Be encouraged.

Look at him. Isn't Michael a doll?! I am so crazy about my kids and isn't it obvious why...

Kids are such a treasure and a gift from the Lord. I have been so blessed to have the children God has given me. Sometimes I wish parenting was easier than it is. I wish I could magically be a fantastic mom and serve my family without complaint and help them to grow in valuing God and loving Him. I wish godliness came with a snap of the fingers.

The truth is that these things take time and effort. In our instant society where everything happens at a touch of the finger we have failed to see the reward in things that take time. In having to wait. In having to resolve our problems over a course of time as opposed to wrapping things up like a 30 minute sit-com. Life isn't that easy. But the good thing is our Lord is ever faithful to teach us and to instruct us.

I love that He encourages us to be still and wait on Him. (Psalm 37:7) He knows these things take time. He knows about progressive sanctification. We haven't arrived yet! He is faithful though. He will finish us until completion. The potter hasn't left us "half-done"... He knows how to mold us, to make us into His likeness. He knows when it's time to put us in the fire and just how intense the heat can be. He won't let us crack. He who has begun this good work will finish it! (Philippians 1:6)

So whether you're parenting or not, single or married, working, stay-at-home, working from home- do all these things for God's glory knowing that He is faithful and He who do did not spare His son but gave Him up as a ransom for many (Romans 8:32), how will he not also with Him graciously give us all things?

This is the One who is for us!