piece of 4×4 wood with a dull pruning saw the other day, I realized this truly was the wrong tool for the job!

At the same time, it made me realize how often I do that in life, in general. For example, when something stressful comes around, I try to handle it or figure it out on my own. Problem is, that’s also using the wrong tool for the job! God has such great wisdom for us, such great strength, such great peace. It comes in His word, it comes in talking with Him, it comes in turning to Him during these times.

Gotta remind myself to do that more often. 🙂

Green Grass & Bird Banter

The latest installment of my once attempted ’60 Seconds of Serenity’ video series. Life gets stressful for everyone sometimes…so take a minute and relax 🙂

(Filmed at Edward R. Madigan State Fish & Wildlife Area in Lincoln, IL.)