Hey Girls!  Sorry this is so late.  I can't even say it's late because I was too busy.  In fact, I sat at the computer this morning ready to go with verse in hand.  However, the words didn't come.  It seemed so silly, I mean, this is one of the verses in Proverbs 31 that is really self explanatory.  she gives instructions with kindness. We all know it.  We all try to do it.  and yet, if you are at all like me there are days when you go to bed wondering if you said one thing to your family in a tone that would be described as anything close to kind.  Have you ever been in the middle of a rant to your child and there is this part of you saying "just stop talking"  yet you keep going on and on to your 3 year old about how you are not going to do everything for them for the rest of their lives and how the world is not going to cater to their every whim and how if they don't start listening to you they are going to have some serious consequences and...and...and.... until you finally notice the glazed over look on their face and realize you have just done more harm then good?  Well, I used to have a lot of those days.  I thought it was simply because I was dealing with a stubborn 3 year old.  But that wasn't it.  I was angry.  Angry from within.  It wasn't anything my kids had done, their behavior simply gave me an outlet for my anger.  Sometimes I even scared myself at how quick I was to raise my voice, or grab an arm harder than necessary.  Then at night, when they were asleep I would go to their rooms and watch them and think "how could I ever get so angry at these small children that I have been blessed with".  Then the guilt would come.  Which led to more anger.  It was a terrible feeling, and a vicious cycle.  To be honest with you, I don't remember the exact moment things changed. I just know that with prayer and taking care of myself, they have.   There are still times every once in a while when I surprise myself with an abrupt response that brings me back to the days of anger.  It is usually a sign that I am not following the promptings of the Spirit, and I am in turmoil over something.  I am so consumed by my problems that I don't have time for interruptions from kids.  The good news is I now know this means I need to turn it over to the Lord, grab a polly pocket and sit down and enjoy my life and my kids, for it really is good!  If you are finding it hard to give instructions with kindness spend some time with the Lord and ask Him to restore you to the woman you desire to be.  He will!

Proverbs 31:26b She gives instructions with kindness

Love you all-
Jen