for all the momma's out there

     Today, I sat down in my mother's chair at the salon and asked her sweetly to fix my hair. Even though she could have said no and chose to do other things, she said yes. I remember since I was a child that when I would come and interrupt her while she was reading- she would put the book down and stop what she was doing to listen to a (pointless) story. (Unless, she was in the last chapter- then I knew I had to be patient and wait.) Motherhood is a beautiful thing and, I can only image, is one of the hardest jobs on the planet. It takes a lot of sacrifice and putting others before you.
     But then, there is the fun and heart throbbing excitement of pulling the best out of your child. Of saying, "Don't quit, you can do it! You are more than a conquerer" and seeing the hope fill eyes once again. It's the part of motherhood that I am sure never gets old, especially if your child living out the things you see in them. (I know, I say all of this without being a mother, but I've babysit plenty of children, actually am "nannying" this week, and I have some of the best mothers in my life to watch their example. So bear with me.)
     I say all of this to say...... think of Jesus' mother. This morning, I was reading in John 2 where Jesus turns water into wine. But it was His mother that brought it to Jesus' attention that they were out of wine. And then instructed the disciples to listen and obey whatever HER son told them. Sounds like one of those overbearing parents we all know. But how awesome is that, she was able to see what Jesus could do and encourage him in it, and even "pull" it out of him. She believed in her son, had confidence in Him, and wanted to see Him do what He was created to do.
     I am finally to the point in my life of being a daughter, where I realize that, most of the times- momma really does know best. I also know that when she believes in me, I feel much more capable of doing it. When she pushes me to do it, the faith that I have in myself to do it raises.
     So mothers, do your thing. Don't hold back. Encourage and believe in your children. And if you all say to your kiddos are negative things- stop. That is not helping your child. Encourage- tell them what they are good at, tell them what you see in them. They need and want to hear it. Help them accomplish their goals. Push them, and tell everyone else what's up. Be proud of who they are. Even if they aren't who you think they should be- give it time.... they'll come around.

     And if you aren't a mother, be someone's mother that doesn't have one. Step in when they need parental advice. At the age of 20, I do it, so you can to. You are more than a mere conquerer.

     I am sure when the much anticipated day of having my first child with the most handsome husband ever happens- I'll think back to when Jesus' mother called attention to her son. And I am sure- I'll be the most proud mother that there is. Get ready for this proud mother. Until then.... I'll adopt the qualities that I appreciate in my mother for my own life. I'll become a mother- without having a child.

Deep clean.

     I have a bad habit. Clothes. I have a horrible habit with my clothes. I am the most indecisive person getting ready in the mornings. I normally have one article of clothing picked out. Sometimes it's a scarf, a pair of jeans, a pair of shoes, or sometimes something as ridiculous as a pair of socks. I just get it in my mind that I want to wear it, and I don't stop until I get an outfit together.  Where's the problem? When I try on, and try on, and try on clothes..... and don't always put them back. I admit it. I can get messy, especially when I am in a hurry. The thing is- I get this idea in my head of the "look" I'm going for that day and I'm just not content without it. Usually, I am pushing for time as well. Anyways, this always leads to clothes on my floor. Not dirty... clean.
     The other bad habit I have.... is not putting my shoes up on the convenient shoe holder on my door. So I usually have a collection of shoes in one area of my room. I am not a dirty person. Let's get that clear, before you think I'm gross. I, sometimes, am just a little messy. BUT... the good thing is- I can only go so long with the mess. Then it is crazy Brennen cleaning up. Normally, late at night because I keep stepping on a hanger or something crazy like that.
     Well, the other day, I decided that I had had enough. It was time to be neat again! So I picked up all of my stuff. I also become like a 5 year old when I do something that my mom will be proud of, so I ran downstairs and made mom come look at my neat room. [Most of] my clothes in my closet, clean. My dirty clothes hamper empty... and a picked up room. I said, "Look Mom, I cleaned!"
     She, of course, smiles and tells me she is proud... but then corrects me and says, "You picked up, you didn't clean." And, she is right. If you looked close- you could see the dust on the furniture and could tell that my floor needed some swiffer attention.
     I get like this with the Lord sometimes. I let things go crazy for a while, then I can't stand it, and I "get right" with God. I get all my stuff together, get all my dirty sin taken care of, and I get excited and say , "Look Lord! Look at what I did! Aren't you proud of me!?"
     And, He is. But- I didn't really "clean up" my life. I just picked it up, put stuff back where it belongs. I didn't get to the root of the problem. I just snipped it. Made it look good, presentable. When it still needed work.
     I am so thankful that God is in the deep cleaning business. I can always count on Him helping me clean some stuff out. Getting myself clean of the things that drag me down. Just like I can always count on my mom helping me get my room cleaned, really cleaned. 
     Where have you just picked up lately? Is it time for a deep cleaning? Jesus! Show us where we need You to deep clean our lives. Give us the courage and determination to do it and to do it right.