I'm back! Yes, I did miss you. I have been trying to become more consistent in every area of my life and I tell you, it definitely comes with challenges. So, here am I. A couple of weeks ago one of my mentors challenged me to a 30-day encouragement with my teenage son. I was like, Whaaaaa!!! Then shortly after I said yes. My son and I had been going through some "teen growing pains" and it just worked me over. Don't worry, I am writing another post this week about it. You will soon understand my heart in this matter. Well, needless to say as she pumped life back into my fatigued soul, she said, "Te'Sheba you should just encourage your son for just 30 days and see what happens." So here I stand and I tell you it has been so convicting and encouraging all at the same time.
You see, when our children are in the younger years we have no problem loving on them, cheering them on and encouraging them when they make mistakes.We just call it sinful innocence. But, when those teen years come it. is. a. completely. different. ball game. TRUST ME! So as I left my "come to Jesus" meeting and after she wheeled me back onto the court to play the game of 'Fighting For Your Teenager's Heart', the Holy Spirit spoke.
The Lord reminded me of why I said "Yes, Lord" to being in my home full-time and being intentional in my home. He took me right back to Deuteronomy 6: 4-9( read it here ). Fireworks starting going off in my soul. I cried out to the Lord,"Well how am I suppose to implement this scripture passage with this 30-day challenge?" And you know what happened next? He answered. Three simple ways to send my family out daily into the world. Nothing super difficult when you hear it, but it takes the Holy Spirit's power to be faithful in doing it daily. So here they are:
(Thanks Nicole Carlisle @ radicalthreadsoflife for this gorgeous pic)
I CANNOT say enough about the importance of affirming who they are & whose they are. K.O. & I were very intentional in naming our children and I have began to try my best to remind them of it daily. One time, my son got out the car when I was dropping him off for school and Giselle (my daughter of Promise) said, "Mom aren't you gonna tell him who he is ?" I said, "I'm so sorry. I forgot. And proceeded to tell him who he is." Yes, you see I said 'is' and not 'was'. My husband and my children get enough of people telling them who they were, but I see and know them for who they are. SPEAK LIFE!
3. Lay hands or kisses on them:
2. Bless them with breakfast:
I know mornings are busy, but I can't say enough about how you handing your spouse a homemade smoothie, your teenage son a bagel with meat and your little(s) oatmeal or pre-made waffle batter will say, "Home is where my belly and my soul are nourished and satisfied." Bless them by feeding them.
3. Lay hands or kisses on them:
I am not really a "touchy-feely" person. But, as the years have progressed I have seen how my behaviors and actions have effected my oldest son. There have been difficult stretches where I have not laid hands on my son's shoulders or even patted his head. Bam, I am guilty. And, even more broken admittedly, kissed my man K.O. before he left for work or returned home. I am guilty. But, Praise God for GRACE! (Can I get an Amen!?! Thank you Amen corner!) Let me tell you, it has become easier over the years and weeks with my man and my son. I have learned that physical touch breaks down walls and barriers. That one touch I send my family out with daily, lets them know they are seen, known and cherished by their wife and mom.
What about you? Are you sending your family out daily into the world with life giving words, full bellies and loving affection? We can be women who live out theses principles and Lord willing will be carried on through our third and fourth thousandth generations. Interested in joining me? Come on girl! We can do it together!
xoxo,
Sheb
Pause: Read Deuteronomy 6:4-9 (read it here). What is God saying to you?
Ponder: Identify one of the three ways you will grow and implement for at least one week to send your family out daily into the world.
Petition: Tell Him. Listen. Do.
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