OK, so to put it mildly, Mother's Day was not a pleasant one in our home.
Hubby was at work all day, which didn't help matters.
The children apparently were possessed by a disobedience-demon, which also didn't help.
But the worst part was my attitude, my tendency to go from zero-to-angry-mommy in under 60 seconds, and my wallowing and self-pity over the failure of life to meet my expectations.
So, so very ugly. So difficult to admit, actually, that I cringe as I write this.
Today I was reminded of some awesome posters that my BFF made about Biblical discipline, containing wonderful verses useful for reproof and teaching on all sorts of behaviors that require correction -- ways to draw out our children's hearts and point them back to His Word.
I decided that Angry Selfish Mommy needed a poster of her own. Tonight I sat down and reintroduced myself to my Bible (I'm not sure it could pick me out of a lineup lately), and did a word study on all the characteristics that I, not my children, are lacking. This is what I came up with, printed out, and will take to my bedroom tonight -- to either tape to the bathroom mirror or peruse in bed before I face my next day as a Mommy. I expanded the verses here; for simplicity, my bathroom version just has the citations (but, I've also committed to memorizing as many of them as I can, too -- nothing beats being able to pull it out of your own head in a pinch).
Because of God's love, I can choose to be LOVING.
(Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart. 1 Pet 2:22)
Because of God's gentleness and patience with me, I can choose to be PATIENT.
(Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Eph 4:2)
Because of God's mercy, I can choose to be MERCIFUL.
(Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgement without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgement! James 2:12-13)
Because Jesus brings me peace, I can be PEACEFUL.
(Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27)
Because of the great joy of my salvation, I can choose to be JOYFUL.
(Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thess 5:16-18)
Through Christ, I can be QUICK to listen, SLOW to speak, and SLOW to become angry.
(My dear brothers, take note of this. Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. James 1:19-20)
I can do ALL THINGS through Christ's strength in me!
(I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Phil 4:13)
It never ceases to amaze me what a treasure trove of encouragement, love, and conviction the Lord has given us in His Word. It is indeed living and active, piercing like a double-edged sword...and suitable for reproof, teaching, encouragement....
I hope you are as encouraged as I am. Get behind me, Angry Selfish Mommy!!!!
1 comments:
when I first saw the title of this post I thought you were talking to me... thanks for sharing those verses
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