Be slow to speak ... that is what we are called to do. And when we do speak, choose words that build up, not tear down. Why is it so difficult? In the midst of a crazy day, intense moment, emotional circumstance, it is so easy to speak.  Off the cuff, no thought, just words that sting or hurt.

It is my continual battle ... to be graceful in my walk and with my words. I find it too easy not to be. I am easily caught up with day. Caught up with worldly things that don't even matter.

I am thankful I don't have to struggle on my own. I would fail. I am thankful I have God to give it over too.

I always pray for grace and to be a graceful women, wife and mother. But I can't be graceful with who I currently am. I believe my prayer needs to go deeper. Perhaps not just pray to be graceful ... but pray to change my heart. For it's when I give my entire self to the Lord, He can change me.

It's been a long week ... filled with kiddos, sports, music, homework, photography, editing. It's been a challenging week. Between my own heart's struggles, parenting a middle schooler can add a whole new dimension to life ... it can be hard.

Bub is a good kid. A solid kid. A kid with good character. So are his friends.

Speak truth ... and what is right. Gracefully.

God works in such perfect ways. I just spoke out this morning to Bub and his friends. Didn't know what to say, or even if I should (all the questions in my head). But I saw something I didn't like. So I prayed first, took a deep breathe, and stopped them.  Told them what great kids they were and went on to explain my position on this issue. And why I didn't feel it was good or right for them. It wasn't that they were trying to be sneaky or mischievous ... they just didn't know. Innocent kiddos ...

Then I dwelled on it all morning. Did I do the right thing?  Just listening to my favorite Christian radio station and I heard a story about speaking out if you see something that's not right. Don't be afraid, step up and do the right thing. I felt convicted what was said was right. But there was more to say ... I went on to tell boy they needed to talk to their parents. Again, not because I was trying to bust them. No. It was out of love for Bub and his group of friends ...

It's not always easy being a parent ...

We are called to love.

Then there is Pie. My bright ray of sunshine ... she lost her front tooth this week. And was simply amazed it happened the evening it did.

"I just can't believe it happened tonight. Out of all nights, tonight!"

The innocence of a child ...
Here's to a beautiful weekend ...