Lead me, guide me, walk beside me

On Saturday this handsome kid had a date with a super nice girl to the Sadie Hawkins dance.

This was our first time meeting her and we were so glad, once again, for the good friends that he has chosen to surround himself with.  When kids get older they of course spend more and more time away from Mom and Dad.  We are required to trust that they'll make good decisions and that we've taught them correct principles.  The rest, truly, is up to them.  In the moment of decision Mom is rarely standing there.

During our family prayer on Saturday night Strider was voice.  He prayed for Potter because he was away from home, and then went on to ask that he'd have the spirit with him to make good choices while he was out.

Potter came home about an hour sooner than I expected him.  He told me that after the dance they'd gone to the home of someone else in their group and a movie was started.  He immediately felt uncomfortable and went out into another room with a couple other guys, also realizing his date was hiding out in the bathroom to escape the movie as well.   A prompt decision was made to excuse themselves and call it a night.

I am thankful for all parts of this story.  For Strider's timely request, for Heavenly Father watching over 16 yr old tender youth, for Potter and CL living worthy of the promptings of the Spirit.  I was reminded of how the Lord hears each word that ascends up toward heaven.

How blessed we are to be watched and known by Him! Find a moment today and thank Him - I will.

In case you missed it:
Day 1 - introducing 31 days
Day 2 - Inspiring quotes + bath update
Day 3 - Purple Pride
Day 4 - Listen; He'll speak
Day 5 - Powerful words
Day 6 - Zucchini bread
Day 7 - End table vignette
Day 8 - Letting go
Day 9 - Repurpose

One step ahead of the kids

Conversation about 10 minutes before school this morning, with a child who was acting sick all morning.



Mom: Are you feeling well enough to go to school yet?

Bugs: I'm not sure.

Mom: I don't want to pick you up from school later so decide now and stick with it.

Bugs: Can I play Playstation while I'm home?

Mom: No, you may not.

Bugs: I'm going to school.

Is it Wednesday, mom?

Chipper, happy children! So excited for hump-day Wednesday. Could it be? Are they eagerly anticipating what homework awaits them in school? Is the kindergartener looking forward to our weekly storytime at the library? What a bookworm! Wait, no. It's GameCube day.

A week and a half ago we changed family rules again. After watching conference we realized that we needed to be discretionary with our time. That meant limits on the stuff that we loved but that wasn't uplifting. Nintendo was the first thing that came to mind, so we decided that we'd reserve video games for weekends (fri and sat) and one weekday. We chose Wed. It has actually gone really well. About 10 times better than I expected. Only Monday did I get a brief, "mom, what day is it today"? The rule must make sense to the boys, because they have not complained or bucked it, AT ALL. They must have figured out that one can still thrive while not playing everyday. And maybe at the same time they will be more grateful for the times they do play.