I am always keenly aware of God's hand in my life.
Never was I more aware, however, than I was last week.
It was Monday evening. We were all trying to get out the door for baseball practice and a children's chorus rehearsal. One of my children approached me asking for something they just KNEW they couldn't have.
After I denied their request, the child kept pushing and pushing. I was priding myself on remaining calm (it was HARD TO DO), but after about the 20th time of their requesting (and by requesting I'm putting it nicely) I just SNAPPED.
I got angry, lost my temper, and from there the night was ruined. It was one of the low points in my life as a parent, and I know my child will never forget that night, either.
We arrived home from our activities and went to bed... with prayers said and apologies issued, but the incident was still HEAVY on all of our hearts.
I laid in bed that night and shed tears over the events of that evening. Some days it is just so HARD to be a parent.
I am a work in progress. I am still learning how to freely give grace, and how to love the way God loves me.
The next morning we awoke early and began our homeschool day. At breakfast I sat on the window seat in our kitchen and read the devotion from Grace for the Moment: 365 Devotions for Kids. It was at this point that God got my attention.
Yes, the devotion for that day was entitled "A Heavy Load of Hatred". The verse for the day was:
Do not be bitter or angry or mad. Never shout angrily or say things to hurt others. ~ Ephesians 4:31
As I read the devotion, my children hung their heads. But when I finished we had a very good discussion about anger and its effects on the people closest to us. I pointed out to them that not only was this in their devotion book for the day, but it was also in MY Grace for The Moment book, also. Adults and children struggle with the SAME issues of the heart -- we have so much in common.
This story is just one example of how Grace for the Moment has been a blessing to our family. (Every resource we receive from Tommy Nelson is a blessing, actually!) It is written by Max Lucado - 365 daily devotions that are written so simply (yet effectively) for children. Both my 7 and 11 year old are benefitting from reading it each day. I am also reading Grace for The Moment (the adult version), which coincides perfectly with my children's book.
You can download a sample of each of the books and take the grace challenge! Feel free to look through this flipbook for yourself, too.
It's so important to study God's word daily. While we have in depth Bible studies we also have simple daily devotions that always give us a nugget of truth, at JUST THE RIGHT TIME. God's amazing like that, isn't he?
I'm happy to be able to offer one reader their very own copy of Grace for The Moment: 365 Devotions for Kids.
To enter is simple: Leave me a comment and tell me of a time when God hit you over the head with His word!
Have you had a particular experience or moment that sticks out in your mind like my "Heavy Load of Hatred" moment? I'd love to hear about it!
This giveaway will be open until Sunday September 30th at midnight.
*Note: If you are wanting to buy the book... I've noticed it is out of stock at Thomas Nelson, but easily available through Amazon. I think it's well worth the $10.87!
*I received this product free of charge in exchange for my honest opinion. I am a proud member of the Tommy Nelson Mommy team!
