Mother And Child Bond by Steve Hanks, 1949
”Isn’t it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day, with no mistakes in it yet?”
~Anne Shirley in Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery
I am ever so grateful to know that each day holds the promise of a new beginning, with no mistakes in it yet!
Yet is the key word here, I think. Without a doubt, mistakes will be made.
- I will get caught up in something and forget to have lunch when I agreed.
- Maybe I’ll forget to go to my emails and RSVP (or purposely delay because I’m not a huge fan of email) or fail to communicate something important.
- The tone of my voice will speak volumes, or I will say something unkind.
- Why do I stick my foot in my mouth or make a royal mess of something because I assumed something and didn’t get the facts straight?
- Why couldn’t I be a better wife and mother?
No Mistakes?
I sure don’t want you to think that because I am attempting to write a Titus 2 encouragement blog that I have a perfect life in some way. Someone may assume that that is the case, but it couldn’t be further from the truth. I am a worm, but a saved worm! I am wretched, but my hope is in Jesus!
Please don’t let media disillusionment or comparison make you feel that all is perfect on this side of the virtual world, that we (or anyone else) are all jolly all the time, or never have need for an attitude adjustment. Most nights when I am alone, I cry out to the Lord for grace and mercy because it is so evident that we need it!
Green Chair by Jeffrey T. Larson
“If you don’t have a foundation of truth and freedom and a clear understanding of God’s design for your role as a mom and for the part your family’s story will play in history, you will take everything you hear from other cultural voices as truth, and then you will live by the premises and opinions of other people. Often, these voices of culture are filled with relative morality, formulas, and create guilt, a performance mentality and fear of failure in parenting. Jesus’ came to give us abundant life–filled with purpose and meaning and it is only in knowing His truth and His design that we can find peace, contentment, wisdom and fulfillment. He was the creator–He alone has the answers.” ~Sally Clarkson
Truth is, mistakes will be made by you and by me. I thank God for wise women mentoring us both through their writings such as Sally Clarkson and Carolyn Mahaney and those God has given us in person; we are shown both ideals to aim for and the reality of life–and the best of all, is that we can always begin again!
I once heard a speaker say that he will do anything to put himself in the company of people who make Him want to love God more, who make Him want to be a better person–who inspire Him. But that he would avoid all of those who spread poison or gossip or discouragement as much as possible.
Role Models and Mentors For Today’s Women
Augustine’s mother, Monica of Hippo
Kay Arthur who started Precepts ministry
Carolyn Mahaney and more
Morning by Frits Thaulow (1847 – 1906)
Aim high, dear sister, dear wife, dear mama. When those inevitable mistakes come, know they are covered by the blood of the Lamb; His mercies are “new every morning”!!
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.” ~Lamentations 3:22-23
Jedidja
Thank you! This is a wise and beautiful post to read on the Saterday morning. I am glad with it.
Your Dutch sister in Christ.
Laura of Harvest Lane Cottage
A good word today…
I find myself comparing more than I’d like.
I suppose we all do.
I’m so much happier when I just be who God created me to be.
Me.
Blessings from Our Lord Jesus Christ be unto you today,
Laura Lane
mary
yes and yes and yes again! This has been a place in myself that I’ve been working on….and also to back up one step – that many of my mistakes and unkindnesses are because I think I can help myself. I’ve been seeking to pray faithfully Ps 121 – and in trusting Him more and more and having more and more confidence that He is the solution to all my earthly cares, I have more grace for myself, my children, my life….and a clearer mind. Thanks, as ever, for your wise and honest words!
Roxy
I also cry out to God in the evenings, tired and hot, worn out. But just thinking that tomorrow starts fresh and new, is a sweet and pleasant thought. I do love to read books to encourage my walk as a woman, wife and grandmother, But I would much rather see it in the lives all the amazing women in my life. You’re a treasure!
Blessings, Roxy
Charity
This post was {as are the others!} very encouraging. Thank you for continuing to speak into the lives of young women. It’s a blessing to me. God’s faithfulness is truly incredible!
I’ve thought about the prayer requests you listed a while back, praying for them as the Lord brings them to mind. Is your daughter’s strepe throat any better now?
May God bless your Lord’s day…
Charity
Jacqueline
Yes, Charity, it is all better! Praise God it’s over…it took three different antibiotic courses, but we are restoring her gut with lots of probiotics and trying to get her weight up. Thank you so much for asking and for praying. I have felt the prayers! His strength is MORE than sufficient! I am praying for YOU right now! Many blessings and a hug 🙂
Charity
Well Praise the Lord! And probiotics sure are wonderful…we’ve been telling various friends who’ve been on antibiotics about them.
THANK YOU for your prayers. It’s truly an incredible blessing to have sisters in Christ who care….to be apart of the limitless family of God. May the grace of our Lord Jesus be with your spirit this evening!
Charity
P.S. You mentioned you’d like to hold our new baby: just come enjoy the *warm* weather in Florida…We’re always delighted to get company {and could surely learn much from you!}. 🙂
Jacqueline
That would be so much fun; I wish we could! We are sooo busy with hay and gearing up for the next homeschool convention (we are on the planning board -contracts, contracts…) …also please pray for our grandparents who are in need of so much care, and we want them to have a high quality of life these last months. Do enjoy your new little one 🙂
Charity
Oh, yes, I surely understand you can’t just hop down here {and are VERY busy}! Just if the opportunity arrives…know that your very welcome too! 🙂 I will pray for y’all’s parents: I’m sure it must be difficult to see them physically declining.
Many Blessings to you!
Jacqueline
How kind you are, Charity! And thank you for your welcoming spirit 🙂 May the Lord surround you ALL with His grace and peace!
Tauna
So encouraging, as always. Especially after a long day. Thank you!
Charlotte Moore
You always have such a wonderful post.
GOD BLESS!!!
Jacqueline
Thank you, sweet Charlotte! Your encouragement means more to me than you know 🙂
Farmlife Chick
Thank you! This post blessed my heart!:)
Jennifer
Lovely post! Thank you!
Toni
Thank the Lord for forgiveness and mercy and grace! This is a beautifully thoughtful post. Thank you, and I hope you have a wonderful week!
Jacqueline
Thank you, Toni! I’ll stop by soon 🙂
Petra
Love that quote…each day is NEW, like a blank canvas. We can choose to paint on it with the paints from yesterday, in the same shapes and colors, or we can choose fresh, good things to color it with. How good God is to give us that chance. I definitely needed to read this today!
Jacqueline
Yes, Petra! I choose the colors of life…fresh greens and golden yellows and brilliant shades of red and pink! <3
JES
Thank you for the encouragement! I find myself crying before bed and humbled that He loves me in spite of my failures! But peace in my heart that He will help me through them. Thank you for being a Titus 2 encourager ~ JES
Jacqueline
JES, there’s no use crying over spilled milk, but crying out to the dear Lord is a different thing entirely! I praise Him with you, sweet friend. Love to you all!!!
momstheword
Thank you for such an encouraging post! It is wonderful when we can encourage one another and also be transparent with one another. We will never be perfect moms because we, ourselves, aren’t perfect.
But we have a loving Father who IS perfect and can and will give us the grace we need and refill our empty cups every morning with it to overflowing!
Thanks so much for linking up to the “Making Your Home Sing Monday” linky party! 🙂
Sue
I just started my blog in the last few days. I hope my blog becomes as beautiful as yours already is.
Sue