"Good Mom"

     I don't think a single woman on earth set out to be a "Bad Mom." Having said that what is a good Mom and how do we become one? An answer to this question could be, "I do as much for my kids as I can because I love them." Yet the answer from Mom's in generations past may have been, "I do a little for my kids as I can because I love them."
     So what I would like to share today is what the Lord has spoken to me on this matter personally.
When I found out I was pregnant it wasn't this moment of joy over flowing. Being the analytical that I am I thought "oh, dear Lord how do I be a Good Mom!?" The label "Good Mom" even held a place of idolatry in my heart. So much so that I would have anxiety if I or anyone else thought I wasn't a good mom.
    So if this is a label you have struggled over or are down right worshiping instead of God like I did then this is what I would say to encourage you.
     I have spent several year's out of my short 7 of being a mom trying and striving to be a "Good Mom." Make all the right choices, don't yell, be fun, teach them who Jesus really is, discipline consistently but not in frustration and so on. Its too MUCH! It was all just to much for me to manage.
     This Mom calling is hard and constant. So here was the huge game changer for me in my being a Mom. God told me to stop seeking being a "Good Mom" but to take all that effort, drive and desire to do the right thing and just SEEK HIM FIRST. It was a little scary to get started. I feared that if I didn't constantly worry about what I was doing the ball was going to get dropped and then my biggest fear would become my reality. I would be a "Bad Mom." As I obeyed and just kept seeking Him first my sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's conviction grew. I more quickly notice when I was out of line and God is gentle in His correction. Over and over God has lead me back to doing things His way. See His way is good and if we are willing to pay attention to His leading and obey He will make the way straight and good. Suddenly I'm being a "Good Mom" with out even seeking it specifically. This is the deal, surrendered Daughters of the King are Great Mom's.
     I don't seek Him first every moment of every day by any means but when I do it is fulfilling and void of fear. Press on Mom's. Seek the Lord in your lives first above every other pursuit and He will lead you to be a "Great Mom."

one of the sweeter moments

and on a lighter note...drinking coffee helps