Growing

Happy Thursday!

As I walked around my gardens this morning, I was struck by so much growth! I'm amazed how fast my vegetable garden has taken off... I have so much cilantro and my romaine lettuce!  I'll be bringing salad to all the weekend festivities :)

Much like my garden is growing so quickly, I feel the same with my children. Every time I look at them they seem older, taller, and wiser. As they grow into the adults God created them to be, I too am trying to grow in my parenting.  Sometimes my husband and I just look at each other and smile, thinking...what do we have here?

Just as we prepare our gardens for growth, God prepares each of us for the next season of life.  He prepares our hearts for them to take the next steps; he prepares their minds and bodies for their futures.

As your children step into the next stage, whatever transition time it may be...preschool to grade school, grade school to high school,  high school to college or even college to marriage...make sure you transition with them!  Take some time in the morning to reflect on the past, but more importantly, pray for the future and the new adventures and memories that await your family.

Peace and blessings,
Lesa

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future".
Jeremiah 29:11

Let Them Inspire You

As I sit here this morning, I'm thinking about the whirlwind weekend we've had with our family.
We just celebrated the graduation of our oldest daughter from college. As I sat there during the ceremony, I was reflecting on all the hard work, sacrifice, time, service, and passion our Abby put into the degree she just earned!  I was sad that she was already finished because it meant life was going so fast, but I was also overwhelmed with massive pride!  I was trying to process all the emotions, festivities, and memories we were making...it was just too much to take in.

On our drive home, I took a letter out of my purse that our daughter had given us.  I knew I needed to be in a private place to read it and that God would provide just the right time.  As I read the beautifully written letter, the message was so clear...God was inspiring me through my own child. God gives us these children to teach us about life and I learned so much from that letter.

I learned that every act of love you do for your kids...they remember and appreciate.
I learned that every sacrifice you make...they know.
I learned that all they really want in life is to make you proud because it's the only way they know how to repay you!

In those times when you feel like you are working so hard as a parent, just know...It is making a difference. They are listening, and if you listen, they will inspire you!

Peace and blessings,
Lesa

    "Children are the hands by which we take hold of heaven."
     Henry Ward Beecher