Do you ever find yourself being mean and wondering why?  Do you snap at your kids, ask them 10 times to do a chore instead of requiring immediate obedience, then become peeved that they are not perfectly obedient children?  Do you get angry because the shoes aren't all tied?  Or rooms perfectly picked up?  Or school work finished on schedule?  Or, or, or???  Fill in the blank of your child's imperfections that you allow to cause anger in your life.

 I think this must be a struggle for other moms, besides me, but no one ever talks about it in the hs circles.  Am I the only mom who ever raises her voice?Sometimes I wake up mad at them.  I spend the whole day mad about something.  Then, when they are tucked sweetly in bed, I repent and feel guilt for all the nagging and fussing I created that day.

I remember a conversation I had with a deacon friend a few years ago about the verse "The joy of the Lord is my strength."  That's one I just don't get.  I get strength.  I get joy.  But the two don't naturally go together in my mind.  I feel like if I'm going to be strong, I have to be sullen and stern.  There is no joy in my strenghth sometimes.  I remember the sad, pitiful look he had on his face as if to say, "Oh, I'm so sorry for you.   You're missing so much." 

I am praying that God will show me the joy that He intended for this life and rescue me from my own self-inflicted grumpiness.  I'm going to "Practice Joy"  in all that I do so that I can help Him create a home where mommy is not mad, but rather (miraculously) glad!

Posted by mom2two

We are all human and none of us are perfect. Remember that God is the one who can give you that joy in His strength. When we are weak is when He is strongest in our lives. I noticed in your profile you have quite a young family. You should check out Kendra's blog at www.homeschoolblogger.com/PreschoolersandPeace. She has some wonderful tips on being a mom of many little ones.

Yvonne :o)

Posted by jannaod

Let me tell you that when God wants to refine us, he turns up the stress and all of the impurities bubble to the top. Anger is one of my impurities too.

Many times I find I have unrealistic goals and expectations of what I want to get accomplished or of the maturity level of my kids. I have my list and I'm trying to force my day to fit in those parameters. What I have to remind myself is that I'm in this for the long haul. My goal is to train up Godly children and if we're a little behind in the reading, my throwing a tantrum isn't going to accomplish my ULTIMATE goal.

Two books I'll recommend that are helping me are both by Lisa Bevere: "Out of control and Loving it" and "Be Angry But Don't Blow It." I also like "Homeschooling with a Meek and Quiet Spirit" which introduced me to the idea that misbehaviour in my children is a teaching opportunity. Prayer and daily time in the word also gives me a good start to the day. I have a one year Bible and keep it in my bathroom. I can grab 15 minutes at some point to read the day's reading.

I hope this helps.

From a fellow struggler,
Janna

Posted by AussieinAmerica

This verse has been on my mind a lot lately. I hope to grow in joy and strength.
You know, one thing I am trying to do is simply smile more. It sounds very small but it is not always easy to remember! It makes a difference in me and my children.
Hope you have a great week,
Stacy

Posted by Teaching4Jesus

I really appreciate all the encouragement! You gals are so real!!!